Josephine Garis Cochran (1839-1913), US inventor. Cochran invented the first practical mechanical dishwasher in 1886. Although she had staff to wash her dishes, Cochran wanted a device that was quicker and wouldn't chip as many plates. The machine she designed consisted of a copper boiler with a flat wheel inside. Inside the wheel were wire compartments, each measured to fit either plates, cups, or saucers. A motor turned the wheel while hot soapy water squirted up from the bottom of the boiler and rained down on the dishes. She patented her design and went into production. She showed her invention at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and won the highest prize for 'best mechanical construction, durability and adaptation to its line of work'.