Hearing Set in Stemco-ATDynamics Complaint vs. Ridge’s Green Tail Device
Lawsuit claims Green Tail violates five patents held by ATDynamics for its TrailerTail rear aero faring.

TrailerTail's panels fold out to reduce air drag and save fuel. Photo via ATDynamics

TrailerTail's panels fold out to reduce air drag and save fuel. Photo via ATDynamics
According to Stemco, a federal court has scheduled a hearing on its request for a preliminary injunction against Ridge Corp. for alleged patent infringement involving the TrailerTail product of Stemco’s subsidiary, ATDynamics.
The hearing in United States District Court for the Central District of California is scheduled for July 13, Stemco said. It is asking the court to order Ridge to stop making and selling its Green Tail aerodynamic device because it infringes on at least five ATDynamics patents.
TrailerTail uses several thermoplastic panels that fold out to form a boat tail to reduce air drag at the trailer’s rear. Stemco, which bought ATDynamics early this year, says Ridge’s Green Tail is too similar to be legal, and thus the suit.
The Green Tail is still listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as a verified technology on its SmartWay website. However, Green Tails is not among the products now included on Ridge’s website, which does list its Green Wing trailer skirts and wall liners. A call to Ridge in Patascala, Ohio, asking for comment was not returned.
District Judge Beverly Reid O’Connell is handling the case, Stemco said in a statement.
“Stemco-ATDynamics has engaged Timothy Carroll and Kourtney Merrill of powerhouse IP law firm Perkins Coie to protect its intellectual property rights,” the statement said.
“Perkins Coie is one of the top ranked law firms in the country for patent law and patent litigation, was named Patent ‘Law Firm of the Year’ for two consecutive years (2013, 2014) by U.S. News – Best Lawyers, and is routinely ranked as one of the most hired firms for patent litigation in the United States.”
More Fuel Smarts

How GP Transco Builds Fuel Savings a Fraction at a Time
Aerodynamic specs, solar panels, and driver incentives help GP Transco turn small efficiency gains into savings it can reinvest in its people.
Read More →
Trucking’s Diesel Squeeze Isn’t Letting Up
With diesel topping $6 a gallon nationally, ATA's Bob Costello explains why fleets should prepare for continued pressure at the pump.
Read More →
FlowBelow Redesigns Trailer AeroSlider to Cut Fuel Use
The lighter trailer aerodynamic system installs in less than 45 minutes, according to the company, with potential payback in under a year depending on fuel prices and trailer mileage.
Read More →
Why Diesel Price Relief Efforts May Fall Short
Diesel prices have eased from September’s record high, but doubts about additional Russian supply and limits on dyed-diesel tax relief mean trucking fleets still face expensive fuel. And prices could go higher.
Read More →Why Small Fuel Savings Matter in Trucking
Can better fuel economy help pay for driver raises? In this podcast, GP Transco explains how small efficiency gains create room to reinvest in its people.
Read More →How GP Transco Cuts Trucking Fuel Costs, a Tenth of a Gallon at a Time
What’s another tenth of a mile per gallon worth? GP Transco shares how equipment upgrades and driver coaching turn small gains into meaningful fuel savings.
Read More →
Electric Yard Tractors Move Beyond Pilots
Operating-cost savings have overtaken sustainability goals as the leading reason surveyed fleets are adopting battery-electric terminal tractors, according to new NACFE research.
Read More →
Geotab Links Fleet Card to Vehicle Data
The new card combines fuel discounts with telematics-based purchase controls. Geotab’s analysis also points to potential savings from choosing lower-priced fuel stops.
Read More →
Fleet Economics Shape Electric Truck Outlook
ACT Research expects costs, charging infrastructure, and technology improvements to drive zero-emission commercial vehicle adoption as federal regulations and incentives retreat.
Read More →
Wex Adds Cardless Fuel Payments for Over-the-Road Customers
A new fuel card feature for Wex customers offers convenience and security.
Read More →
