Abstract: A model railroad track assembly having a substantially rigid, one-piece molded plastic body with an upper surface molded to generally replicate at least a portion of a railroad track bed is provided. The track assembly has depending side walls extending generally downwardly from the upper surface to define a lower side having a hollow cavity. The body has at least two ends, with each end including a male latching member and a matingly complementary female engagement structure. The upper surface includes a molded-in guiding structure to receive and locate a preassembled piece of model railroad track, including at least two metal rails molded in place on a ladder-shaped member simulating a plurality of spaced-apart ties. The ends of the molded body are adapted for mating engagement with the ends of similar track assemblies having a similar piece of preassembled model railroad track with the rails on the engaged track ends being aligned.

Abstract: A musical toy includes a train-like vehicle traveling on a track which includes visual indicia representative of a standard nine note musical staff. Note tiles having first fastener halves may engage with second fasteners at predetermined locations on the track corresponding with the locations of notes on the represented staff. Switch operators extending down from the train may engage the note tiles to play the music so represented by the note tiles and track in the staff and note configuration.

Abstract: A modular track segment for a model railroad track includes a plurality of conductive strip members secured to the lower surface of the segment and in electrical connection with respective rails on the upper surface of the track segment. Respective forward portions of the conductive strip members are formed to provide accurate leaf springs for mutually-compressive electrical contact with corresponding strip members of an adjacent track segment. Mechanical features of the track segment provide engagement of adjacent track segments and reinforce the compressive contact between adjacent conductive strip members. A breakaway access member is provided along a side wall of the track segment to form an opening for electrical and mechanical connection of an electrical accessory to the track segment.

Abstract: A device for supporting a coupling between at least two toy vehicle track sections. The device includes a retractable connector support and a support housing. The retractable connector support is an extensible body produced from a rigid material. The retractable connector support can be positioned so that it engages the coupling. The support housing is adapted for receiving the retractable connector support and is placed adjacent the coupling.

Abstract: A model vehicle such as a model railway vehicle includes a control and evaluation device located in the model vehicle, and a plurality of drive devices such as electric motors for moving the vehicle and for operating other movable components on the vehicle. A definable address is associated with the model vehicle, for example by being stored in a memory device connected to the control and evaluation device. The control and evaluation device includes or is connected to a switching network that is operable to selectably connect one of the drive devices to a regulating device in response to control signals from a central control unit. The regulating device is connected to a power supply and is operable to regulate the power supplied to the selected drive device in response to control signals from the central control unit. The control unit sends an address as part of its control signals, and the vehicle responds to the control signals if it has an address matching that sent by the control unit.

Abstract: An adapter for a model railroad flat car enables the carrying of axled model vehicles on model railroad flat cars. The adapter is a thin rectangular block with a transverse groove at each end for engaging the axle, axle housing or axle encasement of a model vehicle being carried on the flat car and facing in either direction. The adapter is secured to the flat car by any suitable means and has minimum visibility when the model vehicle is being carried.

Abstract: A model train set includes a base member having two base member sections that are connected together in a horizontal arrangement such that an upper surface is formed. The upper surface has a continuous integral trackway disposed thereon. The model train set includes at least one snap-in reversible storyboard, having a first surface and a second surface with unique surface configurations to modify the upper surface. Further included is a plurality of visual elements which are selectively engageable with the upper surface. An array of storage recesses are provided which serve to provide storage for the visual elements. A toy train is also included.

Abstract: A track comprises a base and two sidewalls. At least one toy vehicle comprises an underside and two sides. Magnets attached to the track and to the vehicle repel the underside of the vehicle from the base of the track, and repel the sides of the vehicle from the sidewalls of the track; thus, the vehicle floats above the base and between the sidewalls of the track. The vehicle moves along the track due to gravitational force applied to the vehicle, and alternatively due to motive force applied to the vehicle by a pair of rotating drums.

Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are disclosed for remote control of a locomotive in a model railroad layout having an interruptible DC power supply coupled to the railroad track. The locomotive motor is isolated from the track so as to allow use of polarity reversals on the track power signal for controlling remote effects in the locomotive such as sound and visual effects. An on-board electronic state generator is provided in the locomotive for maintaining one at a time of a predetermined set of states, at least one of the states having a corresponding remote effect associated therewith. Remote control signals such as a pulsed reversal in polarity of the DC track power signal (PRP) or high voltage pulse (HVP) are used to clock the state generator to a desired state, thereby permitting control of a plurality of remote effects using only the traditional DC power supply interface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for transmitting very fast digital DC signals over the track for remote control in a model railroad layout, by selecting positive and negative lobes from the applied AC track power signal. This method allows digital transmission at 120 Hz rate that can be used within a 60 Hz AC system. This is fast enough to be used for Digital Command Control (DCC) and also capable of delivering large power output efficiently without the expense of filtering or exotic electronic control circuits. This method also has low sensitivity to electrical noise and does not generate significant noise during operation. We describe methods of transmitting and receiving positive and negative lobes and methods to extend this technology. We also describe other areas where this technology can be applied such as remote control of appliances connected to any AC power environment such as home or industrial electric power systems.

Abstract: A model railroad car position indicator includes a sensor receptive to the presence of a model railroad car on a track. Control circuitry determines the location of the car relative to a predetermined position on the track and approves initiation of a model train process if the car is within a range of acceptable positions for initiating the process. A preferred embodiment includes circuitry for determining whether the car velocity is less than a predetermined threshold velocity. In this embodiment, approval of initiation of the model train process is conditioned on both the car position being acceptable and the car velocity being acceptable. An indicator provides feedback to the model train operator for manual initiation of the model train process. Alternatively, the control circuit may automatically initiate the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrically-operated ornament travelling on a rail capable of explaining the free quadrants described in the Mobius Theorem. The ornament mainly includes a three-dimensional endless rail supported on a set of supports. The rail includes at least a twisted and turned part and a non-twisted part. Two parallel metal wires extend through a full length of the rail on both surfaces thereof. A controller is used to supply current to the metal wires and to control the magnitude and flowing direction of the supplied current. A moving body having rollers made of permanent magnetic material is magnetically attached to the metal wires. A transmission mechanism in the moving body is powered through the controller to drive the moving body to travel, back, or stop on the endless rail.

Abstract: A train detection device for use in railroad models is provided with a capacitance type sensor which detects the close approach or passage of a train by responding to capacitance of the train. By using the capacitance type sensor, the train detection device becomes a non-contact type detection device, which avoids the kind of damage that can occur with contact type detectors. The train detection device is applied to a train crossing control apparatus for use in railroad models equipped with a crossing gate, a warning signal, and a controlling device for controlling the operations of the crossing gate and the warning signal.

Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are provided for remote control of a locomotive in a model railroad layout having an interruptible DC power supply coupled to the railroad track. The locomotive motor is isolated from the track so as to allow use of polarity reversals on the track power signal for controlling remote effects in the locomotive such as sound effects. An on-board electronic state generator is provided in the locomotive for maintaining one at a time of a predetermined set of states, at least one of the states having a corresponding remote effect associated therewith. Remote control signals such as a reverse in polarity of the DC track power signal are used to clock the state generator to a desired state, thereby permitting control of a plurality of remote effects using only the traditional DC power supply interface. The locomotive motor is controlled by a motor reverse unit so that the motor direction is controllable independently of the polarity of the DC power signal applied to the track.

Abstract: A track set as set forth for use with a toy train or the like includes a pair of mirror image C-shaped track portions coupled to a circular base. A circular platform is rotatably supported upon the base and includes a plurality of track segments supported thereon. The track segments include orthogonally intersecting straight track portions as well as offset arcuate curved portions symmetrically arranged upon the platform. The base further defines an upwardly extending annular rim which defines a plurality of notches equally spaced thereupon. A platform lock includes a pivotable handle receivable within the notches to securely position the platform at a selected rotational position and thereby align selected track segments of the platform with the C-shaped track portions. The travel path of the track set may be configured to provide a figure-eight, a peanut-shape, and a pair of separate distinct circular travel paths.

