Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation exhaust fan comprising a main housing adapted to interchangeably receive a upgrade cartridge assembly. The main housing can include a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the main housing, and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the main housing. The ventilation exhaust fan can be installed in a structure in place of an existing ventilation exhaust fan assembly. The main housing can provide support to a scroll and a blower wheel positioned within the scroll. A motor may be nestled within the scroll and coupled to the blower wheel. A capacitor including a motor harness and plug can be electrically coupled with the motor. Electrical power can be supplied to the capacitor and motor to cause the motor to rotate the blower wheel to generate a flow of fluid out of the fluid outlet.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Ventilating exhaust fans, such as those typically installed in bathrooms, draw air from within an area and pass the exhausted air out to another location, such as through a vent in the gable or roof of a home or other building structure. Centrifugal exhaust fans typically include a rotating fan wheel having a plurality of vanes that create an outward airflow which, in turn, is directed out of an outlet opening. The fan wheel is typically coupled to a motor supported within the fan housing, and the motor drives the fan wheel, thus providing ventilation to an area. In some cases, a curved fan scroll is employed to channel air around the fan, and can be defined by a housing wall of the fan or by a separate element or structure within the fan housing. 
         [0002]    Many typical exhaust fans currently in use include a housing positioned within a building structure, such as in an aperture in a wall or ceiling. The housing can be secured in the aperture in a number of conventional manners, such as by being attached to wall or ceiling joists, or by being attached to other structure in the wall or ceiling. 
         [0003]    In some cases, it may be desirable to replace an exhaust fan within a building or structure. For example, an old exhaust fan may need to be replaced when broken, or may generate unacceptable vibration or noise during operation. As another example, it may be desirable to replace an old exhaust fan with one that is more powerful, or has one or more features or characteristics different than the existing exhaust fan. However, conventional exhaust fans can be relatively difficult and time consuming to remove and replace. In most cases, replacement typically requires the assistance of a qualified electrician, the disconnection and re-connection of associated ductwork, and the removal and re-installation of the entire exhaust fan from the building structure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Some embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation exhaust fan comprising an upgrade cartridge assembly having a motor mounting plate coupled to at least one motor, at least one capacitor electrically coupled to the motor, a motor harness including at least one plug, and a blower wheel coupled with a scroll, coupled with the motor to generate a flow of fluid out of a fluid outlet. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, a duct connector assembly is provided. The duct connector assembly comprises a damper flap that is coupled with a ventilation orifice. The duct connector assembly is capable of being moved within the ventilation orifice to substantially control the backflow of a fluid into the ventilation orifice and the upgrade cartridge from a ventilation duct of a building. Furthermore, the duct connector assembly is further capable of substantially controlling the flow of fluid from a space into the ventilation of a duct of building when the motor is unpowered. 
         [0006]    Some embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation exhaust fan comprising a main housing having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the main housing, and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the main housing, wherein the housing is adapted to interchangeably receive an upgrade cartridge assembly having a motor, at least one capacitor electrically coupled to the motor, a motor harness including at least one plug, a motor mounting plate coupled to at least one motor and a blower wheel coupled within a scroll, coupled with the motor to generate a flow of fluid out of the fluid outlet. 
         [0007]    In another aspect of the invention, a method of upgrading a ventilation exhaust fan is provided, and comprises a pre-existing main housing receiving an upgrade cartridge assembly having a motor mounting plate coupled to at least one motor, at least one capacitor electrically coupled to the motor, a motor harness including at least one plug, and a blower wheel coupled within a scroll, coupled with the motor to generate a flow of fluid out of the fluid outlet. 
         [0008]    In another aspect of the invention, a method of changing a ventilation exhaust fan is provided, and comprising a main housing having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the main housing, and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the main housing, wherein the housing is adapted to interchangeably receive an upgrade cartridge assembly having a motor mounting plate coupled to at least one motor, at least one capacitor electrically coupled to the motor, a motor harness including at least one plug, and a blower wheel coupled within a scroll, coupled with the motor to generate a flow of fluid out of the fluid outlet. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of the invention, a method of replacing a ventilation exhaust fan is provided, and comprises a main housing having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the main housing, and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the main housing, wherein the housing is adapted to interchangeably receive a upgrade cartridge assembly having a motor mounting plate coupled to at least one motor, at least one capacitor electrically coupled to the motor, a motor harness including at least one plug, and a blower wheel coupled within a scroll, coupled with the motor to generate a flow of fluid out of the fluid outlet. The ventilation exhaust fan is installed in a building or structure in place of an existing ventilation exhaust fan assembly. 
         [0010]    In a further aspect of the invention, a method of assembling a ventilation apparatus is provided. The assembly method comprises assembling an upgrade cartridge assembly, including providing a motor plate, a motor, and a scroll that includes at least one locating rib, where the at least one locating rib is configured and arranged to center and guide the upgrade cartridge into a previously installed ventilation apparatus housing. The method also includes providing a blower wheel and mechanically coupling the blower wheel with the motor and the scroll, and securing the motor to the motor plate, providing a capacitor and electrically connecting the capacitor to the motor, and providing a motor harness including at least one plug capable of being coupled with at least one plug receptacle, and electrically coupling the at least one plug to the motor and the capacitor. 
         [0011]    In another aspect of the invention, a method for ventilating a space is provided that includes providing the upgrade cartridge assembly including a motor and blower assembly, installing the upgrade cartridge assembly in a building or structure in place of an existing ventilation exhaust fan assembly, and providing electrical power to the upgrade cartridge assembly of a magnitude sufficient to drive the motor to turn the blower wheel. 
         [0012]    In one further aspect of the invention, a method for ventilating a space is provided that includes providing a main housing having a fluid inlet through which fluid is received within the main housing, and a fluid outlet through which fluid exits the main housing, wherein the housing is adapted to interchangeably receive a fan upgrade cartridge assembly, and installing the main housing in a building or structure. The method further includes providing an upgrade cartridge assembly including a motor and blower assembly, installing the upgrade cartridge assembly in the main housing to form a ventilation exhaust fan assembly, and providing electrical power to the upgrade cartridge assembly of a magnitude sufficient to drive the motor to turn the blower wheel. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6   a  is a side-rear view of a upgrade cartridge assembly scroll with grille spring holder according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6   b  is a side-rear close-up view of a upgrade cartridge assembly scroll with grille spring holder according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6   b  is a side-rear close-up view of a fan cartridge scroll with grille spring holder according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a ventilation assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of a ventilation assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10   a  is a side perspective view of a ventilation assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 10   b  is a close-up view of a side of a ventilation assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10   c  is a close-up top view of the ventilation assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a close-up view of the electrical box enclosure of a main housing according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a close-up view of the electrical box cover plate according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13   a  is a close-up view of a duct connector assembly with a closed damper flap according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13   b  is a close-up view of a duct connector assembly with an open damper flap according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14   a  is a close-up view of a duct connector assembly installed in a main housing viewed from within the main housing according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14   b  is a close-up view of a duct connector assembly installed in a main housing according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 14   c  is a close-up view of a duct connector assembly installed in a main housing according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  shows an exploded view of a ventilation assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
         [0036]    The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 7 and 15  illustrate a ventilation assembly  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. Some embodiments of the ventilation assembly  10  can include several components and devices that can perform various functions. In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly can include a main housing  25 , which can house the various components and devices of the ventilation assembly  10 . In some embodiments the ventilation assembly  10  generally can include a upgrade cartridge assembly  20 , substantially housed within the main housing  25 , and positioned within the main housing  25  aided by a fan cartridge locating rib  80 , and coupled to the main housing with a fan cartridge snap retention feature  85 . In some embodiments the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  generally can include, a motor  30 , such as a permanent split capacitor motor  30 , and a motor capacitor  35 . Some embodiments provide a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  that can also include a scroll  40  and a blower wheel  50  positioned substantially within the scroll  40  and mechanically coupled to the motor  30 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, a duct connector assembly  270  can be coupled to the ventilation assembly  10 . The duct connector assembly  270  can include a moveable damper flap  280  coupled with a ventilation orifice  272 . In some embodiments the damper flap  280  can control the backflow of a fluid into a ventilation orifice  272  and the upgrade cartridge assembly  20 , and further be capable of substantially controlling the flow of fluid from a space, such as a room, into the ventilation duct of a building, or structure, to an outside location. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly  10  can be used to ventilate any room, area or space. In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly  10  can be secured within a wall, ceiling, or other building structure in a partially, or fully recessed position. In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly  10  can be installed within an intermediate space, outside of the room, area or space, and coupled with one or more ventilation duct assemblies to provide ventilation to the room, area or space. In some other embodiments, the fluid may comprise air, or other gases, or vapor, such as water vapor. In some embodiments, the fluid may comprise a smoke, ash, or other particulate in addition to air or other gases. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly  10  can be installed as a new, original equipment installation in a room or building where none had previously existed, whereas some embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation assembly  10  that can replace a pre-existing ventilation system. In some embodiments, the upgrade cartridge assembly  20 , can be installed as a new, or a replacement ventilation system, and in some embodiments, the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  can replace an existing upgrade cartridge assembly  20 . 
