Appeal 2007-1326
Application 10/237,067
1
2 The Appellants invented a model train operating, sound and control system. It
3 has a two-way handheld remote control on which various commands may be
4 entered, and a Track Interface Unit that retrieves and processes the commands. The
5 Track Interface Unit converts the commands to modulated signals (preferably
6 spread spectrum signals), which are sent down the track rails. The model train
7 picks up the modulated signals, retrieves the entered command, and executes it.
8 The process may also be reversed, so that operating information regarding the train
9 is provided back to the user for display on the remote control. (Specification 5).
10 An understanding of the invention can be derived from a reading of exemplary
11 claim 106, which is reproduced below.
12 106. A model train system comprising:
13 one or more model trains, which receives a power signal via contact
14 with a model train track rail;
15 a track interface unit for bi-directional communication with said one
16 or more model trains; and
17 a communication circuit installed in said one or more model trains
18 that communicates with said track interface unit in a bi-directional
19 manner, the communication circuit communicating to the track
20 interface unit information regarding a current speed of said one or
21 more model trains, said communication circuit being configured to
22 (i) receive an input communication signal and (ii) transmit an output
23 communication signal generated without manipulation of said power
24 signal.
25
26 This appeal arises from the Examiner’s Non-Final Rejection, mailed March 3,
27 2006. The Appellants filed an Appeal Brief in support of the appeal on August 11,
28 2006, and the Examiner mailed an Examiner’s Answer to the Appeal Brief on
2
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