Abstract: A self-propelled toy train engine for pulling a train of wooden railroad cars over a variety of surfaces including a child safe magnetic coupling for connecting the engine to the railroad cars, high traction drive wheels for being propelled over a variety of surfaces, a gear train which disengages from the drive axle given a predetermined force. The train engine is weighted to provide added traction for propelling the train set over smooth surfaces and a low center of gravity for stabilizing the engine when propelling the train set over rough surfaces such as carpeting.

Abstract: The specification describes a controller apparatus for a DC motor and a lamp having a filament electrically connected in parallel with the DC motor, comprising: (a) an output driver circuit for generating a DC power signal, where the DC power signal energizes the DC motor; (b) an AC signal generating circuit for generating an AC power signal; and a high frequency coupling transformer for so adding the AC power signal to the DC power signal that the AC power signal energizes the filament. Preferably, the controller also comprises: (a) a switching circuit for periodically preventing the DC power signal from controlling the DC motor; (b) a speed sensing circuit for determining a speed of the locomotive by measuring a back EMF signal generated by the DC motor during the time that the switching means prevents the DC power signal from controlling the DC motor; and (c) an error correcting circuit for correcting the DC power signal based on the speed of the locomotive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guidance track for an electric vehicle. The guidance track preferably includes one or more grooves formed within a dielectric material. The wheels of the vehicle fit, at least in part, in the grooves which are configured to accept the wheels of both powered and unpowered cars in the vehicle. The grooves guide and direct the vehicle as the wheels travel through the grooves.

Abstract: A digital sound reproducing system which produces a plurality of sound effects from digital data stored at predetermined addresses in a digital sound memory. A controller connected to the digital sound memory causes recall of a sound data from a predetermined sequence of addresses when triggered. This recalled sound data is converted into an analog audio signal for reproduction by a speaker. In a first embodiment the digital sound reproducing system is disposed in the car of a model train. Magnets disposed between the tracks trigger corresponding sound effects when the digital sound reproducing system detects passage of the magnets. A speed sensor detects the rotation rate of a wheel of the car to permit sound effects to be synchronous with the rate of speed of the model train. The digital sound reproducing system may alternately be disposed in a fixed structure and triggered by a command signal or by detection of passage of the model train.

Abstract: A vehicle levitation and guidance system (20) is provided which levitates a vehicle (22) over a roadbed (28) through the use of thin permanently magnetized strips (32, 34) located in the vehicle and the roadbed. The strips are oriented with like magnetic poles adjacent to generate a repelling force. The vehicle is guided along the roadbed by sliding engagement of the walls (37) of a channel (30) in the roadbed with pins (36) descending from the vehicle. The vehicle is propelled along the roadbed by contact with a set of rotating wheels (42, 42').

Abstract: A track toy includes an infrared signal transmitter for transmitting at least one type of infrared signal, a track having at least one changeover element movable between two operative positions, and a drive coupled to the at least one changeover element for driving the chageover element between the two operative positions. An infrared signal receiver is associated with each at least one changeover element for receiving the at least one type of infrared signal transmitted by the infrared signal transmission device, and a controller operatively coupled to the infrared signal receiver and the drive, outputs a drive command signal to the drive when the received type of infrared signal matches as predetermined type of infrared signal corresponding to the at least one changeover element.

Abstract: A monorail toy train is suspended from an overhead guideway, which guideway is secured to a ceiling or other fixed support structure. The elongated tubular guideway includes a plurality of guideway sections connected together at a joint by a short tubular coupler and a hanger secured to the ceiling. Each guideway section is connected to like length guide rails and rack rails, which, together, define a track for cars of the monorail toy. Trucks of driven and nondriven cars ride on the track defined by the rack rail and guide rail. The driven car includes a drive frame including a motor, drive gear and pinion gear, which pinion gear meshes with the rack rail to provide motive force for the monorail train.

Abstract: A portable toy vehicle racing set for use with at least one toy vehicle having a motor includes a case having a first section with inner and outer surfaces and a second section with inner and outer surfaces. The case sections are pivotally coupled together to permit movement between opened and closed positions. In the closed position, the set simulates a carrying case. In opened condition, a flat track surface is presented. The first and second sections of the case include predetermined track layouts which provide a closed loop track. The closed loop track defines at least one lane in which the toy vehicle can ride with the at least one lane including contact rails for supplying power to the toy vehicle motor.

Abstract: A motorless toy vehicle and propelling track. The toy vehicle includes a gear housing having a drive system, the drive system including a drive gear and a ratchet means for controlling the direction of rotation of the drive gear. The track is adapted to receive and laterally direct the toy vehicle as it passes there along and includes a rack coextensive with the track having upwardly disposed teeth there along which operably engage with the drive gear. A rack drive reciprocates the rack back and forth in the track interacting with the ratcheted drive gear to propel the toy vehicle in the direction determined by the position of the ratchet means. Hill and switch tracks are also provided.

Abstract: A track system for toy vehicles contains straight and curved track pieces at the end of which are reference points that coincide with symmetry points of a track grid having a track module, M, which is a multiple of a building module, m, of a base plate for mounting the track pieces. The length of the straight track pieces which are disposed either parallel to or diagonally with respect to the track grid are a multiple of or .sqroot.2 times a multiple of the track module, M. The curved track pieces are composed of a longer arcuate segment and a shorter straight segment. The center of the arcuate segment is deplaced with respect to the center of an arc, whose center is a symmetry point of the track grid and whose two radii define an angular range of the curved track piece. The center of the arcuate segment is defined by the intersection of an angle bisector of the tangents (T) of the reference points on the ends of the curved track piece and one of the two radii.

Abstract: A miniature electric track and train system which provides a simple and inexpensive arrangement for the simultaneous independent operation of at least two electric engines on the same track.

Abstract: A toy railroad track which is adapted to guide the movements of a toy vehicle has at the bottom of the track two control plates which are attached to a fixed plate. A rack plate is engaged with a pinion mounted at the free end of the shaft of a small motor. Upon the pinion being driven by the small motor, the rack plate can be driven to move laterally; simultaneously, the rack plate will actuate the two control plates to move, and then the flanges of the control plates will extend out of the rail grooves to close one path and open the for the running toy.

Abstract: A claw coupling for electric toy and model trains with prerelease has a claw, which can be hooked from the side into a rigid hook of the respective end supporting part, and which is spring-mounted and preclamped so that it can swivel in a horizontal plane into the coupling position and can be lifted upwardly by means of a coupling lever of a release track and which engages a pivot journal that projects downwardly. The pivot journal is mounted in a borehole acting against a vertical restoring force from its coupling position into a release position that is limited by a stop. The spring, which produces the restoring force that counteracts the swivelling motion, is in the form of a tongue adjacent to the claw, optionally with clearance, and is attached to a bearing part.

Abstract: A toy train set includes a toy train car operative upon a two rail trackway. The trackway includes means for reducing the toy train speed at selected places along the trackway and a track intersection having no moving parts which permits a child user to select either of two direction paths. Means are provided on the toy cars to facilitate placement upon the trackway by a younger child.

Abstract: The sound-of-steam producing system is completely mounted on the tender intended to be pulled by a toy electric locomotive. The system includes a switch mechanism included in the circuit of a module which energizes a speaker to simulate the puffing sound of a real locomotive. The switch mechanism is opened and closed by a roller mechanism comprising a pair of rollers having their diameters ratioed in accordance with the relative diameters of the locomotive's drive wheels and the tender's wheels, whereby the puffing sound is precisely synchronized with the rotation of drive wheels of the locomotive.

