Methods of Associating Typewriter Ribbons and Correcting Tapes With a Questioned Text

• NCJ Number: 123904
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 34 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1989) Pages: 1183-1195
• Author(s): F J Gerhart
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Presented at the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Questioned Document Examiners, Denver, CO, 13 Sept 1988.

Annotation

Modern electric typewriters are difficult to associate with a questioned typewritten text because they do not develop the defects through use and abuse that are found on typebar typewriters.

Abstract

The typewriter ribbon system is the most abundant source of characteristics whereby a typewriter can be associated with a particular typewritten text. The distinctive characteristics found on a typewriter ribbon are an inherent part of the design and function of the ribbon system. The two major types are the fabric ribbon and the film ribbon. The methods of associating a fabric ribbon with a questioned written text are limited and also are applicable under certain conditions. With a new fabric ribbon that had not been completely transferred from the original supply spool onto the takeup spool, there is a reasonable chance that the questioned text can be observed on the ribbon and can be photographed. Another method is possible when cover-up correction material is used. Among the different film ribbons discussed are single-strike impact ribbons, multistrike impact ribbons, and thermal transfer ribbons. The author offers methods of association for each type of ribbon. 9 figures, 7 references, 1 table. (Author abstract modified)