Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A smoke generating device for a model train that includes a smoke generating element supported by a support member. The smoke generating element can be wound around the support member is a generally helical pattern. The number of turns and the distance between turns can be varied to enhance the smoke generating properties of the device. The support member can be braided fiberglass. A length and cross-section of the support member can be varied to support smoke generating elements of different lengths. The length of the smoke generating element can be varied to produce smoke generating devices having different resistive values.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for controlling a power level supplied to a load by an auxiliary output of a power source is presented. The method includes providing a power source having a user-adjustable main output and an auxiliary output. The method further includes providing a controller that is operative to control the level of the auxiliary output, the controller having at least supply and programming modes of operation. The method still further includes selecting the programming mode and adjusting the power level of the auxiliary output to a desired level while in the programming mode, thereby defining a programmed desired level. The method yet still further includes storing the programmed desired level in the controller, and then controlling the auxiliary output to the programmed desired level while operating the power source in the supply mode. The method further includes delivering power to the load in accordance with the stored desired power level.

Abstract: A smoke generating unit for a model train that varies the rate of smoke produce in response to changes in the load on the model train. The smoke generating unit includes a housing, a smoke element and a motor driven fan. The housing can be formed of two sub-housings. The first sub-housing can contain the smoke generating element and the second housing can contain the fan. The smoke element can be a nickel chromium wire. An insulating gasket can be positioned between the sub-housings to thermally insulate the motorized fan from the heat generating element. The motorized fan is controlled by a microprocessor that can monitor the load on the train and control rotation of the fan to correspond to the load on the engine. The load on the train can be the voltage across the engine of the train or the speed at which the train is moving.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting model cars of a model train includes an integrated resilient contact supported by a first coupling member disposed against a mating electrical connector of a second coupling member. The first and second coupling members are configured to bear mechanical tension and compression, while permitting vertical movement of one coupling relative to the other. The resilient contact and mating contact are configured to maintain an electrical connection during relative vertical movement of the coupling members. Using the coupling, separate cars of a model train may be placed in electrical communication with one another without requiring a separate electrical connector. A wireless connection may also be made through the coupling.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a load control unit having an output configured to be coupled to a load. The load control unit is configured to be responsive to a load control signal for controlling the delivery of power to the load. A voltage regulator further includes a feedback unit coupled to the output of the load control unit. The feedback unit is configured to produce a feedback signal indicative of a voltage level applied to the load at the load control unit output. A voltage regulator still further includes a controller responsive to the feedback signal that is configured to generate the load control signal such that the voltage applied to the load substantially corresponds to a predetermined reference voltage level.

Abstract: An apparatus for a model toy train includes a circuit configured to supply an output signal to energize at least one stationary light to simulate a light having movement like a mars unit light display.

Abstract: A method for speed control for a motor of a locomotive of a model electric train is presented. A method in accordance with the present invention includes sensing an operating velocity of the motor and the operating current provided to the motor, and then producing a signal corresponding to the operating velocity and a signal corresponding to the operating current. A method in accordance with the present invention further includes providing the operating velocity signal and operating current signal to a controller and establishing a target motor velocity. A method in accordance with the present invention still further includes calculating a target current configured so that the motor reaches the target motor velocity, and then changing the operating current to the target motor current to achieve the target motor velocity.

Abstract: A method for selectively enabling flow of current to a load from an alternating current supply signal connected to the load is presented. The method includes storing a first time passing between a zero-crossing of the supply signal, the first zero-crossing indicating a leading edge of the signal, and a second zero-crossing of the supply signal, the second zero-crossing indicating a trailing edge of the supply signal. The method further includes sending a first signal enabling flow of the current according to a desired conduction angle when a subsequent zero-crossing indicating the leading edge of the supply signal does not occur within a second time, the second time being at least as long as the first time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for over-current protection of a transformer supplying a load. The method includes periodically sampling a current supplied to the load, calculating an RMS average current using the samples collected, comparing the RMS average current to a target current, and limiting an amount of power intended for the load during a subsequent cycle to the lower of a desired power value and an RMS average power value, the RMS average power value determined by the comparison of the RMS average current to the target current. The described apparatus includes a controller capable of performing a process including each of these functions.

Abstract: A rail system for a toy train having at least one elongate rail with a hollow cross-section having a surface defining a connection portion along at least part of the outer periphery of the rail. The hollow rails are reinforced with at least one rib molded into the track bed. Each end of the elongate outer rails is either preassembled with corresponding pin or adaptable for receiving a pin preassembled in an adjacent track segment. An intermediate pin is operably engaged with each end of an intermediate rail and is slidingly engagable with a corresponding intermediate pin located in an adjacent intermediate rail connected to an adjacent intermediate track segment. The connection portion of each pin extends beyond the end of the rail for operable engagement with the corresponding connection portion of an adjacent rail communication electrically with the adjacent rails on an adjacent track segment.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wheel assembly for a model toy train wherein the wheel assembly includes a wheel and a traction tire. The wheel including an undercut recess and at least one sprue. The traction tire is molding into the undercut recess through the sprue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smoke generator for a model train. The invention allows a toy locomotive to produce smoke as an actual train would, in a puffing pattern. The present achieves its purpose by manipulating the flow of air through a smoke generating housing with a fan and a blocking device.