Patents by Inventor Jeff J. Stapleton
Jeff J. Stapleton 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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Publication number: 20260312815Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for authentication using a cryptographic one-time passcode (COTP). An example method includes receiving, via a first channel, a first authentication response associated with a user, and verifying the first authentication response based on stored data associated with the user. The example method also includes generating, in response to a successful verification of the first authentication response, a COTP token, wherein the COTP token is digitally signed with a first digital signature associated with the verification system. The example method also includes causing transmission, via a second channel, of an authentication request comprising the COTP token, and receiving, via the second channel, a second authentication response comprising a candidate COTP token. The example method further includes verifying the second authentication response.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2026Publication date: October 8, 2026Inventor: Jeff J. Stapleton
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Publication number: 20260303339Abstract: Systems and techniques may generally be used for modifying quantum entangled bit communication. An example technique may include generating, at a first node in a computing network, a random number using a quantum derived seed as input to a random number generator; modifying a program using the random number while maintaining a function output of the program for a given input; receiving, at the first node from a second node, an input based on the random number; and executing the modified program at the first node using the input to obtain an output consistent with the program in an unmodified state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2026Publication date: October 1, 2026Inventors: Jeff J. Stapleton, Bradford A. Shea
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Patent number: 12743691Abstract: Securing digital assets in a vault that interfaces with multiple different third-party wallets to store keys/mnemonics. The vault interface accepts input from multiple different party wallets to combine multiple encryptions and secure storage techniques. Numerous cryptographic mechanisms are employed to securely pull a mnemonic phrase from a third-party wallet and into an institution's vault. A customer's mnemonic phrase is securely transported from a personal wallet into a secured institution's encrypted vault using the power of HSM to encrypt and decrypt a customer's mnemonic phrase securely.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2025Date of Patent: September 22, 2026Assignee: WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.Inventors: Todd Steven Biggs, Phillip H. Griffin, Upul D. Hanwella, Mabel Oza, Luiz Silva, Jeff J. Stapleton, Richard Stec, Kurt Paul Stevens, Luis A. Suarez, Sean Xiang Zhang
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Publication number: 20260280869Abstract: Systems and techniques for secure communications and distribution of random values, provided via satellite communications, are described. These random values are generated from one or more ground-based entropy sources (e.g., quantum random number generators (QRNGs) at terrestrial locations), and optionally combined with values from satellite-based entropy sources (e.g., QRNGs at non-terrestrial locations). An example method includes: receiving a first random value generated by a first QRNG at a terrestrial location; receiving a second random value and a third random value via at least one satellite communication, each additional random value generated by other QRNGs; and generating a cryptographic key based on the first random value, the second random value, and the third random value. The cryptographic key may be produced by a key derivation function that combines the random values, and the cryptographic key may be used to establish a secure communication session.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2026Publication date: September 17, 2026Inventors: Peter Burton Bordow, David Marc Delfiner, Michael Erik Meinholz, Abhijit Rao, Bradford A. Shea, Jeff J. Stapleton, Richard Toohey
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Patent number: 12705024Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for identity based pseudo-random number generation are provided. An example method includes receiving a request for a pseudo-random number selecting a first attribute associated with a first user where the first attribute is associated with a first attribute category that is assigned a first prime number and obtaining a first value for the first attribute. The method further includes selecting a second attribute associated with the first user where the second attribute is associated with a second attribute category that is assigned a second prime number and obtaining a second value for the second attribute. The method includes generating a pseudo-random number based upon the first value and the second value.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2021Date of Patent: August 11, 2026Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Inventors: Peter Bordow, Jeff J. Stapleton, Ramesh Yarlagadda
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Patent number: 12706753Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for quantum computing (QC) detection. An example method includes generating QC detection data. The example method further includes generating a pair of asymmetric cryptographic keys comprising a public cryptographic key and a private cryptographic key, generating encrypted QC detection data based on the pair of asymmetric cryptographic keys, and destroying the private cryptographic key. The example method further includes monitoring a set of data environments for electronic information related to the encrypted QC detection data. Subsequently, the example method may include generating a QC detection alert control signal in response to detection of the electronic information related to the encrypted QC detection data.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2024Date of Patent: August 11, 2026Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Inventors: Ravi K. Maganti, Robert L. Carter, Jr., Bradford A. Shea, M. Erik Meinholz, Jeff J. Stapleton, Peter Bordow, Pierre Arbajian, Abhijit Rao
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Publication number: 20260230315Abstract: Systems and techniques for secure communications and distribution of random values, produced from at least two satellite entropy sources, are described. These random values may be provided by respective quantum random number generators (QRNGs) at separate satellites, and optionally combined with values from ground-based entropy sources (e.g., QRNGs at terrestrial locations). An example method includes: receiving a first random value and a second random value via at least one satellite communication, where the first random value is generated by a first QRNG at a first satellite, and the second random value is generated by a second QRNG at a second satellite; and generating a cryptographic key based on the first random value and the second random value. The cryptographic key may be produced by a key derivation function that combines the random values, and the cryptographic key may be used to establish a secure communication session.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2026Publication date: August 6, 2026Inventors: Peter Burton Bordow, David Marc Delfiner, Michael Erik Meinholz, Abhijit Rao, Bradford A. Shea, Jeff J. Stapleton, Richard Toohey
