Abstract: The anti-vibration suspension device includes at least three diagonal bars each articulated on the transmission box and on the structure by a rigid lever supporting a damping weight itself articulated to at least pivot on this structure, and, for each diagonal bar, a tension bar also articulated on the transmission box and on the structure, the corresponding lever being articulated to the structure being articulated to at least pivot on the lower end part of the corresponding tension bar, which is flexible in tension.

Abstract: The swash-plates are oscillating mounted by the non-rotating plate on a central ball joint sliding axially around a guide fixed to the structure and on which the ball joint is locked from rotation by internal splines engaging with external splines of the guide. Two parts slide on diametrically opposite raised sectors on the ball joint, and the non-rotating plate pivots on trunnions of the parts around one of two perpendicular axes the other of which is the one around which the parts pivot and which is perpendicular to the rotor axis.

Abstract: The swash-plates are oscillating mounted by the non-rotating plate on a central ball joint sliding axially around a guide fixed to the structure and on which the ball joint is locked from rotation by internal splines engaging external splines of the guide. Two cotters slide in diametrically opposite grooves in the external face of the ball joint, and the non-rotating plate pivots on trunnions of the cotters around one of two perpendicular axes the other of which an axis around which the cotters pivot and which is perpendicular to the rotor axis.

Abstract: A hybrid gear drive suitable for the transformation of motion and power between an involute worm and a face gear wherein the axis of the face gear and the worm may be crossed or intersected. The gear drive includes a multi-thread involute worm in meshing engagement with a face gear having helical teeth. The multi-thread involute worm threads each have a driving surface and a coasting surface formed in the profiles of the involutes of a pair of base circles having different radii. The gear drive allows practical gear ratios up to about ten for high speed, high load applications such as helicopter or automobile gearboxes.

Abstract: A fan assembly (10) includes first and second housing sections (70, 72) which, when mated by a first set of fasteners, define a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings (162) that lead to an internal housing chamber (82). The fan assembly (10) also includes a plurality of blade units (140), each of which includes an integral support stem (142) having a journal portion (148) rotatably mounted within a respective one of the openings (162), an enlarged flange portion (144) and a radial post portion (138) rotatably supported by a hub member (106) within the internal chamber (82). Each blade unit (140) preferably has a thrust bearing (156), bushing sleeve (158) and fan blade (152) integrated with the support stem (142), with the fan blade (152) being preferably molded to the support stem (142) following positioning of the thrust bearing (156) and bushing sleeve (158) to form an integral component.

Abstract: A fluid power storage device is provided in which, the prime mover directly or through a slow-down gear train winds up a spring device having a latch attached therein. The spring device can be a spiral spring or simply a rubber band. When the stored up energy is great enough, an adjustable stopper automatically releases the spring device being latched. The spring device in turn, releases the stored energy which then activates a mechanism or drives an electric generator. After a certain amount of energy stored up is released, the latch will automatically be caught by the stopper. Hence the mechanism or the electric generator will be stopped and the fluid power storage device starts to store up energy again for the next release of the spring device.

Abstract: A driving connection is provided for torque transfer in the drive line of a motor vehicle for releasable connection of a crankshaft with a pump wheel of a coaxially mounted hydrodynamic torque converter in which the pump wheel is mounted so that it is rotatably supported integrally with the housing by a radial bearing.

Abstract: A constant-speed twin spool turboprop unit including a twin spool gas generator having a low-pressure spool and a high-pressure spool each including a compressor and a turbine which drives the compressor, is described in which at least one propeller of the unit is driven by at least the high-pressure spool of the gas generator.

Abstract: A ducted fan gas turbine engine is provided with a fan which is carried by a shaft. Frangible fuse pins maintain the shaft carrying the fan coaxial with the engine longitudinal axis. In the event of severe fan damage, the fuse pins fracture and the fan shaft orbits about the engine longitudinal axis. A spoked resilient member is provided to exert a radially inward restoration force upon the fan shaft following such an event in order to reduce vibration.

Abstract: The rotating and non-rotating swash-plates are guided in axial translation and in tilting on the rotor axis by a non-rotating axial guide arrangement, such as two pillars, and slides on each of which slides one of two pads carrying diametrically opposite trunnions, enabling the pivoting of the non-rotating plate around a first diametrical axis, whereas the sliding movements of the pads on the slides guide the pivoting movements of the non-rotating plate around a second diametrical axis perpendicular to the rotor axis and first diametrical axis, and which is the axis of the cylindrical face of the slides.

