Abstract: Device (D) for communicating between a mobile element and a fixed element, includes: an electromagnetic field-based reader (L) including a transmitter with a transmitting antenna and a receiver with a first antenna placed in a housing (1), and a beacon (B) including a receiver able to receive a signal originating from the transmitter of the reader (L) so as to provide energy to a transmitter able to dispatch a signal received by the receiver of the reader (L), the receiver of the reader (L) including at least one second antenna and signal comparison elements able to compare the signal received by the first antenna of the receiver with the signal received by the second antenna so as to determine the moment at which the reader (L) passes vertically in line with the beacon (B).

Abstract: Methods and systems for a cab signal pickup coil assembly are provided. The system includes an assembly including at least one elongate magnetic core and a plurality of pickup coils concentrically spaced about the magnetic core wherein the pickup coils are configured to be responsive to a magnetic field in the magnetic core. The pickup coils are grouped in sets of pickup coils along an axial length of the magnetic core. At least two sets of pickup coils are at least partially tuned using respective tuning capacitors to be responsive to different respective cab signal carrier frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a function on a model train car on a track includes an electrically operated mechanism mounted on the car for performing a function on the car. A reed switch is operatively connected to the mechanism for activating the mechanism. The reed switch has contacts movable from a first position, in which the contacts are out of contact with one another, to a second position, in which the contacts are in contact with one another. A magnet associated with the track moves the contacts of the reed switch from the first position to the second position to activate the mechanism.

Abstract: Interference currents in railway trackside signaling apparatus are monitored by first and second transducers adapted to measure the traction current and frequency, respectively, of power electronics in traction systems of railway vehicles. An instantaneous interference current value is determined, based on data output from the first transducer. Data output from the second transducer is used to determine digital filter outputs for the trackside signaling frequencies for the interference current value. The determined interference current value and digital filter output values are recorded on a data storage medium and displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: Interference currents in railway trackside signaling apparatus are monitored by first and second transducers adapted to measure the traction current and frequency, respectively, of power electronics in traction systems of railway vehicles. An instantaneous interference current value is determined, based on data output from the first transducer. Data output from the second transducer is used to determine digital filter outputs for the trackside signaling frequencies for the interference current value. The determined interference current value and digital filter output values are recorded on a data storage medium and displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: A toy train system has movable and removable trigger devices to be located by a user wherever selected on the toy train track. The train locomotive includes the ability to activate a sound and a light signal which can correspond to the sound. The train locomotive is capable of manipulating and changing the speed of the train over the track. The track can have an ascending and descending tracks and curves, and the tracks have ridges for engaging the locomotive, and can be set up by a user as required.

Abstract: A railroad in-cab signaling system which includes transceivers disposed at signals where various transceivers are operating on different frequencies and addresses so as to provide for easy identification and highly secure communication to the signal transceiver and a tunable transceiver disposed on the locomotive, the locomotive transceiver being coupled to an interrogator which interrogates transponders disposed in the tracks, the transponders providing a message containing the predetermined frequency and address of the signal transceiver thereby allowing the locomotive transceiver to tune to the appropriate frequency and established a connection for the signal which it is approaching. The locomotive transceiver and the signal transceiver are then capable of exchanging information along the entire distance from the transponder to the signal.

Abstract: A digital sound reproducing system which produces a plurality of sound effects from digital data stored at predetermined addresses in a digital sound memory. A controller connected to the digital sound memory causes recall of a sound data from a predetermined sequence of addresses when triggered. This recalled sound data is converted into an analog audio signal for reproduction by a speaker. In a first embodiment the digital sound reproducing system is disposed in the car of a model train. Magnets disposed between the tracks trigger corresponding sound effects when the digital sound reproducing system detects passage of the magnets. A speed sensor detects the rotation rate of a wheel of the car to permit sound effects to be synchronous with the rate of speed of the model train. The digital sound reproducing system may alternately be disposed in a fixed structure and triggered by a command signal or by detection of passage of the model train.