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| Number | Title | Issue Date |
| 7437642 | Model train command protocol using front and back error bytes A model train command protocol using front and back error bytes is disclosed. The front error byte is used to encode the data so that it is securely transmitted. The back error byte checks for proper transmission of the data itself. The entire encoded data sequence ... | 10/14/2008 |
| 7364122 | Control for operating features of a model vehicle An apparatus for controlling operating features of a model train includes a plurality of selection devices, each of which corresponds to a respective operating feature of the train. The apparatus also includes a controller connected to the selection devices of the a... | 04/29/2008 |
| 7359770 | Control system for operating long vehicles The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing the dynamics and energy usage of long vehicles such as freight trains by determining their operating conditions and calculating an optimal sequence of power and braking control actions. The sequ... | 04/15/2008 |
| 7312590 | Model railroad velocity controller Control over velocity of a model train may be determined based upon the speed of rotation of a control knob. A processor receives electronic pulses indicating rotation of the knob beyond a predetermined increment of angular distance. The processor calculates the amo... | 12/25/2007 |
| 7264208 | Control for operating features of a model vehicle An apparatus for controlling operating features of a model train includes a plurality of selection devices, each of which corresponds to a respective operating feature of the train. The apparatus also includes a controller connected to the selection devices of the a... | 09/04/2007 |
| 7210656 | Control, sound, and operating system for 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 v... | 05/01/2007 |
| 7201350 | Signaling safety system A signaling safety system includes transmitter-receiver units for ground-train communication by radio in regular safety operation mode, using a base station and an antenna. The position of each train car is communicated from the cars to a ground train controller whi... | 04/10/2007 |
| 7140577 | Remote system for monitoring and controlling railroad wayside equipment A system for remote control of an electrically operated railroad wayside equipment having a power supply for powering the wayside equipment. a central controller provides central control signals. A transmitter associated with the controller receives the control sign... | 11/28/2006 |
| 7137862 | System and method for controlling multiple model vehicles A system and method for controlling multiple model vehicles while using only a single remote control transmitter. A remote control signal transmitter is provided for transmitting control signals. The transmitted control signals are received by a single master model ... | 11/21/2006 |
| 7081829 | Mars unit lamp driver An apparatus for a model toy train includes a circuit configured to supply an output signal to energize at least one stationary light to simulate a light having movement like a mars unit light display. ... | 07/25/2006 |
| 7027901 | Transmitter and receiver device for train detection A transmitter and receiver device used together with a control device provided on ground, which performs detection of a train, performs transmission and reception of a train detecting signal, and collates data added to a received train detection signal with predeter... | 04/11/2006 |
| 6951498 | Vehicle playset with remote control A wireless toy playset. The playset includes a small size vehicle that moves about a track. Movement of the vehicle is controlled by a wireless transmitter. At the discretion of a parent or end user the transmitter can either be structurally coupled to the track or ... | 10/04/2005 |
| 6927697 | Remote control system, transmitter and peripheral unit for the use of the system A remote control system for operating a drive unit 2 and a peripheral unit 3 to be used together with the drive unit by remote control, has a transmitter 1 that generates data repeatedly including a first control information for a specific opera... | 08/09/2005 |
| 6928342 | Method and apparatus implementing a communication protocol for use in a control system A remote control unit for controlling a locomotive by transmitting signals to a remote receiver mounted onboard the locomotive is provided. The remote control unit includes an input for receiving a signal indicative of a command selected from a set of available comm... | 08/09/2005 |
| 6696805 | Software-driven motor and solenoid controller An apparatus and method for controlling electrical devices such as electric trains using a computer is disclosed. The invention utilizes standard ports that appear on most computers, and works with standard well-known widely commercially available train s... | 02/24/2004 |
| 6457681 | Control, sound, and operating system for model trains 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 e... | 10/01/2002 |
| 6445150 | Software-driven motor and solenoid controller An apparatus and method for controlling electrical devices such as electric trains using a computer is disclosed. The invention utilizes standard ports that appear on most computers, and works with standard well-known widely commercially available train s... | 09/03/2002 |
