Patents by Inventor Yu W. Chou

Yu W. Chou 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: 5428196
    Abstract: A switching mechanism interfaces a flexible shaft to a handle of a circuit interrupter which is rotatable in an arcuate path between an on position and an off position. The switching mechanism includes a handle attachment attached to the handle for rotating the handle between the on position and the off position, and a bracket pivotally mounted to the handle attachment and attached to the flexible shaft for movement thereby. The handle attachment may also extend a length of the handle. The switching mechanism may further include a baseplate for securing the flexible shaft thereto and attached to the circuit interrupter. The bracket may have a generally U-shape, two arms pivotally mounted to the handle attachment, and a base which is attached to the flexible shaft. The handle attachment may be generally U-shaped and have a base and two arms which each are pivotally mounted to one of the two arms of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Beatty, Jr., Roger W. Helms, Yu W. Chou
  • Patent number: 5319168
    Abstract: A retractable handle mechanism for controlling the operating handle of a circuit breaker. The handle mechanism consists of a housing which may be mounted on an electrical enclosure in which the circuit breaker may be disposed. Pivotally attached to the housing is a first lever which is movable between an on position and an off position. Retractably attached to the first lever is a second lever which is movable between a first position substantially adjacent the first lever and a second position substantially extended away from the first lever. The retractable handle mechanism may also be equipped with a lever restraining mechanism which allows the second lever to be non-movably disposed in either its first position or its second position. The retractable handle mechanism may also be equipped with a lever off locking mechanism which prevents the first lever from being moved from the off position to the on position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Gary J. Hutko, Brian C. Livingston, Yu W. Chou
  • Patent number: 5304765
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes an interlock which prevents the operating handle from being moved from the on position after the main contacts have been welded together. By preventing the operating handle from being moved from the on position during such a condition, the operating handle will indicate the correct status of the main contacts and the operator will be made aware that the main contacts are welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: David A. Parks, Thomas A. Whitaker, Yu W. Chou
  • Patent number: 5270564
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes an interlock which prevents the operating handle from being placed in the off position after the main contacts have been welded together. By preventing the operating handle from being placed in an off position during such a condition, the operating handle will indicate the correct status of the main contacts and the operator will be made aware that the main contacts are welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: David A. Parks, Thomas A. Whitaker, Yu W. Chou
  • Patent number: 5184717
    Abstract: The handle of a circuit breaker is blocked from movement to the off positiion, when the contacts are welded closed, thereby preventing rotation of the common cross-bar on which contact arms carrying the movable contacts are mounted, by an interlock which includes radial extensions on the arms of a pivoted handle yoke which radially engage projections on the cross-bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Yu W. Chou, Henry K. Pruszynski
  • Patent number: 5142112
    Abstract: A molded case circuit breaker includes an interlock which prevents the operating handle from being placed in the off position after the main contacts have been welded together. By preventing the operating handle from being placed in an off position during such a condition, the operating handle will indicate the correct status of the main contacts and the operator will be made aware that the main contacts are welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: David A. Parks, Thomas A. Whitaker, Yu W. Chou