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US3847345A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Electronic voting machine

Assignee: AVM Corp
•
Filing: 1973-03-23
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Granted: 1974-11-12
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Expires: 1993-03-23
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Abstract

Abstract The columns of a switch matrix are interrogated by nonoverlapping strobe pulses and the rows provide identifiable output data. Some of the switches are voting point switches whereas others are voting official switches or security switches. The data is processed by logic means which outputs data on rows corresponding to the rows of the switch matrix. The strobes and output data are fed to an indicator light matrix during vote selection and to a counter matrix during a register mode initiated by the voter. Preferably the processing is done by an arithmetic processor having a read only memory encoded with the ballot format.

Inventors

  • 👤 M Moldovan
  • 👤 R Wescott
  • 👤 R Cusimano
  • 👤 C Lindros
  • 👤 L Anderson

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-01 12:44
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01Q; H01Q11/00; H01Q11/02; H01Q11/08; G; G07; G07C; G07C13/00

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 90
Claim 1
Independent Claim 311 words
In an automatic voting machine having a vote selection panel providing a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of normally open switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said vote selection panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; a plurality of normally inactive indicators defining an indicator matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said indicators being associated with each of said voting points; a plurality of normally inactive counters defining a counter matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said counters being associated with each of said voting points; clock means having a plurality of output lines connected to the input lines of said switch matrix and to said first input lines of said indicator matrix and of said counter matrix for seQuentially and cyclically activating such input lines; and logic means connected to the output lines of said switch matrix for cyclically and sequentially activating said second input lines of said indicator matrix in response to actuation of said vote enabling switch and in accord with a pattern of vote selection switches selectively actuated by a voter subsequent to the actuation of said vote enabling switch to activate those indicators corresponding to the voter-selected vote selection switches and for sequentially activating said second input lines of said counter matrix in accord with said pattern in response to actuation of said voter exit switch to activate those counters corresponding to the voter-selected vote selection switches.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 311 words
In an automatic voting machine having a vote selection panel providing a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of normally open switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said vote selection panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; a plurality of normally inactive indicators defining an indicator matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said indicators being associated with each of said voting points; a plurality of normally inactive counters defining a counter matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said counters being associated with each of said voting points; clock means having a plurality of output lines connected to the input lines of said switch matrix and to said first input lines of said indicator matrix and of said counter matrix for seQuentially and cyclically activating such input lines; and logic means connected to the output lines of said switch matrix for cyclically and sequentially activating said second input lines of said indicator matrix in response to actuation of said vote enabling switch and in accord with a pattern of vote selection switches selectively actuated by a voter subsequent to the actuation of said vote enabling switch to activate those indicators corresponding to the voter-selected vote selection switches and for sequentially activating said second input lines of said counter matrix in accord with said pattern in response to actuation of said voter exit switch to activate those counters corresponding to the voter-selected vote selection switches.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 35 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said logic means includes N OF M logic means for limiting said activation of the indicators and counters to a format of permissible voting.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 28 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 2 wherein said logic means also includes means for preventing activation of said counters in the event of undervoting.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 27 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said logic means includes means for preventing activation of said counters in the event of undervoting.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 297 words
In an automatic voting machine having a vote selection panel providing a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of normally open switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said vote selection panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further of one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; a plurality of indicators defining an indicator matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said indicators being associated with each of said voting points; a plurality of counters defining a counter matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said counters being associated with each of said voting points; clock means having a plurality of output lines connected to the input lines of said switch matrix and to said first input lines of said indicator matrix and of said counter matrix for sequentially and cyclically activating such input lines; and logic means connected between said output lines of said switch matrix and said second input lines of said indicator matrix and of said counter matrix responding to actuation of said vote enable switch to produce cyclically repetitive strobe pulse trains at said second input lines of said indicator matrix in consonance with a program of vote selection switch actuations made subsequent to said actuation of the vote enable switch and responding to subsequent actuation of the voter exit switch to apply such strobe pulse train to said second input lines of said counter means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 297 words
