Michael A Wolf

US Patent:

6457681, Oct 1, 2002

Filed:

Dec 7, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/731048

Inventors:

Michael Paul Wolf - Highland MD
David L. Krebiehl - St. Joseph MI
Forrest S. Seitz - Beaverton OR
Stanley K. Sasaki - Lake Oswego OR
Scott B. Long - Portland OR

Assignee:

Mikes Train House, Inc. - Columbia MD

International Classification:

B61L 2700

US Classification:

246187A, 246 4, 104296

Abstract:

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 entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit. Circuitry is connected to the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, so that real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train. Coupler designs and circuits, as well as a smoke unit, can also be used with the model train system.

US Patent:

6604641, Aug 12, 2003

Filed:

Sep 9, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/237066

Inventors:

Michael Paul Wolf - Highland MD
David L. Krebiehl - St. Joseph MI
Scott B. Long - Portland OR

Assignee:

Mikes Train House, Inc. - Columbia MD

International Classification:

B61G 500

US Classification:

213 75TC, 213 75 D

Abstract:

An electrically operated coupler includes a knuckle movable between an open position and a closed position, a plunger mechanically couplable to the knuckle, and a solenoid having a central hollow portion for receiving at least a portion of the plunger, at least a portion of the solenoid includes ferromagnetic material adapted to define at least a portion of a magnetic circuit for driving the plunger. The movable plunger includes a cap configured to engage the knuckle at a locking position of the plunger for locking the knuckle in the closed position. The solenoid drives the movable plunger toward or away from the locking position and a guide member guides the cap toward and away from the locking position.

US Patent:

6619594, Sep 16, 2003

Filed:

Sep 9, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/237070

Inventors:

Michael Paul Wolf - Highland MD
David L. Krebiehl - St. Joseph MI
Forrest S. Seitz - Beaverton OR
Stanley K. Sasaki - Lake Oswego OR
Scott B. Long - Portland OR

Assignee:

Mikes Train House, Inc. - Columbia MD

International Classification:

B61L 700

US Classification:

246187A, 246182, 104295, 105 61

Abstract:

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 various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals in the form of data bit sequences (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit. Circuitry for connecting the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, and have real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train.

US Patent:

6655640, Dec 2, 2003

Filed:

Sep 9, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/237069

Inventors:

Michael Paul Wolf - Highland MD
David L. Krebiehl - St. Joseph MI
Forrest S. Seitz - Beaverton OR
Stanley K. Sasaki - Lake Oswego OR

Assignee:

Mikes Train House, Inc. - Columbia MD

International Classification:

H02B 700

US Classification:

246167R, 246187 A, 104296

Abstract:

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 various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals in the form of data bit sequences (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit. Circuitry for connecting the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, and have real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train.

US Patent:

7210656, May 1, 2007

Filed:

Jun 21, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/871045

Inventors:

Michael Paul Wolf - Highland MD, US
David L. Krebiehl - St. Joseph MI, US
Forrest S. Seitz - Beaverton OR, US
Stanley K. Sasaki - Lake Oswego OR, US

Assignee:

Mike's Train House, Inc. - Columbia MD

International Classification:

G01B 3/00

US Classification:

246 4, 446454, 34082572, 34082576, 3403843

Abstract:

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 various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals in the form of data bit sequences (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. A speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit, as well as a novel smoke unit. Circuitry for connecting the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, and have real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train.

US Patent:

7694834, Apr 13, 2010

Filed:

Jul 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/826380

Inventors:

Michael P. Wolf - Highland MD, US
David L. Krebiehl - Saint Joseph MI, US
Scott B. Long - Beaverton OR, US

Assignee:

Mike's Train House Inc. - St. Joseph's MI

International Classification:

B61G 7/04

US Classification:

213 75TC, 213 75 R

Abstract:

A coupler for use with model trains. The coupler includes a body member; a knuckle pivotally mounted on the body member, where the knuckle is in either an open state or a closed state; a locking pin disposed on the body member, where the locking pin is operable for maintaining the knuckle in the closed state when the locking pin is in a first position, and for allowing the knuckle to transition to the open state when the locking pin is in a second position; and an actuator wire coupled to the body member and the locking pin. In operation, the actuator wire contracts in length when an electrical signal is supplied thereto such that the locking pin is transitioned to the second position when said electrical signal is supplied to the actuator wire.

US Patent:

8262034, Sep 11, 2012

Filed:

Sep 9, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/237067

Inventors:

Michael Paul Wolf - Highland MD, US
David L. Krebiehl - St. Joseph MI, US
Forrest S. Seitz - Beaverton OR, US
Stanley K. Sasaki - Lake Oswego OR, US
Scott B. Long - Portland OR, US

Assignee:

Mike's Train House, Inc. - Columbia MD

International Classification:

B61L 3/00

US Classification:

246187A, 246 1 C, 246 4, 246 5

Abstract:

A model train system including a track interface unit for bi-directional communication with one or more trains; and a communication circuit installed in the one or more trains that communicates with the track interface unit in a bi-directional manner, the communication circuit communicating to the track interface unit information regarding a current speed of said one or more trains, the communication circuit being configured so as to be capable of receiving an integrally formed command/power signal and processing the command signal independently of the power signal.

US Patent:

20040079841, Apr 29, 2004

Filed:

Sep 15, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/661509

Inventors:

Michael Wolf - Highland MD, US
David Krebiehl - St. Joseph MI, US
Forrest Seitz - Beaverton OR, US
Stanley Sasaki - Lake Oswego OR, US

Assignee:

MIKE'S TRAIN HOUSE, INC. - Columbia MD

International Classification:

B61L003/00

US Classification:

246/16700R

Abstract:

The present invention provides a model train operating, sound and control system that provides a user with increased operating realism. Disclosed is 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 various commands may be entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably spread spectrum signals) which are sent down the track rails. The model train picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it through use of a processor and associated control and driver circuitry. Another novel feature disclosed is a speed control circuit located inside the model train that is capable of continuously monitoring the operating speed of the train and making adjustments to a motor drive circuit. The present invention also discloses circuitry for connecting the Track Interface Unit to an external source, such as a computer, CD player, or other sound source, and have real-time sounds stream down the model train tracks for playing through the speakers located in the model train. Novel coupler designs and circuits, as well as a novel smoke unit, are also disclosed.