Abstract: The invention provides for a cycloidal propeller, in strictly rudder operation, accessory apparatuses that mesh with a gear drive connected to a shaft of the respective wing. The invention accomplishes relatively small actuation movements of the accessory apparatuses, sufficient to achieve a large pivoting movement of the wings, so that the wings can be adjusted over large angles without impediment. Therefore, wings having normal profiles may be utilized.

Abstract: A drive system for a variable diameter rotor system that includes a plurality of rotor blade assemblies with inner and outer blade segments. The outer blade segment being telescopically mounted to the inner blade segment. The drive system engaging a jackscrew for telescoping the outer blade segment with respect to the inner blade segment. The drive system includes a rotor hub that is pivotally mounted to the upper end of a main rotor shaft about a pivot point. A gimbaled bearing is disposed between and attached to the main rotor shaft and the rotor hub. The gimbaled bearing permits the rotor hub to pivot about the pivot point. A blade actuation shaft is concentrically disposed within the main rotor shaft. The blade actuation shaft has a constant velocity joint pivotally attached to its upper end about the pivot point. A planetary gearset engages the blade actuation shaft with the jackscrew.

Abstract: A free-standing overhead fan apparatus includes a stand and a fan mounted on the stand. The stand includes a base positioned on ground level and an elongated member extending upwardly from the base. The fan is mounted at the upper end of the elongated member, preferably about seven feet above ground level. The fan includes a housing containing an electric motor and a rotating shaft extending from the motor. The fan also includes fan blades radially extending from the motor shaft. The fan is mounted on the stand such that the motor shaft and fan blades are rotatable about a vertical axis to emulate a ceiling fan.

Abstract: A ceiling fan includes an outer housing and a cap secured on top of the outer housing. A motor is disposed in the outer housing for driving a number of fan blades. An inner housing is rotatably disposed in the outer housing and is coupled to the motor by a gear transmission mechanism for allowing the inner housing to be rotated by the motor. An additional motor may be secured on the outer housing and coupled to the inner housing for rotating the inner housing. One or more light bulbs may be disposed in the inner housing for lighting the pattern on the inner housing.

Abstract: A rotor blade actuation system is disclosed for controlling extension and retraction of an outboard blade section of a rotor blade by varying the speed and direction of rotation between a main rotor shaft and a blade actuation shaft. The rotor blade actuation system includes a drive gear on the main rotor shaft and a blade actuation drive gear on the blade actuation drive shaft. A primary drive unit is engaged with and transmits rotary motion from the main rotor shaft to the blade actuation shaft. The primary drive unit includes an input gear engaged with the drive gear. A primary drive is engaged with the drive gear through an input gear and a master clutch. An output drive is engaged with the blade actuation drive gear. A forward clutch controls engagement of a forward planetary gearset with the primary drive and the output drive. The engagement of the forward planetary gearset causes the blade actuation shaft to rotate in the same direction as the rotation of the main rotor shaft.

Abstract: A patio table and fan combination. The device uses a fan mounted on a pole that passes through the center of the patio table. The pole also supports an umbrella that can be used for shade when the table is located outside. The fan motor is mounted co-axially with the fan. The device includes pole mounted lights and a mist device. The patio table fan combination is powered by conventional household electrical outlet or by solar panels mounted on the patio umbrella. The central pole for the device comes in three pieces to facilitate shipping and assembly.

Abstract: A fan apparatus includes a housing with front and rear parts and two swivel joints, a driving motor disposed in the housing, inner and outer annular members, a transmission member, and an anchoring member. The motor has a rear portion provided with a worm section extending toward the rear part. The inner annular member is sleeved on the front part and is connected to the joints so as to swivel relative to the latter. The outer annular member is sleeved retainingly on the inner annular member and is angularly adjustable relative to the same. A swing rod has a first proximate end relative to the worm section and mounted pivotally on the rear part, and a first distal end which extends toward the front part. The transmission member is disposed in the rear part to transmit an axial rotation of the worm section to swing the first distal end of the swing rod relative to the first proximate end in a plane parallel to the worm section.

Abstract: A cycloidal propeller to achieve strictly a rudder operation includes accessory apparatuses containing accessory drives. Clutches are used to couple the accessory drives to the propeller shafts, and additional clutches are provided to disengage the fixed connection of the normal propeller mechanism to the wing shafts in cruising operation.