In an automatic voting machine having a vote selection panel providing a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of normally open switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said vote selection panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further of one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; a plurality of indicators defining an indicator matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said indicators being associated with each of said voting points; a plurality of counters defining a counter matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said counters being associated with each of said voting points; clock means having a plurality of output lines connected to the input lines of said switch matrix and to said first input lines of said indicator matrix and of said counter matrix for sequentially and cyclically activating such input lines; and logic means connected between said output lines of said switch matrix and said second input lines of said indicator matrix and of said counter matrix responding to actuation of said vote enable switch to produce cyclically repetitive strobe pulse trains at said second input lines of said indicator matrix in consonance with a program of vote selection switch actuations made subsequent to said actuation of the vote enable switch and responding to subsequent actuation of the voter exit switch to apply such strobe pulse train to said second input lines of said counter means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 32 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 5 wherein said logic means includes N of M logic means for limiting said strobe pulse trains to a format of permissible voting.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 34 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said logic means also includes means for preventing transfer of said strobe pulse trains to said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 33 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 5 wherein said logic means includes means for preventing transfer of said strobe pulse trains to said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 117 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: circuit means having a plurality of input terminals, a plurality of output terminals and a plurality of normally open switches connecting said iNput and output terminals, said switches being associated with said voting points; clock means connected to said input terminals for cyclically and sequentially interrogating said input terminals; counter means associated with each of said voting points for tallying votes selected for candidates associated with such voting points; and N of M logic means connected to said output terminals for actuating those counter means corresponding to voted voting points after completion of N of M voting selection.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 117 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: circuit means having a plurality of input terminals, a plurality of output terminals and a plurality of normally open switches connecting said iNput and output terminals, said switches being associated with said voting points; clock means connected to said input terminals for cyclically and sequentially interrogating said input terminals; counter means associated with each of said voting points for tallying votes selected for candidates associated with such voting points; and N of M logic means connected to said output terminals for actuating those counter means corresponding to voted voting points after completion of N of M voting selection.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 41 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 9 wherein said output lines are arranged in pairs and each switch is positionally adjusted to connected between an associated input line and either one of an associated pair of outlet lines.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 58 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 10 wherein said N or M logic means comprises first means connected with one outlet line of each of said pairs and second means connected with the other outlet line of each of said pairs whereby separate logic functions can be performed for the two sets of outlet lines.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 52 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 9 including indicator means associated with each of said voting points; and one of said normally open switches controlling said logic means to actuate said indicator means and another of said normally open switches controlling said logic means to actuate said counter means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 41 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 12 wherein said output lines are arranged in pairs and each switch is positionally adjusted to connect between an associated input line and either one of an associated pair of outlet lines.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 58 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 13 wherein said N of M logic means comprises first means connected with one outlet line of each of said pairs and second means connected with the other outlet line of each of said pairs whereby separate logic functions can be performed for the two sets of outlet lines.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 123 words
In an electonic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a normally open switch associated with each of said voting points, each switch having an input terminal and an output terminal; circuit means connected to the terminals of said switches for presenting a plurality of input lines each connected to a number of said input terminals and a plurality of output lines each connected to a number of said output terminals; clock means for cyclically and sequentially interrogating said input lines; counter means associated with each of said voting points; and logic means connected to said output lines for actuating those counter means associated with voted voting points upon completion of a voting operation.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 123 words
In an electonic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a normally open switch associated with each of said voting points, each switch having an input terminal and an output terminal; circuit means connected to the terminals of said switches for presenting a plurality of input lines each connected to a number of said input terminals and a plurality of output lines each connected to a number of said output terminals; clock means for cyclically and sequentially interrogating said input lines; counter means associated with each of said voting points; and logic means connected to said output lines for actuating those counter means associated with voted voting points upon completion of a voting operation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 41 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 15 wherein said output lines are arranged in pairs and each switch is positionally adjusted to connect between an associated input line and either one of an associated pair of outlet lines.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 55 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 16 wherein said logic means comprises first means connected with one outlet line of each of said pairs and second means connected with the other outlet line of each of said pairs whereby separate logic functions can be performed for the two sets of outlet lines.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 52 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 15 including indicator means associated with each of said voting points; and one of said normally open switches controlling said logic means to actuate said indicator means and another of said normally open switches controlling said logic means to actuate said counter means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim 41 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 18 wherein said output lines are arranged in pairs and each switch is positionally adjusted to connect between an associated input line and either one of an associated pair of outlet lines.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim 55 words
