Paul Graf

US Patent:

63203464, Nov 20, 2001

Filed:

Aug 11, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/637852

Inventors:

Paul Graf - Middlesex NJ

Assignee:

Atlas Model Railroad Company, Incorporated - Hillside NJ

International Classification:

G05D 100

US Classification:

318580

Abstract:

An apparatus for controlling a model railroad locomotive includes a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder and a power switch. The power switch selectively connects the railroad locomotive's motor to either the decoder or directly to an energy source, such as the tracks, but not both the decoder and the energy source simultaneously. When the motor is connected directly to the energy source, rather than through the decoder, the model railroad locomotive speed and direction is determined by the magnitude and polarity of the voltage applied. The motor may alternatively be powered through the decoder by actuating the power switch. The decoder receives electrical energy as an input, and converts the energy to deliver as an output a variable electric motor drive power source. In addition to receiving energy as an input, the decoder also receives electrical signals representative of an operator's control instructions. These control signals are used by the decoder to effect both speed and direction control of the locomotive relatively independently of the magnitude and polarity of the decoder electrical energy input.