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US 6,883,758 B2Granted
Reed relay for remote magnetic operation of model trains
OwnerAlbert C. Ruocchioinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for performing a function on a model train car on a track includes an electrically operated mechanism mounted on the car for performing a function on the car. A reed switch is operatively connected to the mechanism for activating the mechanism. The reed switch has contacts movable from a first position, in which the contacts are out of contact with one another, to a second position, in which the contacts are in contact with one another. A magnet associated with the track moves the contacts of the reed switch from the first position to the second position to activate the mechanism.
Claims16
An apparatus for performing a function on a model train car on a track, comprising:
- an electrically operated mechanism mounted on the car for performing a function on the car;
- a reed relay operatively connected to the mechanism for activating the mechanism, the reed relay comprising an arrangement for assisting the magnet in moving the reed contacts of the reed switch from the first position to the second position and including a reed switch having contacts movable from a first position in which the contacts are out of contact with one another, to a second position, in which the contacts are in contact with one another;
- and
- a magnet associated with the track for moving the contacts of the reed switch from the first position to the second position to activate the mechanism, wherein the reed switch includes a glass envelope enclosing the reed contacts, the reed relay including a coil extending around the glass envelope, the coil being in a circuit, at least a portion of the circuit being positioned in at least a part of the magnetic field of the magnet, whereby the magnetic field induces a current in the coil to assist the magnet in moving the reed contacts from the first position to the second position.
1 more element
An apparatus for performing a function on a model train car on a track, comprising:
- an electrically relay operatively connected mechanism mounted on the car for performing function on the car;
- a reed relay operatively connected to the mechanism for activating the mechanism, the reed relay comprising an arrangement for assisting the magnet in holding the reed contacts of the reed switch in the second position and including a reed switch having contacts movable from a first position, in which the contacts are out of contact with one another, to a second position, in which the contacts are in contact with one another;
- and
- a magnet associated with the track for moving the contacts of the reed switch from the first position to the second position to activate the mechanism, wherein the reed switch includes a glass envelope enclosing the reed contacts, the reed relay including a coil extending around the glass envelope, the coil being in a circuit, at least a portion of the circuit being positioned in at least a part of the magnetic field of the magnet, whereby the magnetic field induces a current in the coil to assist the magnet in holding the reed contacts in the second position.
1 more element
A model train car, comprising:
- an electrically operated mechanism for performing a function on the car;
- and
- a reed relay operatively connected to the mechanism for activation the mechanism, the reed relay comprising an arrangement for assisting the magnet in moving the reed contacts of the reed switch from the first position to the second position and including a reed switch having contacts movable from a first position, in which the contacts are out of contact with one another, to a second position, in which the contacts are in contact with one another, the train car being adapted to roll on a track, and the reed switch being positioned on the train car such that the contacts can be moved from the first position to the second position by a magnet associated with the track, wherein the reed switch includes a glass envelope enclosing the reed contacts, the reed relay including a coil extending around the glass envelope, the coil being in a circuit, at least a portion of the circuit being positioned in at least a part of the magnetic field of the magnet, whereby the magnetic field induces a current in the coil to assist the magnet in moving the reed contacts from the first position to the second position.
A model train car, comprising:
- an electrically operated mechanism for performing a function on the car;
- and
- a reed relay operatively connected to the mechanism for activating the mechanism, the reed switch from the first position to the second position and including a reed switch having contacts movable from a first position, in which the contacts are out of contact with one another, to a second position, in which the contacts are in contact with one another, the train car being adapted to roll on a track, and the reed switch being positioned on the train car such that the contacts can be moved from the first position to the second position by a magnet associated with the track, wherein the reed switch includes a glass envelope enclosing the reed contacts, the reed relay including a coil extending around the glass envelope, the coil being in a circuit, at least a portion of the circuit being positioned in at least a part of the magnetic field of the magnet, whereby the magnetic field induces a current in the coil to assist the magnet in holding the reed contacts in the second position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.