Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1990-1991
Title: Innovations by Donald L. Wetherilt
Introduction
Donald L. Wetherilt is an accomplished inventor based in Powell, OH (US). He holds a total of 2 patents that showcase his innovative contributions to the field of beverage preparation and coffee treatment.
Latest Patents
One of his notable inventions is the "Beverage Infusion Device and Method." This device is designed for preparing individual cups of infusible beverages such as coffee and tea. It features one or more porous pouches containing infusible material that are secured to a rotatable, hand-held shaft. The pouches extend radially outward from the shaft and are dimensioned to fit within a conventional beverage cup or mug. When in use, the device is inserted into a cup of hot water, and the shaft is rotated by the user. This rotation creates a centrifugal flow pattern in the water, enhancing the extraction efficiency of the infusible material. Depending on the design, the pouches can be either permanently or removably secured to the shaft, allowing for either disposal of the entire device or just the pouches after use.
Another significant patent is related to "Green Coffee Treatment." This process involves increasing the moisture content of green coffee beans in a controlled inert gas atmosphere under positive pressure. The moisture content is raised to at least 25% by weight. Following this, the moisturized beans are heated in the same inert gas atmosphere to facilitate hydrolysis and pyrolysis while avoiding charring. The treated beans are then dried, resulting in enhanced quality.
Career Highlights
Donald L. Wetherilt is associated with Nestec S.A., where he continues to innovate in the field of beverage technology. His work has contributed significantly to advancements in how beverages are infused and prepared.
Collaborations
He has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Richard T. Liu and Alva D. Oren, further enhancing the innovative environment at Nestec S.A.
Conclusion
Donald L. Wetherilt's contributions to beverage technology through his patents reflect his commitment to innovation and quality. His inventions not only improve the efficiency of beverage preparation but also enhance the overall experience for consumers.