Patents by Inventor Steven A. Wright

Steven A. Wright 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).

  • Patent number: 11120437
    Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of tokenisation, blockchain and smart contract technologies. It provides a technical arrangement which simplifies the automated management of contracts. The invention comprises a method and system which use a computer-based repository for storage of the contract. The contract is then represented by a transaction on the blockchain. Metadata within the transaction's script includes a hash of the contract and a means of identifying its location within the repository. The transaction also includes an unspent output (UTXO) which indicates its status as an open (ie not terminated) contract. The contract is terminated by spending the output at a later point in time, for example, using n Lock Time+Check Lock Time Verify (CLTV). By combining this concept with other techniques and computing components, the invention can provide a powerful mechanism for implementing various tasks such as renewing or rolling over the contract, or dividing it into sub-contracts or conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: nChain Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Craig Steven Wright, Stephane Savanah
  • Publication number: 20210233071
    Abstract: The invention provides a secure method for exchanging entities via a blockchain. The invention incorporates tokenisation techniques, and also techniques for embedding metadata in a redeem script of a blockchain transaction. Embodiment(s) provide a method of: generating a first script, the first script comprising: a first set of metadata associated with a first invitation for the exchange of a first entity by a first user, the first set of metadata comprising an indication of the first entity to be offered for exchange and a first location condition for the exchange, a first user public key (P1A) associated with the first user, wherein the first user public key (P1A) is part of an asymmetric cryptographic pair comprising the first user public key (P1A) and a first user private key (V1A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Craig Steven Wright, Stephane Savanah
  • Publication number: 20210226787
    Abstract: A computer-implemented exchange method is provided. The method may be performed on one or more blockchains, such as the Bitcoin Cash blockchain. The method comprises the steps of: communicating a first veiled secret value (H(A0)) from a first user to a second user and a second veiled secret value (H(B0) from the second user to the first user; and constructing first and second blockchain transactions (tx1, tx2) each comprising the first veiled secret value and the second veiled secret value, the transactions arranged to be unlockable to transfer control of a respective first or second resource upon provision of both the first secret value (A0) and the second secret value (B0) to the respective blockchain transaction, wherein unlocking of the first blockchain transaction causes a first secret value to be revealed to the second user, and unlocking of the second blockchain transaction causes a second secret value to be revealed to the first user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventor: Craig Steven WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20210220783
    Abstract: An agitator for an agricultural system includes a shaft configured to rotate about a rotational axis during operation of the agricultural system, and an extension coupled to the shaft. The extension includes a hoop and a tine extending from the hoop, and the tine extends acutely relative to the rotational axis of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Jared Steven Wright, Jesse Blair Pidwerbesky, Paul David Minto, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder, Hans Luther Deason
  • Publication number: 20210216623
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to blockchain implementations and is suited for, but not limited to, use with the Bitcoin blockchain. It can be used for the implementation of automated processes such as device/system control, process control, distributed computing and storage and others. The invention provides an event detecting, monitoring and/or counting mechanism. The event may be, for example, a vote, decision or selection which is made by a given entity. The invention provides a counting solution in which a computing resource, running simultaneously and in parallel to the blockchain, manages a loop-based operation. The computing resource continuously monitors the state of the blockchain as well as any other off-blockchain input data or source. The execution of the loop is influenced by the state of the blockchain. Each iteration of the loop that is executed by the computing resource is recorded in a transaction that is written to the blockchain. It is stored as a hash within the transaction's metadata.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Craig Steven Wright, Stephane Savanah
  • Publication number: 20210218575
    Abstract: A computer-implemented access method is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a verification data item of a one-way function chain of data items; (ii) submitting, to a blockchain (such as the Bitcoin blockchain), an access blockchain transaction comprising a data item of the chain; (iii) applying the one-way function to the data item to provide an output; (iv) comparing the output of step (iii) to the verification item to provide an outcome; and (v) based on the outcome of step (iv): (a) allocating the output as a further verification data item for verifying a further data item of the chain; and (b) granting access to a resource associated with the data item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventor: Craig Steven WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20210218552
    Abstract: A computer-implemented security method is provided. The method may be implemented on one or more blockchains, such as the Bitcoin Cash blockchain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventor: Craig Steven WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20210211274
    Abstract: A method of communicating a secret (k0, k1) on the Bitcoin blockchain is disclosed. The method comprises sending information identifying secrets selectable by the recipient and receiving a first public key (Ui) of an elliptic curve cryptography system, corresponding to a first secret (Si) selected for access by the recipient and for which a first private key (m) is accessible to the recipient. A second public key (U1-i) is received, corresponding to a second secret not selected for access by the recipient, wherein a corresponding second private key is not available to the recipient. First and second secrets encrypted by means of the respective first and second public keys (X0, X1) are sent to the recipient, wherein the first secret is accessible to the recipient by means of the first private key, the second secret is inaccessible to the recipient, and the sender is unable to distinguish between the first and second secrets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: nChain Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Craig Steven WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20210203481
    Abstract: A computer-implemented access method is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (i) submitting, to a blockchain (such as the Bitcoin blockchain), an access blockchain transaction addressed to a derived public key derived at least in part from a secret value and a public key; (ii) generating a verification public key based at least in part on the secret value and the public key; (iii) comparing the derived public key and the verification public key; and (iv) based on the comparison of step (iii): (a) allocating the at least one of the derived and verification public key as a further public key for verifying a further derived public key; and (b) granting access to a resource associated with at least one of the secret value and the derived public key.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: nChain Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Craig Steven WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20210090076
    Abstract: The invention relates to the fields of tokenisation, blockchain and smart contract technologies. It provides a technical arrangement which simplifies the automated management of contracts. The invention comprises a method and system which use a computer-based repository for storage of the contract. The contract is then represented by a transaction on the blockchain. Metadata within the transaction's script includes a hash of the contract and a means of identifying its location within the repository. The transaction also includes an unspent output (UTXO) which indicates its status as an open (ie not terminated) contract. The contract is terminated by spending the output at a later point in time, for example, using nLockTime+CheckLockTimeVerify (CLTV). By combining this concept with other techniques and computing components, the invention can provide a powerful mechanism for implementing various tasks such as renewing or rolling over the contract, or dividing it into sub-contracts or conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Craig Steven Wright, Stephane Savanah
  • Publication number: 20210081185
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method (and corresponding system) is provided that enables or facilitates the execution of a portion of source code, written in a high-level language (HLL), on a blockchain platform. The method and system can include a blockchain compiler, arranged to convert a portion of high-level source code into a form that can be used with a blockchain platform. This may be the Bitcoin blockchain or an alternative. The method can include: receiving the portion of source code as input; and generating an output script comprising a plurality of op codes. The op codes are a subset of op codes that are native to a functionally-restricted, blockchain scripting language. The outputted script is arranged and/or generated such that, when executed, the script provides, at least in part, the functionality specified in the source code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Craig Steven WRIGHT, Stephane SAVANAH
  • Publication number: 20210059119
    Abstract: An agricultural system includes a controller comprising a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a sensor signal, determine a current flow based on the sensor signal, determine whether the current flow exceeds a current threshold for a time threshold, and operate a drive system of the agricultural system in an alternative operation instead of a normal operation in response to determining the current flow exceeds the current threshold for the time threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jared Steven Wright, Nicholas George Alfred Ryder, Gregory Jacob Erker, Graham Douglas Stuart
  • Publication number: 20210049690
    Abstract: A computer implemented voting process (2) for executing a blockchain transaction, such as a transaction on the Bitcoin blockchain, is disclosed. The process comprises distributing shares (6) of a first common secret among a plurality of participants (4), wherein the first common secret implements an automated voting process (14) by the participants and is accessible to a first threshold number of shares and is inaccessible to less than the first threshold number of shares. The process further comprises determining (10, 12), based on different numbers of said shares of the first common secret held by a plurality of the participants, at least one combination of shares held by a plurality of the participants, to provide the first threshold number of shares.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: nChain Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Craig Steven WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20210042829
    Abstract: A method of transferring control of a digital asset (2) is disclosed. The method comprises distributing shares dAi of a first private key dA of an elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) system among a plurality of first participants (4). The first private key is accessible by means of a first threshold number (6) of shares dAi of the first private key, and is inaccessible in the absence of the first threshold number of shares, and access to the digital asset (2) is provided by digital signature of a first encrypted message with the first private key. Shares of a deterministic key Dk of the cryptography system are distributed among the either the first participants or a plurality of second participants, wherein the deterministic key is accessible by means of a second threshold number of shares of the deterministic key, and is inaccessible in the absence of the second threshold number of shares.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventor: Craig Steven WRIGHT
