Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20090613 Saturday June 13, 2009

HO Scale Train Track

My husband John Plocher loves trains of all sizes, from WP 668, our 1916 historic backyard caboose, to the HO-scale models at the Silicon Valley Lines (SVL) club where you can find him most Friday nights. John has twice been President of SVL and is now Board Secretary. On the live Operations nights at SVL (last Friday of each month), John often serves as Dispatcher. Recently, John has been hand laying a section of track near the main yard at Nowheres on the SVL layout.

The SVL club is of particular interest because of the high degree of its computerization. It is often on tours of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). The last two years, SVL has also been one of the invitation-only layouts toured by Bayrails. SVL operates trains using digital command control (DCC), which allows engineers to control locomotives independently on the same track.

The club is located near Virginia and South Third in San Jose, California, in the basement of a historic brick building occupied by Golden State Builders. Most of the basement is rented out for storage and is sectioned off with metal and plastic fencing, floor to ceiling. Look for the SVL signs...

Virginia & S Third, San Jose
Virginia and South Third in San Jose, California
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
The Ramp to SVL
The Ramp to SVL Silicon Valley Lines
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
SVL sign
SVL sign Silicon Valley Lines
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson

SVL Nowheres yard
SVL Nowheres yard Silicon Valley Lines
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
John's work in progress
John Plocher's work in progress, SVL Silicon Valley Lines
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
SVL layout detail
SVL layout Silicon Valley Lines
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20090327 Friday March 27, 2009

Caboose Window Seat Done

My husband John Plocher just finished creating the window seat for WP668, our 1916 backyard caboose. We bought WP668 in January 2006. WP668 has my desk in one bay window, facing our house across the garden. Princess Birdie is my 13-year-old pet cockatiel. She has one cage in the kitchen and the other next to my desk in WP668.

The bay behind my desk features a lovely custom three piece stained glass window created for us by Vince Taylor. The new window seat is deep enough so that the space below can store the window screen inserts John made last year. The seat will eventually have a cushion.

WP668 bay
January 2006
WP668 caboose bay, January 2006
photo: copyright 2006 John Plocher
Rebuilding the bay window
February 2008
WP668 caboose Rebuilding the bay window, February 2008
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Linoleum floor installed
May 2008
WP668 caboose linoleum floor installed May 2008
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Glass installed May 2008
WP668 caboose Stained glass installed May 2008
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Window Seat frame February 2009
WP668 caboose Window Seat frame February 2009
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
John and window seat top
WP668 caboose John and window seat top
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
Adding window trim
WP668 caboose Window trim installation
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
Caulking cracks
WP668 caboose Caulking cracks
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
Installing under seat storage doors
WP668 caboose Installing under seat storage doors
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
All done!
WP668 caboose Window seat all done
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson

WP668 caboose Princess Birdie cockatiel
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2006-2009 by Katy Dickinson and John Plocher

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20090313 Friday March 13, 2009

Making a Window Seat

In between job hunting, my husband John Plocher, has been designing and creating a window seat for WP668, our 1916 backyard caboose. WP668 is a bay window caboose with my desk in one bay, facing the house across the garden. The other bay features a lovely custom three piece stained glass window created for us by Vince Taylor. The red linoleum flooring and stained glass were both installed in May 2008. Everything was designed around the planned window seat. The window seat is deep enough so that the space below can hold the window screen inserts John made last year. The seat top is done and John is working on the front. It will be painted white and have a leather cushion when complete. Photos of the project so far:

WP668 in March 2009
WP668 caboose in March 2009
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
Floor installed May 2008
WP668 caboose linoleum floor installed May 2008
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Glass installed May 2008
WP668 caboose Stained glass installed May 2008
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Window Seat and Template
WP668 caboose Window Seat and Template
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
John and window seat top
WP668 caboose John and window seat top
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
Window seat top installed
WP668 caboose Window seat top installed
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2008-2009 by Katy Dickinson and John Plocher

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20090224 Tuesday February 24, 2009

Caboose Permits Signed Off!

I am delighted to announce that WP668, our 1916 backyard caboose, is now fully signed off! The City of San Jose building inspector came, saw, signed and left this morning. After almost three years of working with the city, we are done - hooray!

Other WP668 news - at Sunday's successful SAMA auction, we sold a caboose brunch which will be cooked by John. This popular item was offered for the second year at the charity fund raising event. SAMA is a major outreach program for St. Andrew's Episcopal Church (Saratoga, California). Auction money goes to support medical programs in the Holy Land and Africa. For details, see the SAMA web page.

Work in progress on WP668:

  • Welding cleanup and metal coating for the stair railing
  • Install roof walk, attach it to existing ladders
  • Install bay window seat
  • Restore the rest of the windows (1 done, 5 to go)
  • Complete the back deck and step woodwork (steel is done)
  • Restore brake rigging and wheels
  • Reattach and restore battery box
  • Restore (replace?) the doors
WP668 Electrical Plan
WP668 Electrical Plan, Caboose San Jose CA
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
WP668 Caboose
WP668 Electrical Plan, Caboose San Jose CA
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

Photos Copyright 2008-2009 by Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20090210 Tuesday February 10, 2009

Packard Hospital Model Train

During my son's recent stay at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) in Palo Alto, California, we enjoyed playing with their model train. The HO-scale train layout is on the main floor and provides entertainment as well as a focus for walking directions. There is a sign inside the front door "... take the Elevators by Model Train to Ground Floor...". The meticulously detailed self-contained layout is about 12 feet square under an arched roof. Inside are two non-connected oval railroad track loops. The scenery is inspired by Northern California's Southern Pacific rail line, featuring mountains, a lake, the ocean (beach and underwater), fields, and a small seaport town. Each of the four sides has two large plastic buttons which do something: create a sound or flash model street lights... Several friends of ours were involved in creating this layout under strict hospital supervision. It is a huge kid magnet and brings joy to all.

    LPCH model train layout
    Lucille Packard Children's Hospital model train layout, Palo Alto California
photo: copyright 2009 John Plocher
    LPCH model train layout
    Lucille Packard Children's Hospital model train layout, Palo Alto California
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
    SP Engine closeup
    Southern Pacific engine closeup, Lucille Packard Children's Hospital model train layout, Palo Alto California
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
    John and LPCH model train layout
    John Plocher and Lucille Packard Children's Hospital model train layout, Palo Alto California
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
    LPCH model train underwater scene
    Lucille Packard Children's Hospital model train layout underwater scene, Palo Alto California
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
    LPCH model train layout
    Lucille Packard Children's Hospital model train layout, Palo Alto California
photo: copyright 2009 John Plocher

Photos Copyright 2009 by John Plocher and Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20090203 Tuesday February 03, 2009

Caboose Visitors from Japan

Last weekend, two visitors from Japan came to see WP668, our backyard caboose. Atsushi and Tab were in the San Francisco Bay Area for O Scale West and also to visit the Silicon Valley Lines (SVL) HO-scale model train club for operations. Last week's SVL monthly operations session was held in the dark - night operations. Atsushi is a member of SVL and helped in 2006 to construct WP668's very short rail line. It was a pleasure to host railfans from so far away.

    Visitors in WP668
    Atsushi and Tab from Japan inside WP668 caboose
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
    Atsushi and Tab outside of WP668
    Atsushi and Tab from Japan with WP668 caboose
photo: copyright 2009 Katy Dickinson
    Atsushi in 2006
    Atsushi helping to lay track for WP668 caboose
photo: copyright 2006 Katy Dickinson

Photos Copyright 2006-2009 by Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20081207 Sunday December 07, 2008

WP668 and the Conductor Ducks

Our backyard caboose, WP668, looked good for Saturday's Silicon Valley Lines (SVL) model train club Christmas party. John put up the Western Pacific herald on the new metal plate he welded to WP668's side, then added Christmas lights too.

I bought train-theme party supplies from the Oriental Trading company, including small plastic Conductor Ducks for giveaways. One of our Christmas traditions is to set up my G-scale railway track in the living room. (I am collecting G-scale rolling stock and track for when I build my garden railway next to WP668.) The Conductor Ducks were a popular party favor and were given many G-scale train rides during the SVL party.

