Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a computing infrastructure for configurable-quality random data are disclosed. A storage medium stores program instructions that when executed on a processor designate some servers of a provider network as members of a pool of producers of random data usable by random data consumers. The instructions, when executed, determine a subset of the pool to be used to supply a collection of random data intended for a random data consumer, and one or more sources of random phenomena to be used to generate the collection of random data. The instructions, when executed, initiate a transmission of the collection of random data directed to the random data consumer.

Abstract: A vehicle braking calibration system and related method includes a valve fluidly coupled with a vehicle braking system of a vehicle. The valve is configured to move between an open position and a closed position to control an amount of a fluid that is directed out of the braking system. A sensor detects one or more characteristics of the fluid that is directed out of the braking system. A controller determines a state of the braking system based on the one or more characteristics of the fluid.

Abstract: An instrumentation system that can include a chassis configured to receive a PCB assembly, where the PCB assembly can include a front edge forming a front plane, a first rear edge forming a first rear plane, and a second rear edge forming a second rear plane, with the first rear plane being spaced a greater distance away from the front plane than the second rear plane, and where the chassis can include a plurality of card slots configured to receive the PCB assembly, a 3U backplane configured to couple with the second rear edge of the card when the PCB assembly is installed in one of the plurality of card slots in the chassis.

Abstract: A braking control system for a vehicle system includes a control chamber configured to control air pressure of a brake pipe of the vehicle system. The system also includes first and second charge valves and first and second vent valves. The first charge valve and the first vent valve are controllable to vent or charge the brake pipe, and the second charge valve and the second vent valve are separately controllable for the same purpose. The system also includes a controller configured to switch operation of the vehicle system between a first operation mode, where the first charge valve and the first vent valve are enabled, and a second operation mode, where the second charge valve and the second vent valve are enabled, in response to an input.

Abstract: A diamond quadcopter is described with tilting propulsion modules attached to a diamond faceted fuselage providing vertical thrust for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) and transitioning to horizontal thrust for flight. The diamond faceted fuselage generates lift as a low aspect ratio lifting body. The diamond-like facet geometry enables propulsor placement to minimize interaction between the slipstream and fuselage in all modes of operation. A retractable landing gear with powered wheels allows Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) including emergency landings, and maneuverability on the ground. Landed and with gear retracted the bottom fuselage facet is close to ground level allowing an aft facet ramp for walk-on or roll-on access of passengers and payload. With the landing gear extended the vehicle can maneuver over cargo using the wheeled hub motors and then retract for insertion of cargo through a fuselage bottom door.

Abstract: Anomalous behavior in a multi-tenant computing environment may be identified by analyzing hardware sensor value data associated with hardware events on a host machine. A privileged virtual machine instance executing on a host machine acquires hardware sensor values and causes the values to be compared to other hardware sensor value data that may be indicative of anomalous behavior; for example, various threshold values, patterns, and/or signatures of hardware counter values generated by analyzing and correlating hardware event counter data. In this manner, potential anomalous behavior on an instance may be determined without having to access customer data or workloads associated with the instance.

Abstract: A folding multi-rotor VTOL aircraft is described that stows the rotor propulsion system in the region above the fuselage and fit within the length and width of the fuselage footprint. The folding members supporting the rotor propulsion units then fit within the regions between the stowed rotor diameters. The members are of sufficient length that when unfolded to operational configuration the slipstream of the rotors do not impinge on the fuselage. Overall aircraft height includes the fuselage, the stowed rotors, and a powered landing gear that provides ground mobility and short take-off and emergency landing capabilities. The overall height is minimized by a compact rotor system and low or adjustable landing gear ground clearance. The rotor propulsion units may incorporate ducts that are specially designed to produce improved lift.

Abstract: A braking control system for a vehicle system includes a control chamber configured to control air pressure of a brake pipe of the vehicle system. The system also includes first and second charge valves and first and second vent valves. The first charge valve and the first vent valve are controllable to vent or charge the brake pipe, and the second charge valve and the second vent valve are separately controllable for the same purpose. The system also includes a controller configured to switch operation of the vehicle system between a first operation mode, where the first charge valve and the first vent valve are enabled, and a second operation mode, where the second charge valve and the second vent valve are enabled, in response to an input.

Abstract: A trusted computing host is described that provides various security computations and other functions in a distributed multitenant and/or virtualized computing environment. The trusted host computing device can communicate with one or more host computing devices that host virtual machines to provide a number of security-related functions, including but not limited to boot firmware measurement, cryptographic key management, remote attestation, as well as security and forensics management. The trusted computing host maintains an isolated partition for each host computing device in the environment and communicates with peripheral cards on host computing devices in order to provide one or more security functions.

