Model train controller using electromagnetic field between track and ground

• US 5,441,223 A
• Filed: 10/08/1993
• Issued: 08/15/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Liontech Company
• Original Assignee: Neil P. Young
• Inventors: Hampton, David M., Young, Neil P.
• Primary Examiner(s): Huppert, Michael S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): LOWE, SCOTT
• Application Number:
  US08/134,102
• Time in Patent Office: 676 Days
• Field of Search: 246/3, 246/4, 246/5, 246/167 R, 246/187 R, 246/182 R, 246/187 A, 246/187 B, 246/191, 246/192 R, 246/193, 246/194, 246/196, 180/167, 104/295, 104/296, 104/297, 104/300, 104/301, 104/302, 104/DIG. 1, 340/825.17, 340/825.07, 340/825.58, 340/825.69, 340/825.72, 340/310 A, 446/433, 446/443, 446/454, 446/455, 446/456, 446/467
• US Class Current: 246/4
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 19/24 Electric toy railways; Systems therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 19/32 Switches or points; Operating means therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 30/04 using wireless transmission

Abstract

A controller for model trains on a train track is provided. The controller transmits control signals between a rail of the track and earth ground, generating an electromagnetic field which extends for several inches around the track. A receiver in the locomotive can then pick up signals from this electromagnetic field.

Claims

1. A control system for transmitting control signals to a model vehicle on a track, comprising:

input means for accepting user input signals;

control means, coupled to said input means, for generating control signals for said model vehicle; and

a transmitter, coupled to said control means, connected between a rail of said track and earth ground, for transmitting said control signals between said rail of said track and earth ground to generate an electromagnetic field above said track, such that said control signals can be received by a receiver on said model vehicle from said electromagnetic field.

2. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a radio frequency receiver on said model vehicle, said transmitter being a radio frequency transmitter.

3. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a hand-held remote transmitter for transmitting user input signals to said input means.

4. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a transformer coupled to two rails of said track in addition to said transmitter for providing power to said track.

5. The control system of claim 1 wherein said model vehicle includes:

a receiver for receiving said control signals through said electromagnetic field;

a microprocessor coupled to said receiver;

an electric motor for driving said model vehicle; and

a switching circuit coupled between said track and said electric motor, having a control input coupled to an output of said microprocessor.

6. The control system of claim 5 wherein said model vehicle further includes:

a manual switch having run and program positions coupled to first and second outputs coupled to said microprocessor;

said microprocessor being programmed to store an address received from said transmitter when accompanied by an address programming command when said manual switch is in said program position.

7. The control system of claim 6 wherein said microprocessor is programmed to cause said switching circuit to start said motor in a forward direction when said manual switch is in a first one of said positions and no commands have been received, and to start said motor in a reverse direction when said manual switch is in a second one of said positions and no command is received.

8. The control system of claim 7 wherein said microprocessor is programmed to cause said switching circuit to start said motor in a last used direction when said switch is in neither of said first and second positions.

9. The control system of claim 5 wherein said switching circuit comprises at least one triac.

10. The control system of claim 5 wherein said microprocessor is programmed, responsive to a received speed command, to control the switching of said switching means to vary the time a track power signal from said track is applied to said motor to control the speed of said motor.

11. The control system of claim 10 further comprising a transformer coupled to said track to apply power to said track, said transformer being set to a full power level.

12. The control system of claim 10 wherein said track power signal is an AC signal, and the switching of said switching means is synchronous with said AC signal.

13. A control system for transmitting control signals to a model vehicle on a track, comprising:

input means for accepting user input signals;

control means, coupled to said input means, for generating control signals for said model vehicle;

a transmitter, coupled to said control means, for transmitting said control signals such that said control signals can be received by a receiver on said model vehicle;

a receiver on said model vehicle for receiving said control signals;

a processor coupled to said receiver;

an electric motor for driving said model vehicle;

a switching circuit coupled between said track and said electric motor, having a control input coupled to an output of said processor;

a manual switch having run and program positions coupled to first and second outputs coupled to said processor; and

said processor being programmed to store an address received from said transmitter when accompanied by an address programming command when said manual switch is in said program position.

14. A control system for a model vehicles on a track system comprising:

a hand-held remote control unit for transmitting first control signals;

a transformer for applying track power to said track;

a base unit, connected to said track, for receiving said first control signals, and providing second control signals to said track;

a vehicle receiver unit, mounted in one of said model vehicles, for receiving said second control signals, and directing the operation of said one model vehicle in response to said second control signals.