Abstract: An structure and method for constructing a non-oil-filled towed array providing a single cable entry point for each channel regardless of the number of hydrophones used to make up a hydrophone group or array. The method and apparatus enables uniform buoyancy of the hydrophone array and the primary cable around which the hydrophone array is wound. Uniform buoyancy is achieved through the selective addition of hollow micro-spheres into a Reaction Injection Molded (RIM) polyurethane material used to mold the hydrophones. For example, additional buoyancy may be desired adjacent heavier cable sections where connectors and telemetry modules are located. The preferred method and apparatus enables precise adjustment of hydrophone cable buoyancy by providing precise adjustment of the concentration of hollow glass microspheres in areas where more or less buoyancy is desired.

Abstract: A structure and method for constructing a non-oil-filled towed array providing a single cable entry point for each channel irregardless of the number of hydrophones used to make up a hydrophone group or array is described. The method and apparatus enables uniform buoyancy of the hydrophone array and the primary cable around which the hydrophone array is wound. Uniform buoyancy is achieved through the addition of hollow micro-spheres into a Reaction Injection Molded (RIM) polyurethane material used to mold the hydrophones. Additional buoyancy may be desired adjacent heavier cable sections where connectors and telemetry modules are located. An embodiment enables precise adjustment of hydrophone cable buoyancy by providing precise adjustment of the concentration of hollow glass micro-spheres in areas where more or less buoyancy is desired.

Abstract: A light fixture is provided which includes an annular fitter having inner and outer surfaces, with the inner surface defining a hollow interior, and the fitter further including an open first end. The fixture further includes a substantially annular retention member disposed within the fitter, with retention member including a substantially annular base portion having radially inner and outer surfaces, with the radially outer surface being disposed in contacting engagement with the inner surface of said fitter. The retention member further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced springs integral with the base and protruding therefrom and a plurality of circumferentially spaced circumferential stops integral with the base and protruding therefrom. The light fixture further includes a light shade having a neck and a light emitting enclosure integral with the neck. The neck includes a first lobed portion having a proximal end integral with the light-emitting enclosure and a distal end.

Abstract: A system for suspending a ceiling fan is provided which allows the ceiling fan to pivot, to accommodate vaulted or sloped ceilings, while preventing the ceiling fan from rotating about a longitudinal centerline axis of the fan. The system includes a hollow canopy defining an interior space and having an upper end portion, which is operatively attachable to a support structure such as the ceiling, a lower end portion and a central, body portion extending between the upper and lower end portions. The canopy further includes a seat which is connected to the lower end portion and extending upwardly therefrom. A lobed ball is pivotally engaged with the canopy seat and is connected to a stationary portion of the ceiling fan. In each embodiment, the lobed ball includes at least one radially outwardly extending lobe, defined by the inner and outer surfaces of the ball. In each embodiment, the inner surface of the canopy seat has a shape which is complementary to the shape of the outer surface of the lobed ball.

Abstract: A system for suspending a ceiling fan is provided which allows the ceiling fan to pivot, to accommodate vaulted or sloped ceilings, while preventing the ceiling fan from rotating about a longitudinal centerline axis of the fan. The system includes a hollow canopy defining an interior space and having an upper end portion, which is operatively attachable to a support structure such as the ceiling. The canopy further includes a lower end portion and a central, body portion extending between the upper and lower end portions. The canopy includes a seat which is connected to and extends upwardly from the lower end portion, and a guide which is also connected to the lower end portion and extends upwardly therefrom. The guide has an inner surface which forms a portion of the inner surface of the seat and defines a receptacle which extends through the seat and a bottom surface of the canopy. The seat defines an aperture which also extends through the bottom surface of the canopy.

Abstract: A hanging bracket is initially secured to an electric outlet box. The hanging bracket includes on one of its ends, two canopy hooks with a screw hole located therebetween. The other end of the hanging bracket includes a single screw hole. A canopy includes two spaced slots shaped and located to receive the two canopy hooks of the hanging bracket. With the canopy hooks extending through the corresponding slots in the canopy, a fan assembly is pivotally mounted on the hanging bracket. It is then possible to connect the lead wires of the outlet box and the wires of the fan assembly. All that is then required is to pivot the canopy with the associated fan assembly about the canopy hooks into a vertical orientation. No additional lifting of the fan assembly independent of the fan assembly being supported by the hanging bracket is required. A single screw is inserted through the canopy into the screw hole in the hanging bracket at the end of the hanging bracket opposite to the end which includes the canopy hooks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for balancing a ceiling fan suspended from the ceiling, with the fan having a plurality of blades rotatable about a centerline axis of the fan. The method comprises the steps of attaching at least one test clip to each one of an adjacent pair of the fan blades with the fan stationary, operating the fan on high speed in a downdraft direction with the test clips attached and observing the fan wobble. These steps are repeated for each adjacent pair of blades to identify the pair of blades producing the minimum wobble. The method also includes the steps of determining the optimum radial position of each of the test clips, with respect to wobble, and replacing each clip with a balance weight secured to the corresponding blade. A test clip according to the present invention may be used, with the clip comprising upper and lower members, each having a generally D-shaped configuration, and a connecting member interconnecting the upper and lower members.

Abstract: A ceiling fan blade attachment system for attaching a ceiling fan blade ring to a rotatable electric drive motor mounting surface. The blade ring and motor mounting surface include cooperating elements that enable the blade ring to be suspended adjacent to the motor mounting surface prior to fixed attachment of the blade ring to the motor mounting surface. The motor mounting surface includes a plurality of downwardly extending suspension posts. The blade ring includes a plate or bracket including keyhole shaped openings to receive the suspension posts and to enable rotation of the mounting ring so as to lock or suspend the blade mounting ring below the motor mounting surface in a provisional or temporary manner until the blade ring can be fixedly attached to the mounting surface.

Abstract: A modular ceiling fan assembly and system is disclosed in which the functioning components are standardized, including standardized connections for their assembly, and multiple components are provided with a plurality of alternate parts for assembly into a variety of uniquely differentiating configurations, styles and appearance without substantially increasing the cost to the manufacturer. The motor platform, including the motor, shafts, switch housing and electrical components and wiring, are standardized into a single configuration, and the holes for mounting the fan blades on the lower surface and/or upper surface of the rotor have a standardized size and spacing. A modular motor housing is formed from multiple horizontal sections, preferably two or three, with a standardized height to accommodate the common single motor platform. The various sections of the modular motor housing are selected in order to produce a variety of uniquely different appearances.

Abstract: Ceiling fan motors which include forced air ventilation and heat dissipation systems to provide significantly reduced motor operating temperatures, improved motor component tolerances, lower manufacturing costs, and ease of assembly. The ceiling fan motor is of the inside-out type and includes an impeller mechanism associated with at least one of the upper or lower portions of the motor casing for drawing substantial volumes of air into the casing, across the stator, and through the opposite portion of the motor casing. The motor casing components may be formed from cast aluminum. Alternatively, the entire casing and rotor is of unitary integrally cast aluminum. One of the end faces of the motor casing may include integrally cast blade ramps.