John Kay & the Flying Shuttle
Who Exactly is John Kay?
Who Exactly is John Kay?
John Kay was the inventor of the "flying shuttle". He was born on July 16, 1704, in Walmersley, near Bury, Lancashire, United Kingdom. He was one of twelve kids and was english. John Kay was an engineer and machinist. These professions helped him to create his "flying shuttle". He is often mistaken for Richard Arkwright, the inventor of the "spinning frame".
Where is the United Kingdom?
The Flying Shuttle?
The flying shuttle was invented in England during his youth and early adult hood. In 1733, John Kay recieved a patent for a new machine that included the flying shuttle. John Kay invented the "Flying Shuttle" because it meant to help the weaving/looming of fabrics be manufactured more effectively and efficiently. This invention had an enormous impact on the woolen textile industry helping it to mass produce fabrics and gain more money.
The Flying Shuttle?
Before the Invention
- In old looms, the shuttle was passed through threads by someone's hands.
- Wide fabrics required two weavers seated beside each other passing the shuttle amongst them.
- Weaving fabrics also required lots of movement on the weavers part.
Before the Invention
How Does It Work?
- The shuttle was mounted on wheels in tracks.
- Paddles were used to throw the shuttle from end to end when the weaver pulled on a cord.
- It would "fly" through the threads more effectively.
- This process only required one weaver no matter the width of the fabric.
How Exactly Does It Work?
The Future of the Flying Shuttle
- John Kay's invention paved the way for powered looms.
- Some flying shuttles are still used today along with other modernized inventions.
- His invention majorly the woolen textile industry.
- Over time, the flying shuttle became more mechanized and modern.
- It's used and was used pretty much anywhere where there are textile factories.
- This invention has impacted this current generation by allowing most people to have an extensive amount of clothes, blankets, etc.
Future Development
Bibliography
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Kay
- http://www.intriguing-history.com/john-kay-inventor-of-flying-shuttle/
- http://gasconadecountyhistoricalsociety.com/res/files/1/History%20of%20the%20Flying%20shuttle.pdf
- http://theinventors.org/library/inventors/blflyingshuttle.htm