Abstract: A U-shaped bolt including a closed end and two legs at an open end is self-retaining on a first object. The U-shaped bolt includes projections forming an opening to the closed end adapted to be smaller than the width of the first object. The projections retain the U-shaped bolts on the first object. The U-shaped bolt is used in conjunction with a space heater having a plurality of heating elements connected by channels. The U-shaped bolt is retained on the channels to warrant proper assembly of the space heater.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a base defining a reservoir for retaining liquid, a humidification device for inducing dispersion of liquid withdrawn from the reservoir into the environment and a liquid storage tank having an outlet for feeding liquid into the reservoir. The humidification device includes a heated disc for evaporating a stream of liquid delivered from the reservoir to the heated disc by a delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism may deliver the stream of liquid as a mist, a thin film or a controlled stream of liquid onto the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for the distribution of air includes a fan unit having a first and second portion, where the second portion is pivotable relative to the first portion about a common axis. A base supports the fan unit, and the fan unit may oscillate relative to the base. The fan unit may have a height greater than the width of the fan unit. The fan unit may also be capable of tilting relative to the base to a desired angle.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a base defining a reservoir for retaining liquid, a humidification device for inducing dispersion of liquid withdrawn from the reservoir into the environment and a liquid storage tank having an outlet for feeding liquid into the reservoir. The humidification device includes a heated disc for evaporating a stream of liquid delivered from the reservoir to the heated disc by a delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism may deliver the stream of liquid as a mist, a thin film or a controlled stream of liquid onto the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for the distribution of air includes a fan unit having a first and second portion, where the second portion is pivotable relative to the first portion about a common axis. A base supports the fan unit, and the fan unit may oscillate relative to the base. The fan unit may have a height greater than the width of the fan unit. The fan unit may also be capable of tilting relative to the base to a desired angle.

Abstract: An adjustable fan assembly has a fan mount with an arcuate portion and a support member. The support member is moveable along the length of the arcuate portion of the fan mount to position the air flow from a fan mounted on the fan mount. The support member may also retract for compact storage.

Abstract: A fan assembly includes a fan housing and a fan mount that is mountable on surfaces of many orientations. The fan assembly additionally has indexed positions, so that the direction of airflow emanating from the fan can be oriented in one of a number of different directions.

Abstract: An adjustable fan assembly has a fan mount with an arcuate portion and a support member. The support member is moveable along the length of the arcuate portion of the fan mount to position the air flow from a fan mounted on the fan mount. The support member may also retract for compact storage.

Abstract: A portable heater that provides a relatively large heat output for its size in either of a natural convection mode or a forced convection mode. The heater may include an electric heating element inside of a housing. A vertical baffle in the housing may be positioned between the heating element and a front of the housing. The heater may have a housing with a volume of less than 18,000 cubic centimeters and a heat output of about 1500 Watts. Less than about 25 percent of the surface of the housing may be open to allow air flow through the housing. The heater may have a ratio of heat output to housing volume of at least 0.082, and up to 0.

Abstract: An electrical appliance housing is disclosed having a housing with an open side portion and an open front portion adjacent and perpendicular to the open side portion. A removable end panel is provided to fit within the open side portion of the housing and may include an elastically deformable detent mechanism on the side edges of the end panel to temporarily lock it to the housing. An interchangeable modular component is provided within the housing for establishing the function of the electrical appliance housing. The electrical appliance housing function may include air conditioning, air moving, light emitting, infrared light emitting or any other function desirable in a ceiling or wall appliance. The modular components are interchangeable, such that the function of the electrical box may be changed at any time by interchanging the modular components within the housing to the desired set-up.

Abstract: At least one aspect of the present invention relates to a system for heating a gas using positive temperature coefficient (PTC) elements. More particularly, aspects of the present invention are directed towards PTC element configurations and orientations. In one aspect of the present invention, PTC elements are interposed between heat sinks such that they transmit current from one heat sink to another. The PTC elements may be arranged in a radial configuration, which may have more than one PTC element per radial flange. The heat sinks may have grilles which allow air to flow perpendicular to the heat sinks and between the PTC elements.

Abstract: An electrical appliance housing is disclosed having a housing with an open side portion and an open front portion adjacent and perpendicular to the open side portion. A removable end panel is provided to fit within the open side portion of the housing and may include an elastically deformable detent mechanism on the side edges of the end panel to temporarily lock it to the housing. An interchangeable modular component is provided within the housing for establishing the function of the electrical appliance housing. The electrical appliance housing function may include air conditioning, air moving, light emitting, infrared light emitting or any other function desirable in a ceiling or wall appliance. The modular components are interchangeable, such that the function of the electrical box may be changed at any time by interchanging the modular components within the housing to the desired set-up.