Low cost electromechanical electronic simulation circuits

Abstract

These circuits produce light, sound and similar effects in models or toys by taking advantage of current modulation produced in a commutator circuit of a two-pole motor which may be used to provide motion for at least a part of the model or toy incorporating one of the circuits. At least one additional effect-producing circuit element in addition to the motor is electrically connected to the commutator circuit. A battery or other means for applying sufficient electromotive force to the commutator for operation of the motor is electrically connected to the commutator circuit. When the additional effect-producing element is parallel to the commutator circuit, the battery supplies an insufficient amount of electromotive force to allow both the motor and the additional effect-producing circuit element to operate in their maximum current-drawing condition at the same time. A sufficient amount of electromotive force is supplied to allow either alone to operate in its maximum current-drawing condition. As a result, alternate making and breaking of connections to the commutator elements as the armature of the motor rotates produces a regular variation in the current supplied to the parallel additional effect-producing circuit element. A similar effect is produced with the additional effect-producing element in series with the commutator circuit regardless of the amount of electromotive force supplied by the battery. This modulation produces flashing or flickering of lights or sound effects, if a sound-producing element is employed as the additional effect-producing circuit element. These effects simulate the results obtainable with more complex electronic circuits.