Patents by Inventor Martin Jay Hapeman

Martin Jay Hapeman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5661378
    Abstract: A wheel slip recovery method for a locomotive in which an internal combustion engine is connected in driving relationship to an electric power generator to supply electric power to a plurality of electric traction motors coupled to drive corresponding wheel-axle sets of the locomotive. The locomotive system includes a dynamic braking function in which an electrical resistance circuit is selectively coupled in parallel circuit arrangement with the generator for selectively receiving power from the traction motors during dynamic electrical braking. The inventive method detects a wheel slip condition which cannot be overcome by transfer of power from a slipping to a non-slipping wheel and selectively couples the dynamic braking resistance circuit into circuit with the power generator in a manner to reduce power supplied to the driven wheels to a level sufficient to allow the wheels to cease slipping without reducing power output from the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Martin Jay Hapeman
  • Patent number: 5651656
    Abstract: A ramp car for use in an intermodal train includes a ramp having a set of rail wheels mounted at one end and a connector at the one end for coupling the ramp car to a flat bed rail car. A second connector, including lifting apparatus, is operatively associated with a second end of the ramp car opposite the one end for coupling the ramp car to a locomotive. A coupling apparatus is provided at the second end of the ramp car for coupling to the locomotive to permit both raising and lowering the second end and pushing and pulling the ramp car. The second connector is disconnected from the ramp car when the ramp is in a lowered position. The second connector includes a rotatable pin mounted to the locomotive and extending vertically downward and having a pair of circumferentially spaced shoulders for bearing upwardly against a supporting surface on the ramp car to hold the ramp in a raised position. The pin is rotated to lock the ramp car to the rail car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Martin Jay Hapeman
  • Patent number: 4017739
    Abstract: An electrical propulsion control system for self-propelled earthmoving traction vehicles of the type having integral earthmoving means and having a prime mover-driven electric generator supplying energy to traction motors, wherein the electrical output of the generator is regulated within predetermined maximum limits which are reduced in response to the application of a predetermined lifting force to the earthmoving means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1975
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1977
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Martin Jay Hapeman, Barry Jay Turley