Patent ID: 8042303
Filing Date: 2011-10-25
Classification: B60J

Abstract:
1. A seal for a sliding glass window, said seal comprising: a sliding glass guide; an elastomeric channel member at least partially disposed within said sliding glass guide; said sliding glass window having an edge portion said edge portion having an edge surface and a pair of generally parallel side surfaces extending from said edge surface said edge portion located within said sliding glass guide and said elastomeric channel member; an electroactive actuator surrounding said edge portion of said sliding glass window and located between and attached to said sliding glass guide and said elastomeric channel member, said electroactive actuator having a first shape and a second shape; and an electrical source of power connected to said electroactive actuator and operable to apply voltage thereto, said applied voltage changing said electroactive actuator from said first shape to said second shape or vice-versa; wherein said first shape of said electroactive actuator pushes said elastomeric channel member towards said sliding glass window to engage and seal against said edge surface and said pair of generally parallel side surfaces extending from said edge surface and said second shape of said electroactive actuator pulls said elastomeric channel member away from said sliding glass window to disengage said edge surface and said pair of generally parallel side surfaces extending from said edge surface.