Patent ID: 7264208
Filing Date: 2007-09-04
Classification: A63H

Abstract:
1. A system for controlling operating features of a model train, comprising: a transformer operative to provide a voltage to a block of track for a model train, the transformer including means for manually setting the voltage to select a desired speed of the model train; a voltage sensor coupled to the block of track to sense the voltage provided thereon by the transformer; a control box electrically and mechanically coupled to said track operative to allow for the selection and carrying out of operating features of said model train operating on said track in a command control mode of operation, comprising: (i) a housing; (ii) a plurality of selection devices mounted on said housing wherein each selection device corresponds to a respective operating feature of said train; (iii) a controller connected to said selection devices, the controller configured to determine the desired speed of the model train from an input provided by the voltage sensor; (iv) a transmitter electrically connected between the output of said controller and said track, and operative to generate digital messages corresponding to said selection devices and the desired model train speed, and further operative to inject said digital messages onto said track; (v) a power supply connected to said controller and operative to provide suitable power to said controller; and a receiver on said train operative to receive said digital messages generated by said digital signal generator; wherein an operator may control the speed of the train using the transformer means to vary the voltage applied to the track, and the control box converts the varying voltage to digital messages recognized by the train under the command control mode of operation.