Photos:

WP668 with new WP herald
WP668 with new Western Pacific herald
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

Conductor Ducks
Conductor Ducks
          photo: copyright 2007 Katy Dickinson
Western Pacific decal
Western Pacific decal for WP668
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
John mounting decal
John mounting the Western Pacific decal on WP668
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
John mounting decal
John mounting the Western Pacific decal on WP668
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
John mounting decal
John mounting the Western Pacific decal on WP668
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
WP668 new herald
WP668 with new Western Pacific herald
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
WP668 Christmas lights
WP668 with Christmas lights
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Hank vs. the train
Hank versus the train
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Hank helping Dad
Hank helping Dad
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Ladybug engine, Conductor Ducks
G-scale Ladybug engine with Conductor Ducks
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Little John with ducks
Little John with Conductor Ducks
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2008 by Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20081204 Thursday December 04, 2008

Western Pacific Herald Going on Caboose

For the third year, our home will soon be hosting the Silicon Valley Lines model train club Christmas party. To prepare for the event, I have finished painting the bay window markings on WP668, our backyard caboose. Tomorrow, John is going to mount the Western Pacific herald on the metal plate on the side of WP668. John wants to preserve the etched shadow of the original WP logo on the original herald plate, so he lacquered it. Today, he had a 21-1/2" x 23-1/2" steel plate cut (the size of the WP decal we bought from the Portola Railroad Museum), then painted the new plate black. Tomorrow, John will tack weld the new plate over the old and then mount the decal. WP668 will once again display the Western Pacific herald!

Here a small size reproduction of the WP logo and a current photo of WP668:

    reproduction WPFRR sign
          photo: copyright 2007 Katy Dickinson WP668 caboose November 2008, San Jose CA
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2007-2008 by Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20081110 Monday November 10, 2008

Caboose Art Tour

I am still decorating the inside of WP668, our backyard caboose. The last big piece of furniture, the Victorian fainting couch, is still not finished. Below are pictures of some of the art currently inside. Two of the artists are in my family: Eleanor Creekmore Dickinson is my Mother, and Evelyn Van Gilder Creekmore was my Grandmother. Elkmont is where our family cabin was in the Great Smoky Mountains, near Knoxville, Tennessee. Some of the furniture in WP668 was hand carved by my Great-Grandmother, Ellen Bolli Van Gilder.

"Gay Street, Knoxville"
with Eleanor Dickinson
1951
Gay Street, Knoxville by Eleanor Dickinson, 1951 painting and artist
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
"Gay Street, Knoxville"
by Eleanor Dickinson
1951
Gay Street, Knoxville 1951 painting by Eleanor Dickinson
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Victorian Etchings - Shakespeare's Heroines:
Katharine and Cassandra
circa 1900
Victorian Etchings circa 1900 - Shakespeare's Heroines, Katherine and Cassandra 
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Dream of Evelyn V. Creekmore, Elkmont
by Eleanor Creekmore Dickinson
1970
Dream of Evelyn Creekmore and Elkmont 1970 painting by Eleanor Dickinson
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Elkmont, Tennessee, Creek Paintings
by Evelyn Van Gilder Creekmore
circa 1980
Elkmont Creek Paintings circa 1980 by Evelyn Van Gilder Creekmore
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Inside WP668
Inside WP668 Caboose
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Inside WP668
Inside WP668 Caboose
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
2008 WP668 Caboose drawing
by Eleanor Dickinson
WP668 Caboose drawing 2008 by Eleanor Dickinson
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
WP668 Caboose
today
WP668 Caboose today
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20081106 Thursday November 06, 2008

Caboose Almost Signed Off

The San Jose city inspector came today and signed off on everything for WP668, our backyard caboose, except one wire. This is frustrating because the last city inspector checked that same electrical box and did not say there were any problems. To pass this last inspection requirement, John has to pull an existing set of wires out of the underground conduit, add a neutral ground wire to the bundle, then pull the set back into place. This new wire is in addition to the existing grounding rods. WP668 today:

WP668 caboose November 2008, San Jose CA
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson WP668 caboose November 2008, San Jose CA
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20081103 Monday November 03, 2008

Caboose Final Sign Off Scheduled

On 21 May 2008, our backyard caboose, WP668 passed its first electrical inspection by the City of San Jose. Last weekend, John added the exterior lights to WP668, the last big electrical chore on his list. The final city inspection, of the electrical and the stair rail, is scheduled for later this week. John and I started work with the city on permits and variances in January 2007. I will be very happy to have the permitting process finally complete!