In an electronic voting machine as dEfined in claim 19 wherein said logic means comprises first means connected with one outlet line of each of said pairs and second means connected with the other outlet line of each of said pairs whereby separate logic functions can be performed for the two sets of outlet lines.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 158 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a vote selection switch associated with each of said voting points; a counter associated with each of said switches; circuit means connecting pluralities of switches forming columns into a plurality of rows and including at least two output terminals for each of said rows; clock means for cyclically and sequentially interrogating said columns of switches, each of said switches being positionally adjustable for producing an output at a selected one of said two terminals of its corresponding row; first N of M logic means connecting one of each said two terminals to said counters for registering N of M possible selections of one group of said switches; and second N of M logic means connecting the other of each of said two terminals to said counters for registering N of M possible selections of another group of said switches.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 158 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a vote selection switch associated with each of said voting points; a counter associated with each of said switches; circuit means connecting pluralities of switches forming columns into a plurality of rows and including at least two output terminals for each of said rows; clock means for cyclically and sequentially interrogating said columns of switches, each of said switches being positionally adjustable for producing an output at a selected one of said two terminals of its corresponding row; first N of M logic means connecting one of each said two terminals to said counters for registering N of M possible selections of one group of said switches; and second N of M logic means connecting the other of each of said two terminals to said counters for registering N of M possible selections of another group of said switches.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 74 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 21 including an indicator associated with each of said voting points, vote enable switch means connected to said circuit means for controlling said first and second logic means to actuate said indicators in accord with voter selections, and voter exit switch means connected to said circut means for controlling said first and second logic means to actuate said counters in accord with said voter selections.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 32 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 22 wherein each of said logic means includes means for preventing actuation of said counters until N of M selections has been made.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 172 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: circuit means for presenting a plurality of input lines and a plurality of pairs of output lines; a normally open switch module associated with each of said voting points, each switch module having an input terminal and an output terminal, said switch modules being arranged in groups each associated with a different one of said input lines with all of the input terminals of each group being connected to the associated input line, each of such individual switch module being positionable to connect its output terminal with either of the output lines of the associated pair thereof; counter means associated with each voting point for tallying votes selected for candidates associated with such voting points; clock means connected to said input lines for interrogating said voting points; and logic means connected to said pairs of output lines for actuating those counter means associated with voted voting points upon completion of a voting operation.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 172 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: circuit means for presenting a plurality of input lines and a plurality of pairs of output lines; a normally open switch module associated with each of said voting points, each switch module having an input terminal and an output terminal, said switch modules being arranged in groups each associated with a different one of said input lines with all of the input terminals of each group being connected to the associated input line, each of such individual switch module being positionable to connect its output terminal with either of the output lines of the associated pair thereof; counter means associated with each voting point for tallying votes selected for candidates associated with such voting points; clock means connected to said input lines for interrogating said voting points; and logic means connected to said pairs of output lines for actuating those counter means associated with voted voting points upon completion of a voting operation.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 117 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 24 including indicator means associated with each voting point for indicating a voter selection at such voting point; a normally open vote enable switch connected between an input line and an output line at a position unoccupied by any other switch, said logic means being responsive to actuation of said vote enable switch to actuate those indicator means associated with voting points later selected by the voter; a normally open voter exit switch connected between an input line and an output line at a position unoccupied by any other switch, said logic means being responsive to actuate said counter means subsequent to actuation of said voter exit switch.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 172 words
