Method and system for protecting privacy of signatures on mail ballots
US8851376B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 3, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB42D25/387
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a removable signature stub positioned on top of a signature area. The voter signs the back of the envelope on the signature stub, thereby imprinting a signature on the signature area by transferring a material from the signature stub to the signature area, and removes the signature stub. The signature is then covered by a label that conceals the signature under normal lighting conditions. To read the signature, light having a predetermined wavelength is directed onto the label, thereby rendering the label transparent and the signature visible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.