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 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: 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.

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: 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 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 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 system comprises a hub, a plurality of fan blades, a drive system, and a stationary tube. The hub is configured to rotate. The fan blades are mounted to the hub. The drive system comprises a rotatable hollow output shaft. The hollow output shaft is in communication with the hub, such that the drive system is operable to rotate the hub via the hollow output shaft. The stationary tube is inserted through the hollow output shaft. The stationary tube is configured to remain stationary as the hollow output shaft rotates. Wires and the like may be passed through the stationary tube, to reach an accessory mounted at the bottom of the stationary tube. The fan system may also include a detector, such as a heat detector, a smoke detector, or an accelerometer. The detector may power down the fan system in response to detecting certain conditions.

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 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 fan includes a temperature sensor, such as a passive infrared sensor, for sensing temperature at a location remote from the fan, such as at a floor, ceiling, or wall, or simply external to the fan housing. This may avoid the influence of heat generated from components of the fan, such as the fan motor or controller for controlling the operation of the fan. A mounting arrangement for forming a connection between two parts, such as components of a fan, is 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 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 fan may be designed for the strategic diversion of moisture through or around a housing enclosing a controller and/or a motor. The enclosure may include one or more paths for directing moisture away from the controller or the motor. For instance, the housing may include a gap between a support structure and the housing for preventing moisture from entering the housing. The housing may also include a hollow structure for directing fluid through the housing. Additionally, the housing may include one or more channels, raised walls, gutters, and shields for preventing fluid, such as liquid water, from entering an enclosure for the controller or motor.

Abstract: A fan system includes a motor, a rotatable hub, and a plurality of fan blades. Each of the fan blades includes a substantially rigid spine member, a resilient leading edge member, and a resilient trailing edge member. The leading edge member and trailing edge members are removably coupled with the spine member, such that different leading edge members and different trailing edge members may be chosen to customize the leading and trailing edges of the fan blades. Each fan blade may have more than one type of leading edge member or more than one type of trailing edge member. The leading edge member and trailing edge member may each be coupled with the spine member by urging the leading edge member and trailing edge member in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the spine member.

Abstract: A fan assembly comprises a hub and fan blades. The hub includes a plurality of sockets configured to receive complementary mounting blocks of the fan blades. The mounting blocks each include at least one tapered shoulder portion. The mounting blocks are each tapered along three dimensions. Each mounting block comprises a rear face seated against a complementary rear face of the corresponding socket and a front face that is exposed relative to the hub. A cap secures the fan blades to the hub. The fan assembly may also include one or more shrouds positioned about the fan blades. The one or more shrouds may be substantially straight cylinders, may be flared or bell-shaped, may comprise a cage, may have any other suitable configuration, or may be omitted altogether.