Abstract: An interactive slot car game having a multiple lane slot car track for electrically powered slot car. The trackway has a pit lane which is positioned on the same side of the track for all cars, with a pit position for all cars, with each pit position located on the same side of the pit lane. The game has an intermediate control device which limits the control that the user has over the speed of the slot car, and can be programmed to simulate occurrences such as tire wear or fuel shortages. The intermediate control device limits car speed due to actual occurrences during racing, such as a car in another lane exiting the track, thereby creating and enforcing caution periods, as in auto racing. Light signals and aural signals are generated in response to the game conditions, occurrences during the game, or randomly generated events.

Abstract: A transport system for passive vehicles which move by way of wheels on treadways of a track includes guide surfaces for guiding the vehicles along the track. Each vehicle includes at least one drive roller propelling the vehicle through contact with rotary tubes. An axis of the drive roller is steerable with respect to the axis of the tubes. The vehicle also includes guide rollers adapted to cooperate with guide surfaces of the track. The track includes a trench containing the rotary tubes and a cover disposed atop the trench and having a lengthwise slit.

Abstract: An electric powered vehicle includes a traction motor powered from a source of switched DC power. The motor includes a tachometer for measuring the rotational velocity of the motor and for providing a tachometer signal indicative thereof. A low pass filter low pass filters the tachometer signal and produces a reference tachometer signal. A summing circuit combines the tachometer signal and the reference tachometer signal to produce a deviation signal. The deviation signal is provided to a signal processing circuit which includes a comparator and a reference value generator. The comparator compares the output of the summing circuit to a reference value provided by the reference value generator and produces a binary changing signal as a function of the comparison.

Abstract: In a locomotive throttle controller having a digital central processor unit and an output driver mechanism for supplying signals to trainlines which control the locomotive engine throttle setting, reverser, and dynamic braking and for sending feedback signals indicative of actual voltages applied to said trainlines back to said central processor unit, of at least one locomotive, an improvement comprises a digital interface through which external digital equipment can communicate with the central processor unit and devices for communicating via the digital interface between the external digital equipment and the central processor unit such that the external digital equipment may be used to control the at least one locomotive.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for transmitting very fast digital DC signals over the track for remote control in a model railroad layout, by selecting positive and negative lobes from the applied AC track power signal. This method allows digital transmission at 120 Hz rate that can be used within a 60 Hz AC system. This is fast enough to be used for Digital Command Control (DCC) and also capable of delivering large power output efficiently without the expense of filtering or exotic electronic control circuits. This method also has low sensitivity to electrical noise and does not generate significant noise during operation. We describe methods of transmitting and receiving positive and negative lobes and methods to extend this technology. We also describe other areas where this technology can be applied such as remote control of appliances connected to any AC power environment such as home or industrial electric power systems.

Abstract: An automatic switching system integrated into freight cars includes a microcomputer for controlling the automatic system and regulating the shunting speed, a rotary pulse generator for determining the shunting distance and freight car speed, distance sensors for detecting the distance to and difference in speed relative to cars in front, an automatic coupling, a brake system for controlling the speed of the freight cars in the shunting zone and precise target braking on the sorting tracks and a data transmission devices for information exchange with a superordinated control station. The automatic switching system integrated into the freight cars makes it possible to decouple the freight cars by remote control, to precisely control the shunting speed, to maintain a minimum distance between the sections for safe setting of the switches, to automatically reduce speed by braking and re-coupling on the sorting tracks as well as to conduct a remote-monitored freight car diagnosis and brake test.

Abstract: A controller for model trains on a train track is provided. The controller causes direct current control signals to be superimposed on alternating current power signals to control effects and features on model vehicles. The model vehicle includes a receiver unit responsive to the direct current control signals.

Abstract: An electric power vehicle includes a propulsion system connected to a direct current (DC) source via a supply line. The propulsion system converts the DC supplied via the supply line to an AC electrical power to operate an AC motor at a desired level. An electromagnetic interference detection system for the vehicle includes an EMI processor connected to a current transducer and the propulsion system. The transducer detects AC signals appearing on the supply line and provides an output to the EMI processor. The EMI processor determines the frequency, amplitude and duration of the detected AC signals and causes the propulsion system to adjust the AC electrical power supplied to the motor as a function thereof.

