Having Laterally Movable Air Directing Member Patents (Class 105/1.3)
  • Patent number: 10655381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of mechanical manufacturing technology, relating to a locking device. The locking device comprise a casing with a first end and a second end; a hole is formed on the first end, and the second end has an opening; a rod is provided within the casing; and a fastener is provided on the end portion of the rod outside the casing; a raised member located outside the casing is provided at a second end portion of the rod, the raised member having a diameter greater than a diameter of the opening and a gap being formed between the raised member and the casing; a spring is sleeved on the rod, and a first shaft is provided at the second end portion. An opening and closing mechanism having the locking device is further provided for the opening or closing of a fairing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG ROLLING STOCK RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hui Liu, Kun Wang, Kai Chen, He Zhang, Quan Liu, Hui Huang, Xudong Liu
  • Patent number: 10377428
    Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined ratio of the links to each other for motion of the deflector panel. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. The drive shaft transmits the drive from the actuator coupled to one linkage assembly to the other linkage assembly for moving the deflector panel between the deployed/retracted positions. The actuator is clutched to prevent damage to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 10351182
    Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined geometry and ratio of links to each other for movement of the active front deflector assembly between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. The deflector panel is positionable at multiple heights. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. A drive shaft transmits the drive from one side to the other side. The deflector is both rigid and semi rigid to absorb impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffry J. Zielinski, Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 10124839
    Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deployable deflector panel, linkage assemblies, and an actuator. The system deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, interrupts air flow thereby improving the vehicle aerodynamics, reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. The deflector panel is retractable so the vehicle meets ground clearances, ramp angles, off-road requirements, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. The linkage assemblies are coupled to the deflector panel and a drive shaft connected to the actuator. The drive shaft transmits the drive from the actuator coupled to one linkage assembly to the other linkage assembly for moving the deflector panel between the deployed/retracted positions. The actuator is clutched to prevent damage to the system. The active front deflector assembly provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator, and communication with the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 10060141
    Abstract: An improved portable fluid storage tank comprising an enclosure having a bottom wall upon which the tank rests, a front or forward end, a back or rear end, a pair of opposed, vertically extending side walls, a top wall, and at least one recessed channel formed in said top wall whereby a walkway is formed to allow an operator to safely maneuver on top of said tank. In a further embodiment, a system of portable storage tanks is described wherein the walkways of two or more said improved portable storage tanks are connected thereby creating a walkway network between said improved portable fluid storage tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Omni Energy Services Corp.
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Shaw
  • Patent number: 9956998
    Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined geometry and ratio of links to each other for movement of the active front deflector assembly between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. The deflector panel is positionable at multiple heights. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. A drive shaft transmits the drive from one side to the other side. The deflector is both rigid and semi rigid to absorb impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffry J. Zielinski, Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 9950754
    Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined ratio of the links to each other for motion of the deflector panel. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. The drive shaft transmits the drive from the actuator coupled to one linkage assembly to the other linkage assembly for moving the deflector panel between the deployed/retracted positions. The actuator is clutched to prevent damage to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 9902439
    Abstract: The vehicle has a vehicle body including a first body end facing incident ambient airflow, a second body end opposite of the first body end, an underbody section spanning a distance between the first and second body ends, and vehicle subsystem arranged proximate the underbody section. A panel is moveably mounted to the underbody section and configured to regulate access of an underbody portion of the incident airflow to the subsystem. A mechanism is configured to shift the panel to selectively expose at least a part of the subsystem to the underbody portion of the incident airflow and shield the subsystem to thereby enhance aerodynamics of the vehicle body. A sensor detects a vehicle operating parameter and communicates the detected operating parameter to a controller. The controller is configured to regulate the mechanism and thereby shift the panel in response to the detected vehicle operating parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden, David Dominguez, Samantha J. Bray
  • Patent number: 9776675