Abstract: A miniature roadway system of the support type for vehicles such as cars and the like. The roadway consists of an elongated flat strip or length of plastic extrusion having flat thin flexible metal conductors slidably located in flanged recesses, molded longitudinal in one flat side of strip or length. The coilable and flexible roadway of relatively long length is uncoiled and flat-mounted on flat surfaces with the conductive bands exposed in the flanged channel recesses extending the length of the traction surface and is self-supporting.In use, the long sections of highly flexible roadway are combined with turn sections and are set up in an unlimited number of endless configurations and elevations.In use, the roadway is arranged either in a self-supporting configuration on the floor, patio, grass lawns and the like or utilizing special supports which engage recessed channels, molded into each side of roadway strip.

Abstract: A track section for model trains and the like including a non-conductive bed supporting a pair of conductive rails, the bed including on each end an extension and receiver for entry into and reception of end receivers and extensions of like beds, resilient formations for snap interfitting engagement between like track beds, and rail connectors for electrical conduction between rails of adjacent beds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for uncoupling the cars of model trains travelling on tracks assembled on conventional cork roadbeds. The uncoupler disclosed and claimed operates from a normal, inactivated position in which no parts extend between the track rails, to an activated state in which a pair of wings rotate to fold towards one another between the track rails and engage the depending fingers of car couplers between cars indexed at the car uncoupling position.

Abstract: An automatic switching system particularly adapted for railroad hobbyists whereby the complicated polarity switching usually required is eliminated. Apparatus is associated with each insulation point in a track section (block) to sense the direction of train motion and automatically conform the polarity of the next track block upon which the train will enter if the next block is of an opposite polarity from the prior block section from which the train has left.

Abstract: A plurality of toy vehicle track sections, each having at one or both ends of each track section, a protruding plug portion of plastics material and socket, the socket being adapted to receive a similar plug portion on the next track section, and the plug portion fitting into a similar socket on the next track section, the plug portion or socket having a detent, and the socket or plug portion correspondingly having a detent receiving means for locking engagement with the detent.

Abstract: An electrical connection device for a toy vehicle track constructed of a track base to which conductor rails are mounted. The connection device comprises a contact base, two or more contacts resilently mounted in or on the base, each contact being arranged and extending through a hole in the track base to engage electrically with the conductor rail of the track, and bias elements holding each contact in engagement with the track.

Abstract: A toy vehicle track section for use with similar track sections to form an interconnected track for a toy vehicle includes a base formed of electrically non-conductive material having opposite ends with at least one of the ends having a plurality of generally wedge shaped projections extending longitudinally therefrom. The other of the track ends has a plurality of generally complementary wedge shaped recesses for receiving the projections of an adjacent track section. The recesses and projections have cooperating means formed thereon for resisting longitudinal engagement of the projections from the recesses of an adjacent track section and the base includes longitudinally extending conductive strips associated with opposed projections and recesses to provide a complete electrical circuit about the track in its assembled form.

Abstract: A toy track for use with electrically operated self-propelled toys such as vehicles or railway trains comprising a plurality of track section, each track section including at least one pair of electrically conductive rails extending substantially the length of the section and provided at least at one end with an electrical junction means adapted to be joined with a corresponding electrical junction means on the adjacent section, said junction means comprising on the one section an insulating member which protrudes from the end of the track section in overlapping relationship with the adjacent track section and on the adjacent track section a recess adapted to receive said projecting portion, said projecting portion mounting and projecting beyond at least one electrically conductive member for coupling a conductive rail of the respective track section with the conductive rail of the adjacent track section.

Abstract: Model railroad layout with a length of track formed near the ends of the rails with gaps and connected to an electrical source and a control means to reverse polarity on the rails when the engine wheel bridges a gap.