With Illumination Means Patents (Class 416/5)
  • Patent number: 7717674
    Abstract: A ceiling fan (10) is disclosed having a motor (13) and motor housing (11) suspended from a ceiling by a downrod (12). The motor rotatably drives an annular array of blades (15). The ceiling fan also includes a tubular screen or shroud (20) mounted about the motor housing and blades so as to substantially conceal a large portion of these components from view. The shroud includes an annular lower mounting plate (21) and an annular side wall (23) extending upwardly from the lower plate. The side wall is formed of a series of candles (24) having the appearance of flickering wicks (25) through incandescent bulbs. The lower plate is coupled to the downrod through a coupler (27) and a series of first arms (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventors: Masao Tsuji, Hadi Srass, James Holcomb
  • Patent number: 7665967
    Abstract: Efficient traditionally appearing ceiling fan blades with aerodynamical upper surfaces and wide tip ends for ceiling fans with blades formed from plastic and/or wood and/or separately attached surfaces that run at reduced energy consumption that move larger air volumes than traditional flat shaped ceiling fan blades. And methods of operating the novel ceiling fans blades for different speeds of up to and less than approximately 250 rpm. The novel blades twisted blades can be configured for ceiling fans having any diameters from less than approximately 32 inches to greater than approximately 64 inch fans, and can be used in two, three, four, five and more blade configurations. The novel fans can be run at reduced speeds, drawing less Watts than conventional fans and still perform better with more air flow and less problems than conventional flat type conventional flat and planar upper and lower surface blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Danny S. Parker, Bart Hibbs
  • Patent number: 7665970
    Abstract: A ceiling fan (10) is disclosed having a motor housing (11) which encases an electric motor (13). The motor includes a bottom mounting plate (14) that rotates and thereby drives an annular array of blade irons (16), each having a blade (17) mounted thereto in conventional fashion. Each blade iron is mounted for pivotal and radial movement relative to the bottom mounting plate. An annular balancing ring (28) causes pivotal and radial movement of other blade irons (36)in response to the radial movement of an off-balanced blade iron (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Pearce
  • Publication number: 20090297345
    Abstract: This invention provides ceiling fan lights in the form of UFO (Under Fan Optics) Lites comprising a product line of easily applied decorative lights to be secured to the blades of a ceiling fan, creating a dazzling visual effect when the fan is in motion. The lights comprise lightweight and shatterproof lights which can be affixed to an existing ceiling fan by use of adhesive strips, or clips. UFO Lites comprising lightweight and shatterproof lights which can be easily adhered to the surface of the ceiling fan blades via a sticky adhesive backing which coats the underside of the lights, or by way of heavy duty clips or similar fasteners are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: John Crace
  • Patent number: 7589641
    Abstract: A wind power installation includes a pylon and a machine housing mounted thereon. The pylon accommodates the rotor of the wind power installation and the generator for producing energy. Wind power installations can be provided with signaling devices so that the attention of air traffic is drawn to the existence of the wind power installation as a large structure. The flight lighting arrangement produces a light which is visible over a long distance, preferably a flashing light. A cover arranged with the flight lighting arrangement can substantially prevent the light from the flight lighting arrangement from being visible, from the ground, in a region around the wind power installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7581934
    Abstract: A wind power system rotor blade has an inboard end and an outboard end adapted for being transported by a transport vehicle. In order to make the transport of the rotor blade possible on highways, even when it exceeds the usual profile height of underpasses and bridges (freeway bridges, etc.), a wind power system rotor blade is proposed having an inboard and an outboard end and comprising: a rotor blade root at the inboard end; an intermediate device fixedly coupled to the rotor blade root at one end provided for a rotatably coupling to a rotary support member at the other end for allowing a rotation of the rotor blade around the rotor blade's longitudinal axis in relation to the rotary support member; and locking means for captively locking the rotor blade in a support frame toward the outboard end of the rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Publication number: 20090208333