    Abstract: A wing assembly for a vehicle includes a pivotable elongate wing member. The wing member extends from a first end to a second end, and is configured to pivot relative to a pivot axis between a first position and a second position. The pivot axis extends from the first end to the second end. The wing assembly further includes a first endplate pivotably coupled to the first end and a second endplate pivotably coupled to the second end. The first endplate has a first endplate position relative to the pivot axis, and is configured to maintain the first endplate position independent of wing member position. The second endplate has a second endplate position relative to the pivot axis, and is configured to maintain the second endplate position independent of wing member position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Richard A. Berger
  • Patent number: 9481377
    Abstract: A superstructure module of a front-end section of a vehicle is supported on a chassis and includes a flow guiding device. The front-end section forms a leading, free vehicle end during normal operation of the vehicle. The flow guiding device is mounted on a lower side of the superstructure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the free vehicle end and a leading end of a chassis. The flow guiding device influences air flow that flows during operation of the vehicle along the lower side of the superstructure from the free vehicle end to the chassis section. The flow guiding device via a deflection area confers on the air flow, in the region of a flow separation edge at the leading end of the chassis section, a downwardly directed direction of flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Alexander Orellano, Martin Schober, Andreas Tietze
  • Patent number: 9469354
    Abstract: An adjustable airfoil assembly attached to a front fascia of a vehicle. The airfoil assembly includes an airfoil wing and a flap pivotally connected to the airfoil wing. An actuator is operatively attached to the flap to selectively pivot the flap upwardly and downwardly to adjust downforce applied by the airfoil assembly to the front end of the vehicle. The wing is a fiber reinforced polymeric member fixedly attached to the front fascia by a plurality of posts connected to the front fascia. The flap has a top surface extending from the flat top surface of the wing to a rear edge of the flap and a base surface extending from the convex bottom surface to the rear edge of the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Joseph Ciccone
  • Patent number: 8622003
    Abstract: A device for the on-demand sealing of an opening provided in the frontal region of a track-guided vehicle has sealing member of variable size and a frame for supporting the sealing member. The frame together with the sealing member affixed thereto enclose an area through which the coupling shaft of a central buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle can be guided. The sealing member is controllable such that the size of the area covered by sealing member can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Radewagen
  • Patent number: 8607713
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for pivoting one or more nose flaps of a track-guided vehicle, a railway vehicle in particular. It is hereby provided for the device to comprise at least one supporting frame (10) connected or connectable to the vehicle undercarriage and at least one actuating device connected on one side to the at least one supporting frame (10) and on the other to the pivotable nose flap (1a; 1b) for pivoting the nose flap (1a; 1b) relative to the supporting frame (10) from a closed state into an opened state and vice versa, wherein the actuating device comprises at least one lifting spindle drive (30a, 32a; 30b, 32b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Denny Scholz
  • Publication number: 20120291659
    Abstract: A device for the on-demand sealing of an opening provided in the frontal region of a track-guided vehicle has sealing member of variable size and a frame for supporting the sealing member. The frame together with the sealing member affixed thereto enclose an area through which the coupling shaft of a central buffer coupling of a track-guided vehicle can be guided. The sealing member is controllable such that the size of the area covered by sealing member can be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Radewagen
  • Patent number: 7950720
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Skopic
  • Publication number: 20090038499
    Abstract: A cableway with suspended tram and remote bogie is disclosed. This includes a self-contained motor, traction and support sheaves with provision for adjusting the height of the tram below said cable for limiting vertical acceleration caused by travel along the cantenary curve of the cableway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Richard David Morris
  • Patent number: 7240958
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Skopic
  • Patent number: 6321659
    Abstract: On a railway vehicle for high-speed railways, there is an airflow breakaway or spoiler device in the area between a center part and a conically tapering terminal part to increase the dynamic stability of the car running on the end of the train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Rail Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Lutz Gelbert, Michael Sohn, Gerhard Algermissen
  • Patent number: 6286894
    Abstract: A transportable hauling container, such as a trailer of a tractor-trailer combination, has a rear portion that is configured in or convertible to a wedge shape. Movable portions are located at the rear sides of the trailer that can pivot inward toward a longitudinal centerline. Movable flaps also are located at the rear top of the trailer, which can pivot downward in alignment with the movable portions. The movable portions and flaps can be secured relative to each other in various combinations, thereby providing a more aerodynamic configuration of the trailer rear end. The container or trailer can be configured in such an arrangement, or be convertible from a standard configuration which also includes doors at the rear of the trailer, to a more aerodynamic configuration. A method is also disclosed, which includes operations for converting such a convertible trailer between the standard and aerodynamic configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: D. James Kingham