Abstract: A system for licensing a computational component in a distributed processing network is provided. The system includes a licensing provider 100 that is spatially remote from the computational component 154 and is operable to: (a) assign a private and public key pair to the computational component 154; (b) create a digital certificate 308 for the computational component 154, the digital certificate 308 being signed with a private key of the licensing provider 100, the licensing provider's private key being different from the computational component's private key 312; (c) create a license file 176 to be installed on the computational component; and (d) transmit the license file 176 and the computational component's signed digital certificate 308 and private key 312 to the computational component 154.

Abstract: A system 100 for providing credentials to a computational component in a distributed processing network is provided. The system 100 includes: (a) a plurality of crypto-tokens 150a-n, each crypto-token 150a-n comprising a unique identifier, optionally a digital certificate comprising a unique public key and the unique identifier, and a private key corresponding to the public key; (b) a provisioning system 100 comprising a certificate authority 104 operable to generate the plurality of crypto-tokens 150a-n; and (c) a computational component 128 comprising a drive operable to receive and communicate with a selected crypto-token 150. The computational component 128 uses the digital certificate and private key in any of the crypto-tokens 150a-n to establish a secured communication session with the provisioning system 100. Before the establishing operation, any of the plurality of crypto-tokens 150a-n can be engaged with the computational component 128 to establish the secure communication session.

Abstract: A packet-switched communications device in an enterprise network is provided. The packet-switched communications device has a corresponding unique identifier, such as an address or extension. The device includes a processor operable to (a) establish a secure communications session with a key generating agent in the enterprise network; (b) provide, to the key generating agent through the session, the unique identifier of the communications device; and (c) receive, from the key generating agent through the session, a secret key and a key identifier. An application server authenticates the packet switched device using the secret key. After authentication is successful, secure communications is established between the packet switched device and the application server.

Abstract: The present efficient packet encryption method decreases the computation time to encrypt and decrypt successive packets of plaintext data. An S-vector is generated and the S-vector is used to encrypt successive packets of plaintext, thus reducing the per packet encryption/decryption time. The formula for encrypting successive packets includes use of the packet sequence number with a third variable injected to eliminate the predictability of the variables, thus making the present efficient packet encryption method more secure. A fourth variable is injected into the calculations to generate an encryption stream that does not repeat as frequently to provide additional security from hackers. For encrypting a packet having a long payload of plaintext, a packet byte sequence number is used to generate an encryption stream that is less likely to repeat within a particular packet.

Abstract: The present efficient packet encryption method decreases the computation time to encrypt and decrypt successive packets of plaintext data. An S-vector is generated and the S-vector is used to encrypt successive packets of plaintext, thus reducing the per packet encryption/decryption time. The formula for encrypting successive packets includes use of the packet sequence number with a third variable injected to eliminate the predictability of the variables, thus making the present efficient packet encryption method more secure. A fourth variable is injected into the calculations to generate an encryption stream that does not repeat as frequently to provide additional security from hackers. For encrypting a packet having a long payload of plaintext, a packet byte sequence number is used to generate an encryption stream that is less likely to repeat within a particular packet.

Abstract: A secure data authentication apparatus for authenticating the source of a software file for use on a computer system having a secure processing device. The secure data authentication apparatus further authenticating an owner of the software file and authenticates that the owner of the software file is the owner of the computer system that the software file is being installed on. The software file comprising a first source signature and a unique owner signature. The secure processing device generating a second source signature and a second owner signature, wherein if the first and second source signatures match and first and second owner signatures match, the computer system operates accepts the software file as being authenticated for the owners use and from the source represented by the first source signature.

Abstract: A cutting tool for use in conjunction with the propeller assembly of a boat to prevent underwater foliage from fouling the drive mechanism of the boat. The shank end of the tool is secured to the motor housing and supports the cutting blade end thereof in close proximity with the propeller hub. As the hub rotates, underwater foliage encountered by the propeller assembly is swept into contact with the cutting edges of the blade whereupon the foliage is cut and the cutting thrown away from the motor.

Abstract: A molded synthetic resin open-sided box mountable in walls and ceilings for enclosing terminals and connections for electrical conductors extended through walls of the box, and providing access through a switch plate secured over the open side of the box. The box has integrally molded break-out windows extending between several of the intersecting walls of the box. Each of these break-out windows includes a removable panel retained in a surrounding opening by frangible interconnecting strips or bridge webs on opposite sides of the panel. Mounting screw holes are formed in the synthetic resin of the box at locations adjacent the open side thereof, and spring metal screw retaining clips are mounted in the box adjacent these holes so that parts of the clips project into the path of the shank of a screw extended into the holes to engage the threads on the shank.