Airstream Reactive Vehicle Or Vehicle Structure Patents (Class 180/903)
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Patent number: 8172307Abstract: A motor vehicle (2) has a roof (3) with two laterally spaced longitudinal roof members (4, 5) and side windows (9) under the longitudinal roof members (4, 5). Fins (4, 5) extend rearward from the longitudinal roof members (4, 5) and an outer skin (16) of a rear deck lid (17) is arranged between the fins (12, 13). Air inlet openings (20, 21) are formed on outer sides (14) of the fins (12, 13) adjacent the side windows (9). An air duct (23, 24) extends from the air inlet opening (20, 21) to an air outlet opening (25, 26) on the inner side (15) of the fin (12, 13). The outer skin (16) has at least one supply air inlet (28, 29) for an assembly of the motor vehicle (2) and a rear air deflection device (32) is arranged behind the supply air inlet (28, 29).Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Grant Larson
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Patent number: 7992666Abstract: Disclosed is a tractor-trailer including a tractor having a lower tractor duct that receives first air from a front of the tractor and channels the first air through a center area of the tractor and down between a set of rear wheels, a trailer having a lower trailer duct positioned below a cargo space and that channels the first air in the lower trailer duct between each set of trailer rear wheels and a lower articulation duct positioned near the set of rear wheels in the tractor that receives air from the lower tractor duct and communicates air to the lower trailer duct. An upper duct is also provided with an articulation duct that channels air through a ductwork at the top of the trailer and tractor. A louver system at the rear of the trailer enables the air in each duct to be channeled and pulled out of the respective duct in such a manner as to reduce drag and eddy currents using the vacuum at the rear of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Gemini Energy Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Gary G. Otterstrom
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Patent number: 7950720Abstract: Vanes are used for reducing drag on a moving vehicle having a substantially planar rear surface. The vanes are mounted to the vehicle using pliant material which creates no work for the driver of the vehicle during loading or unloading activities. The apparatus is extremely light weight, and includes a rigid vane of length L having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and an aerodynamic center positioned at a distance of between 0.15 L and 0.5 L from the leading edge. The vane has an inner surface facing the vehicle and an outer surface. Multiple pliant attachment devices connect the vane to the vehicle. The vane helps prevent or reduce formation of a zone of turbulent air behind the vehicle. The apparatus allows substantial reductions in fuel consumption and truck CO2 emissions during use.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Inventor: Joseph Skopic
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Patent number: 7942469Abstract: An aerodynamic skirt comprising a skirt panel defining a surface adapted to direct airflow around the trailer is provided, the skirt panel being made of a single part of sheet material. A method of manufacturing a skirt panel and a kit thereof are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Transtex Composite Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Philippe Desjardins, Mathieu Desjardins
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Patent number: 7942467Abstract: A support member adapted to secure an aerodynamic skirt to a trailer is provided, the support member comprising a trailer connecting portion; a skirt connecting portion; and an intermediate portion interconnecting the trailer connecting portion to the skirt connecting portion. A kit of resilient struts adapted to resiliently secure an aerodynamic skirt to a trailer is also provided, the kit comprising at least two resilient struts. A method of using a resilient strut to resiliently secure an aerodynamic skirt to a trailer is equally provided, the method comprising providing at least one resilient strut; securing the resilient strut to the trailer; securing the resilient strut to the aerodynamic skirt; and applying a load on the aerodynamic skirt to resiliently bend the at least one resilient strut.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Transtex Composite Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Mathieu Desjardins, Philippe Desjardins
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Patent number: 7942471Abstract: An aerodynamic skirt adapted to be substantially longitudinally mounted on a trailer is provided, the resilient aerodynamic skirt comprising a skirt panel defining a forward portion and a rear portion, the forward portion being adapted to be mounted toward a forward portion of the trailer and the rear portion being adapted to be mounted toward a rear portion of the trailer, the forward portion having a front height and the rear portion having a rear height, the forward height being shorter than the rear height. A method of mounting an aerodynamic skirt on a trailer is also provided, the method comprising providing a skirt panel defining a forward portion and a rear portion the forward portion having a front height and the rear portion having a rear height, the forward height being shorter than the rear height, positioning the forward portion toward a forward portion of the trailer and the rear portion toward a rear portion of the trailer, and securing the skirt panel to the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Trnastex Composite Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Mathieu Desjardins, Philippe Desjardins
