Reversible thermally expandable and/or contractible seal assemblies
US7484735B2 · kind B2 · utility
41Cited by
2References
30Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 3, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S277/933
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Seal assemblies employing reversible thermally expandable and/or contractible material that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the seal assemblies actively change dimensional and/or modulus properties such as stiffness, shape orientation, and the like. In this manner, in seal applications such as a vehicle door application, door opening and closing efforts can be minimized yet seal effectiveness can be maximized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.