Abstract: A ceiling fan includes an outer housing and a cap secured on top of the outer housing. A shaft is secured to the cap and a motor is disposed in the outer housing and secured to the shaft for driving a number of fan blades. An inner housing is rotatably disposed in the outer housing and includes a center sleeve rotatably engaged on the shaft for allowing the inner housing to be rotated about the shaft and includes a number of blade members. The fan blades may generate a circulating wind through the inner housing in order to actuate the blade members.

Abstract: A twin engine, coaxial, dual-propeller propulsion system employing a unique transmission having two independent drive trains. The first of the two engines exclusively drives a first drive train, which in turn rotates a forward multi-bladed propeller assembly. The second engine exclusively drives a second drive train, which in turn rotates an aft multi-bladed propeller assembly. Thus, the propellers of this propulsion system, even though coaxial, are driven by separate engines. The propulsion system also enjoys the increased propulsive efficiency of a coaxial dual-propeller design as the first drive train rotates the forward propeller assembly in a first rotational direction and the second drive train rotates the aft propeller assembly in the opposite direction. Further, the propulsion system employs pitch change control mechanisms which independently control the respective pitch of the blades of the two propeller assemblies.

Abstract: A spacing apparatus for use in mounting an engine cooling fan of a racing vehicle to a drive structure, typically the water pump drive shaft, is made from a spacer body to which a fan hub quick-releasably attaches. The spacer body has a base with a shaft extending therefrom having a reduced perimeter section over which the fan hub mounts. When the fan hub is in place, engagement rods may be inserted in the fan hub to retain the fan hub on the shaft. The engagement rods may be easily and quickly removed without risk of burn to the mechanic to allow quick release of the fan hub on which the fan blades are mounted.

Abstract: A backup system for powering a fan that engages in the event of primary power loss. The system includes a backup motor run by an alternate power source and controlled by a backup circuit. When primary power is lost, a solenoid is de-energized, depressing a microswitch and completing the backup circuit to the alternate power source. The backup motor rotates into contact with the fan to ensure uninterrupted airflow. This backup system is especially suited for powering an air distribution fan that ensures sufficient oxygen reaches a coal fire burning within a coal stove, thus maintaining the coal fire until primary power is restored. This backup system is readily adapted to typical coal-burning stoves in addition to other devices.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a transmission for the distribution of power from a rotating shaft, which shaft is supported between a pair of housing segments, which housing segments are connectedly joined to one another, including a rotatable shaft having a power source at one end thereof, for rotation of the shaft; a first housing enclosing at least a portion of the rotatable shaft, the housing having a first end with a plurality of spaced apart longitudinally directed holes therein; a flange having at least one radially directed projection thereon, the projection having a cammed surface which sweeps across the holes on the first end of the first housing; a second housing having a first end with a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart longitudinally directed holes therein; a plurality of reciprocally moveable pins disposed within the holes in the first and the second housing; and a cam arranged within the second housing, so as to effectuate longitudinal movement of the pins within the second housing

Abstract: A fan assembly includes a circular first array of first fan blades; a first primary ring member supportively connecting inner extremities of the first blades about a fan axis, respective end extremities of at least a majority of the first blades defining inside and outside diameters of the array, the first blades being oriented for producing a primary axial fluid flow between the inside and outside diameters in response to rotation of the first ring member, the first ring member extending between the inside and outside diameters. A second primary ring member connects outer extremities of the first blades, the first blades in combination with the first ring member defining a generally circular opening about the fan axis.

Abstract: This invention accomplishes these and other objectives with a wind wheel (1) having at least one planetary gear wheel (10) affixed rigidly to a wind-wheel axle (2) from which gear trains for each of a plurality of wind-wheel plates (9) are rotated to maximum plate frontage in wind flow (30) by gear belts (21) intermediate the gear trains and axes of the plurality of wind-wheel plates. The gear trains each have a second gear wheel (12) with a 0.50-to-1.0 gearing ratio to the planetary gear, a third gear wheel (15) with a 2.0-to-1.0 gearing ratio to the planetary gear, a first gear-belt wheel (18) extended concentrically from a side of the third gear wheel and having a 0.60-to-1.0 gearing ratio to the planetary gear and, a second gear-belt wheel (20) having a gearing ratio that is equal to the first gear-belt wheel. The plurality of wind-wheel plates with corresponding drive trains is preferably six but can be any number appropriate for design preferences.

