Patents by Inventor Gregory D. Hughes
Gregory D. Hughes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11188638Abstract: A data processing system can use a method of fine-grained address space layout randomization to mitigate the system's vulnerability to return oriented programming security exploits. The randomization can occur at the sub-segment level by randomizing clumps of virtual memory pages. The randomized virtual memory can be presented to processes executing on the system. The mapping between memory spaces can be obfuscated using several obfuscation techniques to prevent the reverse engineering of the shuffled virtual memory mapping.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jacques A. Vidrine, Nicholas C. Allegra, Simon P. Cooper, Gregory D. Hughes
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Patent number: 11188477Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer system comprises a page protection layer. The page protection layer may be the component in the system which manages the page tables for virtual to physical page mappings. Transactions to the page protection layer are used to create/manage mappings created in the page tables. The page protection layer may enforce dynamic security policies in the system (i.e. security policies that may not be enforced using only a static hardware configuration). In an embodiment, the page protection layer may ensure that it is the only component which is able to modify the page tables. The page protection layer may ensure than no component in the system is able to modify a page that is marked executable in any process' address space. The page protection may ensure that any page that is marked executable has code with a verified code signature, in an embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Julien Oster, Thomas G. Holland, Bernard J. Semeria, Jason A. Harmening, Pierre-Olivier J. Martel, Gregory D. Hughes, P. Love Hornquist Astrand, Jacques Fortier, Ryan P. Nielson, Simon P. Cooper
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Patent number: 10867031Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable mediums for preventing return oriented programming (ROP) attacks. A compiler may insert landing pads adjacent to valid return targets in an instruction sequence. When a return instruction is executed, the processor may treat the return as suspicious if the target of the return instruction does not have an adjacent landing pad. Additionally, each landing pad may be encoded with a color, and a colored launch pad may be inserted into the instruction stream next to each return instruction. When a return instruction is executed, the processor may determine if the target of the return has a landing pad with the same color as the launch pad of the return instruction. Return-target pairs with color mismatches may be treated as suspicious and the offending process may be killed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gregory D. Hughes, Conrado Blasco, Gerard R. Williams, III, Jacques Anthony Vidrine, Jeffry E. Gonion, Timothy R. Paaske, Tristan F. Schaap
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Publication number: 20200081847Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer system comprises a page protection layer. The page protection layer may be the component in the system which manages the page tables for virtual to physical page mappings. Transactions to the page protection layer are used to create/manage mappings created in the page tables. The page protection layer may enforce dynamic security policies in the system (i.e. security policies that may not be enforced using only a static hardware configuration). In an embodiment, the page protection layer may ensure that it is the only component which is able to modify the page tables. The page protection layer may ensure than no component in the system is able to modify a page that is marked executable in any process' address space. The page protection may ensure that any page that is marked executable has code with a verified code signature, in an embodiment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2019Publication date: March 12, 2020Inventors: Julien Oster, Thomas G. Holland, Bernard J. Semeria, Jason A. Harmening, Pierre-Olivier J. Martel, Gregory D. Hughes, P. Love Hornquist Astrand, Jacques Fortier, Ryan P. Nielson, Simon P. Cooper
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Publication number: 20200034527Abstract: A data processing system can use a method of fine-grained address space layout randomization to mitigate the system's vulnerability to return oriented programming security exploits. The randomization can occur at the sub-segment level by randomizing clumps of virtual memory pages. The randomized virtual memory can be presented to processes executing on the system. The mapping between memory spaces can be obfuscated using several obfuscation techniques to prevent the reverse engineering of the shuffled virtual memory mapping.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Jacques A. Vidrine, Nicholas C. Allegra, Simon P. Cooper, Gregory D. Hughes
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Patent number: 10311227Abstract: A data processing system can use a method of fine-grained address space layout randomization to mitigate the system's vulnerability to return oriented programming security exploits. The randomization can occur at the sub-segment level by randomizing clumps of virtual memory pages. The randomized virtual memory can be presented to processes executing on the system. The mapping between memory spaces can be obfuscated using several obfuscation techniques to prevent the reverse engineering of the shuffled virtual memory mapping.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gregory D. Hughes, Simon P. Cooper, Jacques A. Vidrine, Nicholas C. Allegra