    Abstract: A fan system includes a motor, a rotatable hub, and a plurality of fan blades. The motor is coupled with the hub by a hollow drive shaft, such that the drive system of the fan system is gearless. The motor is controlled by a PFC-based control module, which is in communication with sensors that are configured to sense parameters associated with operation of the fan system. The control module is configured to react in certain ways to certain conditions detected by the sensors, such that the fan system uses feedback-based control algorithms. A remote control panel is in communication with the control module. The remote control panel is operable to display fault conditions detected by the sensors. Blade retainers prevent fan blades from falling when a fan blade breaks free from the hub. Pins prevent the hub from falling when the hub breaks free from the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: J. Carey Smith, Richard A. Oleson, Richard M. Aynsley, Richard W. Fizer, John B. Langston, Mark A. Toy, Elios Klemo, Ron G. Flanary, Troy A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7572111
    Abstract: A rotating assembly for electric fan in one embodiment includes a rotating member provided on an end of the rotating shaft for fastening the fan blades and including a protrusion extended oppositely the rotating shaft, and a coil formed around the protrusion; a stationary magnetic mechanism formed around an end of the protrusion and including at least one pair of magnetic poles on its inner surface spaced from the coil, and a counterweight formed externally; and a load radially extended from the protrusion, a plurality of light emitting elements, a circuit electrically connected to both the magnetic poles and the coil, and a controller electrically connected to the circuit for controlling an activation of the light emitting elements. Activating the electric fan will cause the light emitting elements to emit light. In another embodiment, negative ions are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Inventor: Sam Hsu
  • Patent number: 7563070
    Abstract: A cooling fan (100) includes a frame (10), a circuit board (20) and a rotor (30). The frame includes a housing (12) and a plate (14) connecting with the housing. The circuit board is mounted on the plate. The rotor is received in the housing and includes a hollow hub (32) and a plurality of blades (38) extending from the hub. A plurality of light emitting diodes (40) is mounted on the circuit board. When the rotor rotates, each LED projects light towards the rotor and to the frame so that the light will be reflected and deflected by the fan whereby the whole fan glows and produces a fantastic visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (Shen Zhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Chen Lin, Hong-Bo Xu
  • Patent number: 7540461
    Abstract: A ceiling fan anchoring bracket and housing assembly for quick and easy installation of the ceiling fan housing for either hugger or down-rod fans is disclosed. The assembly comprises of hook-up pins and stationary lock-up pin fastened on and protruding from the anchoring bracket. The stationary lock-up pin latchingly locks the housing of the fan by spring or urging mechanism. The bracket and housing assembly enables the user to install the ceiling fan housing to the anchoring bracket without having to resort to using tools. All a user needs to do is to align and engage one side of the housing to the hook-up pins on the bracket and push the opposite side of the housing onto the stationary lock-up pin on the bracket through a spring action to complete the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Hoo Cheung Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai Liang
  • Publication number: 20090129974
    Abstract: A ceiling paddle fan fixture for improving the quality of the air in the room and various methods of enhancing room air quality, with particular application in public spaces such as hospitals, health care institutions, dormitories, schools and offices. A UV-C source and an air mover are combined in a single fixture which uses a low intensity UV-C source and a paddle ceiling fan to significantly increase the mixing of the treated with the untreated room air. Sterilization of room air is achieved by the passage of a high volume of air at a relatively slow speed through a relatively low intensity UV-C field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: John J. McEllen
  • Publication number: 20090116961
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing heated air to an environment comprises a ceiling fan assembly secured to a heating assembly. The ceiling fan assembly comprises a plurality of rotatable blades arranged substantially in a horizontal plane to drive airflow in a desired direction when the blades are rotated. The heating assembly comprises a heating element and a power supply for energizing the heating element to produce heat, whereby air driven by the ceiling fan contacts the heating element and passes into the environment. A lighting assembly and a guard may be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Alvin E. Todd, JR.
