Abstract: The present invention is a model train sound board interface for making model trains compatible with the LIONEL TRAINMASTER® Command Control system. The model train sound board interface is comprised of circuitry which interprets serial digital data received from the LIONEL TRAINMASTER Command Control transmitter to determine what command the user is sending to the model train engine. Once the command is interpreted the circuitry provides the appropriate output signal to carry out the command. The circuitry of the preferred embodiment includes a microprocessor for interpreting serial data from the LIONEL TRAINMASTER Receiver, negative 5 and approximately negative 9 volt power supplies for providing consistent and filtered power to external sound boards, an H-bridge triac motor driver optically coupled to the microprocessor and DC offset circuitry made up of variable voltage regulators, again optically coupled to the microprocessor.

Abstract: A mechanical face-type seal assembly which provides substantially annular, axially biasing force along the annular seal created between the rotary seal face and the stationary seal face of the seal assembly. The device preferably employs a substantially annular segment of interconnected canted coils in conjunction with a cartridge-type configuration to provide substantially annular, axial biasing force to the rotary and stationary seal faces, while also providing an improved configuration for maintaining the sealing rings and interconnected canted coils in axial alignment and installing the entire assembly as a single cartridge on a variety of applications.

Abstract: Split mechanical seal assemblies which include a pressurized fluid barrier and multiple concentric and axially aligned stationary seal rings. The stationary seal rings are in sealing relation with a rotary seal ring at their respective seal faces, and with the gland of the mechanical seal assembly, thereby forming an annular cavity for pressurized fluid to create a positive fluid pressure barrier across the seal faces when in sealing contact with each other. The axially and concentrically aligned stationary seal rings comprise an inner stationary seal ring and an outer stationary seal ring, and the area of the axially extending portion of the outer surface of the outer seal ring partially defining the annular cavity is greater than the area of the axially extending portion of the inner surface of the outer seal ring partially defining the annular cavity. The split configuration of the seal assembly facilitates quick installation, removal and maintenance of the seal assembly and its component parts.

Abstract: Sectioned mechanical sealing rings divided into at least two sealing ring segments aligned by special aligning clips are described. Each ring segment has an arcuate inner wall portion having an arcuate recess therein traversing and extending laterally on both sides of the interface between adjacent segments. An aligning clip is positioned in the recess of one segment adjacent the interface and fastened so that it projects into the recess on the other side of the interface. The clips are U-shaped and the projecting U-shaped portions have essentially the same outer width as the width of the recess. When not inserted into the recess the legs of the clips diverge so that when installed in the recess, the legs lie flat and are tensioned against the walls defining the recess.