Winston L. Shelton

Winston L. Shelton

Winston L. Shelton (1922-2019) was an American inventor and entrepreneur, best known for his contributions to the food service industry. He held over 50 patents, many of which have had a significant impact on commercial cooking.

Early Life and Education

Shelton was born in 1922 in Kentucky. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, where he developed a passion for engineering. After the war, he attended the University of Louisville and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering.

Career

Shelton began his career at General Electric, where he worked on the team that developed the first self-cleaning oven. He later founded Winston Industries, a company that manufactures commercial food service and water purification equipment.

One of his most notable inventions is the Collectramatic, a pressure fryer used by fast food chains like KFC to cook chicken. The Collectramatic revolutionized the fast food industry by allowing restaurants to cook food quickly and consistently.

Legacy

Shelton's inventions have had a profound impact on the food service industry. His innovative approach to problem-solving and his commitment to improving the efficiency and quality of commercial cooking have earned him a place in the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Personal Life

Shelton was married to his wife, Dorothy Shelton, for over 70 years. They had three children together. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 96.

See Also

• List of American inventors
• History of fast food
• Commercial cooking equipment

External Links

• Winston Industries Official Website
• National Inventors Hall of Fame Profile