Abstract: A method for preventing counterfeiting or theft of sales, bank checks and other important records and documents comprising alphanumeric characters including, the steps of printing different parts of at least come of the characters in a predetermined sequence of colors, dyes or other materials from a printing ribbon on which the segments or color are serially or alternatively deposited in a predetermined sequence of segments. Additionally, the method and apparatus for fabricating a multi-colored printing ribbon by depositing spaced segments of a first color at a first color depositing station and then inserting segments of a second color between said segments of said first color at a second color depositing station. By providing multiple color applying regions at each station carefully controlled color segments are produced on the printing ribbon. Means are provided to adjust segment spacing, the amount of coloring material deposited and the timing of the overall device.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a multi-colored printing ribbon including a first printing station where one or more spaced transfer heads transfer a first color to selected portions of a web of base colored ribbon stock. A second printing station where one or more spaced transfer heads transfer a second color to said web interleaved with the first color to providing a serial, alternating color pattern. Control devices connected to both printing stations insure that the color segments are deposited in proper serial, spaced locations to prevent the colors from running onto each other. Also disclosed is a method for using such multi-colored ribbons to prevent counterfeiting or theft of various documents wherein at least some of the characters to be printed on such documents are printed in a predetermined sequence of colors.

Abstract: A universal typewriter ribbon spool comprises a base member including a first flange member, and a centrally disposed annular hub having an inner wall and an outer wall, the inner wall defining an opening extending end-to-end therethrough; four splines equidistantly secured about the outer wall; four posts equidistantly secured about the inner wall and each having a longitudinal aperture therein; an annular ribbon holder having an inner wall defining an opening extending end-to-end therethrough and positioned about the hub; four splines equidistantly secured about the inner wall of the ribbon holder and which engage with the splines on the hub to prevent rotation of the ribbon holder about the hub; a resilient spool adapter positioned within the hub and formed of opposing arcuate gripping members which grip opposing posts of the hub, and a resilient center section having a central aperture, the center section connecting the gripping members together and being spaced from the remaining two posts when positione

Abstract: A transfer/correcting ribbon with a base or carrier strip having a semi or low tack adhesive covering substantially one entire surface thereof has at least two co-equal width strips connected to adhere thereto by pressure so as to completely cover the base strip, the base strip will have an approximate thickness of 1-3 mils and the longitudinally extending co-equal width strips will have an approximate thickness of 1.5 to 5 mils so that in assembled position, the adjacent longitudinally extending co-equal width strips will have a uniform outer surface.