WP668
WP668 Caboose, San Jose CA
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Work in progress on WP668:

  • This week:
    Final stairway and electrical inspection and sign off
  • Short term:
    • Attach Western Pacific decal to steel plate on side of WP668
    • Upgrade garden lighting around WP668
    • Paint touch up (base coat, trim, and markings)
    • Welding cleanup and metal coating for the stair railing
  • Longer term:
    • Install roof walk, attach it to existing ladders
    • Install bay window seat
    • Restore the rest of the windows (1 done, 5 to go)
    • Complete the back deck and step woodwork (steel is done)
    • Restore brake rigging and wheels
    • Reattach and restore battery box
    • Restore the doors

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20081026 Sunday October 26, 2008

WP668 Caboose Railings Done

This weekend, we mostly finished creating the stair railings for WP668, our backyard caboose. There is some detail work to be done and the railings need to be painted but what we have looks good and is very sturdy. I also stood in my cactus garden and painted WP668's name on her bay window (finally) since the weather was warm. We still need to add the Western Pacific Railroad decal to the side.

John worked with welders Chris Gremich (CG Designs in San Jose, CA, phone: 408-313-3706) and Adam Stickles (Fusion Welding, 408-849-6636) to shape and assemble the parts out of galvanized steel pipe. Each rail set can be unbolted and removed for painting - the banisters slot into pipes set in concrete in the ground. Photos:

WP668 today:
WP668 view from cactus garden
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

half done railing
WP668 half done railing
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
railing removed for finish welding, Adam
WP668 stair railing removed for finish welding by Adam Stickles
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
stencil on bay window
WP668 stencil on bay window
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
first paint on stencil
WP668 first paint on bay window stencil
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
baluster-banister welds close up
WP668 stair baluster-banister welds close up
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Chris grinding pipe
WP668 Chris Gremich grinding pipe for stair rail
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
adding balusters: Chris, John, Adam
WP668 adding balusters for stair rail, Chris Gremich, John Plocher, Adam Stickles
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
a few more to go
WP668 John Plocher - a few more stair rails to go
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
looking upstairs
WP668 stair railing looking upstairs
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2008 by Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20081024 Friday October 24, 2008

WP668 Caboose Railings (half done)

We are half done creating the stair railings for WP668, our backyard caboose. See my 14 October 2008 blog entry for more. The rail and balusters are being created out of galvanized steel pipe. John assisted Chris Gremich (CG Designs in San Jose, CA, phone: 408-313-3706) to shape and assemble the parts. We hope to finish the job this weekend.

WP668 before stair railings
WP668 before stair railings
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
John leveling railing
WP668 leveling stair railing
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
1st two balusters in
WP668 1st two stair balusters in
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
checking spacing
WP668 1st four: checking stair baluster spacing
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
leveling again
WP668 leveling stair balusters again
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
2nd railing in
WP668 2nd stair railing in
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
cactus garden view
WP668 view from cactus garden
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
checking 2nd stair railing height
WP668 checking 2nd stair railing height
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
still needs welding
WP668 1st railing still needs welding
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2008 by Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20081014 Tuesday October 14, 2008

Caboose Railings

We are still working on the stair railings for WP668, our backyard caboose. Chris Gremich (CG Designs in San Jose, CA, phone: 408-313-3706) has made the part of the bannisters. He needs to finish those and then attach them to the balusters. Balusters have to be less than 4" apart for safety. WP668 still has the temporary railing John put in last year.

Those who have been to Sun Microsystems' Menlo Park, CA, campus have probably seen where we got our bannister design.

WP668 today
WP668 today
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
WP668 Bannisters so far
WP668 Bannisters so far
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson
Sun Bannister
Sun Stair Bannister
photo: copyright 2008 Katy Dickinson

Images Copyright 2008 by Katy Dickinson

http://blogs.sun.com/katysblog/date/20080914 Sunday September 14, 2008

Open Source JMRI Timeline

This is about a U.S. legal case in which a free open source software project is defending itself against a commercial entity trying to patent and control intellectual property created by model train enthusiasts. Some of this IP has been in public development and use since 1946. (The United States Patent and Trademark Office or USPTO says: "A person shall be entitled to a patent unless ... the invention was ... in public use or on sale in this country, more than one year prior to the date of the application for patent...." See 35 U.S.C. 102 Conditions for patentability.)