Abstract: A locomotive control system comprising a remote transmitter issuing RF binary coded commands and a slave controller mounted on the locomotive that decodes the transmission and operates in dependence thereof various actuators to carry into effect the commands of the ground based operator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coordinating the movement of a plurality of oppositely directed trams operating generally simultaneously along a single, dedicated lane, including a plurality of stop-boarding areas, a plurality of corresponding by-pass lanes, sensors along the lane to sense the location of the trams, a central processor to compare the location of the trams and calculate signals to pairs of oppositely moving trams such that they will adjust their speeds to arrive at a common stop-boarding area at substantially the same time.

Abstract: An electrically controlled railway locomotive throttle controller including a power source connected to a central processing unit disposed on such locomotive. An encoder device is disposed on such locomotive for providing at least one electrical signal to such central processing unit. This at least one electrical signal being at least one of a signal indicative of a throttle position, a signal indicative of dynamic braking and a signal indicative of a reverser. A digital control device is disposed on such locomotive and is connected to receive a signal from such central processing unit to provide a digital control signal that controls the voltage being applied to a trainline. An analog control device is also disposed on such locomotive and is connected to receive a signal from such central processing unit to provide an analog control signal that controls a dynamic brake reference voltage being applied to such trainline.

Abstract: A locomotive control system comprising a remote transmitter issuing RF binary coded commands and a slave controller mounted on the locomotive that decodes the transmission and operates in dependence thereof various actuators to carry into effect the commands of the ground based operator.

Abstract: Electronic circuits and methods are provided for remote control of a locomotive in a model railroad layout having an interruptible DC power supply coupled to the railroad track. The locomotive motor is isolated from the track so as to allow use of polarity reversals on the track power signal for controlling remote effects in the locomotive such as sound effects. An on-board electronic state generator is provided in the locomotive for maintaining one at a time of a predetermined set of states, at least one of the states having a corresponding remote effect associated therewith. Remote control signals such as a reverse in polarity of the DC track power signal are used to clock the state generator to a desired state, thereby permitting control of a plurality of remote effects using only the traditional DC power supply interface. The locomotive motor is controlled by a motor reverse unit so that the motor direction is controllable independently of the polarity of the DC power signal applied to the track.

Abstract: A controller for model trains on a train track is provided. The controller transmits control signals between a rail of the track and earth ground, generating an electromagnetic field which extends for several inches around the track. A receiver in the locomotive can then pick up signals from this electromagnetic field.

Abstract: A railway signalling system comprising a control device for controlling the movements of railway vehicles on a railway track.

Abstract: A railway control system for controllably suppressing the maximum output of a railway substation for energy saving in a densified operation territory and, in which a predetermined upper limit value is established in the output of a substation. The output of the substation is always monitored by output monitoring apparatus, and, when the substation output exceeds an upper limit value, control command apparatus transmits a control command signal to any or several of output control apparatus, a train group and an operation administration system. The output control apparatus, train group or operation administration system which receives this signal performs output control or drive force control or both of them, thereby to limit the output of the substation at or below a predetermined value. It thus becomes possible to restrain a temporary output peak of a railway substation and to reduce the installed capacity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guidance track for an electric vehicle. The guidance track preferably includes one or more grooves formed within a dielectric material. The wheels of the vehicle fit, at least in part, in the grooves which are configured to accept the wheels of both powered and unpowered cars in the vehicle. The grooves guide and direct the vehicle as the wheels travel through the grooves.

