Abstract: System and method for registering a vehicle monitoring device with a central monitoring system, comprising determining a monitoring device identifier, determining a vehicle identifier from an on-board diagnostic system, establishing a communication link between the vehicle monitoring device and the central monitoring system, and sending the monitoring device identifier and vehicle identifier to the central monitoring system from the vehicle monitoring device.

Abstract: System and method for remotely deactivating a vehicle, comprising monitoring operations of the vehicle using an on-board monitoring system, detecting when one or more of the operations meet one or more preset criteria, and disabling the vehicle via the on-board monitoring system.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring the operation of a vehicle, comprising a housing having an accelerometer unit, and a global positioning system (GPS) unit, wherein the housing is adapted to be mounted in a window of the vehicle, and wherein the system is adapted to be powered by an on-board diagnostic system of the vehicle.

Abstract: System and method for identifying speeding violations, comprising determining a current speed and a current location of a vehicle, determining a posted speed limit for the current location from a speed-by-street database, comparing the current speed of the vehicle to the posted speed limit, and evaluating whether the current speed exceeds the posted speed limit. Errors are identified in the speed-by-street database by storing a plurality of speeding violation records, wherein the speeding violation records each include a speeding event location; analyzing the speeding violation records to identify one or more speeding event locations having multiple speeding violations; comparing a posted speed limit at the one or more speeding event locations having multiple speeding violations to corresponding speed limit data in the speed-by-street database; and identifying one or more speed limit entries in the speed-by-street database that do not match the posted speed limit.

Abstract: System and method for evaluating driver performance, comprising detecting operations of a vehicle using an on-board vehicle monitoring system, comparing the operations to predetermined criteria, identifying violations of the predetermined criteria, tracking violations that occur during an evaluation period, and, at the end of the evaluation period, calculating a grade associated with operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: System and method for modifying the operation of an engine comprising an engine control unit coupled to the engine, a command module coupled to the engine control unit, wherein the command module is operable to modify operating characteristics of the engine by reconfiguring the function of the engine control unit. The engine control unit further comprises software and/or firmware, and the command module reconfigures the function of the engine control unit by altering the software and/or firmware. The command module may modify the engine operation, for example, based upon environmental conditions, topographic conditions, and/or traffic conditions.

Abstract: A tool for extracting a helicoil from a threaded hole is provided. The tool includes a wedge member which is configured such that it is capable of wedging one end of the helicoil away from the threads. The tool is also equipped with a pair of jaws which engage the end of the helicoil once it is wedged away from the threads. The tool is then twisted in such a direction that the helicoil tends to be contracted toward its longitudinal axis. Continued turning of the tool in this manner results in extraction of the helicoil from the threaded hole. The tool may also be equipped with a forward cylindrical member for positioning the tool within the interior of the helicoil prior to engagement of the helicoil.