Patents by Inventor Paul Guy Andrus

Paul Guy Andrus has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8336950
    Abstract: The invention comprises a set of tubular inflatable bags mounted to the underside of a transport trailer along its lower edge in front of the rear wheel assembly. The bags are pressurized by ram air inflation upon forward motion of the trailer, such that they prevent air from entering the rear wheel assembly and thereby reduce aerodynamic drag. The outer exposed sides of the bags are vertically and horizontally straightened and stiffened by horizontal ribs which are anchored by cords to the trailer. The apparatus gives way without stress when unpressurized at slow speed and when docking to avoid damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Guy Andrus, Gayle Campbell-Andrus
  • Publication number: 20120080905
    Abstract: The invention comprises a set of tubular inflatable bags mounted to the underside of a transport trailer along its lower edge in front of the rear wheel assembly. The bags are pressurized by ram air inflation upon forward motion of the trailer, such that they prevent air from entering the rear wheel assembly and thereby reduce aerodynamic drag. The outer exposed sides of the bags are vertically and horizontally straightened and stiffened by horizontal ribs which are anchored by cords to the trailer. The apparatus gives way without stress when unpressurized at slow speed and when docking to avoid damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Guy Andrus, Gayle Campbell-Andrus
  • Patent number: 8087715
    Abstract: The invention comprises a set of tubular inflatable bags mounted to the underside of a transport trailer along its lower edge in front of the rear wheel assembly. The bags are pressurized by ram air inflation upon forward motion of the trailer, such that they prevent air from entering the rear wheel assembly and thereby reduce aerodynamic drag. The outer exposed sides of the bags are vertically and horizontally straightened and stiffened by horizontal ribs which are anchored by cords to the trailer. The apparatus gives way without stress when unpressurized at slow speed and when docking to avoid damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventors: Paul Guy Andrus, Gayle Campbell-Andrus
  • Publication number: 20100231000
    Abstract: The invention comprises a set of tubular inflatable bags mounted to the underside of a transport trailer along its lower edge in front of the rear wheel assembly. The bags are pressurized by ram air inflation upon forward motion of the trailer, such that they prevent air from entering the rear wheel assembly and thereby reduce aerodynamic drag. The outer exposed sides of the bags are vertically and horizontally straightened and stiffened by horizontal ribs which are anchored by cords to the trailer. The apparatus gives way without stress when unpressurized at slow speed and when docking to avoid damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Paul Guy Andrus, Gayle Campbell-Andrus
  • Patent number: 7147270
    Abstract: A twin bag inflatable rear airfoil for truck or transport trailer with attached shelves that bridge the surface gap between the trailer side and top surfaces, and the corresponding side and top surfaces of the inflatable bags. Shelves also bridge the upper surface gap between the two bags and provide a platform to deploy a collapsible yaw control fin. Another set of panels provide airfoil surfaces in the ground domain and are integral to the organised automatic folding and stowage of the apparatus. Interrupted ribs stiffen the inflatable surfaces while allowing them to fold in an orderly manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: Paul Guy Andrus, Gayle Campbell-Andrus
  • Patent number: 6409252
    Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable bag mounted on each of the rear trailer doors of a standard tractor-trailer unit. The optimum aerodynamic shape of the bags with stable flat external surfaces for air to pass over is created by a series of internal cords extending horizontally in a radial array from the medial edge of the base of each bag to its corresponding lateral surface, and vertically form the top to the bottom surfaces of each bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Inventor: Paul Guy Andrus