The timeline below was derived from many public sources and is to the best of my knowlege correct (but certainly not complete). Why publish this? The Case All of Open Source Has Been Waiting For is complex but seems to be establishing important precedents in open source law. Seeing the many threads of action set forth chronologically may help non-lawyer readers understand. This blog entry follows up on my August 29, 2008 entry called "Open Source Court Hearing Today" about the JMRI model train software legal case. My husband John Plocher and I have been following the JMRI open source court case since it started about 3 years ago. John is also a JMRI contributor.


Background:

    • What is JMRI?
      From the JMRI model train software website:
      "JMRI is an informal open-source group. We do this for the joy of model railroading, and don't produce anything for profit."
    • JMRI is good work.
      It won James Gosling's annual JavaOne Duke's Choice Award, for "Java Everywhere" in 2006.
    • Bob Jacobsen
      Bob leads the JMRI effort. He was the winner of U.C. Berkeley's Distinguished Teaching Award in 2004. See Bob's picture accepting the Duke's Choice award. Remember MythBuster's TV story in 2006 called Anti-Gravity Device? Bob was the Guest Star Physics Professor on that MythBuster's show.
    • SLAPP
      SLAPP means "strategic lawsuit against public participation", defined in wikipedia as: "...a lawsuit or a threat of lawsuit that is intended to intimidate and silence critics by burdening them with the cost of a legal defense until they abandon their criticism or opposition. ... The plaintiff's goals are accomplished if the defendant succumbs to fear, intimidation, mounting legal costs or simple exhaustion and abandons the criticism. A SLAPP may also intimidate others from participating in the debate."
    • A very brief summary of this complex case (from JMRI Defense: Our Story So Far):
      "JMRI is open-source software for model-railroaders. ... Matt Katzer owns KAM Industries, a company that tries to sell model railroad software. He's never contributed anything to the JMRI effort. But that hasn't stopped him from taking JMRI intellectual property. Matt Katzer and his company KAMIND Associates, Inc. are attacking the rights of open source groups to enforce their copyrights and licenses. If they prevail, the rights of open source groups like JMRI will be significantly weakened, if not lost. We are breaking ground for open source groups in federal court and establishing legal rights for open source groups and their members. We need your help and donations to succeed in this legal fight."
    • To make donations, go to Donating to JMRI.

John, James, Bob and Duke, JavaOne
John Plocher, Bob Jacobsen, James Gosling, with Duke's Choice Award JavaOne 2006
photo: copyright 2006 John Plocher
Model Train Layout at JavaOne 2006
Model Train Layout with Duke's Choice Award at JavaOne 2006
photo: copyright 2006 John Plocher
Images Copyright 2006 John Plocher

"Model train control system" U.S. Patents by Matthew A. Katzer or KAM Industries involved in this case include:

      US Pat. App. 11/981320
      Filed Oct 30, 2007
      US Pat. App. 11/607233
      Filed Dec 1, 2006
      US Pat. App. 11/593770
      Filed Nov 7, 2006
      US Pat. App. 11/592784
      Filed Nov 3, 2006
      Jan 25, 2008 USPTO rejected
      US Pat. 7209812
      Filed Mar 14, 2006
      US Pat. 7216836
      Filed Oct 26, 2004
      US Pat. 7177733
      Filed Nov 16, 2004
      issued February 13, 2007
      Disclaimed Mar 18, 2008
      U.S. Pat. App. 10/889,995
      Filed Jul 13, 2004
      Dec 21, 2006 USPTO rejected
      US Pat. 6909945
      was App. 10/713,476
      Filed Nov 14, 2003
      issued June 21, 2005
      US Pat. 6827023
      Filed Jan 10, 2003
      US Pat. 6877699
      Filed Nov 10, 2003
      US Pat. 6530329
      Filed Apr 17, 2002
      issued March 11, 2003
      Disclaimed Mar 18, 2008
      US Pat. 6494408
      Filed May 15, 2001
      US Pat. 6460467
      Filed May 15, 2001
      issued October 8, 2002
      US Pat. 6270040
      Filed Apr 3, 2000
      issued August 7, 2001
      US Pat. 6267061
      Filed Apr 17, 2000
      issued July 31, 2001
      US Pat. 6676089
      Filed May 14, 1999
      issued Jan 13, 2004
      US Pat. 6065406
      Filed Jun 24, 1998
      issued May 23, 2000


Timeline:

    Coming Events December 19, 2008 - Court Hearing (to be in San Francisco)

