Abstract: A fan may include a housing with an air inlet and an air outlet, a motor disposed in the housing, and an impeller disposed in the housing and coupled to the motor. The impeller may be operable to be rotated by the motor for drawing air into the air inlet and expelling the air from the air outlet. The fan may also include a diffuser disposed at least partially in the housing. The diffuser may have a bowl-shape and the bowl-shape may define an air diffusing surface over which the air moves towards the air outlet.

Abstract: A ceiling fan includes a fan assembly having a motor housing, a motor positioned within the motor housing and including a drive shaft that defines an axis of rotation, a fan operable to be rotated by the motor, and a first electrical terminal electrically coupled to the motor. The ceiling fan also includes a downrod having a first end adjacent a ceiling and a second end opposite the first end and an installation system coupled to the second end of the downrod. The installation system includes a mounting bracket and an electrical connector coupled to the mounting bracket. The electrical connector includes a rotating terminal with a second electrical terminal that couples to the first electrical terminal to couple the fan assembly to the installation system.

Abstract: A bit exchange system for use with a tool includes a driver bit engageable with the tool and defining an axis. Each of a plurality of adapters has a first end configured to engage the driver bit along the axis and a second end configured to retain a tool bit. Each of a plurality of tool bits is coupled to the second end of one of the plurality of adapters. A holder unit has a plurality of receptacles for receiving the plurality of adapters. Each of the plurality of adapters is insertable into and removable from the respective receptacle with a motion substantially perpendicular to the axis while engaged by the driver bit.

Abstract: A short-stroke solenoid-actuated valve assembly modified to minimize mechanical clatter. The valve has a valve seat formed of compressed powdered metal to reduce the intensity and sharpness of sound resulting from closing contact with the valve head. The solenoid pole pieces are formed of powdered metal to reduce weight, reduce noise, and improve response of the actuator. The solenoid armature is de-coupled from the valve pintle shaft to decrease impact loading upon opening and closing of the valve. When the valve is employed in a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, the solenoid may be actuated at a multiple of the engine's frequency of revolutions, the timing of actuation being selected to occur during a portion of the engine's cycle when the engine is otherwise emitting a high volume of noise. Thus, the actuation sounds of the solenoid and valve may be masked.