"Invent Help" Invention Newsletter - April 2009

World's First Biodegradable, All-Natural Chewing Gum Reduces Litter

In celebration of Earth Day in April, the invention spotlight shines toward those innovations that work to solve our world's environmental issues. This month, InventHelp highlights a perfect example of how great eco-solutions come in small places. The world's first biodegradable chewing gum, lauded by environmental groups and local governments alike, was introduced earlier this month.

Read more about Chicza biodegradable chewing gum

E-mail Inventions Keep Inboxes Interesting

This month, InventHelp explores new e-mail inventions that keep us tuned in to our inboxes. From e-mails from the dead to e-mail goggles that prevent those – ahem! – regrettable late-night sends after a few drinks, e-mail's ever-evolving atmosphere keeps us on our toes!

Read more about new e-mail inventions

When did the dishwasher become the labor-saving machine that it is today?

Unfortunately, the first dishwasher, patented in 1850, was not very effective. The invention consisted of a hand-turned wheel that splashed water onto dishes. The first working automatic dishwasher was invented by Josephine Garis Cochran in 1889. Her machine featured a wooden tub that included a wire basket. Dishes were placed inside the basket, and rollers rotated the dishes. Hot, soapy water sprayed into the tub and cleaned the dishes as a handle on the tub was turned. Cochran first displayed her machine at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893 and sold dishwashers to restaurants and hotels. In the 1960s, her company's affiliation with Kitchen Aid turned her invention into the time-saving, convenience-enhancing appliance it is today.

Read more invention trivia from InventHelp