| 6371416 | Portable beacons A beacon system for determining its position and transmitting its location to trains on the track. The length of the zone and any operational restrictions can also be transmitted. The location of the zone can be displayed on the train. The beacon system u... | 04/16/2002 |
| 6135396 | System and method for automatic train operation A system and method for dynamically controlling the operation of a plurality of unmanned freight trains operating over a predetermined track layout. The method includes generating a movement plan that provides for the operation of the freight trains over ... | 10/24/2000 |
| 6112142 | Positive signal comparator and method A signal comparator receives switch-created signals from two stations manned by an engineer and a trainman in a locomotive and compares the signals for a match. The signals are an implementation and acknowledgement of wayside signals. One station is used ... | 08/29/2000 |
| 6029103 | Method of checking train-announcement data sets via a composition of a vehicle At least one individual car that can be identified individually is contained in the consist. The configuration of an actually observed consist is determined and checked to see whether it matches relevant information data sets. If there is an exact match w... | 02/22/2000 |
| 5952797 | Model vehicle, particularly model railway vehicle A model vehicle such as a model railway vehicle includes a control and evaluation device located in the model vehicle, and a plurality of drive devices such as electric motors for moving the vehicle and for operating other movable components on the vehicl... | 09/14/1999 |
| 5936517 | System to minimize the distance between trains Each train detects its location, velocity, and the time it will spend to pass the next bifurcation, joint, and intersection, respectively, and sends the information periodically to the trains that are or will be behind the train. The controller of each bi... | 08/10/1999 |
| 5886619 | Communication method in movable body operating system In an operating system for a movable body that runs on a guide rail, a communication method is described that establishes communications between the movable body and an operation control unit for controlling running of the movable body. Power lines on whi... | 03/23/1999 |
| 5803411 | Method and apparatus for initializing an automated train control system A vehicle initialization system for a control system that includes a vehicle, such as a train that is to be initialized, a vehicle track, a first reader, an onboard computer and a tachometer. The vehicle is adapted to coact with the track. At least two sp... | 09/08/1998 |
| 5749547 | Control of model vehicles on a track 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 receiv... | 05/12/1998 |
| 5651517 | Automatic train serialization utilizing comparison between a measured parameter and a synchronization signal A method of serialization including providing a parameter which varies along the length of the train and transmitting a synchronization signal along the length of the train to the local nodes at each car. The parameter is measured at each node with respec... | 07/29/1997 |
| 5487516 | Train control system A train control system includes an equipment for issuing, to a train under control based on a predetermined train schedule, an operational target to be attained in terms of the aimed position, aimed time and aimed speed. Once a target is issued, a possibl... | 01/30/1996 |
| 5459663 | Cab signal apparatus and method An apparatus and method for supplying cab signal to a rail vehicle on a section of track composed of sequentially adjacent railway track circuit blocks. Respective receivers of each track circuit block are monitored for the presence of a vehicle within th... | 10/17/1995 |
| 5441223 | Model train controller using electromagnetic field between track and ground 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 loc... | 08/15/1995 |
| 5251856 | Model train controller for reversing unit 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 ... | 10/12/1993 |
| 5092544 | Highway crossing control system for railroads utilizing a communications link between the train locomotive and the crossing protection equipment 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 tr... | 03/03/1992 |
| 4317219 | Mobile radio system A radio system for communications transmission between transmitting/receiving stations moving along prescribed routes and stationary transmitting/receiving stations arranged along these routes at prescribed intervals and effective in both route directions... | 02/23/1982 |
| 4034942 | Method of leading a rail vehicle by means of a control center from an automatically controlled area to an area of individual control The present invention relates to an automated railway system and to a method of leading a vehicle by means of a control center from an automatically controlled area to an area of individual control. The speed-determining criteria in the area of individual... | 07/12/1977 |
| 3964702 | Anti-collision safety device for a passenger transport system on tracks An anti-collision safety control for vehicles travelling on tracks; the control comprises two safety loops per vehicle, linked to two common loops in a central control station. Each vehicle loop comprises control circuits for determining the distance to t... | 06/22/1976 |
