Radio-linked, bi-directional control system for model electric trains
First Claim
1. A control system for model trains, comprising:
- a controller for accepting control commands from a user, the controller including a controller transmitter that transmits control data at a UHF radio frequency of at least 400 MHz; and
a train including a train receiver for receiving the control data from the controller.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A wireless system uses a direct UHF radio frequency (RF) signal to control electric trains and train accessories. A controller, such as a handheld unit used by the toy train operator, accepts control commands and transmits encoded control data over a high frequency radio link directly to a receiver, on the toy train or train accessory, which decodes the commands and controls the toy train or toy train accessory functions with either unidirectional or bidirectional communication between the controller and the model train or train accessory. One controller has the ability to control many trains and other model train layout components such as signals and track switches even while other train operators are operating their trains on the same electric train track layout.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A control system for model trains, comprising:
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a controller for accepting control commands from a user, the controller including a controller transmitter that transmits control data at a UHF radio frequency of at least 400 MHz; and a train including a train receiver for receiving the control data from the controller. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A model train drive motor assembly, comprising:
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a drive motor including a motor flywheel and a slotted wheel mounted on and rotating with the motor flywheel, said slotted wheel including a plurality of protrusions defining the slots; an optical motor speed sensor with an emitter for emitting a light beam and a receiver for receiving the light beam, wherein the protrusions of the slotted wheel are arranged to interrupt the light beam as the slotted wheel rotates to produce electrical pulses which indicate motor rotation speed; a microprocessor for receiving the electrical pulses and determining the actual speed of the train; and a radio receiver for receiving commands from a remote controller.
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5. A control system for model trains, comprising:
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a controller for accepting control commands from a user, the controller including a controller transmitter that transmits control data at a UHF radio frequency of at least 400 MHz; and a train including a train receiver for receiving the control data from the controller and a train transmitter for transmitting train data, wherein the controller further includes a controller receiver for receiving the train data from the second transmitter, and wherein the train further includes a model train drive motor assembly, the motor assembly including a drive motor including a motor flywheel and a slotted wheel mounted on and rotating with the motor flywheel, said slotted wheel including a plurality of protrusions defining the slots; an optical motor speed sensor with an emitter for emitting a light beam and a receiver for receiving the light beam, wherein the protrusions of the slotted wheel are arranged to interrupt the light beam as the slotted wheel rotates to produce electrical pulses which indicate motor rotation speed; and a microprocessor for receiving the electrical pulses and determining the actual speed of the train. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20)
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17. A model train drive motor assembly for driving a model train at a speed setting, comprising:
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a drive motor including a motor flywheel and a slotted wheel mounted on and rotating with the motor flywheel, said slotted wheel including a plurality of protrusions defining the slots; an optical motor speed sensor with an emitter for emitting a light beam and a receiver for receiving the light beam, wherein the protrusions of die slotted wheel are arranged to interrupt the light beam as the slotted wheel rotates to produce electrical pulses which indicate motor rotation speed; and a microprocessor including a motor drive circuit for receiving the electrical pulses and determining the actual speed of the train, wherein the microprocessor monitors the actual speed and adjusts voltage provided to the drive motor such that the actual speed matches the speed setting. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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21. A model train drive motor assembly, comprising:
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a drive motor including a motor flywheel and a wheel mounted on and rotating with the motor flywheel, said wheel including a plurality of alternating indicators; an optical motor speed sensor with an optical detector that can detect the alternating indicators as the wheel rotates to produce electrical pulses which indicate motor rotation speed; and a microprocessor including a motor drive circuit for receiving the electrical pulses and determining the actual speed of the train. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification