Abstract: A fan blade comprises an airfoil having an upper surface with region that has a generally elliptical curvature. In some examples, the lower surface has a convex region and a concave region. The curvature of the concave region corresponds with the generally elliptical curvature of the upper surface; while the curvature of the convex region is defined by a substantially constant radius. Some examples also include a trailing edge flap region, which may itself include a first flap portion and a second flap portion. When mounted to a rotating hub member fan, blades with elliptical curvatures may provide air movement at significant efficiencies.

Abstract: A winglet is coupled with an end of a fan blade. The fan blade has an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The fan blade defines a chord and a maximum thickness. The winglet comprises a substantially vertical member that has a perimeter defined by a lower edge, an upper edge, and a rear edge, which meet at rounded corners. The rear edge of the vertical member has a length that is greater than the maximum thickness of the end of the fan blade. The vertical member has a length that is greater than the chord of the fan blade. The rear edge of the vertical member protrudes rearwardly relative to a vertical plane tangential to the trailing edge of the end of the fan blade. A mounting member may extend from the vertical member to couple the winglet with the fan blade.

Abstract: A winglet includes a vertical member and a mounting member. The mounting member is configured to facilitate the mounting of the winglet to the tip of a fan blade. The vertical member is configured to extend perpendicularly relative the tip of a fan blade. A cuff extends from the vertical member to substantially cover at least a portion of the interface between the end of a fan blade and the vertical member. Adding winglets to fan blades may improve the aerodynamics of the fan blades, and thereby increase efficiencies of a fan.

Abstract: A winglet is coupled with an end of a fan blade. The fan blade has an upper surface, a lower surface, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The fan blade defines a chord and a maximum thickness. The winglet comprises a substantially vertical member that has a perimeter defined by a lower edge, an upper edge, and a rear edge, which meet at rounded corners. The rear edge of the vertical member has a length that is greater than the maximum thickness of the end of the fan blade. The vertical member has a length that is greater than the chord of the fan blade. The rear edge of the vertical member protrudes rearwardly relative to a vertical plane tangential to the trailing edge of the end of the fan blade. A mounting member may extend from the vertical member to couple the winglet with the fan blade.

Abstract: A fan system comprises a hub, a plurality of fan blades, a drive system, and a stationary tube. The hub is configured to rotate. The fan blades are mounted to the hub. The drive system comprises a rotatable hollow output shaft. The hollow output shaft is in communication with the hub, such that the drive system is operable to rotate the hub via the hollow output shaft. The stationary tube is inserted through the hollow output shaft. The stationary tube is configured to remain stationary as the hollow output shaft rotates. Wires and the like may be passed through the stationary tube, to reach an accessory mounted at the bottom of the stationary tube. The fan system may also include a detector, such as a heat detector, a smoke detector, or an accelerometer. The detector may power down the fan system in response to detecting certain conditions.

Abstract: A winglet includes a vertical member and a mounting member. The mounting member is configured to facilitate the mounting of the winglet to the tip of a fan blade. The vertical member is configured to extend perpendicularly relative the tip of a fan blade. Adding winglets to fan blades may improve the aerodynamics of the fan blades, and thereby increase efficiencies of a fan.