Abstract: A communication system and methods are disclosed for use with vehicles. The communication system permits toll-free, local communication between people in two different vehicles using communicators that are synchronizable to a common operative channel or frequency with low-noise.

Abstract: A method for selectively shunting an acoustic driver within an electronic device detects the presence of a squelch signal from a local emitter and automatically shunts the acoustic driver in response to the detection, free of any communication back to the emitter. The squelch signal originates from an emitter which is positioned extrinsic to the device, and can be broadcast so as to define a zone of influence within which the acoustic drivers of electronic devices will be squelched. In lieu of an acoustic driver, a vibrator can be activated to quietly alert the user of the incoming message while the squelch signal is present. As a result, the invention enables a proprietor to a greater degree of control over ringing and beeping noises generated by such devices when positioned within a designated space. A broadcast system for defining the zone of influence and electronic devices that include circuitry that implement the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for processing and cooking food comprises a base housing a heating element for a food cooking function and a controllable motor for a food processing function. A container seatable on the base has an inlet for introducing food and an outlet for processed food. A blade is rotatably mounted within the container and driven by the controllable motor to process any food that is introduced into the container. A removable pan is seatable on the base proximate to the heating element to define a cooking surface. The outlet is positioned relative to the removable pan so that any food introduced into the container exits the outlet directly onto the cooking surface. A spatula can be coupled to the base and positioned within the removable pan for movement across the cooking surface to stir the processed food as it is cooked. A method is also disclosed.