Blower with speed limiter

Abstract

Blowers are provided. A blower comprises a main body; an air duct extending between an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, the air duct comprising an air duct body; a motor for driving a fan wheel arranged in the air duct body between the air inlet and the air outlet; a speed selector device communicating with the motor for controlling the motor speed, the speed selector device comprising two or more speed settings for the motor speed; a display configured to indicate a locked state of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector device; and a controller operatively connected to the motor, the speed selector device, and the display.

Description

Area

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to blowers and in particular to blowers with a speed limiter feature. background

[0002] Blowers are generally used to generate and direct a user-controlled airflow. They are frequently used outdoors, for example, to blow away leaves and other debris. Homeowners often use them to clean their properties and outdoor areas. Blower types vary, ranging from backpack-style to handheld models, and from gasoline-powered to electric. Electric blowers can be corded and plugged into an electrical outlet or cordless and battery-operated.

[0003] An operator of a blower might want to prevent the motor from operating at different speeds. Blowers with a speed limiter feature are therefore desirable and would be advantageous. Brief description

[0004] Aspects and advantages of the present disclosure are partly set forth in the following description, or may become apparent from the description, or may be learned through the practical application of the technology.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a blower is provided. The blower comprises a main body; an air duct extending between an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, the air duct comprising an air duct body; a motor for driving a fan wheel arranged in the air duct body between the air inlet and the air outlet; a speed selector device communicating with the motor for controlling the motor speed, the speed selector device comprising two or more speed settings for the motor speed; a display configured to indicate a locked state of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector device; and a controller operatively connected to the motor, the speed selector device, and the display.The controller receives a speed lock signal indicating a locked speed, receives a desired speed setting from the speed selector, determines that the desired speed is locked if it corresponds to the locked speed, activates the indicator when the desired speed is locked, and prevents the blower from operating when the desired speed is locked. The locked speed corresponds to at least one of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector.

[0006] According to a further embodiment, a method for operating a blower is provided. The method for operating a blower comprises receiving a speed lock signal with a locked speed, receiving a desired speed setting from the speed selector, determining that the desired speed is locked when the desired speed corresponds to the locked speed, activating an indicator located on the blower when the desired speed is locked, and preventing operation of the blower when the desired speed is locked. The locked speed corresponds to one or more of two or more speed settings of a speed selector for controlling the motor speed of the blower.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying claims. The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this description, represent embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology. Brief description of the drawings

[0008] A complete and enabling disclosure of the present application, including the best way of manufacturing and using the present systems and processes, which is addressed to a person skilled in the art in this field, is set out in the description which refers to the attached figures in which: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a blower according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a schematic view of a control system according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method for operating a blower according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0009] Extensive reference will now be made to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The word "exemplary" is used here to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Each implementation described here as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferable or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example serves to explain, not to limit, the technology. Indeed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made to the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to obtain yet another embodiment.Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Identical or similar designations in the drawings and the description have been used to refer to identical or similar parts of the disclosure.

[0010] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to denote the location or meaning of each component. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" encompass plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "coupled," "fixed," "fastened," and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or fastening and indirect coupling, fixing, or fastening by one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise specified herein. As used herein, the terms "includes," "comprehensive," "contains," "including," "has," "exhibiting," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.For example, a process, procedure, article, or device comprising a list of features is not necessarily limited to only those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent in such process, procedure, article, or device. Unless expressly stated otherwise, "or" also refers to an inclusive or and not an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), or both A and B are true (or present).

[0011] Approximate terms such as "about," "generally," "approximately," or "essentially" include values ​​within ten percent higher or lower than the stated value. When used in conjunction with an angle or direction, such terms include directions that are within ten degrees greater or lesser than the stated angle or direction. For example, "generally vertical" includes directions within ten degrees vertical in any direction, such as clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0012] Benefits, other advantages, and problem solutions are described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, problem solutions, and all features that can lead to a benefit, advantage, or solution occurring or becoming more apparent are not to be interpreted as critical, necessary, or essential features of individual or all claims.

