Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop and a burner mounted on the cooktop. At least one coupling member is coupled to the cooktop. A grate, a griddle, or a reversible griddle is selectively coupled to the at least one coupling member and is operable between a raised position and a lowered position when the grate, the griddle, or the reversible griddle, is engaged with the coupling member.

Abstract: A temperature sensor is mounted on the inside surface of a stationary race around which a rotatable race rotates. Electric signals from the temperature sensor are converted into acoustic signals. Without the use of any hard wires, the acoustic signals are received by an acoustic-electric transducer mounted on the outside surface of the bearing housing. These electric signals from the acoustic-electric transducer are frequency demodulated and converted into signals which indicate on a display panel the temperatures within the bearing.

Abstract: One or more sensors are mounted on the inside surface of a stationary race/sensor mount assembly in the bearing housing. A parameter sensed by the sensor is electronically fed to the outside surface of the stationary race/sensor mount assembly and detected by a transmitter mounted in the housing. The detected information is electrically fed from the transmitter to an electronic system located outside the housing.

Abstract: A voice controlled vehicle accessory system is responsive to voice commands and/or manual commands, wherein the manual commands are entered via a single pushbutton having multiple functions depending upon the instantaneous state of a system controller. The present invention provides an accessory control which avoids false activation of the system by the voice recognition unit while improving accessability of the accessory to a user by providing manual control.

Abstract: Two shaft sections have a common axis and overlapping end portions. Connecting pins on the end portions extend through sleeves on the end portions. A snap ring or similar device is releasably attached to the connecting pins to hold the connecting pins within the sleeves and to release the connecting pins when a predetermined force is applied. Alternatively, a deformable strap holds flanges on the end portions together and releases the flanges when a predetermined force is applied. Also disclosed is a sequential connecting device having a second mechanism to hold the two end portions together after the initial release and to provide a second release when a second predetermined force is applied.

Abstract: A mobile communication apparatus such as a cellular telephone for automotive use is provided with selectable modes for accessing stored telephone numbers either by speed-dial codes (i.e., memory storage location) or alphabetic names associated with each telephone number. A user interface is employed having an alpha mode for displaying and entering alphabetic names corresponding to telephone numbers. The alpha mode includes a jump function and a scrolling function for browsing stored alphabetic names. A normal mode is provided for storing telephone numbers at desired storage locations. A speed-dial mode is also provided for instant dialing of the most frequently called numbers.

Abstract: Two shaft sections have a common axis and overlapping end portions. Connecting pins on the end portions extend through sleeves on the end portions. A snap ring or similar device is releasably attached to the connecting pins to hold the connecting pins within the sleeves and to release the connecting pins when a predetermined force is applied. Alternatively, a deformable strap holds flanges on the end portions together and releases the flanges when a predetermined force is applied. Also disclosed is a sequential connecting device having a second mechanism to hold the two end portions together after the initial release and to provide a second release when a second predetermined force is applied.