    2008
    * January 18, 2008   - Jacobsen's Response to Katzer's Contract, Copyright 
       and Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Arguments
    * January 22, 2008   - Amicus Brief Accepted
    * January 23, 2008   - Deadline For Settlement Disclosures Set
    * January 25, 2008   - United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) 
       Rejects Katzer patent application 11/592,784
    * February 01, 2008  - Katzer Doesn't Provide Disclosures, Files to disclaim Patent, 
       Moves to Dismiss
    * February 13. 2008  - Settlement Conference
    * February 15, 2008  - Hearing Rescheduled
    * February 29, 2008  - Motions for For Early Discovery & Rescheduling Denied
    * March 18, 2008     - Katzer disclaims patent 6,530,329 (issued March 11, 2003)
    * March 18, 2008     - Katzer disclaims patent 7,177,733 (issued February 13, 2007)
    * April 04, 2008     - Two replies from Jacobsen
    * April 11, 2008     - Hearing
    * May 07, 2008       - Copyright Appeal Hearing
    * July 14, 2008      - JMRI 2.2 released
    * August 13, 2008    - Copyright Appeal Decision
    * August 29, 2008    - Scheduling Conference
    

    2007
    * January 19, 2007   - Federal Court Hearing
    * February 13, 2007  - Katzer patent 7,177,733 issued (disclaimed March 18, 2008)
    * July 22, 2007      - JMRI 1.8 released
    * August 06, 2007    - DecoderPro.com Ordered Transferred to JMRI
    * August 17, 2007    - Ruling on January 19th Motions
    * September 5, 2007  - Request for Reconsideration on Cybersquatting Denied
    * September 13, 2007 - Appeal of Copyright Ruling
    * September 14, 2007 - Case Management Conference
    * October 30, 2007   - US Pat. App. 11/981320 filed by Katzer
    * October 31, 2007   - JMRI files a Second Amended Complaint
    * November 2, 2007   - Katzer files a Motion in Opposition
    * November 29, 2007  - Jacobsen files a Motion pointing out Katzer's 
       misstatements and noticing issues
    * December 03, 2007  - Katzer replies
    * December 11, 2007  - Second Amended Complaint Ruling
    * December 17, 2007  - Jacobsen Appeal Brief Filed with the Court of Appeals
    * December 21, 2007  - Katzer files a 3rd Motion to Dismiss
    * December 28, 2007  - Key Open Source Organizations File Brief Supporting JMRI
    * December 31, 2007  - JMRI 2.0 released
    

    2006
    * March 13, 2006     - Jacobsen asks for a Declaratory Judgment
    * March 14, 2006     - US Pat. 7209812 filed by Katzer
    * May 25, 2006       - Katzer files an Information Disclosure Statement 10/889,995
    * July 12, 2006      - Anti-SLAPP motions 
    * August 7, 2006     - USPTO provisionally rejects Application 10/889,995 -
       a Continuation of '329 - for unpatentability
    * August 13, 2006    - Court Hearing 
    * September 10, 2006 - Infringing Copyrighted Material
    * September 11, 2006 - Jacobsen files an Amended Complaint
    * September 27, 2006 - Another Round of Motions from Katzer
    * October 20, 2006   - Written Ruling on Initial Motions
    * October 25, 2006   - Request for Preliminary Injunction Against Copyright 
       Infringement
    * October 30, 2006  - Request for Reconsideration of Motions Denied
    * November 3, 2006  - Reply to Motions; Defending Open-Source Copyright
    * November 3, 2006  - US Pat. App. 11/592784 filed by Katzer
    * November 7, 2006  - US Pat. App. 11/593770 filed by Katzer
    * November 9, 2006  - Katzer files a Memorandum of Opposition
    * November 17, 2006  - JMRI files a reply and additional materials
    * November 17, 2006  - Katzer also files a reply
    * December 1, 2006   - US Pat. App. 11/607233 filed by Katzer
    * December 04, 2006  - JMRI filed a Motion for Leave to File Surreply to 
       Defendant's Reply Memorandum.
    * December 21, 2006  - USPTO Rejects application 10/889,995 - a Continuation 
       of '329 - for unpatentability
    

    2005
    * March 8, 2005      - Jacobsen gets a bill from Katzer for JMRI downloads (at $19/copy)
    * 7 April 2005       - Katzer vs. Britton trademark infringement suit settled
    * June 18, 2005      - JMRI 1.6 released
    * June 21, 2005      - Katzer patent 6,909,945 issued
    * August 24, 2005    - Jacobsen gets a $203,000 bill from Katzer, for 7,000 JMRI 
       downloads (at $29/copy)
    

