Control of model vehicles on a track
AssigneeNeil P. Young
InventorsNeil P. Young, David Hampton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims13
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.
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.