Abstract: An aerodynamic underride guard comprising an angled front section located ahead of the trailer landing gear, a crash attenuating middle section located between the trailer landing gear and the trailer wheel assembly, and an angled rear section located in proximity to the trailer wheel assembly. The front angled section deflects air away from the non-aerodynamic features of the trailer landing gear. The rear angled section deflects air away from the non-aerodynamic features of the trailer wheel assembly, and the crash attenuating middle section can prevent vehicles from under riding the trailer.

Abstract: A boat hull shield device comprising a bracket member attached to the tongue of a trailer. An adjustable shield-support assembly is fastened to the bracket member and extending upwardly therefrom. A pair of planar shield members is adjustably attached to the shield support assembly, with the shield members each positioned to one side of the bracket member in an open V configuration. A pair of linear brace members further stabilizes the shield members. Each brace member is secured at a first end to one shield member and at a second end to the upright support fastened to the tongue of the trailer. The planar shield members are rotationally adjustable relative to a horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to the trailer tongue and pivotally adjustable relative to a vertical axis, that is perpendicular to the trailer tongue.

Abstract: A trailer fairing for reducing aerodynamic drag from trailer landing gear and/or wheel assembly is disclosed. The fairing may be directly connected to the forward facing structural supports of the landing gear, and an air tank may be located between the fairing and the cargo storage area. A single fairing may be used to reduce the drag from both the trailer landing gear and wheel assembly. The fairing may include a tapered front section and/or a rear section. The fairing may have rounded, oval, angled, and/or tapered sections. A plurality of fairings may also be used.

Abstract: An improved method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of bluff base vehicles by increasing the pressure on the bluff base of the vehicle by controlling the wake flow and the interaction of the wake flow with the vehicle bluff base region. An improved method and device for generating a reduction in drag force on the bluff base of a body moving through a fluid. The apparatus consists of two opposing panels attached to the bluff base and aligned approximately parallel to the side edge of the bluff base and lying in a plane that is parallel to the vehicle centerline. The drag force reduction results from controlling the flow entering the bluff base trailing wake from the left side surface, right side surface, bottom surface, and top surfaces of the vehicle. The objects and advantages also extend to other applications in which an object, body, or vehicle is moving through either a gas or a fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fairing for a trailer having a wheel assembly. The fairing is positioned on the underside of the trailer to cover a frontal area of the wheel assembly. More specifically, the fairing includes a shell and an anchoring mechanism. First, the shell is designed to cover the frontal part of the wheel assembly. Secondly, the anchoring mechanism allows attaching the shell to the wheel assembly.

Abstract: An aerodynamic forebody device is provided for use with a tractor-trailer combination vehicle to be installed on the front of the semi-trailer. By optimizing the inclination angle of the top surface of the aerodynamic forebody device, aerodynamic drag is minimized. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A reduced wind resistance haulage vehicle apparatus includes an undercarriage portion which supports a motor/transmission. Driven wheel assemblies are connected to the undercarriage portion and are powered by the motor/transmission. A cab portion is supported by the an undercarriage portion for controlling the motor/transmission. Steering wheel assemblies are supported by the undercarriage portion for steering by a driver seated in the cab portion. A haulage portion is supported by the undercarriage portion. More specifically, the haulage portion includes haulage compartment side walls. Haulage compartment front doors and rear doors are connected to the haulage compartment side walls. When the haulage portion is empty, the front doors and the rear doors are opened, and air flow can flow through the haulage portion when the vehicle is driven along a road surface. As a result, the air resistance of the vehicle is significantly reduced, and the vehicle saves in energy demand and in fuel consumption.

Abstract: A combination of vehicle fairing structures forming a fairing system having a front end structure, a rear end structure, and first and second side structures, for optimizing the aerodynamic profile of vehicles, especially tractor-trailer combinations.

