Patents by Inventor David L. Krebiehl
David L. Krebiehl 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).
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Patent number: 8262034Abstract: A model train system including a track interface unit for bi-directional communication with one or more trains; and a communication circuit installed in the one or more trains that communicates with the track interface unit in a bi-directional manner, the communication circuit communicating to the track interface unit information regarding a current speed of said one or more trains, the communication circuit being configured so as to be capable of receiving an integrally formed command/power signal and processing the command signal independently of the power signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki, Scott B. Long
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Publication number: 20120199702Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki
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Publication number: 20120199701Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2012Publication date: August 9, 2012Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki
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Patent number: 7694834Abstract: A coupler for use with model trains. The coupler includes a body member; a knuckle pivotally mounted on the body member, where the knuckle is in either an open state or a closed state; a locking pin disposed on the body member, where the locking pin is operable for maintaining the knuckle in the closed state when the locking pin is in a first position, and for allowing the knuckle to transition to the open state when the locking pin is in a second position; and an actuator wire coupled to the body member and the locking pin. In operation, the actuator wire contracts in length when an electrical signal is supplied thereto such that the locking pin is transitioned to the second position when said electrical signal is supplied to the actuator wire.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Mike's Train House Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Scott B. Long
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Publication number: 20090185391Abstract: A light fixture for a scale model structure including a waveguide for transmitting light. The wave guide includes a transparent substrate; a first end for receiving light; a second end for emitting light from one or more output apertures; and a light scattering portion with an index of refraction substantially different from the transparent substrate, which scatters or reflects light received at the first end so as to emit light from the output apertures.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventors: Michael P. Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Young Jun Jung
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Publication number: 20090014402Abstract: A coupler for use with model trains. The coupler includes a body member; a knuckle pivotally mounted on the body member, where the knuckle is in either an open state or a closed state; a locking pin disposed on the body member, where the locking pin is operable for maintaining the knuckle in the closed state when the locking pin is in a first position, and for allowing the knuckle to transition to the open state when the locking pin is in a second position; and an actuator wire coupled to the body member and the locking pin. In operation, the actuator wire contracts in length when an electrical signal is supplied thereto such that the locking pin is transitioned to the second position when said electrical signal is supplied to the actuator wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Michael P. Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Scott B. Long
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Patent number: 7210656Abstract: A model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals in the form of data bit sequences (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki
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Publication number: 20040079841Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Applicant: MIKE'S TRAIN HOUSE, INC.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki
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Patent number: 6655640Abstract: A model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals in the form of data bit sequences (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki
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Patent number: 6619594Abstract: A model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals in the form of data bit sequences (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki, Scott B. Long
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Patent number: 6604641Abstract: An electrically operated coupler includes a knuckle movable between an open position and a closed position, a plunger mechanically couplable to the knuckle, and a solenoid having a central hollow portion for receiving at least a portion of the plunger, at least a portion of the solenoid includes ferromagnetic material adapted to define at least a portion of a magnetic circuit for driving the plunger. The movable plunger includes a cap configured to engage the knuckle at a locking position of the plunger for locking the knuckle in the closed position. The solenoid drives the movable plunger toward or away from the locking position and a guide member guides the cap toward and away from the locking position.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Scott B. Long
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Publication number: 20030019979Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Applicant: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki, Scott B. Long
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Publication number: 20030015626Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Applicant: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki, Scott B. Long
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Publication number: 20030006346Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Applicant: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki, Scott B. Long
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Publication number: 20030001051Abstract: The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is a novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki, Scott B. Long
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Patent number: 6457681Abstract: A model train operating, sound and control system provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains includes a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Mike's Train House, Inc.Inventors: Michael Paul Wolf, David L. Krebiehl, Forrest S. Seitz, Stanley K. Sasaki, Scott B. Long