The Vortex patent

A desk, floor or pedestal fan were driven by hydraulic power or an elastic spring until the late 19th century. The rest of the technology is still used today: Air is sucked in by the fan blades and blown out at a centrifuged angle. In 1882 a more powerful, electric driven fan was designed by Philip H. Diel by utilising the motor of a sewing machine. This was the basis for more efficient and oscillating devices to come. Oscillating floor and pedestal fans rotate the fan’s upper part in a semi-circle, thus circulating air in a larger area.

The step of the development began in 1923: The concept of an air circulator drafted by Ralph K. Odor stands out due to a significant improvement concerning the reach and efficiency of the circulation. The patented technology allows even air circulation that ensures a uniform temperature in the whole room. The engineer thus refers to his appliances as circulators rather than fans.

At that time Ralph K. Odor researched airplane propellers and turbines. He discovered how to increase circulation of fans as well. The Vornado difference stems from the mode of operation of the products. A Vornado transports the air sucked in from the back through an elongated cylinder, thereby increasing the amount of moved air. In the picture you can see the narrow construction that leads the concentrated air to the deep pitch blades. The accelerated airflow is pressed through a spiral grill on the front part of the device. This creates a circulating airflow –a tiny tornado. The airflow is powerful enough to travel a 30m distance to mix cold and hot air zones. The airflow bounces off smooth surfaces such as a wall or the ceiling, the flow is direct back to the inlet nozzle. Finally, the entire indoor air is circulated and the temperature equalizes in the process. That means, warm air on the upper level of the room is mixed with cold air at ground level, a more pleasant and balanced temperature is created.  

Ralph Keely Odor was born in April of the year 1895 in Arcadia, Oklahoma, USA. The dreaded Tornado Alley passes right through Oklahoma, causing particularly devastating tornados. A tornado is a powerful, vertical column of rotating air. In May 1999 parts of Oklahoma were destroyed by several tornados of different ratings up to “violent” F4 and F5 classifications. The 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak marks one of the most devastating natural disasters in the history of the USA and includes a tornado with the highest observed wind speed ever.

The Odor family used to operate a farm that needed to be protected against forces of nature. In 1898 Mr. Odor senior constructed a round barn that gave wind less contact surface. The historic Arcadia Round Barn gained publicity both due to its design and close proximity to the famous Route 66. Today, Arcadia Round Barn is a popular landmark and tourist attraction.

Ralph K. Odor has his origins in a turbulent region – this could have been a reason for his research of air and airflow. He also lived during a rough time in history. As a young man he served in the First World War and returned as a veteran.  

Odor first came into contact with aviation during his military service. Afterwards, he experimented with improved propellers for planes during his time as an engineer. Approximately in 1923 he discovered that a propeller rotates more efficiently if the incoming air is channeled through a tight tube first. He improved this technology and implemented it in a “Vornado Plane” in 1929. In order to ensure the required length he lead the air diagonally across.

This video from the year 1931 is filmed by a student of the University of Oklahoma. It shows an unmanned “Vornado” test flight. Ralph Keely Odor wears a white suit and a hat. At age 36, the inventor proudly presents his model. Things we take for granted nowadays were developed in many steps back then. A long wire supplied the plane’s electric motor with the required power. The wire is mounted to a pole in the centre of the flight path. Naturally, this would limit the possible radius of the area where the flight could take place. This seemingly odd construction can also be seen in the video. Mr Odor’s system provided the required speed for the large propeller, the plane takes off.

The patent for the drive by air circulation was submitted in 1934, after thorough examination it was approved 4 years later. Mr Odor dedicated the following years to more research and submitted a variety of other patents, including for example an indoor air circulator.
Take a look at the US patent