TeleSensory

TeleBraille III
TeleSensory and the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute have collaborated in the development of a new generation TeleBraille III. This device enables face-to-face communication between a deaf-blind person and a sighted person or telephone communication between a deaf-blind person and another person using a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD).

Best combination
TeleBraille III combines a modified Ultratec Supercom TDD with a modified 20-cell, 6-dot Navigator braille unit from TeleSensory. Navigator translates typed information and displays it via refreshable braille cells. The Supercom TDD unit allows telephone communication. Packaged with custom firmware and an added braille keyboard, these units function together as TeleBraille III.

2-way features
By separating the two units, face-to-face conversation is easy. The sighted partner uses the Supercom TDD device by typing on a typewriter keyboard and seeing the messages on a visual display. The deaf-blind partner keys in messages on the braille keyboard and reads messages on the braille display.
For telephone conversations, TeleBraille III functions as a one-piece device by placing the telephone handset on the acoustic coupler or connecting directly to the telephone line. The braille display is then used for reading and either the braille or standard keyboard can be used for writing.

Innovation for the 1990s
TeleBraille III has been designed to include the latest technological advances available in a communication aid:
- Large memory (over 5,000 characters).
- "Type-ahead" buffer to prevent loss of typed input.
- Direct connection to the telephone line.
- Advanced "Tactile Phone Line Signal" vibrates the 20th braille cell to indicate ringing, busy, or speech signal on the line.
- Storage and automatic dialing for 26 telephone numbers.
- Automatic TDD answering machine records incoming messages - memory 10 messages up to 255 characters each.
- Connection for inkprinter or braille embosser to print a hard copy of messages.
- Replaceable, rechargeable battery pack.
- Softpack carrying case.
- Centronics port for printing messages.

Supercom specifications
- size: 9.25 x 9.75 x 2.25 in. (23.5 x 24.75 x 5.7 cm)
- weight: 5 lbs. 1 oz. (2.3 kg)
- keyboard: 46 keys, standard typewriter format
- visual display: 20 characters
- batteries: 6 sub-C nickel-cadmium rechargeable heavy duty 1.2 A/H
- AC adapter: 9 volts at 1.5 Amps maximum
Modem
- Baudot: 5 level, 60 words per minute (45.5 baud) Weitbrecht (50 baud for international code)
- ASCII: 110 or 300 baud, 7 or 8 level, originate or answer, full or half duplex Bell 103-type modem

Braille unit specifications
- keyboard: Perkins-style
- display: 20 6-dot braille cells
- battery: 7.2 volt 1.2 A/H capacity nickel-cadmium
- power: 9 volts 0.6 Amps - from Supercom via cable
- size: 11.75 x 12.5 x 2.25 in.
 29.85 x 31.75 x 5.7 cm
- weight: 4 lbs. 7 oz. (1.65 kg)

Using as a Navigator
By adding optional Navigator software (at extra cost) and connecting to a laptop or desktop MS-DOS computer, you can use your TeleBraille as a fully-featured Navigator. Navigator offers a 20-character braille window to popular off-the-shelf PC word processing, database, and spreadsheet application software.

Product warranty
TeleSensory warrants TeleBraille III for one year against defects in manufacturing and workmanship.

History of TeleBraille
The Helen Keller Center for the Deaf-Blind first invented TeleBraille. TeleSensory subsequently developed it under the sponsorship of the National Institute of Handicapped Research (NIHR). Development of the new TeleBraille III was a combined effort of TeleSensory and Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute. Throughout this project, Smith-Kettlewell utilized input from the deaf-blind community to guide product development.

About TeleSensory
TeleSensory continues its 25-year mission to help people access print and electronic information through synthetic speech, optical character recognition and tactile systems.
For  more information about any TeleSensory product, call toll free (within the USA):
1-800-286-8484.

TeleSensory Corporation
455 N. Bernardo Ave.
Mountain View, CA
94043-5237
Phone:  415-960-0920
1-800-286-8484
Fax:  415-969-9064

All brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