An electronic voting machine system comprising, in combination: a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points; a vote selection switch associated with each of said voting points; a voter exit switch associated With said panel; indicator means associated with each of said voting points for indicating voter selections; counter means associated with each of said voting points for tallying votes cast for the candidate associated with each such voting point; a voting official''s console including a voter entrance switch; each of said switches having an input terminal and an output terminal and all of said switches being interconnected to form a matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines; clock means for sequentially interrogating said input lines; and logic means connected to said output lines for actuating said indicator means in response to actuation of said voter entrance switch and subsequent actuation of vote selection switches and for actuating said counters in response to actuation of said voter exit switch to tally the voter selections.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 172 words
An electronic voting machine system comprising, in combination: a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points; a vote selection switch associated with each of said voting points; a voter exit switch associated With said panel; indicator means associated with each of said voting points for indicating voter selections; counter means associated with each of said voting points for tallying votes cast for the candidate associated with each such voting point; a voting official''s console including a voter entrance switch; each of said switches having an input terminal and an output terminal and all of said switches being interconnected to form a matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines; clock means for sequentially interrogating said input lines; and logic means connected to said output lines for actuating said indicator means in response to actuation of said voter entrance switch and subsequent actuation of vote selection switches and for actuating said counters in response to actuation of said voter exit switch to tally the voter selections.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 266 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a normally open vote selection switch associated with each voting point; a vote selection indicator associated with each voting point; counter means associated with each voting point; a voter exit switch having an input terminal and an output terminal; matrix circuit means presenting a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines; the input terminals of a group of said vote selection switches being connected to each input line and the input terminal of said voter exit switch being connected to one of said input lines, the output terminals of each of the vote selection switches of each group being connected to a different one of said output lines and the output terminal of said voter exit switch being connected to one of said output lines; the voter selection indicators and the counter means associated with each group of vote selection switches being connected to the input line associated with that group; and logic means connected to said output lines and having a number of control lines equal to the number of said output lines for producing signals in consonance with and in response to momentary actuation of said voting point switches and of said voter exit switch, said logic means including N of M logic means actuating said indicators in accord with said signals produced in accord with actuation of said voting point switches and for switching over to corresponding actuation of said counter means in response to closing of said voter exit switch.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 266 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel presenting a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a normally open vote selection switch associated with each voting point; a vote selection indicator associated with each voting point; counter means associated with each voting point; a voter exit switch having an input terminal and an output terminal; matrix circuit means presenting a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines; the input terminals of a group of said vote selection switches being connected to each input line and the input terminal of said voter exit switch being connected to one of said input lines, the output terminals of each of the vote selection switches of each group being connected to a different one of said output lines and the output terminal of said voter exit switch being connected to one of said output lines; the voter selection indicators and the counter means associated with each group of vote selection switches being connected to the input line associated with that group; and logic means connected to said output lines and having a number of control lines equal to the number of said output lines for producing signals in consonance with and in response to momentary actuation of said voting point switches and of said voter exit switch, said logic means including N of M logic means actuating said indicators in accord with said signals produced in accord with actuation of said voting point switches and for switching over to corresponding actuation of said counter means in response to closing of said voter exit switch.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 32 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said indicators are low votage lamps and said lamps are strobed at a voltage level appreciably greater than said low voltage.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 241 words
In an automatic voting machine having a vote selection panel providing a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of normally open switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said vote selection panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; a plurality of indicators defining an indicator matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said indicators being associated with each of said voting points; clock means having a plurality of output lines connected to the input lines of said switch matrix and to said first input lines of said indicator matrix for sequentially and cyclically activating such input lines; logic means connected to the output lines of said switch matrix for cyclically and sequentially activating said second input lines of said indicator matrix in response to actuation of said vote enabling switch and in accord with a permissible pattern of vote Selection switches actuated subsequent to the actuation of said vote enabling switch; and counter means connected to said logic means for tallying the votes selected by the voter in response to actuation of said voter exit switch.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 241 words
