Patent Publication Number: US-2019168573-A1

Title: Vehicle Roof Fan

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional application from U.S. application Ser. No. 15/642,024, entitled “Vehicle Roof Fan” and filed on Jul. 5, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/449,400 filed on Jan. 23, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/464,872 filed on Feb. 28, 2017, which are all incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The invention relates generally to the field of heating and cooling devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Heaters or fans have been mounted within vehicles that do not have integrated heating and air conditioning systems in order to provide comfort to the user. Many vehicles, such as golf carts, off-road vehicles, boats, tractors, etc. do not include heating and air conditioning capabilities. 
     In addition, the inclusion of heaters and air conditioning devices draws additional power from the vehicle battery in order to operate. Electric vehicles that operate on a limited battery charge, such as golf carts, must be recharged when the battery charge level falls below a minimum charge. When electric heaters or air conditioners draw power from the vehicle battery for operation, the charge of the battery drops faster and requires the battery to be charged more frequently. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides an apparatus for improved heating and/or air conditioning a vehicle. The apparatus may be used in vehicles including but not limited to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, snow mobiles, tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, electric vehicles, etc. While the apparatus is discussed in the context of vehicles, embodiments of the apparatus may also be used in other apparatuses and environments. 
     Embodiments of the apparatus provide a housing that includes a plurality of fans and openings for intake and output of air. Some embodiments of the housing are configured to mount in the roof of a vehicle with air intake from above the roof of the vehicle and air output within the vehicle. During operation, the fans cause air to flow through the housing from the upper portion of the housing to the outlet of the housing. Embodiments of the apparatus include power management features to control operation of one or more of the plurality of fans independent of other fans. 
     Embodiments of the housing may include multiple housing structure components that comprise the housing. For example, the housing may comprise an upper housing structure and a lower housing structure that define an open compartment within the housing. Some embodiments include a plurality of fans mounted within the compartment. In some embodiments, the lower housing component is attached from the bottom of an opening in a roof and the upper housing is attached from the top of an opening in the roof. The housing components may include a flange that extends beyond the opening in the roof and creates a seal to prevent leaking into the vehicle when attached. 
     Some embodiments of the housing may include three component parts, such as an upper housing structure, lower housing structure and a central housing structure. In some embodiments, the housing may include a rain shield to limit the likelihood of rain entering the housing. In some embodiments, the rain shield extends outward from the housing with a raised section to direct rain away from the air intake. 
     Embodiments of the housing may be configured with an air intake opening in the upper portion of the housing which is covered by an overhang of the top portion of the housing. The overhang may be designed to limit rain and/or other items from entering the compartment within the housing where the fans are located. 
     Embodiments may include one or more output vents. Each vent may be operable to direct the air from a fan toward specific locations in the vehicle. In some embodiments, each vent may be adjustable to alter the direction of airflow out of the apparatus. 
     Embodiments of the apparatus include one or more controls for the fans. In some embodiments, one or more fans may be controlled by a single user interface component, such as a switch, knob, button or other control interface. In some embodiments, the control feature allows speed control or other feature control of the fan(s). 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus is powered by a vehicle battery. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a power source. Some embodiments may include a solar panel built into the top of the apparatus to provide power to the fans and any incorporated control electronics. Embodiments may also include power storage devices, such as batteries. In some embodiments including a solar panel or other power source, the power stored and/or generated in the apparatus may be the sole power for the apparatus or supplemental power in addition to a vehicle battery or other external power source. 
     Embodiments of the apparatus also include power management features. In some embodiments, the power management features may include one or more user detection systems to identify if a user is present. For example, the user detection system may utilize an optical sensor to determine whether the driver is present. In some embodiments, the system may include a plurality of user detection elements, with each associated with one or more locations in the vehicle. Each user detection system may operate to control the operation of a fan associated with the same location the user detection system monitors, whereby the user detection system turns the fan on when the user is present and turns the fan off when the user is not present. 
     Embodiments of the power management features may include battery monitoring and device shut-off features. For example, the control circuit may shut off the apparatus and/or features thereof when the battery charge level reaches a minimum threshold level. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to operate on a single fan. Embodiments may include multiple output vents. Each vent may be operable to direct the air from a fan toward specific locations in the vehicle. In some embodiments, each vent may be adjustable to alter the direction of airflow out of the apparatus. 
     Embodiments of the apparatus may also include a heater component and/or an air conditioning unit. The heater component and/or air conditioning unit may be located between the fan output and one or more vents to the users. In some embodiments, a heater component may include one or more positive thermal coefficient (PTC) heaters, electric coils and/or other heaters. In some embodiments, the air conditioning unit may include a water pump, a cool misting component and/or other air conditioning units. In some embodiments, the heating and cooling features are integrated in the same device. The heating and/or the cooling features may be located in a supporting component in some embodiments. 
     Some embodiments of the apparatus may include one or more lights. The lights may be located in the bottom housing of the apparatus. In such embodiments, the lights may be configured to provide light toward specific locations. Embodiments may include a light array configured to provide light to the driver and passenger seats of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the light array may be controlled by a control on the apparatus. In some embodiments, one or more lights may act as a control whereby the light may be pressed to actuate a control signal to turn on/off one or more of the lights. In some embodiments, lights are located in multiple portions of the apparatus housing. 
     Some embodiments of the apparatus may include an electronics port to facilitate connecting external components to the apparatus. Some embodiments may include speakers to play music and audio. Embodiments of the apparatus may incorporate a modular system having one or more ports to receive module components. For example, a plurality of optional module components—e.g. light modules, speaker modules, electronic port modules, etc.—may be configured to fit into the same port. 
     Some embodiments of the apparatus may include a wireless module to communicate with a remote device. Such a remote device may be configured to control the apparatus and/or monitor operational characteristics of the apparatus and/or vehicle. In some embodiments, the remote device may be a phone, tablet, watch or portable computing device. The remote device may control fans, air conditioning components, lights, speakers and/or other features in the apparatus. The remote device may also allow a user to monitor the mode of operation for the fans, the status of presence indicators, temperature output, ambient temperature, vehicle battery charge and/or other data. 
     A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with references to the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly; 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly with closed vents; 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly with open vents; 
       FIG. 4  is a top view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly without a top; 
       FIG. 5  is a side cross-section view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly; 
       FIG. 6  is a front cross-section view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly; 
       FIG. 8  is a front cross-section view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly with a sectioning wall; 
       FIG. 9  is a front cross-section view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly with a sectioning wall and a heater and/or air conditioning feature; 
       FIG. 10  is a top view of another embodiment of a roof fan assembly without a top; 
       FIG. 11  is a side cross-section view of another embodiment of a roof fan assembly; 
       FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly with a solar panel; 
       FIG. 13  is a side cross-section view of a vehicle roof with an embodiment of a roof fan assembly installed; and 
       FIG. 14  is a bottom view of an embodiment of a roof fan assembly with lights; 
       FIG. 15  is a bottom view of another embodiment of a roof fan assembly; 
       FIG. 16  is a side cross-section view of another embodiment of a roof fan assembly; and 
       FIG. 17  is a bottom view of another embodiment of a roof fan assembly. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. As used herein, air conditioning may refer to conditioning of the air by heating, cooling, modifying speed of the airflow and/or other conditioning. 
       FIGS. 1-7  show a fan assembly  100  for installation in a vehicle roof.  FIG. 1  illustrates the fan assembly  100  from a top-forward perspective view and  FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate the fan assembly  100  from a bottom view.  FIG. 4  shows a top view of the fan assembly  100 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  show cross-section views of the fan assembly from a side and the front respectively. Finally,  FIG. 7  further shows an exploded view of the fan assembly  100 . 
     The fan assembly  100  shown includes a housing comprising an upper housing structure  102 , a lower housing structure  104  and a central housing structure  108 . In this embodiment, the lower housing structure  104  includes a flange  110  on the exterior lower portion of the lower housing structure  104 . The central housing structure  108  in this embodiment also includes a flange  150  (shown in  FIG. 4 ) and a rain shield  126  that is a raised structure configured to be in the forward or leading portion of the fan assembly  100  when installed in a vehicle. In some embodiments, the rain shield  126  may extend all around the fan assembly  100 . In other embodiments, the rain shield  126  may extend only partially around the fan assembly  100 . The rain shield  126  is configured to direct rain, dirt or other material away from the air intake of the fan assembly  100 . 
     In this embodiment, the fan assembly  100  is configured to fit in a vehicle roof. When installed, the vehicle roof is fitted between the central housing structure  108  and the flange  110  of the lower housing structure  104  in gap  106 . During installation, the lower housing structure  104 , central housing structure  108  and/or upper housing structure  102  may be connected to each other and/or the vehicle roof in order to attach the fan assembly  100  to the vehicle roof. In some embodiments, the housing components are connected in a manner to create pressure on the roof to hold the fan assembly  100  in place. For example, the lower housing structure  104  may push up through an opening in the vehicle roof and be fitted to a lower portion of the central housing structure  108 . In addition, the upper housing structure  102  may fit over the top of the central housing structure  108 . Once the housing structures are fitted together, one or more connectors, such as bolts, may pass through the housing components and be used to compress the vertical axis of the fan assembly  100  causing the fan assembly  100  to connect to the vehicle roof by compressive force between the top of flange  110  and the bottom of the sealing ring  144  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and the flange  150  of the central housing structure  108 . 
     In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  is directly connected to the vehicle roof. For example, the housing components may be mounted directly to the roof using connectors, such as screws, bolts, clamps or other connectors. In some embodiments, one or more connectors may be replaced or bolstered with additional attachment features, such as adhesives and/or connectors built into the housing structure (e.g. threads, detents, clips, etc.). In this embodiment, the fan assembly  100  includes a sealing ring  144  beneath the flange  150  of the central housing structure  108 . When the fan assembly  100  is installed, the sealing ring  144  creates a seal with the top of a vehicle roof. Embodiments may also include additional seals between the housing components and/or the vehicle roof to prevent leaks. For example, the fan assembly  100  may include rubber gaskets between the housing components and the roof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the lower housing structure  104  in this embodiment includes openings for four vents  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118 , two optical sensors  120  and  122  and a control switch  124  (shown in  FIG. 7  as comprising a knob  140  and a rotatable control  142 ). In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  includes fewer or more of these components. For example, an embodiment of the fan assembly  100  may include four optical sensors and two control switches. In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  may include alternative arrangements of one or more of each of these components. Some embodiments may include alternative or different components than those shown. For example, the control switch  124  may be replaced with a digital control. 
     In some embodiments, each of the vents  112 ,  114 ,  116  and  118  may be independently adjustable to manage the airflow from the fan assembly. For example, one or more of the vents  112 - 118  may be closed as shown in  FIG. 2  with the fins or louvers  128  in a closed position and/or one or more of the vents  112 - 118  may be open as shown in  FIG. 3  with the fins or louvers  128  in an open position. In addition, the vents  112 - 118  may be rotatable to further adjust the direction of airflow from the fan assembly  100 . In some embodiments, the vents  112 - 118  and fins  128  may be manually operable. In other embodiments, one or more features of the vents  112 - 118  and fins  128  may be mechanically controlled. 
     In this embodiment, each of the optical sensors  120  and  122  are configured to determine whether or not a person is within a certain distance of the fan assembly  100 . In some embodiments, the optical sensors  120  and  122  operate as a power management feature by shutting off the device when a user is not present and restarting the device when the user returns. In some embodiments, each of optical sensors  120  and  122  may control features of the fan assembly  100 . For example, one optical sensor  120  may be directed to the driver seat of an electric vehicle and control one or more fans providing air to the driver seat. In addition, another optical sensor  122  may be directed to a passenger seat of an electric vehicle and control one or more fans providing air to the passenger seat. In some embodiments, optical sensors may have alternative designs and/or be located in alternative locations. Alternative means of detecting the presence of a user may be integrated in some embodiments in addition to or instead of the optical sensors  120  and  122 . 
     The control switch  124  operates as the user interface control in this embodiment, and is configured to turn the device on and select the state of operation. For example, the control switch  124  may select from four distinct operations including off, low speed, medium speed and high speed. The number and type of operations may vary depending on the fan assembly  100 . For example, the control switch  124  may also be used to select operation of a heater and/or cooling feature of the fan assembly  100  in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the control switch  124  may include relative options similar to a dimmer switch to select a desired output within a range. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that alternative control/user interface options may be implemented in the place of control switch  124 , including additional analog controls, digital controls, buttons, knobs, switches and/or other controls or combinations of different types of controls. In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  may incorporate elements (such as near field wireless communication elements) to facilitate remote control features for managing operation of the fan assembly  100 . In such designs, a person&#39;s phone or other wireless device may be used to operate the fan assembly  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  may include a visual output, such as an LED, display, light array, etc., to indicate the status of the device. During operation, the output of the visual output may change to reflect a different operational state of the device. For example, when the device is powered and turned off, the visual output may provide a steady red light. The visual output may provide a green light when the control switch  124  is turned to a first setting. The visual output may provide an orange light when the control switch  124  is turned to a second setting. The visual output may provide a blinking light when the control switch  124  is turned to a third setting. Other embodiments may utilize alternative indications for various states of operation that include blinking patterns, a variety of colors and/or other outputs. Other embodiments may include additional and/or alternative visual outputs to indicate the status of the device. For example, a display may be included to visually show the current operational state of the device. For another example, an array of lights/LEDs may be used wherein each light/LED may indicate different alternative states of operation. In some embodiments, other outputs may be used with or instead of the visual output, such as audible outputs, mechanical outputs and/or other outputs. 
