×

Arrangement for controlling simultaneously several electric toys by a single circuit

  • US 3,955,129 A
  • Filed: 01/21/1974
  • Issued: 05/04/1976
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/02/1973
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A model train system comprising apparatus for converting a conventional single electric model DC train set having a conventional remote control console for operating of such single train from any conventional AC utility current supply outlet on track rails comprising the energizing and control signal circuit thereof;

  • to a multi-train/common track system having an individual remote control console for each train added thereon, so that the trains can be simultaneously and individually controlled in speed and direction without any electrical interference therebetween;

    comprisingan input circuit cable plug for connecting the system to a conventional AC utility outlet source of supply voltage for driving and controlling the conventional train by means of the conventional train control console for starting the conventional train in a selected direction and adjusting the speed thereof by changing the amplitude and polarity direction of the energizing DC voltage applied to said conventional train, as desired;

    an additional train mounted to run on said track, comprising a driving unit circuit containing a receiving capacitor circuit acting to separate a selected pulsed supply voltage from the DC voltage applied to said conventional train, and an individual rectifier circuit, whereby variations in amplitude of such pulsed voltage are converted to a corresponding variable DC voltage for energizing the motor of said additional train;

    such pulsed supply voltage being of relatively low frequency that is, however, substantially higher than that (25 - 60 H) of said utility AC outlet;

    a pulse-wave generator connected to said pulsed supply voltage circuit for applying voltage pulses to the driving unit circuit of said additional train by way of said track; and

    an auxiliary individual control console for said additional train comprising a potentiometer having a contact movable to either side of center for setting the direction of the polarity and amplitude of the pulses applied to the driving unit circuit of said additional train for controlling the direction and speed of the latter on said track; and

    capacitor and inductor means associated with said DC and pulsed supply circuits, respectively, for protecting the pulsed circuit from direct current of the former, and for protecting the DC circuit from alternating current of the pulsed supply circuit, when both trains are operated on said track;

    such pulsed supply voltage being in the form of nonsymmetrical half waves having a time-average value of substantially zero, whereby the difference voltages of both maximum values serves for determining the direction of the so-controlled vehicle;

    the pulse repetition frequency being equal to a multiple of that of the AC utility line outlet supply, thereby providing a sufficiently high voltage for reliable starting and acceleration of the additional train, providing that when the amplitude of the supply voltage pulses increases, the pulse width also increases at substantially fixed pulse repetition frequency, whereby smooth transition exists from start-up to full-speed steady-state voltage conditions;

    said auxiliary control console of said additional train being connected in series between the circuit for the first train and the rail circuit, so that the pulsed supply voltage circuit is superimposed upon the DC supply voltage, and the control consoles are both connected to the common AC utility outlet.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×