Abstract: A housing cooperates with an air mover rotating about a rotation axis to move air received from an approach to an exhaust. The approach is generally oriented about a direction intersecting the housing at upstream and downstream limits. The housing presents an interior surface establishing radii between the axis and the surface. The radii have a generally constant radial value across a width in planes containing the axis in a first zone between the downstream limit and a first locus, and in a second zone between a second locus and the exhaust. The radii vary between a smallest and a largest radius across the width in planes containing the axis in a variance zone upstream of the axis. The smallest radius is less than the radial value at the first and second loci. The largest radius is larger than the radial value at one of the first and second loci.

Abstract: A fan orifice structure and cover intended for use in conjunction with the outside enclosure, usually containing the outside heat exchanger and compressor, of an air conditioning system. The orifice features relatively complex contours that enhance fan efficiency and reduce radiated noise. The cover in which the orifice structure is incorporated can include a plurality of fan motor support brackets and a motor mount. The orificed cover is intended for fabrication from plastic materials by a molding process to minimize cost and weight, maximize strength and durability and to present an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The entire assembly can be molded into a single piece unit.

Abstract: An outdoor grill assembly for use in conjuction with an axial fan is disclosed. The assembly has cambered grill elements which increase the fan efficiency and lower the noise level associated with the fan. A grill having mirror image sections of cambered elements also controls recirculation of air from the discharge to the inlet.

Abstract: A stator row is disposed between a propeller fan and a heat exchanger coil, such as the outdoor or condenser coil of a packaged terminal air conditioning unit. The stator row is situated against the heat exchanger coil on the fan facing side. The stator row has a frame that substantially matches the periphery of the coil, a ring disposed coaxially with the hub of the propeller fan, and a suitable number of radial stator vanes that extend from the ring to the frame.

Abstract: A split scroll diffuses and directs air upwards from the circumference of a forwardly-curved centrifugal fan to a discharge plane to one side of the fan. The scroll has a first monotonically increasing curved wall that extends from a cutoff point near the circumference of the rotor, in the direction of rotation, to the discharge plane. A second monotonically increasing curved wall extends in the opposite direction from the cutoff point up to the discharge plane. The first and second curved walls are mirror images of one another taken at the plane corresponding to the air flow tangent that passes through the cutoff point. A curved cover above the fan at the exit plane blocks line of sight noise from radiating directly from the fan rotor into the work space or living space.

Abstract: A noise attenuating assembly for use in conjuction with an air conditioning unit having a sloped discharge opening is disclosed. The assembly includes a front wall and a pair of side walls forming a flow path for the conditioned air which is discharged to the space containing the unit. The assembly has a layer of sound attenuating material attached to the inside surface of the walls so that the assembly deflects and absorbs line-of-sight sound produced by the unit fan, thus reducing the noise level of the unit.

Abstract: A mechanical refrigeration system is arranged to function as a heat pump for the purpose of drying material, such as shelled corn for example, with ambient air being first passed through the refrigerant condenser to be heated, then passed through the material to be dried, and then passed through the refrigerant evaporator and discharged back to atmosphere.