CONTROL AND MOTOR ARRANGEMENT FOR USE IN MODEL TRAIN
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.
94 Citations
138 Claims
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1-27. -27. (canceled)
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28. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor adapted to detect speed of the model train;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed; and
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the detected speed;
wherein the controller further includes a memory storing data to be accessed upon a loss of power to the model train. - View Dependent Claims (29, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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30. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor adapted to detect speed of the model train;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed; and
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the detected speed;
wherein the sensor is further adapted to detect a rotational position of the motor, and the sound generator is further adapted to generate the selected sound effect in correspondence with the rotational position.
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41. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor adapted to detect speed of the model train;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed; and
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the detected speed;
wherein the controller regulates the amount of power provided to the motor in order to simulate effects of inertia and the sound generator is adapted to generate the selected sound effect corresponding thereto.
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49. (canceled)
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50. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor operatively coupled to the motor to detect a rotational speed of the motor;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected rotational speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed;
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the amount of power provided to the motor; and
a power circuit operatively coupled to the track, the power circuit including a rectifier adapted to convert an AC voltage between respective track rails to a DC voltage supplied to at least one of the motor, the controller, and the sound generator;
wherein the controller further includes a memory storing data defining a relationship between the rotational speed of the motor and corresponding speed of the model train. - View Dependent Claims (51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71)
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52. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor operatively coupled to the motor to detect a rotational speed of the motor;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected rotational speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed;
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the amount of power provided to the motor; and
a power circuit operatively coupled to the track, the power circuit including a rectifier adapted to convert an AC voltage between respective track rails to a DC voltage supplied to at least one of the motor, the controller, and the sound generator;
wherein the controller further includes a memory storing data to be accessed upon a loss of power to the model train.
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64. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor operatively coupled to the motor to detect a rotational speed of the motor;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected rotational speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed;
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the amount of power provided to the motor; and
a power circuit operatively coupled to the track, the power circuit including a rectifier adapted to convert an AC voltage between respective track rails to a DC voltage supplied to at least one of the motor, the controller, and the sound generator;
wherein the controller regulates the amount of power provided to the motor in order to simulate effects of inertia and the sound generator is adapted to generate the selected sound effect corresponding thereto.
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72. (canceled)
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73. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor operatively coupled to the motor to detect a rotational speed of the motor;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected rotational speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed;
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the rotational speed of the motor; and
a power circuit operatively coupled to the track, the power circuit including a rectifier adapted to convert an AC voltage between respective track rails to a DC voltage supplied to at least one of the motor, the controller, and the sound generator;
wherein the controller further includes a memory storing data defining a relationship between the rotational speed of the motor and corresponding speed of the model train. - View Dependent Claims (74, 76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94)
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75. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor operatively coupled to the motor to detect a rotational speed of the motor;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected rotational speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed;
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the rotational speed of the motor; and
a power circuit operatively coupled to the track, the power circuit including a rectifier adapted to convert an AC voltage between respective track rails to a DC voltage supplied to at least one of the motor, the controller, and the sound generator;
wherein the controller further includes a memory storing data to be accessed upon a loss of power to the model train.
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77. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor operatively coupled to the motor to detect a rotational speed of the motor;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected rotational speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed;
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the rotational speed of the motor; and
a power circuit operatively coupled to the track, the power circuit including a rectifier adapted to convert an AC voltage between respective track rails to a DC voltage supplied to at least one of the motor, the controller, and the sound generator;
wherein the sensor is further adapted to detect a rotational position of the motor, and the sound generator is further adapted to generate the selected sound effect in correspondence with the rotational position.
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87. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor operatively coupled to the motor to detect a rotational speed of the motor;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected rotational speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed;
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the rotational speed of the motor; and
a power circuit operatively coupled to the track, the power circuit including a rectifier adapted to convert an AC voltage between respective track rails to a DC voltage supplied to at least one of the motor, the controller, and the sound generator;
wherein the controller regulates the amount of power provided to the motor in order to simulate effects of inertia and the sound generator is adapted to generate the selected sound effect corresponding thereto.
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95. A model train, comprising:
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a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on a track;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor operatively coupled to the motor to detect a rotational speed of the motor;
a remote control interface adapted to receive at least one user command;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting an operating condition for the model train, the controller using the detected rotational speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train in a manner that simulates effects of inertia; and
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the amount of power provided to the motor. - View Dependent Claims (96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116)
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117. (canceled)
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118. A model train set, comprising:
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a train track layout;
a transformer operatively coupled to the train track layout to supply electrical power thereto;
a remote control unit adapted to communicate at least one user command; and
a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on the train track layout, the train car further comprising;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor adapted to detect speed of the model train;
a remote control interface adapted to receive the at least one user command from the remote control unit;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed; and
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the detected speed;
wherein the controller further includes a memory storing data to be accessed upon a loss of power to the model train. - View Dependent Claims (119, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138)
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120. A model train set, comprising:
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a train track layout;
a transformer operatively coupled to the train track layout to supply electrical power thereto;
a remote control unit adapted to communicate at least one user command; and
a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on the train track layout, the train car further comprising;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor adapted to detect speed of the model train;
a remote control interface adapted to receive the at least one user command from the remote control unit;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed; and
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the detected speed;
wherein the sensor is further adapted to detect a rotational position of the motor, and the sound generator is further adapted to generate the selected sound effect in correspondence with the rotational position.
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131. A model train set, comprising:
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a train track layout;
a transformer operatively coupled to the train track layout to supply electrical power thereto;
a remote control unit adapted to communicate at least one user command; and
a train car including a wheeled carriage adapted to travel on the train track layout, the train car further comprising;
a motor operatively coupled to the carriage to thereby cause the train car to travel along the track in at least one direction;
a sensor adapted to detect speed of the model train;
a remote control interface adapted to receive the at least one user command from the remote control unit;
a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the sensor and the remote control interface, the controller being responsive to the at least one user command in selecting a desired speed for the model train, the controller using the detected speed in a closed feedback loop to regulate an amount of power provided to the motor in order to propel the model train at the desired speed; and
a sound generator operatively coupled to the controller, the sound generator adapted to generate a selected sound effect in correspondence with the detected speed;
wherein the controller regulates the amount of power provided to the motor in order to simulate effects of inertia and the sound generator is adapted to generate the selected sound effect corresponding thereto.
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Specification