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Patent number: 7942470Abstract: A skirt assembly kit comprising a skirt panel adapted to be disposed on a trailer to route air about the road trailer is provided, a plurality of upper supports adapted to secure the skirt panel to the road trailer and a plurality of struts adapted to secure the skirt panel to the road trailer. A method of installing an aerodynamic skirt on a trailer is also provided, the method comprising providing a skirt panel, installing the skirt panel on the trailer; and performing an opening in the skirt panel. An aerodynamic skirt kit adapted to mounted to a trailer is equally provided, the aerodynamic skirt kit comprising a skirt panel adapted to define an opening therein adapted to give access through the skirt panel, and an opening closing element adapted to close the opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Transtex Composite Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Philippe Desjardins, Mathieu Desjardins
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Patent number: 7942468Abstract: A securing mechanism adapted to secure struts to a trailer is provided, the securing mechanism comprising a pair of clamps adapted to be secured to the strut to clamp a frame member of the trailer therebetween. A method of securing a strut to a trailer is also provided, the method comprising providing a strut; providing a pair of clamps; positioning an end of the strut adjacent to a side of a frame member of the trailer; positioning the pair of clamps on an opposed side of the frame member; and securing the pair of clamps to the strut to clamp the frame member therebetween. A securing mechanism kit for securing a strut to a frame member of a trailer is equally provided, the kit comprising a pair of clamps; and a strut.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Transtex Composite Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Philippe Desjardins, Mathieu Desjardins
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Patent number: 7938475Abstract: An aerodynamic skirt adapted to be installed on a trailer for managing airflow is provided, the aerodynamic skirt comprising a skirt panel defining a substantially curved shape adapted to be positioned adjacent to a rear wheel of the trailer, the curved shape substantially mirroring the shape of the wheel to reduce the gap between the skirt panel and the wheel. A method of installing an aerodynamic skirt on a trailer to manage airflow around the trailer is also provided, the method comprising providing a skirt panel defining a curved shape adapted to cooperate with an exterior circumference of a wheel of the trailer; and positioning the curved shape of the skirt panel adjacent to the rear wheel of the trailer to reduce the air gap therebetween. An aerodynamic skirt kit comprising a skirt panel having a curved shape adapted to cooperate with an exterior circumference of a wheel of the trailer; and a plurality of struts adapted to secure the skirt panel to a trailer is equally provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Transtex Composite Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Philippe Desjardins, Mathieu Desjardins
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Patent number: 7887120Abstract: A resilient skirt assembly is provided, the assembly comprising a skirt panel adapted to connect to a trailer to direct at least a portion of the amount of air on the side of the trailer; and a skirt support adapted to connect the skirt to a trailer, the skirt support having a resilient strut providing lateral support to the skirt panel, the resilient strut allowing substantial lateral pivotal movement of the skirt panel between a skirt panel unloaded position and a skirt panel loaded position. A method of assembling a skirt assembly and a skirt kit are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Transtex Composite Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Philippe Desjardins, Mathieu Desjardins
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Patent number: 7780223Abstract: An active front skirt for a vehicle includes an airfoil positioned in an air stream existing when the vehicle is moving forward. An airfoil positioning mechanism attached to the vehicle and the airfoil allows the airfoil to move between a first position when the vehicle is at rest and a second position when the vehicle has attained an upper limit velocity, the airfoil being moved to the second position through interaction with the air stream. A retracting mechanism returns the airfoil to the first position. A movable front skirt connected to the airfoil correspondingly moves with the airfoil between raised and lowered positions. In the raised position, ground clearance of the skirt is increased. In the lowered position, the skirt deflects an increased portion of the air stream to lower aerodynamic drag on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ryan J. Kottenstette, Lora A. Oehlberg, Dana M. Ung, Chuen Chou, Corina T. Yen
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Patent number: 7766111Abstract: Mechanisms are described for selectively closing grille and/or bumper openings. These mechanisms may be operated in response to one or more vehicle parameters. Closure mechanism control signals may be delivered to such mechanisms along a vehicle databus. In addition, vehicle parameters used in determining the control of such mechanisms may be sensed and provided along the databus to a controller which then processes the parameter information for determining whether to open or close the vehicle grille closing mechanism and/or the vehicle bumper opening closing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLCInventors: Matthew Guilfoyle, Carl Trabant, Changhyun Shin, Michael von Mayenburg
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Patent number: 7765747Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a downward, wind-induced lift force on a structure including attaching one or more omni-directional mushroom-shaped airfoil assemblies to the top of the structure which create a downward lift force as they are subjected to wind flow.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Inventor: Arthur L. Smalley, III
