Patents by Inventor Neil P. Young
Neil P. Young has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 8025545Abstract: A system and method is provided for substantially synchronizing sound and smoke in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor is configured to send a signal periodically to a smoke generating device and a controller, wherein the signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a particular quantity of smoke. The controller is then configured to receive a signal from a motor, wherein the signal includes information that can be used to identify a rotational position of the motor, or a rotational position of an axle in communication with the motor. The controller then uses the signal from the sensor and the signal from the motor to estimate a transmission lime of a next signal from the sensor, wherein the next signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a next production of smoke.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Jon F. Zahornacky, Steven Edward Ziemba, Neil P. Young, Bruce R. Koball
-
Patent number: 7880414Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
-
Patent number: 7880413Abstract: Control over velocity of a model train may be determined based upon the speed of rotation of a control knob. A processor receives electronic pulses indicating rotation of the knob beyond a predetermined increment of angular distance. The processor calculates the amount of power ultimately conveyed to the model train based not only upon the number of pulses received, but also upon the elapsed time between these pulses. The shorter the elapsed time between pulses, the greater the change in power communicated to the train. Initially, a user can rapidly rotate the knob to attain coarse control over a wide range of velocities, and then rotate the knob more slowly to achieve fine-grained control over the coarse velocity. Utilizing the control scheme in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, in a compact and uninterrupted physical motion, a user can rapidly exercise both coarse and fine control over velocity of a model train.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Liontech Trains LLCInventors: Louis G Kovach, II, Neil P. Young
-
Publication number: 20100094483Abstract: 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 arragement 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
-
Publication number: 20100062675Abstract: A system and method is provided for substantially synchronizing sound and smoke, or the like, in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sensor is configured to send a signal periodically to a smoke generating device and a controller, wherein the signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a particular quantity of smoke. The controller is then configured to receive a signal from a motor, wherein the signal includes information (e.g., a count) that can be used to identify a rotational position of the motor, or a rotational position of an axle in communication with the motor. The controller then uses the signal from the sensor and the signal from the motor to estimate (or predict) a transmission time of a next (or second) signal from the sensor, wherein the next (or second) signal is used by the smoke generating device to produce a next (or second) production of smoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2008Publication date: March 11, 2010Inventors: Jon F. Zahornacky, Steven Edward Ziemba, Neil P. Young, Bruce R. Koball
-
Patent number: 7656110Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
-
Patent number: 7471649Abstract: Methods and apparatuses implement a bi-directional model train communications protocol compatible with existing uni-directional communications protocols. In one specific embodiment, the existing uni-directional Lionel Train Master command set is expanded utilizing the checksum error nibble to flag an alternative command signal format. This expanded command set is in turn utilized to transmit a command inquiry signal from the base unit to a specifically addressed element. The addressed element in turn transmits a response based upon the expanded command set. Older model railroad elements not configured to recognize the expanded command set, regard the command inquiry signal as a transmission error and are unaffected. Newer model railroad elements not specifically addressed by the command inquiry signal ignore the command and continue operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Liontech Trains LLCInventors: Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil P. Young, Howard William Lewis
-
Patent number: 7364122Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operating features of a model train includes a plurality of selection devices, each of which corresponds to a respective operating feature of the train. The apparatus also includes a controller connected to the selection devices of the apparatus. The controller is operative to generate digital or DC offset messages corresponding to the selection devices. The apparatus further includes a transmitter connected to the controller. The transmitter is operative to send the digital or DC offset messages that are generated by the controller to a receiver located on the train in order to carry out the desired functions. This invention provides for at least a single button output of complex messages.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2003Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Louis Kovach, James Rohde, Neil P. Young
-
Patent number: 7312590Abstract: Control over velocity of a model train may be determined based upon the speed of rotation of a control knob. A processor receives electronic pulses indicating rotation of the knob beyond a predetermined increment of angular distance. The processor calculates the amount of power ultimately conveyed to the model train based not only upon the number of pulses received, but also upon the elapsed time between these pulses. The shorter the elapsed time between pulses, the greater the change in power communicated to the train. Initially, a user can rapidly rotate the knob to attain coarse control over a wide range of velocities, and then rotate the knob more slowly to achieve fine-grained control over the coarse velocity. Utilizing the control scheme in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, in a compact and uninterrupted physical motion, a user can rapidly exercise both coarse and fine control over velocity of a model train.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: The Creative Train Company, LLCInventors: Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil P. Young