Abstract: An airboat propelling system is provided wherein a propeller is rotated by a hollow driven shaft. A further embodiment is provided wherein two propellers are rotated in opposite directions by counter-rotating coaxial hollow driven shafts. Floating stiffener bearings positioned between the coaxial hollow driven shafts suppress flexion and protect the opposing surfaces of the shafts. These innovative techniques permit a minimization of size and weight, as well as a reduction in rotational speed of the propellers, maximizing efficiency and decreasing noise.

Abstract: A swinging head gear shell for an electric fan is provided and includes a body and a cover respectively molded from reinforced engineering plastics. The body has a mounting plate for mounting with screws, a first open top chamber and a second open top chamber linked in parallel and adapted for receiving a swinging head gear. The body has a plurality of screw holes for the mounting of the cover, and a vertical locating barrel through which one gear shaft of the swinging head gear passes. The mounting plate has a circular through hole through which the worm of the swinging head gear passes. The cover overlays the body to close the first open top chamber and the second open top chamber, and has a plurality of mounting holes respectively fastened to the top screw holes of the body by screws. The cover has a raised portion, and a through hole formed in the raised portion in communication with the second open top chamber for the control lever of the swinging head gear to pass.

Abstract: An assembly (12) for moving air through a heat exchanger (10) comprising a shroud (14) for mating with a heat exchanger (10) and a fan (20) disposed in the rear opening (18) of the shroud (14). The fan (20) comprises a hub (22) having an axis (A) and blades (24) extending radially from the hub (22) to distal ends for moving air through the shroud (14). The assembly is characterized by a floating drive assembly (52, 54, 56) including an inner drive member (64), an outer drive member (68, 70), and a flexible transmission (74, 75) interconnecting the members for rotating the drive members together while allowing relative radial movement between the drive members as the drive members rotate the fan (20). A bearing ring mechanism (28, 30) interconnects the distal ends of the blades (24) and the shroud (14) for rotatably supporting the fan (20) solely by the shroud (14).

Abstract: A helicopter having two engines driving a single rotating drive shaft on which are mounted two spaced counter-rotating coaxial rotors at the same speed and having a tail boom free of a tail rotor and supporting two horizontally spaced pairs of air foils for controlling the direction of yaw in flight.

Abstract: Apparatus for peripherally supporting the rotor of a fluid driven turbine and for power take-off of energy by transformation of peripheral speed of the rotor to use such as to drive one or more electric generators to provide electric power output as determined by available wind energy.

Abstract: A portable fan providing oscillation in two axes. Oscillation may occur simultaneously in two axes, or in one selected axis. Two oscillation mechanisms are provided, each having its own oscillation motor and each being selectively operable independent of the other. Optionally, the main fan motor may be employed to power one oscillation mechanism. The fan has a base for desk top support, or a base and extensible column for floor support, or a bracket for permanent mounting. All embodiments have controls for controlling the fan motor and the oscillation motor or motors, and a limited tilting feature for maintaining the fan blade at an angle to the base or bracket.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine is supported by a frame held in place by an encircling series of crescent-shaped tubular deflector vanes. The vanes widen towards the turbine core, concentrating the wind. The wind is trapped momentarily on entering the turbine cavities. Air can be supplied to such cavities from a compressed air source driven by wave action on a body of water.

Abstract: A pump drive apparatus comprises a housing (1) that accommodates a shaft (2) and a pump impeller (3). Both rotate around the same axis (4). The impeller rotates against the housing on at least one bearing (5). There is an eccentric journal (6) on the end of the shaft inside the impeller. The journal rotates in an orbital journal bearing (7). The orbital journal bearing moves in a circle within an eccentric bearing 14 on the impeller, driving the impeller. The orbital bearing tightly encloses the journal. A flexible component (9) prevents the orbital bearing from rotating in, and seals it off from, the housing.

Abstract: A support for peripherally supporting the rotor of a fluid driven turbine and for power take-off of energy by transformation of peripheral speed of the rotor to use such as to drive one or more electric generators to provide electric power output as determined by available wind energy.