     The housing components define a compartment in which a fan array  130  is mounted in this embodiment. The fan array  130  shown includes four fans  132 ,  134 ,  136  and  138 . In some embodiments, the fans  132 - 138  may be collectively controlled through the control switch  124  and the optical sensors  120  and  122 . Each of the fans  132 - 138  may be independently controlled through the control switch  124  and the optical sensors  120  and  122  in other embodiments. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the fans  132 - 138  may be collectively or independently controlled. In some embodiments, certain controls may apply to all fans  132 - 138  while other controls may apply to less than all fans  132 - 138 . 
     In some embodiments, alternatives to fan array  130  may be included in the internal compartment of the housing components. For example, the fan array  130  may be replaced with a single fan. For another example, the fan array  130  may include more than four fans  132 - 138 . In some embodiments, alternative fan designs may be included. 
     In the embodiment shown, the fan array  130  is located in an upper portion of the internal compartment within the housing components. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the fan array  130  is mounted between the central housing structure  108  and the upper housing structure  102 . The fans  132 - 138  are configured in the fan array  130  to move air through air intake openings and downward toward the vents  112 - 118 . 
     In this embodiment, the air intake openings are open areas between the upper housing structure  102  and the central housing structure  108 . In some embodiments, air intake openings may include holes through one or more of the housing components. In this embodiment, the edge of the upper housing structure  102  extends beyond the connection with the central housing structure  108  and drops below the air intake openings. This configuration forces air to pass below the outer edge of the upper housing structure  102  and then lift upward under the upper housing structure  102  to enter the air intake openings. This airflow requirement helps to limit rain and/or other debris from entering the open compartment within the housing of the fan assembly  100 . In addition, air must pass over the rain shield  126  on the front of the fan assembly  100  further limiting the likelihood of rain and/or debris entering the internal compartment of the fan assembly  100  from the front. 
     The embodiment shown includes additional space in the internal compartment below the fan array  130  and above the control switch  124  and vents  112 - 118 . In some embodiments, this additional space may include additional components, such as a heater, a cooler, additional fans, additional control electronics, a power supply, air ducts, air vanes, sectioning walls and/or other components. In some embodiments, the additional space may allow variability in the gap  106  designed to fit a vehicle roof. 
       FIG. 7  shows an exploded view of the fan assembly  100  illustrating additional detail of the fan assembly  100 . In this embodiment, the fan array  130  comprises a frame having an upper frame element  146  and a lower frame element  148  that each have four openings. The frame elements  146  and  148  are located on opposite ends of the fans  132 - 138  and hold the fans  132 - 138  in place when the fan assembly  100  is assembled. 
     As discussed above, the control switch  124  comprises a knob  140  and a rotatable control  142 , such as a potentiometer, in this embodiment. As the knob  140  rotates, the rotatable control  142  causes a control module for the fan assembly  100  to modify the operation of the fan assembly  100 . In some embodiments, the rotatable control  142  may be correlated to certain selectable settings along the rotation. Other versions of the fan assembly  100  may use an alternative user interface that includes alternative components and/or elements to those shown. In addition, the control switch  124  and optical sensors  120  and  122  may include the control module, such as an integrated circuit, relay or other control mechanism, to facilitate operation of the fan assembly  100  based on control signals from the control switch  124  and the presence of a user as detected by the optical sensors  120 - 122 . In some embodiments, the control module is located in the rotatable control  142 . Other embodiments may include the control module integrated with other electronic components, such as the optical sensors  120  and  122 , the fan array  130  and/or another electronic component. In some embodiments, the control module may be a separate electronic component operably associated with the fans  132 - 138 , the optical sensors  120  and  122 , the control switch  124  and/or additional components. 
     While the following discussion of the operation of the fan assembly  100  is in the context of application in a golf cart, the fan assembly  100  may be used in other contexts/environments as discussed above and the description of the operation is applicable to other contexts as will be understood by one skilled in the art. An installer may install the fan assembly  100  in the golf cart. The installer may securely fit the lower housing structure  104  upward through a hole in the roof of a golf cart and the central and upper housing structures  102  and  108  to the top side of the roof of the golf cart corresponding to the lower housing structure  104  in order to form the fan assembly  100 . The installer may use one or more connectors to attach the fan assembly  100  to the roof of the golf cart with the rain shield  126  oriented to the front of the golf cart. In some embodiments, the user will assemble the fan assembly  100  by connecting the central and upper housing structures  102  and  108  prior to installation. In other embodiments, the user may place or install the housing components in other orders to achieve the final fan assembly  100 . As part of the installation, an installer may connect the fan assembly  100  to a power source, such as the golf cart battery. Connection of the fan assembly  100  to a battery may not be required for some embodiments of the fan assembly  100  that include a power source. 
     After installation of the fan assembly  100 , the user may turn on the fan assembly  100  using the control switch  124 . For example, the user may turn the control switch  124  to one of a plurality of settings, such as low fan, high fan and/or another setting. When the fan assembly  100  is turned on, the electronic components are initiated including the optical sensors  120  and  122  and one or more fans  132 - 138  associated with the control switch  124 . In some embodiments, the control switch  124  operates a control module to manage operation of each of the fans  132 - 138  and/or other elements based upon the selected setting. In embodiments having multiple control switches  124 , each control switch  124  may separately control a different fan or group of fans  132 - 138 . 
     During operation, the fans  132 - 138  blow air through the fan assembly  100  and out the vents  112 - 118 . The user may adjust the control switch  124  to change settings. One skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments with alternative control mechanisms (e.g. buttons, switches, touch screen controls, etc.) and/or components may facilitate different operations and/or settings options. 
     As discussed above, the user may also move the adjustable vents  112 - 118  to direct air at a desired location. For example, the user may rotate and angle the adjustable vents  112  and  116  to direct air towards the driver. Alternatively, the user may angle the adjustable vents  114  and  118  to direct air towards the passenger. As another alternative, the user may close the adjustable vents  112  to direct more air out through the vents  114 - 118 . 
     In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  includes power management features to minimize power consumption while providing airflow to the user. The optical sensors  120  and  122  may facilitate power management features by limiting the operation of one or more of fans  132 - 138  based upon the presence of a user. For example, the optical sensor  120  may be associated with fans  132  and  136  and directed to the driver seat. In such an embodiment, optical sensor  120  may provide data to a control module to allow the control module to limit operation of the fans  132  and  136  based upon the presence of a user in the driver seat. Similarly, the optical sensor  122  may be associated with fans  134  and  138  and directed to the passenger seat. In such an embodiment, optical sensor  122  may provide data to a control module to allow the control module to limit operation of the fans  134  and  138  based upon the presence of a user in the passenger seat. 
     During operation, the optical sensors  120  and  122  operate to determine whether a person is within a given distance. For example, the optical sensors  120  and  122  may use a light output and a light sensor to determine a range to the nearest object in the directed line (or lines) of sight. If the range is above a threshold distance based on the expected distance to a user, one or both of the optical sensors  120  and  122  (or a separate control module in some embodiments) may determine that a person is not present and shut-off one or more fans  132 - 138  to limit power consumption while the user is not present. The optical sensors  120  and  122  may continue to detect the relevant distance to the nearest object and may control one or more of fans  132 - 138  to resume the operation associated with the user&#39;s prior setting selection when the range detected by the optical sensors  120  and  122  indicates a person is present again. 
     In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  may include an initializing mode wherein each of the optical sensors  120  and  122  may be used to determine a distance to a set object, such as a seat in a vehicle, and an operational mode that uses the distance determined in the initializing mode as a threshold distance. The fan assembly  100  may determine the presence of a person when the distance indicated by one of the optical sensors  120  and  122  is sufficiently less than the threshold distance for the optical sensor  120  and/or  122 . The distance may be sufficiently less when the difference is more than a standard deviation that could represent error in the distance calculation. Alternatively, the fan assembly  100  may include a set requirement for the difference that is indicative of a person sitting in the seat. One skilled in the art will recognize that other presence detectors may be used with or instead of the optical sensors  120  and  122  to facilitate power management based on the presence of a user. 
     In some embodiments, the optical sensors  120  and  122  will detect the applicable distance multiple times in order to verify the accuracy of the detected distance and limit the likelihood of turning one or more features of the fan assembly  100  on or off based on an errant distance reading, an anomaly and/or another temporary change (e.g. a person reaches across the optical sensor  120  momentarily without getting in the vehicle). For example, the optical sensors  120  and  122  may confirm the current distance every few seconds until a new distance is detected. Upon detecting the new distance, one or both of the optical sensors  120  and  122  may increase the rate of distance readings to confirm that the new distance is accurate and indicates the presence of a person has changed. 
     In some embodiments, the optical sensors  120  and  122  operate solely as the optical output and input and sends the detected data to a control module for processing the distance and further action by the fan assembly  100 , if applicable. In some embodiments, the optical sensors  120  and  122  include internal processing features for determining one or more results. For example, one of the optical sensors  120  and  122  may receive the detected data, calculate the distance and send the distance result to a control module in the fan array  130 . For another example, one of the optical sensors  120  and  122  may receive the detected data, calculate the distance and determine whether a change in distance has occurred. In such an embodiment, the optical sensor  120  or  122  may only send a signal to the fans  132 - 138  or a control module when the distance has changed. One skilled in the art will recognize that various embodiments may include one or more features of the processing in the optical sensors  120  and  122  and/or a control module. 
       FIG. 8  shows an alternative embodiment of the fan assembly  100  including a separation wall  154  in the internal compartment of the housing. In this embodiment, the separation wall  154  is below the fan array  130  and above the control switch  124 . In the embodiment shown, the separation wall  154  extends from the front to the back of the fan assembly  100 . The separation wall  154  is also configured to be located between the outputs of fans  132  and  136  on one side and fans  134  and  138  on the other side. In some embodiments, the separation wall  154  may be located in different locations within the internal compartment. 
     The separation wall  154  directs the flow of air from fans  132  and  136  to the vents  112  and  116  directly below the fans  132  and  136 , and directs the flow of air from fans  134  and  138  to the vents  114  and  118  directly below the fans  134  and  138 . In this embodiment, the separation wall  154  extends partially upward from the top of the control switch  124  toward the fan array  130 . This design leaves room in the internal compartment for additional components, such as a heater, cooler and/or other component. In some embodiments, the separation wall  154  may extend to the bottom of the fan array  130 . 
     Some embodiments of the fan assembly  100  may include a plurality of separation walls  154  configured to individually direct air between a specific fan  132 - 138  and a specific vent  112 - 118 . For example, in addition to the separation wall  154  extending from the front to the back of the fan assembly  100 , another separation wall  154  may extend from one side to the other side of the fan assembly  100  between fans  136  and  138  on the front side and fans  132  and  134  on the back side of the second separation wall  154 . Embodiments of the fan assembly  100  may include additional separation walls  154  located on the outside of each fan  132 - 138  to further contain and direct the airflow from a specific fan  132 - 138  to a vent  112 - 118 . In some embodiments, the fan assembly may include ducts, vanes, fins and/or other structures to direct the airflow from a specific fan  132 - 138  to a specific vent  112 - 118 , in addition to one or more separation walls  154 . In some embodiments, the airflow from one fan  132 - 138  may be directed to one or more vents  112 - 118 . Alternatively, the airflow from multiple fans  132 - 138  may be directed to a single vent  112 - 118 . 
     The inclusion of one or more separation walls  154  (or alternative features to direct airflow) improves individualized control of airflow to specific locations within a vehicle. For example, turning an individual fan  132 - 138  on or off based upon a user selection through a control switch  124  and/or power management features, such as the optical sensors  120  and  122 , will control the airflow from the vent  112 - 118  associated with the individual fan  132 - 138 . 
       FIG. 9  shows another alternative embodiment of the fan assembly  100  including a separation wall  154  and an optional air conditioning component  156  in the internal compartment of the housing. The air conditioning component  156  is configured to modify the air from the fans  132 - 138  prior to the air exiting the vents  112 - 118 . As discussed above, the air conditioning component  156  may be a heater, a cooling component, a mister, and/or another air conditioning element. In some embodiments, the air conditioning component  156  may comprise a plurality of PTC heaters configured to heat air from the fans  132 - 138  which then flows out of the vents  112 - 118  to provide heated air to the user. In some embodiments, the air conditioning component  156  may comprise a cooling system configured to cool air from the fans  132 - 138  which then flows out of the vents  112 - 118  to provide cooled air to the user. Embodiments of the air conditioning component  156  may comprise a water misting system configured to provide a mist in the air from the fans  132 - 138  which then flows out of the vents  112 - 118  to provide the mist to the user. Embodiments of the air conditioning component  156  may comprise a heater core and a cooling system configured to either heat or cool the air from the fans  132 - 138  depending on the user settings. When a user turns the control switch  124  to a heat setting, the heater core operates to heat the air. When a user turns the control switch  124  to a cooling setting, the cooling system operates to cool the air. 
     In some embodiments, the air conditioning component  156  may comprise a plurality of air conditioning components  156  each associated with the output of one of the fans  132 - 138 . In addition, each of the plurality of air conditioning components  156  may be independently controlled using the control switch  124 , the optical sensors  120  and  122  and/or a control module. 
     During operation of the fan assembly  100  including the air conditioning component  156 , the user may turn on the fan assembly  100  using the control switch  124 . For example, the user may turn the control switch  124  to one of a plurality of settings, such as low fan, high fan, low heat, high heat, low cool, high cool, mist and/or another setting. When the fan assembly  100  is turned on, the electronic components are initiated including the optical sensors  120  and  122 , one or more fans  132 - 138  and/or air conditioning component  156  associated with the control switch  124 . In some embodiments, the control switch  124  operates a control module to manage operation of each of the fans  132 - 138 , the air conditioning component  156  and/or other elements based upon the selected setting. For example, the control module may turn one or more of the fans  132 - 138  to a first speed when the low fan setting is selected and to a second, higher speed when the high fan setting is selected. When the low heat setting is selected, the control module may turn on one or more of the fans  132 - 138  at a select speed and turn heater components to a low setting. For example, the module may turn some but not all PTC heaters in a PTC array. When the high heat setting is selected, the control module may turn on one or more of the fans  132 - 138  at another select speed and turn on a heater at a high setting. For example, the module may turn on all of the PTC heaters in the PTC array. Similarly, when a cooling setting is selected, the control module may turn on one or more of the fans  132 - 138  and a cooling element. The low and high cooling settings may be based upon the operation of the cooling element and/or the fan speed. 
     In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  includes power management features to minimize power consumption while providing heating and cooling to the user. As discussed above, the optical sensors  120  and  122  may be used to limit the operation of one or more fans  132 - 138  based upon the presence of one or more users. In addition, some features may be limited in operation based upon other factors. For example, the air conditioning component  156  may only operate on a high heat or cooling level for a limited time. In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  may include one or more features to monitor the charge of an attached battery and modify operation of the fan assembly  100  based upon the battery charge level. For example, the fan assembly  100  may receive or detect the charge level for the battery in an electric vehicle. If the battery charge level drops below a threshold charge level, the fan assembly  100  may automatically turn off. The threshold charge level may be preset by a manufacturer, selected by a user and/or determined by the fan assembly  100  based upon various factors, such as the type of battery, type of environment, battery usage rates and/or other factors. For example, when the fan assembly  100  is installed in a golf cart, the threshold level may be based upon the necessary battery level to ensure that the golf cart can be driven back to the clubhouse. 
     As shown in these figures, the fan assembly  100  is generally circular in shape. In some embodiments, the fan assembly  100  may be a different shape, such as an oval, a rectangle, a hexagon or any other shape. In some embodiments, the shape may be extended to facilitate individualized air control for vehicles with different passenger arrangement options. For example, an embodiment of the fan assembly  100  may be designed in an elongated elliptical shape with a set of forward fans  132 - 138  and vents  112 - 118  for a driver and passengers in a front seat and as set of rear fans  132 - 138  and vents  112 - 118  for a passengers in a back seat. Such embodiments may include separate control switches  124  and optical sensors  120  and  122  associated with the various potential passenger locations. 
     Some embodiments of the fan assembly  100  may be configured to mount within the vehicle. For example, the upper housing  102  may be mounted to the bottom surface of the vehicle roof with the air intake underneath the roof. In such an embodiment, the fan assembly  100  may pull air into the upper portion of the fan assembly  100  under the bottom surface of the roof and blow air toward one or more users below the fan assembly  100 . In such embodiments, the upper surface of the fan assembly  100  may be flat and/or contoured to match the bottom surface of the roof. In addition, the housing may not include a rain shield  126 . 
       FIG. 10  shows fan assembly  200  from a top view without an upper housing structure. Aspects of the fan assembly  200  may be the same as the fan assembly  100  discussed above. In this embodiment, the fan assembly  200  shows the central housing structure  210  with a rain shield  208 . Instead of a fan array  130 , this embodiment uses a fan  202  located in the internal compartment defined by the housing components. Embodiments of the fan assembly  200  may include a plurality of outlet vents, such as vents  204  and  206  seen through the fan  202 . Other embodiments may only use one vent. 
     In addition, the fan assembly  200  may include one or more user interface components (e.g. control switch  124  above) and/or sensors (e.g. optical sensors  120  and  122  above). In some embodiments, the fan assembly  200  includes two optical sensors directed at different potential user locations. When the control switch is turned to an on setting, the optical sensors may be used to manage power consumption by turning the fan  202  off when both optical sensors indicate no user is present and turn the fan  202  on when either optical sensor indicates a person is present. In some embodiments, the speed of the fan may vary depending on whether both optical sensors detect users are present or only one of the optical sensors detects a user is present. 
       FIG. 11  shows a cross-section of fan assembly  300  from a side view. Aspects of the fan assembly  300  may be the same as the fan assemblies  100  and  200  discussed above. Similar to the housing structures described above, the fan assembly  300  shows an upper housing structure  302 , a central housing structure  308  and a lower housing structure  310 . Instead of a fan array  130  or fan  202 , this embodiment includes an open compartment  320  located in the upper portion of the internal compartment defined by the housing components. In some embodiments, the open compartment  320  may be configured to accommodate one or more fans or air conditioning structures. Embodiments of the compartment  320  may facilitate replaceable components wherein a series of fans, fan arrays, air conditioners and/or other components may be configured to fit the structure of the compartment  320 . Embodiments of the fan assembly  300  may include a plurality of outlet vents, such as vents  304  and  306 , optical sensors  314  and  316 , control switches  312  and/or other components. 
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a fan assembly  400 . Aspects of the fan assembly  400  are similar to fan assemblies  100 ,  200  and  300 . The fan assembly  400  includes an upper housing structure  402 , a central housing structure  418  (including a rain shield  408 ) and a lower housing structure  404  (including a flange  412 ). In this embodiment, the upper housing structure  402  includes a solar panel  410  to provide power to the fan assembly  400 . As discussed further above, the solar panel  410  may generate power directly for the control of electronic components within the fan assembly  400 , such as fans, optical sensors, control modules, air conditioning components and/or other electronics. In some embodiments, the solar panel  410  provides power to a storage component, such as a battery within the fan assembly and/or a vehicle battery associated with the fan assembly  400 . 
       FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of a fan assembly  500  mounted in a cross-section of a vehicle roof  518  from the back. Fan assembly  500  is similar to the fan assemblies discussed above. The fan assembly  500  includes a plurality of housing components, including upper housing structure  502 , central housing structure  508  and lower housing structure  504 . The vents  510  and  512  and control switch  514  are also shown in this embodiment. In the embodiment shown, the lower housing structure  504  includes raised portions configured to fit the bottom surface of the roof  518 . The design of the housing components may be configured to fit specific design elements, such as ribs, channels, textures and/or other design elements of the roof  518 . Configuring the housing components to fit specific roof designs may facilitate improved seals between the fan assembly  500  and the roof  518 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a bottom view of a fan assembly  600 . The fan assembly  600  is an alternative embodiment of the fan assembly  100  discussed above and incorporates many of the same elements as the fan assembly  100 . In addition to the common elements, the fan assembly  600  includes a plurality of lights including a first light  602 , a second light  604  and four auxiliary lights  606 . Some embodiments of the fan assembly  600  may include any one or more of the lights  602 ,  604  and  606 . In some embodiments, the location of any of the lights  602 ,  604  and  606  may be moved to different locations in the lower housing structure  104 . One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the arrangement, configuration, shape, size and/or other characteristics of lights  602 ,  604  and  606  shown in this embodiment may vary and remain within the scope of the disclosure. 
     In this embodiment, the first light  602  is located near the front of the fan assembly  600  and the second light  604  is located proximate to the back of the fan assembly  600 . The first light  602  may be configured to provide light in the front of a vehicle and the second light  604  may be configured to provide light in the rear of a vehicle. The auxiliary lights  606  are each located adjacent to one of the vents  112 - 118  in this embodiment. During operation, each of auxiliary lights  606  may be configured to direct light to the same location with which the adjacent vent  112 ,  114 ,  116  or  118  is associated. 
     In some embodiments, the lights  602 ,  604  and  606  may comprise an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a lens. Some embodiments may include one or more types of LEDs to provide multiple options for lighting. For example, some embodiments may include a series of white LEDs and another series of red LEDs. In other embodiments, alternative types of lights may be used for the lights  602 ,  604  and  606 . Some embodiments of the apparatus may include multiple types of lighting among lights  602 ,  604  and  606 . 
     In some embodiments, each light  602 ,  604  and  606  may also operate as a control interface. For example, a user may press on the surface of the lens of first light  602  to actuate a control switch for the light  602  which operates to turn the light  602  on or off. In some embodiments, the control interface may allow selection of alternative operations, such as color, luminosity, blinking, etc. For example, the user may press on the surface of the lens of second light  604  once to turn the light  604  on. The user may then press the surface again to increase the luminosity of the second light  604 . The user may press the surface a third time to cause the second light  604  to blink. Finally, the user may press the surface again to turn off the second light  604 . In other embodiments, the functions and control pattern may vary. In addition, the control may be further effected by other factors, such as the side of the lens pressed, how long a user holds the lens in a depressed state and/or other factors. 
     In some embodiments, each of the auxiliary lights  606  may be independently controlled and operable. For example, each auxiliary light  606  may be associated with a control to turn the specific light  606  on or off. In other embodiments, two or more of the auxiliary lights  606  may be controlled collectively. For example, a first button may be used to control the forward two auxiliary lights  606  and a second button may be used to control the back two auxiliary lights  606 . In some embodiments, one or more of the auxiliary lights  606  may be controlled in conjunction with the control of the first light  602  and/or the second light  604 . For example, the user may press on the surface of the lens of the first light  602  once to turn the light  602  on. The user may then press the surface again to also turn on the forward two auxiliary lights  606 . Finally, the user may press the surface again to turn off the first light  602  and the forward two auxiliary lights  606 . 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the lights  602 ,  604  and  606  may be controlled by one or more monitoring features. For example, the two auxiliary lights  606  adjacent to optical sensor  120  may be controlled by optical sensor  120  to turn on when a user is present. For another example, the auxiliary lights  606  may turn on based upon a photoelectric or other light sensor. 
     The lights  602 ,  604  and  606  may be configured to allow a user to adjust the direction of the light and/or the focal point of the light in some embodiments. For example, the first light  602  may be in a light housing that can tilt along one or more axes relative to the lower housing structure  104 . In another example, the second light  604  may include an adjustable lens configured to allow the user to adjust the light output from a wide to a narrow output. Any of the lights  602 ,  604  and  606  may include one of the above features, other features and/or combinations of features. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show a fan assembly  700 .  FIG. 15  shows a bottom view of the fan assembly  700  and  FIG. 16  shows a side cross-section view of the fan assembly  700 . The fan assembly  700  is an alternative embodiment of the fan assemblies discussed above and incorporates many of the same or similar elements. The fan assembly  700  includes a housing including an upper housing structure  702 , a central housing structure  708  (including a rain shield  706 ) and a lower housing structure  704 . In the embodiment shown, the fan assembly  700  includes four vents  712 ,  714 ,  716  and  718  in the lower housing structure  704  that are in line with four fans (including fans  744  and  746  shown in  FIG. 16 ). As with other embodiments, the vents  712 - 718  may be rotatable and/or include fins or louvers  728  to direct the air from the vents  712 - 718 . The fan assembly  700  also includes a user control  710  and optical sensors  720  and  722 . 
     In addition to the common elements, the fan assembly  700  includes optical sensor housings  724  and  726 , light module  730 , electronics port module  736  and an LED  740  that operates as an indicator light. In the embodiment shown, the optical sensor housings  724  and  726  extend below the external surface of the lower housing structure  704  and are configured to hold the eyes or optical sensors  720  and  722  directed to preferred locations in a vehicle. The optical sensors  720  and  722  are each directed outward from the fan assembly  700  at a downward and rearward angle. When installed, this configuration may direct the optical sensors  720  and  722  towards seat locations for the driver and a passenger. In some embodiments, the optical sensor housings  724  and  726  may be rotatable along one or more axes. For example, the optical sensor housings  724  and  726  may rotate around a horizontal axis allowing the angle of the optical sensors  720  and  722  to change from outward to downward (and potentially inward in some embodiments). For another example, the optical sensor housings  724  and  726  may rotate in the plane of the bottom of the lower housing structure  704  (similar to the rotation of vents  712 - 718 ). 
     In some embodiments, one or both of the optical sensor housings  724  and  726  may be optional modules. For example, the fan assembly  700  may include ports that are configured to optionally accept an optical housing  724  or  726 . In some embodiments, the ports may include a blank cover to hide the port. The port cover may be removed and replaced with an optical housing  724  including the optical sensor  720 . When the optical housing  724  is installed in the port, an electrical connection is created between the control system of the fan assembly  700  and the optical sensor  720 . 
     The fan assembly  700  includes the light module  730  near the front of the fan assembly  700  in this embodiment. As shown, the light module  730  includes two lights  732  and a light control  734 . Embodiments may include one light  732  or a plurality of lights  732 . The lights  732  may be LEDs, incandescent lights or another type of light. In addition, the color, size, shape and/or luminosity of the lights  732  may vary. In some embodiments, the light control  734  may be a switch, button or other manual control feature. In some embodiments, the light control  734  is a photoelectric or light sensor configured to turn the lighting on or off (or vary the light output) based upon the ambient light. 
     The fan assembly  700  also includes the electronics port module  736  near the back of the fan assembly  700 . In the embodiment shown, the electronics port module  736  includes two universal serial bus (USB) ports  738 . Some embodiments may include alternative types of electronics ports or plugs, such as HDMI ports, micro-USB, mini-USB, brand specific ports and/or combinations of ports. These ports  738  may be configured to charge devices, attach accessory components and/or facilitate data input to the fan assembly  700 . For example, a user may connect a phone to the fan assembly  700  via a cable connected to one of the USB ports  738 . The user may charge their phone and control the operation of the fan assembly  700  via a user interface on the phone. 
     In some embodiments, the light module  730  and the electronics port module  736  may be optional modules. For example, the fan assembly  700  may include ports that are configured to optionally accept the light module  730 , the electronics port module  736  or another module. In some embodiments, the ports may include a blank cover to hide the port. The port cover may be removed and replaced with a selected module—e.g. the light module  730 . When the selected module—e.g. the light module  730 —is installed in the port, an electrical connection is created between the control system of the fan assembly  700  and the selected module. Accordingly, the fan assembly  700  may be customized. For example, a fan assembly  700  with two ports may include two light modules  730 , two electronics port modules  736  or one of each module (as shown). The custom options may be expanded by the option to include alternative modules. 
