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: For use in warning motorist, especially those who are hearing impaired, of an approaching emergency vehicle, a new and useful invention comprises a transmitter which is installed into an emergency vehicle and activated upon an emergency run. A low frequency signal is sent out over the emergency vehicles original equipment antenna system and is picked up by motorist having a receiver unit mounted to their dash panel. The signal is processed into visual and audio warnings whenever a transmitting emergency vehicle is within close proximity to the receiving vehicle. The receiver is on full time when the motor vehicle is in operation thereby allowing suitable response time for motorist to take appropriate action in yielding to the emergency vehicle. The transmitter does however have an on/off switch as well as a visual and audio means for monitoring the transmitted signal.

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.

Abstract: A novel toaster for everyday household use comprises a conveyor which carries items to be toasted past electrical heating panels. The toaster has an entrance wherein the item is inserted vertically from a fed tray onto the conveyor. The heating panels, placed above and below the toasting cavity, heat to a constant temperature wherein the level of toasting is controlled by setting the travel speed of the conveyor. The apparatus is encompassed by a rectangular body shell and has a translucent door for side access. Additionally, the body has a butter well located in the top surface. Butter is placed in the well which has a plurality of apertures for allowing the butter to drip onto the passing food item below. The well absorbs the ambient heat from the appliance to facilitate the butter meltdown.

Abstract: A novel electronic device is provided that primarily is connected to a vehicle and programmed to alert its operator as to when to perform preventive maintenance task, such as change engine oil or replace brakes. The device alerts from the actual time the equipment is in use, as opposed to the net forward mileage. The device can either be original equipment or after-market retrofit. The disclosure has secondary uses in heavy-equipment, refrigeration, fire safety, and recreational vehicles.