Who was Robert Kay the inventor?
Robert Kay was an English inventor who lived from 1728 to 1802. He is best known for designing the drop box, a device that improved weaving looms.
Questions about Robert Kay (inventor)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What did Robert Kay invent?
Robert Kay invented the drop box, a compartment fitted to the side of a loom that held multiple shuttles. It let weavers use wefts of more than one colour and produce cross-striped material more easily.
When did Robert Kay design the drop box?
Robert Kay designed the drop box in either 1759 or 1760, shortly after he returned to Bury, Lancashire, from France.
Did Robert Kay patent the drop box?
No, Robert Kay never patented the drop box. He moved on to other improvements to the shuttle instead.
How was Robert Kay related to John Kay, inventor of the flying shuttle?
Robert Kay was the son of John Kay, who invented the flying shuttle, also called the wheel-shuttle, around 1733. Robert grew up working as a shuttlemaker in Bury, Lancashire, before creating the drop box himself.
What other improvements did Robert Kay make to weaving besides the drop box?
Besides the drop box, Robert Kay made further improvements to the shuttle that helped weavers produce checked material and ticking for beds. He also devised a mechanism for manufacturing the cards used in carding machines.