US3779453A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electronic voting machine
Assignee: BUSINESS RECORDS Corp A CORP OF DE
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Filing: 1972-07-07
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Granted: 1973-12-18
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Expires: 1992-07-07
Abstract
Abstract An electronic voting machine utilizing a video screen upon which the names of candidates or propositions to be voted are projected from an appropriate slide or other transparency, and utilizing actuating means coordinated with the projected names or propositions, and wherein the voting machine may be rendered operative by a voter''s identification card, which is programmed to enable each voter to use the machine only in those areas and upon those propositions or candidates where the voter is authorized to cast a ballot. The machine incorporates solid state circuitry with means to indicate a malfunction, including a warning light and an audible beeping. Means are provided for straight voting, split ballot voting, straight voting with one or more cross-over votes, write-in voting, proposition voting, cancellation of a vote, and includes cumulative counting means as well as positive lock means to enable use of the machine only for authorized voting, and a party-selecting locking means for single party voting as in a primary election, whereby candidates may be voted upon in one party and all candidates from other parties are locked out.
Inventors
- 👤 R Mckay
- 👤 J Snydacker
- 👤 J Kirby
- 👤 D Hetzel
- 👤 P Ziebold
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:15
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07C; G07C13/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
An electronic voting machine having a video screen, a member containing one or more transparencies comprising images for projection onto the video screen, projector means projecting said images onto said screen, a plurality of voting selectors adjacent to the screen containing said projected images, a screen change control to change the image projected onto the screen, a plurality of vote counters, said vote counters being actuated through a logic circuit system activated by said screen change control, said member containing the transparencies comprising a rotary disc rotating in a plane between said projector and said screen, a plurality of microswitches which activate the circuitry for the voting selectors and said logic circuit system relative to said transparencies, and a plurality of cam devices operable with said rotary disc actuating said microswitches, said rotary disc and said cam devices being operated by a drive motor having a drive shaft operatively connected with the cams and disc.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
An electronic voting machine having a video screen, a member containing one or more transparencies comprising images for projection onto the video screen, projector means projecting said images onto said screen, a plurality of voting selectors adjacent to the screen containing said projected images, a screen change control to change the image projected onto the screen, a plurality of vote counters, said vote counters being actuated through a logic circuit system activated by said screen change control, said member containing the transparencies comprising a rotary disc rotating in a plane between said projector and said screen, a plurality of microswitches which activate the circuitry for the voting selectors and said logic circuit system relative to said transparencies, and a plurality of cam devices operable with said rotary disc actuating said microswitches, said rotary disc and said cam devices being operated by a drive motor having a drive shaft operatively connected with the cams and disc.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
An electronic voting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein a card sensing unit is provided, and a removable card for insertion into said card sensing unit, said card being programmed to render said machine operable for prescribed vote casting.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
An electronic voting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cams and microswitches correspond in number to the number of said transparencies and activate a corresponDing number of circuits for said voting selectors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
An electronic voting machine as set forth in claim 6 wherein a roll of paper is provided for a write-in vote having a drive motor for actuating the roll of paper, a microswitch actuated by the opening of a write-in space to deactivate the circuitry to the voting selectors in the category of said write-in vote, and a microswitch activated by said screen change control for actuating said drive motor for the roll of paper.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
An electronic voting machine as set forth in claim 1 wherein said voting selectors including a plurality of selectors for straight party votes and a plurality of selectors to vote for individual candidates.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
An electronic voting machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein a master control device is provided for turning the voting machine on, and a selective control device is provided for locking out certain operative portions of the machine, said master control device and said selective control device being located remote from said machine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
An electronic voting machine as set forth in claim 5 wherein said image includes candidates or voting referendums, said machine including means for straight voting, split voting, straight voting with cross-over, write-in voting, or proposition voting by selections made from images, and means to prevent casting of unauthorized votes while voting any of said selections.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-17 | 1977-06-18 | 1977-12-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-17 | 1981-06-18 | 1981-12-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-17 | 1985-06-18 | 1985-12-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |