Patents by Inventor William David Smith, II

William David Smith, II 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: 11716626
    Abstract: A network access control system includes a communication device and an authorization system. The communication device is configured to communicate time-critical messages through a time-sensitive network during scheduled time windows. The communication device is further configured to be communicatively connected to a candidate device and to receive a network access request from the candidate device while blocking the candidate device from communicating through the time-sensitive network. The authorization system is communicatively connected to the communication device and configured to authorize the candidate device via a multi-factor authentication protocol that requires a user of the candidate device to successfully provide multiple identification factors. In response to the authorization system authorizing the candidate device, the communication device is configured to grant the candidate device restricted access to one or more of send or receive approved messages through the time-sensitive network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Abdul Jabbar, William David Smith, II
  • Patent number: 11477083
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus including a plurality of network interfaces, including a first network interface and a second network interface. The apparatus also includes a processor with two or more independent processing units, including a first independent processing unit and a second independent processing unit. The apparatus further includes a memory having first instructions and second instructions stored thereon. Execution of the first instructions, cause the first independent processing unit to execute operations associated with a first operating system and communicate, via the first network interface, over a bi-direction communication, with one or more platform computing devices. Execution of the second instructions, cause the second independent processing unit to execute real-time operations associated with a second operating system and communicate, via the second network interface, with one or more computing devices each having one or more sensors thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: INTELLIGENT PLATFORMS, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Halvard Miller, Keith George McNab, Wesley Michael Skeffington, Michael Joseph Yoensky, Steven J. Sullivan, William David Smith, II, John Ronald Burr
  • Patent number: 11349872
    Abstract: A secure communication path device includes a first secure communication validator providing a one-way communication path from a security domain by implementing a secure protocol parser, a second secure communication validator providing a one-way communication path from a second security domain by implementing a secure second protocol parser. Each validator including respective serial/de-serializer units providing a unidirectional communication path from their respective security domain. The device hardware segregating respective communications of the security domains within the secure communication path device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William David Smith, II, Krzysztof Kepa, David Safford
  • Publication number: 20210160285
    Abstract: A secure communication path device includes a first secure communication validator providing a one-way communication path from a security domain by implementing a secure protocol parser, a second secure communication validator providing a one-way communication path from a second security domain by implementing a secure second protocol parser. Each validator including respective serial/de-serializer units providing a unidirectional communication path from their respective security domain. The device hardware segregating respective communications of the security domains within the secure communication path device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: William David SMITH, II, Krzysztof KEPA, David SAFFORD
  • Publication number: 20210120418
    Abstract: A network access control system includes a communication device and an authorization system. The communication device is configured to communicate time-critical messages through a time-sensitive network during scheduled time windows. The communication device is further configured to be communicatively connected to a candidate device and to receive a network access request from the candidate device while blocking the candidate device from communicating through the time-sensitive network. The authorization system is communicatively connected to the communication device and configured to authorize the candidate device via a multi-factor authentication protocol that requires a user of the candidate device to successfully provide multiple identification factors. In response to the authorization system authorizing the candidate device, the communication device is configured to grant the candidate device restricted access to one or more of send or receive approved messages through the time-sensitive network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Abdul Jabbar, William David Smith, II
  • Patent number: 10747579
    Abstract: Provided are a device and method for allocating system resources. In one example, the method includes identifying resources that are available from a plurality of devices included in a system, allocating available resources of the plurality of devices to a plurality of components operating in the system, the allocating comprising reserving a set of resources from the plurality of devices in the system for each respective component, from among the plurality of components, based on operating requirements included in the metadata of the respective component, and managing the system based on the allocated resources. By allocating resources to components executing in the system, in advance, and preventing other components from consuming those resources, the system can operate with improved stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel White Sexton, Austars Raymond Schnore, Jr., William David Smith, II, Wesley Michael Skeffington, Joel Frederick Markham
  • Patent number: 10706179
    Abstract: The example embodiments are directed to a system and method for secure provisioning of secrets into MPSoC devices using untrusted third-party systems. In one example, the method includes generating a random number sequence from a true random number generator to produce secret information, storing the secret information in an on-chip secure storage, encrypting, in a device and using public key encryption, the secret information to generate an encrypted message, and transmitting the encrypted message to a third-party system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Krzysztof Michal Kepa, Willard Monten Wiseman, David Safford, Wesley Michael Skeffington, William David Smith, II
  • Patent number: 10489597
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system may include a communication port to exchange information with a client device associated with an industrial control system. A network security server coupled to the communication port may include a computer processor adapted to provide a network security service for the client device. The computer processor may further be adapted to record security information about the client device via a blockchain verification process (e.g., by registering a validation result within a distributed ledger). The network security service might comprise, for example, an integrity attestation service providing software verification for the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Safford, Atul Kshirsagar, William David Smith, II, Richard Paul Messmer
  • Publication number: 20190213359
    Abstract: The example embodiments are directed to a system and method for secure provisioning of secrets into MPSoC devices using untrusted third-party systems. In one example, the method includes generating a random number sequence from a true random number generator to produce secret information, storing the secret information in an on-chip secure storage, encrypting, in a device and using public key encryption, the secret information to generate an encrypted message, and transmitting the encrypted message to a third-party system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: July 11, 2019
    Inventors: Krzysztof Michal KEPA, Willard Monten WISEMAN, David SAFFORD, Wesley Michael SKEFFINGTON, William David SMITH II
  • Publication number: 20190188044
    Abstract: Provided are a device and method for allocating system resources. In one example, the method includes identifying resources that are available from a plurality of devices included in a system, allocating available resources of the plurality of devices to a plurality of components operating in the system, the allocating comprising reserving a set of resources from the plurality of devices in the system for each respective component, from among the plurality of components, based on operating requirements included in the metadata of the respective component, and managing the system based on the allocated resources. By allocating resources to components executing in the system, in advance, and preventing other components from consuming those resources, the system can operate with improved stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel White SEXTON, Austars Raymond SCHNORE, JR., William David SMITH, II, Wesley Michael SKEFFINGTON, Joel Frederick MARKHAM
  • Patent number: 10261838
    Abstract: Provided are a device and method for allocating system resources. In one example, the method includes identifying resources that are available from a plurality of devices included in a system, allocating available resources of the plurality of devices to a plurality of components operating in the system, the allocating comprising reserving a set of resources from the plurality of devices in the system for each respective component, from among the plurality of components, based on operating requirements included in the metadata of the respective component, and managing the system based on the allocated resources. By allocating resources to components executing in the system, in advance, and preventing other components from consuming those resources, the system can operate with improved stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel White Sexton, Austars Raymond Schnore, Jr., William David Smith, II, Wesley Michael Skeffington, Joel Frederick Markham
  • Patent number: 10210333
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an overall chain-of-trust may be established for an industrial control system. Secure hardware may be provided, including a hardware security module coupled to or integrated with a processor of the industrial control system to provide a hardware root-of-trust. Similarly, secure firmware associated with a secure boot mechanism such that the processor executes a trusted operating system, wherein the secure boot mechanism includes one or more of a measured boot, a trusted boot, and a protected boot. Objects may be accessed via secure data storage, and data may be exchanged via secure communications in accordance with information stored in the hardware security model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: William David Smith, II, Safayet Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Joseph Czechowski, III, David Safford
  • Patent number: 10120983
    Abstract: A digital rights management (DRM) scheme enables a user having a valid license to digital content to create one or more copies of the content. The number of copies is limited by the DRM scheme. However, if the user is not connected or connectable to the content provider or licensing party when additional copies are desired, the user is permitted to create one or more additional copies without deleting or disabling other copies even though the additional copies exceed the number otherwise permitted by the DRM scheme. The number of such “float” copies may be limited. Rights to such additional copies may be withdrawn during a subsequent connection session between the user and the content provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA, LLC
    Inventors: William David Smith, II, Mark Richard Gilder, Virginia Ann Zingelewicz, William Mandel
  • Publication number: 20180287780
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system may include a communication port to exchange information with a client device associated with an industrial control system. A network security server coupled to the communication port may include a computer processor adapted to provide a network security service for the client device. The computer processor may further be adapted to record security information about the client device via a blockchain verification process (e.g., by registering a validation result within a distributed ledger). The network security service might comprise, for example, an integrity attestation service providing software verification for the client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: David SAFFORD, Atul KSHIRSAGAR, William David SMITH, II, Richard Paul MESSMER
  • Publication number: 20180046515
    Abstract: Provided are a device and method for allocating system resources. In one example, the method includes identifying resources that are available from a plurality of devices included in a system, allocating available resources of the plurality of devices to a plurality of components operating in the system, the allocating comprising reserving a set of resources from the plurality of devices in the system for each respective component, from among the plurality of components, based on operating requirements included in the metadata of the respective component, and managing the system based on the allocated resources. By allocating resources to components executing in the system, in advance, and preventing other components from consuming those resources, the system can operate with improved stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel White SEXTON, Austars Raymond SCHNORE, JR., William David SMITH, II, Wesley Michael SKEFFINGTON, Joel Frederick MARKHAM
  • Publication number: 20180004953
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, an overall chain-of-trust may be established for an industrial control system. Secure hardware may be provided, including a hardware security module coupled to or integrated with a processor of the industrial control system to provide a hardware root-of-trust. Similarly, secure firmware associated with a secure boot mechanism such that the processor executes a trusted operating system, wherein the secure boot mechanism includes one or more of a measured boot, a trusted boot, and a protected boot. Objects may be accessed via secure data storage, and data may be exchanged via secure communications in accordance with information stored in the hardware security model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: William David Smith, II, Safayet Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Joseph Czechowski, III, David Safford
  • Patent number: 9342358
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling processor instruction execution. In one example, a method for synchronizing a number of instructions performed by processors includes instructing a first processor to iteratively execute instructions via a first set of iterations until a predetermined time period has elapsed. A number of instructions executed in each iteration of the first set of iterations is less than a number of instructions executed in a prior iteration of the first set of iterations. The method also includes instructing a second processor to iteratively execute instructions via a second set of iterations until the predetermined time period has elapsed. A number of instructions executed in each iteration of the second set of iterations is less than a number of instructions executed in a prior iteration of the second set of iterations. The method includes determining whether additional instructions are to be executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William David Smith, II, Safayet Nizam Uddin Ahmed, Jon Marc Diekema
  • Patent number: 9256426
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling processor instruction execution. In one example, a method for controlling a total number of instructions executed by a processor includes instructing the processor to iteratively execute instructions via multiple iterations until a predetermined time period has elapsed. A number of instructions executed in each iteration of the iterations is less than a number of instructions executed in a prior iteration of the iterations. The method also includes determining the total number of instructions executed during the predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William David Smith, II, Jon Marc Diekema, Joshua Nathaniel Edmison, Safayet Nizam Uddin Ahmed
  • Publication number: 20140082340
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling processor instruction execution. In one example, a method for controlling a total number of instructions executed by a processor includes instructing the processor to iteratively execute instructions via multiple iterations until a predetermined time period has elapsed. A number of instructions executed in each iteration of the iterations is less than a number of instructions executed in a prior iteration of the iterations. The method also includes determining the total number of instructions executed during the predetermined time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William David Smith, II, Jon Marc Diekema, Joshua Nathaniel Edmison, Safayet Nizam Uddin Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8606846
    Abstract: The acceleration of peer-to-peer downloads of content files wherein a tracker performs a condition based peer selection that is dynamically adjustable. A further feature relates to the use of enhanced message scheme for communications. One embodiment is a system in a swarm having at least one origin seed capable of at least initially storing the content files with at least one tracker maintaining a list of peers wherein the tracker uses at least one dynamically adjusting peer selection algorithm to generate a condition based peer-list and provides the condition based peer-list to a requesting peer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: NBCUniversal Media, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Czechowski, III, William David Smith, II, Xi Wang, Christopher Duane Carothers