Control of model vehicles on a track

• US 5,749,547 A
• Filed: 08/11/1995
• Issued: 05/12/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/1992
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Liontech Company
• Original Assignee: Neil P. Young
• Inventors: Young, Neil P., Hampton, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Morano, S. Joseph
• Application Number:
  US08/514,052
• Time in Patent Office: 1,005 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, 340/310.01, 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 causes direct current control signals to be superimposed on alternating current power signals to control effects and features on model vehicles. The model vehicle includes a receiver unit responsive to the direct current control signals.

Claims

1. A control system for transmitting control signals to an alternating current (AC) powered first model vehicle on a track, comprising:

a hand-held remote transmitter for transmitting user input signals;

input means for receiving said user input signals;

first control means, coupled to said input means, for generating direct current (DC) control signals for said first model vehicle; and

a transmitter means, coupled to said first control means and to said track, for transmitting said DC control signals such that said DC control signals can be received by circuitry on said first model vehicle; and

said control system further controlling at least a second model vehicle, the system comprising;

second control means, coupled to said track and responsive to said user input signals from said hand-held remote transmitter, for generating electromagnetic control signals along said track; and

receiving means, located on said second model vehicle, for receiving said electromagnetic control signals, and directing the operation of said second model vehicle in response to said electromagnetic control signals.

2. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a transformer coupled to two rails of said track for providing AC power to said track.

3. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a horn responsive to said DC control signals received by said circuitry on said first model vehicle.

4. The control system of claim 1 further comprising a whistle responsive to said DC control signals received by said circuitry on said first model vehicle.

5. The control system of claim 2 wherein said DC control signals are superimposed on said AC power to said track without causing a reduction in overall power supplied to the model vehicles.

6. The control system of claim 1 wherein said hand-held remote transmitter permits remote control of the speed of said first and second model vehicles.

7. A control system for transmitting control signals to an alternating current (AC) powered first model vehicle on a track, comprising:

an input device for accepting user input signals;

first control circuitry, coupled to said input device, for generating direct current (DC) control signals for said first model vehicle;

second control circuitry, coupled to said user input device and said track, for generating electromagnetic control signal along said track;

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

circuitry means on said first model vehicle for receiving said DC control signals; and

an electric motor for driving said first model vehicle based upon AC signals on said track.

8. The control system of claim 7 wherein said first control circuitry includes at least a first switch for generating said DC control signals.

9. The control system of claim 8 wherein said first control circuitry further includes a microprocessor responsive to said user input signals for controlling said at least a first switch.

10. The control system of claim 7 wherein said DC control signals operate at least a first special effect on said first model vehicle.

11. The control system of claim 7 wherein a speed of said first model vehicle may be controlled remotely.

12. The control system of claim 7 wherein a second model vehicle is controlled on said track, the second model vehicle comprising receiving means for receiving said electromagnetic control signals, wherein operation of said second model vehicle is controlled by said electromagnetic control signals.

13. A control system for at least first and second model vehicles on a track system comprising:

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

a transformer for applying alternating current (AC) track power to said track;

a power unit, connected to said track, for receiving said first control signals, and providing direct current (DC) control signals to said track without an overall reduction in AC track power;

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

a first vehicle receiver unit, mounted in said first model vehicle, for receiving said DC control signals, and directing the operation of said first model vehicle in response to said DC control signals; and

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