In an automatic voting machine having a vote selection panel providing a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of normally open switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said vote selection panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; a plurality of indicators defining an indicator matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said indicators being associated with each of said voting points; clock means having a plurality of output lines connected to the input lines of said switch matrix and to said first input lines of said indicator matrix for sequentially and cyclically activating such input lines; logic means connected to the output lines of said switch matrix for cyclically and sequentially activating said second input lines of said indicator matrix in response to actuation of said vote enabling switch and in accord with a permissible pattern of vote Selection switches actuated subsequent to the actuation of said vote enabling switch; and counter means connected to said logic means for tallying the votes selected by the voter in response to actuation of said voter exit switch.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 35 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 29 wherein said logic means includes N of M logic means for limiting actuation of the indicators and counter means to a format of permissible voting.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim 29 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 30 wherein said logic means also includes means for preventing actuation of said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim 28 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 29 wherein said logiv means includes means for preventing actuation of said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 284 words
In an automatic voting machine having a vote selection panel providing a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of normally open switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said vote selection panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; a plurality of indicators defining an indicator matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said indicators being associated with each of said voting points; a plurality of counters defining a counter matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, at least one of said counters being associated with each of said voting points; clock means having a plurality of output lines connected to the input lines of said switch matrix for sequentially and cyclically interrogating such input lines; counter means for tallying the individual votes cast for candidates corresponding to said voting points; and logic means connected to said output lines of said switch matrix and to said counter means and responding respectively to actuation first of said vote enable switch and to later actuation of said voter exit switch first accumulating information in consonance with a program of vote selection switch actuations made subsequent to said actuation of the vote enable switch but prior to said actuation of the voter exit switch and later actuating said counter means in accord with such information.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 284 words
In an automatic voting machine having a vote selection panel providing a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of normally open switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said vote selection panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; a plurality of indicators defining an indicator matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, one of said indicators being associated with each of said voting points; a plurality of counters defining a counter matrix having a plurality of first input lines and a plurality of second input lines, at least one of said counters being associated with each of said voting points; clock means having a plurality of output lines connected to the input lines of said switch matrix for sequentially and cyclically interrogating such input lines; counter means for tallying the individual votes cast for candidates corresponding to said voting points; and logic means connected to said output lines of said switch matrix and to said counter means and responding respectively to actuation first of said vote enable switch and to later actuation of said voter exit switch first accumulating information in consonance with a program of vote selection switch actuations made subsequent to said actuation of the vote enable switch but prior to said actuation of the voter exit switch and later actuating said counter means in accord with such information.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 30 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 33 wherein said logic means includes N of M logic means for limiting said information to a format of permissible voting.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 29 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 34 wherein said logic means also includes means for preventing actuation of said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 28 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 34 wherein said logic means includes means for preventing actuation of said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 219 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel defining a plurality of votinG points, the combination of: a plurality of switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality r of input lines and a plurality s of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said voting panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; clock means connected to said input lines and having r nonoverlapping phases for interrogating said input lines in sequential and cyclic fashion; logic means connected to said output lines for accumulating vote selection information in consonance with voter selection and actuatioN of said vote selection switches after actuation of said vote enabling switch, said logic means having s output lines; a plurality of counters corresponding in number to the number of voting points and defining a counter matrix having r first input lines and s second input lines; and said logic means having its output lines connected to said second input lines of said counter matrix for actuating those counters corresponding with the information accumulated during vote selection in response to actuation of said voter exit switch.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 219 words
In an electronic voting machine having a vote selection panel defining a plurality of votinG points, the combination of: a plurality of switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality r of input lines and a plurality s of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, another of said switches being located remote from said voting panel and constituting a vote enabling switch, and a further one of said switches being associated with said voting panel and constituting a voter exit switch; clock means connected to said input lines and having r nonoverlapping phases for interrogating said input lines in sequential and cyclic fashion; logic means connected to said output lines for accumulating vote selection information in consonance with voter selection and actuatioN of said vote selection switches after actuation of said vote enabling switch, said logic means having s output lines; a plurality of counters corresponding in number to the number of voting points and defining a counter matrix having r first input lines and s second input lines; and said logic means having its output lines connected to said second input lines of said counter matrix for actuating those counters corresponding with the information accumulated during vote selection in response to actuation of said voter exit switch.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 30 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 37 wherein said logic means includes N of M logic means for limiting accumulated information to a format of permissible voting.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 28 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 38 wherein said logic means also includes means for preventing actuation of said counters in the event of undervoting.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 27 words