Abstract: A device for exchanging data between a plurality of rail-supported movable automatic manipulating units for operating a plurality of textile machines with multiple workstations and a common central unit comprises a rail system and a lead system connected to the rail system. The lead system comprises at least two and at most three data-transmitting leads that serve exclusively for data transmission in addition to supply leads for supplying electric current to the automatic manipulating units. The data-transmitting leads form a ring conduit to which the sending and receiving devices of the central unit as well as the sending and receiving devices of the automatic manipulating units are connected via additional sliding contacts. Data are sent from the sending and receiving devices in the form of impulses with a predetermined duration at predetermined intervals and each data impulse is simultaneously guided to two leads with opposite polarity.

Abstract: A railroad maintenance device distributes, regulates and reclaims ballast along a railway road bed. The device includes one or more hopper cars for transporting and depositing ballast, a regulating car including a track regulator, a shoulder regulator, and an extensible plow arm for reclaiming ballast deposited at a distance from the shoulder of the road bed. The hopper cars include radio controlled gates for the remote control of ballast depositing operations, and a computer controlled system for optimizing the distribution of ballast according to predetermined parameters. A bucket elevator is located rearwardly of the track regulator for lifting excess ballast from the road bed, and a belt conveyor transports the lifted ballast to a hopper car.

Abstract: A control circuit which will momentarily apply a pulse of power to the E-Unit solenoid in response to the momentary interruption of power by the transformer or another control signal. The E-Unit rest state is thus with no power applied, eliminating noise and saving power. A seek-to-forward cycling capability is also provided. The overall system has a remote transmitter and a base unit coupled to the train tracks with a receiver. The base unit controls track switching and individual trains through FSK signals transmitted over the track. The base unit also controls a triac switch between the transformer and the track to allow remote control of track power and impose DC offsets on the track power signal.

Abstract: A transport control apparatus for a plurality of automated guided vehicles traveling a transport path having a confluence junction, a turnout or a crossing is comprised of a conductor of a loop-shaped configuration formed to surround the confluence junction, the turnout or the crossing, a magnetic field generating device provided on each of the plurality of automated guided vehicles and generating a magnetic field having a cycle peculiar to each of the automated guided vehicles, a magnetic field detecting device provided on each of the plurality of automated guided vehicles and detecting a magnetic field, wherein when the magnetic field detecting device of a rear automated guided vehicle detects a magnetic field from the loop-shaped conductor induced by the magnetic field generating device of a front automated guided vehicle, the rear automated guided vehicle is halted.

Abstract: Highway crossing protection equipment which operates warning lights or crossing gates is controlled from the train locomotive which enters into an interchange of messages via a radio link with the controller at the crossing. If communication is not established before the train reaches a safe braking distance, the brakes are applied and the train is not permitted to travel into the crossing. Communications between the train and the crossing controller is initiated by the locomotive when it passes a trackside beacon transponder located beyond a safe braking distance from the crossing. The crossing controller transmits a message addressed to the train acknowledging the receipt of the train signal. The message from the crossing controller causes the train to send a subsequent message within a minimum time which is used to update a timer (a minimum time) for the crossing to be actuated to its safe condition.

Abstract: Highwasy crossing protection equipment which operates warning lights or crossing gates is controlled from the train locomotive which enters into an interchange of messages via a radio link with the controller at the crossing. Communications between the train and the crossing controller is initiated when the locomotive passes a trackside beacon transponder located beyond a safe braking distance from the crossing. The crossing controller transmits a message addressed to the train acknowledging the receipt of the train signal. The interchange of messages can be repeated a plurality of times; each time the minimum time being updated so that traffic flow across the crossing is handled efficiently with minimum interference.

Abstract: A travel control system for trains, especially monorail trains, is disclosed. At each stopping point, there is a stop target mounted adajcent to the rail. The train carries a detector for sensing the stop targets and bringing the train to a stop at such targets. At each stop, there is also provided a controllable signal transmitter, cooperating with a receiver carried by the train. The transmitter/receiver combination has a greater effective transmitting range, in a lengthwise direction, than the stop target and its detector. Accordingly, the normal stop instructions can be overridden by activation of the controllable transmitter, allowing the train to pass through the stopping point without stopping. The controllable transmitter is also useful for restarting a train stopped in the normal course.

