Abstract: An aero acoustic fan assembly is provided and generally includes a fan wheel, a frame, and first and second air outlet diffusing structures. The fan wheel generally, and typically includes an axial air inlet delimited by an air inlet cone, an annular air outlet, a back plate, and front plate opposite the back plate. The frame within supports the fan wheel for rotation about a central axis thereof. The first air outlet diffusing structure is supported by a portion of the frame, adjacent the back plate of the fan wheel and includes a peripheral region. The second air outlet diffusing structure is similarly supported by a portion of the frame, adjacent the front plate of the fan wheel, and also includes a peripheral region, air exiting the annular air outlet of the fan wheel passing between the peripheral regions of the diffusing structures.

Abstract: An aero acoustic fan assembly is provided and generally includes a fan wheel, a frame, and first and second air outlet diffusing structures. The fan wheel generally, and typically includes an axial air inlet delimited by an air inlet cone, an annular air outlet, a back plate, and front plate opposite the back plate. The frame within supports the fan wheel for rotation about a central axis thereof. The first air outlet diffusing structure is supported by a portion of the frame, adjacent the back plate of the fan wheel and includes a peripheral region. The second air outlet diffusing structure is similarly supported by a portion of the frame, adjacent the front plate of the fan wheel, and also includes a peripheral region, air exiting the annular air outlet of the fan wheel passing between the peripheral regions of the diffusing structures.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a driven device having an input shaft is provided, including an attendant methodology for optimally configuring components thereof so as to minimize instability without recourse to utilization of a pivot regulating mechanism. The drive assembly includes a driving device having an output shaft, a driving device support structure, and a drive operatively linking the output shaft of the driving device with the input shaft of the driven device. The driving device support structure includes an anchorable base and a selectively positionable platform pivotable, with respect to the base, about a pivot axis so as to thereby define a tilt angle &agr; for the platform relative to a horizon. The drive including a drive sheave, a driven sheave, and an endless loop, a hub load being generated by the endless loop about the sheaves and acting therebetween along a hub load line. The hub load line has an angular relationship e relative to the horizon.

Abstract: An improved centrifugal fan wheel adapted to receive a flow medium for radially accelerated discharge by plurality radially extending impeller blades. A plurality of flow medium passage channels are positioned radially inwardly of an outer extent of the fan wheel to improve the efficiency of the fan. The flow medium passage channels are defined by alternating cutouts disposed between adjacent blades about the outer extent of a fan wheel back plate.

Abstract: A fan assembly, which includes a centrifugal-type fan wheel mounted for rotation in, e.g., a scroll-like fan casing or a tubular fan casing is provided with a retractable fan inlet funnel which may be selectively positioned relative to the fan wheel between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the inlet funnel axially overlaps the inlet side of the fan wheel with substantially all the inlet air being directed into the fan wheel. In the retracted position, the inlet funnel is spaced away from the fan wheel to permit a portion of the fan wheel outlet air to recirculate to the inlet side of the fan wheel. The inlet funnel has a converging/diverging venturi shape and is movably connected to a truncated conical base by a linkage assembly. The assembly includes a plurality of links each of which has one end pivoted to the base and the other end pivotally connected to a support ring which is connected to the inlet funnel by struts.

Abstract: An improved housing arrangement is disclosed for a small, hand-held battery powered portable device which includes an associated battery compartment with integral battery door accessible from the side of the housing. The battery door and compartment are intercoupled by a non-destructive, breakaway hinge device which permits separation therebetween when the door is pivoted outwardly from the top beyond a set predetermined limit. It may be reattached simply and conveniently by a press fit. A latch mechanism is included integral with the surface of the battery door which may be operated by hand without special tools to latch and unlatch the door.

Abstract: A fan assembly, which includes a centrifugal-type fan wheel mounted for rotation in, e.g., a scroll-like fan casing or a tubular fan casing is provided with a retractable fan inlet funnel which may be selectively positioned relative to the fan wheel between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the inlet funnel axially overlaps the inlet side of the fan wheel with substantially all the inlet air being directed into the fan wheel. In the retracted position, the inlet funnel is spaced away from the fan wheel to permit a portion of the fan wheel outlet air to recirculate to the inlet side of the fan wheel. Fan performance characteristics including the static pressure, the volume flow rate, the selection of a stable air flow operating point, and the fan wheel power requirements are conveniently and advantageously controlled by adjusting the inlet funnel position.