Active material enabled vents and methods of use

US7597616B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Robin Stevenson · Bloomfield, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US
• Nilesh D. Mankame · Ann Arbor, US
• Xiujie Gao · Troy, US
• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• James Bloomsburgh · Berkeley, US
• John Czoykowski · St. Clair Shores, US
• Neal Parsons · Onsted, US
• Jason Spenny · Berkley, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 12, 2007
• Grant date: Oct 6, 2009
• Expiry date: May 31, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60H2001/3471
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vent includes a vane configured for spatial movement, and at least one actuator in operative communication with the vane configured to spatially move the vane in at least one direction, wherein the actuator comprises an active material configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to selectively change an orientation of the vane.