Patent ID: 7812245
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: F04D,F24B

Abstract:
1. A self-powered fan for circulating air for use in cooperation with a heat source, said fan comprising a first heat transfer member having a first heat transfer surface thermally and physically connected with said heat source; an electric motor; fan blades which operably create a first or warm air flow and a second or cooler air flow; a second heat transfer member having a second heat transfer surface; and thermocouple structure located between said first heat transfer member and said second heat transfer member; wherein said thermocouple structure is co-operable with said motor, said first heat transfer member and said second heat transfer member, wherein said first heat transfer member is of suitable material, size, mass and shape as to provide a suitable temperature gradient between said thermocouple structure and said heat source to operably allow of such sufficient heat transfer from said first heat transfer member to said thermocouple structure to generate sufficient power to effect rotation of said blades, but not to cause thermal damage to said thermocouple structure, and wherein said fan blades are constructed and arranged to cause a portion of said second air flow to be drawn past said first heat transfer surface to effect a cooling heat transfer effect upon said first heat transfer member, the improvement comprising: said motor being located on said first heat transfer member adjacent a side of said thermocouple structure remote from said second heat transfer member, whereby said motor does not hinder said second air flow, and is suitably located as to not be operably thermally damaged by said first heat transfer member or said heat source, and said first heat transfer member defines a motor-receiving cavity which receives said motor so as to completely surround said motor, with airflow passing through said cavity to cool said motor.