Abstract: A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

Abstract: This invention provides aerodynamic structures for the rear of a cargo body that move between a deployed position and a retracted position. The aerodynamic structures are typically three-sided, with a top panel and opposing side panels that form a partial cavity at the rear of the body. The panels employ tensioned flexible (e.g. fabric) panels or rigid/semi-rigid panels that are stowed, rolled, or folded in a retracted position against the rear of the door frame (for flexible panels) of the cargo body, or along the sides of the cargo body (for rigid/semi-rigid panels). The rigid/semi-rigid panels can be stored within nacelles that protect the panels and improve aerodynamic performance. Various linkages, including rotating rigid members attached to the rear of the body can coordinate movement between a top panel and side panels between deployed and retracted positions and a variety of powered and non-powered actuators can facilitate panel movement.

Abstract: A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

Abstract: This invention provides aerodynamic structures for the rear of a cargo body that move between a deployed position and a retracted position. The aerodynamic structures are typically three-sided, with a top panel and opposing side panels that form a partial cavity at the rear of the body. The panels employ tensioned flexible (e.g. fabric) panels or rigid/semi-rigid panels that are stowed, rolled, or folded in a retracted position against the rear of the door frame (for flexible panels) of the cargo body, or along the sides of the cargo body (for rigid/semi-rigid panels). The rigid/semi-rigid panels can be stored within nacelles that protect the panels and improve aerodynamic performance. Various linkages, including rotating rigid members attached to the rear of the body can coordinate movement between a top panel and side panels between deployed and retracted positions and a variety of powered and non-powered actuators can facilitate panel movement.

Abstract: A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

Abstract: A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

Abstract: This invention provides aerodynamic structures for the rear of a cargo body that move between a deployed position and a retracted position. The aerodynamic structures are typically three-sided, with a top panel and opposing side panels that form a partial cavity at the rear of the body. The panels employ tensioned flexible (e.g. fabric) panels or rigid/semi-rigid panels that are stowed, rolled, or folded in a retracted position against the rear of the door frame (for flexible panels) of the cargo body, or along the sides of the cargo body (for rigid/semi-rigid panels). The rigid/semi-rigid panels can be stored within nacelles that protect the panels and improve aerodynamic performance. Various linkages, including rotating rigid members attached to the rear of the body can coordinate movement between a top panel and side panels between deployed and retracted positions and a variety of powered and non-powered actuators can facilitate panel movement.

Abstract: A rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for securing to a cargo body includes a three- or four-sided structure having a deployed position for assisting in improving aerodynamic efficiency of the cargo body. The cargo body can be the body of a trailer of a tractor-trailer vehicle or trailer towed behind a vehicle such as a truck. It can comprise a trailer body or other cargo body well-known in the art. A spoiler “flow keeper” mounted to a top surface of the rear of the cargo body, as additional aerodynamic structures or as a standalone spoiler for cargo bodies. The three- or four-sided rear-mounted aerodynamic structure can comprise any of a variety of illustrative embodiments shown and described herein.

Abstract: An aerodynamic underbody fairing or “skirt” that is attached to the rear wheels or “bogeys” of a truck cargo body which typically can be slidably adjusted forward and aft along the cargo body. The various embodiments allow for a skirt that attaches to the bogeys of a truck cargo body and extends rearward to the rear plane of the trailer, and is of a retractable nature to allow for slidable adjustment of bogeys forward and aft along the cargo body for the purpose of continuing streamlined flow along the side of a truck cargo body already equipped with a side skirt forward of the bogeys. In the various embodiments of the invention, the retractable nature of the invention allows for a continuous skirt surface in-plane with the side of the truck cargo body extending from the bogeys to the rear plane of the truck cargo body, regardless of bogey position.

Abstract: A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

Abstract: A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.

Abstract: A rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for securing to a cargo body includes a three- or four-sided structure having a deployed position for assisting in improving aerodynamic efficiency of the cargo body. The cargo body can be the body of a trailer of a tractor-trailer vehicle or trailer towed behind a vehicle such as a truck. It can comprise a trailer body or other cargo body well-known in the art. A spoiler “flow keeper” mounted to a top surface of the rear of the cargo body, as additional aerodynamic structures or as a standalone spoiler for cargo bodies. The three- or four-sided rear-mounted aerodynamic structure can comprise any of a variety of illustrative embodiments shown and described herein.

Abstract: A system that has electrically or electro-pneumatically actuated aerodynamic structures. An electric or electro-pneumatic actuator is employed, which receives signals from an existing anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller to determine when actuation occurs. Other systems are also provided that feature electric or electro-pneumatic actuation, including underbody skirts and scoops, as well as inflatable tractor-trailer gap sealing devices, adjustable tractor-trailer gap sealing flaps and inflatable trailer upper streamlining devices. Electronic control units (ECUs) for aerodynamic system control interfacing with alternate sensors for calculating speed are also provided. Satellite navigation, platooning awareness and managed pressure reserve capability can be employed with the aerodynamics ECU.