Abstract: A system for mounting a fan to a ceiling includes a connector adapted to attach to the ceiling. The connector includes at least one guide. An adaptor is adapted to attach the fan to the connector, and includes at least one rail adapted for being received within the at least one guide. A safety bracket is also provided, which is adapted to attach to the ceiling separate from the connector and connect to a safety cable without using a tool. A motor support is also provided with a cavity adapted to receive the power supply, and at least one retainer serves to retain the power supply within the cavity. A quick-connecting escutcheon is also adapted to rotatably connect to the connector.

Abstract: A mount is for attaching an accessory to a fan including a downtube. The mount includes a receiver adapted for connecting to the downtube. A retainer is adapted to receive the accessory. The retainer is adapted to support and rotate about the receiver so as to position the accessory in a desired orientation. Related methods of attaching an accessory to a fan are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A fan includes a motor, a rotatable hub coupled to the motor, and at least one fan blade. The at least one fan blade includes a first end coupled to the rotatable hub, a second end, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a passage extending from the first end to the second end, and a winglet attached to the second end. At least one flexible strap extends through the passage of the at least one fan blade. The flexible strap is coupled at a first end to the rotatable hub and coupled at a second end to the winglet, such as to an inner portion thereof within the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a ceiling fan and an accessory. A receiver is adapted to attach to the ceiling fan, and an adaptor for the accessory is provided. The adaptor is adapted to releasably attach to the receiver and fix the accessory in position with respect to the ceiling fan. A dampener may be provided, and receiver may include at least one projection adapted to engage the dampener, thereby inhibiting vibration of the accessory during operation of the ceiling fan. The accessory may also include a gasket, and the receiver may include at least one projection adapted to engage the gasket, thereby at least partially sealing a motor from an environment external to the ceiling fan.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fan and a controller configured for controlling the fan to operate in a first mode limiting rotational speed of the fan within a first range of speeds between a first minimum speed and a first maximum speed. The controller is further configured to control the fan to operate in a second mode limiting rotational speed of the fan within a second range of speeds between a second minimum speed and a second maximum speed. The second range of speeds may be narrower than the first range of speeds. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and related method are disclosed for controlling condensation in a space. The system includes a fan and one or more sensors for sensing environmental conditions such as temperature and relative humidity associated with the space and/or objects within the space. For instance, the sensors may sense a surface temperature of an object within the room. The system also includes a controller capable of receiving measurements from the sensor(s) and controlling the fan based on the sensed information. The system may additionally include a heater and/or a damper for transferring outside air into the space, either of which may be controlled by the controller based on the measurements.

Abstract: A cooling device includes a cover, a trough connected to the cover, and a fan circulating air that is received from sides of the cooling device. The area above the fan is enclosed by the cover. The cooling device also includes a pump for delivering liquid to one or more pads located in the trough. The cooling device also includes a sensor that controls operating of the fan and the pump.

Abstract: A system for controlling thermal comfort in a space is provided with variable mode of operation. This system may include a conditioner for conditioning air in the space, and a sensor for measuring a temperature in the space. A controller is provided for controlling the conditioner based on the temperature sensed by the sensor, and a fan for circulating air within the space is regulated based on the temperature sensed by the sensor. A related system for controlling a fan based on height is also provided, as is a system and method for easily and efficiently determining the height of a fan using a simple camera, such as one on a “smart” phone. A further aspect pertains to a controller, such as for example a portable handheld device, having a user interface adapted for suggesting an increase in a set point temperature of a thermostat based on the selected speed of the fan.

Abstract: A fan for generating germicidal light is disclosed, which may be adapted to mount to a ceiling. The fan includes a hub connected to a plurality of fan blades. A motor is adapted to rotate the hub. A support is adapted to support the hub and motor from the ceiling. A lighting module may include a tray adapted to receive the support, the tray including one or more lights for providing ultraviolet germicidal light. The light may be provided by LEDs on a circuit board adapted for positioning around the support without dismounting the support from the ceiling, such as one comprised of wedge-shaped segments. The modular circuit board may form part of an uplight module supported by a housing for the motor.

Abstract: A fan includes a hub, several fan blades, and a motor that is operable to drive the hub. A motor controller is in communication with the motor, and is configured to select the rate of rotation at which the motor drives the hub. The fan is installed in a place having a floor and a ceiling. An upper temperature sensor is positioned near the ceiling. A lower temperature sensor is positioned near the floor. The temperature sensors communicate with the motor controller, which includes a processor configured to compare substantially contemporaneous temperature readings from the upper and lower temperature sensors. The motor controller is thus configured to automatically control the fan motor to minimize the differences between substantially contemporaneous temperature readings from the upper and lower temperature sensors. The fan system may thus substantially destratify air in an environment, to provide a substantially uniform temperature distribution within the environment.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting one or more guy wires to a down rod, the connector having first and second separable portions which form an aperture for receiving the down rod. At least one of the first or second portions includes at least one passage adapted for releasably receiving a portion of the guy wire. The guy wire may include an anchor, and the passage for receiving the guy wire may be adapted for capturing the anchor so as to preclude movement of the guy wire in a radial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for circulating air in a space using a fan, a sensor for sensing an ambient condition, and a user input for inputting a desired condition. A controller is configured for controlling the fan to operate substantially at a first fan speed for the desired condition, and controlling the fan to operate substantially at a second fan speed for the sensed ambient condition. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan includes a motor adapted to be rotated about an axis and a hub adapted to be rotated by the motor. The hub may include first and second hub parts adapted to mate to form the hub, the first and second hub parts having a gap therebetween. A plurality of fan blades each includes an end portion located in the gap formed between the first and second hub parts, which may be drawn together by a fastener to capture the blades therebetween. One or more of the fan blades may include a receiver, such as an open-ended groove, for receiving a portion of the hub. An adapter may be configured to remain stationary during use while the hub and fan blades rotate, and a portion of the hub is adapted to be selectively deployed to engage the adapter to prevent rotation of the hub. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan includes a motor, a rotatable hub coupled to the motor, and at least one fan blade. The at least one fan blade includes a first end coupled to the rotatable hub, a second end, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a passage extending from the first end to the second end, and a winglet attached to the second end. At least one flexible strap extends through the passage of the at least one fan blade. The flexible strap is coupled at a first end to the rotatable hub and coupled at a second end to the winglet, such as to an inner portion thereof within the passage.

Abstract: An apparatus prevents electrical arcing between a motor including a rotating shaft and an associated bearing within a motor housing. A brush is formed of a conductive fabric for electrically connecting the rotating shaft to the motor housing. The conductive fabric may comprise randomly arranged or non-woven conductive fibers in contact or woven conductive fibers. The fabric may comprise a wool or felt. The apparatus may be applied to a fan. A related method is also disclosed.