Abstract: A graph of a plurality of resources in a computing environment is generated, with the graph associating a first resource of the plurality with a second resource of the plurality. Based at least in part on measurements obtained at a point in a test computing environment that corresponds to a point in the computing environment, a graph representing the relationship between the first resource and the second resource is generated. A threat model identifying potential risks to the computing environment is created from the graph.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic brake backup control system and method for a train equipped with an electronic airbrake system and including at least one locomotive, a brake pipe, a source of control pressure, and at least one brake. The system includes a pneumatic operating unit that includes a brake pipe control portion. The brake pipe control portion includes a primary passage network, a control passage network, and an equalizing reservoir control chamber configured to control air pressure of the brake pipe. The brake pipe control portion also includes a first and second electronically controlled charge valve, and a first and second electronically controlled vent valve. The brake pipe control portion further includes an operating state control configured to switch operation of the at least one locomotive between a normal operation mode and a backup operation mode in response to an input by an operator.

Abstract: A diamond quadcopter is described with tilting propulsion modules attached to a diamond faceted fuselage providing vertical thrust for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) and transitioning to horizontal thrust for flight. The diamond faceted fuselage generates lift as a low aspect ratio lifting body. The diamond-like facet geometry enables propulsor placement to minimize interaction between the slipstream and fuselage in all modes of operation. A retractable landing gear with powered wheels allows Vertical/Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) including emergency landings, and maneuverability on the ground. Landed and with gear retracted the bottom fuselage facet is close to ground level allowing an aft facet ramp for walk-on or roll-on access of passengers and payload. With the landing gear extended the vehicle can maneuver over cargo using the wheeled hub motors and then retract for insertion of cargo through a fuselage bottom door.

Abstract: A honeypot resource management service receives a request to provision one or more honeypot resources. In response to the request, the service identifies at least one computing resource service that is to be used to present the one or more honeypot resources. The service generates configuration information that is transmitted to the at least one computing resource service to cause the computing resource service to present the one or more honeypot resources to users in accordance with a set of parameters specified in the configuration information.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic brake backup control system and method for a train equipped with an electronic airbrake system and including at least one locomotive, a brake pipe, a source of control pressure, and at least one brake. The system includes a pneumatic operating unit that includes a brake pipe control portion. The brake pipe control portion includes a primary passage network, a control passage network, and an equalizing reservoir control chamber configured to control air pressure of the brake pipe. The brake pipe control portion also includes a first and second electronically controlled charge valve, and a first and second electronically controlled vent valve. The brake pipe control portion further includes an operating state control configured to switch operation of the at least one locomotive between a normal operation mode and a backup operation mode in response to an input by an operator.

Abstract: Anomalous behavior in a multi-tenant computing environment may be identified by analyzing hardware sensor value data associated with hardware events on a host machine. A privileged virtual machine instance executing on a host machine acquires hardware sensor values and causes the values to be compared to other hardware sensor value data that may be indicative of anomalous behavior; for example, various threshold values, patterns, and/or signatures of hardware counter values generated by analyzing and correlating hardware event counter data. In this manner, potential anomalous behavior on an instance may be determined without having to access customer data or workloads associated with the instance.

Abstract: A graph of a plurality of resources in a computing environment is generated, with the graph associating a first resource of the plurality with a second resource of the plurality. Based at least in part on measurements obtained at a point in a test computing environment that corresponds to a point in the computing environment, a graph representing the relationship between the first resource and the second resource is generated. A threat model identifying potential risks to the computing environment is created from the graph.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a computing infrastructure for configurable-quality random data are disclosed. A storage medium stores program instructions that when executed on a processor designate some servers of a provider network as members of a pool of producers of random data usable by random data consumers. The instructions, when executed, determine a subset of the pool to be used to supply a collection of random data intended for a random data consumer, and one or more sources of random phenomena to be used to generate the collection of random data. The instructions, when executed, initiate a transmission of the collection of random data directed to the random data consumer.

Abstract: A novel hull form is described consisting of a base hull that incorporates flared sides along a bow, middle, and stern sections with raked bow and stern stem lines. The bow and stern sections have lateral oriented shapes, either as an attachment or integral to the hull, spanning the hull beam. The cross sections of these shapes have a novel and specific geometric relationship in conjunction with the base hull to provide a constant cross sectional area between the forward and aft perpendiculars. The shape improves the powering and seakeeping of the vessel hull in the marine environment.