Lawrence M Hapeman

Title: **Lawrence M. Hapeman: Innovating Electrical Circuit Breaker Technology**

Introduction

Lawrence M. Hapeman is an accomplished inventor based in Fletcher, North Carolina, known for his significant contributions to electrical engineering, specifically in the field of circuit breaker technology. With a total of two patents attributed to his name, Hapeman's innovative designs have strengthened the safety and efficiency of electrical systems.

Latest Patents

Hapeman's most recent patent, titled "Phase sensitivity," introduces a multipole circuit breaker capable of detecting conditions when not all phases are open circuited, allowing for a quicker trip response. This innovation reduces the risk of damage to the electrical load by improving tripping times through a meticulously designed phase sensitivity assembly that interacts with thermal trip units.

Another noteworthy patent from Hapeman is the "E' frame pancake design.” This invention enhances molded case circuit breakers with a magnetic trip unit featuring an armature assembly and a multi-turn magnetic coil assembly. By maintaining the same volume as a single-turn magnetic coil, this design exponentially increases the attraction force on the armature, effectively lowering the current threshold at which the circuit breaker trips without altering the overall frame size.

Career Highlights

Currently, Lawrence M. Hapeman is associated with Westinghouse Electric Corporation, a company renowned for its commitment to innovation and excellence in electrical products. His work in developing advanced circuit breaker technologies reflects his dedication to enhancing electrical safety and efficiency.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hapeman has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Kurt A. Grunert and John A. Wafer, showcasing a spirit of teamwork and collective innovation in his projects. These collaborations have further enabled him to refine his inventions and introduce revolutionary advancements in circuit breaker design.

Conclusion

Lawrence M. Hapeman stands out as a notable inventor whose contributions have had a profound impact on electrical engineering and safety. Through his two patents, he has demonstrated a clear commitment to innovation, with inventions that offer improved functionality and response time in circuit breakers. As he continues to work at Westinghouse Electric Corporation, his future innovations are eagerly anticipated by the industry.