-
Patent number: 7307394Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
-
Patent number: 7298103Abstract: 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 arragement 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
-
Patent number: 7264208Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operating features of a model train includes a plurality of selection devices, each of which corresponds to a respective operating feature of the train. The apparatus also includes a controller connected to the selection devices of the apparatus. The controller is operative to generate control signals such as digital messages or DC offset signals corresponding to the selection devices. The apparatus further includes a plurality of switches to control the form the control signals take, and a transmitter connected to the controller. The transmitter is operative to send the digital or DC offset messages that are generated by the controller to a receiver located on the train in order to carry out the desired functions. This invention provides for at least a single button output of complex messages.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Louis Kovach, Neil P. Young, James Rohde, John Ricks
-
Patent number: 7211976Abstract: 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 farther 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
-
Patent number: 6765356Abstract: A control and motor arrangement for use in a model train includes a control arrangement integrally constructed with a motor. The control arrangement receives rotational speed and positional information from the motor and uses this information to determine how much power to supply to the motor, thus controlling the rotational speed of the motor. In this way, the control arrangement maintains a constant motor speed, if desired. In addition, the speed and positional information is optionally provided to a sound control arrangement for use in selecting appropriate sound effects.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
-
Publication number: 20040127293Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operating features of a model train includes a plurality of selection devices, each of which corresponds to a respective operating feature of the train. The apparatus also includes a controller connected to the selection devices of the apparatus. The controller is operative to generate digital or DC offset messages corresponding to the selection devices. The apparatus further includes a transmitter connected to the controller. The transmitter is operative to send the digital or DC offset messages that are generated by the controller to a receiver located on the train in order to carry out the desired functions. This invention provides for at least a single button output of complex messages.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Louis Kovach, James Rohde, Neil P. Young
-
Publication number: 20040113022Abstract: An apparatus for controlling operating features of a model train includes a plurality of selection devices, each of which corresponds to a respective operating feature of the train. The apparatus also includes a controller connected to the selection devices of the apparatus. The controller is operative to generate control signals such as digital messages or DC offset signals corresponding to the selection devices. The apparatus further includes a plurality of switches to control the form the control signals take, and a transmitter connected to the controller. The transmitter is operative to send the digital or DC offset messages that are generated by the controller to a receiver located on the train in order to carry out the desired functions. This invention provides for at least a single button output of complex messages.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Louis Kovach, Neil P. Young, James Rohde, John Ricks
-
Patent number: 5749547Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Neil P. YoungInventors: Neil P. Young, David Hampton
-
Patent number: 5555815Abstract: A horn control system for model vehicles on a track includes a sound generation unit mounted on the model vehicle which generates different sounds based on the combination of two inputs, the speed of the vehicle and an operator initiated horn signal. The type of sound is also preferably varied based on how long the horn button is depressed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1994Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: Neil P. YoungInventors: Neil P. Young, Joe Thibodeau, David Trubitt, Dennis Fowler
-
Patent number: 5441223Abstract: A controller for model trains on a train track is provided. The controller transmits control signals between a rail of the track and earth ground, generating an electromagnetic field which extends for several inches around the track. A receiver in the locomotive can then pick up signals from this electromagnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1993Date of Patent: August 15, 1995Assignee: Neil P. YoungInventors: Neil P. Young, David M. Hampton
-
Patent number: 5251856Abstract: A control circuit which will momentarily apply a pulse of power to the E-Unit solenoid in response to the momentary interruption of power by the transformer or another control signal. The E-Unit rest state is thus with no power applied, eliminating noise and saving power. A seek-to-forward cycling capability is also provided. The overall system has a remote transmitter and a base unit coupled to the train tracks with a receiver. The base unit controls track switching and individual trains through FSK signals transmitted over the track. The base unit also controls a triac switch between the transformer and the track to allow remote control of track power and impose DC offsets on the track power signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1992Date of Patent: October 12, 1993Assignee: Neil P. YoungInventors: Neil P. Young, Richard Davis, Dennis Fowler