Model railroad control and sound systems

Abstract

A model train accessory controller is connectable to a DC power pack having a throttle to apply a power signal to a set of train tracks. The controller includes a switching device, which is in electrical communication with the power pack and the train tracks, to reverse a polarity of the power signal on the train tracks. The controller includes an input, and a processor in electrical communication with the switching device. The processor receives a command from the input to produce, by control of the switching device, a digital command having a series of sequential reversals in the polarity of the power signal.

1 . A model train accessory controller connectable to a DC power pack having a throttle to apply a variable power signal to a set of train tracks, the controller comprising: 
 a switching device in electrical communication with the power pack and the train tracks to reverse a polarity of the power signal on the train tracks;    an input; and    a processor in electrical communication with the switching device, the processor to receive a command from the input to produce, by control of the switching device, a digital command comprising a series of sequential reversals in the polarity of the power signal.    
   
   
       2 . The controller of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a device driver in electrical communication with the switching device and with the processor, the device driver to receive commands from the processor and to effectuate the sequential reversals in polarity of the power signal by driving the switching device.    
   
   
       3 . The controller of  claim 1 , wherein the switching device comprises a relay.  
   
   
       4 . The controller of  claim 3 , wherein the relay is a double-pole, double-throw relay.  
   
   
       5 . The controller of  claim 1 , wherein the switching device comprises an active bridge circuit.  
   
   
       6 . The controller of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a memory to store a plurality of commands received from the input.    
   
   
       7 . The controller of  claim 1 , wherein the input comprises a plurality of buttons, which correspond to unique digital commands.  
   
   
       8 . The controller of  claim 7 , wherein at least one button is a toggle horn switch.  
   
   
       9 . The controller of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of buttons are organized and function so as to substantially mimic the control panel of a prototype locomotive.  
   
   
       10 . The controller of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a power booster in electrical communication with the switching device and the tracks, to increase the power of the power signal.    
   
   
       11 . A model train accessory controller connectable to a DC power pack having a throttle to apply a variable power signal to a set of train tracks, the controller comprising: 
 means for supplying a power signal to the train tracks in proportion to the throttle voltage;    means for automating the reversal of a polarity of the power signal;    means for receiving a user command input; and    means for controlling the reversal of the polarity of the power signal in response to the user command, in which the power signal includes a digital command comprising a series of sequential reversals in the polarity of the power signal, wherein the digital command corresponds to an executable feature of a remote object located on the train tracks.    
   
   
       12 . The controller of  claim 11 , wherein the means for automating the reversal of the polarity of the power signal comprises a relay.  
   
   
       13 . The controller of  claim 11 , wherein the means for automating the reversal of the polarity of the power signal comprises an active bridge circuit.  
   
   
       14 . A model railroad system comprising: 
 a power pack having a throttle to apply a variable power signal to a set of train tracks;    a switching device in electrical communication with the power pack and the train tracks to reverse a polarity of the power signal on the train tracks;    an input; and    a processor in electrical communication with the switching device, the processor to receive a command from the input to produce, by control of the switching device, a digital command comprising a series of sequential reversals in the polarity of the power signal.    
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 a device driver in electrical communication with the switching device and with the processor, the device driver to receive commands from the processor and to effectuate the sequential reversals in polarity of the power signal by driving the switching device.    
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 a memory to store a plurality of commands received from the input.    
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 a power booster in electrical communication with the switching device and the tracks, to increase the power of the power signal.    
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the input is configured to toggle on and off through use of a single press or a double press action.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 a remote object located along the tracks and comprising an on-board receiver, the on-board receiver in electrical communication with the power signal, to receive the digital command and to direct the remote object to execute a feature affiliated with the digital command.    
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the input comprises a plurality of buttons, which correspond to a plurality of features executable by the remote object.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the remote object further comprises an on-board controller in electrical communication with the on-board receiver, the on-board controller to receive the digital command from the on-board receiver and direct the remote object to execute the feature affiliated therewith.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 a receiver in electrical communication with the processor, to receive a remote signal from the remote object.    
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the remote object further comprises: 
 an on-board transmitter in electrical communication with the on-board controller, the on-board transmitter to send the remote signal.    
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the remote signal is sent in response to the processor requesting a program option (POP) setting.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the remote signals are sent in response to the processor requesting a status of the state of the remote object.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the switching device comprises an active bridge circuit.  
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the switching device comprises a relay.  
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 27 , further comprising: 
 a plurality of controllers, each comprising the switching device, the input, and the processor, wherein the plurality of controllers are connected in electrical series, thereby being capable of passing digital commands between the plurality of controllers, and wherein one of the plurality of controllers is connectable to the power pack and another of the plurality of controllers is connectable to the train tracks.    
   
   
       29 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the power pack comprises a tethered walk-around throttle having bi-directional communication capabilities.  
   
   
       30 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the power pack comprises a wireless walk-around throttle having bi-directional communication capabilities.