John J Meek

US Patent:

20020065020, May 30, 2002

Filed:

Nov 26, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/995271

Inventors:

Ivan Meek - Lafayette CO, US
John Meek - Springdale AR, US

International Classification:

A63H018/00

US Classification:

446/444000

Abstract:

A model railroad train control system for supplying power to at least one DCC two-rail operated train engine and/or at least one AC three-rail operated train engine. The train control system used for operating the engines simultaneously and independently on the same railroad track or separate train section blocks making up the track. The control system includes one or more current limited voltage source modules connected to the track for providing modulated voltage to each engine. Each module has two identical channels composed of power transistors for a left track power output and two identical channels composed of power transistors for a right track power output. The outputs rapidly switch, alternately, between ground potential (zero volts) and as high as 48 volts. The transistors provide a return current path for the DCC two-rail engine and the AC three-rail engine. The power transistors are individually current limited and have a response time in a range of 1 to 5 microseconds. The fast response time means trains with shorting wheelsets will not cause excessive current from the power supply, since the average current is very low. The action of the current is limited in one phase and does not effect the operation of the other phase.