Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) including wing sections and hinge assemblies. Each wing section includes an airfoil and a propulsion unit. The wing sections are arranged side-by-side, pivotably connected by the hinge assemblies to define an airframe module. The airframe module is transitionable between a fixed-wing state and a rotor state. In the fixed-wing state, the airframe module has an elongated shape extending between opposing, first and second ends. In the rotor state, the first end is immediately proximate the second end. With this construction, the UAV provides two distinct modes of flight (fixed-wing for low power flight, and rotor for high maneuverability flight (including hover)). The wing sections can carry solar cells and a battery. A maximum power point tracker (MPPT) can be provided for optimizing the match between the solar array and the battery. The propulsion unit can include a variable pitch propeller.

Abstract: A number-theoretic based algorithm provides for secure receipt-free voting. A vote generating center generates a choice of votes for each voter or vote chooser. The votes are encrypted, shuffled, and conveyed to a vote chooser along with information regarding how the votes were shuffled without being intercepted en route. The information is preferably sent along untappable secure channels. The method can incorporate validation of generation and shuffling of the votes using chameleon commitment and interactive proofs. The invention can be realized by current-generation personal computers with untappable channels and access to an electronic bulletin board.

Abstract: A number-theoretic based algorithm provides for secure anonymous message transfer and electronic voting. A voter or sender may cast an encrypted vote or message that is processed through n centers in a manner which prevents fraud and authenticates the votes. Any interested party can verify that each vote has been properly counted. The invention can be realized by current-generation personal computers with access to an electronic bulletin board.