  • Patent number: 7500831
    Abstract: A fan (10) is disclosed having an electric motor (13) which rotatably drives an annular array of blade irons (14) each having a blade (15) mounted thereto. Each blade iron has a motor mounting portion (21) configured to be coupled with the electric motor for rotation. The motor mounting portion has an arcuate, vertical wall (26) and a horizontal flange (27). The horizontal flange has a first mounting hole (28) and an oblong second mounting hole (29). A first mounting screw (31) having a first bushing or bearing (32) thereon passes through each first mounting hole and into a threaded mounting hole (34) in the motor (13). Similarly a second mounting screw (35) having a second bushing or bearing (36) thereon passes through each second mounting hole and into a threaded mounting hole (37) in the motor. With this configuration the blade iron can pivot relative to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Pearce
  • Publication number: 20090053059
    Abstract: A ceiling fan and a fabrication method thereof have been disclosed in the invention. The ceiling fan comprises a canopy, a pipe, and a housing. The canopy is secured to an external surface for installation; an end of the pipe is connected to the canopy; the housing is connected to another end of the pipe and includes a stationary portion and a swivel portion. The stationary portion is connected to a stator, which has a corresponding rotor that is connected to the swivel portion; the swivel portion comprises a blade stand for connecting at least a fan blade and a first circuit, so as to drive the stator and the rotor. The ceiling fan of the invention is characterized in that: at least a fan blade has light guiding means, and a plurality of lighting elements are disposed on the blade stand of the swivel portion, which are electrically connected to a first circuit via the second circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Hsieh Lung-Fa
  • Patent number: 7481626
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to fans, and in particular to ceiling fans. A ceiling fan is suspended by a down rod and a motor that rotates relative to the down rod. The motor also has a connector mechanism. The fan has a fan blade with an attachment member, capable of being interconnected to the connector mechanism. A mechanism secures the attachment member to the connector mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Minka Lighting, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Gajewski
  • Publication number: 20080310959
    Abstract: A ceiling fan, including a plurality of blades, wherein at least one surface of at least one blade in the plurality of blades is covered by a decorative motif.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Deborah Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080225536
    Abstract: A rotorcraft, such a helicopter or a tiltrotor aircraft, includes a light emitting device configured to provide light at a tip of a rotor blade. The light emitting device includes a light emitting diode arranged on the rotor blade, and a power source, wherein the power source is configured to power the light emitting diode due to a movement of the rotor blade. The power source may include a piezo-electric material configured to create a voltage due to movements of the rotor blade or an electrical generator including a stationary magnet assembly and a moveable coil assembly arranged on a shaft that rotates the rotor blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Landry
  • Patent number: 7425116
    Abstract: A vane conducting device with graphic and textual display includes a base, a coil seat, a vane, and a control unit, and a support pillar of the base includes a first electrode and a second electrode electrically coupled to a first bearing and a second bearing respectively, and a circuit board of the coil seat is electrically coupled to an end of the first and second electrodes for transmitting electric power to the first and second bearings through the first and second electrodes, and a cap of the vane includes a central shaft pivotally coupled to the first and second bearings, such that when the vane rotates, the first and second bearings and the central shaft transmit the electric power required by the control unit through the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Chang Chang
  • Publication number: 20080213094
    Abstract: In a ceiling fan having a blade surface light, an annular blade surface light including a plurality of LEDs that are light emitters that are continuously placed is secured on a circumference that connects sides near tips of a plurality of rotary blades of the ceiling fan, and the light emitters are lit by a lighting controller only when they are in a predetermined range on a rotation reference circumference. LED devices housing the LEDs that are the light emitters and that are provided with cooling fins are housed in an annular LED case, and the LED case is secured to the rotary blades. Thus, the LEDs radiate heat from the cooling fins provided in the LED devices by rotation of the rotary blades, and they are intermittently lit and extinguished to prevent a temperature increase. The LEDs only in the predetermined range are lit, thereby preventing any uncomfortable feeling when LEDs are caused to flash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: NEC LIGHTING, LTD.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki OKIMURA
  • Publication number: 20080193291
    Abstract: The present invention includes a base, a functioning unit, and a lowering assembly. The functioning unit may be a light fixture or a ceiling fan. The functioning unit is movable between a first configuration adjacent the base and a second configuration separated therefrom. The lowering assembly includes a plurality of retractable cables having lower ends and extending downwardly from the base, each cable lower end being coupled to the functioning unit. The lowering assembly includes a spring reel for holding the functioning unit at the second configuration and for returning it to the first configuration upon application of a predetermine force. The lowering assembly may include a motor for automatically extending or retracting the cables. The invention includes a safety feature by which the functioning unit is disconnected from electricity when lowered and is reconnected when raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Randall C. Ware