[0013] Generally, the operator of a blower may want to prevent the blower motor from operating at different speeds. Specifically, the owner of the blower may want to prevent users other than the owner from operating the blower motor at different speeds. Such speed restriction can be implemented wirelessly via an external device and / or via a wired connection to the blower. Therefore, a speed restriction feature for blowers is desirable, allowing the owner to prevent operation at different motor speeds.

[0014] Referring to the characters, the Fig. 1 represents a blower tool 10 with a main body 12 and a blower unit 14. Although the in the Fig. While the blower tool 10 shown in Figure 1 is a backpack blower that can be worn on a user's back, for example, using backpack straps 16, the features of the present invention can also be implemented for a handheld blower (not shown), such as a handheld axial fan or a radial fan. A motor (not shown) can be located within the main body 12 or the blower unit 14. Additionally, a power source 13 can be detachably coupled to the blower tool 10 and configured to supply power to the motor. For example, the power source 13 can comprise one or more batteries that are detachably coupled to a section of the handle 10. In other exemplary embodiments, the blower tool 10 can comprise a corded electrical power source and / or a gasoline power source.

[0015] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the blower unit 14 comprises an air duct 20 extending from an air inlet 22 to an air outlet 24. The air duct 20 can be formed from an air duct body 26 and a blower tube 28. For example, the air duct body 26 can delimit the air inlet 22 at one end. The air duct body 26 can be coupled directly or indirectly to the blower tube 28 at an end opposite the air inlet 22. For example, an elbow 35 can be provided between the air duct body 26 and the blower tube 28, as shown in the Fig. Figure 1 shows an alternative configuration. Alternatively, for example in a (not shown) hand-held blower, the air duct body 26 can be directly coupled to the blower tube 28. In some exemplary embodiments, a bellows 40 can be provided between the air duct body 26 and the blower tube 28 to allow, for example, a pivoting movement and / or rotation of the blower tube 28 relative to the air duct body 26.

[0016] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the blower unit 14 can also include a handle 30. The handle 30 can be coupled to the blower tube 28 such that a user can grasp it to move and / or rotate the blower tube 28 relative to the air duct body 26. The handle 30 can be coupled to the blower tube 28 next to the air outlet 24. For example, the handle 30 can be positioned between the bellows 40 and the air outlet 24 of the blower tube 28. Additionally, the handle 30 can include a base section 32 extending from the blower tube 28 and an end section 34 coupled to the base section 32 opposite the blower tube 28. A user can grasp the handle 30 at the base section 32 and / or at the end section 34 during operation of the blower tool 10.

[0017] Additionally, the handle 30 can include a speed selection device 36 and a display 38. For example, the speed selection device 36 and the display 38 can be arranged on the base section 32 of the handle 30. In other exemplary embodiments, the speed selection device 36 and / or the display 38 can be arranged on the end section 34 of the handle 30.

[0018] The speed selection device 36 communicates with the motor of the blower tool 10 to control the motor speed. The speed selection device 36 has, for example, two or more speed settings for the motor of the blower tool 10. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the speed selection device may include a rotary knob, one or more buttons, or any other actuating element for selecting two or more speed settings for the motor of the blower tool 10.

[0019] Furthermore, the indicator 38 is configured to show a locked state and / or an unlocked state of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36. For example, the indicator 38 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to visually indicate to the operator a locked state of one or more of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36. In other exemplary embodiments, the indicator 38 may include one or more incandescent lamps and / or a display, for example, an LCD.

[0020] Additionally, the speed selection device 36 and the display 38 can be in electrical communication with a control unit 100. The control unit 100 can, as shown in the Fig. 1 shown, located in the blower unit 14 to control the operation of the blower tool 10, as shown with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 will be explained.

[0021] The Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic view of a control system 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the controller 100 can be configured as part of the control system 200. The control system 200 can comprise one or more computing devices 210. In particular, the controller 100 can be one of the one or more computing devices 210 of the system 200. Fig. The exemplary control system 200 shown in section 2 may be used. The computing device(s) 210 may be configured to perform one or more procedures according to exemplary aspects of this disclosure (such as the one described below with reference to the Fig. 3 described methods 300). The computing device(s) 210 may comprise one or more processor(s) 215 and one or more storage device(s) 220. The one or more processor(s) 215 may comprise any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, a logic device, or any other suitable processing device. The storage device(s) 220 may comprise one or more computer-readable media, including, but not limited to, non-volatile computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard disks, flash drives, or other storage devices.

[0023] The one or more storage device(s) 220 can store information that the one or more processors 215 can access, including computer-readable instructions 225 that can be executed by the one or more processors 215. The instructions 225 can be any set of instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors 215, cause the one or more processors 215 to perform operations. The instructions 225 can be written as software in any suitable programming language or implemented in hardware.In some exemplary embodiments, the instructions 225 can be executed by one or more processor(s) 215 to cause the one or more processor(s) 215 to perform operations such as the operations described herein for controlling fuel flow and / or other operations or functions of the one or more computing device(s) 210. Additionally and / or alternatively, the instructions 225 can be executed in logically and / or virtually separate threads on the processor(s) 215. The storage device(s) 220 can further store data 230 which the processor(s) 215 can access.

[0024] The computing device(s) 210 may also include a communication interface 235, which serves, for example, to communicate with the components of the blower tool 10, such as the speed selection device 36, the display 38, the motor, and / or other computing device(s) 210. The communication interface 235 may include any suitable components for connecting to these components or to one or more communication networks, including, for example, transmitters, receivers, connectors, controllers, antennas, wired communication buses, or other suitable components. For example, the communication interface 235 may communicate with an external device via a wired or wireless connection. The external device may be a mobile phone, a computer, a laptop, a tablet, or another device. The control system 200 may also (e.g.,communicate with various sensors via the communication interface 235) and selectively operate the motor of the blower tool 10 in response to user inputs and feedback from these sensors.

[0025] The technology described here relates to computer-based systems and their actions, as well as the information sent and received by these systems. It is important to understand that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a wide variety of possible configurations, combinations, and task and function distributions among components. For example, the processes discussed here can be implemented using a single computer or multiple computers working together. Databases, storage, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel.

[0026] The Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method 300 for operating a blower according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] In at least one exemplary embodiment, the method 300 comprises receiving a speed lock signal at 305. The speed lock signal comprises a locked speed corresponding to at least one or the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36. For example, the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36 may comprise a first speed setting, a second speed setting, and a third speed setting, wherein the locked speed may correspond to one or more of the first, second, and third speed settings. Furthermore, the speed lock signal can be received through the communication interface 235 of the control system 200.For example, receiving the speed limiter signal at 305 can include receiving the speed limiter signal from an external device via the communication interface 235, as described above with reference to the . Fig. 2 is explained. Additionally, the control unit 100 is configured to store the locked speed until a new speed is received via the speed lock signal at 305.

[0028] In other exemplary embodiments, receiving the speed lock signal at 305 may involve receiving the speed lock signal from a speed lock actuator. The speed lock actuator may be located, for example, on the handle 30, on the main body 12, or on the blower unit 14 of the blower tool 10. The speed lock actuator may be electrically coupled to the controller 100 to communicate the locked speed to the controller 100. The speed lock actuator may be a button, a rotary knob, or another actuating element or user interface for selecting that one or more of the two or more speed settings of the speed selection device 36 are in the locked state.

[0029] If no speeds are locked at 305 or no speed lock signal is received, so that the two or more speed settings are unlocked, procedure 300 proceeds to receive a desired speed setting at 315. Receiving the desired speed setting at 315 may include receiving the desired speed setting from the speed selector 36. The desired speed setting comprises one of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36. For example, the operator of the blower tool 10 may actuate the speed selector 36 to the desired speed setting. Accordingly, the motor of the blower tool 10 is operated at the desired speed setting at 320.

[0030] If the speed lock signal received at 305 contains a locked speed, the procedure 300 determines at 325 which of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36 corresponds to the locked speed. For example, the locked speed at 330 may include one of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36, such as the first speed setting, the second speed setting, or the third speed setting. Alternatively, the locked speed at 335 may include two or more of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36.

[0031] Procedure 300 continues at 340 with the activation of an indicator. The activation of the indicator at 340 includes the activation of indicator 38 for each of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36 that correspond to the locked speed. For example, indicator 38 may include a first indicator associated with the first speed of the speed selector 36, a second indicator associated with the second speed of the speed selector 36, and a third indicator associated with the third speed of the speed selector 36. If the locked speed at 330 is the first speed, the first indicator of indicator 38 is activated.If the locked speed includes two or more of the two or more speed settings of the speed selection device 36 at 335, such as the second speed setting and the third speed setting, both the second display and the third display of the display 38 at 340 may be activated additionally or alternatively.

[0032] Procedure 300 involves receiving the desired speed setting at 345. Receiving the desired speed setting at 345 may include receiving the desired speed setting from the speed selector 36. The desired speed setting comprises one of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36. For example, the operator of the blower tool 10 may operate the speed selector 36 to the desired speed setting. If the desired speed setting at 350 is unlocked, i.e., not equal to the locked speed, the motor of the blower tool 10 at 355 will operate at the desired speed. The motor of the blower tool 10 can continue to operate at the desired speed until the operator selects a new desired speed via the speed selector 36.Accordingly, the procedure 300 can then return to receive the desired speed setting at 345.

[0033] If the desired speed setting is locked at 360, operation of the blower tool 10 is prevented. For example, the motor of the blower tool 10 is unable to operate at the desired speed because the desired speed corresponds to the locked speed. Procedure 300 continues at 365 with the activation of the indicator. Activating the indicator at 365 can include activating the indicator associated with the two or more speed settings of the speed selector 36 that correspond to the locked speed. For example, if the locked speed includes the first speed and the desired speed setting is the first speed, the indicator 38 associated with the first speed of the speed selector 36 can be activated at 365. Furthermore, the indicator 38 can be an LED, and activating the indicator at 365 can include the LED flashing.

[0034] After the display is activated at 365, the procedure 300 returns to receive the desired speed setting at 345. In some exemplary embodiments, the operator of the blower tool 10 selects or changes the desired speed setting via the speed selection device 36 to one of the two or more speed settings that are unlocked or different from the locked speed. In some further exemplary embodiments, the controller 100 can automatically set the desired speed setting at 345 to one of the two or more speed settings of the speed selection device 36 that are unlocked.

[0035] Further aspects of the disclosure are provided by one or more of the following embodiments: A blower comprises a main body; an air duct extending between an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, the air duct comprising an air duct body; a motor for driving a fan wheel arranged in the air duct body between the air inlet and the air outlet; a speed selector device communicating with the motor for controlling the motor speed, the speed selector device comprising two or more speed settings for the motor speed; a display configured to indicate a locked state of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector device; and a controller operatively connected with the motor, the speed selector device, and the display.The controller is configured to receive a speed lock signal indicating a locked speed, to receive a desired speed setting from the speed selector, to determine that the desired speed is locked when the desired speed corresponds to the locked speed, to activate the display when the desired speed is locked, and to prevent the blower from operating when the desired speed is locked. The locked speed corresponds to at least one, or two or more, speed settings of the speed selector. The blower is operated according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein the controller is further configured to determine that the desired speed is unlocked when the desired speed differs from the locked speed, and to operate the blower motor at the desired speed when the desired speed is unlocked.

[0036] The blower according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein the two or more speed settings comprise a first speed setting, a second speed setting, and a third speed setting; the display comprises a first display associated with the first speed setting, a second display associated with the second speed setting, and a third display associated with the third speed setting; the locked speed corresponds to one or more of the first speed setting, the second speed setting, and the third speed setting; and the controller is further configured to activate, in response to receiving the speed lock signal, one or more of the first display, the second display, and the third display corresponding to the locked speed.

