* Walter Stanton; Invented Replaceable Record Stylus

Walter Stanton, 86, who invented an easily replaceable phonograph stylus that helped create a consumer market for audio equipment. Stanton invented the slide-in stylus in the 1940s. The design enabled users to replace a needle assembly instead of having to send a phonograph back to the factory when the assembly wore out. The invention became one of the basics in phonograph cartridge design. He also prodded major manufacturers to arrive at standards for cartridge mounting systems and recording methods, which made it possible for record players and styluses to be sold separately. Born in Canton, Ohio, Stanton graduated from Wayne State University’s School of Electrical Engineering. While at Wayne State, he helped found one of the first student radio stations in the country. On April 16 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.