Abstract: A single-blade fan apparatus includes a blade assembly having a hub presenting a longitudinal aperture adapted for receipt on the fan apparatus, a single blade protruding radially from the hub in a first direction, and a counterweight body protruding radially from the hub in a second direction opposite the first direction. The hub, blade and counterweight body are formed of a unitary piece of aluminum, zinc or synthetic resin material. A method of constructing the blade assembly includes providing a mold including a hub cavity, a blade cavity protruding from the hub cavity in a first direction, and a counterweight-body cavity protruding radially from the hub in a second direction opposite the first direction, and fitting a removable mold insert in the blade cavity. The first mold insert fills a portion of the blade cavity remote from the hub cavity.

Abstract: A single-blade fan apparatus includes a blade assembly having a hub presenting a longitudinal aperture adapted for receipt on the fan apparatus, a single blade protruding radially from the hub in a first direction, and a counterweight body protruding radially from the hub in a second direction opposite the first direction. The hub, blade and counterweight body are formed of a unitary piece of aluminum, zinc or synthetic resin material. A method of constructing the blade assembly includes providing a mold including a hub cavity, a blade cavity protruding from the hub cavity in a first direction, and a counterweight-body cavity protruding radially from the hub in a second direction opposite the first direction, and fitting a removable mold insert in the blade cavity. The first mold insert fills a portion of the blade cavity remote from the hub cavity.

Abstract: An electric fan mounted overhead for universal adjustment of the air flow direction. A mounting plate clamped to an overhead beam carries a sleeve that rotatively receives a vertical column. The lower end of the column pivotally connects with a mounting arm which carries the fan. A rotation motor can rotationally adjust the column to adjust the lateral direction in which the fan faces. A linear actuator pivots the mounting arm up and down to adjust the tilt angle of the fan.

Abstract: A pedestal apparatus for use in supporting a powered fan includes a hollow pedestal, a tubular column including a lower end supported on the pedestal, ballast supported within the interior space of the pedestal for lowering the center of gravity of the apparatus to restrain tipping, and a dampening element disposed within the tubular column for dampening vibration of the apparatus during use of the powered fan. The ballast and dampening element can be provided by the end user, reducing the weight of the apparatus as manufactured and shipped.

Abstract: An air circulation fan has front and rear fan guard members, a motor, a propeller, and a removable shroud covering an outer peripheral portion of the front fan guard member. The removable shroud forms an annular ring having a central, air discharge opening. In one embodiment, the removable shroud is formed from an integral piece of elastomeric material. In another embodiment, the shroud is formed from a plurality of identical plastic shroud portions. Each shroud portion is formed of plastic and covers a section of the outer peripheral portion of the front fan guard member. Each shroud portion has clips for clipping the portion to the front fan guard member. In one embodiment, fan blades, conventionally used on box-type fans, having an inner, leading cut-away notch and a trailing flared portion. The presence of the shroud and such blades make the fan useful in agricultural settings, such as in poultry barns. In operation of the fan, the shroud greatly reduces the noise generated by the fan.

Abstract: An air circulator fan has front and rear fan guard members, each of which have a grille forming a concave dish. A propeller is positioned between the fan guard members, and is attached to the rotary output of a motor. The motor is positioned centrally on the front fan guard member, in a location downstream from the propeller. When the propeller rotates during operation of the fan, air is drawn through the rear fan guard member and out the front fan guard member. Each grille has a first spacing at a major face portion thereof, and a second, lessor spacing proximate a periphery thereof. This arrangement allows debris (such as feathers in a poultry barn) to pass through the major face portion of each grille, but provides a safety feature near the periphery of the guard members. A three-point mount is provided for suspending the fan, with chains or cables, from an overhead surface.

Abstract: An impeller for a fan, with improved performance characteristics, has a central hub with a plurality of wings extending radially outwardly therefrom. The impeller also has a plurality of blades, such that each blade is attached in an extending manner from a corresponding one of the wings. When in combination with a fan having a motor, the motor imparts rotation to the impeller in a forward direction. Each blade is angled backwardly, at a selected angle, relative to its corresponding wing and the forward, rotational direction of the impeller. In an alternate embodiment, each wing of the hub has a first portion extending radially outward from the hub and a second, outer portion angled backwardly relative to the first portion of the wing and the forward direction of the impeller. A method of manufacture is provided.

Abstract: An attachment for improving the efficiency of a fluid circulation device such as a fan comprises a back connector portion for connecting to a fan blade and a lobe which protrudes from a leading edge of the fan blade. An impeller has a plurality of fan blades extending from a central hub, and the impeller is rotated by an electrical motor. The impeller is housed within a fan guard. As the impeller is rotated, the lobes operate to pick up air passing around the preceding blade and continue accelerating the air to increase efficiency and flow.

Abstract: A hinged snap together fan guard has front and rear fan guard members hingedly attached in a unique arrangement. Each of the front and rear fan guard members are generally formed in the shape of a concave dish having a plurality of ribs extending outwardly from a central region to a periphery of the member. Selected ribs on the front guard member terminate, at an outer end, in a hook for engaging with a peripheral rim of the rear fan guard member. At least one selected rib on each fan guard member terminates at an outer end in a loop. The two loops mate with each other, thereby forming a hinge. The front guard member can be moved from a closed position in engagement with the rear fan guard member to an open position, by pivoting the front fan guard member about the hinge. The hinge is preferably located in a lower quadrant of the fan guard, such that when opened, the front fan guard member is pivoted outwardly and downwardly relative to the rear fan guard member.