Abstract: Apparatus attached to the rear of a large box like vehicle for reducing rear drag, resulting from the movement of the vehicle includes an aerodynamically shaped structure rotatably mounted along at least one of the rear edges of said vehicle. The structure defines an enclosed space facing the rear of the vehicle which extends beyond the rear edges of the vehicle thereby increasing the length of the body of the vehicle and at the same time increasing the storage capacity of the vehicle. In one embodiment the structure includes two doors rotatably mounted along the vertical edges of the rear of the vehicle. The two doors, when closed, form an aerodynamic drag reducer. When access to the rear cargo doors is required the drag reducing doors are unlocked and/or unlatched and swung open to the sides of the vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus is adaptable for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus includes a series of successively nesting shapes and/or frameworks that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: Airfoils and systems for reducing drag on a moving land base vehicle are provided. The airfoils and systems generally include one or more laminar flow control features selected from flow control apertures, air ejectors, splitters and flow control stubs or dimples. These features can be provided on a body that is mountable to the rear of a bluff body vehicle, such as a truck-tractor trailer rig.

Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reducing apparatus for use with vehicles having downstream surfaces that are not streamlined. The apparatus consists of folding panels that extend rearward for use in a drag reducing configuration and collapse for use in a space saving configuration.

Abstract: A device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance and stability of ground vehicles by reducing the mass and velocity of the flow passing under a vehicle is described. The device is particularly suited for a tractor-trailer truck system that includes a motorized lead vehicle pulling one or more non-motorized vehicles. The device is designed to control the flow from entering the undercarriage region from the side of a trailer of a tractor-trailer truck system.

Abstract: A combination of vehicle fairing structures forming a fairing system having a front end structure, a rear end structure, and first and second side structures, for optimizing the aerodynamic profile of vehicles, especially tractor-trailer combinations.

Abstract: A vehicle fairing structure has a top fairing surface adapted to be attached to a trailer box, and first and second side fairing surfaces adapted to be attached to the sides of the trailer box, in the gap between a tractor cab and a trailer box in a tractor-trailer combination. The fairing structure directs air flow away from the gap, and is positioned in the gap to lessen aerodynamic drag, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

Abstract: A air drag reduction apparatus includes left and right planar panels and top and bottom planar panels for mounting to the rear doors of a tractor trailer along the top, bottom and side edges thereof. Hinges are interposed between the panels and the doors so that the panels can pivot about the hinges between an extended drag-reducing position and a collapsed position generally adjacent the rear doors. Stop devices releasably secure the panels in the extended position, and biasing devices such as tensioning springs are operative to bias the panels outwards and rearwards to the extended position and are further operative to permit the panels to pivot between the extended position towards and to the collapsed position upon impact and contact from an external object occurring and then return to the extended position substantially immediately upon contact ceasing thereby significantly reducing the impact damage.

Abstract: An improved device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of multiple component vehicles by reducing the pressure on the front face of the trailing vehicle or vehicle component by controlling the flow in the gap between the leading vehicle component and the trailing vehicle component. An improved device for generating a reduction in the drag force on a bluff face object moving through air. The device consist of the application of a plurality of forward extending surfaces that are positioned adjacent to one another on the forward facing surface of a bluff face object and are aligned parallel to the object center line and perpendicular to the local flow direction. The reduction in drag force results from the summation of a plurality of local reductions in drag force generated by the interaction of vortex structures emanating from the leading edges of the plurality of forward extending surfaces with the forward facing surface of a blunt face object.

Abstract: A drag-reduction concept for vehicles with open cavities includes dividing a cavity into smaller adjacent cavities through installation of one or more vertical dividers. The dividers may extend the full depth of the cavity or only partial depth. In either application, the top of the dividers are typically flush with the top of the bed or cargo bay of the vehicle. The dividers may be of any material, but are strong enough for both wind loads and forces encountered during cargo loading/unloading. For partial depth dividers, a structural angle may be desired to increase strength.

Abstract: A frame extension device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of ground vehicles by increasing the pressure on the base of the vehicle by stabilizing the wake flow. The device is particularly suited for tractor-trailers utilizing a roll-up type rear door in that it does not block any part of the door opening. The device is of sufficient thickness to support the weight of an unloading device.

