Abstract: In a wheel pant device (12), wheel pant plates (34 and 36) that form this wheel pant device are able to be rotated in at least a vehicle width direction. By detecting a driving state of a vehicle using a detecting device and rotating the wheel pant plates of the wheel pant device (12) in response to that detected driving state, the airflow acting on the vehicle can be controlled, thereby enabling the driving performance of the vehicle to be improved.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a fifth wheel, comprising a displacement device provided with two guide rails placed on the vehicle, in particular on a tractor semi-trailer combination in the longitudinal direction thereof, said guide rails whereon a slide may be installed capable of being moved by means of an actuating device, said actuating device being designed such that, upon a displacement, the positive connection between the guide rails and the slide is maintained. The actuating device, which is designed to move the slide, comprises a first powered device. Additionally, at least one first position sensor is arranged to detect the position of the slide, at least said first position sensor being connected to a control device.

Abstract: A drag reducing device for use on transport vehicles includes a delta wing having variable height and irregularly spaced undulations on an upper surface of each side of the wing. A length of each side of the delta wing is different than the length of the other wing side thereof.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a roof arrangement and a spoiler lying behind the roof arrangement, whereby the roof arrangement has at least one movable roof element, which is adjustable between a closed position and an open position. The roof element is automatically adjustable in the direction of the closed position starting from its open position for achieving a defined, presettable aerodynamic effect at the spoiler.

Abstract: Vanes are used for reducing drag on a first vehicle having a substantially planar rear surface, where the first vehicle is used to tow an unpowered second vehicle. Rigid brackets or braces may be used to mount vanes to the first vehicle. The apparatus is extremely light weight, and includes a rigid vane of length L having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The vane has an inner surface facing the vehicle and an outer surface. A first rigid bracket or brace and a second rigid bracket or brace may connect the upper and lower ends of the vane to a side surface of the first vehicle, respectively. The vane prevents or reduces formation of a zone of turbulent air between the first and second vehicles by directing airflow away from an airspace between the first and second vehicles. The apparatus allows substantial reductions in fuel consumption. The apparatus also reduces tractor CO2 emissions during use as a result of reduced fuel consumption.

Abstract: An adjustable air-deflecting panel for mounting to a vehicle comprises at least one panel; a plurality of mounts for mounting the panel to the vehicle, each mount comprising a vehicle mount portion for mounting to the vehicle and a panel mount portion for mounting the panel to the vehicle mount portion, the mount portions being pivotally coupled to one another to thereby pivotally couple the panel to the vehicle, the vehicle mount portion comprising a first engagement member and the panel mount portion comprising a second engagement member, the engagement members being operable to engage one another upon clamping the engagement members together to thereby prevent pivoting of the panel about the pivot axis and relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for controlling the height of a load or load carrier behind the cab of a truck includes a sensor supported on a power operated air deflector on the roof of the cab. The sensor is arranged, during vertical movement of the rear end of the air deflector, to sense the maximum height of the load or the load carrier behind the cab and to send signals representing the maximum height to an indicator inside the cab.

Abstract: A drag reducing deflector system is disclosed. The drag reducing deflector system provides aerodynamic drag reduction during crosswind flow (CF) conditions including zero crosswind flow conditions in which the crosswind flow angle, ?, is 0.0. The crosswind flow angle ? is measured from the vehicle longitudinal axis A that also defines the vehicle direction of motion. Embodiments of the drag reducing deflector system 100 may also be utilized to assist braking of a vehicle.

Abstract: A tractor cabin includes a frame with an upper cabin portion, a front cabin portion, a rear cabin portion and side cabin portions and at least one fairing connected to the frame. The at least one fairing includes at least one air deflector. The deflector is adjustable in its tilt angle with respect to the frame. The deflector includes a deflector body with a variable deflection along a longitudinal elongation of the deflector body. An air deflector is also provided.

Abstract: An integrated rear spoiler and hinge cover that covers a flip-glass window hinge that is not attached to the flip glass window hinge and rotates from a fully closed position to a fully open position substantially simultaneously with the flip-glass window hinge.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A motor vehicle with a roof arrangement and a spoiler means lying behind the roof arrangement, whereby the roof arrangement has at least one movable roof element, which is adjustable between a closed position and an open position. The roof element is designed as automatically adjustable in the direction of the closed position starting from its open position for achieving a defined, presettable aerodynamic effect at the spoiler means.

