Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1909-04-23
VALUABLE PATENTS.
FISHING ROD AND TALCUM
POWDER BOX.

FORMER STAUNTON MAN HAS UN1QUI
FISHING ROD AND TALCUM
POWDER BOX.
A few days ago we mentioned the
patents of Mr.. G. A. Turner of Norfolk
in speaking of them the Virginia Pilot
says:
At 7O7 26th street, is small galvan.
lied iron covered shop, standing in the
rear of the modest home of Mr.. c. A.
Turner. While small, this machine
shop is complete in the necessary tools
-laths, drill press, forge, ETC., for the
making OF models, and the working
out of ideas into patentable shape.
Previous to description of two Of the
latest products of Mr.. Turner's inven-
tive genius, it may be mentioned that
the first invention to attract public at
tention was mechanical coal trim
mer that would mechanically do what
now requires the work of many men
in the holds of vessels. A company
was organized to perfect and promote
the use Of these trimmers. Several
successful trials were held at Port
Richmond, Philadelphia and at Curtis
Bay, Baltimore, each of which suggest
ed an improved model or design, while
retaining the basic principles OF the
trimmer. Outside capital finally secur-
ed all of the remaining treasury stock.
The Navy Department has authorized
practical trial on one of the naval
colliers at Lamberts point.
During the jamestown Exposition it
was found that the ventilating system
Of the baby incubators was not salts
factory. Mr.. Turner was consulted
and authorized to invent and install an
entirely new system. This was accom-
plished, and in few days currents Of
pure air were circulating under perfect
control. Dr. J. J. Miller, the medical
director of the incubator exhibit, stated
at the time that Mr.. Turner's ingenui-
ty unquestionably perfected this most
important feature of the incubators.
HIS NEW PATENTS.
What promises to be the most remu-
nerative and important patent, covers
the most simple invention Of the lot.
This is sift top powder box or can.
1t is primarily intended for talcum
powder box, but the automatic, self
closing slit top can be adapted to salt
cellars, pepper boxes, and in hospitals,
where the use of one hand instead of
two, in sitting out antiseptic powders,
ETC., is very important. Heretofore all
talcum boxes, etc, open by the use of
two hands, and remain open unless
closed by hand. All that IS required
on the Turner can is gentle push on
either side by the thumb or foreinger,
against either of the two springs at the
top of the box. This moves an inner
slide that fits against the top cover
and brings set of holes to correspond
with those in the cover. When releas-
ed they Immediately cover up the holes
again. Dampness, dust, germs or any
foreign matter are excluded. 1t is es-
timated that it will not cost as much
to make these cans as those now in use
by the various toilet preparation COM
panies. The thousands sold daily, even
at very small royalty, will mean a
large income to the inventor.
The other invention, for which pa
pers have been filed, is an automatic
fishing reel and fly caster. This, of
course, appeals only to sportsmen, fish
ermen, etc. But it is distinct novel
ty, with many features that will rec
ommend themselves to all those who
have done fly or stream fishing. A
powerful spring in the handle of the
pole supplies the motive power, which
throws the hook and bate from five to
fifty feet, as desired. In places where
shrubbery is dense, and room to make
cast limited, this will prove of great
advantage. After the line is cast the
| pole is turned or reversed. When fish
is hooked the pressure of the finger re.
leases rachel and the fish is hauled
up to the end of the pole. The speed
is regulated by break lever just under
the hand. This winding reel can be
used simply to keep the line free from
slack if desired. The line unwinds
much faster than when used on the old
style side reel. What the outcome O
these two inventions will be it is hare
to say at this early date, as the patent!
have just been applied for. In all pro
liability they will be sold on royalty
basis to manufacturers who already
have an established market where sucl
Improvements will be welcomed. Bu
there is chance that local capital will
take hold of one or both of these ant
manufacture them for the trade. Mr.
Turner was reticent on this point.
Intercepted Love Letter.
|
The following letter was intercepte,
in a small town in Virginia few day
ago:
"Dearest, my love for you is stronge
than coffee or the kick of a COW. Whel
think of you my heart fops up an
down like my mothers churn dashe
and visions Of doubt creep over my SOU
until feel like an old cheese boar
made full of holes by shippers. Sensa
tlons of exquisite joy go through m
like young goats over stable room,
feel as though could lift myself witt
my boot straps to the height of
church steeple. AS gosling swimmet
in mud puddle, so do swim in a Sc
of delightfulness when you are near MT