Abstract: A device for controlling drag on a ground vehicle. The device consists of a porous skin or skins mounted on the trailing surface and/or aft portions of the ground vehicle. The porous skin is separated from the vehicle surface by a distance of at least the thickness of the porous skin. Alternately, the trailing surface, sides, and/or top surfaces of the ground vehicle may be porous. The device minimizes the strength of the separation in the base and wake regions of the ground vehicle, thus reducing drag.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle transportation system utilizes a guideway with parallel enclosed rails. Each enclosed rail has an electrical bus bar for supplying power to vehicles on the guideway. The guideway will accommodate dual-mode vehicles that are capable of usage on conventional streets as well as on the guideway. The guideway also accommodates conventional vehicles and ferries that operate only on the guideway. The dual-mode vehicle has a body with axles that are extensible. The axles move from a retracted position, with the wheels recessed within the wheel wells, to an extended position. In the extended position, the wheels locate within the enclosed rails. Conventional vehicles and freight are carried on ferries that move along the guideways.

Abstract: On a railway vehicle for high-speed railways, there is an airflow breakaway or spoiler device in the area between a center part and a conically tapering terminal part to increase the dynamic stability of the car running on the end of the train.

Abstract: A transportable hauling container, such as a trailer of a tractor-trailer combination, has a rear portion that is configured in or convertible to a wedge shape. Movable portions are located at the rear sides of the trailer that can pivot inward toward a longitudinal centerline. Movable flaps also are located at the rear top of the trailer, which can pivot downward in alignment with the movable portions. The movable portions and flaps can be secured relative to each other in various combinations, thereby providing a more aerodynamic configuration of the trailer rear end. The container or trailer can be configured in such an arrangement, or be convertible from a standard configuration which also includes doors at the rear of the trailer, to a more aerodynamic configuration. A method is also disclosed, which includes operations for converting such a convertible trailer between the standard and aerodynamic configurations.