Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and regulating for-hire vehicles (FHV) are provided. A server receives information relating to authorized vehicles (often based on medallions assigned by the local government transportation agency), algorithms and parameters for FHV fare calculation, as well as information about authorized drivers and authorized dispatchers, from one or in some cases several regulatory entities. The server receives time and/or distance data associated with an FHV trip from a device (usually a mobile device like a smart phone for example) traveling with the FHV and uses such information to calculate a fare for the trip. The server is configured to receive requests for transportation services from mobile devices, and to dispatch FHVs, either directly (by automatically sending a dispatch signal to the selected FHV) or through a third-party (such as a traditional dispatch service). The collected real-time information may be used to optimize the utilization of FHV resources.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and transmitting on-board diagnostics (OBD) signals are provided. An electronic device includes a housing, an OBD engagement member configured to physically engage with an OBD port of an (FHV) and receive power and data communications therefrom. Computer circuitry disposed at least partially within the housing is configured to receive time, location, and/or distance information associated with a trip taken by the FHV, the information being received through the OBD port of the FHV. The computer circuitry is further configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more computing devices disposed within the FHV over a local area network when the on-board diagnostics device is connected to the OBD port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calculating fares for-hire vehicle (FHV) trips are provided. Trip data, such as time, distance, location, or other trip-related data, is received over a network from a computing device disposed within a remotely-located FHV. The trip data is used to calculate a trip fare, which is provided to the computing device over a wide area network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating and managing for-hire vehicle (FHV) fare calculation algorithms and parameters are provided. Fare calculation and parameter information associated with a plurality of jurisdictions regulated by one or more regulatory entities is stored in a database. An authorized user may use a web-based software program to input updated fare calculation and parameter information for a jurisdiction. The updated fare calculation and parameter information is stored, and trip fares are calculated based at least partially on the updated fare calculation and where appropriate parameter information as well as trip distance and/or time information provided by a mobile computing device when the fare is related to an FHV trip taken within the jurisdiction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for engaging a for-hire vehicle (FHV) are provided. A mobile computing device receives information from a remote server indicating FHV activity in a geographical region of interest. A user interface of the mobile computing device displays a map having one or more icons thereon indicating locations of one or more FHVs. A user provides an input indicating a desire to hail one of the one or more FHVs, and receives an acceptance of hail. Once within range of the FHV, the device links with a computing device disposed within the hailed FHV over a local area network, providing information related an FHV trip to the remote server, receiving a calculated fare, and displaying the calculated fare to the user.

Abstract: A computer system storing parameters pertaining to the regulatory restrictions placed on a for-hire vehicle compares the parameters to a current operating environment of the for-hire vehicle. In some embodiments, the computer system acts as the meter (such as a taximeter) of the for-hire vehicle. The operating parameters may include expiration or exclusion parameters that define the scope of operation of the for-hire vehicle stemming from the for-hire vehicle's medallion or certificate of public convenience and necessity. The expiration or exclusion parameters may also correspond to a driver's permit or any general regulation enacted by the regulatory agency. If the current operating environment does not comply with the expiration or exclusion parameters, the computer system shuts down, or enters a standby mode, and may not accept additional passenger fares until the current operating environment complies with the expiration and exclusion parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods of securing, distribution and enforcing for-hire vehicle operating parameters are described whereby a first computer system maintaining the parameters generates a data packet that is distributed to a second computer system which acts as a meter (such as a taximeter, limousine meter or shuttle meter) for the for-hire vehicle. The first computer system may secure or encrypt the data packet according to a security protocol associated with the second computer system. Once the second computer system receives the data packet, it may validate and extract the operating parameters contained within it. The second computer system may then store the operating parameters and operate according to the parameters by, for example, calculating fares for passengers that make use of the for-hire vehicle associated with the second computer system.

Abstract: A multipurpose hook having a fragmentary breast member, a head integral with and extending upwardly from the breast member, the head having a face portion, a beak extending outwardly from the face portion, the beak having an upper member and a lower member, the upper and lower members separated by a slit, and a magnet embedded in the face portion adjacent and below the lower beak member.

Abstract: A dish drying assembly having a base member, a support member, a container and a rack member. The base member includes a top surface, a bottom surface, two sides, a rear end, and a front end having a drainage lip. A sloping support is secured to the base member and slopes downwardly from the rear end to the front end. The container is secured to the base member and has a first horizontal cross-sectional shape. The rack member includes a first opening and a plurality of slats. The first opening has a second horizontal cross-sectional shape that engages the first horizontal cross-sectional shape. A cross-sectional area of the first horizontal cross-sectional shape is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second horizontal cross-sectional shape. Each slat of the plurality of slats is co-planar and parallel to one another, forming a corresponding plurality of slots that are equally spaced apart.

Abstract: A coat rack adapted to support a plurality of clothing articles in a hanging position comprising a base member and a post body being secured to and extending upwardly from the base member. The post body includes at least one groove that is longitudinally disposed therein, and a plurality of hooks where each hook is pivotally secured within each groove and operatively arranged to be positioned into a plurality of hook formations. The post body has a non-planar outer surface, and each of the hooks has a non-planar front surface. The front surface of each hook becomes flush with the outer surface of the post body when the hook is pivotally moved to a first position.

Abstract: A device for holding and displaying an article, such as a photograph, comprising a concave front member having a window therein, and, a convex back member having attachment means operatively arranged to releasably secure the device to an external wall, wherein the front and back members are secured to one another to form an envelope for holding and displaying the article, and to form a slot for insertion and removal of the article, wherein the envelope comprises the slot. The device resembles a curved POLAROID® photograph in appearance.