Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Jason R Spenny

Nancy L Johnson

Nilesh D Mankame

Alan L Browne

Paul W Alexander

Xiujie Gao

Robin Stevenson

John R Czoykowski

Kenneth A Strom

Neal Parsons

James Bloomsburgh

A load-carrying active material assembly and a method of preparing such an active material assembly suitable for attachment to a movable component of a mechanism is described. The assembly includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) element, a connector adapted to engage the moveable component mechanically crimped to the SMA element, and a filler material disposed intermediate the connector and SMA element. The filler may be a solder or a polymer. Methods for appropriately distributing the filler material and for promoting good adhesion of the filler to the SMA element and the connector are described.

Active material elements having reinforced structural connectors

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.

Active material enabled vents and methods of use

Growing community of inventors

Southfield, MI, United States of America

Jason R Spenny