  • Publication number: 20080180938
    Abstract: A cooling fan capable of showing luminous figures includes an impeller and a control unit. The impeller provides a hub and a plurality of blades being attached to the circumferential side of the hub. At least one of the blades has a cut-out edge at a lateral side thereof and a slot is disposed at the circumferential side corresponding to the cut-out edge. The control unit has a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The first circuit board electrically connects with the second circuit board and extending outward from the second circuit board. At least a luminous component is arranged on the first circuit board and controlled with the second circuit board. The second circuit board is placed in the hub and the first circuit board penetrates the circumferential side via the slot to fit with the cut-out edge to form the same dimension as any other blade for weight of the impeller being distributed evenly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Wen-Hao Liu, Bing-Tsang Ho
  • Publication number: 20080181772
    Abstract: A conductive device for a cooling fan with luminous figures provides a first circuit board, which surrounds and fits with the axial barrel in the fan frame, and the first and second conductors of the first circuit board connect with the first and second bearings respectively. The central shaft of the fan wheel fits with the first and second bearings and is surrounded with an elastic member on top of the first bearing. An insulation portion of the shaft is disposed at a position corresponding the first bearing and the elastic member. A second circuit board, which is attached to one of the blades on the fan wheel, provides luminous components and contacts with the elastic member and the shaft respectively. Once the fan is powered on and electricity is reached to the second circuit board via the first and second conductors, the first and second bearings and the elastic member, the luminous component is lighted up to show bright figures along with running fan wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Wen-Hao Liu, Bing-Tsang Ho
  • Publication number: 20080107528
    Abstract: A ceiling fan (10) is disclosed having a motor (13) and motor housing (11) suspended from a ceiling by a downrod (12). The motor rotatably drives an annular array of blades (15). The ceiling fan also includes a tubular screen or shroud (20) mounted about the motor housing and blades so as to substantially conceal a large portion of these components from view. The shroud includes an annular lower mounting plate (21) and an annular side wall (23) extending upwardly from the lower plate. The side wall is formed of a series of candles (24) having the appearance of flickering wicks (25) through incandescent bulbs. The lower plate is coupled to the downrod through a coupler (27) and a series of first arms (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Masao Tsuji, Hadi Srass, James Holcomb
  • Publication number: 20080107527
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to fans, and in particular to ceiling fans. The ceiling fan includes a motor with a shaft that rotates with the rotation of the motor. A fan blade assembly is coaxially coupled to the motor shaft. The motor and fan blade assembly are substantially remote to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: MINKA LIGHTING INC.
    Inventor: Mark Gajewski
  • Patent number: 7367777
    Abstract: A filter assembly for mounting on a conventional or ceiling fan blade includes a fan blade mount, a filter mount, and an air filter. The fan blade mount has a blade mount slot formed therein that is dimensioned to slidably engage a ceiling fan blade. The filter mount is coupled to the fan blade mount and has at least a portion thereof that is disposed substantially perpendicular thereto. The air filter is coupled to the filter mount and extends a distance therefrom in a direction perpendicular to at least a portion of the fan blade mount slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventors: E. Dean Graves, Donald J. Booty, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7332841
    Abstract: Provided is a cooler mounted in computer having a transparent case comprising a frame including a coil section including windings, a conductive first bearing on an upper center of the coil section, a conductive second bearing on a lower center of the coil section, and a rectification member electrically interconnected an AC power source and the coil section; a rotating assembly including blades, a conductive shaft passed the first and the second bearings, and a magnet spaced around the coil section, the magnet being magnetized by applying DC current from the rectification member to the coil section for rotating the rotating assembly; and a load placed on the rotating assembly and including LEDs and a conductive ring put on the shaft and biased against the first bearing. Applying AC to the rectification member will rotate the rotating assembly and cause LEDs to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Sam Hsu
  • Patent number: 7324016
    Abstract: Red, green and white colored lights are emitted from navigation orientation indicating light emitting devices mounted within a helicopter rotor blade near its tip. The light emissions from such devices are under control to respectively indicate passage of the rotor blade through limited arcuate portions of the travel path of the rotor blade end tip. Operational control over the light emitting devices is effected by data processing of outputs from air-speed responsive sensors on the blade end tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Judah H. Milgram
  • Patent number: 7318701
    Abstract: A ceiling fan lighting system includes a ceiling fan having motor and a plurality of blades operationally coupled to the motor to permit rotation of the blades when the motor is supplied with power. A plurality of mounting assemblies engages at least two of the blades of the fan. A plurality of light emitting members is provided. Each of the light emitters is configured to emit light and each of the mounting assemblies engages one of the light emitters to mount each of the light emitting members to an associated one of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Clinton S. Farmer