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Patent number: 7748772Abstract: A resilient aerodynamic skirt assembly is provided, the aerodynamic skirt assembly comprising a skirt panel adapted to connect to a trailer to route airflow along the trailer, skirt supports adapted to connect the skirt to a trailer are also provided with a plurality of resilient struts providing lateral support to the skirt panel, the resilient struts allowing substantial lateral deflection of the skirt panel away from an aerodynamic configuration. A method of assembling an aerodynamic skirt assembly and an aerodynamic skirt kit are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Transtex Composites Inc.Inventors: Mathieu Boivin, Philippe Desjardins, Mathieu Desjardins
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Patent number: 7735910Abstract: A wind deflector for a sunroof. The wind deflector includes a first electrode proximate an edge of a sunroof opening. A second electrode is proximate the first electrode. An insulator is intermediate the first and second electrodes. A power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electrical signal generated by the power supply is coupled to the first and second electrodes. An electric field generated between the electrodes due to the electrical signal ionizes air proximate the electrodes, thereby deflecting an air flow field away from the sunroof opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventor: Thomas Ramsay
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Patent number: 7695050Abstract: A vehicle is provided with fan housings having inlets and an outlets. Fan are rotatably supported in the housings. The inlets intersect an airflow path along outer surfaces of the vehicle body such that a portion of the airflow is directed through each housing, causing the fans to rotate. A flow of spinning air exits each outlet and is directed toward a central plane of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Inventor: Colin Neale
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Patent number: 7665796Abstract: Proposed is a functional device which is arranged on the outer side of a vehicle body, comprising a base element (18) and at least one pivoting element (20A) which is pivotable with respect to the base element (18) between two end positions. According to the invention, a multi-linkage mechanism is articulatedly connected to the base element (18), which multi-linkage mechanism comprises at least two linkages (24, 26) which are articulatedly connected with their ends remote from the base element (18) to the pivoting element (20A) which is pivotable with respect to the base element (18), with one of the linkages (24, 26) being connected to a drive device and with a spring device acting on at least one of the linkages (24, 26), which spring device is preloaded into the end positions of the pivoting element (20A) and counteracts the mass force of the latter.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: HS Genion GmbHInventor: Fritz Wegener
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Patent number: 7625035Abstract: A vehicle air guiding system in a rear area of the vehicle has a central air guiding element displaceable between a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. Lateral air guiding elements, which are displaceable together with the central air guiding element, are telescopically displaceable relative to the central air guiding element while enlarging the transverse dimension of the air guiding system transversely to vehicle longitudinal direction from an also moved-in inoperative position into an also moved-out operative position. In the inoperative position, the lateral air guiding elements are pushed over the central air guiding element so that they rest against one another by way of the end sections and completely cover or envelop the central air guiding element.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Josip Vlahovic
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Patent number: 7510229Abstract: A vehicle body front structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle. A side upper part forming an upper surface is provided to a front cowl so that traveling wind flowing in a longitudinal direction of the body along the upper surface of the front cowl flows below the hand grips. The resulting structure reduces air resistance by wind pressure, secures windshield performance and reduces the weight of the front of the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Katagiri, Masamoto Ito, Takatsugu Kido
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Patent number: 7478697Abstract: A scooter type motorcycle capable of improving cooling efficiency of brake calipers includes a vehicle body cover, covering a rear wheel brake device, is formed with a drive-induced airflow introducing port. A drive-induced airflow guiding duct, supported with vehicle body frames, for guiding drive-induced airflow from the drive-induced airflow introducing port to the brake calipers of the rear wheel brake device, is provided. The drive-induced airflow guiding duct has an inflow port formed at its one end for the drive-induced airflow entering at the drive-induced airflow introducing port to flow in. An airflow delivery port is formed at its other end and opening in the vicinity of the brake calipers for delivering the drive-induced airflow, introduced through the inflow port, to the brake calipers.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaru Ohira, Yasuharu Sakashita
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Patent number: 7438347Abstract: An air guiding system for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, is arranged in a rear area of the vehicle and has a main air guiding element that can be displaced from a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. Viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the main air guiding element, while forming at least two main air guiding element sections, is divided such that, when the main air guiding element is displaced from the inoperative position into the operative position, at least lateral main air guiding element sections can be moved transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Markus Schulzki