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Patent number: 12683776Abstract: Systems and techniques may generally be used for modifying quantum entangled bit communication. An example technique may include generating, at a first node in a computing network, a random number using a quantum derived seed as input to a random number generator; modifying a program using the random number while maintaining a function output of the program for a given input; receiving, at the first node from a second node, an input based on the random number; and executing the modified program at the first node using the input to obtain an output consistent with the program in an unmodified state.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2024Date of Patent: July 14, 2026Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Inventors: Jeff J. Stapleton, Bradford A. Shea
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Patent number: 12683793Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for authentication using a cryptographic one-time passcode (COTP). An example method includes receiving, via a first channel, a first authentication response associated with a user, and verifying the first authentication response based on stored data associated with the user. The example method also includes generating, in response to a successful verification of the first authentication response, a COTP token, wherein the COTP token is digitally signed with a first digital signature associated with the verification system. The example method also includes causing transmission, via a second channel, of an authentication request comprising the COTP token, and receiving, via the second channel, a second authentication response comprising an candidate COTP token. The example method further includes verifying the second authentication response.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2022Date of Patent: July 14, 2026Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Inventor: Jeff J. Stapleton
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Patent number: 12676742Abstract: Systems and techniques for secure communications and distribution of random values, provided via satellite communications, are described. These random values are generated from one or more ground-based entropy sources (e.g., quantum random number generators (QRNGs) at terrestrial locations), and optionally combined with values from satellite-based entropy sources (e.g., QRNGs at non-terrestrial locations). An example method includes: receiving a first random value generated by a first QRNG at a terrestrial location; receiving a second random value and a third random value via at least one satellite communication, each additional random value generated by other QRNGs; and generating a cryptographic key based on the first random value, the second random value, and the third random value. The cryptographic key may be produced by a key derivation function that combines the random values, and the cryptographic key may be used to establish a secure communication session.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2024Date of Patent: July 7, 2026Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Inventors: Peter Burton Bordow, David Marc Delfiner, Michael Erik Meinholz, Abhijit Rao, Bradford A. Shea, Jeff J. Stapleton, Richard Toohey
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Publication number: 20260187210Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for proactive offline authentication are provided. An example method includes determining a current offline condition of a computing device at a first time and determining a prior online condition of the computing device at a second time that is earlier than the first time at which the computing device generated second authentication credentials based upon one or more user attributes obtained from a digital identity construct database associated with a first user at the second time. The method further includes obtaining, at the first time, first authentication credentials associated with the first user and determining a discrepancy between the first and the second authentication credentials. In response to the determined discrepancy, the method includes generating an authentication token based upon the second authentication credentials for authenticating a first user device of the first user with the computing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2026Publication date: July 2, 2026Inventors: Peter Bordow, Jeff J. Stapleton, Ramesh Yarlagadda
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Publication number: 20260134246Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for secure utilization of quick response (QR) codes. An example method includes obtaining a key known to an initiating device and a participating device, and receiving, by the communications hardware of the participating device, an indication of a secure character string extracted from a QR code. The example method further includes verifying, by security circuitry of the participating device and using the key, authenticity of the QR code, and performing by the participating device, an action set.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2025Publication date: May 14, 2026Inventors: Jeff J. Stapleton, Richard Toohey, Peter Bordow
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Patent number: 12621134Abstract: Systems and techniques for secure communications and distribution of random values, produced from at least two satellite entropy sources, are described. These random values may be provided by respective quantum random number generators (QRNGs) at separate satellites, and optionally combined with values from ground-based entropy sources (e.g., QRNGs at terrestrial locations). An example method includes: receiving a first random value and a second random value via at least one satellite communication, where the first random value is generated by a first QRNG at a first satellite, and the second random value is generated by a second QRNG at a second satellite; and generating a cryptographic key based on the first random value and the second random value. The cryptographic key may be produced by a key derivation function that combines the random values, and the cryptographic key may be used to establish a secure communication session.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2024Date of Patent: May 5, 2026Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Inventors: Peter Burton Bordow, David Marc Delfiner, Michael Erik Meinholz, Abhijit Rao, Bradford A. Shea, Jeff J. Stapleton, Richard Toohey