Abstract: A ceiling mounted fan unit includes a lamp based connector adapted to be threaded into a threaded lamp socket to releasably mount the fan to the ceiling. The fan unit is a lightweight unit including an integrated motor drive which is coupled to a rotating fan blade support structure by a speed reducing torque increasing coupling unit. The coupling unit may include a belt drive, a friction drive and a direct gear drive. A releasable housing is secured to the fan unit to permit coordinated decorative fan blade with the room. An auxiliary support structure can be incorporated into the fan unit to physically engage a wall socket to supplement the physical support. An electrical control circuit incorporates various safety controls to prevent minimized hazards as a result of the drive system of the electrical system. The fan blades are releasably connected to the support to permit changes in the decorative characteristic of the fan blades.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for fin-fans is provided. The anti-rotation device provides a one-way clutch on the vertical shaft of a fin-fan to prevent backward rotation of the fin-fan in order to reduce stresses to the fin-fan system during start-up. The invention also provides a clutch adaptor to enable attachment of the one-way clutch to a variety of fin-fan installations as well as a locking system to decrease the risk of injury during maintenance operations.

Abstract: A simple structured propeller shaft assembly for a counter-rotating propeller system of a watercraft outboard drive prevents fishing line, weeds and like debris from entangling on a shaft of the propeller system and damaging the lubricant seals of the shaft assembly. The shaft assembly includes a nut which threads partially onto an end of an outer propeller shaft of the propeller shaft assembly. A thrust washer, carrier by an inner propeller shaft, includes a front hub which partially inserts into the nut adjacent to the end of the outer shaft. The nut, thrust washer and outer shaft end together define a labyrinth path into the space occupied by the lubricant seals between the inner and outer shafts. This labyrinth path inhibits weeds and like debris from wrapping around the inner shaft at a point adjacent to the lubricant seals.

Abstract: A stacked compound planetary gear train for an upgraded powertrain system for a helicopter that provides an increased reduction ratio to accommodate the increased horsepower output of the augmented powerplant system while concomitantly providing a baseline RPM output to the main rotor shaft. The stacked compound planetary gear train includes a driving sun gear, a set N of primary planetary pinions, a plurality of secondary planetary pinions, a compound drive shaft supporting each respective primary and secondary planetary pinion combination, a fixed ring gear interacting with the secondary planetary pinions, and a planetary carrier assembly disposed in rotatable combination with the compound drive shafts and operative to provide the output of the stacked compound planetary gear train to the main rotor shaft of the helicopter. The set N of primary planetary pinions includes a plurality N/2 of upper primary planetary pinions and a plurality N/2 of lower primary planetary pinions.

Abstract: A portable electric fan includes a rechargeable battery disposed in the bottom portion of a housing for storing and for supplying electric power. An opening is formed in the front portion of the housing for receiving a fan device, the fan device includes two shafts rotatably secured to the housing and each having a number of notches formed in the outer peripheral portion. Two resilient devices are engaged with the notches of the shafts so as to retain the fan device in suitable positions.

Abstract: Damping and sealing of the quill shaft (30) that transmits torque from one rotating component to another as for example in a pitch change actuator system for aeronautical propellers is provided by an O-ring (40) mounted in the space between the end of ball screw (20) and the flange (41) radially extending from quill shaft (30) and the preload of the O-ring (40) provided by the shims (46) bearing against flange (41) and O-ring (40) which serves to enhance the wearability of splines (26, 28 and 50).

Abstract: A ceiling fan has a downrod assembly with an upper end adapted to be mounted to a ceiling and a lower end adapted to be mounted to a motor. A motor is mounted to the lower end of the downrod assembly. A set of fan blades is fastened to the motor. A substantially flat metal top has a central opening through which the downrod assembly extends. The metal top is fastened to a flange on the lower end of the downrod assembly. An annular cylindrical glass sidewall has an upper circumferential edge adapted to mate a circumferential portion of the metal top. A substantially flat glass bottom is integrally joined to a lower edge of the sidewall. The glass bottom has a central opening through which the fan blades of the ceiling fan extend. Elongate fasteners extend through holes in the metal top and through holes in the glass bottom and secure the integrally joined sidewall and bottom to the metal top wherein a translucent ceiling fan housing is formed.

Abstract: A ship's drive with two counterturning propellers, the rear propeller of which is fastened to an inner shaft and the front propeller of which is fastened to the head end of a hollow shaft, which runs concentrically with the inner shaft. The hollow shaft is connected to a gearing and the inner shaft is connected to a propulsion unit. A gearwheel is disposed at the foot end of the hollow shaft which engages a further gearwheel which is fastened to an input shaft running parallel to the inner shaft. The input shaft can be connected with the output of a second engine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a decorative casing for a ceiling fan having a body portion, characterized in that the decorative casing is provided with an upper edge curving inwards to form a rack and a bottom having a plurality of slots for dissipating heat evolved from a motor of the ceiling fan, the body portion having a top with a plurality of radial engaging mechanisms each of which includes two pairs of guides and a resilient supporting member having a raised portion at one end and a roller at another end, the roller of the resilient supporting member being engageable with the rack of the decorative casing.

