Fluid reaction surfaces (i.e. – impellers) – Sustained ancillary movement of rotary working member – Continuous rotation about plural axes
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-15
2001-04-10
Look, Edward K. (Department: 3745)
Fluid reaction surfaces (i.e., impellers)
Sustained ancillary movement of rotary working member
Continuous rotation about plural axes
C416S001000, C074S063000, C074S068000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213715
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a cooling fan and, more particularly, to a fan structure which has a spherical four-bar mechanism to permit the fan to move back-and-forth and up-and-down.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional cooling fan, either of the desktop or free standing type, oscillates in a generally horizontal plane to provide back-and-forth motion. This motion is achieved by a motor to drive the fan blades directly as well as to drive a gear train which causes rotation of an output shaft at a greatly reduced speed. The reduced speed output is typically used to drive a planar four-bar mechanism which generates the back-and forth motion of the fan head. Although this motion has some cooling benefit as compared to a non-oscillating fan, the motion can be improved.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a fan structure which is capable of moving in three spatial planes to cause a fan head to move back-and-forth as well as up-and-down.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to fulfill the need referred to above. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, this objective is obtained by providing a fan structure including a fan head having a plurality of blades mounted for rotation. A mechanism is coupled to the fan head and is constructed and arranged to move the fan head along a surface of a sphere in a three dimensional pattern. At least one motor is constructed and arranged to cause rotation of the blades and movement of the mechanism. The mechanism thus provides both back-and-forth and up-and-down motion of the fan head.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method provided to move an object in three spatial planes. The method includes defining a reference coordinate system having an origin at a center of a sphere. Four links are then pivotally coupled together at four joints such that axes of the joints intersect at the origin thereby defining a spherical four-bar mechanism. An object is coupled to one of the links. The mechanism is caused to move which causes movement of the object along a surface of the sphere in a three dimensional pattern.
Other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and the functions of the related elements of the structure, the combination of parts and economics of manufacture will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.
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Dees Stacy Lyn
Ketchel John Simon
Larochelle Pierre Marc
Florida Institute of Technology
Look Edward K.
Manelli Denison & Selter PLLC
McDowell Liam
Stemberger Edward J.
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