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Patent number: 7431382Abstract: A vehicle air guiding system in a rear area of the vehicle has a central air guiding element displaceable between a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. Lateral air guiding elements, which are displaceable together with the central air guiding element, are telescopically displaceable relative to the central air guiding element while enlarging the transverse dimension of the air guiding system transversely to vehicle longitudinal direction from an also moved-in inoperative position into an also moved-out operative position. In the inoperative position, the lateral air guiding elements are pushed over the central air guiding element so that they rest against one another by way of the end sections and completely cover or envelop the central air guiding element.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Josip Vlahovic
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Patent number: 7422269Abstract: A multi-insert cap blow-molding method for molding a hollow plastic product which is integrally formed with elongate fastening members. Each fastening member is seated in a groove defined in a lower mold. Each fastening member is composed of an elongate outer insert cap and an inner insert cap which is positioned in the outer insert cap to be separated from a bottom surface of the outer insert cap and to divide a space defined in the outer insert cap into an upper space and a lower space. A hollow parison is positioned between an upper mold and the lower mold. Hot air is blown into the parison with the upper and lower molds enclosing the parison to mold the parison and integrally fuse a portion of the parison to an inner surface of the fastening member. Then, the resultant product which is cooled, discharged and finished.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2007Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Moya International Co. Ltd.Inventors: Alexander Hong Nahm, O Yeol Kwon
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Patent number: 7399026Abstract: An air guiding system for a vehicle, particularly a passenger car, that is arranged in a rear area of the vehicle and has at least one central main air guiding element displaceable from a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. Lateral auxiliary air guiding elements are displaceable together with the or each central main air guiding element. The lateral auxiliary air guiding elements can be rotated like a folding knife with respect to the or each central main air guiding element in order to change them from an also moved-in inoperative position into an also moved-out operative position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Juergen Durm, Joachim Paul
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Patent number: 7387331Abstract: An air guiding system for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, is arranged in a rear area of the vehicle and has at least one central main air guiding element that can be displaced between a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. Lateral auxiliary air guiding elements are displaceable together with the at least one central main air guiding element. The lateral auxiliary air guiding elements can be displaced while enlarging the transverse dimension and while simultaneously enlarging the longitudinal dimension of the main air guiding element or the air guiding system from an also moved-in inoperative position into an also moved-out operative position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Markus Schulzki
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Patent number: 7387330Abstract: An air guiding system for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, arranged in a rear area of the vehicle and having at least one central main air guiding element that can be displaced from a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. Lateral auxiliary air guiding elements are displaceable together with the, or each, central main air guiding element. The auxiliary air guiding elements can be swiveled with respect to the, or each, main air guiding element about at least two pivots fixed to the main air guiding element and in each case at least two pivots fixed to the auxiliary air guiding elements laterally beside the main air guiding element.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Joachim Paul
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Patent number: 7380871Abstract: An air guiding system for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, is arranged in a rear area of the vehicle and has at least one central main air guiding element that can be displaced between a moved-in inoperative position and a moved-out operative position. Lateral auxiliary air guiding elements are displaceable together with the central main air guiding element. The auxiliary air guiding elements can be adjusted with respect to the main air guiding elements essentially linearly or translatorily in a direction transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in order to move them from an also moved-in inoperative position into an also moved-out operative position. Each auxiliary air guiding element is guided in a guiding device and is movable along the latter.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing.h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Joachim Paul
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Patent number: 7380870Abstract: An air guiding system for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, is arranged in a rear area of the vehicle and has at least one central main air guiding element that can be displaced from a moved-in inoperative position into a moved-out operative position. Lateral auxiliary air guiding elements are displaceable together with each central main air guiding element. The lateral auxiliary air guiding elements can be rotated with respect to each central main air guiding element about a respective pivot fixed to the main air guiding element in order to change them from an also moved-in inoperative position into an also moved-out operative position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Mathias Froeschle, Markus Schwarz, Joachim Paul