  • Patent number: 7300248
    Abstract: A ceiling fan assembly includes a hanger bracket secured to a conventional overhead support member and a fan motor depending from the hanger bracket. A housing encapsulating the fan motor and the hanger is detachably secured by a detent engagement means. An element of the detent engagement means is integral with the hanger bracket and a complemental element of the detent engagement means is integral with the housing. When engaged, the housing obscured the detent engagement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Cliff Wang
  • Patent number: 7275915
    Abstract: A reinforced ceiling fan blade in accordance with the present invention comprises an upper half fan blade and a lower half fan blade. The upper half fan blade includes a plurality of wood sheets. The lower half fan blade includes a plurality of wood sheets, and the upper half fan blade is laminated on the lower half fan blade in such a manner that abutting sides of the upper half fan blade are staggered with respect to abutting sides of the lower half fan blade, so that the strength of the ceiling fan blade can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Hsien-Ming Liao
  • Patent number: 7273349
    Abstract: The conventional fan blade is replaced by a frame over which any of a wide range of decorative fabrics or other similar materials is drawn and secured by a clamping method to form a lightweight fan blade of any surface design desired by the user. The decorative fabric replaces the heavy fan blade while still providing its function of air circulation. The same decorative fabrics or other similar materials are also used as coverings or trim for the body of the fan motor housing. The fan blade frame may take any shape suitable for causing the circulation of air as by a conventional fan blade. Elimination of the fan blade mass of conventional designs makes possible significant reductions in power consumption, and significant reductions in stress, wear, and tear on the fan's ceiling mountings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Cartwright
  • Patent number: 7261431
    Abstract: A fan frame, which embodies a blade assembly and a motor therein, has at least one LED socket mounted on a side thereof and having a hole and at least one set of snapping retention extended from both sides of the hole, and at least one light emitting diode mounted in its corresponding LED socket, wherein at least one set of snapping retention clips the rear portion of the light emitting diode after it is inserted into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dynaeon Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tai-Chi Huang
  • Patent number: 7261519
    Abstract: A fixture assembly having a self-aligning chain and a fixture suspended by the chain are disclosed. The chain has a top link connected to a point of attachment and a bottom link connected to the fixture. The chain has at least one juncture between the top and bottom links. The juncture has first and second link-ends. The first link-end is configured in the shape of a vee with diverging legs and spaced-apart edges extending longitudinally along the legs. The second link-end has a portion nestled into the vee of the first link-end contacting the vee of the first link-end at four contact points, each edge of the first link-end having a contact point. All links of the chain are connected by said juncture thereby restraining the fixture from turning with respect to its at-rest vertical axis or attitude. The present invention also resides in a ceiling fan assembly having a ceiling fan and a chain suspending the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: David H. Porter
  • Patent number: 7238007
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide lighting for the rotor blade tips, which is more reliable than that proposed hitherto, wherein any damage which occurs is no longer so complicated and expensive to rectify as hitherto, but can be rectified extremely swiftly. A rotor blade of a wind power installation with a rotor blade connection to a hub of the wind power installation and a rotor blade tip at the end of the rotor blade, which is in opposite relationship to the rotor blade connection, characterized in that at least one light waveguide is laid from the rotor blade connection to the rotor blade tip. The light can be modified to be on only when the blade is at the top portion of the rotation, such as between the 9:00 and 3:00 positions, or the 10:00 and 2:00 positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7183680
    Abstract: A ceiling fan suspended from a mounting rod and comprising a transverse support. A pair of hanging fans are distally mounted on the transverse support. A motor fixed to the mounting rod and spaced radially therefrom drives a gyro gear about an axis parallel to and spaced from the mounting rod. The gyro gear drives a central hub gear about an axis aligned with the mounting rod. The center gear is fixed to the rotatable hub coupled to the transverse support. The fan may be stopped at any point in its rotation and be pointed to direct air flow at a selection location. And the fan may be controlled by a remote control to allow a user to conveniently point the fan at any selected location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Minka Lighting, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Gajewski, Kurt A. Schulzman
  • Patent number: 7168670
    Abstract: A ceiling fan anchoring bracket and housing assembly for quick and easy installation of the ceiling fan housing for either hugger or down-rod fans is disclosed. The assembly comprises of hook-up pins and lock-up pin fastened on and protruding from the anchoring bracket. The lock-up pin latchingly locks the housing of the fan by spring or urging mechanism. The bracket and housing assembly enables the user to install the ceiling fan housing to the anchoring bracket without having to resort to using tools. All a user needs to do is to align and engage one side of the housing to the hook-up pins on the bracket and push the opposite side of the housing onto the lock-up pin on the bracket through a spring action to complete the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hoo Cheung Group Ltd.
