Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Dynalloy, Inc.

David M Connor

Nancy L Johnson

Alan L Browne

James Holbrook Brown

Jason J Nolte

Richard J Knoll

Kevin D Connor

A sealing boot assembly comprises a flexible boot having a first end in sealing engagement with an outer surface of a shaft to define an inner chamber therein. A venting orifice extends from the inner chamber through the flexible boot to ambient and a moisture-blocking, vapor-breathable membrane is disposed across the venting orifice between the inner chamber and ambient to vent gas from the inner chamber during high temperature operation of the shaft and to allow air to returns to the inner chamber upon cooling thereof.

Sealing boot assembly

A latch assembly includes a latch movable between released and restrained positions and a latch spring biasing toward the released position. A first lever is movable between open and closed positions, corresponding to the released and restrained positions, respectively. A first lever spring biases toward the closed position. A second lever is movable between unlocked and locked positions, corresponding to the first lever open and closed positions, respectively. A second lever spring biases toward the locked position. An active material based actuator selectively moves the second lever from the locked to unlocked position in response to an activation signal. A primary activation mechanism selectively produces the activation signal without a mechanical connection to the passenger compartment. An auxiliary activation mechanism does not rely on the vehicle power system. A key or portable energy storage device may cause the activation signal from the primary or auxiliary activation mechanism.

Electrically-activated hood latch and release mechanism

Growing community of inventors

Grand Blanc, MI, United States of America

David M Connor