SIGNALING AND REMOTE CONTROL TRAIN OPERATION

• US 20140299715A1
• Filed: 03/06/2014
• Published: 10/09/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 08/17/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: QSIndustries Incorporated (QS INDUSTRIES)
• Original Assignee: QSIndustries Incorporated (QS INDUSTRIES)
• Inventors: Severson, Frederick E.
• Granted Patent: US 9,511,303 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 246/187.A
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 19/24 Electric toy railways; Systems therefor

Abstract

A model train and layout control system based on on-board sound and locomotive modules, new signaling methods, bi-directional communication, environmental sound, turnout control, train location methods, computer interaction and accessory control, by adding components to existing technology. AC power signal waveforms are variously altered to convey digital command words.

Claims

1. A power supply for a model railroad layout, comprising:

an AC transformer arranged to provide an adjustable-voltage AC track power signal and a fixed AC accessory voltage signal;

a pass device coupled to the AC transformer for controllably phase modulating the fixed AC accessory voltage signal to form an altered AC accessory voltage signal;

a relay arranged for connection to a model railroad track, the relay coupled to the AC transformer to receive the adjustable AC track power signal, and coupled to an output terminal of the pass device to receive the altered AC accessory voltage signal; and

a microprocessor, the microprocessor having a first output arranged for controlling the pass device for controllably phase modulating the AC accessory voltage signal for encoding a desired digital command word, and the microprocessor having a second output for controlling the relay for switching between the AC track power signal and the altered AC accessory voltage signal.

2. A method for use in a model railroad locomotive comprising:

providing a smoke generator disposed at a first location in a model railroad locomotive;

coupling the smoke generator to an on-board micro-processor in the model railroad locomotive for controlling the smoke generator; and

under control of the on-board micro-processor, distributing smoke generated by the smoke generator to a second location in the model railroad locomotive, the second location spaced apart from the first location, for controllably simulating an emission of smoke or steam from the second location.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the second location is adjacent to a steam generator (dynamo) disposed in the model railroad locomotive, so as to simulate steam emissions from the steam generator when the smoke generator is activated.

4. The method of claim 2 including assigning a digital command word for activating the smoke generator;

and

sending the assigned digital command word to the on-board micro-processor using a multi-button add-on controller coupled to a power supply that powers the locomotive.

5. The method of claim 2 and further comprising:

providing an imitation whistle disposed at the second location; and

activating the smoke generator to simulate steam emission from the whistle when the whistle is operated.

6. The method of claim 2 and further comprising:

providing a steam chest disposed at the second location; and

activating the smoke generator to simulate steam emission around the steam chest.

7. The method of claim 6 and further comprising:

activating the smoke generator to simulate steam exhaust from an open steam cocks used to clear out condensed water in the steam chest.

8. The method of claim 2 and further comprising:

activating the smoke generator to simulate smoke and steam exhaust from steam locomotive blowers.

9. The method of claim 2 and further comprising:

in the micro-processor, calculating an amount of smoke based on at least one parameter selected from a set of parameters that includes simulated train load, horse power, type of fuel, throttle setting, acceleration, speed, and simulated ambient temperature; and

operating the smoke generator under control of the micro-processor responsive to the calculation.

10. A method for use in a model railroad locomotive comprising:

providing a smoke generator disposed in a model railroad locomotive;

providing an on-board micro-processor in the model railroad locomotive arranged for controlling the smoke generator;

in the micro-processor, calculating an amount of smoke based on at least one parameter selected from a set of parameters that includes simulated train load, horse power, type of fuel, throttle setting, acceleration, speed, and simulated ambient temperature; and

operating the smoke generator under control of the micro-processor responsive to the calculation.

11. The method of claim 10 and further comprising:

in the micro-processor, controlling the smoke generator so as to provide heavy smoking under acceleration while the locomotive is working hard.

12. The method of claim 11 and further comprising:

in the micro-processor, controlling the smoke generator so as reduce smoking to a lower level when the train is moving at constant speed or when it is stopped.

13. The method of claim 10 and further comprising:

controlling the smoke generator so as generate a first level of smoke when a locomotive has just entered neutral, and then shut it down to second, lower level of smoke after a predetermined time interval.

14. The method of claim 10 and further comprising:

in the case of a model steam locomotive, after it stops in neutral;

first, activating a blower sound effect;

second, waiting for a predetermined delay time; and

then,

third, controlling the smoke generator to increase the amount of smoke seen venting from the smoke stack of the model steam locomotive.

15. A method for use in a model railroad locomotive comprising:

providing a smoke generator disposed in a model railroad locomotive;

providing an on-board micro-processor in the locomotive arranged for controlling the smoke generator; and

in the micro-processor, controlling the smoke generator to simulate steam emissions.

16. The method according to claim 15 wherein the micro-processor is arranged to monitor distance traveled by the locomotive, and to control the smoke generator to simulate a smoking hot box when the distance traveled exceeds a predetermined maintenance interval.

17. The method according to claim 15 wherein the micro-processor is arranged to monitor braking effects, and to actuate the smoke generator to emit smoke near wheels on at least one truck of the locomotive to simulate the burning off of brake pads responsive to heavy braking.

18. The method according to claim 15 wherein the on-board micro-processor is arranged to control the smoke generator to eject high-pressure smoke out either side of the locomotive as it starts out to simulate the operation of steam cylinder cocks.

19. The method according to claim 18 and further comprising:

generating, in an on-board sound system, a steam hiss sound; and

combining the steam hiss sound with the ejection of high-pressure smoke from the locomotive.

20. The method according to claim 15 wherein:

the on-board micro-processor is arranged to control the smoke generator to simulate that a load is on fire; and

the on-board micro-processor is further arranged to control on-board lighting so as simulate the flickering and varied light given off from a fire;

whereby

the fire lighting and smoke effects are coordinated to actuate concurrently.

21. The method according to claim 15 and further comprising:

providing an atomizer, to produce selected odors by vaporizing selected chemicals;

wherein the atomizer is under control of the on-board micro-processor; and

in the micro-processor, controlling the atomizer so as to operate in concert with specific sounds, lights or the movement of mechanical apparatus.

22. A method for use in rolling stock on a model railroad layout comprising:

providing a smoke generator in a passenger car;

controlling the smoke generator using a micro-processor to emulate smoke emissions from old style wood or coal stoves in the passenger car.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the micro-processor is disposed within the passenger car.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the micro-processor is disposed within a locomotive disposed in the same consist on the model railroad layout;

and

the micro-processor communicates control commands over the track to the smoke generator.