Patents by Inventor Don Verhoff

Don Verhoff has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 12434672
    Abstract: A brake system includes an air-to-hydraulic intensifier configured to couple to a brake actuator that engages a brake to limit movement of a tractive element where the air-to-hydraulic intensifier is configured to receive a supply of air and provide a hydraulic fluid to the brake actuator based on the supply of air to overcome a brake biasing force of the brake actuator to disengage the brake actuator from the brake to permit movement of the tractive element, a hydraulic reservoir coupled to the air-to-hydraulic intensifier, and a valve. The valve includes a first port fluidly coupled to the air-to-hydraulic intensifier, a second port fluidly coupled to the hydraulic reservoir, a third port fluidly coupled to the brake actuator, and a valve gate that is repositionable between a first position that couples the first port to the third port and a second position that couples the second port to the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignee: OSHKOSH DEFENSE, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 12420752
    Abstract: A method includes providing a plurality of passenger capsules where each of the plurality of passenger capsules has a frame rail-less monocoque hull structure and the plurality of passenger capsules include (a) a first passenger capsule defining four door openings and (b) a second passenger capsule defining two door openings; providing a plurality of front modules; providing a plurality of rear modules; coupling (a) a first front module to a front end of the first passenger capsule and (b) a first rear module to a rear end of the first passenger capsule to provide a first military vehicle variant; and coupling (a) a second front module to a front end of the second passenger capsule and (b) a second rear module to a rear end of the second passenger capsule to provide a second military vehicle variant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2025
    Assignee: OSHKOSH DEFENSE, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 12384337
    Abstract: A military vehicle assembly includes a rear module. The rear module includes a rear frame assembly, a bed supported by the rear frame assembly, a rear tractive assembly, a transaxle supported by the rear frame assembly and coupled to the rear tractive assembly, and a rear suspension system including at least one component extending between a housing of the transaxle and the rear tractive assembly. The rear frame assembly has one or more upper interfaces and one or more lower interfaces. The one or more upper interfaces are configured to detachably couple to a rear end of a passenger capsule of a military vehicle. The one or more lower interfaces are configured to detachably coupled to a bottom of the passenger capsule. The transaxle is configured to couple to a prime mover and a front differential of the military vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2025
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 12377824
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger cabin, a front axle, a rear axle, an engine positioned forward of the passenger cabin, a front lift assembly positioned forward of the passenger cabin and providing a pair of front lift points, a rear lift assembly positioned rearward of the passenger cabin and providing a pair of rear lift points, a generator configured to be driven by the engine to generate electricity, and an export power kit configured to facilitate exporting power off of the military vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 12351149
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger capsule, a front module, a rear module, and a control system. The front module includes a front frame assembly coupled to a front end of the passenger capsule, a front axle, and a front suspension positioned between the front axle and the front frame assembly. The rear module includes a rear frame assembly coupled to a rear end of the passenger capsule, a rear axle, and a rear suspension positioned between the rear axle and the rear frame assembly. Each of the front suspension and the rear suspension includes a pair of gas springs and a pair of dampers. The control system is configured to monitor a ride height of the military vehicle and control the pair of gas springs of the front suspension and the rear suspension to adjust the ride height as load is added to or removed from the military vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: OSHKOSH DEFENSE, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 12036967
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a chassis, an axle, a suspension system, and a driveline. The chassis includes a passenger capsule, a front module coupled to a front end of the passenger capsule, and a rear module coupled to a rear end of the passenger capsule. The axle is supported by the rear module. The suspension system is positioned between the rear module and the axle. The suspension system includes a first gas spring, a second gas spring, a first damper, and a second damper. The first damper and the second damper are cross-plumbed to provide a fluid body roll control function. The driveline is configured to drive the axle. The driveline includes a component having a housing that functions as a structural component of the rear module. The first gas spring, the second gas spring, the first damper, and the second damper are directly coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 12036966