Abstract: A vehicle air drag reduction system is provided for mounting on the rearward facing surface of a vehicle, and in particular a truck trailer, that provides improved efficiency. The system comprises a flexible panel that will assume a cone-shape at the rearward end of the trailer, and which is held in place by a plurality of support rods fitted within the flexible panel, and which attach to brackets mounted on said trailer. An inexpensive and simple air drag reduction system is provided which is easily attached or removed from a vehicle is provided.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An awning assembly for the front portion of a recreational vehicle. The awning assembly in a closed position provides an aerodynamic profile for the front portion of the recreational vehicle, so that a front wall can be arranged to allow more efficient use of the interior. In one embodiment, the front wall is vertical so that the front portion of the interior has a full ceiling height. The awning assembly in an open position helps to block out external elements, so that the front wall can be used more efficiently. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a window, and the awning assembly provides a shade for that window while allowing an occupant to look outside towards the front of recreational vehicle. Various structures and methods for implementing the awning assembly to the front portion of the recreational vehicle are disclosed.

Abstract: An awning assembly for the front portion of a recreational vehicle. The awning assembly in a closed position provides an aerodynamic profile for the front portion of the recreational vehicle, so that a front wall can be arranged to allow more efficient use of the interior. In one embodiment, the front wall is vertical so that the front portion of the interior has a full ceiling height. The awning assembly in an open position helps to block out external elements, so that the front wall can be used more efficiently. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a window, and the awning assembly provides a shade for that window while allowing an occupant to look outside towards the front of recreational vehicle. Various structures and methods for implementing the awning assembly to the front portion of the recreational vehicle are disclosed.

Abstract: In a full-rear vehicle, a rear-end spoiler is situated in the rear edge area of the roof above a rear window. To optimize a rear-end spoiler with a given longitudinal extent so that the aerodynamic efficiency is increased, the spoiler is formed by a split wing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerodynamic drag reducing system for land vehicles, in particular semi-tractor trailers. The drag reducing system includes a selectively removable frame and a drag reduction member. The selectively removable frame can adapt to conform to at least one of the width or height of the land vehicle, and can be secured thereto by a securement assembly. In one embodiment, the drag reducing system can be folded and collapsed for compact storage. The drag reducing system can be easily and quickly secured to the back end of a semi-tractor trailer without tools and without requiring that any permanent modifications be made to the trailer. In one embodiment, drag reducing system includes a hinge joint assembly to facilitate installation, removal, and repositioning of drag reducing system.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments may include at least one fan for directing air into a lower pressure region behind a vehicle in motion in order to reduce pressure drag. Embodiments may also include one or more internal ducts for directing air from other parts of the vehicle to the at least one fan. In one embodiment, the operation of the at least one fan may be controlled based on sensed conditions, user control, or other means.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles are disclosed. More particularly, a method for reducing the pressure drag of a vehicle is disclosed. Embodiments may include capturing air from the airflow around the vehicle when the vehicle is moving and directing air from a first location to a second location. Embodiments may also include forcing the captured air from the second location into a lower pressure region to reduce pressure drag associated with movement of the vehicle in a direction, where the lower pressure region is created in response to movement of the vehicle. Further embodiments may include where directing the air includes directing the air through a duct internal to the vehicle or through a duct attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance for vehicles having a generally rectangular body disposed above rear wheels, comprising a plurality of load bearing struts attached to the bottom of the rectangular body adjacent its sides, a plurality of opposing flat sheets attached to the load bearing struts, and angled flaps attached to the lower edge of the opposing sheets defining an obtuse angle with the opposing flat sheets extending inwardly with respect to the sides of the rectangular body to a predetermined height above the ground, which, stiffen the opposing flat sheets, bend to resist damage when struck by the ground, and guide airflow around the rear wheels of the vehicle to reduce its aerodynamic resistance when moving.

