US5863182A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fan blade flow enhancing device
Assignee: Emerson Electric Co
•
Filing: 1997-06-09
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Granted: 1999-01-26
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Expires: 2017-06-09
Abstract
Abstract An attachment for improving the efficiency of a fluid circulation device such as a fan comprises a back connector portion for connecting to a fan blade and a lobe which protrudes from a leading edge of the fan blade. An impeller has a plurality of fan blades extending from a central hub, and the impeller is rotated by an electrical motor. The impeller is housed within a fan guard. As the impeller is rotated, the lobes operate to pick up air passing around the preceding blade and continue accelerating the air to increase efficiency and flow.
Inventors
- 👤 D. Lee Hill
- 👤 Jimmy D. Vanfossan
- 👤 Hamid Massali
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:51
CPC Classifications
F; F04; F04D; F04D29/00; F04D29/26; F04D29/32; F04D29/38; F04D29/384
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
33 words
A fluid circulation device comprising: three blades, each blade having a leading edge; each said blade having a lobe extending beyond the leading edge thereof, wherein said lobes define a triangular central opening.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
33 words
A fluid circulation device comprising: three blades, each blade having a leading edge; each said blade having a lobe extending beyond the leading edge thereof, wherein said lobes define a triangular central opening.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one attachment which includes the lobe and a back connection portion for connection to the at least one blade.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the lobe protrudes toward a preceding blade and at least part of the lobe protrudes inwardly from the blade petal to reduce the area of a central opening through the device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the lobe protrudes from the leading edge near the inner hub end of the blade petal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device according to claim 1, wherein the lobe overlaps a trailing edge of an adjacent blade.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the lobe is rearward of the preceding blade.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device according to claim 5 wherein each lobe overlapping the trailing edge of the adjacent blade defines a circular path.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
75 words
An impeller blade comprising: a blade petal having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an inner hub end, and an outer free end; means for attaching the inner hub end to an impeller assembly; a lobe extending beyond the leading edge wherein said lobe comprises a parabolic protrusion, an inner straight edge forming an acute angle a with a radial line of the blade petal, and the angle a opening in the direction of rotation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
75 words
An impeller blade comprising: a blade petal having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an inner hub end, and an outer free end; means for attaching the inner hub end to an impeller assembly; a lobe extending beyond the leading edge wherein said lobe comprises a parabolic protrusion, an inner straight edge forming an acute angle a with a radial line of the blade petal, and the angle a opening in the direction of rotation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The blade according to claim 8 wherein the lobe comprises an independent attachment attachable to the blade petal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The blade according to claim 9 wherein the lobe is attachable to the inner hub end of the blade petal and comprises a plastic material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The blade according to claim 8 wherein the lobe extends from the inner hub end of the leading edge.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The blade according to claim 8 wherein the lobe comprises a substantially planar contour.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
84 words
An attachment for connection to an impeller blade petal having a leading edge and an inner hub end, the attachment comprising: a back connection portion for connection to the blade petal; a forward extending lobe connected with said connection portion for protruding beyond the leading edge of the blade petal wherein said lobe comprises a parabolic protrusion, an inner straight edge forming an acute angle a with a radial line of the blade petal and the angle a opening in the direction of rotation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
84 words
An attachment for connection to an impeller blade petal having a leading edge and an inner hub end, the attachment comprising: a back connection portion for connection to the blade petal; a forward extending lobe connected with said connection portion for protruding beyond the leading edge of the blade petal wherein said lobe comprises a parabolic protrusion, an inner straight edge forming an acute angle a with a radial line of the blade petal and the angle a opening in the direction of rotation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
47 words
The attachment according to claim 13 wherein the back connection portion is arranged for connection to the inner hub end of the blade petal, and the forward extending lobe is arranged for protruding from the leading edge of the blade petal at the inner hub end thereof.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The attachment according to claim 13 wherein the back connection portion is arranged for connection to both the inner hub end of the blade petal and to a hub.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-01-25 | 2002-07-27 | 2003-01-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-01-25 | 2006-07-27 | 2007-01-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-01-25 | 2010-07-27 | 2011-01-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |