Abstract: A shape-morphing fin includes a fixed portion, a multistable portion, a coupling portion, and a vibration source. The multistable portion functions as a negative stiffness element. The multistable portion is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The movement between first position and the second position is configured to remove the ice formation from the structure. The coupling portion couples the fixed portion to the multistable portion. The vibration source is configured to produce a resonant vibration to engage the movement of the multistable portion from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A shape-morphing fin includes a fixed portion, a multistable portion, a coupling portion, and a vibration source. The multistable portion functions as a negative stiffness element. The multistable portion is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The movement between first position and the second position is configured to remove the ice formation from the structure. The coupling portion couples the fixed portion to the multistable portion. The vibration source is configured to produce a resonant vibration to engage the movement of the multistable portion from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A system for measuring oil circulation ratio in a vapor-compression refrigeration system (VCRS) is provided. The system may include an oil separator configured to receive the refrigerant and oil flow from the low-pressure line of the VCRS and output a oil flow and a refrigerant flow. The system may further include an oil collector configured to receive the separated oil flow provided by the oil separator. A valve may control an oil flow from the oil collector to the low-pressure line. A level sensor may measure oil level in the oil collector. The system may close, in response to the oil being at or less than a first level, the valve to collect oil in the oil collector. The system may open, in response to the oil being at or greater than a second level, the valve to release oil from the oil collector to the low-pressure line.

Abstract: A shape-morphing fin includes a fixed portion, a multistable portion, a coupling portion, and a vibration source. The multistable portion functions as a negative stiffness element. The multistable portion is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. The movement between first position and the second position is configured to remove the ice formation from the structure. The coupling portion couples the fixed portion to the multistable portion. The vibration source is configured to produce a resonant vibration to engage the movement of the multistable portion from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A system for measuring oil circulation ratio in a vapor-compression refrigeration system (VCRS) is provided. The system may include an oil separator configured to receive the refrigerant and oil flow from the low-pressure line of the VCRS and output a oil flow and a refrigerant flow. The system may further include an oil collector configured to receive the separated oil flow provided by the oil separator. A valve may control an oil flow from the oil collector to the low-pressure line. A level sensor may measure oil level in the oil collector. The system may close, in response to the oil being at or less than a first level, the valve to collect oil in the oil collector. The system may open, in response to the oil being at or greater than a second level, the valve to release oil from the oil collector to the low-pressure line.

Abstract: A multi-layered compressor housing and method of manufacture is provided. The housing defines an interior space and includes first and second layers having first and second major surfaces respectivley. The first and second layers are secured together by the frictional engagement of the first and second major surfaces which each substantially enclose the interior space defined by the housing. The housing may be manufactured by placing first and second layers of sheet stock material in mutual facing engagement wherein the two layers are relatively moveable. The first and second relatively moveable layers are then simultaneously formed into a non-planar shape defining at least a portion of the housing. A compressor is then mounted in the housing and the housing is hermetically sealed. The simultaneous forming of the first and second layers into a non-planar shape causes the frictional engagement of the layers whereby the layers are secured together.

Abstract: A multi-layered compressor housing and method of manufacture is provided. The housing defines an interior space and includes first and second layers having first and second major surfaces respectively. The first and second layers are secured together by the frictional engagement of the first and second major surfaces which each substantially enclose the interior space defined by the housing. The housing may be manufactured by placing first and second layers of sheet stock material in mutual facing engagement wherein the two layers are relatively moveable. The first and second relatively moveable layers are then simultaneously formed into a non-planar shape defining at least a portion of the housing. A compressor is then mounted in the housing and the housing is hermetically sealed. The simultaneous forming of the first and second layers into a non-planar shape causes the frictional engagement of the layers whereby the layers are secured together.