REPORTING BY MACHINERY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 523, 26 April 1872, Page 1 (Supplement)

REPORTING BY MACHINERY.

The tachytytograph, or rapid type writer, is an invention* says the Mechanic’s Magazine, which is being patented by Mr. J. S. Davies, of Haverfordwest, and consists of a machine for obtaining verbatim reports of speeches, debates, sermons, &c., in the ordinary English characters. It will be generally applicable to all purposes where rapid writing or printing is desired, and it is intended particularly to supersede short-hand for reporting purposes; it is manipulated by means of an ordinary key-board, and can be made of a convenient size for portability and use in public assemblies One alphabet of type is used, one type or character is affixed in a socket at one end of each twenty-six levers. These “ type levers ” are actuated by a series of “key levers.” When any “key "is depressed, the corresponding type-lever brings down and imprints its type or character on a roll of paper which passes directly ovei the “ printing point, ” and thus a legible impression is produced on the paper, either by an endless band of carbonised or transfer paper passing round both wheels outside the paper and over it at the “ printing point,” or a strip of silk stretched directly above the “ printing point* at a distance of a quarter of an inch above the paper, and suspended on two rollers saturated with suitable ink, and receiving motion from the paper carrying apparatus.