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger capsule, a driver seat, a passenger seat, and a belly deflector. The passenger capsule includes a roof, a floor, and sidewalls that define an interior. The sidewalls include mounting interfaces positioned along bottom edges thereof and extending directly therefrom past the floor. The driver seat and the passenger seat are disposed within the interior of the passenger capsule. The belly deflector is positioned beneath the floor. The belly deflector has lateral ends that are coupled to the mounting interfaces such that the lateral ends of the belly deflector are engaged with the passenger capsule. The belly deflector is spaced from the floor such that the floor is configured as a floating floor. The floor and the belly deflector provide two levels of underbody protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 11958457
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger capsule having a front end and a rear end, a front module coupled to the front end of the passenger capsule, a rear module coupled to the rear end of the passenger capsule, a generator, and an export power kit. The front module includes a front subframe, a prime mover, a front axle assembly, and a front differential coupled to the front axle assembly. The rear module includes a rear subframe, a rear axle assembly, and a transaxle coupled to the rear axle assembly, the prime mover, and the front differential. The generator is configured to be driven by the prime mover to generate electricity. The export power kit is coupled to the generator and configured to facilitate exporting power off of the military vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 11878669
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a front axle, a rear axle, a front differential coupled to the front axle, and a transaxle coupled to the rear axle and the front differential. The transaxle includes an internal mechanical disconnect that facilitates mechanically decoupling the transaxle from the front differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 11866019
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger capsule, a front module coupled to a front end of the passenger capsule, and a rear module coupled to a rear end of the passenger capsule. The passenger capsule has a frame rail-less monocoque hull structure. The front module includes a front axle, a front differential coupled to the front axle, and a prime mover. The rear module includes a rear axle and a transaxle coupled to the prime mover, the rear axle, and the front differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 11866018
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger capsule. The passenger capsule includes a sidewall defining a front door aperture and a rear door aperture, a front door positioned over the front door aperture, a rear door positioned over the rear door aperture, and a latching mechanism configured to secure the front door and the rear door in a closed positioned. The sidewall includes an interlocking door frame portion positioned (i) along an exterior of the sidewall between the front door aperture and the rear door aperture and (ii) proximate the latching mechanism such that the front door and the rear door engage with the interlocking door frame portion positioned along the exterior of the sidewall between the front door aperture and the rear door aperture when the front door and the rear door are closed and engaged with the latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 11840208
    Abstract: A brake system includes a brake actuator configured to engage a brake to limit movement of a tractive element, an air-to-hydraulic intensifier coupled to the brake actuator where the air-to-hydraulic intensifier is configured to receive a supply of air and provide a hydraulic fluid to the brake actuator based on the supply of air to overcome a brake biasing force of the brake actuator to disengage the brake actuator from the brake to permit movement of the tractive element, a hydraulic reservoir coupled to the air-to-hydraulic intensifier, and a valve. The valve includes a first port fluidly coupled to the air-to-hydraulic intensifier, a second port fluidly coupled to the hydraulic reservoir, a third port fluidly coupled to the brake actuator, and a valve gate that is repositionable between a first position that couples the first port to the third port and a second position that couples the second port to the third port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Publication number: 20230092520
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a chassis, an axle, a suspension system, and a driveline. The chassis includes a passenger capsule, a front module coupled to a front end of the passenger capsule, and a rear module coupled to a rear end of the passenger capsule. The axle is supported by the rear module. The suspension system is positioned between the rear module and the axle. The suspension system includes a first gas spring, a second gas spring, a first damper, and a second damper. The first damper and the second damper are cross-plumbed to provide a fluid body roll control function. The driveline is configured to drive the axle. The driveline includes a component having a housing that functions as a structural component of the rear module. The first gas spring, the second gas spring, the first damper, and the second damper are directly coupled to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2022
