Abstract: A cable label (100). At least one through-hole (110) which is set for at least one bundle buckle to pass through and a plurality of knockoff holes (120) are set on the label (100), and the knockoff holes (120) are formed of discontinuous annular kerf (121), and each knockoff hole (120) is provided with an identification. When a cable is marked, it is merely required to knock off an intermediate material (122) of a knockoff hole (120) corresponding to the identification of the cable, which can be used to mark cables with different uses, has high versatility and easy management.

Abstract: One or more arrays of heating elements are configured with insulating regions to prevent the dissipation of heat to unintended regions of a thermochromic substrate. Methods include printing and arranging impressions on a two-sided substrate avoiding bleeding and other problems more-commonly associated with traditional two-sided thermal printing techniques. A simple and reliable thermal printing system is provided for use in ballot marking, including several mechanisms for receiving and detecting the orientation of a substrate within a thermal printing apparatus.

Abstract: An optically readable markable sheet has selection mark spaces and has voiding mark spaces associated with the selection mark spaces. An apparatus and a method for reading the optically readable sheet may comprise a processor decoding a sheet identifier and the mark spaces from an image of the sheet and determining the mark spaces that are marked. Marking a voiding mark space voids a selection marked in the selection mark space with which the voiding mark space is associated. Sheet images and a record of marked mark spaces are stored in a memory, preferably a non-volatile memory. Sheet images may be provided by an optical imager that images the sheet and/or by an optical mark reader that reads the sheet.

Abstract: One or more arrays of heating elements are configured with insulating regions to prevent the dissipation of heat to unintended regions of a thermochromic substrate. Methods include printing and arranging impressions on a two-sided substrate avoiding bleeding and other problems more-commonly associated with traditional two-sided thermal printing techniques. A simple and reliable thermal printing system is provided for use in ballot marking, including several mechanisms for receiving and detecting the orientation of a substrate within a thermal printing apparatus.

Abstract: A method of enabling a voter to vote by mail by using a secret vote code (SVC) that includes translating the SVC into a one-time code (OTC) valid only for the election, storing the OTC, and mailing to the voter a ballot, a return envelope, and a mechanism for enabling the SVC to be translated into a translated format. Further, the method includes receiving the return envelope from the voter that includes a completed ballot, the voter's signature, and the translated format, determining whether the signature obtained from the envelope matches a stored signature for the voter, obtaining a second one-time code based on the translated format and determining whether the second one-time code matches the stored one-time code. The ballot is counted only if it is determined that: (i) the signatures match, and (ii) the second one-time code matches the stored one-time code.

Abstract: An optically readable markable sheet has selection mark spaces and has voiding mark spaces associated with the selection mark spaces. An apparatus and a method for reading the optically readable sheet may comprise a processor decoding a sheet identifier and the mark spaces from an image of the sheet and determining the mark spaces that are marked. Marking a voiding mark space voids a selection marked in the selection mark space with which the voiding mark space is associated. Sheet images and a record of marked mark spaces are stored in a memory, preferably a non-volatile memory. Sheet images may be provided by an optical imager that images the sheet and/or by an optical mark reader that reads the sheet.

Abstract: An envelope used in voting by mail includes a signature area on which the signature is affixed and a concealing portion structured to cover the signature area thereby concealing the signature. The concealing portion includes a concealing layer that is preferably positioned on top of a protective layer. The protective layer is positioned between the signature area and the concealing layer when the concealing portion covers the signature area. The concealing layer is formed from a material that is normally opaque but becomes at least partially transparent when one or more chemicals are applied to the concealing layer. The protective layer protects the signature from the one or more chemicals since the protective layer is impermeable to the one or more chemicals.

Abstract: A wristband is assembled from a flexible preferably vinyl carrier and a preferably laminated ID label, the carrier having a panel portion and a strap portion with a snap closure located in a toe extension at the end of the carrier adjacent the panel. The strap has a series of holes, one of which is captured within the snap closure to attach the wristband to the wearer's limb. The laminated ID label has a pair of opposing slots, one of which slips over the strap to abut the panel and the other of which is captured by the snap closure to attach the label to the carrier. The panel portion has a relieved edge formed along its opposing sides which increases the comfort of the wristband as it is worn.

Abstract: A printed indicium comprising a first section comprising a first ink having a first color under normal daylight; and a second section comprising a second different ink, wherein the second different ink comprises a photochromic or thermochromic ink which is not visible under normal daylight, the second section further comprising a third different ink which comprises a photochromic or thermochromic ink which is visible under normal daylight.