    Inventor: Hai Liang
  • Patent number: 7153100
    Abstract: A ceiling fan with retractable fan blades includes an electric motor operable to spin a rotor with a plurality of fan blades attached thereto. Each of the fan blades is operable to move between a closed position and an open position. A rotatable center ring is included on the rotor and connecting rods join each fan blade to the center ring. Rotation of the center ring relative to the rotor moves the plurality of connecting rods and fan blades in unison. The fan blades are spring biased toward the closed position. When the rotor rotates, centrifugal forces acting on the fan blades overcome the spring biasing forces and cause the fan blades to move toward the open position. A governor is positioned between the rotor and at least one of the fan blades to limit the speed of movement of the fan blades between the closed position and the open position. The governor may take the form of a fluid cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Fanimation, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Frampton, Keith R. Schoene
  • Patent number: 7121697
    Abstract: An illumination device comprises a rotating member secured to a hub of a fan of a computer having a transparent case and including LEDs, a receptacle formed above a center, the receptacle including a projected head and an internal electromagnet, control circuits each for periodically controlling an on or off of one or more of the LEDs, a coil of wire surrounded by the electromagnet, and positive and negative terminals; and a fixed member secured to the fan and including a central slot snugly coupled to the head for fastening the receptacle and the fixed member together. Turning on the computer, the fan, the rotating member, and the coil of wire will rotate so as to cut magnetic lines across a space defined by the electromagnet, induce a voltage in the terminals, and illuminate or flash the LEDs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Sam Hsu
  • Patent number: 7077629
    Abstract: A multi-fan assembly whose revolution speed can be controlled by a member fan designed with a reverse rotating structure, which includes a housing in which is provided a rotatable member; a positive-rotation member fan is equipped with a positive-rotation motor, the positive-rotation motor serves to rotate blade holders and fan blades mounted on the blade holders, the positive-rotation member fan is fixed to the rotatable member via a holding arm; a reverse-rotation member fan is equipped with a reverse-rotation motor, the reverse-rotation motor serves to rotate blade holders and fan blades mounted on the blade holders, the reverse-rotation motor's rotating direction is opposite to that of the positive-rotation motor, the reverse-rotation member fan is fixed to the rotatable member via a holding arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
  • Patent number: 7055977
    Abstract: A light control structure for a cooling device comprises a hollow frame disposed with a fixing seat connected and fixed at the center of the frame through a plurality of groove strips, at least one lamp inlayed in at least one corner of the frame, a fan pivotally connected onto said fixing seat of the frame and a control circuit installed on the surface of the fixing seat for driving the fan to rotate. Whereby, wires connected with the lamps inlayed in the groove strips are allowed to connect respectively with a control circuit board disposed on the fixing seat by burying and fixing them in the groove strips. The exposition of the flexible wires of the cooling device on the surface of the frame can be prevented so as to allow the wires to be able to be commonly used in all kinds of sizes of frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignees: Power Cooler Enterprise Co., LTD
    Inventor: Chen Hui Lai
  • Patent number: 7052242
    Abstract: A multi-fan assembly includes: a down rod assembly having a first end for fixing to a ceiling wall and having a second end provided with a canopy, a rotary assembly being fixed to a lower end of the down rod assembly and covered by the canopy. At both sides of the rotary assembly is provided with a fixed arm for connecting with a member fan respectively, a pair of vertical oscillating means are disposed between the fixed arm and the member fan, and a speed control device is mounted on the rotary assembly and then covered by the canopy of the down rod assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
  • Patent number: 7052524
    Abstract: An air purifier is provided for mounting to a leading edge of a fan paddle so that equal, mirror-image portions reside above and below the fan paddle. The air purifier is formed with a synthetic fiber filter medium assembled to a lattice framework. Adhesive tape strips are positioned on the framework for mounting the air purifier to the fan paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Albert D. Venezzio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7045702
    Abstract: A solar-paneled windmill is provided having aerodynamic fan blades provided with solar panels. The windmill produces electricity using wind energy and solar energy. In another embodiment, magnets are provided to the solar-paneled windmill fan blades to generate magnetic fields to increase the amount of electrical energy produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Ravindra Kashyap
  • Patent number: 7036949