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 apparatus for reducing the aerodynamic base drag of a bluff body having a leading end, a trailing end, a top surface, opposing left and right side surfaces, and a base surface at the trailing end substantially normal to a longitudinal centerline of the bluff body, with the base surface joined (1) to the left side surface at a left trailing edge, (2) to the right side surface at a right trailing edge, and (3) to the top surface at a top trailing edge. The apparatus includes left and right vertical boattail plates which are orthogonally attached to the base surface of the bluff body and inwardly offset from the left and right trailing edges, respectively. This produces left and right vertical channels which generate, in a flowstream substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline, respective left and right vertically-aligned vortical structures, with the left and right vertical boattail plates each having a plate width defined by a rear edge of the plate spaced from the base surface.

Abstract: A device for reducing vehicle aerodynamic resistance for vehicles having a generally rectangular flat front face comprising a plurality of load bearing struts of a predetermined size attached to the flat front face adjacent the sides and top thereof, a pair of pliable opposing flat sheets having an outside edge portion attached to the flat front face adjacent the sides thereof and an upper edge with a predetermined curve; the opposing flat sheets being bent and attached to the struts to form effective curved airfoil shapes, and a top pliable flat sheet disposed adjacent the top of the flat front face and having predetermined curved side edges, which, when the top sheet is bent and attached to the struts to form an effective curved airfoil shape, mate with the curved upper edges of the opposing sheets to complete the aerodynamic device.

Abstract: An improved method and device for the reduction of aerodynamic drag and for improved performance of multiple component vehicles by reducing the pressure on the front face of the trailing vehicle or vehicle component by controlling the flow in the gap between the leading vehicle component and the trailing vehicle component. An improved method and device for generating a reduction in the drag force on a bluff face object moving through air. The apparatus consist of a plurality of forward extending surfaces that are positioned adjacent to one another on the forward facing surface of a bluff face object and are aligned parallel to the object center line and perpendicular to the local flow direction. The reduction in drag force results from the summation of a plurality of local reductions in drag force generated by the interaction of vortex structures emanating from the leading edges of the plurality of forward extending surfaces with the forward facing surface of a blunt face object.

Abstract: An aerodynamic base drag reduction apparatus and method for bluff bodies, such as tractor-trailer trucks, utilizing a pair of lift surfaces extending to lift surface tips and located alongside the bluff body such as on opposing left and right side surfaces. In a flowstream substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the bluff body, the pair of lift surfaces generate a pair of counter-rotating trailing vortices which confluence together in the wake of the bluff body in a direction orthogonal to the flowstream. The confluence draws or otherwise turns the flowstream, such as the flowstream passing over a top surface of the bluff body, in and around behind a trailing end of the bluff body to raise the pressure on a base surface at the trailing end and thereby reduce the aerodynamic base drag.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a wheeled vehicle in a flowstream, the vehicle having a vehicle body and a wheel assembly supporting the vehicle body. The apparatus includes a baffle assembly adapted to be positioned upstream of the wheel assembly for deflecting airflow away from the wheel assembly so as to reduce the incident pressure on the wheel assembly.

Abstract: An improved method and device for reducing the base drag of bluff bodies, including large boxy highway vehicles such as semi-trailer trucks, which uses low drag vortex generators in combination with either a trailing panel or shortened boattail plates, to provide greater base drag reduction than other previously known methods. The preferred embodiment reduces the required length of boattail plates by over half, making it compatible with current U.S. regulations for trailer underride bars, and providing easier access for rear cargo doors. The device is easily installed as an add-on device on both new and existing truck bodies. In an alternate configuration, the shape of one or more sets of shortened boattail plates can be built into the rear body shape of vehicles, to maximize the interior volume for a given total vehicle length.

Abstract: An aerodynamic base drag reduction apparatus and method for bluff bodies, such as tractor-trailer trucks, utilizing a pair of lift surfaces extending to lift surface tips and located alongside the bluff body such as on opposing left and right side surfaces. In a flowstream substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the bluff body, the pair of lift surfaces generate a pair of counter-rotating trailing vortices which confluence together in the wake of the bluff body in a direction orthogonal to the flowstream. The confluence draws or otherwise turns the flowstream, such as the flowstream passing over a top surface of the bluff body, in and around behind a trailing end of the bluff body to raise the pressure on a base surface at the trailing end and thereby reduce the aerodynamic base drag.

