Mike's Train House, Inc.

David L Krebiehl

Michael Paul Wolf

Forrest Scott Seitz

Scott B Long

Stanley K Sasaki

A model train system including a track interface unit for bi-directional communication with one or more trains; and a communication circuit installed in the one or more trains that communicates with the track interface unit in a bi-directional manner, the communication circuit communicating to the track interface unit information regarding a current speed of said one or more trains, the communication circuit being configured so as to be capable of receiving an integrally formed command/power signal and processing the command signal independently of the power signal.

Control, sound, and operating system for model trains

A coupler for use with model trains. The coupler includes a body member; a knuckle pivotally mounted on the body member, where the knuckle is in either an open state or a closed state; a locking pin disposed on the body member, where the locking pin is operable for maintaining the knuckle in the closed state when the locking pin is in a first position, and for allowing the knuckle to transition to the open state when the locking pin is in a second position; and an actuator wire coupled to the body member and the locking pin. In operation, the actuator wire contracts in length when an electrical signal is supplied thereto such that the locking pin is transitioned to the second position when said electrical signal is supplied to the actuator wire.

Electro-mechanical coupler for use with model trains

A model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains. This feature is accomplished by using a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals in the form of data bit sequences (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit. Circuitry for connecting the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, and have real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train.

An electrically operated coupler includes a knuckle movable between an open position and a closed position, a plunger mechanically couplable to the knuckle, and a solenoid having a central hollow portion for receiving at least a portion of the plunger, at least a portion of the solenoid includes ferromagnetic material adapted to define at least a portion of a magnetic circuit for driving the plunger. The movable plunger includes a cap configured to engage the knuckle at a locking position of the plunger for locking the knuckle in the closed position. The solenoid drives the movable plunger toward or away from the locking position and a guide member guides the cap toward and away from the locking position.

Low-power electrically operated coupler

A model train operating, sound and control system provides a user with increased operating realism. A novel remote control communication capability between the user and the model trains includes a handheld remote control on which various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit. Circuitry is connected to the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, so that real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train. Coupler designs and circuits, as well as a smoke unit, can also be used with the model train system.

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St. Joseph, MI, United States of America

David L Krebiehl