In an automatic voting machine as defined in claim 37 wherein said logic means includes means for preventing actuation of said counters in the event of undervoting.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 217 words
In an automatic voting machine having a voting panel defining a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality r of input lines and a plurality s of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, certain others of said switches being connected to one input line to which none of said vote selection switches are connected; clock means connected to said input lines and having r non-overlapping phases for sequentially and cyclically interrogating said input lines with said one input line being interrogated after all input lines having vote selection switches connected thereto are interrogated; logic means connected to said output lines for accumulating voting information effected by voter actuation of said vote selection switches and having s output lines at which such information cyclically and sequentially appears; counter means for tallying individual votes cast for those voting points corresponding to the information accumulated by said logic means; voter exit means responsive to actuation of one of said certain other switches for connecting said output lines of said logic means to said counter means and resetting said logic means after one cycle of accumulated information appears at the output lines of the logic means when so connected.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 217 words
In an automatic voting machine having a voting panel defining a plurality of voting points, the combination of: a plurality of switches defining a switch matrix having a plurality r of input lines and a plurality s of output lines, certain of said switches being located at said voting points and constituting vote selection switches, certain others of said switches being connected to one input line to which none of said vote selection switches are connected; clock means connected to said input lines and having r non-overlapping phases for sequentially and cyclically interrogating said input lines with said one input line being interrogated after all input lines having vote selection switches connected thereto are interrogated; logic means connected to said output lines for accumulating voting information effected by voter actuation of said vote selection switches and having s output lines at which such information cyclically and sequentially appears; counter means for tallying individual votes cast for those voting points corresponding to the information accumulated by said logic means; voter exit means responsive to actuation of one of said certain other switches for connecting said output lines of said logic means to said counter means and resetting said logic means after one cycle of accumulated information appears at the output lines of the logic means when so connected.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 94 words
In a voting machine as defined in claim 41 wherein said counter means comprises a plurality of counters defining a matrix having a r-1 first input lines and s output lines, there being one counter for each voting point in such matrix, said output lines of the logic means being connected to said second input lines of the counter matrix when said voter exit means is actuated, and said first input lines of the counter matrix being cyclically and sequentially activated in consonance with interrogation of the corresponding input lines of said switch matrix.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 29 words
In a voting machine as defined in claim 42 wherein said logic means includes N of M logic means for limiting the accumulated information to a permissible voting format.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 28 words
In a voting machine as defined in claim 43 wherein said logic means also includes means for preventing actuation of said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 29 words
In a voting machine as defined in claim 41 wherein said logic means includes N of M logic means for limiting the accumulated information to a permissible voting format.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 28 words
In a voting machine as defined in claim 45 wherein said logic means also includes means for preventing actuation of said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim 27 words
In a voting machine as defined in claim 41 wherein said logic means includes means for preventing actuation of said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim 122 words
In a voting machine as defined In claim 41 including a plurality of indicators defining an indicator matrix having r-1 first input lines and s second input lines, there being one indicator of such indicator matrix located at each voting point and said indicators being connected between the first and second input lines in accord with the corresponding vote selection switches, said first input lines being connected to said clock means for simultaneous activation with the interrogation of said input lines of the switch matrix; and means responsive to another of said certain other switches for readying said logic means for information accumulation and for connecting said output lines of the logic means to said second input lines of said indicator matrix.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim 93 words
In a voting machine as defined in claim 48 wherein said counter means comprises a plurality of counters defining a matrix having r-1 first input lines and s output lines, there being one counter for each voting point in such matrix, said output lines of the logic means being connected to said second input lines of the counter matrix when said voter exit means is actuated, and said first input lines of the counter matrix being cyclically and sequentially activated in consonance with interrogation of the corresponding input lines of said switch matrix.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 29 words
In a voting machine as defined in claim 49 wherein said logic means includes N of M logic means for limiting the accumulated information to a permissible voting format.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 35 words
In a voting machine as defined in claim 50 wherein said logic means also includes means for preventing actuation of said counter means for preventing actuation of said counter means in the event of undervoting.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 185 words
