Abstract: An asymmetrically bladed ceiling fan including a fan motor, a shaft rotatably connected to the motor and defining a vertical axis, a motor housing substantially enclosing the motor, a first fan blade extending from the housing, a second fan blade extending from the housing, and a first non-blade stabilizer extending from the housing for stabilizing the rotating weight of the fan blades upon actuation of the motor. The stabilizer is non-coincident with the first and second fan blades. The first and second fan blades are asymmetrically positioned relative the vertical axis.

Abstract: A ceiling fan with retractable fan blades includes an electric motor operable to spin a rotor with a plurality of fan blades attached thereto. Each of the fan blades is operable to move between a closed position and an open position. A rotatable center ring is included on the rotor and connecting rods join each fan blade to the center ring. Rotation of the center ring relative to the rotor moves the plurality of connecting rods and fan blades in unison. The fan blades are spring biased toward the closed position. When the rotor rotates, centrifugal forces acting on the fan blades overcome the spring biasing forces and cause the fan blades to move toward the open position. A governor is positioned between the rotor and at least one of the fan blades to limit the speed of movement of the fan blades between the closed position and the open position. The governor may take the form of a fluid cylinder.

Abstract: An assembly for suspending an object from a surface includes a down rod having a width, an upper end, and a lower end for engaging the object. A ball member is also provided. The ball member has a generally hemispherical body with a longitudinal axis and a bore extending through the body obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis. The ball member also has a diameter wherein the ball member is connected to the upper end of the down rod. A hanger bracket is also provided. The hanger bracket has an upper end for being mounted to the surface and a bottom end that defines a socket. The socket includes an opening through it that is smaller than the diameter of the ball member. The socket's opening defines a radius so that the ball is received in the socket such that the down rod extends through the opening.