[0037] The blower according to one or more embodiments, wherein the display includes at least one display for each of the two or more speed settings.

[0038] The blower according to one or more of the embodiments, wherein activating the display includes activating the display of one or more of the two or more speed settings corresponding to the locked speed.

[0039] The blower according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein the control is further configured to activate the display in response to receiving the speed lock signal.

[0040] The blower according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein the indicator comprises a light-emitting diode (LED); and activating the indicator in response to receiving the speed limit signal comprises flashing the LED.

[0041] The blower according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein the control includes a communication interface; and the reception of the speed limiter signal includes receiving the speed limiter signal from an external device via the communication interface.

[0042] The blower according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein the control is further configured to set the desired speed setting to one of the two or more speed settings; and to operate the blower motor at the unrestricted speed.

[0043] The blower according to any or more of the embodiments, further comprising a speed limiter actuator, wherein the controller is configured to receive the speed limiter signal from the speed limiter actuator; and a handle coupled to the air duct, wherein the speed selection device and the indicator are arranged on the handle.

[0044] The blower according to any or more of the embodiments, further comprising a handle coupled to the air duct, wherein the speed selection device and the indicator are arranged on the handle.

[0045] The method for operating the blower comprises receiving a speed lock signal with a locked speed, receiving a desired speed setting from the speed selector, determining that the desired speed is locked when the desired speed corresponds to the locked speed, activating an indicator located on the blower when the desired speed is locked, and preventing operation of the blower when the desired speed is locked. The locked speed corresponds to one or more of two or more speed settings of a speed selector for controlling the motor speed of the blower.

[0046] The method according to any or more of the embodiments, further comprising determining that the desired speed is unlocked when the desired speed differs from the locked speed; and operating the blower motor at the desired speed when the desired speed is unlocked.

[0047] The method according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein the two or more speed settings comprise a first speed setting, a second speed setting, and a third speed setting; the display comprises a first display associated with the first speed setting, a second display associated with the second speed setting, and a third display associated with the third speed setting; the locked speed corresponds to one or more of the first speed setting, the second speed setting, and the third speed setting; and the method further comprises activating one or more of the first display, the second display, and the third display corresponding to the locked speed in response to receiving the speed lock signal.

[0048] The method according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein the display includes at least one display for each of the two or more speed settings; activating the display includes activating the display of one or more of the two or more speed settings corresponding to the locked speed.

[0049] The method according to any or more of the embodiments, further comprising activating the display in response to receiving the rev limiter signal.

[0050] The method according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein the display comprises a light-emitting diode (LED); and activating the display in response to receiving the rev-stop signal comprises flashing the LED.

[0051] The method according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein receiving the speed limiter signal includes receiving the speed limiter signal from an external device via the communication interface of the blower.

[0052] The method according to any or more of the embodiments, wherein receiving the speed limit signal comprises receiving the speed limit signal from a speed limit actuator arranged on the blower.

[0053] The method according to any or more of the embodiments, further comprising setting the desired speed setting to one of the two or more speed settings; and operating the blower at the unrestricted speed.

[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the present application, including the best way of doing so, and to enable any person skilled in the art to carry out the disclosure, including the manufacture and use of any devices or systems and the performance of all the methods contained therein. The patentable scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims and may include other examples that might occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples shall fall within the scope of the claims if they comprise structural elements that do not differ from the wording of the claims or if they comprise equivalent structural elements with insignificant differences from the wording of the claims.

