Abstract: A road hazard warning system provides a warning to a motorist driving a vehicle of a stationary or moving hazard. A warning system includes a transmitter located near the road hazard that generates a radio frequency (RF) warning signal. A receiver is located in the vehicle and receives the RF warning signal. A receiver is located in the vehicle and receives the RF warning signal. The receiver is preferably integrated with an electronic device associated with the vehicle. The electronic device is at least one of a vehicle radio system, a tape player, a compact disc player, a television, an in-car computer, a video game, a telephone, and a global positioning system. The electronic device generates a warning output signal to a speaker or a display when the RF warning signal is detected by the receiver. A vehicle electronics interface is connected to the electronic device and provides a vehicle speed signal to the electronic device. The RF warning system contains data specifying a localized temporary speed limit.

Abstract: A toaster for everyday household use includes a conveyor which carries items to be toasted past electrical heating panels. The toaster has an entrance wherein the items are inserted horizontally from a feed tray onto the conveyor. The feed tray being a cover for the entrance way, when the toaster is not in use, automatically opens to become a feed mechanism which closes after the item to be cooked has entered the toaster. The apparatus further has another door which functions as a cover for the exit hole of the toaster which automatically opens to dispense the cooked food item upon the end of a cooking cycle.

Abstract: A maintenance alert device having a memory for storing information relating to the vehicle is disclosed. More specifically, a housing is provided for containing the components of the device, which include a processor for performing various functions programmed into the device, and a memory connected to the processor for storing information relating to the vehicle. This information may include, but is not limited to, maintenance history records and information relating to replacement parts of the customized vehicle systems. The device further includes a wiring harness for receiving signals from the vehicle, and a port for receiving information generated by the vehicle's odometer. The device also includes an input/output port for transferring information to and from the device. In operation, the maintenance alert device generates various maintenance signals after the occurrence of predetermined events monitored by the processor.