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Patent number: 7322638Abstract: A spoiler for a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, is mounted in the rear-end area on the vehicle and comprises a spoiler element which is movable from a resting position in which it is integrated into the shape of the rear-end area and into an extended operating position. To further improve upon the aerodynamic properties of the spoiler in particular the downward pressure on the rear axle, the spoiler element has a greater transverse extent in the extended operating position than in the retracted resting position.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Grant Larson
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Patent number: 7240958Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus with flexible attachments for reducing drag on a vehicle having a generally planar rear surface. The use of flexible vane attachments allows the rear doors of the trailer to fully open and close effortlessly. The apparatus includes a pair of vanes, each vane having a leading edge and a trailing edge. A first flexible attachment member connects an upper end of each vane's leading edge to a side of said vehicle, while a second flexible attachment member connects a lower end of each leading edge to the vehicle side. At least one third flexible attachment member connects the trailing edge of each vane to the rear surface of the vehicle. Other additional cables may be needed for additional vane support depending on vane length and profile. The vanes redirect air flowing along the sides of the vehicle into a volume of low pressure air behind said rear surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Inventor: Joseph Skopic
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Patent number: 7216923Abstract: A drag reduction system introduces pressurized gases to selected regions of a vehicle, such as a tractor trailer combination 100 for reducing the aerodynamic drag thereon. The system 140 or any combination of components thereof may be installed on new combinations or may be retrofitted on existing combinations. The drag reduction system may be controlled to selectively determine which regions receive pressurized gases and at what flow rates such regions receive the pressurized gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Alec S Wong, Daniel Farmer
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Patent number: 7113855Abstract: Method of controlling front or rear spoilers in which at least the rotational speed, the engine torque, the temperature and the standing time (tSTAND) are determined. The required engine power is determined from the detected engine torque, and the front or rear spoilers deployed when a preselectable threshold value (SW) is exceeded by the engine power.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventor: Willi Seidel
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Patent number: 7100969Abstract: Provided is a wake disturbing apparatus and method for reducing drag, which can considerably reduce drag caused by a sharp decrease in the pressure behind an object with a blunt trailing edge, such as a vehicle, while the object is traveling at high speed. The wake disturbing apparatus includes a plurality of disrupters, which are arranged at regular intervals along the trailing edge of the object to protrude to a predetermined height so that the vortical strength of the wake occurring around the rear part of the object can be reduced and the pressure at the base surface, which has been decreased due to the wake, can be recovered. Accordingly, it is possible to considerably reduce drag on a vehicle by simply attaching a wake disturbing apparatus to the vehicle without modifying the structure of the vehicle or using additional energy. Thus, it is possible to reduce power consumption of the vehicle and thus maximize the energy consumption efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Seoul National UniversityInventors: Haecheon Choi, Jin Choi, Dongkon Lee, Jeonglae Kim, Woo-Pyung Jeon, Seonghyeon Hahn, Jinsung Kim
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Patent number: 7036871Abstract: A rear wing for a motor vehicle has a wing roof and a wing bottom formed as a hollow body. A reinforcing structure is arranged inside the hollow body and has several upright webs, of which at least one cross web extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle is connected with the interior surface of the wing bottom. At least one drainage opening is provided in the wing bottom. In order to be able to drain water penetrating into the hollow body, the at least one cross web has a plane web surface which forms a wall of a water channel, and the at least one opening is arranged in the course of the water channel.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventor: Stefan Adams
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Patent number: 6886883Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle bumper which comprises a shield and a spoiler hinged between two positions of stable equilibrium, namely a high position in which at least a part of the spoiler projects from the shield, and a low position in which the spoiler extends the bumper in a downward direction. The spoiler is suitable for adopting a third position of stable equilibrium, in which it is completely retracted behind the shield.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventors: Claude Jacquemard, Arnold Fayt
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Patent number: 6742831Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the safety of automobiles traveling at high speeds capable of increasing the downward force on a yawed vehicle comprises in one embodiment an air inlet opening, an air exit opening, and an air path, wherein the air exit opening directs flowing exiting air in such a manner as to avoid interfering with the air spoiling operations of the surface of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the invention comprises an air inlet opening, an air exit opening, an air path, and a platform fixed at one end to a rear underside portion of the vehicle that pivots open under the force of flowing air to disrupt air flowing under a yawed vehicle to thereby exert a downward force on the yawed vehicle. A method of directing air into a yawed vehicle traveling at high speed to exert a downward force on the yawed vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Inventor: Clayton B. Rees
