Abstract: An intelligent block controller for a model train is connected to receive detect signals from adjacent blocks of model railway track assemblies indicating that a model train is present on a respective block track assemblies. The controller provides one or more control outputs to automatically and independently control power to selected blocks of track, to operate one or more switches, or to operate other accessories. The detect signal may be provided by grounding an isolated portion of a rail to a ground rail or other voltage reference. The controller may also be configured to accept user input to select a preferred operating mode, or to deactivate automatic control.

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 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: 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 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 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: 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 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 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 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: The present invention provides a controller for a model toy train set. In a first aspect of the invention, the controller includes a plurality of input connectors for receiving supply power from one or more remote power supplies and providing such power to a plurality of output connectors. In a second aspect of the invention, the controller includes an input device for producing an input signal to limit the amount of output power supplied from the controller to a toy train set when the controller is remotely operated from a remote transmitter. In a third aspect of the invention, the controller includes a programming circuit having a first mode for controlling a plurality of output channels from separate sets of inputs and a second mode for controlling the plurality of output channels from a single set of inputs.

Abstract: A selective voltage multiplier for a toy model train with an audio system that is activated by an input voltage, the selective voltage multiplier including either a voltage doubler or tripler multiplier circuit; a DC voltage source and a voltage divider circuit together establishing a reference voltage; an operational amplifier comparator for comparing the input voltage with the reference voltage, the comparator producing an output signal depending on whether the reference voltage exceeds the input voltage; an opto-isolator for selectively enabling the voltage multiplier circuit depending on the output signal of the comparator; and a speaker system.

Abstract: A house arrest monitoring system wherein a transmitter module is attached to the subject by a strap containing a number of conductors. The module includes a microprocessor which applies a voltage to selected conductors and establishes a voltage pattern on the conductors. Any detected change in the pattern causes the generation of a tamper signal. The system is set for monitoring by an optical signal to prevent unauthorized resetting following a tamper condition.