Abstract: An upper wheel fairing assembly for increasing the propulsive efficiency of a wheeled vehicle having wheels otherwise exposed to headwinds, comprising a deflector panel or skirt panel assembly mounted upstream in front of a rearward wheel set, ideally extending downward to not lower than the level of the axle, and arranged to deflect headwinds from impinging upon the high drag-inducing mechanically advantaged upper wheel surfaces downward onto the low drag-inducing mechanically disadvantaged lower wheel surfaces.

Abstract: A streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a bicycle wheel spoke reduces drag by swiveling as a wind vane in both headwinds and crosswinds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the propulsive power required to overcome drag forces on a vehicle mounted within a wind tunnel. The apparatus includes a running belt platform driven by a dynamometer and supporting the vehicle placed inside a wind tunnel and controlled by a closed-loop servo control system, which maintains the vehicle centered on the running belt under varying operating speeds and headwind conditions.

Abstract: A spoked vehicle wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes for reduced drag when exposed to headwinds.

Abstract: A tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern for reduced drag on forward-facing critical vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surfaces.

Abstract: A longitudinally tapered wheel spoke having a thin aerodynamic cross-sectional profile proximate to the wheel rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub, with the tapered section optimized for reduced drag in both headwinds and crosswinds when the spoke is positioned directly above the axle.

Abstract: An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction means and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle wheel, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced.

Abstract: A hydraulic servovalve is controlled electrically through electromagnetic means. Electrical currents applied to force motors determine the relative position of a single, displaceable control assembly within the valve. Displacive movement of the control assembly changes, in reciprocal proportion, the inlet and outlet flow-metering clearances in each of the chambers of this open-passage type valve. The position of the control assembly determines the inlet and outlet flows within, and, therefore, the net flow through, each chamber. Moreover, since the chambers are each connected (either directly, or through a flow-impeding orifice) to one of the control ports, the position of the control assembly thereby determines the control flow delivered by the valve. Generally, both hydrostatic and hydrodynamic forces within the valve are balanced against corresponding forces, all acting upon the control assembly.