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Patent number: 6739419Abstract: A vehicle cooling system for a mobile vehicle consists of three essential parts. These are a compressed air reservoir, a heat exchanger and a duct connecting the reservoir and the heat exchanger. On demand, the compressed air will be released to the duct and will expand (as the end connected to the reservoir is expected to be lower in cross-sectional area compared to the end connected to the face of the heat exchanger). This expansion will lead to the reduction in air temperature. This helps in increasing the heat rejection capacity of the cooling system. The colder air passes through the heat exchanger and carries away the heat. This air exits from the other end of the heat exchanger into the environment. A fan is optional to operate behind the heat exchanger to help draw the air though it. The compressed air may originate in the vehicle air system for operating air brakes found on medium and heavy-duty trucks or the compressed air may originate from a separate air compressor.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Sunil K. Jain, Tim P. Nobel, Scott A. Wooldridge, David J. Beigel
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Patent number: 6736447Abstract: A truck front section (120) including a grill (128), a hood (121), and a bridge assembly (137) is provided. The grill has a substantially vertical front surface and an upper portion. The hood has an upper panel (121) with a sloping front end disposed adjacent the grill upper portion. The bridge assembly is disposed above the front end of the hood upper panel and has a pair of oppositely disposed upright end members (133) attached to the hood upper panel. The bridge assembly also has a substantially horizontal aerodynamically shaped member (138 and/or 140) attached to the end members. The upper portion of the grill, the front end of the hood upper panel and the bridge assembly cooperatively form a duct generally disposed above the grill. The duct may discharge into a longitudinal channel (112 and/or 114) formed in the upper panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Paccar IncInventors: Gerald Jay Angelo, Wayne K. Simons, Alec Wong, Daniel Farmer
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Patent number: 6719359Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle with underbody and wheels mounted in wheelhouses which are guided on wheel guide elements coupled to the body, functional elements being mounted in the area of wheel dishes opening inward, and with wheel spoilers mounted on the underbody in front of the wheels in the direction of travel, for the sake of better deflection of environmental influences such as dirt particles, moisture, etc the wheel spoilers of at least one wheel axle per wheel ending in a structurally simple configuration in a deflecting strip extending more or less vertically downward, the deflecting strips being extended continuously inward and rearward at least to the vertical central plane of the wheels extending through the axes of rotation of the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Audi AGInventors: Hartmut Steinicke, Helmut Sponer, Martin Angel
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Patent number: 6655727Abstract: An air conduction device suitable for a sports car motor vehicle extends in a lateral direction of the vehicle, adjacent to a tail lid. The air conduction device can be moved by an activation device out of a resting position into an operating position and vice versa. In order to optimize the air conduction device in functional and structural terms, it is hinged on the tail lid by a swing arm device which is separably connected with the activation device by means of which the air conduction device is moved out of the resting position into the operating position.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jason Hill, Roland Heiler, Maxel Szwaj
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Patent number: 6644700Abstract: A device for reducing air resistance of a vehicle includes a front bumper, a bumper spoiler, and a mounting piece. The bumper spoiler includes a main body section and a mounting base section which protrudes from a reverse side of the main body section. The mounting base section is made of rigid material capable of being elastically deformed and harder than the main body section. The main body section and the mounting base section are integrally joined to each other. The mounting base section has a first mounting section and a second mounting section. The first mounting section is inserted into and elastically engaged with a first mounting hole of the bumper, thereby being temporarily fixed to the bumper. The second mounting section is inserted into the second mounting hole of the bumper to be finally fixed to the bumper by the mounting piece.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Tokai Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Ito, Kengo Hara, Hideki Minami
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Patent number: 6637805Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the safety of automobiles traveling at high speeds capable of increasing the downward force on a yawed vehicle comprises in one embodiment an air inlet opening, an air exit opening, and an air path, wherein the air exit opening directs flowing exiting air in such a manner as to avoid interfering with the air spoiling operations of the surface of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the invention comprises an air inlet opening, an air exit opening, an air path, and a platform fixed at one end to a rear underside portion of the vehicle that pivots open under the force of flowing air to disrupt air flowing under a yawed vehicle to thereby exert a downward force on the yawed vehicle. A method of directing air into a yawed vehicle traveling at high speed to exert a downward force on the yawed vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Clayton B. Rees
