Patents by Inventor Michael W. Polidori
Michael W. Polidori 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).
-
Publication number: 20200174504Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2019Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Riccardo M. Pagliarella, Court S. Hinricher, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Michael W. Polidori
-
Publication number: 20200156714Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2019Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: Michael W. Polidori, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Court S. Hinricher, Austin A. Duncanson
-
Publication number: 20200148287Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a deployable aerodynamic structure for a cargo body of a vehicle. The aerodynamic structure can include one or more panels that can be mounted to a cargo body of a vehicle and can move between a retracted position and a deployed position using various automated actuation systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2019Publication date: May 14, 2020Inventors: Michael W. Polidori, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Austin A. Duncanson, James Matthew Barron, Kyle A. Sager
-
Patent number: 10625793Abstract: An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Stemco Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Jared A. Niemiec, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Robert R. Cholnoky, Michael W. Polidori, Barrie J. Dickinson
-
Patent number: 10437262Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2018Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: STEMCO PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Riccardo M. Pagliarella, Court S. Hinricher, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Michael W. Polidori
-
Patent number: 10427727Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: STEMCO PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Michael W. Polidori, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Court S. Hinricher, Austin A. Duncanson
-
Patent number: 10399611Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a deployable aerodynamic structure for a cargo body of a vehicle. The aerodynamic structure can include one or more panels that can be mounted to a cargo body of a vehicle and can move between a retracted position and a deployed position using various automated actuation systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: STEMCO PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Michael W. Polidori, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Austin A. Duncanson, James Matthew Barron, Kyle A. Sager
-
Publication number: 20180292845Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Riccardo M. Pagliarella, Court S. Hinricher, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Michael W. Polidori
-
Patent number: 9971356Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Stemco Products, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Riccardo M. Pagliarella, Court S. Hinricher, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Michael W. Polidori
-
Publication number: 20180050742Abstract: An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Jared A. Niemiec, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Robert R. Cholnoky, Michael W. Polidori, Barrie J. Dickinson
-
Publication number: 20180043943Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a deployable aerodynamic structure for a cargo body of a vehicle. The aerodynamic structure can include one or more panels that can be mounted to a cargo body of a vehicle and can move between a retracted position and a deployed position using various automated actuation systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2016Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Michael W. Polidori, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Austin A. Duncanson, James Matthew Barron, Kyle A. Sager
-
Publication number: 20180001941Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2016Publication date: January 4, 2018Inventors: Michael W. Polidori, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Court S. Hinricher, Austin A. Duncanson
-
Publication number: 20170088199Abstract: An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Jared A. Niemiec, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Robert R. Cholnoky, Michael W. Polidori, Barrie J. Dickinson
-
Patent number: 9440688Abstract: An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: STEMCO LPInventors: Andrew F. Smith, Jared A. Niemiec, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Robert R. Cholnoky, Michael W. Polidori, Barrie J. Dickinson
-
Patent number: 9440689Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: STEMCO LPInventors: Andrew F. Smith, Jared A. Niemiec, Court S. Hinricher, Michael W. Polidori, Jeffrey J. Grossmann
-
Publication number: 20160077529Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Riccardo M. Pagliarella, Court S. Hinricher, Jeffrey J. Grossman, Jared A. Niemiec, Michael W. Polidori
-
Patent number: 9145177Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: ADVANCED TRANSIT DYNAMICS, INC.Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Riccardo M. Pagliarella, Court S. Hinricher, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Michael W. Polidori
-
Publication number: 20150197292Abstract: An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2014Publication date: July 16, 2015Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Jared A. Niemiec, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Robert R. Cholnoky, Michael W. Polidori, Barrie J. Dickinson
-
Publication number: 20140019010Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: Advanced Transit Dynamics, Inc.Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Court S. Hinricher, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Jared A. Niemiec, Riccardo M. Pagliarella, Michael W. Polidori
-
Publication number: 20130076064Abstract: An aerodynamic structure attached to the sides and top of a truck cargo body (either a stand-alone trailer or a “straight truck” with the cab and cargo area as a fixed vehicle) at the aftmost region, which rear typically contains a rolling door assembly, which rolls upwardly. An aerodynamic structure is permanently attached to the sides and top of the trailer in a manner that extend past the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body and retract to the aftmost plane of the truck cargo body when subjected to a force, allowing this device to be backed into structures. The retracted orientation allows for the rear of the trailer to be fully accessible for loading and unloading, and does not reduce the size of the opening of the trailer. The various embodiments of the invention allow for automated deployment once the force used to compress the structure is removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: ADVANCED TRANSIT DYNAMICS, INC.Inventors: Andrew F. Smith, Barrie J. Dickinson, Jeffrey J. Grossmann, Robert R. Cholnoky, Jared A. Niemiec, Michael W. Polidori