Claims

[1] A blower comprising: a main body; an air duct extending between an air inlet and an air outlet opposite the air inlet, wherein the air duct comprises an air duct body; a motor for driving a fan wheel located in the air duct body between the air inlet and the air outlet; a speed selection device communicating with the motor for controlling the motor speed, wherein the speed selection device comprises two or more speed settings for the motor speed; a display configured to show a locked state of the two or more speed settings of the speed selector device; and a control unit that interacts with the motor, the speed selection device and the display, and is configured to: to receive a speed lock signal with a locked speed, wherein the locked speed corresponds to at least one or two or more speed settings of the speed selection device, to receive a desired speed setting from the speed selection device, to determine that the desired speed is locked when the desired speed is equal to the locked speed, to activate the display when the desired speed is locked, and to prevent the blower from operating when the desired speed is locked. [2] The blower according to claim 1, wherein the control is further configured to: to determine that the desired speed is unlocked when the desired speed differs from the locked speed; and to operate the blower motor at the desired speed when the desired speed is unlocked. [3] The blower according to claim 1, wherein: the two or more speed settings include a first speed setting, a second speed setting and a third speed setting; the display includes a first display associated with the first speed setting, a second display associated with the second speed setting, and a third display associated with the third speed setting; the locked speed corresponds to one or more of the first speed setting, the second speed setting, and the third speed setting; and The control unit is further configured to activate one or more of the first display, the second display and the third display corresponding to the locked speed in response to receiving the rev limit signal. [4] The blower according to claim 1, wherein the display comprises at least one display for each of the two or more speed settings. [5] The blower according to claim 4, wherein activating the display comprises activating the display of one or more of the two or more speed settings corresponding to the locked speed. [6] The blower according to claim 1, wherein the control is further configured to activate the display in response to receiving the speed lock signal. [7] The blower according to claim 6, wherein: the display includes a light-emitting diode (LED); and Activating the display in response to receiving the rev limiter signal includes the flashing of the LED. [8] The blower according to claim 1, wherein: the control system includes a communication interface; and Receiving the speed limiter signal includes receiving the speed limiter signal from an external device via the communication interface. [9] The blower according to claim 1, wherein the control is further configured to: to set the desired speed setting to an unlocked speed of the two or more speed settings; and to operate the blower motor at its unrestricted speed. [10] The blower according to claim 1, further comprising: a speed limiter actuator, wherein the controller is configured to receive the speed limiter signal from the speed limiter actuator; and a handle coupled to the air duct, wherein the speed selection device and the display are arranged on the handle. [11] The blower according to claim 1, further comprising a handle coupled to the air duct, wherein the speed selection device and the display are arranged on the handle. [12] A method for operating a blower, comprising: Receiving a speed lock signal with a locked speed, wherein the locked speed corresponds to one or more of the two or more speed settings of the speed selection device for controlling the motor speed of the blower; Receiving a desired speed setting from the speed selection device; Determining that the desired speed is locked when the desired speed is equal to the locked speed; Activating an indicator located on the blower when the desired speed is locked, and Preventing the blower from operating when the desired speed is locked. [13] The method according to claim 12, further comprising: Determining that the desired speed is unlocked when the desired speed differs from the locked speed; and Operating the blower at the desired speed when the desired speed is unlocked. [14] The method according to claim 12, wherein: the two or more speed settings include a first speed setting, a second speed setting and a third speed setting; the display includes a first display associated with the first speed setting, a second display associated with the second speed setting, and a third display associated with the third speed setting; the locked speed corresponds to one or more of the first speed setting, the second speed setting, and the third speed setting; and The procedure further includes activating one or more of the first display, the second display and the third display corresponding to the locked speed, in response to receiving the speed lock signal. [15] The method according to claim 12, wherein: the display includes at least one indicator for each of the two or more speed settings; and Activating the display includes activating the display of one or more of the two or more speed settings that correspond to the locked speed. [16] The method according to claim 12, further comprising activating the display in response to receiving the speed limiter signal. [17] The method according to claim 16, wherein: the display includes a light-emitting diode (LED); and Activating the display in response to receiving the rev limiter signal includes the flashing of the LED. [18] The method according to claim 12, wherein receiving the speed limiter signal comprises receiving the speed limiter signal from an external device via the communication interface of the blower. [19] The method according to claim 12, wherein receiving the speed limiter signal comprises receiving the speed limiter signal from a speed limiter actuator arranged on the blower. [20] The method of claim 12, further comprising: to set the desired speed setting to an unlocked speed of the two or more speed settings; and to operate the blower at the unlocked speed.

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