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 11541851
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger capsule having a first end and a second end, a front module coupled to the first end of the passenger capsule and including a front axle assembly, a rear module coupled to the second end of the passenger capsule and including a rear axle assembly, and a braking system. The braking system includes a pump, an actuator including a rod that extends through a brake housing to apply a biasing force to a brake and inhibit movement of the vehicle, and a line coupling the pump to the actuator. Engagement of the pump provides a pressurized fluid flow through the line that overcomes the biasing force and releases the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Patent number: 11535212
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, and a suspension system. The suspension system include a front suspension assembly and a rear suspension assembly. The front suspension assembly is positioned between the chassis and the front axle. The rear suspension assembly is positioned between the chassis and the rear axle. Each of the front suspension assembly and the rear suspension assembly includes a first spring, a second spring, a first hydraulic damper, and a second hydraulic damper. The first hydraulic damper and the second hydraulic damper of at least one of the front suspension assembly or the rear suspension assembly are cross-plumbed to provide a hydraulic body roll control function and eliminate the need for an anti-roll bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Publication number: 20220289152
    Abstract: A brake system includes a brake actuator configured to engage a brake to limit movement of a tractive element, an air-to-hydraulic intensifier coupled to the brake actuator where the air-to-hydraulic intensifier is configured to receive a supply of air and provide a hydraulic fluid to the brake actuator based on the supply of air to overcome a brake biasing force of the brake actuator to disengage the brake actuator from the brake to permit movement of the tractive element, a hydraulic reservoir coupled to the air-to-hydraulic intensifier, and a valve. The valve includes a first port fluidly coupled to the air-to-hydraulic intensifier, a second port fluidly coupled to the hydraulic reservoir, a third port fluidly coupled to the brake actuator, and a valve gate that is repositionable between a first position that couples the first port to the third port and a second position that couples the second port to the third port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Publication number: 20220234554
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger capsule, a driver seat, a passenger seat, and a belly deflector. The passenger capsule includes a roof, a floor, and sidewalls that define an interior. The sidewalls include mounting interfaces positioned along bottom edges thereof and extending directly therefrom past the floor. The driver seat and the passenger seat are disposed within the interior of the passenger capsule. The belly deflector is positioned beneath the floor. The belly deflector has lateral ends that are coupled to the mounting interfaces such that the lateral ends of the belly deflector are engaged with the passenger capsule. The belly deflector is spaced from the floor such that the floor is configured as a floating floor. The floor and the belly deflector provide two levels of underbody protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Publication number: 20220234555
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger capsule having a front end and a rear end, a front module coupled to the front end of the passenger capsule, a rear module coupled to the rear end of the passenger capsule, a generator, and an export power kit. The front module includes a front subframe, a prime mover, a front axle assembly, and a front differential coupled to the front axle assembly. The rear module includes a rear subframe, a rear axle assembly, and a transaxle coupled to the rear axle assembly, the prime mover, and the front differential. The generator is configured to be driven by the prime mover to generate electricity. The export power kit is coupled to the generator and configured to facilitate exporting power off of the military vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Publication number: 20220194333
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger capsule, a front module coupled to a front end of the passenger capsule, and a rear module coupled to a rear end of the passenger capsule. The passenger capsule has a frame rail-less monocoque hull structure. The front module includes a front axle, a front differential coupled to the front axle, and a prime mover. The rear module includes a rear axle and a transaxle coupled to the prime mover, the rear axle, and the front differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke
  • Publication number: 20220194334
    Abstract: A military vehicle includes a front axle, a rear axle, a front differential coupled to the front axle, and a transaxle coupled to the rear axle and the front differential. The transaxle includes an internal mechanical disconnect that facilitates mechanically decoupling the transaxle from the front differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Don Verhoff, Gary Schmiedel, Chris Yakes, Rob Messina, Brian Wilkins, Kent Schulte, Daniel R. Seffernick, Joseph Holda, Michael Peotter, David McGraw, Anthony Seefeldt, Dave Pelko, Jesse Gander, Jerry Reineking, Jesse Steinke