Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
205 words
A combination of an automatic track switch control apparatus, a switch assembly, a track layout, and a lamp-containing model train supported on a base, the combination comprising: a first light sensor assembly, supported by the base and located in a vicinity of a switch assembly in a track layout, for sensing light emitted from a lamp on the lamp-containing model train as it approaches the switch assembly, said first light sensor assembly providing a first electrical signal representing receipt of light emitted from the lamp-containing model train upon its approach to said first light sensor assembly, a signal processing assembly, connected to said first light sensor assembly, for receiving the electrical signal representing the approach of the lamp-containing model train to said first light sensor assembly, said signal processing assembly providing a second electrical signal for controlling switch status of the switch assembly, and a switch-flipping assembly, connected to said signal processing assembly, for receiving said second electrical signal for controlling switch status of the switch assembly, wherein said signal processing assembly includes a counter assembly for counting first electrical signals provided by said first light sensor assembly, and wherein said counter assembly controls a pair of switch assemblies by way of said switch-flipping assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
205 words
A combination of an automatic track switch control apparatus, a switch assembly, a track layout, and a lamp-containing model train supported on a base, the combination comprising: a first light sensor assembly, supported by the base and located in a vicinity of a switch assembly in a track layout, for sensing light emitted from a lamp on the lamp-containing model train as it approaches the switch assembly, said first light sensor assembly providing a first electrical signal representing receipt of light emitted from the lamp-containing model train upon its approach to said first light sensor assembly, a signal processing assembly, connected to said first light sensor assembly, for receiving the electrical signal representing the approach of the lamp-containing model train to said first light sensor assembly, said signal processing assembly providing a second electrical signal for controlling switch status of the switch assembly, and a switch-flipping assembly, connected to said signal processing assembly, for receiving said second electrical signal for controlling switch status of the switch assembly, wherein said signal processing assembly includes a counter assembly for counting first electrical signals provided by said first light sensor assembly, and wherein said counter assembly controls a pair of switch assemblies by way of said switch-flipping assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus described in claim 1 wherein said counter assembly controls operation of a resistance element for providing increased electrical resistance for electrical current supplied to the track layout, such that less current is available in the track layout for driving the lamp-containing model train that rides on the track layout, whereby speed of the lamp-containing model train is reduced when said resistance element is placed in circuit with the track layout.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus described in claim 1 further including: a second light sensor assembly, supported by the base and located at a predetermined location along the track layout, for sensing light emitted from the lamp-containing model train as it approaches the predetermined location along the track layout, said second light sensor assembly providing a third electrical signal representing receipt of light emitted from the lamp-containing model train upon its approach to said predetermined location along the track layout.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus described in claim 3 wherein said signal processing assembly includes a timer assembly which is controlled by operation of said second light sensor assembly, said timer assembly automatically stopping flow of electrical power to the lamp-containing model train after a predetermined period of time.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus described in claim 4, further including: a track-current interrupter assembly, controlled by said timer assembly, for interrupting electrical current flow from a power source to the track layout.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus described in claim 1 wherein said first light sensor assembly includes: a housing assembly for housing a light-sensitive assembly, and a rotatable base assembly for supporting said housing assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus described in claim 6 wherein said rotatable base assembly includes: a fixed support member connected to the base, and a rotatable member fixed to said housing assembly and received in said fixed support member for permitting rotation of said first light sensor assembly with respect to the base.