    2004
    * January 13, 2004   - Katzer patent 6,676,089 issued
    * February 22, 2004  - Katzer registers the domain name DecoderPro.com
    * April 08, 2004     - JMRI 1.4 released
    * July 13, 2004      - US Pat. App. 10/889,995 filed by Katzer
    * September 08, 2004 - Glenn Butcher removes his loconetd and railroad apps 
       after being advised of potential patent infringement by Katzer
    * October 13, 2004   - A post on the LocoNet Hackers yahoo group mentions Katzer's 
       use of DecoderPro.com.
    * October 15, 2004   - Jacobsen posts to the JMRIusers group about it.
    * October 26, 2004   - US Pat. 7216836 filed by Katzer
    * October 27, 2004   - Jacobsen registers DecoderPro as a trademark with the USPTO
    * October 29, 2004   - Jerry Britton offered to trade Katzer another domain name 
       for DecoderPro.com
    * 8 November 2004    - Katzer sued Jerry Britton for trademark infringement
    * November 16, 2004  - Katzer files for patent 7,177,733 (issued February 13, 2007, 
       disclaimed March 18, 2008)
    

    2003
    * January 10, 2003   - US Pat. 6827023 filed by Katzer
    * March 11, 2003     - Katzer patent 6,530,329 issued (disclaimed March 18, 2008)
    * August 18, 2003    - JMRI 1.2.5 released
    * November 10, 2003  - US Pat. 6877699 filed by Katzer
    * November 14, 2003  - Katzer files for patent 6,909,945 (issued June 21, 2005)
    

    2002
    * March 2002         - JMRI developers use Java RMI to provide client/server 
       capabilities
    * April 14 2002      - JMRI test version with client/server code released
    * April 17, 2002     - Katzer files for patent 6,530,329 (issued March 11, 2003, 
       disclaimed March 18, 2008)
    * September 17, 2002 - Katzer files lawsuits against Hans-Rudi Tanner and Juergen 
       Freiwald for patent infringement
    * October, 2002      - Hans-Rudi Tanner and Juergen Freiwald reply
    * October 8, 2002    - Katzer patent 6,460,467 issued
    * October 28, 2002   - JMRI 1.1 released
    * December 30, 2002  - Katzer dropped the Tanner and Freiwald suits
    

    2001
    * May 15, 2001       - US Pat. 6494408 filed by Katzer
    * May 15, 2001       - US Pat. 6460467 filed by Katzer (issued October 8, 2002)
    * July 12, 2001      - First "commercial" use of the name decoderpro by JMRI 
       developers
    * July 31, 2001      - Katzer patent 6,267,061 issued
    * August 7, 2001     - Katzer patent 6,270,040 issued
    

    2000
    * May 23, 2000       - Katzer patent 6,065,406 issued
    * April 03, 2000     - Katzer files for patent 6,270,040 (issued August 7, 2001)
    * April 17, 2000     - Katzer files for patent 6,267,061 (issued July 31, 2001)
    

    1999
    * May 14, 1999       - Katzer files for patent 6,676,089 (issued Jan 13, 2004)
    

    1998
    * June 24, 1998      - Katzer files for patent 6,065,406 (issued May 23, 2000)
    

    1946-now . Selected Prior Art Listed in U.S. Patent 7,177,733 (patent disclaimed March 18, 2008)
    1946-now The Tech Model Railroad Club (TMRC) is a student organization at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). TMRC is one of the most famous model railroad clubs in the world. Formed in 1946, its HO scale layout specializes in automated operation of model trains. Many TRMC publications are referenced as prior art.
    1988 The Märklin Digital Club: The Digital Club was launched in 1988 and has since been keeping pace with the rapidly advancing technology of digital multi-train control. Many Digital Club publications are referenced as prior art.
    1992 "A model railroad for Ada and software engineering" by John W. McCormick, "Communications of the ACM" archive: Volume 35 , Issue 11 (November 1992), pp. 68 - 70, ISSN:0001-0782
    1994 Rutger Friberg Model Railroad Electronics Allt om Hobby Publishing Company, ISBN-10: 9185496731 (expanded and republished: 1995, 1997, 1998)