An electronic voting machine system comprising, in combination: a voting panel having a plurality of voting points; a control panel having at least one control point; a voting machine with which said voting panel is associated and including at least one security point; a switch matrix having input columns and output rows, said switch matrix containing a switch for each voting point, a switch for said control point and a switch for said security point; a counter matrix having input columns and input rows and including a counter for each voting point; and processor means for actuating individual counters of said counter matrix in accord with and in response to proper voting conditions and completion of proper vote input at said switch matrix, said processor means including means for strobing said input columns of said switch matrix and of said counter matrix, means connected to said output rows of said switch matrix for producing corresponding row output signals in response to said proper voting conditions and completion of proper vote input, said row output signals being connected to said input rows of said counter matrix.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 185 words
An electronic voting machine system comprising, in combination: a voting panel having a plurality of voting points; a control panel having at least one control point; a voting machine with which said voting panel is associated and including at least one security point; a switch matrix having input columns and output rows, said switch matrix containing a switch for each voting point, a switch for said control point and a switch for said security point; a counter matrix having input columns and input rows and including a counter for each voting point; and processor means for actuating individual counters of said counter matrix in accord with and in response to proper voting conditions and completion of proper vote input at said switch matrix, said processor means including means for strobing said input columns of said switch matrix and of said counter matrix, means connected to said output rows of said switch matrix for producing corresponding row output signals in response to said proper voting conditions and completion of proper vote input, said row output signals being connected to said input rows of said counter matrix.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 89 words
In an electronic voting machine, in combination: a voting panel having a plurality of voting points; a switch at each of said voting points; and electric circuit means connecting the switches at said voting points as a cross point matrix having n rows and m columns; each switch being physically movable at its voting point for programmable connection between a single column and a selected one of at least two rows whereby there are at least two rows of said electric circuit means available for each row of switches.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 89 words
In an electronic voting machine, in combination: a voting panel having a plurality of voting points; a switch at each of said voting points; and electric circuit means connecting the switches at said voting points as a cross point matrix having n rows and m columns; each switch being physically movable at its voting point for programmable connection between a single column and a selected one of at least two rows whereby there are at least two rows of said electric circuit means available for each row of switches.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim 19 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 53 including means for interrogating said columns sequentially in time.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim 34 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 54 including first logic function means connected to certain of said m rows and second logic function means connected to others of said m rows.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 104 words
In an electronic voting machine, in combination: a voting panel having a plurality of voting points and a voting switch associated with each voting point, each switch being momentarily actuable by a voter to indicate voter preference for a candidate associated with each voting point; electric circuit means connecting said switches in cross point matrix form wherein each cross point is completed momentarily by switch actuation as aforesaid; means for sequentially and repetitively interrogating columns of said cross point matrix; and logic means connected to rows of said cross point matrix for responding to interrogation signals passed by said momentary actuation of said switches.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 104 words
In an electronic voting machine, in combination: a voting panel having a plurality of voting points and a voting switch associated with each voting point, each switch being momentarily actuable by a voter to indicate voter preference for a candidate associated with each voting point; electric circuit means connecting said switches in cross point matrix form wherein each cross point is completed momentarily by switch actuation as aforesaid; means for sequentially and repetitively interrogating columns of said cross point matrix; and logic means connected to rows of said cross point matrix for responding to interrogation signals passed by said momentary actuation of said switches.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 37 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 56 wherein each switch is physically movable at its voting point between at least two program positions for connection to a selected one of at least two rows.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 91 words
In an electronic voting machine, in combination: a voting panel having a plurality of voting points; a voting switch associated with each voting point; electrical circuit means connected to the switches of said voting points for providing a cross point matrix system in which individual cross points thereof are completed by actuation of individual voting switches; means for interrogating columns of said matrix and logic means connected to rows of said matrix for responding to interrogation signals passed by completion of individual cross points to effect tabulation of a proper vote.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 91 words
In an electronic voting machine, in combination: a voting panel having a plurality of voting points; a voting switch associated with each voting point; electrical circuit means connected to the switches of said voting points for providing a cross point matrix system in which individual cross points thereof are completed by actuation of individual voting switches; means for interrogating columns of said matrix and logic means connected to rows of said matrix for responding to interrogation signals passed by completion of individual cross points to effect tabulation of a proper vote.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 40 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 58 wherein said logic means includes a processor and a read only memory and which accepts row inputs and produces outputs in accord with instructions encoded in said read only memory.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim 51 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 58 wherein said logic means includes an input/output section, a processor section, a random access memory and a read only memory, which accepts row inputs at said input/output section and produces outputs in accord with instructions encoded in said read only memory.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim 93 words
