Abstract:
The nature of this invention” is directed to an electrical power source for slot cars. What is new in this invention is the introduction of an adjustable regulated direct current power supply over an existing fixed direct current power supply.

Description:
BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to a power supply used for model racing cars (e.g., slot cars) that run on slot car tracks. More particularly, it enables a hobbyist to fine-tune the direct current voltage regulation by adjusting the voltage, therefore compensating for voltage variation in the slot car&#39;s electric motor and allowing the slot car to run both independently and in conjunction with a controller. 
   A power supply apparatus for slot car racing tracks is known. Such a power supply generally comprises one fixed power pack supplying the same amount of power to each of the slot car track lanes. The fixed power pack supplies power to the rails or braids referring to the electrical pickups physically located on each side of the slot in the track which engage with corresponding pickups or brushes on the slot car so that a driving electrical motor in the slot car may be powered. Each slot car track is operably connected to a controller which draws power from one fixed power supply to adjust a resistance to the fixed power available each slot car via a corresponding track and thus control the speed of the slot car. 
   The simplest form of a slot car track comprises two substantially parallel slot car lanes with cars powered by a single fixed power supply. Each lane has a controller associated therewith which controls an amount of power available to the associated track. Since there is two tracks and one fixed power supply, each track has one half of the power of the fixed power supply available. 
   However, such slot car tracks having a fixed power supply have a disadvantage in that each slot car&#39;s electric motor has to be that of the same voltage requirement to operate competitively. Another disadvantage includes lack of adjustment to regulate the fixed power supply to alter the power or voltage available to each track. Still another disadvantage is the requirement of two people having to operate two slot cars on a two track system, for example; one slot car cannot operate independently through the fixed power supply. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for an adjustable power supply apparatus which eliminates the above disadvantages. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   One aspect of the invention is to provide an adjustable power supply which will easily adapt to existing slot car track systems. 
   Another aspect of the invention is to provide an adjustable power supply which will allow for variable voltage regulation of an electric motor for each slot cars. 
   Still another aspect of this invention is to allow each slot car to operate and be controlled through the adjustable power supply independently, or in line with a controller for competitive racing purpose. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a two lane slot car track wherein each lane is in electrical communication with an adjustable regulated direct current power supply via an associated adjustable ohms rheostat controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  is a more detailed electrical schematic of one of two variable transformers of  FIG. 1  having a double pole double throw switch operably connected to one lane of the slot car track and switched to bypass an associated adjustable ohms rheostat controller. 
   

   Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to the Figures, a power supply  8  includes at least one n adjustable regulated direct current (DC) transformer  10  is configured as an adjustable power source for each lane  12  and  14  of a slot car track system  16  by stepping down an alternating current (AC) input voltage and converting it through an inverse voltage bridge rectifier (not shown) to produce DC, therefore providing power to each lane  12 ,  14  of the slot car track system  16 . Each lane (e.g., lane  12  and lane  14 ) includes a corresponding adjustable regulated transformer  10 . Each transformer  10  includes a corresponding voltage adjustable rheostat  20  configured to adjust the respective transformer  10  to provide a proper voltage available to the respective lane  12 ,  14 . A reading of the voltage is accomplished by a corresponding direct current voltage meter  30 . A corresponding adjustable ohms rheostat controller  40  introduces resistance between connection of each transformer to a respective lane  12 ,  14  so as to match the electric requirements of the slot car electric motor in electrical communication with that lane  12 ,  14 . 
   In an exemplary embodiment, a double pole double throw switch (DPDT)  50  with a diode  52  (see  FIG. 2 ) is operably connected between each controller  40  and an associated transformer  10 . Each DPDT  50  includes six terminals  54  and a switch  56 , e.g., two middle terminals between outside terminal pairs. A three port plug  60  provides a means to connect wire leads for hookups. A grounded UL listed AC cord and plug  70  provide a means for electrical connection with an AC power source (not shown). A circuit protector  80  is optionally included configured to protect and prevent damage to electronic and electrical equipment. Hook-up wire  90  is used to operably connect each controller  40  with an associated DPDT  50 . Stranded UL listed wire is most efficient for DC use in such connections. For example, hook up wire  90 A and  90 B connects respective controllers  40  to lanes  14  and  12 , respectively in FIG.  1 . Power supply case enclosure  100  provides for protection of electronic and electrical components as well as other associated parts therein and permits dissipation of heat created within the power supply  8 , maintaining a temperature for continuous operation. 
   The operation will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
   The power supply case enclosure  100  with all of its components or parts is powered by grounded UL listed alternating current plug  70  receiving between 110 and 120 volts alternating current (AC). Hook-up wires or electrical conductors  90  connect the components or parts per the schematics depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , or alternatively per a manufacturer&#39;s instructions. Circuit protector  80  checks for a short circuit or overload condition and shuts down the power supply if one of these conditions exists. If such a condition does not exist, adjustable regulated direct current transformer  10  allows for UL listed plug  7  with the 110 to 120 volts AC to be stepped-down and converted to volts DC which are measured through a direct current voltage meter  30 . Alternatively, voltage adjustable rheostat  20  is included if transformer  10  is a fixed direct current transformer. Double pole double throw switch  50  allows the adjustable regulated direct current to go either to the slot car track lanes  12  and  14  allowing a corresponding slot car to run independently of controller  40  by controlling the slot car with an associated voltage adjustable rheostat  20 , or to the adjustable ohms rheostat controller  40  through the three port plug  60  as seen best with reference to FIG.  2 . 
   Fine tuning the resistance on the voltage adjustable rheostat  20  allows an operator to match the electric requirements of the slot car electric motor for a finer precision of operation for competitive racing purposes, as well as defining a range of precision for operation via the adjustable ohms rheostat controller  40 . One advantages provided by each lane  12 ,  14  having a separate, individual adjustable regulated direct current power supply includes independent operation thereof independent of the other lane. In this respect, slot cars can run on their own akin to a model railroad, or alternatively, be raced against another slot car having different current requirements. 
   A latitude of the upgrade change and substitution is intended and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without corresponding use of other features especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of the components or parts within the principles of the invention. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention therein. 
   While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.