Abstract: A paper ballot voting system is described that allows voters to verify that their ballots are correctly counted and provide substantiating evidence if they are not. The systems work whether or not automation is available in the polling place. In other aspects special pens and printing provide protection of voter privacy and against marks being added after ballots are cast. Further aspects of the approach include robust ballot scanning and improved transparency of the voter check-in process.

Abstract: A ballot or sheet having an anti-copying feature provides for detecting from an image of the ballot or sheet whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy. The anti-copying feature may lighten or darken, or both, when copied and may or may not be evident to the human eye. A reader comprising an imager and a processor is for reading the ballot or sheet and for determining whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy, and for determining selections marked thereon. A method for reading the ballot or sheet is for determining from an image of the ballot or sheet whether the ballot or sheet is an original or is a copy, and for determining selections marked thereon.

Abstract: A method of enabling a voter to vote by mail by using a secret vote code (SVC) that includes translating the SVC into a one-time code (OTC) valid only for the election, storing the OTC, and mailing to the voter a ballot, a return envelope, and a mechanism for enabling the SVC to be translated into a translated format. Further, the method includes receiving the return envelope from the voter that includes a completed ballot, the voter's signature, and the translated format, determining whether the signature obtained from the envelope matches a stored signature for the voter, obtaining a second one-time code based on the translated format and determining whether the second one-time code matches the stored one-time code. The ballot is counted only if it is determined that: (i) the signatures match, and (ii) the second one-time code matches the stored one-time code.

Abstract: A paper-ballot voting system is disclosed in which voters can retain symbols printed adjacent to the particular candidates or ballot question positions that they mark. Including ballot serial numbers on the forms allows voters to check online the symbols recorded for their ballots while maintaining ballot secrecy. In case of dispute, a physical resolution procedure lets voters establish whether the recorded symbols are correct with respect to the actual physical ballots. Some examples allow forms to be obtained online and voted by physical or facsimile delivery. Voters who cannot read ballots or cannot mark ballots can nevertheless vote while maintaining ballot secrecy. The overall integrity of the outcome is provided transparently.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a paper ballot which lists a plurality of candidates and which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the ballot to determine the ballot format, and then presents candidate selection options to the voter. Candidate selections are entered through a touch screen menu or through an audio menu and are accurately marked on the front and back sides of the ballot in marking spaces corresponding to the selected candidates. A skew correction mechanism ensures accurate marking.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a paper ballot which lists a plurality of candidates and which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the ballot to determine the ballot format, and then presents candidate selection options to the voter. Candidate selections are entered through a touch screen menu or through an audio menu and are precisely marked on the front and back sides of the ballot in marking spaces corresponding to the selected candidates by conducting an alignment scan prior to printing that collects data to compensate for ballot rotation angles due to skewing. The ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his or her selections have been marked.

Abstract: A book that is capable of displaying one or more coins related to its theme, including a front cover and a back cover. At least one book cover defines one or more apertures that are capable of receiving coins. The book theme is displayed on at least one of the book covers. The book may optionally include one or more caps that may be inserted into and removed from the coin-receivable apertures. These caps will preferably display images that are related to the theme of the book. The invention provides a coin specific display that stores and displays one or more coins in an appealing manner, and that also conveys or provides additional information about the theme displayed on the coin.

Abstract: A ballot with characteristics of definite voter intent certainty, extremely high ballot count accuracy, recount and confirmation capability, high accessibility of the aged and the disabled voters, and significant election day wait time reduction, is combined by two parts. The first part is a sheet of paper that is printed with a voter individually specified, computer generated and electronically printed list of voter intent units. Each of the voter intent units comprises one election issue, one chosen candidate for the election issue and one bar code solely representing the election issue and the chosen candidate. The second part is a validation number sticker. A set of validation numbers is generated through a validation number coding method. Each validation number is associated with a bar code. Each validation number and the associated bar code are printed on a sticker.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of political election ballots, each with a unique, machine readable, serial voter verification number. A receipt is associated with each ballot with the same individual serial number to be given to a voter using the ballot. A computer database contains the serial numbers of all ballots of the plurality used for voting and, with each serial number, a set of specific candidates selected by the voter on that ballot. An internet server provides computer access to the database by voters to verify each candidate recorded as selected by the voter in the election using the unique serial number of the ballot as a key. Each ballot contains bar codes identifying each different candidate for a different political office. At least portions of all of the printed candidate bar codes are not visible to the human eye but are made visible by the voter to identify each candidates selected by the voter on the ballot to register candidate selection by the voter.

