Sir Richard Arkwright ( 3 January 1733 â `` 3 August 1792 ) was an Englishman who invented the spinning frame â '' later renamed the water frame following the transition to water power . Sir Richard Arkwright ( Old Style 23 December 1732 New Style 3 January 1733 â `` 3 August 1792 ) , was an Englishman who , although the patents were eventually overturned , is often credited for inventing the spinning frame â '' later renamed the water frame following the transition to water power .