Abstract: An aerodynamic fairing, made of a plastic material, for the outer laterally disposed longitudinally extending members, i.e., rocker panels, of bodies for passenger cars and utility-type motor vehicles, which, in conjunction with the outer wall of the longitudinal members, form a closed hollow body; in order to be able to extend a fairing of this type as far in the downward direction as is necessary for aerodynamic reasons, yet minimize the risk of damage to the fairing, the construction according to the present invention is such that the fairing comprises an upper zone, made of a plastic material which is comparatively dimensionally stable or form-rigid, and of a lower zone which can be elastically deformed and which is fastened to the upper zone in a preferably detachable manner, and in that the lower zone enables a reduction in its height in the event of contact with the ground by including predetermined flexing points or intentional bending places which facilitate such a height reduction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aerodynamically braking a tractor-trailer combination utilizing a centrally pivoted, fast-acting door within a roof-mounted aerodynamic fairing to selectively expose and conceal the front surface of the trailer, which is masked by the fairing, and in one embodiment, to operate the door cooperatively with the vehicle's brake system.

Abstract: An air deflector apparatus for trucks is adjustably moveable between a lower position substantially parallel to the top of a truck cab, and an upraised position providing streamlined flow of air up over the trailer. A pneumatic cylinder is employed and brace arms or struts operated thereby support the weight and force of the deflector such that the cylinder is not called upon to provide the supporting force.

Abstract: A movable type air balance panel is mounted beneath the front end of a motor vehicle. This balance panel moves upward and downward in response to the speed of the vehicle and is maintained in a retracted position when the brakes are applied, thereby decreasing the chance of damage to the balance panel. Air resistance is decreased during low speed operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A chassis and suspension system includes a chassis which is pivotally suspended from front and rear subchassis, and front and rear interchassis springs which resiliently restrict the pivotal movement of the chassis relative to the front and rear subchassis, respectively. Front and rear wheel connecting assemblies mount front and rear wheels, respectively, on the front and rear subchassis, respectively, so that they are independently resiliently upwardly movable in substantially parallel relation to the central vertical axes of the respective subchassis. By properly dimensioning the components of the chassis and suspension system, it functions so that during cornering, only the chassis rotates while the front and rear subchassis remain in substantially unrotated dispositions, whereby the wheels remain substantially perpendicular to a roadway surface therebeneath to maximize tire adhesion.

Abstract: A device for raising and lowering an airfoil mounted on a lower portion of a vehicle body comprises a driving mechanism for driving the airfoil upwardly and downwardly, an electric device such as a motor for actuating the driving mechanism, a vehicle height detector for detecting the height of the vehicle body with respect to an axle, an airfoil height detector for detecting the height of the airfoil with respect to the vehicle body, and a control unit responsive to the vehicle height as detected by the vehicle height detector, the airfoil height as detected by the airfoil height detector, and the speed of travel of the vehicle body for actuating the electric device to lower the airfoil when the speed exceeds a predetermined level and the vehicle height is high.

Abstract: A rear window structure of an automotive vehicle has a rear spoiler fin formed integrally with a weatherstrip for mounting a rear windshield to the vehicle body. The rear spoiler fin with the weatherstrip is conveniently equipped to the rear window and does not require any additional fastening structure. Thus, the rear window structure will improve traction of the vehicle without causing any difficulty in assembling.

Abstract: An airfoil-shaped silencer is on the roof of a vehicle used for pulling a payload, such as a tractor-trailer combination. The leading edge of the silencer is lower than the trailing edge of the silencer. The trailing edge of the silencer includes an elongate discharge aperture which extends in the direction of the width of the vehicle. The silencer is connected to an exhaust pipe, which may pass through the body of the vehicle to provide climate control.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle (10) designed to provide practical transportation for one or two people at minimum energy cost, wherein the driver and passenger sit in tandem in a narrow enclosed fuselage (12). Steering is provided by a single front wheel (14), and a propulsion system drives the two rear wheels (16). Vertical airfoils or fins (20) enclose and streamline the upper portions of the rear wheels, while providing the vehicle with aerodynamic stability and forward thrust in a crosswind. Horizontal struts (18) connect the fuselage with the vertical fin-wheel assemblies. The juncture between struts and fuselage are faired with concave fillets (22) which enlarge toward the rear, and terminate in a surface (26) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The fillets reduce vehicle drag by preventing flow separation. Aerodynamic drag of the vehicle is about one-sixth that of typical subcompact cars, and its aerodynamic stability keeps it on course in crosswinds, despite being less than half as heavy.

Abstract: An automobile includes a main front air screen generator having a curved wall member extending rearwardly and upwardly to a crest. A central deflector plate develops an air screen in front of the vehicle and a low pressure pocket behind the curved member. The surfaces of the automobile include minute wave-shaped flutes, each including a trough which extends upwardly and rearwardly to a relatively sharp crest and then breaks downwardly and forwardly into the next trough such that any impactive air moves over the surface with engagement only at the crest portions. A screen covers the flutes on the back surfaces and curved vances extending rearwardly and upwardly may optimize the pressure condition.

Abstract: An airfoil, pivotally attached to a high speed vehicle, is positioned to produce a braking action on the vehicle by means of fluid-dynamic resistance. The airfoil may be positioned to produce a downward pressure on the vehicle and thus enhance conventional braking action. The braking action is further augmented by eductors which reduce the air pressure behind the airfoil and control the air flow about the airfoil. The eductors and a set of rudders combine to provide the requisite stability for successful high speed braking.