Abstract: An envelope assembly includes an original and a return address components. The original address component has a front side having an original address provided thereon, a rear side, and a first attachment portion provided around at least part of the perimeter of the original address component. The return address component includes a second attachment portion provided around at least part of the perimeter of the return address component and a return envelope portion, wherein the second attachment portion is attached to the first attachment portion The return envelope portion has a front side having a return address provided thereon, a rear side, and an interior for receiving return mailing materials. The rear side of the original address component faces the front side of the return envelope portion, and the return envelope portion is removeably attached to and separable from the second attachment portion by a first separation device.

Abstract: A tamper evident envelope is disclosed which includes sealing strips located within the seams of the envelope. Each strip is formed by two clear plastic strips secured together. One of the clear plastic strips includes a groove and a dye located within the groove whereby the dye is sealed between the two clear plastic strips. When a seam is separated, the sealing strip is damaged thereby releasing the dye onto the adjacent portions of the envelope and providing visual evidence that the seam was opened. A second embodiment is disclosed where the dye is omitted and separation of the secured clear plastic strips results in damage to the envelope providing visual evidence of tampering.

Abstract: In providing an adhesive connection or a seal using a thermoplastic adhesive for securing materials together, a thermochrome dye is added to the thermoplastic adhesive so that it provides a color change in the temperature range between the temperature where a satisfactory moistening effect is achieved and the temperature where the satisfactory moistening effect is no longer present.

Abstract: An information-bearing article for conveying indicia from one person to a second person in such a way that the information cannot be surreptitiously detected by an intervening person. Thus, the information-bearing means is so constructed that detection thereof necessarily requires some irreparable and detectable disfigurement or mutilation of the information-bearing article. Use of the article in lottery ticket distribution and use in connection with the transfer of highly confidential governmental or business information, are typical applications. The most advantageous construction of the invention combines means to avoid surreptitious detection of the hidden indicia by optical, chemical, thermal and mechanical processes.