Abstract: A cab extender assembly (200) for selectively manipulating an aerodynamic drag of a vehicle (100) is provided. The cab extender assembly includes a dynamic cab extender (206a) and a control system (208) coupled to the dynamic cab extender. The control system is adapted to selectively position the dynamic cab extender between a stowed position, a deployed position in which the dynamic cab extender is substantially aligned with a side of the vehicle, and a braking position in which the dynamic cab extender is at least partially disposed into an airstream passing along the side of the vehicle to increase a drag coefficient of the vehicle. The cab extender assembly may also include a fixed cab extender (204a) substantially aligned with the dynamic cab extender when the dynamic cab extender is in the deployed position. A method of operating a cab extender assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the drag of a motor vehicle includes a mechanism for diverting air attached to a front portion of the vehicle and a vacuum plate having openings therein for attachment to a back of the vehicle. Mechanisms for diverting air include a cover piece encasing a front portion of the vehicle, one or more separation panels attached to the front of the vehicle, and one or more tubular members attached to the front of the vehicle. Both the cover piece and vacuum plate are attached to the vehicle so that a space is maintained between the vehicle and the cover piece and vacuum plate, respectively.

Abstract: A device for a vehicle with a pair of swinging rear doors, which converts flat sheets of pliable material hinged to the sides of the vehicle adjacent the rear thereof into effective curved airfoils that reduce the aerodynamic resistance of the vehicle, when the doors are closed by hand, utilizing a plurality of stiffeners disposed generally parallel to the doors and affixed to the sheets and a plurality of collapsible tension bearings struts attached to each stiffener and the adjacent door.

Abstract: A belly pan, or membrane of rigid yet flexible material is of elongated shaped outline to be mounted along the bottom of tractor-trailer to improve the aerodynamic performance. The belly pan is provided with a tapered front portion to be attached to the frontal portion of the trailer to the approximate location of the truck hitch. The belly pan extends rearwardly, under the trailer, between the rear wheels in a rectangular portion and the rearward edge is affixed to the ICC bumper of the trailer. An aerodynamic shaped deflector is attached to the frontal portion of the landing gear of the trailer and attaches to the belly pan for reducing drag between the underside of the trailer and the support beams of the landing gear. A similar aerodynamic shaped deflector is attached to the frontal portion of the ICC bumper and attached to the belly pan for reducing drag between the underside of the trailer and the beams of the ICC bumper.

Abstract: A belly pan, or membrane of rigid yet flexible material is of elongated shaped outline to be mounted along the bottom of tractor-trailer to improve the aerodynamic performance. The belly pan is provided with a tapered front portion to be attached to the frontal portion of the trailer to the approximate location of the truck hitch. The belly pan extends rearwardly, under the trailer, between the rear wheels in a rectangular portion and the rearward edge is affixed to the ICC bumper of the trailer. An aerodynamic shaped deflector is attached to the frontal portion of the landing gear of the trailer and attaches to the belly pan for reducing drag between the underside of the trailer and the support beams of the landing gear. A similar aerodynamic shaped deflector is attached to the frontal portion of the ICC bumper and attached to the belly pan for reducing drag between the underside of the trailer and the beams of the ICC bumper.

Abstract: A compact, and low maintenance back lit illuminated sign (10), especially such a back lit sign suitable for use on a vehicle. The shallow back lit illuminated sign (10) comprises a housing (12), a light source (30) suitable for supplying light to a light fiber (20), and at least one side-light emitting fiber (20). The housing (12) has a sign face (14) and an interior surface (16, 18) that includes a back surface (19). The sign face (14) has an illuminated area that diffusely transmits light. The back surface (19) is located at a depth from the sign face (14). One or more side-light emitting fibers (20) are connected so as to receive light from the light source (30) and are mounted within the housing (12) so as to limit the amount of emitted light, from the fiber(s) (20), that travels directly to the sign face (14).

