Smoke production system for model locomotive

• US 20100015880A1
• Filed: 07/15/2008
• Published: 01/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/15/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert A. Grubba
• Original Assignee: Robert A. Grubba
• Inventors: Grubba, Robert A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,749,040 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 446/25
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 19/02 Locomotives; Motor coaches
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 19/14 Arrangements for imitating locomotive features, e.g. whistling, signalling, puffing

Abstract

A smoke production system for a model locomotive capable of accurately simulating the exhaust characteristics of an actual locomotive. The present invention accomplishes this by monitoring the rotation to the flywheel of the electric motor used to drive the drive wheels of the model locomotive. Various devices may be used to monitor the rotation of the flywheel. For example, a magnet is employed on the flywheel and a magnetically-reactive element such as a reed switch or Hall effect sensor is positioned adjacent to the flywheel. Alternatively, an opticoupler or cam may be used to track the rotations of the flywheel. A controller counts the rotations of the flywheel and actuates a smoke production device to emit smoke four discrete times for every rotation of the model locomotive'"'"'s drive wheel.

Claims

1. A smoke production system for a model locomotive having an electric motor and a flywheel attached thereto, said flywheel mechanically linked to a drive wheel, comprising:

a. a sensor configured to monitor rotation of said flywheel when placed adjacent thereto;

b. a smoke production unit configured to emit smoke upon receipt of an electric current;

c. a controller electrically connected to said sensor and said smoke production unit, said controller configured to count rotations of said flywheel and transmit said electric current to said smoke production unit in response thereto.

2. The smoke production system of claim 1, further comprising a magnet attached to said flywheel, wherein said sensor comprises a magnetically-reactive element.

3. The smoke production system of claim 2, wherein said magnetically-reactive element is a reed switch.

4. The smoke production system of claim 2, wherein said magnetically-reactive element is a Hall effect sensor.

5. The smoke production system of claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises an opticoupler.

6. The smoke production system of claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a cam configured to rotate in unison with said flywheel and a switch actuated by said cam.

7. The smoke production system of claim 1, wherein said controller is configured to transmit said electric current to said smoke production unit four discrete times per rotation of said drive wheel.

8. A model locomotive comprising:

a. an electric motor having a flywheel attached thereto, said flywheel mechanically linked to a drive wheel;

b. a sensor attached to said model locomotive proximal said flywheel, said sensor configured to monitor rotation of said flywheel;

c. a smoke production unit configured to emit smoke upon receipt of an electric current;

d. a controller electrically connected to said sensor and said smoke production unit, said controller configured to count rotations of said flywheel and transmit said electric current to said smoke production unit in response thereto.

9. The model locomotive of claim 8, further comprising a magnet attached to said flywheel, wherein said sensor comprises a magnetically-reactive element.

11. The model locomotive of claim 9, wherein said magnetically-reactive element is a Hall effect sensor.

12. The model locomotive of claim 8, wherein said sensor comprises an opticoupler.

13. The model locomotive of claim 8, wherein said sensor comprises a cam configured to rotate in unison with said flywheel and a switch actuated by said cam.

14. The model locomotive of claim 8, wherein said controller is configured to transmit said electric current to said smoke production unit four discrete times per rotation of said drive wheel.

10. The model locomotive of claim 10, wherein said magnetically-reactive element is a reed switch.