MODEL TRAIN SOUND SIMULATOR

• US 3,839,822 A
• Filed: 05/23/1973
• Issued: 10/08/1974
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/1973
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Willis Ernest Rexford
• Original Assignee: Willis Ernest Rexford
• Inventors: Rexford, Willis Ernest
• Primary Examiner(s): Guida, Antonio F.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Cutting, Robert F.
• Application Number:
  US05/363,282
• Time in Patent Office: 503 Days
• Field of Search: 46/216,232,243M,243LV
• US Class Current: 446/410
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 19/14 Arrangements for imitating locomotive features, e.g. whistling, signalling, puffing

Abstract

A model train sound generator entirely contained within a model train unit to simulate the puffing sound of a locomotive. A model train unit is provided with a wheel adapted to engage a track for rotation during train travel and further includes a sound generating means contained within the model train unit. The sound generating means, in response to a first and second signal supplied by the rotating wheel, simulates the puffing sound of a locomotive.

Claims

1. In a model train, a sound simulator assembly comprising in combination:

a wheel means mounted to said model train and adapted to be rotatably disposed against an energized track; and

sound generator means disposed in said model train, said sound generator means including a noise generating circuit and a loudspeaker and coupled to said wheel means, said sound generator means adapted to generate a first audio representation when a first portion of said wheel means is in contact with the track and a second audio representation when a second portion of said wheel means is in contact with the track.

2. In a model train as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first audio representation is responsive to a first voltage signal supplied by said first portion of said wheel means and said second audio representation is responsive to a seCond voltage supplied by said second portion of said wheel means.

3. In a model train as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first portion and said second portion of said wheel means each includes substantially semicircular conductors.

4. In a model train as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first and second semicircular conductors are electrically insulated from each other, said noise generating circuit is electrically coupled to said first semicircular conductor and said first semicircular conductor is electrically coupled to said second semicircular conductor through an impedance.

5. In a model train as claimed in claim 2 wherein said noise generating circuit includes a white noise generator electrically coupled to said wheel means, an amplifier electrically coupled to said white noise generator, said loudspeaker being electrically coupled to said amplifier.

6. In a model train as claimed in claim 2 wherein both audio representations are hissing sounds of different volumes whereby the sound simulated is that of the puffing of a locomotive.

7. In a model train, as claimed in claim 1, including a single model train unit carrying both said wheel means and said sound generator means.

8. In a model train as claimed in claim 7 wherein said model train unit is a tender car.