Nathaniel Wyeth (inventor)

Nathaniel C. Wyeth (October 24, 1911 — July 6, 1990) was an American mechanical engineer and inventor. He is best known for creating a polyethylene terephthalate beverage container that could withstand the pressure of carbonated liquids. Made of recyclable PET plastic, lighter than glass and virtually unbreakable, Wyeth's invention is used widely today for both carbonated and non-carbonated drinks.

Biography

Born in Pennsylvania near Chadds Ford, he displayed an engineering talent throughout his youth. Wyeth held bachelor's and master's in mechanical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. He married Caroline Pyle. Biographer David Michaelis found less evidence than some local residents who were inclined to think Caroline and Wyeth's father, N. C. Wyeth, carried on a relationship.

Wyeth and Caroline had Howard, John, David, N. Convers, Andrew, and one daughter, Caroline, who died very young. A fifth son, Newell, died with N.C. Wyeth (Wyeth's father), when their car stalled on a railroad crossing near their home and they were struck by a milk train.

Wyeth is also known as the brother of painters Andrew Wyeth and Henriette Wyeth Hurd, the father of musician Howard Wyeth, and as the son of artist and illustrator N. C. Wyeth.

Wyeth often called himself...
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