2000.101

Cranmer Modified Perkins Brailler

Cranmer, Terrence V.

Device has six black plastic keys and a black plastic spacing key. Printed on a metal label on the back: Model CMPB, Serial MD136.

H-9.75 W-15.75 D-10.75 inches

ca. 1983

Maryland Computer Services, Inc.

Forest Hills, MD

The first commercial personal braille printer. It was driven by computer and could also be used as an electric braille writer. It was the last project of Tim Cranmer, as Director of Technical Services for the Kentucky Department of the Blind. Engineers were Taylor Davidson and Wayne Thompson. The prototype of this device was the Kentucky Modified Perkins Brailler, developed in 1981-82. The Cranmer Modified Perkins Brailler was its direct commercial successor. Over 1,000 units were sold by Maryland Computer Services (currently Blazie Engineering). About 30 units were also built by the Louisville Telephone Pioneers Group. --information from Fred Gissoni and the Kentucky Dept. for the Blind.

Gift of the Braille Group of Bufalo, 2000.101.