Abstract: Devices, and associative methods, of creating drag on a transport vehicle are disclosed. Drag creation devices are comprised of a slipstream control device and a striking surface device. The slipstream control device attaches to a truck of a transport assembly. The slipstream control device has at least one moveable part which provides for transfer of the slipstream control device between a slipstream streamlining orientation and a slipstream redirecting orientation. The slipstream control device acts upon a slipstream created by movement of the transport assembly during a forward advance along a highway. The striking surface device may be attached to the truck or to a trailer attached to the truck. The striking surface device has an impingement surface which provides for impingement of a portion of the slipstream redirected by the slipstream control device while in the slipstream redirecting orientation. The impingement creates the desired drag upon the transport vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure explains shell assemblies having door openings therein wherein the shell assemblies have structural characteristics which provide for the structural integrity of the shell assemblies. Integrity strengthening means to provide for the structural integrity of the shell assemblies are fully explained. Generally, such strengthening of the shell assemblies involve surface directional changes bordering each door opening at least at a forward extent and at a rearward extent thereof. Door panels are then pivotally mounted within the door openings of the shell assemblies to form fairings. The pivotal nature of the door panels provide for the selective redirection of air flow through the door openings for useful purposes which include exerting a braking effect upon a transport vehicle upon which the fairing is mounted. Concealment of all connection elements while all door panels are in their respective closed positions is provided.

Abstract: Various configurations of components to provide for either informing an operator of a vehicle of relative positions of the vehicle and a stationary trailer during a backing procedure or informing the operator of an arrival at a hitchable position during the backing procedure. Three general embodiments are disclosed which include use of a magnetically activated switch, use of an autofocus assembly and use of a light reflective arrangement. Several possible combinations of the separate embodiments are explained which enhance the function of the assemblies to ensure proper positioning of the vehicle relative to the stationary trailer. Explanations of each embodiment are provided along with numerous variations to each. Each of the embodiments rely upon a component, or group of components, located on the vehicle which require a power source to operate. When it is a requirement that a component be placed upon the stationary trailer, that component does not require a source of power.

Abstract: The disclosure explains shell assemblies, doors and resultant fairings having air flow redirection capabilities. Planar surfaces, with either linear juncture or curved transition surfaces therebetween, are provided to condition the air flow. These adjacent, although not necessarily contacting, planar surface areas produce a reduction in turbulent wash within the air flow, and therefore greater control thereover, by providing angular changes between adjacent surface areas. Redirection of air flow to provide for any of several useful purposes are explained, including variable redirection wherein a portion of the available air flow is redirected. Wing members, with either fixed or variable angles of attack, provide for the further conditioning of the air flow. Linear alignment of surfaces on the shell assembly with surfaces on the doors provide for stable air flow along the fairing.

Abstract: A segmented air deflector for attachment to a tractor, the segmented air deflector formed of numerous sections, each section relatively planar or level, with sharp definable lines separating adjacent sections. The segmented design to straighten the swirling of the turbulent wash of air flowing over and past the vehicles forward surfaces, by changing the pressure of the air flow as it conforms to the angularly changing surfaces of the segmented air deflector. Segmented upper panels and segmented lower panels having the same air flow smoothing features are taught. Additionally standardized components are disclosed to form segmented air deflectors have various longitudinal lengths for specific installation requirements.

Abstract: The conditioning of cross winds by providing up to four separate groups of segmented panels being the main segmented panels of the segmented air deflector, opposing segmented side pivotal panels, opposing segmented upper side pivotal panels and opposing segmented lower side pivotal panels. Various implementations of application of these groups provide versatility for varying conditions and vehicle configurations. A method of measuring for cross wind conditions and selective engaging the various deployed segmented panels is disclosed. The use of wing members either fixed or variably mounted on or about the various panels to condition, and therefore better control wind flow, is taught.

Abstract: A segmented air deflector for attachment to a tractor, the air deflector having pivotal panels for the selective redirection of air flow to impinge the forward face of a trailer to create drag to exert a braking effect. The selective redirection is provided for by three separate groups of segmented panels being the main pivotal panels, opposing segmented upper side pivotal panels and opposing segmented lower side pivotal panels. The use of wing members either fixed or variably mounted on or about the various panels to condition, and therefore better control wind flow, is taught. Additionally standardized components are disclosed to form segmented air deflectors have various longitudinal lengths for specific installation requirements.

Abstract: A plurality of spaced louvers in an airflow control system on top of a tractor cab open up to permit a flow of air to impinge on the front face of the trailer to exert a braking force to augment the braking force exerted by the wheel brakes to slow down the tractor-trailer assembly. The louvers are under the control of the operator to be responsive to manual control, or to selective automatic control from the brake pedal, accelerator pedal, engine operation, or other vehicle operational equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus to control the air as it passes a tractor trailer combination as they travel along a road. This device will allow for variable redirection of the air flow to allow various desired effects to be met. The flow of air is streamlined to minimize the effects of cross winds. Air pressure responsive plates are provided at the ends of laterally extending gates mounted on tractor trailer combinations to minimize the effects of sudden drafts of air that sweep across roadways. A method of redirecting the air flow for ventilation and cooling purposes for both refrigeration units and brake components is provided. Air ducts are provided for the transport of the redirected air for the ventilation and cooling of the brake components. Additionally the air flow can be directed to impact with the exterior vertical front face of the trailer section to create an air drag which will create resistance to forward travel.

Abstract: A plurality of spaced gates in the airflow control system on top of the tractor cab opens up to permit a flow of air to impinge on the front face of the trailer to exert a braking force to augment the braking force exerted by the wheel brakes to slow down the tractor-trailer assembly.