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Patent number: 6634418Abstract: An radiator and charge-air-cooling package made up of two air cooled heat exchangers: a radiator and a charge-air-cooler, the heat exchangers being attached to one another directly or indirectly and then attachable to a chassis or body of the vehicle. The two heat exchangers are both longer than wide with each having center cooling areas. Each heat exchanger has cooling cores in which their coolant flows. Air passes across these cooling cores when the vehicle moves to cool the coolant. The long sides of each of the heat exchangers are geometrically out of synch with the other. With the center cooling areas of each of the heat exchangers overlapping each other, at least one end of each heat exchanger may be unfettered by air flow the other heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Scott A. Wooldridge
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Patent number: 6616218Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Steven X. S. Bauer, Richard M. Wood
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Patent number: 6595577Abstract: An air guiding device for a motor vehicle includes an air guiding element that is displaceable by a deployment device, between operative and inoperative positions. In its inoperative position, it is lowered with respect to a stationary vehicle body shell and, in its operative position it is deployed outward, projecting beyond the vehicle body shell. The deployment device has at least one deployment element with a deployment arm that is displaceably disposed in a guide housing. The air guiding element is arranged on the fastening end of the deployment arm. The deployment element is equipped with a manually operable adjusting device in order to align the air guiding element in its inoperative position relative to the vehicle body shell. To adjust the air guiding element in its inoperative position relative to the vehicle body shell, the deployment element has an internal or external-thread section on its fastening end as an adjusting arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AGInventor: Stefan Adams
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Patent number: 6565145Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable airfoil mountable to a vehicle and movable from a first position to a second position. The invention further includes an actuator device coupled to the adjustable airfoil to selectively move the airfoil from the first position to the second position and operatively coupled to a vehicle brake system so that the actuator device is able to receive a signal pertaining to operation of the vehicle brake system, wherein the actuator device moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable airfoil further comprises a remote control device operably coupled to the actuator to provided a second signal, wherein the actuator device also moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the second signal. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for operating an adjustable airfoil as just described.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: BTR Robotic LimitedInventor: Brian Pettey
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Patent number: 6540282Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable airfoil mountable to a vehicle and movable from a first position to a second position. The invention further includes an actuator device coupled to the adjustable airfoil to selectively move the airfoil from the first position to the second position and operatively coupled to a vehicle brake system so that the actuator device is able to receive a signal pertaining to operation of the vehicle brake system, wherein the actuator device moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the signal. In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable airfoil further comprises a remote control device operably coupled to the actuator to provided a second signal, wherein the actuator device also moves the adjustable airfoil as a function of the second signal. In another embodiment, a method is disclosed for operating an adjustable airfoil as just described.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: BTR Robotics Limited Liability CompanyInventor: Brian Pettey
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Patent number: 6520564Abstract: An air flow guiding board structure includes a fixed board, a movable board, two fastening seats, and two elastic connection members. The fixed board is secured to the fastening seats. The movable board is pivoted to the fixed board in conjunction with the elastic connection members such that the movable board is capable of moving up and down in response to the air flow intensity so as to stabilize the body of an automobile in high speed motion.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Yet Chang Mobile Goods Co., Ltd.Inventor: Lien-Feng Liang
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Patent number: 6497450Abstract: A wing mechanism for selectively exerting a downwardly directed force to a vehicle having a vehicle body. The wing mechanism includes a wing member, a pair of wing tips and a drive assembly. The pair of wing tips are moveably coupled to opposing ends the wing member and arranged to be moved by the drive assembly between a retracted position wherein the wing tips are retracted within a cavity in the wing member and a deployed position wherein each of the wing tips extends outwardly from the perimeter of the wing member.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventor: William T Presley
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Patent number: 6412853Abstract: A vehicle air drag reduction system using louvers is provided comprising at least one louver strip. Such strip has a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween. The louver strip further includes a coupling mechanism for allowing the coupling thereof to a body of a vehicle. A plurality of louver tabs are also provided having a long side edge thereof integrally coupled to the louver strip. Each louver tab extends upwardly and rearwardly thereby forming an acute angle with respect to a plane in which the louver strip resides.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Inventor: Gale D. Richardson