Abstract: A container for the components of an unassembled ceiling fan includes a first casing of expanded polystyrene foam. The first casing includes at least one internal recess shaped to receive a first component of the ceiling fan to protect it from damage during shipping. A second casing of expanded polystyrene foam includes at least one internal recess shaped to receive at least a second component of the ceiling fan to protect it from damage during shipping. The first and second casings have comparable cross-sectional areas and include structure integral therewith for interlocking the casings to restrict relative movement of the casings. At least the first casing provides sufficient protection to its contents to protect them from damage when the first casing is shipped without the second casing. A box or the like of suitable size receives the first and second interlocked casings to form a package.

Abstract: A room humidifier is disclosed having a floating wick assembly having wick elements, the wick assembly floating on a water supply thereby to maintain a constant water depth and evaporative area on the wick element as the water level within the humidifier rises and falls. The wick element is formed of a web of non-woven, fibrous material (e.g., a paper-like material) which draws water by capillary action from the reservoir onto the evaporative area of the wicking element from when water is evaporated into the air drawn through the wicking element by a fan for discharge into the room. The wick element may readily be removed from the wick assembly for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A system for mounting a ceiling fan is disclosed in which the ceiling fan is mounted relatively close to the ceiling of a conventional residential room having a ceiling height of about eight feet, in which the rotational plane of the fan blades is about seven or more feet from the floor.

Abstract: Means for selectively reversing the direction of rotation of a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor is disclosed. This means comprises an "add-on" or retrofittable kit electrically connected to the motor windings externally of the motor. In an overhead ceiling fan application, the kit comprises a reversing switch installable in the fan housing stationarily mounted around the fan motor. The reversing switch is a two position switch serially connected to the normal fan on/off and speed control switch which is typically located in a switch housing stationarily mounted below the fan blades such that when the reversing switch is one position, the fan will rotate in one direction (e.g., clockwise), and when the reversing switch is in its other position, the fan will rotate in the opposite direction. With the reversing switch in either position, speed control and energization/de-energization of the fan motor may be effected by actuation of the on/off and speed control switch in the normal manner.