Just like typewriters, the type on an adding machine can get clogged-up with old ink or dirt from the ribbon. The Burroughs, like most adding machines, has a rising-segment printing mechanism; the trick is to first get good access to the type for cleaning.
On the Burroughs it is relatively easy to remove the platen, by taking off the top-assembly. Removing 3 or 4 screws should allow this assembly of platen and ribbon-spools to lift off. To then make the segments pop-up, enter 9's in all columns and stop mid-cycle.
Before pulling the handle, it's a good idea to set the machine to non-printing; without a platen present the printing hammers would only try to knock the segments out of their guides. I.e. slide the little tab to the left:
Then pull the handle forward, but not all the way. The full-stroke mechanism has several 'clicks' that lock the handle and prevent it going back before completing a full stroke. Leave the handle at the last 'click' before completing a stroke. This will leave the handle in the forward position and the type segments raised to their full extent.
The housing doesn't need to come off, but could be easily lifted off after removing the two screws in the front.
Cleaning of type is exactly the same as with typewriter slugs; a sharp needle to pick-out the caked-up areas and a brush to clean the type. A rag to prevent the dirt dropping out of the type falling into the mechanism.
After cleaning, the stroke of the lever can be completed - and the segments drop back to their rest position again. The machine is then re-assembled, i.e the platen and spools module placed back - followed by a quick test of all numbers on all columns. The rock-hard platen is now probably the limiting factor for print-quality - nevertheless, all clean and readable :)
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