Abstract: A trailer wind bypass system for inhibiting a trailer be tipped over by the wind. The trailer wind bypass system includes a trailer member comprising a box portion and a plurality of wheels. The box portion is designed for receiving items to be transported over the road. The wheels are rotatably coupled to the box portion to facilitate transportation of the box portion over the road. The trailer member is designed for being coupled to a tractor for pulling the trailer member over the road. The box portion of the trailer member comprises a plurality of vent assemblies to permit wind to pass through the box portion of the trailer member. At least one actuation assembly is operationally coupled to the vent assemblies. The actuation assembly is for selectively opening and closing the vent assemblies when the actuation assembly is actuated by a user.

Abstract: A vehicle fairing structure having a first semi-rigid surface with a first curved edge, the first semi-rigid surface adapted to be rotatably secured to a vehicle to permit the first semi-rigid surface to assume a first position adjacent the vehicle and a second position extended from the vehicle, and a first joint structure spanning the first semi-rigid surface to permit the first semi-rigid surface to be folded when in the first position and unfolded when in the second position. The structure includes a second semi-rigid surface having a second curved edge, the second semi-rigid surface adapted to be rotatably secured to the vehicle to permit the second semi-rigid surface to assume a first position adjacent the vehicle and a second position extended from the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a bulkhead extension for a DOT rated bulkhead installed on a flatbed vehicle includes a pair of wings attached one to each side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extension also includes a top bar coinciding with the top panel of the bulkhead and connected between the pair of wings to provide a unitary bulkhead extension. The bulkhead extension widens the bulkhead to accommodate an extendable/retractable flexible cover system mounted on the bed of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the extension apparatus is mounted inboard of the vertical legs of the front bow-shaped beam of the cover system. In this embodiment, the extension apparatus can include a pair of wings or swing flaps that are pivotably mounted to the vertical legs so that the wings can be pivoted between an outboard position and an inboard operative position.

Abstract: The invention comprises an inflatable cone-shaped wind dam for reducing the air drag of a moving tractor-trailer. The wind dam is comprised of two longitudinally opposed sections each section having an outer shell and an inner inflatable bladder, constructed so that the outer shell houses the inner inflatable bladder. The cone-shaped wind dam further comprises an inflatable mating joint for maintaining the form and structure of the wind dam.

Abstract: An air diversion device captures a flow of air from above a roadway vehicle, more specifically large tractor trailer rigs operating over the highway, and forcibly diverts the captured air to the heart of the low pressure air void created behind the roadway vehicle as it passes over a roadway, reducing the amount of drag force applied to the roadway vehicle, thus increasing and enhancing the efficiency of operation of the roadway vehicle. The diversion device includes at least one air intake manifold placed on the top of the roadway vehicle near the rear of the roadway vehicle, a channeled duct system, and a forced air outlet projecting the forced air gathered by the air intake manifold through the channeled duct system, ejecting the forced air in a relatively horizontal plane into the mid-center portion of the rear of the roadway vehicle at a highly accelerated rate.

Abstract: A hybrid air boost vehicle makes use of the porous panels and suction devices of a vehicle aerodynamic drag reduction system, and makes use of the air consumed by such a system, to provide the energy and air to power a land or water based ground effects vehicle. Energy and air consumed by the suction system, and normally wasted, is recycled by providing an air cushion to partially support the vehicle. The entire hybrid air boost vehicle system is more efficient than either a drag reduction system or a ground effects vehicle alone, and the benefits of both are realized, as well as benefits unique to the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A system for reducing the drag on a trailer comprises a series of air ducts mounted beneath the trailer which each have an intake located beneath the trailer. The duct is connected to a plurality of vertical pipes, each having vertically-spaced pipes air discharge holes. Movement of the trailer forces air to flow into the inlet, through the ducts and out the outlets. Preferably, the duct inlets face the front and the side of the trailer, and the ducting forces all inlet air into a common plenum, through a venturi and out through a series if outlets spaced about the rear surface of the trailer. A vortex generator may be used and a spoiler is fitted. The entire system is designed to be retrofitted to existing trailers without loss of cargo space.