     In addition, this embodiment of fan assembly  700  includes the LED  740  configured to indicate an operational status of the fan assembly  700 . During operation, the output of LED  740  may change to reflect a different operational state of the device. For example, when the device is powered and turned off, the LED  740  may provide a steady red light. The LED  740  may provide a blue light when the user control  710  is turned on. The LED  740  may provide an orange light when the user control  710  is at a maximum setting. Other embodiments may utilize alternative indications for various states of operation that include blinking patterns, a variety of colors and/or other outputs. Other embodiments may include additional and/or alternative visual outputs to indicate the status of the device. For example, a display may be included to visually show the current operational state of the device. For another example, an array of lights/LEDs may be used wherein each light/LED may indicate different alternative states of operation. In some embodiments, other outputs may be used with or instead of the visual output, such as audible outputs, mechanical outputs and/or other outputs. 
       FIG. 16  also shows a control module  748 . The control module  748  may be an integrated circuit, relay or other control mechanism, to facilitate operation of the fan assembly  700 . In the embodiment shown, the control module  748  is illustrated as a printed circuit board (PCB). The control module  748  for the fan assembly  700  modifies the operation of the fan assembly  700  based upon user control signals, sensor signals and/or other control features. In some embodiments, the control module  748  is located in alternative locations of the fan assembly  700 . 
     The control module  748  may receive input signals from any control interface component, including the user control  710 , a remote control interface and/or another control component. In addition, the control module  748  may receive input signals from one or more sensor components, including the optical sensors  720  and  722 , a temperature sensor, a battery charge sensor and/or another sensor component. The control module  748  controls the output of the fan assembly  700  based upon the input signals it receives and internal control features (e.g., timers, control protocols, etc.). For example, a user may rotate the user control  710  to an on position causing the control module  748  to receive an input signal and, in turn, cause the fans including fans  744  and  746  to turn on. After a few moments, the optical sensor  720  may provide data to a control module  748  indicating the driver is not present, causing the control module  748  to turn off the fans directed to the driver seat. When the optical sensor  720  sends data to the control module  748  indicating the presence of a person in the driver&#39;s seat, the control module  748  will turn the associated fans on. For another example, the control module  748  may receive a signal from the battery charge sensor and evaluate the signal to determine if the battery charge is below a threshold level. If the battery charge is below a threshold level, the control module  748  may shut off the fan assembly  700  to conserve the battery charge for the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the control module  748  may include a wireless communication component or module, such as a BLUETOOTH® communication module, a Wi-Fi communication module and/or another communication module. The wireless communication module may be used to facilitate control of the fan assembly  700  and/or monitoring of data in the fan assembly  700  by a remote device, such as a phone as shown in  FIG. 17 , a remote dashboard control and/or other remote device. In such embodiments, the fan assembly  700  may not include a user control  710 . 
     In some embodiments, the wireless communication module may transmit operational data of the fan assembly  700  and/or the vehicle to a remote device. In such embodiments, a user, supervisor or other person may be able to monitor one or more characteristics of the fan assembly  700  and/or the vehicle remotely. For example, the driver of the vehicle may have a remote display that receives the operational data and displays the data. While the user is away from the vehicle, the display may indicate when one or more fans are cut off based upon the indication from the optical sensor  720  that the driver is not present and show a battery charge level for the vehicle. For another example, a golf course employee may remotely monitor battery charge levels for the course&#39;s golf carts. 
     In some embodiments, one or more remote devices may be integrated with a paired communication chip including one or more security features. In some embodiments, a user may pair one or more devices with the communication module in the control module  748  using pairing protocols. Once a device is paired with the fan assembly  700 , the fan assembly  700  may automatically pair with the device based upon one or more initialization processes. For example, a previously paired device may automatically pair with the fan assembly  700  when the fan assembly  700  is powered on and the device is within a threshold distance. 
       FIG. 17  shows a fan assembly system  800  with a fan assembly  802  and a phone  804 . The fan assembly  802  is an alternative embodiment of the fan assembly  700  discussed above and incorporates many of the same elements as the fan assembly  700 . In addition to the common elements, the fan assembly  802  includes a plurality of speakers including a first speaker  806 , a second speaker  808  and a third speaker  810 . Some embodiments of the fan assembly  802  may include any one or more of the speakers  806 - 810 . In some embodiments, the location of any of the speakers  806 - 810  may be moved to different locations in the lower housing structure  704 . In some embodiments, a speaker may be installed in the upper housing structure  702  or central housing structure  708 . One having ordinary skill in the art will understand that the arrangement, configuration, shape, size and/or other characteristics of speakers  806 - 810  shown in this embodiment may vary and remain within the scope of the disclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the speakers  806 - 810  may be modular components that are optional. For example, the first speaker  806  in this embodiment is located in the position of the electronics port module  736  shown in  FIG. 15 . In some embodiments, a user may customize their fan assembly  802  through the selection and placement of preferred modules. In addition, a user may be able to modify their fan assembly  802  by removing one module and replacing it with an alternative module. 
     The fan assembly system  800  includes the phone  804 . In some embodiments, the phone  804  may be a smartphone, a tablet, a computer, a watch or another wireless phone or computing device. In the embodiment shown, the phone  804  is operable to wirelessly connect to the fan assembly  802 . In some embodiments, the phone  804  may be connected to the fan assembly  802  via a wired connection. For example, a wire connected from the phone  804  to an electronics port, such as the USB ports  738  shown in  FIG. 15 . 
     In some embodiments, the phone  804  operates as a remote control device to operate one or more features of the fan assembly  802 . For example, the phone  804  may include hardware and/or a software application to facilitate turning one or more of the fans on or off. In addition, the phone  804  may be operable to vary the fan speed and/or other modes of operation for the fan assembly  802 . For example, in embodiments of the fan assembly  802  incorporating heating and/or cooling elements, the phone  804  may be operable to control the heating and cooling functions of the fan assembly  802 . During operation, a user may turn on the driver&#39;s side fans when the user is about to return to the driver&#39;s seat in order for the airflow to begin prior to the user&#39;s return. As another example, the phone  804  may be operable to send music or other audio to the fan assembly  802  in order to play the music or audio through the speakers  806 - 810 . For another example, the fan assembly system  800  may be configured to play a ringtone through the speakers  806 - 810  so that the user will know there is an incoming call on the phone  804 . The phone  804  may also be used to turn on the light module  730  and control the light output. 
