Manual-control Systems Patents (Class 246/183)
  • Patent number: 6747579
    Abstract: New techniques are presented for providing proportional activation of model railroad functions with control keys. This permits for example a compact throttle device connected to a digital layout control system to provide for a “playable” or variable-pitch whistle sound effect where prior art was severely limited in providing this effect realistically. This invention allows multiple proportional keys in a cost-effective manner that is compatible with existing keyboard designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Digitrax Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Ireland
  • Patent number: 5588693
    Abstract: A modular frame structure for a cargo area of a truck includes rails, side structures and pre-fabricated assemblies. Each of the rails include elongated portions having interlocking seats for interdigitally engaging the rail portions. The interlocked rail portions also urge against and counterpose each other for reducing the stress on the interlocking seats. The rails are fastened or welded to the side structures and the pre-fabricated assemblies to complete the modular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventors: Roy C. Higginson, Paul L. Whiteman
  • Patent number: 4901953
    Abstract: A railway vehicle controller apparatus having a housing in which a rotatable shaft having a first portion positioned within the housing and a second portion extending out of the housing is provided. A control mechanism is connected to the second portion of such rotatable shaft. Such control mechanism is operable by an operator of such railway vehicle. A detection unit is positioned within the housing to detect a rotational position of the rotatable shaft. The detection unit includes a unit to provide an electrical signal indicative of such rotational position of the rotatable shaft. Such a signal is used as an acceleration or deceleration command. A control resistance mechanism engages the rotatable shaft to provide a controlled resistance to rotation of such rotatable shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Nippon air Brake Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Munetika
  • Patent number: 4865278
    Abstract: A brake and/or propulsion command arrangement for railway vehicles, especially for abnormality detection of a dual brake system having a cam controller for producing ON-OFF control signals.The abnormal detection system employs a comparing circuit for comparing the control signals, an interlocking circuit for producing a verification signal of the position of the cam controlling, and evaluating circuit for producing a trouble detection signal when the control signals are unmatched and during the presence of the verification signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Nippon Air Brake Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Kitaue