Abstract: Proposed is an air guiding device for a motor vehicle, comprising a spoiler element (16) which extends substantially in the vehicle transverse direction and which can be moved by means of a setting-out kinematic arrangement, which predefines a movement path, from a retracted rest position into a maximum deployed lifted position. The spoiler element (16) is provided with an adjusting device, by means of which the angle of incidence of the spoiler element (16) with respect to the setting-out kinematic arrangement can be adjusted.

Abstract: A drag reducing apparatus is hingedly mounted to the rear of a truck or trailer vehicle so that the apparatus can be pivoted clear of the rear doors of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a hinge assembly that allows the apparatus to open substantially flat against the side of the vehicle so as not to impede the full movement of the doors. The apparatus includes an arrangement of connected panels that are initially folded flat against the back of the vehicle but automatically open to a drag reducing configuration at a sufficient vehicle speed. The connected panels are further configured so that the force of gravity automatically returns the panels to their initial folded configuration when the vehicle speed falls below a threshold. The apparatus incorporates a modular construction that allows replacement of individual panel sections. The mounting frame is constructed to augment the drag reduction characteristics of the apparatus.

Abstract: A rear wing device for a motor vehicle has a wing body which extends transversely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and horizontally and is disposed laterally between two side parts extending parallel to the longitudinal direction and vertically. The wing body is fastened to each side part by a retaining device, wherein the retaining devices permit adjustment of an angle of attack of a profile of the wing body in relation to a horizontal orientation. The adjustability of the wing body can be improved in that each retaining device has a guide body which can be adjusted by an adjusting screw along the adjusting screw and is coupled via a first guide pin to a wing support to which the wing body is attached. The wing support can be adjusted in a manner guided by a second guide pin and a third guide pin in slideways.

Abstract: An air dam which provides at least one panel which operates between an open condition and a closed condition in the open space established between a truck coupled to a trailer to alter a part of an air stream generated about the truck-trailer during travel.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a fifth wheel, comprising a displacement device provided with two guide rails placed on the vehicle, in particular on a tractor semi-trailer combination in the longitudinal direction thereof, said guide rails whereon a slide may be installed capable of being moved by means of an actuating device, said actuating device being designed such that, upon a displacement, the positive connection between the guide rails and the slide is maintained. The actuating device, which is designed to move the slide, comprises a first powered device. Additionally, at least one first position sensor is arranged to detect the position of the slide, at least said first position sensor being connected to a control device.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a fifth wheel, comprising a displacement device provided with two guide rails placed on the vehicle, in particular on a tractor semi-trailer combination in the longitudinal direction thereof, said guide rails whereon a slide may be installed capable of being moved by means of an actuating device, said actuating device being designed such that, upon a displacement, the positive connection between the guide rails and the slide is maintained. The actuating device, which is designed to move the slide, comprises a first powered device. Additionally, at least one first position sensor is arranged to detect the position of the slide, at least said first position sensor being connected to a control device.

Abstract: A cab top carrier/deflector device for fifth wheel tow vehicles that is removably installed on the cab of such a tow vehicle and includes a plurality of selectively adjustable deflector elements to redirect the air stream as it travels over the cab of the tow vehicle to drag created from said air stream flowing against the lead portion of the trailer. The present invention further includes a cargo storage chamber within the interior of the housing that is accessible by access doors disposed on the sides thereof.

Abstract: A cab extender assembly for selectively changing the aerodynamic drag on a vehicle having a longitudinal axis includes a fixed cab extender and at least one track extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. An adjustable cab extender has at least one moveable member that is engaged in the track. An actuator assembly is configured for selectively reciprocating the adjustable cab extender along the track and with respect to the fixed cab extender.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for deflecting air and bugs and other debris from the windshield of a pug-nosed vehicle. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket to the vehicle, and a bug deflector. An intermediate portion is adapted to allow adjustment of both distance of the deflector from the vehicle front and angular orientation of the deflector to the vehicle front.

Abstract: An adjustable spoiler includes a front portion and a rear portion having leading and trailing edges, respectively, in parallel alignment. An extension actuator is operably connected to the front and rear portions for selectively extending or retracting a distance between said portions. A stretchable fabric covers the front and rear portions and extends therebetween. The adjustable spoiler includes a processor and a user interface for energizing the extension actuator to adjust the front and rear portion configuration. A moisture sensor may be connected to the processor for adjusting the spoiler upon sensing moisture on a roadway. A brake sensor may also be connected to the processor for actuating adjustment upon activation of a vehicle brake. The adjustable spoiler may include a tilt sensor for adjusting the vertical configuration of a leading or trailing edge of the front or rear portion.

