Abstract: A multiple-resolution audio and video system is disclosed that includes: at least one shared network infrastructure; at least one audio file, video file or a combination thereof, wherein each of the at least one audio file, video file or combination thereof has at least one resolution format and wherein one of the at least one resolution format is a studio quality resolution; at least one executable user interface application; and at least one device that accesses the at least one executable user interface application. Methods of using a multiple-resolution audio and video system are also included. Devices and related software applications are also contemplated herein.

Abstract: An assembly may include a fitting, a first pipe, and a first seal. The fitting may include an annular body having a first insertion end and an inner diametrical surface having a first knurled portion disposed adjacent the first insertion end. The first pipe may include a first end portion that is received into the first insertion end of the body and an outer diametrical surface including knurls formed thereon. The knurls of the outer diametrical surface may engage the first knurled portion of the fitting. The first seal element may be disposed within the fitting and may sealingly engage the first pipe and the fitting body. The engagement between the inner diametrical surface of the fitting and the outer diametrical surface of the pipe may a press fit and/or an interference fit.

Abstract: A social media interaction application tool and related methods include a communication component, a dialog component, at least one social media link component, a tile display component, and an interaction component, wherein the social media interaction tool is stored on and executed from a portable media storage device, a hand held device, tablet computer, laptop computer, desk top computer or a combination thereof. In some contemplated embodiments, social media interaction application tools are embedded on or included in a media file or collection of media files that are stored or located on a portable media storage device, a hand held device, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desk top computer, a network server, an internet server, the cloud or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for powering and/or controlling a plurality of model devices, including at least one model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an adjustable transformer in communication with at least a model train. The adjustable transformer is configured to convert an AC voltage into first and second AC output voltages based, respectively, on positions of first and second input devices. The adjustable transformer includes a processor configured to receive input signals from the input devices, and to generate corresponding control signals, which are used by drive circuits to convert an AC voltage into first and second outputs. The processor is further configured to display data concerning the first output on a display, and to replace the data concerning the first output with data concerning the second output if a signal is received from a sensor, indicating that the user has interacted with the second input device.

Abstract: A two-way vehicle communication system has been developed that includes at least one vehicle, at least one vehicle data collection point, at least one operations data supply system, and at least one data communication system, wherein the data communication system is operatively coupled to the at least one vehicle, the at least one vehicle data collection point, the at least one operations data supply system or a combination thereof. A method of monitoring a vehicle using a two-way vehicle communication system has been developed that includes: providing at least one vehicle, providing at least one vehicle data collection point, providing at least one operations data supply system, and providing at least one data communication system, wherein the data communication system is operatively coupled to and communicates with the at least one vehicle, the at least one vehicle data collection point, the at least one operations data supply system or a combination thereof.

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.

Abstract: The model train control system includes a remote control device that receives user input with respect to various train functions such as desired speed and effects, and that generates commands based on that input in order to cause the model train to perform in a desired manner. In an embodiment of the invention, the model train controller comprises control input devices that permit user control over corresponding control features of the model train. A touch screen display may be coupled to the housing and adapted to receive user selections regarding the control feature. A processor is operatively coupled to the control input devices and the touch screen display. The processor is adapted to generate at least one model train command to be transmitted to the model train based at least in part on a user input received from either one of the control input devices or the touch screen display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designating a particular model vehicle for a command function without punching in the ID of the model vehicle. A remote control device is positioned near one of the model vehicles. A limited field transmission occurs between the model vehicle and the remote control device. The device may be a train engine transmitting its train ID periodically via an infrared (IR) transmission. The remote near the train automatically receives the IR transmission of the train ID, so that the next press of a command button will automatically go to that train ID without needing to punch in the ID number.

Abstract: A model train control system includes a controller that actively generates commands to control train operation based on user input and/or other information concerning settings of the controller, operating environment of the train, and historic operation of train control system. The model train controller includes a user throttle input for selecting a target speed for the model train. A processor in the controller is adapted to determine the commanded speed based upon at least the target speed, the processor thereby generating a speed command, to be transmitted to said train, to achieve the commanded speed. The model train controller may further include a momentum input for selecting a momentum level for the model train, in which case the processor would determine the commanded speed based on at least the target speed and a selected momentum level for the train.

