Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan assembly having an axis of rotation includes an inlet ring, a back plate, and a plurality of blades coupled between the inlet ring and the back plate. At least one blade of the plurality of blades includes a radially inner edge, a radially outer edge, and at least one flow channel extending obliquely therebetween. The at least one flow channel includes an inlet defined on the radially inner edge and an outlet defined on the radially outer edge, wherein the inlet and the outlet are positioned at different axial locations along a length of the blade.

Abstract: A phase change cell includes a housing enclosing a phase change chamber that holds a phase change material and a gas pocket. The housing includes a side wall extending between first and second end walls. A capillary is disposed in an interior surface of the side wall. In response to heating of the phase change cell, the capillary is configured to draw the phase change material in a liquid phase towards the periphery of the phase change chamber. A temperature sensor is coupled to the housing in a vicinity of the capillary to measure the phase change temperature. According to another aspect, the housing includes a moveable surface that bounds a portion of the phase change chamber. The phase change temperature of the phase change material changes based on the position of the moveable wall.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan impeller includes a front endring, a rear endring, and a plurality of blades coupled between the front and the rear endrings. At least one blade of the plurality of blades includes a blade span extending between the front endring and the rear endring, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The at least one blade further includes a first elliptical cross-sectional profile extending between the leading and the trailing edges.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fan for a rotating device having a shaft with an axis of rotation is provided. The fan includes a base plate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a hub configured for coupling to the shaft. The fan further includes at least one blade projecting from the front surface of the base plate substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The base plate is contoured to direct air at an acute angle relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan impeller includes a front endring, a rear endring, and a plurality of blades coupled between the front and the rear endrings. At least one blade of the plurality of blades includes a blade span extending between the front endring and the rear endring, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. The at least one blade further includes a first elliptical cross-sectional profile extending between the leading and the trailing edges.

Abstract: A centrifugal fan assembly having an axis of rotation includes an inlet ring, a back plate, and a plurality of blades coupled between the inlet ring and the back plate. At least one blade of the plurality of blades includes a radially inner edge, a radially outer edge, and at least one flow channel extending obliquely therebetween. The at least one flow channel includes an inlet defined on the radially inner edge and an outlet defined on the radially outer edge, wherein the inlet and the outlet are positioned at different axial locations along a length of the blade.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a motor generally comprise a motor shell, a drive unit, a motor electronics assembly configured to operate the drive unit, and a shaft coupled to the drive unit. The drive unit may comprise an axial design configured to increase the efficiency of the system. The motor may be totally enclosed, the shaft may be sealed using a labyrinth seal, and the motor electronics assembly may be contained within the motor shell. The motor may comprise shapes and materials to promote cooling by air flow and thermal conduction. The motor may further comprise a touch-sensitive interface, may operate at high speed in response to a signal, and may provide a single location for the connection of all inputs. A motor according to the present invention may have improved operating characteristics.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fan for a rotating device having a shaft with an axis of rotation is provided. The fan includes a base plate having a front surface, a rear surface, and a hub configured for coupling to the shaft. The fan further includes at least one blade projecting from the front surface of the base plate substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The base plate is contoured to direct air at an acute angle relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method for reducing leakage currents in an electric machine is described. The method includes positioning a plurality of leakage current shields between windings and teeth of a stator, and coupling at least one of the plurality of leakage current shields to a reference point, wherein an electric potential at the reference point is not earth ground.

Abstract: A method for reducing leakage currents in an electric machine is described. The method includes positioning a plurality of leakage current shields between windings and teeth of a stator, and coupling at least one of the plurality of leakage current shields to a reference point, wherein an electric potential at the reference point is not earth ground.