Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for a protective module for robotic sensors is disclosed herein. According to at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the module includes rows of misaligned teeth which (i) enable sufficient return signal to acquire measurements of targets, and (ii) occlude a portion of the sensor lens to prevent hazards from contacting the lens. Advantageously, the protective module preserves operative capabilities of the robot and sensor while ensuring protection against expected hazards of an environment.

Abstract: Cryptographic techniques are disclosed which employ at least a five-pass protocol (5PP) for a cryptographic exchange of a secret data matrix between two computer systems. This 5PP approach improves the functioning of the computer systems by making their encrypted communications more resistant to potential quantum computing-based attacks while still resisting brute-force attacks by eavesdroppers. For example, the 5PP approach can be used to improve public-key cryptography. The system may comprise a first computer system and a second computer system, where a secret data matrix is known by the first computer system but is not shared with the second computer system in unobscured form.

Abstract: Systems and methods for engaging brakes on a robotic device are disclosed herein. According to exemplary embodiments, a user-controlled input device of the robotic device may configure a braking system to engage or disengage based on the user-controlled input device being engaged or disengaged by a user and the robotic device receiving a certain threshold of power. The user-controlled input device being engaged enables a human operator to move the robotic device.

Abstract: A “Firmware-Based TPM” or “fTPM” ensures that secure code execution is isolated to prevent a wide variety of potential security breaches. Unlike a conventional hardware based Trusted Platform Module (TPM), isolation is achieved without the use of dedicated security processor hardware or silicon. In general, the fTPM is first instantiated in a pre-OS boot environment by reading the fTPM from system firmware or firmware accessible memory or storage and placed into read-only protected memory of the device. Once instantiated, the fTPM enables execution isolation for ensuring secure code execution. More specifically, the fTPM is placed into protected read-only memory to enable the device to use hardware such as the ARM® architecture's TrustZone™ extensions and security primitives (or similar processor architectures), and thus the devices based on such architectures, to provide secure execution isolation within a “firmware-based TPM” without requiring hardware modifications to existing devices.

Abstract: A “Firmware-Based TPM” or “fTPM” ensures that secure code execution is isolated to prevent a wide variety of potential security breaches. Unlike a conventional hardware based Trusted Platform Module (TPM), isolation is achieved without the use of dedicated security processor hardware or silicon. In general, the fTPM is first instantiated in a pre-OS boot environment by reading the fTPM from system firmware or firmware accessible memory or storage and placed into read-only protected memory of the device. Once instantiated, the fTPM enables execution isolation for ensuring secure code execution. More specifically, the fTPM is placed into protected read-only memory to enable the device to use hardware such as the ARM® architecture's TrustZone™ extensions and security primitives (or similar processor architectures), and thus the devices based on such architectures, to provide secure execution isolation within a “firmware-based TPM” without requiring hardware modifications to existing devices.

Abstract: A “Firmware-Based TPM” or “fTPM” ensures that secure code execution is isolated to prevent a wide variety of potential security breaches. Unlike a conventional hardware based Trusted Platform Module (TPM), isolation is achieved without the use of dedicated security processor hardware or silicon. In general, the fTPM is first instantiated in a pre-OS boot environment by reading the fTPM from system firmware or firmware accessible memory or storage and placed into read-only protected memory of the device. Once instantiated, the fTPM enables execution isolation for ensuring secure code execution. More specifically, the fTPM is placed into protected read-only memory to enable the device to use hardware such as the ARM® architecture's TrustZone™ extensions and security primitives (or similar processor architectures), and thus the devices based on such architectures, to provide secure execution isolation within a “firmware-based TPM” without requiring hardware modifications to existing devices.

Abstract: A “Firmware-Based TPM” or “fTPM” ensures that secure code execution is isolated to prevent a wide variety of potential security breaches. Unlike a conventional hardware based Trusted Platform Module (TPM), isolation is achieved without the use of dedicated security processor hardware or silicon. In general, the fTPM is first instantiated in a pre-OS boot environment by reading the fTPM from system firmware or firmware accessible memory or storage and placed into read-only protected memory of the device. Once instantiated, the fTPM enables execution isolation for ensuring secure code execution. More specifically, the fTPM is placed into protected read-only memory to enable the device to use hardware such as the ARM® architecture's TrustZone™ extensions and security primitives (or similar processor architectures), and thus the devices based on such architectures, to provide secure execution isolation within a “firmware-based TPM” without requiring hardware modifications to existing devices.