         [0040]    As shown in the top perspective view of  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments of the invention, an upgrade cartridge assembly  20  can be provided as a compact assembly comprising a permanent split capacitor motor  30 , motor mounting plate  70 , nestled within a scroll  40 , and coupled to a blower wheel  50 . In some embodiments, the motor  30  can be mechanically secured to the motor mounting plate  70  using at least one motor plate bolt  75 , and can be any motor capable of providing sufficient rotational torque to turn the blower wheel  50 . In some embodiments the blower wheel  50  can be mechanically coupled to the motor using a main drive bolt, (see first end  60  of the main drive bolt in  FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, when a permanent split capacitor motor  30  is used, the motor  30  can be electrically coupled to at least one permanent split capacitor  35 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the permanent split capacitor  35  may be secured to the scroll  40 , or in some other embodiments, it may be secured to another component of the ventilation assembly  10 . In some embodiments, the motor  30  is electrically coupled to a motor power harness  65  that is electrically coupled to the capacitor  35 . In some other embodiments, the permanent split capacitor  35  may be secured to a surface of a structure of a building, adjacent to the upgrade cartridge assembly  20 , and electrically coupled with the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  with a motor power harness  65  (not shown). 
         [0041]    As shown in the side perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  of some embodiments of the invention in  FIG. 2 , the scroll can be formed into any shape, but generally is shaped to provide a compact and optimal fluid flow towards the blower outlet  55  when coupled to the motor mounting plate  70 . The scroll may be formed from any material that is readily shaped, including, but not limited to, polymers, polymer-composites, metal, ceramic, or wood, or paper-based composite or laminate. Furthermore, the use of injection-molded or thermo-formed polymeric materials conveniently allows a variety of functional components to be included into the structure of the scroll  40 . For example, in some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  can include at least one fan cartridge locating rib  80 . The rib  80  provides centering and guidance when maneuvering the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  within a main housing  25  to form the ventilation assembly  10 . In some further embodiments, other useful features can be provided. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments the scroll  40  can include a fan cartridge snap retention feature  85 . The cartridge snap retention feature  85  is also shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 , showing the positional relationship with respect to the capacitor  35  and the motor power harness  65 . In some embodiments, the cartridge snap retention feature  85  may be integral with the scroll  40 , and can be used to secure the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  into a main housing  25  of a ventilation assembly  10 . In some other embodiments, the cartridge snap retention feature  85  is not integral to the scroll, but a separate component (not shown). In some embodiments, the cartridge snap retention feature  85  can be integral with the scroll  40 , however the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  may be coupled with the main housing  25  using alternative methods. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, other useful features may be integral with the scroll  40 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , a screw boss  90  may be formed. In some other embodiments, more than one screw boss  90  may be formed. The screw boss  90  provides an anchoring feature for a fastener (not shown) to secure the scroll  40  to the motor mounting plate. In some embodiments, a surface of the scroll  40  may provide an anchoring point for other components of the upgrade cartridge assembly  20 . For example, one or more screw holes (not shown) may provide an anchoring location for the motor capacitor  35 , while at least one side of the scroll may provide a mating surface for other components. As shown in  FIG. 3 , other surfaces of the scroll  40  may provide a convenient location for further fan cartridge locating ribs  80 . 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, one or more integral features of the scroll may provide an anchoring location for at least one component of the motor power harness  65 . For example, referring to  FIG. 4 , showing a side perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  according to one embodiment of the invention, the motor power harness  65  may be secured with at least one feature integral to the scroll. Also shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the motor power harness, secured to the scroll  40  can include at least one plug  67 . Referring again to  FIG. 5 , in some embodiments, the one or more wires of the motor power harness  65  can be secured to the scroll using a component integral to the scroll  40 . In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5 , holes may be integral to the scroll to provide a guide for at least one wire of the motor power harness  65 . In some embodiments, plastic tie-wrap may be used (as shown in  FIG. 5 ), in addition to other methods, however in other embodiments, other methods may be used, such as clips, wire, wrap, or adhesive, or the like. 
         [0044]    In other embodiments of the invention, other useful features can be integral to the scroll  40 . For example, the rear perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  in  FIG. 5  shows an anchor  100 , formed within the body of the scroll. In some embodiments, the scroll  40  can include at least one anchor  100 . In some embodiments, the anchor  100  can be used with a fastener (not shown), to anchor the upgrade cartridge assembly to the main housing  25 . As described above, in some embodiments the scroll  40  can include a fan cartridge snap retention feature  85  (also shown in  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, the cartridge snap retention feature  85  can be used to secure the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  into a main housing  25  of a ventilation assembly  10 . In some other embodiments, the cartridge snap retention feature  85  is not integral to the scroll, but a separate component (not shown). In some embodiments, the cartridge snap retention feature  85  can be integral with the scroll  40 , however the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  may be coupled with the main housing  25  using alternative methods, for example, using at least one anchor  100 . In some embodiments, the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  can be secured into the main housing  25  of a ventilation assembly  10  using at least one anchor  100 , and at least one fan cartridge snap retention feature  85 . 
         [0045]    In some further embodiments of the invention, other useful features can be formed integral to the scroll  40 . For example, as shown in the side-rear view of a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  in  FIG. 6   a  and  FIG. 6   b , the scroll features a grille spring holder  110  according to one embodiment of the invention. Referring to the exploded projection view in  FIG. 15 , in some embodiments, the grille spring holder  110  can be used with a spring  115  to conveniently secure a grille  117  to the ventilation assembly  10 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a ventilation assembly  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. As discussed earlier, one or more of the embodiments of the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  as shown in  FIG. 1-5  may be coupled with a main housing  25  to form a ventilation assembly  10 . For example, in  FIG. 7 , the ventilation assembly  10  is shown in perspective without the aforementioned grille  117 , (shown in  FIG. 15 ). A bottom perspective view is shown in  FIG. 8 , showing the bottom side of the main housing  25 . In some embodiments, the main housing  25  may be formed into any shape, included but limited to, a rectangular box-like shape, an oval shape, a hemispherical shape, a spherical shape, a pyramidal shape, or any other shape. In some embodiments the main housing is formed from a sheet metal, including, but not limited to an aluminum-based metal, a steel or iron-based metal, a zinc-based metal, or a nickel and tin-based metal. In some other embodiments, the main housing  25  may be formed from injection molded polymers, thermo-formed polymers, thermosetting polymers, or sheet metal, or any other suitable material. In some other embodiments, the housing may comprises a wood-based product, such as wood, or particle-board or wood laminate. In some embodiments, the main housing  25  can form a base or a similar support structure of the ventilation assembly  10 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, the main housing  25  can provide points and areas of attachment for the upgrade cartridge assembly  20 , or other components of the assembly  10 . 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly  10  can include a duct connector assembly  270 , comprising a first end  274  coupled with the main housing  25 , and the blower outlet  55  (not shown), and a second end  276 , forming a ventilation orifice  272 . In some embodiments, the duct connector assembly  270  is pre-installed in a building structure and the duct connector assembly is coupled with a ventilation duct of a building with the second end  276  of the duct connector assembly  270 . In some embodiments, the main housing  25  is firstly installed in an existing cavity or aperture of a structure such as a wall or ceiling. Subsequently the duct connector assembly  270  is installed by connecting a second end  276  with a ventilation duct of a building, and a first end  274  with an aperture in the main housing  25  (not shown). Installation is completed by securing a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  substantially in the main housing, positioning the blower outlet  55  adjacent to the first end  274  of the duct connector assembly  270  installed adjacent to an aperture of the main housing  25 . 
         [0048]    Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 7 , illustrating a top perspective view of a ventilation assembly  10  according to one embodiment of the invention, the duct connector assembly can comprise a damper flap  280 . In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly  10  can be operable to discharge fluid flow from a space to another location. For example, in some embodiments, when power is provided to the upgrade cartridge assembly  20 , a motor  30 , such as a permanent split capacitor motor  30 , can rotate a blower wheel  50  positioned substantially within a scroll  40 . Fluid flow is moved substantially towards the duct assembly, and the moveable damper flap  280  coupled with a ventilation orifice  272  will open, allowing fluid to be expelled from the ventilation assembly  10 . In some embodiments the damper flap  280  can control the backflow of a fluid into the ventilation orifice  272  and the upgrade cartridge assembly  20 , and further be capable of substantially controlling the flow of fluid from a space, such as a room, into the ventilation duct of a building, or structure, to an outside location. 
         [0049]    As discussed previously, some embodiments of the invention comprise a cartridge upgrade assembly that includes a motor mounting plate. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , a bottom perspective view of a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  shows a motor mounting plate  70  with the fan cartridge upgrade assembly  20  components mounted to the motor mounting plate  70 . In some embodiments, the scroll  40  includes at least one screw boss  90  which provides an anchoring feature for a fastener  73  to secure the scroll  40  to the motor mounting plate  70 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , a permanent split capacitor motor  30  is mounted on the opposite side of the motor mounting plate  70 , and the second end  62  of the main drive bolt can be seen at the base of the motor  30 . 
         [0050]    As described previously, it may be desirable to replace an exhaust fan within a building or structure. For example, an old exhaust fan may need to be replaced when broken, if the fan produces excessive vibration or noise during operation. It may be desirable to replace an old exhaust fan with one that is more powerful, or has one or more features or characteristics different than the existing exhaust fan. However, conventional exhaust fans can be relatively difficult and time consuming to remove and replace. By providing a ventilation assembly  10  that comprises a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  with certain attachment and detachment features, replacement or upgrade can be a faster and less complex task. For example, as discussed earlier, some embodiments of the invention include a scroll  40  with a fan cartridge snap retention feature  85  (see  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments of the invention, a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  is secured into a main housing  25  using at least one fan cartridge snap retention feature  85 . For example referring to  FIG. 10  showing a side perspective view of a ventilation assembly  10  according to one embodiment of the invention, the fan cartridge snap retention feature  85  can be seen engaged into an aperture in the main housing  25 . In some embodiments of the invention, one or more fan cartridge snap retention feature  85  can retain the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  in a main housing  25  without the use of additional tools or hardware. As discussed previously, the fan cartridge snap retention feature  85  can be an integral part of the scroll  40 , or may be a separate component.  FIG. 10   b  shows a close-up view of a side of a ventilation assembly  10  according to one embodiment of the invention, and the fan cartridge snap retention feature  85  can be seen exiting the main housing  25 .  FIG. 10   c  is a close-up top view of the ventilation assembly  10  according to one embodiment of the invention showing a fan cartridge snap retention feature  85  as an integral part of the scroll  40 , engaged with the main housing  25 . 
         [0051]    Some embodiments of the invention provide a ventilation exhaust fan comprising a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  having at least one permanent split capacitor motor, at least one permanent split capacitor electrically coupled to the motor, a motor harness including at least one plug, and a blower wheel coupled with a scroll, coupled with the motor to generate a flow of fluid out of the fluid outlet. In some embodiments, the motor  30  is electrically coupled to a motor power harness  65  that is electrically coupled to the capacitor  35 . In some embodiments, the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  can be installed within an intermediate space, outside of the room, area or space, and coupled with one or more ventilation duct assemblies to provide ventilation to the room, area or space. In some embodiments, the upgrade cartridge assembly  20 , can be installed as a new, or a replacement ventilation system, and in some embodiments, the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  can replace an existing upgrade cartridge assembly  20 . Furthermore, in some embodiments, the main housing  25  can provide points and areas of attachment for the upgrade cartridge assembly, or other components of the assembly  10 . In some embodiments, when the main housing  25  is installed, an electrical box enclosure  210  is positioned within the main housing to provide a source of electrical power to the capacitor  35  and motor  30 . In some embodiments, the electrical box enclosure  210  comprises an electrical box cover plate  200 , an electrical box anchoring tab  240  to secure the electrical box cover plate  200  to the electrical box enclosure  210 . The electrical box cover plate  200  can be seen in more detail in  FIG. 12 . As show, in some embodiments, electrical box attachment screw holes  230   a  and  230   b  are included and used with a fastener (not shown) to secure the electrical box cover plate  200  to the main housing  25 . Furthermore, electrical box anchors  220   a  and  220   b  can be used to anchor the electrical box enclosure  210  to the main housing  25 . In some embodiments the electrical box enclosure  210  includes a power receptacle  250 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, when the main housing  25  is installed, an electrical box enclosure  210  is positioned within the main housing and the internal wiring of the main housing (not shown) is coupled with a electrical power supply to supply electrical power to the power receptacle  250 . As described earlier, in some embodiments of the invention, an upgrade cartridge assembly  20  can include a motor power harness  65  that may be secured, with at least one feature integral to the scroll. Also shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the motor power harness, secured to the scroll  40  can include at least one plug  67 . 
         [0053]    In some embodiments of the invention, the main housing can be pre-installed by inserting into a cavity or aperture of a structure. In some embodiments, following assembly and installation of at least the main housing  25 , the installer can connect one or more terminals of the power receptacle  250  to an external source of electrical power. The electrical box enclosure  210  and the electrical box cover plate  200  can be fully assembled, and the power receptacle  250  can be coupled to the external power source. The installer can maneuver the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  in the main housing  25  and the plug  67  can be coupled with the power receptacle  250 . In some embodiments, the plug  67  can be coupled with the power receptacle  250 , and then the installer can maneuver the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  in the main housing  25 . In some embodiments, once the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  has been maneuvered into the main housing  25 , one or more cartridge snap retention features  85  can be used to secure the upgrade cartridge assembly  20  into a main housing  25  of a ventilation assembly  10 . In some other embodiments, the ventilation assembly  10  may be fully assembled and installed directly into a cavity or aperture of a structure. 
         [0054]    As discussed earlier, in some embodiments of the invention, the ventilation assembly  10  can include a duct connector assembly  270 , comprising a first end  274  coupled with the main housing  25 , and the blower outlet  55 , and a second end  276 , forming a ventilation orifice  272 . In some embodiments, the main housing  25  is firstly installed in an existing cavity or aperture of a structure such as a wall or ceiling. Subsequently, the duct connector assembly  270  is installed by connecting a second end  276  with a ventilation duct of a building, and a first end  274  with an aperture in the main housing  25  (not shown). Installation is completed by securing a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  substantially in the main housing, positioning the blower outlet  55  adjacent to the first end  274  of the duct connector assembly  270  installed adjacent to an aperture of the main housing  25 . In some embodiments, the duct connector assembly  270  is pre-installed in a building structure and not pre-installed in the main housing  25  of a ventilation assembly  10 . As shown in  FIG. 13   a  and  FIG. 13   b , in some embodiments, the duct connector assembly  270  can comprise damper flap  280  that is rotatable within the duct connector assembly  270 , and in some embodiments, can further include a duct snap mounting assembly  290 . In some embodiments, the ventilation assembly  10  may be fully assembled and include a duct connector assembly  270  including a duct snap mounting assembly  290 . As shown in  FIG. 14   a , one embodiment showing a close-up view of a duct connector  270  assembly installed in a main housing  25  viewed from within the main housing  25 , with the duct snap mounting assembly  290  forcibly securing the duct connector assembly  270  to the main housing  25 .  FIG. 14   b  and  FIG. 14   c  show the outside view of the fully assembled ventilation assembly  10 .  FIG. 14   b  is a close-up view of a duct connector assembly installed in a main housing according to one embodiment of the invention, and shows a duct connector tab  295  coupled with the main housing  25  when the duct connector assembly  270  is fully installed in the main housing  25 .  FIG. 14   c  is a close-up view of a duct connector assembly installed in a main housing according to one embodiment of the invention showing a portion of the duct snap mounting assembly  290  extending outside of an aperture in the main housing  25  as the assembly  290  forcibly secures the duct connector assembly  270  to the main housing  25 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 15  shows an exploded view of a ventilation assembly  10  according to one embodiment of the invention. Referring to the exploded projection view showing the grille spring holder  110 , (shown previously for example in the side-rear view of a upgrade cartridge assembly  20  in  FIG. 6   a  and  FIG. 6   b ), once the ventilation assembly installation has been completed, a spring  115  can be used to conveniently secure a grille  117  to the ventilation assembly  10 . In some other embodiments, the grille  117  may be secured to the ventilation assembly  10  with more than one spring  115  and more than one grille spring holder  110 . In some other embodiments, the grille  117  may be secured to the ventilation assembly  10  by some other component, such as a clip, a wire, a wrap, or adhesive, or the like. In some embodiments, the grille  117  can be formed from injection molded polymers, thermo-formed polymers, thermosetting polymers, or sheet metal, or any other suitable material. 
         [0056]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.