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Patent number: 10311228Abstract: A data processing system can use a method of fine-grained address space layout randomization to mitigate the system's vulnerability to return oriented programming security exploits. The randomization can occur at the sub-segment level by randomizing clumps of virtual memory pages. The randomized virtual memory can be presented to processes executing on the system. The mapping between memory spaces can be obfuscated using several obfuscation techniques to prevent the reverse engineering of the shuffled virtual memory mapping.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Jacques A. Vidrine, Nicholas C. Allegra, Simon P. Cooper, Gregory D. Hughes
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Patent number: 10303885Abstract: Methods and systems for securely executing untrusted software are described. In one embodiment, two virtual memory mappings are used (one readable/writeable-RW and the other readable/executable-RX). In one embodiment, compiled software is used at run time through pointers to the RX virtual memory space and a compiler causes the storage of the compiled software in the RW virtual memory space through the use of an executable function (e.g. a memory copy like function) stored in an executable only memory region.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Gregory D. Hughes, Ivan Krstic, Oliver J. Hunt
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Publication number: 20170255780Abstract: Methods and systems for securely executing untrusted software are described. In one embodiment, two virtual memory mappings are used (one readable/writeable-RW and the other readable/executable-RX). In one embodiment, compiled software is used at run time through pointers to the RX virtual memory space and a compiler causes the storage of the compiled software in the RW virtual memory space through the use of an executable function (e.g. a memory copy like function) stored in an executable only memory region.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2016Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: Gregory D. Hughes, Ivan Krstic, Oliver J. Hunt
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Publication number: 20170024559Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable mediums for preventing return oriented programming (ROP) attacks. A compiler may insert landing pads adjacent to valid return targets in an instruction sequence. When a return instruction is executed, the processor may treat the return as suspicious if the target of the return instruction does not have an adjacent landing pad. Additionally, each landing pad may be encoded with a color, and a colored launch pad may be inserted into the instruction stream next to each return instruction. When a return instruction is executed, the processor may determine if the target of the return has a landing pad with the same color as the launch pad of the return instruction. Return-target pairs with color mismatches may be treated as suspicious and the offending process may be killed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2015Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Gregory D. Hughes, Conrado Blasco, Gerard R. Williams, III, Jacques Anthony Vidrine, Jeffry E. Gonion, Timothy R. Paaske, Tristan F. Schaap
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Patent number: 9534265Abstract: Methods and systems for producing direct reduced iron (DRI), comprising: generating a syngas stream in a carbon dioxide (CO2) and steam reformer; and providing the syngas stream to a direct reduction (DR) shaft furnace as a reducing gas stream. The methods and systems also comprise combining the syngas stream with a recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace to form the reducing gas stream. The methods and systems further comprise removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace prior to combining it with the syngas stream to form the reducing gas stream. The methods and systems still further comprise feeding CO2 removed from the recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace to the CO2 and steam reformer. The methods and systems still further comprise feeding recycled off-gas from the recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace to the CO2 and steam reformer.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Midrex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gary E. Metius, Gregory D. Hughes, James M. McClelland, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160168653Abstract: Methods and systems for producing direct reduced iron (DRI), comprising: generating a syngas stream in a carbon dioxide (CO2) and steam reformer; and providing the syngas stream to a direct reduction (DR) shaft furnace as a reducing gas stream. The methods and systems also comprise combining the syngas stream with a recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace to form the reducing gas stream. The methods and systems further comprise removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace prior to combining it with the syngas stream to form the reducing gas stream. The methods and systems still further comprise feeding CO2 removed from the recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace to the CO2 and steam reformer. The methods and systems still further comprise feeding recycled off-gas from the recycled off-gas stream from the DR shaft furnace to the CO2 and steam reformer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2014Publication date: June 16, 2016Applicant: MIDREX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Gary E. METIUS, Gregory D. HUGHES, James M. MCCLELLAND, JR.
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Patent number: 9337941Abstract: A system adapted for use with an electromagnetic transmitter and receiver system is provided comprising an electromagnetic transmitter and receiver system comprising an antenna, wherein the electromagnetic transmitter and receiver system is adapted to produce a transmitted signal for antenna pattern measurement which is transmitted through the antenna; a case located in proximity to the electromagnetic transmitter; at least one measurement probe disposed inside the case without changing the antenna's emission pattern, wherein the case, with the probe dispose therein, is placed no closer to the antenna than a limitation on the transmitter and receiver system component comprising a dynamic range associated with radio frequency energy received by the probe from the antenna; and an output section adapted to send results from the antenna pattern measurement received by the probe to a remote location away from the transmitter and receiver system for recording and analysis, the analysis comprising producing an antenType: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: David R. Emerson, Gregory D. Hughes, Nixon A. Pendergrass
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Publication number: 20160092675Abstract: A data processing system can use a method of fine-grained address space layout randomization to mitigate the system's vulnerability to return oriented programming security exploits. The randomization can occur at the sub-segment level by randomizing clumps of virtual memory pages. The randomized virtual memory can be presented to processes executing on the system. The mapping between memory spaces can be obfuscated using several obfuscation techniques to prevent the reverse engineering of the shuffled virtual memory mapping.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Jacques A. Vidrine, Nicholas C. Allegra, Simon P. Cooper, Gregory D. Hughes
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Publication number: 20160092674Abstract: A data processing system can use a method of fine-grained address space layout randomization to mitigate the system's vulnerability to return oriented programming security exploits. The randomization can occur at the sub-segment level by randomizing clumps of virtual memory pages. The randomized virtual memory can be presented to processes executing on the system. The mapping between memory spaces can be obfuscated using several obfuscation techniques to prevent the reverse engineering of the shuffled virtual memory mapping.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Gregory D. Hughes, Simon P. Cooper, Jacques A. Vidrine, Nicholas C. Allegra
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Publication number: 20160050032Abstract: A system adapted for use with an electromagnetic transmitter and receiver system is provided comprising an electromagnetic transmitter and receiver system comprising an antenna, wherein the electromagnetic transmitter and receiver system is adapted to produce a transmitted signal for antenna pattern measurement which is transmitted through the antenna; a case located in proximity to the electromagnetic transmitter; at least one measurement probe disposed inside the case without changing the antenna's emission pattern, wherein the case, with the probe dispose therein, is placed no closer to the antenna than a limitation on the transmitter and receiver system component comprising a dynamic range associated with radio frequency energy received by the probe from the antenna; and an output section adapted to send results from the antenna pattern measurement received by the probe to a remote location away from the transmitter and receiver system for recording and analysis, the analysis comprising producing an antenType: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: David R. Emerson, Gregory D. Hughes, Nixon A. Pendergrass
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Patent number: 9083418Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing the same adapted for use with an electromagnetic receiver or transceiver system comprising at least one antenna, wherein the electromagnetic receiver or transceiver system is adapted to measure signal levels for in situ antenna pattern or link budget measurements using at least one signal measurement probe placed in the signal receive path without affecting said antenna's emission pattern or receiver performance. The system further includes an output section adapted to send results from said in situ antenna pattern or link budget measurements to a remote location away from said receiver or transceiver system for recording and/or analysis.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Nixon A. Pendergrass, Gregory D. Hughes, David R. Emerson
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Publication number: 20140248845Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing the same adapted for use with an electromagnetic receiver or transceiver system comprising at least one antenna, wherein the electromagnetic receiver or transceiver system is adapted to measure signal levels for in situ antenna pattern or link budget measurements using at least one signal measurement probe placed in the signal receive path without affecting said antenna's emission pattern or receiver performance. The system further includes an output section adapted to send results from said in situ antenna pattern or link budget measurements to a remote location away from said receiver or transceiver system for recording and/or analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Nixon A. Pendergrass, Gregory D. Hughes, David R. Emerson
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Patent number: 8709131Abstract: Methods and systems for the production of direct reduced iron, including: removing a top gas from a direct reduction furnace; carbon monoxide shifting the top gas using a carbon monoxide shift reactor to form a carbon monoxide shifted top gas having a reduced carbon monoxide content; adding one of a coal gas, a synthesis gas, and an export gas to at least a portion of the carbon monoxide shifted top gas to form a combined gas; removing carbon dioxide from the combined gas using a carbon dioxide removal unit to form a carbon dioxide lean combined gas; and providing the carbon dioxide lean combined gas to the direct reduction furnace as a reducing gas for producing direct reduced iron after heating to reduction temperature. Optionally, the method includes removing carbon dioxide from the top gas using a carbon dioxide removal unit prior to carbon monoxide shifting the top gas.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Midrex Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David C. Meissner, Gary E. Metius, Gregory D. Hughes
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Publication number: 20130205951Abstract: Methods and systems for the production of direct reduced iron, including: removing a top gas from a direct reduction furnace; carbon monoxide shifting the top gas using a carbon monoxide shift reactor to form a carbon monoxide shifted top gas having a reduced carbon monoxide content; adding one of a coal gas, a synthesis gas, and an export gas to at least a portion of the carbon monoxide shifted top gas to form a combined gas; removing carbon dioxide from the combined gas using a carbon dioxide removal unit to form a carbon dioxide lean combined gas; and providing the carbon dioxide lean combined gas to the direct reduction furnace as a reducing gas for producing direct reduced iron after heating to reduction temperature. Optionally, the method includes removing carbon dioxide from the top gas using a carbon dioxide removal unit prior to carbon monoxide shifting the top gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: MIDREX TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: David C. MEISSNER, Gary E. METIUS, Gregory D. HUGHES