Abstract: A request for a parking space is received from a requesting vehicle. Data is received from at least one data-collecting vehicle related to at least one parking space. Based at least in part on the received data, a parking availability map is generated indicating a parking space appropriate for the requesting vehicle. If the parking space is occupied by an unauthorized vehicle, a message is provided to a parking enforcement authority that the parking space is occupied by an unauthorized vehicle.

Abstract: A request to identify a parking spot is received. A response to the request, including an identification of at least one available parking spot, is provided. A parking spot selected from the response is identified. Data relating to the selected spot are collected. A user profile based on the collected data is updated.

Abstract: A request to identify a parking spot is received. A response to the request, including an identification of at least one available parking spot, is provided. A parking spot selected from the response is identified. Data relating to the selected spot are collected. A user profile based on the collected data is updated.

Abstract: A user is detected in a vicinity of a shared transportation vehicle by identifying a user device and determining a location of the user device. Parameters are determined for user travel of a route of the shared transportation vehicle. A message is targeted to a device of the detected user based on a location of the detected user.

Abstract: A request for a parking space is received from a requesting vehicle. Data is received from at least one data-collecting vehicle related to at least one parking space. Based at least in part on the received data, a parking availability map is generated indicating a parking space appropriate for the requesting vehicle. If the parking space is occupied by an unauthorized vehicle, a message is provided to a parking enforcement authority that the parking space is occupied by an unauthorized vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring data from a motor vehicle to a remote data processing system includes a first plug-in device for insertable into an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port of the vehicle and a second plug-in device insertable into a power socket of the vehicle. The first plug-in device receives power from and collects diagnostic data from the OBD port and transmits the data via a short-range communications link. The second plug-in device receives power from the power socket, receives the diagnostic data transmitted by the first plug-in device, and re-transmits the diagnostic data along with a geographic location of the vehicle to a remote data processing system. The apparatus provides a simple and cost-effective device that can be fitted to the current vehicle stock in order to enable the rapid introduction of intelligent vehicle monitoring systems.

Abstract: A trash receptacle including a valve mounted in the bottom thereof for breaking a suction which is created when the trash liner positioned within the receptacle is lifted for the purposes of trash removal. The valve is mounted in the central, raised bottom portion of the container. The central portion forms a recess portion and is surrounded by a periperal portion having radially extending passages. The valve includes a flexible diaphragm the peripheral portion of which remains in sealing engagement with the inside surface of the container and covers the air holes extending from the outside surface to the inside surface of the container. When the liner is lifted, the diaphragm flexes upwardly due to the suction pressure and allows air to flow inwardly to break the suction.