I get to experience all types of mechanical writing machines. A good example is this Perkins Brailler ( www.perkins.org ). This typewriter is used to create Braille documents. Those handy raised dots that are felt with the finger tips for the visually impaired. I like these typewriters, as they are quite like stenographer typers.
You load paper into the Brailler from the back and the paper is loaded onto a “drum”. As you type Braille the paper comes out the back brimming with raised dots. With practice the visually acute can read the raised dots just as you read any page. This photo is a test page and is quite full of gibberish!
This Brailler is still made today and is the same basic design as developed in 1951 ( www.perkinsproducts.org ). If you have a Brailler that needs service, stop by the shop.
The nice thing about the Perkins Brailler; parts are still made and available! I try to keep one or two in the shop for sale.