Abstract: The windmill has a stub tower having a rotatable platform carrying a wind driven fan with an input shaft driving a transmission mechanism on the platform. The mechanism carries two balanced cranks which rotate continuously and two pitman arms at opposite ends of an output cross shaft driving a single rocking beam having a massive head moved up and down. The head is coupled by flexible members to a vertical pump rod which is reciprocated by the rocking beam. A tail assembly coupled to the platform tracks the wind and rotates the platform so that the fan faces into the wind. The tracking assembly furls the fan out of the wind when the wind speed is excessive. The tracking assembly rises up on an inclined coupling rod to load the tracking assembly gravitationally when the fan is in furled position. When the wind speed decreases, the tracking assembly descends on the coupling rod to turn the platform and unfurl the fan to face the wind.

Abstract: A vertical lift aircraft comprising an aircraft body and a lifting assembly is presented. The lifting assembly comprises a frame wherein at least one airfoil assembly which includes a plurality of airfoils attached to a drive ring is secured. As the drive ring rotates, the airfoils move through the air and create lift. The pitch of the airfoils or blades can be fixed or variable. The drive ring is rotated by a band which is in frictional contact with the inner surface of the drive ring. The band is rotated by at least one pair of rollers which are in frictional contact with the band. Aircraft stability is controlled by regulating airfoil pitch which is responsive to pivoting of a control ring. Alternatively, aircraft stability is provided by regulating the flow of air or gas from a plurality of nozzles disposed about the aircraft. The body, a portion of which may be located inside the lifting assembly, includes a passenger and load carrying compartment and an engine assembly.

Abstract: A portable wind machine comprising a vehicle movable along the ground and a support carried by the vehicle and extending upwardly substantially above the vehicle. A transverse member is coupled to the support at a location substantially above the vehicle, and it extends transversely of the support on both sides of the support. The transverse member is pivotable between a travel position in which the transverse member extends generally along the vehicle in generally a direction from fore to aft of the vehicle and an operational position in which the transverse member extends laterally of the vehicle. First and second propellers are mounted on the transverse member on opposite sides of the support for rotation about first and second rotational axes, respectively. A tilt angle between each of the rotational axes and a vertical plane is adjustable. At least one power source is provided for rotating the propellers.

Abstract: A drive train assembly for a rotor assembly having ducted, coaxial counter-rotating rotors includes a sprag clutch, an engine coupling subassembly, a transmission coupling subassembly, and a drive shaft mechanically interconnected at the ends thereof to the engine and transmission coupling subassemblies, respectively. The drive train assembly is design optimized to maximize the functional capability of the sprag clutch, the engine coupling subassembly including an external crown spline coupling, internal spline coupling combination that is mounted in combination with the sprag clutch so that loads transmitted through the external crown spline coupling react through the center of the sprag clutch.

Abstract: In one type of aircraft propulsion system, propeller blades are mounted on a ring which surrounds a turbine. An annular space exists between the turbine and the ring. If a propeller blade should break free, the unbalanced centrifugal load tends to deform the ring. The invention reduces the deformation, as by locating spacers between the turbine and the ring.

Abstract: A ceiling fan is provided, having an electric motor with separate stationary and rotating members, the outer extremities of the rotating member being defined by upper, lower, and side surfaces, with a plurality of radially extending blades being secured to the upper surface. The ceiling fan also includes a tube member securable to the stationary member of the motor for pivotally suspending the ceiling fan from the ceiling, and at least one electrical switch for selectively controlling the operation of the motor. A unitary housing is provided, securable to the stationary member of the motor, for enclosing at least the lower and side surfaces of the motor in a first compartment thereof, and enclosing the electrical switch in a second compartment thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus indicates changes in blade pitch of variable pitch blades by detecting relative displacements of first and second members of a blade pitch actuator. The members are selectively displaced to change the pitch of the blades. The apparatus includes sensors which provide output signals to a microprocessor, which determines displacement of each member with respect to a frame of reference. The microprocessor takes the difference between the displacements of the two members to determine the relative displacement, which is indicative of a change in blade pitch.