Abstract: A material handling system, such as a monorail material handling system, and a delivery device therefor which is intelligent, self-powered and capable of communicating with a central system control via a radio frequency communication link without direct electrical connection therewith. The material handling system comprises at least one delivery device, a pathway along which the delivery device is adapted to be propelled, and a central electronic control for controlling operation of the system. Each delivery device includes a drive for propelling the delivery device along the pathway, an onboard power supply for providing power to the drive, and an onboard electronic control for controlling operation of the delivery device. The onboard electronic control and the central electronic control include radio frequency communications for providing a radio communication link therebetween.

Abstract: A remote locomotive spotter control having a plug in remote unit to control braking and battery power to one or more traction motors for moving the locomotive from an outside location. The control system provides automatic bell operation when the brakes are released and brake application whenever the remote brake control is released. Additional features prevent operation of the spotter control until the locomotive independent brake has been set and whenever the main reservoir pressure is too low for repeated brake application. Damage to the battery through inadvertent connection to the main generator is also prevented.

Abstract: For data communication in the form of messages between railways vehicles moving over a same track, short identical emissions at random times by modulating a directional microwave beam whose angular opening is sufficient in the horizontal direction for maintaining communication in bends of said track and switches and in the vertical direction for maintaining communication during changes in the profile of the track.

Abstract: A remote control system for a locomotive utilizes air from the train air brake line to control the independent locomotive brakes. The system provides a portable remote control unit for easy attachment to a locomotive utilizing locomotive power and trainline wires to provide input for the locomotive operation. The system comprises an air link between the train air brake line and the independent locomotive brake line, brake control valve in the air link, operating control for the brake control valve utilizing air from the train air brake line to control air pressure in the independent locomotive brake line, receiver attached to the locomotive for receiving radio instructions and producing signals for the operating control for the brake control valve, direction of travel and throttle position for the locomotive, and transmitter having control switches for an operator remote from the locomotive to send radio instructions to the receiver.

Abstract: A computer-controlled interlocking system for a railway installation which comprises a plurality of sections, each of which sections has an associated plurality of elements, comprises a plurality of section computers to be respectively associated with the sections and arranged to be fail-safe in terms of signaling technology. Each section computer is provided with a respective program memory which, in turn, is provided with programs relating to the processing of requirements for control, both individual and in relation to routes, of all the associated plurality of roadway elements independently of their presence an arrangement in the relevant section. Each section computer also has a write/read memory arranged for receiving and storing installation-specific data relating to the railway installation topography and the respective element characterization in terms of type of element, element program, element designation and the arrangement of the elements relative to neighboring elements.

Abstract: Conveying equipment provided with a conveying vehicle guided by a single overhead rail without the necessity of an auxiliary rail due to the wheel and vehicle body unit construction which enables stable running of the vehicle. The equipment of the invention employs only one rail, thereby being simple in construction and extremely convenient for a non-permanent installation or a conveying equipment whose route is frequently changed, and also made remote-controllable by photo signals in simple operation.

Abstract: A remote control system for use e.g. in controlling the locomotives and ancillary devices of a model train layout comprises a transmitter and a number of receivers incorporated in the devices to be controlled. A composite waveform is applied across the tracks, comprising a rectangular power supply waveform with intervals between positive and negative path cycles and control signals which occur in the latter parts of these intervals, the delay between the end of each half cycle and the control signals allowing time for reactive currents resulting from inductive loads to decay. The composite waveform is synthesized by two switching amplifiers driven by a microprocessor and having associated with it slider controls and a keyboard for controlling the receivers. The receivers are programmed to identify control signals addressed to them and to control an associated locomotive or an ancillary device appropriately.

Abstract: A control system for a plurality of vehicles provides for efficient communication while minimizing necessary bandwidth and communication delays. Periodic reports are received from the vehicles by a controlling authority. All vehicles in motion continually receive a permissive GO signal. When the controlling authority determines a vehicle should be stopped, it immediately addresses a STOP command thereto. The addressed vehicle acknowledges the message. Failure of the controlling authority to receive the acknowledgement results in removal of the permissive GO, stopping all vehicles.