Abstract: A double-sided card is provided which permits a user to print information on both sides of the card. The card has a write-in space including primary and secondary printing faces. An adhesive strip is provided on the back of both the primary and secondary printing faces. A score line divides the primary and secondary printing faces. The card can be folded along the score lime, and sealed by contact between the adhesive strips. Information printed on the primary and secondary printing faces would appear on both sides of the card after folding.

Abstract: A non-scored ballot card having a detachable portion provided with a triangular opening for locking the ballot card in a voting position in a vote recorder. The triangular opening is configured for cooperation with a barricade having a generally triangular cross-section.

Abstract: A multi-layered label for adhesively affixing to containers, such as bottles, cans, canisters, allows, at least with respect to its top sheet and intermediate sheet, a more convenient reading of the information printed thereupon if a base section (1) having an intermediate section (3) which can be turned out to the right and can be detached along a fold (4) is provided, this intermediate section (3) being covered by a top section (5) overlapping it on the right, this top section (5) being glued to the base section (1) in the left-hand edge region (6), and the top section (5) having to the left a tear-open perforation (10) and to the right a tear-off perforation (13), so that this top section (5) also can be obtained as a separate sheet.

Abstract: An electronically scannable form and method for its use, the form comprising at least one marking zone defined by a plurality of mark positions, each mark position defined by a mark position row and mark position column, the form being printed with reflective ink and marked by a respondent with a non-reflective material such that any mark at least partially obliterating at least one mark position in a marking zone will be electronically scanned and identified as correspoding to the choice defined by the marking zone.

Abstract: A ballot for use with a scanning device which reads the ballot and feeds it to a tallying or accumulating machine, the ballot being in the form of a base sheet possessing sufficient substance to facilitate the feeding of the ballot into the scanning device. The base sheet contains one or more columns of offices and the names of candidates who vie for the particular offices. Each margin of the ballot contains one or more index marks for correctly identifying the ballot orientation in the scanning device. One margin of the ballot also contains printed code marks by which the ballot style or configuration may be identified. Adjacent to each column of offices/candidates, are printed two columns of horizontally spaced timing marks, the timing marks being arranged on the lines bearing the candidate's names. A particular candidate is selected by introducing a mark between the horizontally spaced timing marks adjoining the particularly selected candidate.

Abstract: A ballot consisting of two or more ballot cards is held together by means of perforated creases. The resulting ballot is printed in columns and rows entirely on one side representing a similar ballot format as presented to the voter on the face of the mechanical or fully electronic machine used in that election jurisdiction. Positions for write-in candidates would normally appear on the back of the ballot. After the ballot cards are punched or marked by the voter, they ar detached from each other. The ballot cards are then machine read and tallied. One end of the ballot cards may be provided with a receipt stub attached thereto by a perforated crease. The receipt stub may be given to the voter for record purposes. Unique pre-punched holes or marks on each card of the total ballot identify to the card reading equipment which part of the total ballot is being processed.

Abstract: An improved ballot structure for use in connection with absentee balloting is disclosed which features removable adhesive-backed labels having indicia printed thereon of the names of candidates for particular offices. Voters detach these labels and paste them in spaces corresponding to the office for which they desire to vote. The number of spaces per office corresponds to the total number of candidates for which the voter is entitled to vote. The portion of the ballot containing the labels is detached by the voter and discarded and the portion containing the sticker selected by the voter is then supplied to election officials. In this way, improved election security is achieved in a simple, low cost and effective ballot structure. Preferably, the labels have bar coded representations of the candidates' names printed thereon, for ready tabulation by machine.

Abstract: An identification device employing a myriad of modes of identifying indicia placement, wherein the device comprises a flexible band having opposed first and second ends wherein the bands may be in severable sheet form and wherein once severed the band is of sufficient length for encircling, captive relationship about an object or person to be identified. A multitude of varous means of securing the first and second ends together is available. Additionally, the availability of a choice of identification means, some of self-imprinting character, provides an identification device which is highly versatile having a plurality of end uses.

Abstract: Feed-back communication cards for ascertaining the views of participants in a meeting or conference in which pull off tabs are enhanced with ink marks on the edge and face of the edge of each card so that when a multiplicity of the cards are stacked, the openings in the card edges resulting from the removal of the pull off tabs and the ink markings on face of the card edges providing for quickly determining the outcome of the views of the assembly participants and a reliable estimate of the number who expressed themselves on the issue or issues which have been presented.