     In some embodiments, the phone  804  may be operable to set parameters and/or operational features of the fan assembly  802 . In some embodiments, a user may set the time for one or more fans to operate after an optical sensor  720  or  722  indicates a user is no longer present. Embodiments may allow a user to set alarms related to usage of the fan assembly  802 , vehicle data (e.g. battery charge, etc.). For example, a user may set an alarm to trigger immediately prior to shutting a fan off due to a sensor reading (e.g. an optical sensor, temperature sensor, etc.). As another example, the user may set a battery charge alarm setting at the user&#39;s selected charge level. In some embodiments, the phone  804  may display a control option to easily turn fans back on that have shut off while the user was away from the vehicle. 
     In some embodiments, the phone  804  is operable as a remote monitoring device for the fan assembly  802  and/or features of the vehicle. The monitoring application of the phone  804  may provide a user with operational data including fan settings, operational mode, person presence indications, auxiliary feature settings of the fan assembly  802  (e.g. lights, electronic port usage, speaker usage, etc.), vehicle battery charge level, ambient temperature level, output temperature level and/or other operational data. For example, the monitoring feature may show two of the fans operating on the passenger side and a hold symbol adjacent to the driver&#39;s side fans because no one is detected in the driver&#39;s seat. Additionally, the monitoring feature may show an icon indicating the light module  730  is on and the speakers  806 - 810  are playing audio at a select output level. The monitoring feature may also show a vehicle battery charge level along with an estimated battery life. In some embodiments, the monitoring feature may show an estimated battery life based upon the time until or charge level when the fan assembly  802  will be shut off to allow sufficient battery life to return the vehicle to a charging location. Some embodiments may also show sensor data including ambient temperature, fan assembly  802  output temperature, light levels and/or other data. 
     Some embodiments provide an air conditioning apparatus for a roof of a vehicle. The air conditioning apparatus having a housing configured to attach to said roof with a lower surface on an inside of said vehicle and an upper surface on an outside of said vehicle. The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet on said lower surface. The air conditioning apparatus also having a user interface on said lower surface of the housing configured to facilitate control of the air conditioning apparatus by a user, a fan within the housing between the air inlet and the air outlet configured to move air through said housing from the air inlet to the air outlet, and an optical sensor operably connected to said fan, wherein said optical sensor is configured to sense distance to an object, wherein the operation of said air conditioning apparatus is modified based upon a determination of whether the distance to said object indicates that the user is present. The air conditioning apparatus may include a light in the lower surface of the housing. 
     In some embodiments, the air conditioning apparatus may include a plurality of said fans, wherein each of said plurality of said fans is independently controllable. Embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus may also include a second optical sensor. In such embodiments, the optical sensor is operably connected to a first fan of said plurality of said fans and is configured to sense distance to a first object and said first fan is configured to direct air toward said first object based upon a first said determination that a first said user is present. In addition, the second optical sensor is operably connected to a second fan of said plurality of said fans and wherein said second optical sensor is configured to sense distance to a second object and said second fan is configured to direct air toward said second object based upon a second said determination that a second said user is present. 
     Embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus having a plurality of fans may also include a separation wall configured to direct air from one of said plurality of said fans to one of a plurality of air vents. Some embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus having a plurality of fans may include a duct configured to direct air from one of said plurality of said fans to one of a plurality of air vents. 
     In some embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus, the housing is attached to a top of said roof. In some embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus, the housing is attached to a bottom of said roof. 
     The air conditioning apparatus may include a plurality of said air outlets wherein each said air outlet includes an air vent. Each said air vent may be adjustable to allow a user to alter the direction of airflow out of said air vent. 
     Embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus may include a heater configured to heat air within said air conditioning apparatus. Some embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus may include a cooling device configured to cool air within said air conditioning apparatus. Some embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus may include a misting device configured to provide a mist into the air within said air conditioning apparatus. 
     Some embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus may include a power source. The power source may be a solar cell. Embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus may include a battery. Some embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus may include a power connection operably connecting the air conditioning apparatus to a power source of said vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle is an electric vehicle and said air conditioning apparatus is operably connected to a battery of said electric vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle is at least one of a golf cart, an all-terrain vehicle, tractor, electric car and/or boat. 
     In some embodiments, the air conditioning apparatus includes a rain shield. Embodiments of the housing may include an upper housing structure, a central housing structure and a lower housing structure. 
     In some embodiments, the air conditioning apparatus includes a plurality of lights, with each of the plurality of lights being independently controllable. Embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus may also include a second optical sensor. In such embodiments, the optical sensor is operably connected to a first light of said plurality of said lights and is configured to sense distance to a first object and said first light is directed toward said first object based upon a first said determination that a first said user is present. In addition, the second optical sensor is operably connected to a second light of said plurality of said lights and wherein said second optical sensor is configured to sense distance to a second object and said second light is directed toward said second object based upon a second said determination that a second said user is present. 
     Some embodiments include a light control configured to control the operations of the light. The light may be operable as the light control by pressing the surface of the light. In some embodiments, the light may be adjustable to allow a user to alter an output direction of the light. The light may be adjustable to allow a user to alter the focus of the light in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the air conditioning apparatus may include a photoelectric sensor. 
     Some embodiments provide an air conditioning apparatus for a roof of a vehicle. The air conditioning apparatus having a housing configured to attach to said roof with a lower surface and an upper surface. The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air conditioning apparatus also having a fan within the housing between the air inlet and the air outlet configured to move air through said housing from the air inlet to the air outlet, and an optical sensor operably connected to said fan, wherein said optical sensor is configured to sense distance to an object, wherein the operation of said air conditioning apparatus is modified based upon a determination of whether the distance to said object indicates that the user is present. The air conditioning apparatus may include a plurality of lights in the lower surface of the housing. 
     Some embodiments provide an air conditioning apparatus for a roof of a vehicle. The air conditioning apparatus having a housing configured to attach to said roof with a lower surface on an inside of said vehicle and an upper surface on an outside of said vehicle. The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air conditioning apparatus includes a control module configured to facilitate control of the air conditioning apparatus by a user. The air conditioning apparatus also having a fan within the housing between the air inlet and the air outlet configured to move air through said housing from the air inlet to the air outlet, and an optical sensor operably connected to said fan, wherein said optical sensor is configured to sense distance to an object, wherein the operation of said air conditioning apparatus is modified based upon a determination of whether the distance to said object indicates that the user is present. 
     Some embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus include a replaceable module port. Embodiments may include a replaceable module configured to engage the replaceable module port and operatively connect with the control module when engaged with the replaceable module port. In some embodiments, the replaceable module is a light module. In some embodiments, the replaceable module is an electronics port module. In some embodiments, the replaceable module is a speaker module. 
     Some embodiments of the air conditioning apparatus include a wireless communication module operatively connected to the control module, wherein the wireless communication module is operable to wirelessly communicate with a remote device. The remote device may be operable to control an operation of the air conditioning apparatus. In some embodiments, the remote device displays an operational characteristic of the air conditioning apparatus. In some embodiments, the remote device displays an operational characteristic of the vehicle. 
     The invention being thus described and further described in the claims, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the apparatus described.