Discrete active seal assemblies

US7845648B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US

Inventors

• Andrew C. Keefe · Calabasas, US
• William Barvosa-Carter · Ventura, US
• Christopher P. Henry · Thousand Oaks, US
• Guillermo A. Herrera · Calabasas, US
• Geoffrey P. Mc Knight · Los Angeles, US
• Alan L. Browne · Grosse Pointe, US
• Nancy L. Johnson · Northville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 28, 2007
• Grant date: Dec 7, 2010
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T292/11
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

Active seal assemblies employing active materials that can be controlled and remotely changed to alter the seal effectiveness, wherein the active seal assemblies actively change 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.