In an election voting machine, in combination: a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines corresponding to rows and columns of the matrix, said switch matrix comprising a plurality of voting point switches and a plurality of other switches, said other switches including security switches actuable in response only to proper set-up of the voting machine; and logic means for cyclically strobing said input lines and for processing data received from said output lines to determine its propriety within the framework of a selected ballot format.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim 93 words
In an election voting machine, in combination: a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines corresponding to rows and columns of the matrix, said switch matrix comprising a plurality of voting point switches and a plurality of other switches, said other switches including security switches actuable in response only to proper set-up of the voting machine; and logic means for cyclically strobing said input lines and for processing data received from said output lines to determine its propriety within the framework of a selected ballot format.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim 36 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 61 wherein said other switches also include a voting official-controlled switch giving a voter entrance to the machine and a voter-controlled switch giving exit from the machine.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim 165 words
In an electronic voting machine, in combination: a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines corresponding to rows and columns of the matrix, said matrix including at least a plurality of voting point switches at which candidate selections may be made by a voter; a vote counting matrix corresponding to said voting point switches and including discrete vote recording means connected to provide two sets of input lines corresponding respectively to the input lines and output lines of said switch matrix with which said voting point switches are associated; logic means cyclically strobing said input lines of the switch matrix and for processing data received from said output lines to determine its propriety within the framework of a selected ballot format; and means for causing said logic means selectively to strobe said sets of said input lines of said vote counting matrix in accord with the data processed from said switch matrix whereby to record a voter''s selection.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim 165 words
In an electronic voting machine, in combination: a switch matrix having a plurality of input lines and a plurality of output lines corresponding to rows and columns of the matrix, said matrix including at least a plurality of voting point switches at which candidate selections may be made by a voter; a vote counting matrix corresponding to said voting point switches and including discrete vote recording means connected to provide two sets of input lines corresponding respectively to the input lines and output lines of said switch matrix with which said voting point switches are associated; logic means cyclically strobing said input lines of the switch matrix and for processing data received from said output lines to determine its propriety within the framework of a selected ballot format; and means for causing said logic means selectively to strobe said sets of said input lines of said vote counting matrix in accord with the data processed from said switch matrix whereby to record a voter''s selection.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim 22 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 63 wherein the means last mentioned includes a switch in said switch matrix.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim 35 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 64 wherein said switch matrix includes further switches which allow recordation of a voter''s Selection only in response to proper set-up and functioning of said machine.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim 40 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 65 wherein said logic means includes a processor and a read only memory and which accepts row inputs and produces outputs in accord with instructions encoded in said read only memory.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim 51 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 65 wherein said logic means includes an input/output section, a processor section, a random access memory and a read only memory, which accepts row inputs at said input/output section and produces outputs in accord with instructions encoded in said read only memory.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim 37 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 67 wherein each switch is physically movable at its voting point between at least two program positions for connection to a selected one of at least two rows.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim 35 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 63 wherein said switch matric includes further switches which allow recordation of a voter''s selection only in response to proper set-up and functioning of said machine.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim 40 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 69 wherein said logic means includes a processor and a read only memory and which accepts row inputs and produces outputs in accord with instructions encoded in said read only memory.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim 51 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 69 wherein said logic means includes an input/output section, a processor section, a random access memory and a read only memory, which accepts row inputs at said input/output section and produces outputs in accord with instructions encoded in said read only memory.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim 37 words
In an electronic voting machine as defined in claim 71 wherein each switch is physically movable at its voting point between at least two program positions for connection to a selected one of at least two rows.

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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1977-11-11 1978-05-13 1978-11-12 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1981-11-11 1982-05-13 1982-11-12 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1985-11-11 1986-05-13 1986-11-12 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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