Abstract: The model train control system includes a remote control device that receives user input with respect to various train functions such as desired speed and effects, and that generates commands based on that input in order to cause the model train to perform in a desired manner. In an embodiment of the invention, the model train controller comprises control input devices that permit user control over corresponding control features of the model train. A touch screen display may be coupled to the housing and adapted to receive user selections regarding the control features. A processor is operatively coupled to the control input devices and the touch screen display. The processor is adapted to generate at least one model train command to be transmitted to the model train based at least in part on a user input received from either one of the control input devices or the touch screen display.

Abstract: A non-water soluble polymeric surfactant is prepared by reacting a polymerized/bodied unsaturated oil with maleic anhydride followed by a further partial or complete reaction with an amine to form an amide; or an alcohol to form an ester.

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.

Abstract: A two-way vehicle communication system has been developed that includes at least one vehicle, at least one vehicle data collection point, at least one operations data supply system, and at least one data communication system, wherein the data communication system is operatively coupled to the at least one vehicle, the at least one vehicle data collection point, the at least one operations data supply system or a combination thereof. A method of monitoring a vehicle using a two-way vehicle communication system has been developed that includes: providing at least one vehicle, providing at least one vehicle data collection point, providing at least one operations data supply system, and providing at least one data communication system, wherein the data communication system is operatively coupled to and communicates with the at least one vehicle, the at least one vehicle data collection point, the at least one operations data supply system or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A printing ink is disclosed containing: non-water soluble polymeric surfactant; and water as a dispersed phase, wherein the non-water soluble polymeric surfactant stabilizes the water to form a stabilized emulsion heatset printing ink.

Abstract: A high-resolution music application is disclosed and comprises: a) a high resolution audio file, b) an executable application that is compatible with the high resolution audio file, and c) a device that contains both the high resolution audio file and the executable application, wherein the device comprises at least one speaker, at least one control system, at least one headphone or earbud port or a combination thereof. In addition, a high-resolution multi-media application is disclosed that comprises: a) at least one high resolution file, b) an executable application that is compatible with the at least one high resolution file, and c) a device that contains both the at least one high resolution audio file and the executable application, wherein the device comprises at least one speaker, at least one control system, at least one headphone or earbud port or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Motor systems are disclosed that include: a motor component, at least one motor stator module, and at least one binary controller, wherein the binary controller is coupled to the at least one module. In some embodiments, a contemplated motor system also comprises at least one primary motor controller, wherein the primary motor controller is coupled to a vehicle speed component. Methods of using these motor systems and motorized vehicles comprising contemplated motor system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for designating a particular model vehicle for a command function without punching in the ID of the model vehicle. A remote control device is positioned near one of the model vehicles. A limited field transmission occurs between the model vehicle and the remote control device. The device may be a train engine transmitting its train ID periodically via an infrared (IR) transmission. The remote near the train automatically receives the IR transmission of the train ID, so that the next press of a command button will automatically go to that train ID without needing to punch in the ID number.

Abstract: A compilation and archiving platform is disclosed that includes at least one piece of information, wherein each piece of information comprises at least one tag and wherein the at least one piece of information is organized in a predetermined logical order in the platform. Methods of forming a compilation platform are also disclosed that include: a) providing at least one piece of information, wherein each piece of information comprises at least one tag; and organizing the at least one piece of information into a predetermined logical order in the platform.

Abstract: Hybrid-electric vehicle are described herein and comprises: an electric motor, at least one battery pack, at least one capacitor bank, at least one generator, at least one engine, and a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the at least one battery pack, the at least one capacitor bank and the at least one engine. Power systems are also disclosed, wherein the power systems include: at least one battery pack, at least one capacitor bank, at least one generator, and a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the at least one battery pack, the at least one capacitor bank and the at least one generator. In addition, modified gear boxes are disclosed that include: an epicyclic roller arrangement and a control mechanism coupled to an output shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flying object having a recess or orifice for removably securing an article of merchandise and to the combination of a flying object and an article of merchandise removably secured to the flying object.