System and method for redirecting smoke effects in a model vehicle
US8393931B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63H19/14
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A system and method is provided for selectively directing smoke in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment, a directional fan is used to guide smoke to one of at least two output ports. When the fan is rotated in a first direction, air is drawn in through a first port and smoke is directed out of a second port. When the fan is reversed, the flow of air is reversed to draw air in through the second port and to direct smoke out through the first port. In another embodiment, multiple blower units are connected to a common smoke generating unit and can be selectively operated to direct smoke to plural locations within a model vehicle. The volume an speed of smoke can be variably controlled, and audio effects can be synchronized with smoke visual effects for added realism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.