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Publication number: 20260100827Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for establishing cryptographic keys shared among three or more devices. An example method includes generating a set of particles and an entangled particle triplet based on the set of particles. The example method further includes transmitting the first set of entangled particles to a first host device, the second set of entangled particles to a second host device, and the third set of entangled particles to a third host device, and making a determination whether the three sets of bits are matching, where the three sets of bits are derived from the three sets of entangled particles sent to the three host devices. The example method further includes establishing the cryptographic keys based on the matching sets of bits.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2025Publication date: April 9, 2026Inventors: Jeff J. Stapleton, Richard Toohey, Peter Bordow
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Publication number: 20260095316Abstract: Systems and techniques for secure communications and distribution of random values for cryptographic key generation, coordinated with the use of specific key generation parameters, are described. An example method includes: receiving a first random value and a second random value generated from at least one quantum random number generator (QRNG), with at least one of the first random value and the second random value being provided from a satellite communication; obtaining key generation parameters associated with cryptographic key generation, where the key generation parameters specify a specific combination of the first random value and the second random value; and generating a cryptographic key, using the specific combination of the first random value and the second random value, as a seed to a cryptographic function.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2025Publication date: April 2, 2026Inventors: Peter Burton Bordow, David Marc Delfiner, Michael Erik Meinholz, Abhijit Rao, Bradford A. Shea, Jeff J. Stapleton, Richard Toohey
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Patent number: 12579233Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for proactive offline authentication are provided. An example method includes determining a current offline condition of a computing device at a first time and determining a prior online condition of the computing device at a second time that is earlier than the first time at which the computing device generated second authentication credentials based upon one or more user attributes obtained from a digital identity construct database associated with a first user at the second time. The method further includes obtaining, at the first time, first authentication credentials associated with the first user and determining a discrepancy between the first and the second authentication credentials. In response to the determined discrepancy, the method includes generating an authentication token based upon the second authentication credentials for authenticating a first user device of the first user with the computing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2024Date of Patent: March 17, 2026Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Inventors: Peter Bordow, Jeff J. Stapleton, Ramesh Yarlagadda
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Publication number: 20260067683Abstract: System and techniques for aerospace-based key injection are described herein. An aerospace platform can receive a request for an initial key from an entity. This request includes an identifier for the entity that is unique among a set of entities to which the entity belongs. The aerospace platform uses a local base derivation key and the received identifier to generate an initial key for the entity. The initial key is then transmitted to the entity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2024Publication date: March 5, 2026Inventors: Peter Burton Bordow, Jeff J. Stapleton
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Publication number: 20260057206Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for determining a security vulnerability of a computer system. An example method includes initializing a policy based on initial policy data. The example method further includes selecting an action based on the policy and executing, by agent circuitry, the action in the environment. The example method further includes, subsequent to executing the action in the environment, receiving an observation of the environment and determining an updated state from the set of states based on the observation. The example method further includes determining, by the policy, a reward based on the updated state and updating the policy based on the updated state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2025Publication date: February 26, 2026Inventors: Peter Bordow, Abhijit Rao, Jeff J. Stapleton, Omar B. Khan
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Publication number: 20260052098Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamic routing protocols are provided. A method includes receiving, using a computer system including a quantum computer, data related to a multipoint communication between a start point and an end point from one or more data sources, and calculating one or more routes for the multipoint communication between the start point and the end point using the data and based at least in part on a shortest route between the start point and the end point. Using the quantum computer, the one or more routes are optimized based on a communication status of one or more nodes along the route. The optimized routes are dynamically selected based on timing and performance requirements of the computer system, and the multipoint communication between the start point and the end point is executed using the optimized one or more routes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2024Publication date: February 19, 2026Inventors: Peter Burton Bordow, Michael Erik Meinholz, Abhijit Rao, Bradford A. Shea, Jeff J. Stapleton
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Publication number: 20260046286Abstract: Disclosed are example methods, systems, and devices that allow for secure data processing using data packages generated by edge devices. A computing device can generate a biometric signature from a scan of a physical feature of a user and encrypt user data based on the biometric signature and a device identifier to produce encrypted user data decryptable with a first digital key. The first digital key can be transmitted to a first computing system to receive a security token indicating validity of at least part of the user data. The encrypted user data and security token can be stored in a data package such that alterations invalidate the token. A second digital key corresponding to the data package can be generated and transmitted with the data package to a second computing system to provide a service.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2025Publication date: February 12, 2026Applicant: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.Inventors: Thomas E. Bell, Peter Bordow, Julio Jiron, Akhlaq M. Khan, Volkmar Scharf-Katz, Jeff J. Stapleton, Richard Orlando Toohey, Ramesh Yarlagadda