Josephine Cochrane's Mechanical Dishwashing Machine
A late 19th-century invention that used a pressurized water pump and a rotating rack to clean dishes mechanically, moving away from manual scrubbing.
Original patent title: “Dish-washing machine”
A late 19th-century invention that used a pressurized water pump and a rotating rack to clean dishes mechanically, moving away from manual scrubbing. Granted to Josephine G. Cochrane in 1886 with 2 forward citations.
Key facts
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The device uses a motor-driven pump to force hot, soapy water upward through a central pipe onto a wire rack holding the dishes. The rack is designed to rotate, ensuring that the pressurized water reaches every surface of the plates and cups. By containing the water within a sealed chamber, the machine automates the process of removing food residue, which was previously done entirely by hand.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover modern electronic sensors or automated detergent dispensers.
- Does not cover the use of ultrasonic waves or high-pressure steam cleaning.
- Does not cover internal heating elements for drying cycles.
- Does not cover the modern 'under-the-counter' form factor common in residential kitchens.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
What made this novel
The innovation was the use of water pressure combined with a specific rack design to ensure water reached all surfaces, rather than just relying on mechanical scrubbing brushes.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Early mechanical dishwashers used in hotels and large households in the 1890s.
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent represents one of the first successful attempts to commercialize mechanical dishwashing. It shifted domestic labor expectations and eventually led to the creation of the company that became KitchenAid, fundamentally changing the appliance industry.
Granted
December 28, 1886
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
The technology evolved through the Garis-Cochran Manufacturing Company, which was later acquired by Hobart and eventually became part of the Whirlpool Corporation, which continues to dominate the modern dishwasher market.
Market impact
This patent helped establish the commercial dishwashing industry. It proved that mechanical cleaning was viable, leading to the gradual adoption of appliances in both commercial kitchens and, eventually, the average home.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The device uses a motor-driven pump to force hot, soapy water upward through a central pipe onto a wire rack holding the dishes. The rack is designed to rotate, ensuring that the pressurized water reaches every surface of the plates and cups. By containing the water within a sealed chamber, the machine automates the process of removing food residue, which was previously done entirely by hand.
The clever bit
The innovation was the use of water pressure combined with a specific rack design to ensure water reached all surfaces, rather than just relying on mechanical scrubbing brushes.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover modern electronic sensors or automated detergent dispensers.
- Does not cover the use of ultrasonic waves or high-pressure steam cleaning.
- Does not cover internal heating elements for drying cycles.
- Does not cover the modern 'under-the-counter' form factor common in residential kitchens.
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Limited data
Citation count
10/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$7K – $21K
Midpoint $13K · expired or expiring · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
(1886). Josephine Cochrane's Mechanical Dishwashing Machine (U.S. Patent No. 355,139). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/355139/dishwasher-cochrane
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Josephine Cochrane's Mechanical Dishwashing Machine cover?
A late 19th-century invention that used a pressurized water pump and a rotating rack to clean dishes mechanically, moving away from manual scrubbing.
Who owns patent US 355139?
Josephine G. Cochrane owns this patent, granted in 1886.
When does this patent expire?
This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.
What is patent US 355139 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent represents one of the first successful attempts to commercialize mechanical dishwashing. It shifted domestic labor expectations and eventually led to the creation of the company that became KitchenAid, fundamentally changing the appliance industry.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover modern electronic sensors or automated detergent dispensers.
Patent monitoring