In 1869, Benjamin Sturtevant patented the first hot blast apparatus, marking the beginning of the modern air-blast apparatus as applied to heating, ventilating and drying applications.

The early "Sturtevant System" was centralized with air forced by a fan across steam coils then conveyed through ducts to all parts of the building.

The line would expand to include unit ventilators for schools and suspended/floor type heaters for commercial/industrial work.
 

It was nearly a full decade after Nesbitt Co. introduced the first unit ventilator in 1917 that Sturtevant started a product line, though they patented a unit ventilator as early as 1915. As long-time believers in the Central Air System, they viewed the initial units as too bulky and noisy to be seen as a viable alternative.

With the creation of a light-weight copper heating surface,(developed by Aerofin Corp. which Sturtevant co-founded) in the 1920s, these issues disappeared and Sturtevant jumped into the fray. Originally developed for schools, unit ventilators would be in great demand in public and private buildings.
 

Models

Duct Furnace (Gas)

Propeller Fan Heater

Downblast Heater

Industrial Heater

Unit Ventilator

Unit Ventilator
    Auditorium Type

Tempervane Heater

Heater Blower