Abstract: An air deflector (10) is attached to a roof of a cab (2). A rear edge portion (12) of the air deflector has a configuration identical with an upper part of a vertical front face (4) of a van body (3) or a configuration closely resembling the upper part thereof, as viewed from the front. A marker lamp (40) is located on a ridge portion (32) of the air deflector in proximity to the rear edge portion. An upper surface (41) and a side surface (43) of the marker lamp are formed to continue an upper face (31) and a side face (33) of the air deflector, and a ridge portion (42) of the marker lamp is in alignment with the ridge portion of the air deflector. The air deflector can ensure visibility of the marker lamps, while preventing the flow of air from impinging on the upper corner areas of the front face of the van body, whereby the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle is improved.

Abstract: An airflow deflector (5) guides the airflow (6) between a towing machine (1) and a transported unit (4, 32) adjoining the towing machine (1) in the travel direction (F) and is coupled with a setting system (7) for adjusting the orientation of the airflow deflector as needed. To ensure an optimal position of the airflow deflector at all times without human interference even when transported units of different external geometrical configurations are utilized, geometrical data (11) on the external geometry and/or positional data (12) are assigned to the transported unit (4, 32). This data, at least in case of a replacement of the transporting unit (4, 32) may be called up or read and forwarded to a control unit (21) that converts the geometrical and/or positional data into setting commands for the setting system (7) to adjust the airflow deflector (5).

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a bluff-bodied vehicle such as a tractor-trailer in a flowstream, the bluff-bodied vehicle of a type having a leading portion, a trailing portion connected to the leading portion, and a gap between the leading and trailing portions defining a recirculation zone. The apparatus is preferably a baffle assembly, such as a vertical panel, adapted to span a width of the gap between the leading and trailing portions so as to impede cross-flow through the gap, with the span of the baffle assembly automatically adjusting for variations in the gap width when the leading and trailing portions pivot relative to each other.

Abstract: An aerodynamic guiding arrangement for a vehicle that includes a forward gap enclosure with an upper element and a lower element. The gap enclosure is configured to be positioned and attached proximate a forward end of the vehicle. The guiding arrangement includes a gap closure mechanism for automatically moving the forward gap enclosure from an open position to a closed position, and from a closed position to an open position, based on speed of the vehicle. Another aerodynamic guiding arrangement includes a windscreen with a top, a bottom, and a center of curvature. The windscreen curves smoothly rearward with increasing distance from a central plane, and has a reverse slope such that over a majority of the windscreen the top is farther from the center of curvature than the bottom.

Abstract: A wind deflector for a vehicle roof comprises a flexible deflecting element attached between a base element and a raising device. The base element is mountable on a vehicle roof, and the raising device is pivotably connected to the base element to raise and lower the deflecting element. The deflecting element is air-permeable to allow air to flow through it and is flexible enough to be folded when the raising device is lowered. A resilient member biases the raising device in the raised position, stabilizing the flexible deflecting element and holding it taut enough to counteract pressure variations in a vehicle interior near a roof opening.

Abstract: A fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system for improving the fuel mileage of a tractor-trailer combination by improving the air resistance that occurs in the area between the rear of the tractor and the front of the semi-trailer. The fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system provides an improved roof extension, which automatically raises when the tractor is put into reverse gear and an improved wheel mechanism for assisting the side extensions to slide around the semi-trailer ends when the tractor-trailer is turning. The fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system requires only modification to the tractor and not the trailer.

Abstract: An automotive aerodynamic component and object carrier fixture is installed on the top of an automobile with an inclination adjustable according to the handling style of the driver. During normal utilization, the aerodynamic component is mounted level to provide a low air resistance. When the aerodynamic component is adjusted such that it is mounted at a forward inclination, downward pressure is generated which increases the weight of the vehicle to increase tracking over the ground. When the aerodynamic component is adjusted such that it is mounted at an upward inclination, a lifting force is generated that decreases the weight of the vehicle to achieve lower fuel consumption, faster acceleration, and more responsive braking performance. A vertical wing is provided to increase directional stability.