The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 12, 2013
Filed:
Jun. 19, 2009
Bruce R. Koball, Berkely, CA (US);
Richard James Mosher, Memphis, MI (US);
John T. Ricks, Taylor, MI (US);
Tyler R. Brooks, Dearborn, MI (US);
Bruce R. Koball, Berkely, CA (US);
Richard James Mosher, Memphis, MI (US);
John T. Ricks, Taylor, MI (US);
Tyler R. Brooks, Dearborn, MI (US);
Lionel L.L.C., Chesterfield, MI (US);
Abstract
A system and method is provided for selectively directing smoke in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment, a directional fan is used to guide smoke to one of at least two output ports. When the fan is rotated in a first direction, air is drawn in through a first port and smoke is directed out of a second port. When the fan is reversed, the flow of air is reversed to draw air in through the second port and to direct smoke out through the first port. In another embodiment, multiple blower units are connected to a common smoke generating unit and can be selectively operated to direct smoke to plural locations within a model vehicle. The volume an speed of smoke can be variably controlled, and audio effects can be synchronized with smoke visual effects for added realism.