  • Patent number: 10898743
    Abstract: A ventilation closure system includes a damper, a shape memory alloy actuator, and a heating device. The shape memory alloy actuator is coupled to the damper. The shape memory alloy actuator has a first state in which the damper is positioned to permit airflow in the duct and has a second state in which the damper is positioned to obstruct the airflow in the duct. The shape memory alloy actuator is configured to change from the first state to the second state responsive to the shape memory alloy actuator attaining a first temperature responsive to heat released by an exothermic reaction in a compartment associated with the duct. The heating device is configured to heat the shape memory alloy actuator to maintain the damper in a position that obstructs the airflow in the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert Steven Wright
  • Publication number: 20200364788
    Abstract: The invention provides a smart cryptocurrency wallet. Embodiments of the invention provide a blockchain-implemented system and corresponding method for the secure, cryptographically enforced execution of a task. The invention may be implemented in conjunction with the Bitcoin blockchain, a variation thereof or an alternative blockchain platform. The invention provides an enhanced digital wallet which is capable of performing extended functionality beyond that of known cryptocurrency wallets. A system in accordance with the invention comprises a digital wallet; and a process execution component, e.g. an interpreter, embedded within, associated with, or arranged to interact with the digital wallet. The interpreter is arranged to execute or initiate at least one process in response to at least one trigger associated with or provided in a script for a blockchain transaction. The trigger may comprise one or more codes and/or parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventor: Craig Steven WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20200366714
    Abstract: The invention provides mechanisms for enhancing the security and protection of a computer-based system or network. It relates, in part, to the use of a decoy (which may be termed “honeypot” or “honeynet”) for collecting attacker-related data, and/or diverting malicious behaviour away from legitimate resources. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising the steps of receiving, processing and logging network traffic data of a plurality of users, where the network traffic is received from a plurality of participating users; determining an attacker profile from the network traffic data; determining a honeypot or honeynet configuration based on the attacker profile; and upon receipt of a valid information request from a user of the plurality of users, providing the determined attacker profile and configuration to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventor: Craig Steven WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20200344071
    Abstract: A method of encrypting data at an electronic device where the electronic device is associated with a key device. Each device is associated with an asymmetric cryptography pair, each pair including a first private key and a first public key. Respective second private and public keys may be determined based on the first private key, first public key and a deterministic key. A secret may be determined based on the second private and public keys. The data at the electronic device may be encrypted using the determined secret or an encryption key that is based on the secret. Information indicative of the deterministic key may be sent to the key device where the information may be stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Craig Steven Wright, Stephane Savanah
  • Publication number: 20200324915
    Abstract: Systems and methods for moving a vehicle component relative to the vehicle, the system including first and second upwardly-extending supports; a lift frame between the first and second supports including a crossbeam, and a pair of cambered truss assemblies secured to the crossbeam and configured to be attached to the vehicle component; movable first and second crossbeam support assemblies on the first and second supports to support the rotation of the crossbeam; a first lift mechanism configured to move the first crossbeam support assembly along the first support in response to a first control signal; a rotational drive mechanism configured to rotate the crossbeam relative to the first and second crossbeam support assemblies in response to a second control signal; and an electronic controller configured to generate the first and second control signals to change the position of the vehicle component relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert Steven Wright, James Tane Iwamoto, Jack William Mauldin, August West McKenna, Richard Kevin Wilson, Bruce Allen Biskup
  • Publication number: 20200325797
    Abstract: Positioning system and method for positioning engine components on an aircraft, the system including a moveable support for the engine component, a laser assembly, and a system controller. First and second lasers of the laser assembly align their respective beams with an engine target position on the aircraft and provide an indication of a first angle of the first laser beam to a reference line, and an indication of a second angle of the second laser beam to the reference line; and the system controller is configured to rotate the moveable support to rotationally position the engine component, determine the vertical distance between the engine component and the target position based at least in part on the first and second angles, and to control a lift mechanism to reduce the vertical distance between the engine component and the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert Steven Wright, James Tane Iwamoto, Jack William Mauldin, August West McKenna, Richard Kevin Wilson, Bruce Allen Biskup