Abstract: A fan comprises a hub, fan blades, and inserts. The hub comprises outwardly extending mounting tabs that lie along a common horizontal plane. The fan blades are hollow, such that each mounting tab is inserted in the hollow interior of a corresponding fan blade. Each insert is positioned in the hollow interior of each fan blade, between each mounting tab of the hub and the interior surface of the corresponding fan blade. Each insert is configured to position and maintain the chord line of each corresponding fan blade at an oblique angle relative to the horizontal plane of the hub. A kit may include several insert sets to choose from to provide adjustable angle of attack. A fan control system includes a dimmer switch and a control module, which allows the dimmer switch to be used to infinitely adjust the speed of a fan motor within a range.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a device in connection with a sensed temperature in a space includes an actuator for regulating the operation of the device, a temperature sensor for providing the sensed temperature, and a thermal antenna connected to the temperature sensor. The thermal antenna may form part of the exposed face of the apparatus. A housing may include partitions, such as a plurality of circuit boards, for communicating with the actuator to provide control for the device. The partitions or circuit boards are spaced apart to form ventilation channels for ventilating heat from the housing, including byway of an encouraging convective flow.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling environmental conditions using a fan and a light in connection with a building having a space including a partition, such as a wall. The apparatus may include a control adapted for being mounted to the partition and for coordinating the control of the fan and the light based on a sensed condition, such as temperature or occupancy. Groups of like devices for controlling environmental conditions may be similarly controlled, such as using control. Control may also provide an indication of an operational state of the device(s) controlled by it, or provide for control based on a preference of one or more people upon detecting their presence. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: A fan, such as a ceiling fan, includes a learning mode of operation. This learning mode may permit a user to input a desired speed for the fan for a given condition, such as ambient temperature, and adjustments for other conditions would be automatically determined based on the user input. A subsequent selection of fan speed at that condition (such as, for example, for a different user) or a different condition setting would also be obtained, either during initialization or later, and then used as an updated measure of the desired fan speed for the condition. Related methods of controlling the operation of a fan are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ceiling fan includes a hub adapted to be rotated, such as by an onboard motor in a low-profile motor housing. One or more fan blades are adapted to extend radially from the hub. At least one magnet is provided for coupling at least one fan blade to the hub. A hinge may connect the at least one fan blade to the hub, and may be located radially outwardly of overlapping portions of the fan blade and hub. In this manner, the blade may be adapted to extend radially from the hub when deployed and generally vertically when stowed, but in a deployed configuration, the radial extension overlies and contacts at least a portion of the fan blade along an overlapping region, but does not contact the portion of the at least one stowable fan blade when stowed. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming an axial flux permanent magnet synchronous motor. The apparatus includes a stator assembly including a plurality of stator poles spaced about a stator shaft, each comprising a winding. Adjacent pairs of stator poles have a spacing in a circumferential direction approximately equal to or greater than a width of the stator pole. A rotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor poles of alternating magnetic polarity arranged for electrically communicating with the windings of the stator assembly. The ratio of stator poles to rotor poles may be less than 4:6 or, more specifically, less than or equal to about 1:2.

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 is for improving air quality, such as in an indoor environment. The fan includes a motor and a rotatable hub coupled to the motor. At least one fan blade includes a first end portion coupled to the rotatable hub and a second end portion radially distant from the rotatable hub. At least one ion generator is carried by the second end portion of the at least one fan blade, such as by a winglet associated therewith. A stationary tube passes through the rotatable hub including a conduit for transmitting power. A rotary coupling is also provided for transmitting power from the conduit to the at least one ion generator.

Abstract: A system for controlling the circulation of air in an indoor area of a structure including a door or window. A fan for circulating the air within the indoor area is combined with a first sensor for sensing a temperature of a surface of an object in the indoor area. A controller controls the operation of the fan based on the surface temperature sensed by the first sensor, and also regulates a radiant heater for heating the surface or the object. The controller may also or alternatively be adapted for controlling the fan based on an indication that it is raining external to the structure, an HVAC unit, or a dehumidifier. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan mount includes a first part movable relative to a second part. A retainer is connected to the second part of the fan mount above the first part for restricting the movement of the fan relative to the fan mount. The first part may be a ball member having a depending portion with an hourglass shape. A safety connector may be provided, and a retainer connected to the second part of the fan mount for retaining the safety connector. A cover may also be provided for mounting to the second part, the cover including a central opening for receiving the support. A trim piece is adapted for telescoping within the opening of the cover.

Abstract: A system for displaying the produce for sale and at least one sensor for sensing a parameter associated with the display and generating an output representative of the parameter. An overhead fan located in the space above the display regulates the airflow over the display. A controller is provided for controlling the fan based on the output of the sensor.

Abstract: A fan is for improving air quality, such as in an indoor environment. The fan includes a motor and a rotatable hub coupled to the motor. At least one fan blade includes a first end portion coupled to the rotatable hub and a second end portion radially distant from the rotatable hub. At least one ion generator is carried by the second end portion of the at least one fan blade, such as by a winglet associated therewith. A stationary tube passes through the rotatable hub including a conduit for transmitting power. A rotary coupling is also provided for transmitting power from the conduit to the at least one ion generator.

Abstract: A fan mounting system (30) may include supplemental mounting components for installations where fan (10) will be located in a geographic region that encounters frequent seismic activity. These supplemental components may provide additional reinforcement and stability to fan (10), enabling fan (10) to remain secured to a ceiling or other structure during seismic events. Such a supplemental system may comprise cables (410) extending between and connecting the fan (10) to structures, such as ceiling joists (450). Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fan system includes a hub configured to rotate and a plurality of fan blades mounted to the hub. A motor is operable to rotate the hub. A motor controller in communication with the motor is configured to control operation of the motor. A control panel in communication with the motor controller has an input port for receiving data relating to operation of the fan system.

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.