Accession Number: 2016.16.3.1-7
Scope & Content: Photocopies of technical drawings showing parts, casting and assembly of the PEARL Companion (referred to as the Symbol Press in this material). They appear to have been photocopied from a spiral-bound volume; dates listed below are on the originals from which the photocopies were made. Design/drawn: Gary Davis. .1 - [Angled front and rear view, and one part view of rack and pinion]; 09/1983. .2 - Frame Castings for Symbol Press; dated 04/01/1984. .3 - Symbol Press; 07/19/1984; shows castings. .4 - Stand Assembly (Symbol Press); 07/25/1984. .5 - Crown Nuts; 09/1984. .6 - Rack & Pinion; 09/1984; detailed view. .7 - [Detail]
Creator: American Printing House for the Blind
Interview Date: / /
Collection: APH Archives / RG 12: Educational and Technical Research
Administrative History: The PEARL Companion, a machine used for embossing tactile symbols on metal embossing (printing) plates, was developed by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) as a companion piece to the company's PEARL [Plate Embossing Apparatus for Raised Lines] machine, which had been in use since 1984 and embossed raised lines on metal embossing plates. The two machines comprised a system that improved both the production and quality of tactile graphics at APH. Gary Davis, a mechanical engineer and designer at the company, was responsible for the design and construction of both machines. The PEARL Companion was ready for use in fiscal year 1985.
Subjects: Machine design Machinery Mechanical drawings Tactile graphics