Abstract: A “Firmware-Based TPM” or “fTPM” ensures that secure code execution is isolated to prevent a wide variety of potential security breaches. Unlike a conventional hardware based Trusted Platform Module (TPM), isolation is achieved without the use of dedicated security processor hardware or silicon. In general, the fTPM is first instantiated in a pre-OS boot environment by reading the fTPM from system firmware or firmware accessible memory or storage and placed into read-only protected memory of the device. Once instantiated, the fTPM enables execution isolation for ensuring secure code execution. More specifically, the fTPM is placed into protected read-only memory to enable the device to use hardware such as the ARM® architecture's TrustZone™ extensions and security primitives (or similar processor architectures), and thus the devices based on such architectures, to provide secure execution isolation within a “firmware-based TPM” without requiring hardware modifications to existing devices.

Abstract: An undercarriage wheel is disclosed comprising an axle member that supports a drive member, for example but not limited to a compact high torque electric motor, a wheel member driven by said drive member, and a tire attached to the wheel member, wherein the tire bulges in the width dimension of the wheel, wherein the drive member protrudes from the wheel member and thus occupies at least some of the additional width made available by the bulge of the tire. A further aspect of the invention is an undercarriage wheel that comprises an axle member that supports a drive member, for example but not limited to a compact high torque electric motor, a wheel member driven by said drive member, and a low-profile tire attached to the wheel member. Since the profile of the tire is low, additional space is available inside the wheel for the drive member.

Abstract: A system for minimizing damage on collision to a vehicle having at least one self-propelled wheel is disclosed. The system comprises a motor in a wheel of said vehicle which drives the vehicle, means for measuring the speed of said wheel, means for measuring the torque of said motor, means for monitoring the ratio of the torque of the motor to the speed of the wheel, and means for stopping said motor when torque:speed ratio exceeds an acceptable value.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a taxiing aircraft is disclosed, comprising, in an aircraft, two self-propelled nosewheels, each having an electric motor; equipment for flight; dual-function controlling means for controlling said equipment for flight and said nosewheels, said dual-function controlling means being disposed in the cockpit of said aircraft; sensing means; and switching means, —wherein said switching means are operable to switch the function of said dual-function controlling means between controlling said equipment for flight and controlling said nosewheels. Said dual function controlling means may control speed and/or steering of the aircraft. Second controlling means may be provided, and may be disposed externally to the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for reducing the turnaround time of an aircraft having at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel comprising the step of: moving the aircraft to a required location using at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel; wherein thrust equipment, (e.g. turbines) are turned on only when needed for takeoff or prior to landing, and are turned off until takeoff or after landing; whereby departing equipment, arriving equipment, and turnaround equipment are not at risk from operating thrust equipment, (e.g. turbines). An apparatus for reducing the turnaround time of an aircraft is disclosed comprising a control unit for facilitating voice communication between a pilot and ground staff.

Abstract: An undercarriage wheel is disclosed comprising an axle member that supports a drive member, for example but not limited to a compact high torque electric motor, a wheel member driven by said drive member, and a tire attached to the wheel member, wherein the tire bulges in the width dimension of the wheel, wherein the drive member protrudes from the wheel member and thus occupies at least some of the additional width made available by the bulge of the tire. A further aspect of the invention is an undercarriage wheel that comprises an axle member that supports a drive member, for example but not limited to a compact high torque electric motor, a wheel member driven by said drive member, and a low-profile tire attached to the wheel member. Since the profile of the tire is low, additional space is available inside the wheel for the drive member.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a taxiing aircraft is disclosed, comprising, in an aircraft, two self-propelled nosewheels, each having an electric motor; equipment for flight; dual-function controlling means for controlling said equipment for flight and said nosewheels, said dual-function controlling means being disposed in the cockpit of said aircraft; sensing means; and switching means,—wherein said switching means are operable to switch the function of said dual-function controlling means between controlling said equipment for flight and controlling said nosewheels. Said dual function controlling means may control speed and/or steering of the aircraft. Second controlling means may be provided, and may be disposed externally to the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for reducing the turnaround time of an aircraft having at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel comprising the step of: moving the aircraft to a required location using at least one self-propelled undercarriage wheel; wherein thrust equipment, (e.g. turbines) are turned on only when needed for takeoff or prior to landing, and are turned off until takeoff or after landing; whereby departing equipment, arriving equipment, and turnaround equipment are not at risk from operating thrust equipment, (e.g. turbines). An apparatus for reducing the turnaround time of an aircraft is disclosed comprising a control unit for facilitating voice communication between a pilot and ground staff.