Abstract: An aerodynamic resistance reduction system for a vehicle is provided and includes a pair of vertical panels pivotally attached to a rear end adjacent to rear vertical edges of a vehicle, a first horizontal panel assembly pivotally attached to a top end to each of the pair of vertical panels and pivotally attached to the rear end adjacent to a top horizontal edge of the vehicle, and a second horizontal panel assembly pivotally attached adjacent to an inside surface of each of the pair of side panels, the second horizontal panel assembly being disposed between the first horizontal panel assembly and a lower edge of the rear end of the vehicle.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composite liner for use as an inner wall of a trailer. The thermoplastic composite liner includes a glass reinforced thermoplastic sheet permanently affixed to a glass reinforced thermoplastic scuff panel along a length of the scuff panel by ultrasonic welding. The scuff panel is positioned relative to the thermoplastic sheet such that an edge portion of the thermoplastic sheet overlaps an edge portion of the scuff panel along the length of the scuff panel, the ultrasonic welding forming a weld joint between the overlapping edge portions of the thermoplastic sheet and the scuff panel along the length of the scuff panel.

Abstract: A container sidewall comprises a plurality of sections each section comprising an extruded aluminum post formed of a tubular rectangular tube having a pair of oppositely extending flanges coplanar with one of the tube broad sides and an aluminum plate riveted to each flange. An identical post interconnects the plates of adjacent sections. A reinforcing hat shaped rib is riveted to each plate midway between posts. The outer wall of the post tube is thicker than the inner wall which is the same thickness as the plates. The tube sides are thinnest to save weight. The plates are relatively thick to preclude damage during normal use. The tube is dimensioned to withstand transverse bending loads and bowing of the sidewalls to preclude damage in a rail car well.