Patents by Inventor John T. Ricks

John T. Ricks 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: 10434429
    Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Liontech Trains LLC
    Inventors: Louis G Kovach, II, Neil Young, John T Ricks, Mark E Ricks
  • Patent number: 9937430
    Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Lionel LLC
    Inventors: Louis G Kovach, II, Neil Young, John T Ricks, Mark E Ricks
  • Patent number: 9937431
    Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Lionel LLC
    Inventors: Louis G Kovach, II, Neil Young, John T Ricks, Mark E Ricks
  • Publication number: 20150306515
    Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil Young, John T. Ricks, Mark E. Ricks
  • Publication number: 20150306512
    Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil Young, John T. Ricks, Mark E. Ricks
  • Publication number: 20150108285
    Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Lionel LLC
    Inventors: Louis G Kovach, II, Neil Young, John T Ricks, Mark E Ricks
  • Publication number: 20150102178
    Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Lionel LLC
    Inventors: Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil Young, John T. Ricks, Mark E. Ricks
  • Patent number: 8892276
    Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Lionel LLC
    Inventors: Neil Young, Louis G. Kovach, II, Mark E. Ricks, John T. Ricks
  • Patent number: 8393931
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for selectively directing smoke in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment, a directional fan is used to guide smoke to one of at least two output ports. When the fan is rotated in a first direction, air is drawn in through a first port and smoke is directed out of a second port. When the fan is reversed, the flow of air is reversed to draw air in through the second port and to direct smoke out through the first port. In another embodiment, multiple blower units are connected to a common smoke generating unit and can be selectively operated to direct smoke to plural locations within a model vehicle. The volume an speed of smoke can be variably controlled, and audio effects can be synchronized with smoke visual effects for added realism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.
    Inventors: Bruce R. Koball, Richard James Mosher, John T. Ricks, Tyler R. Brooks
  • Patent number: 8154227
    Abstract: A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Liontech Trains LLC
    Inventors: Neil Young, Louis G. Kovach, II, Mark E. Ricks, John T. Ricks
  • Patent number: 7926427
    Abstract: A model train car having a union with a force sensor is disclosed. The force sensor is configured to measure the amount of force acting on the coupler. The information gathered from the force sensor may work in conjunction with a communication link or a local control unit so that realistic train effects can be produced reflecting the change in force being felt by the model train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Liontech Trains LLC
    Inventors: Mark E. Ricks, Neil Young, Louis G. Kovach, II, John T. Ricks
  • Publication number: 20100323578
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for selectively directing smoke in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment, a directional fan is used to guide smoke to one of at least two output ports. When the fan is rotated in a first direction, air is drawn in through a first port and smoke is directed out of a second port. When the fan is reversed, the flow of air is reversed to draw air in through the second port and to direct smoke out through the first port. In another embodiment, multiple blower units are connected to a common smoke generating unit and can be selectively operated to direct smoke to plural locations within a model vehicle. The volume an speed of smoke can be variably controlled, and audio effects can be synchronized with smoke visual effects for added realism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: BRUCE R. KOBALL, Richard James Mosher, John T. Ricks, Tyler R. Brooks
  • Patent number: 7458545
    Abstract: A model train system is provided, comprising a command originator, layout objects, and a communication link. The communication link may be established through the use of magnetic induction coils/transceivers placed at the ends of each layout object. Commands sent by a user via a remote base to the command originator are forwarded to the subsequent layout objects. For addressing, a command index is incremented by each layout object, until it matches the position number of the layout object. Examples of such commands are opening/closing couples which physically connect cars, turning on/off lights, and producing bell and whistle sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Liontech Trains LLC
    Inventors: John T. Ricks, Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil Young, Mark E. Ricks
  • Patent number: 7437642
    Abstract: A model train command protocol using front and back error bytes is disclosed. The front error byte is used to encode the data so that it is securely transmitted. The back error byte checks for proper transmission of the data itself. The entire encoded data sequence is known as a signature. The signature is sent by a user via a remote base through a communication link in a model train system. A receiver located within the model train system decodes the signature and executes the command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Liontech Trains LLC
    Inventors: John T. Ricks, Louis G. Kovach, II, Neil Young