    Abstract: A ceiling fan is disclosed having a motor (14), a radial array of fan blades (16) coupled to blade irons (18) mounted to the motor (14), a translucent motor housing (24), and a frame (20) positioned concentrically around the motor housing (24). The frame (20) and motor housing (24) connect to a plate (32) having a series of light sources (40) mounted to the plate (32) inboard of the motor housing (24) to illuminate the motor housing (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventors: Hadi Srass, William F. Ulewicz
  • Patent number: 7037073
    Abstract: The cooling fan has a frame and at least one light-emitting diode (LED). The frame has a central block with a circuit and multiple ribs. The ribs are formed on the rear surface of the frame, extend to the center of the inner space and have at least one set hole. The at least one LED is mounted respectively in the at least one set hole to emit light and faces to the front surface of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Cooler Master Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jen-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 6948833
    Abstract: A ceiling lamp suspending device comprise the following elements. A wire connecting box has two ears arranged at two edges thereof. A retaining sheet is below the wire connection box. A through hole is near a center of the retaining sheet. One edge of the through hole is extended with and communicable to a long hole. A stop elastomer is disposed aside the through hole. A part of the stop elastmoer covering the through hole. A retaining block is installed below the retaining sheet. The retaining block has a threaded section and a shaft extended from the threaded section upwards. An upper end of the shaft is a neck portion and a suspending portion. A via hole is formed on the shaft. The suspending portion passes through the through hole of the retaining sheet; and the neck portion is movable in the long hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wu
  • Patent number: 6932578
    Abstract: A mounting system (10) for supporting a ceiling fan assembly (11) of the type having a motor, motor housing (46), a plurality of blades (47) and a downrod (29) to a support surface C, which includes a mounting plate (14) coupled to a support surface C, a mounting bar (24) coupled to the mounting plate (14), a suspending hangar (28) coupled to the downrod (29), a canopy (32) journalled to the downrod (29), and screws which couple the canopy (32) to the mounting plate (14). The screws (42) permits adjustable movement of the canopy (29) between a lower position wherein the majority of the weight of the ceiling fan assembly (11) is supported by the mounting bar (24) through the suspending hangar (28) and an upper position wherein the majority of the weight of the ceiling fan assembly (11) is supported by the mounting plate (14) through the canopy (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Pearce
  • Patent number: 6923552
    Abstract: A wind power driving auxiliary lamp comprises a seat, a generator, a transparent cover and a circuit device. The seat has two supporting frames. The generator has a blade set and a small power generator firmly secured to a blade groove of the blade set. The blade set and the small power generator are positioned between the two supporting frames. The blade set and the small power generator rotate synchronously. A circuit device includes a circuit board in the transparent cover and a light emitting body set on the circuit board. In moving, air will push the blade set so that the small power generator and the blade set rotate synchronously, the small power generator will rotate with the central pivotal shaft so as to generate direct current power to be supplied to the light emitting body set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Eddy Tseng
  • Patent number: 6913443
    Abstract: An oscillating arrangement for a multi-fan assembly includes a down rod assembly which is provided for connecting to a hanging assembly, on the hanging assembly is provided two sets of fixing arms which extend outwardly, two member fans are respectively mounted to the fixing arms of the hanging assembly, an end of a driving shaft of each member fan is provided with fan blades. The characteristic is that each set of the fixing arms is pivotally connected to an oscillating arrangement on which a member fan can be disposed. On the oscillating arrangement is further defined a gear cluster which is actuated by the member fan's motor, and a connecting assembly which is driven by the gear cluster. In this manner, the member fans are able to oscillate vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Chia-Teh Chen
  • Patent number: 6902374
    Abstract: A ceiling fan comprising an annular array of blade irons (14) adapted to be rotatably driven by a motor, said blade irons having opposite sides (15) formed with at least one notch (18), a plurality of fan blades (25) with each blade bearing a bracket (28) having opposite side walls (32), each formed with at least one indentation (33) sized and positioned to be passed through said blade iron side notches, whereby the blades may be mounted to the blade irons by passing the blade bracket indentations through the blade iron notches and then sliding the brackets to a position with the bracket indentations unaligned with the blade iron notches thereby interlocking the blade brackets with the blade irons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Fan Company
    Inventor: Richard A. Pearce