Patents by Inventor Eric D. Betz

Eric D. Betz 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: 11946319
    Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, axles coupled to the chassis, a turntable rotatably coupled to the chassis, and an aerial ladder assembly pivotably coupled the turntable. The aerial ladder assembly includes a first ladder section extending longitudinally, a second ladder section extending longitudinally, and a support slidably coupling the second ladder section to the first ladder section such that the first ladder section supports the second ladder section. The support facilitates longitudinal movement of the second ladder section relative to the first ladder section between an extended position and a retracted position. The support is pivotably coupled to the first ladder section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Publication number: 20240075327
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis defining a longitudinal axis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, and an implement. The body assembly defines a recess that includes a plurality of angled portions. The plurality of angled portions extend laterally outward at a downward angle away from the longitudinal axis. The implement has a proximal end disposed within the recess. The plurality of angled portions at least partially facilitate the implement in traveling through at least one of a sweep angle range or a depression angle range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Publication number: 20230416065
    Abstract: A mid-mount fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, a front cabin coupled to the chassis forward of the body assembly, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, and a ladder assembly having a proximal end that is coupled to the chassis rearward of the front cabin and between the front axle and the rear axle. The ladder assembly includes a plurality of ladder sections. The ladder assembly is extensible to a horizontal reach of at least 88 feet. A distal end of the ladder assembly does not extend beyond the rear end of the body assembly when fully retracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Patent number: 11850456
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis defining a longitudinal axis, a cab coupled to the chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, and a ladder assembly. The body assembly defines a recess that includes a plurality of angled portions. The plurality of angled portions extend laterally outward at a downward angle away from the longitudinal axis. The ladder assembly has a proximal end disposed within the recess. The plurality of angled portions at least partially facilitate the ladder assembly in traveling through at least one of a sweep angle range or a depression angle range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Patent number: 11795043
    Abstract: A mid-mount fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, a front cabin coupled to the chassis forward of the body assembly, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a tandem rear axle coupled to the chassis, and a ladder assembly having a proximal end that is coupled to the chassis rearward of the front cabin and between the front axle and the tandem rear axle. The ladder assembly includes a plurality of ladder sections. The ladder assembly is extensible to a horizontal reach of at least 88 feet. A distal end of the ladder assembly does not extend beyond the rear end of the body assembly when fully retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Publication number: 20230278531
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, an implement assembly coupled to the chassis, a stability system coupled to the chassis, and a control system. The stability system includes extendable components that selectively engage a ground surface. The control system is configured to control the stability system to level the vehicle and enable the stability system to lean the vehicle when an operational capability of the implement assembly is at a limit thereof while the vehicle is level to effectively improve the operational capability relative to when the vehicle is level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Publication number: 20230226394
    Abstract: A system includes an outrigger assembly configured to be coupled to a chassis of the vehicle. The outrigger assembly includes a pair of outriggers. Each outrigger of the pair of outriggers includes an arm and a support foot. The arm is selectively extendable laterally outward at a fixed angle relative a horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Patent number: 11691599
    Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a ladder assembly coupled to the chassis, and a stability system. The stability system includes at least one of (i) a front downrigger coupled to the chassis, (ii) a rear downrigger coupled the chassis, or an outrigger coupled to the chassis. The stability system is controllable to facilitate leaning the fire apparatus at least two degrees relative to a ground surface while maintaining full operational capability of the ladder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Patent number: 11638845
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, and a stability system. The stability system includes a pair of front downriggers coupled to the chassis forward of the front axle and an outrigger assembly coupled to the chassis between the front axle and the rear axle. The outrigger assembly includes a pair of outriggers that are selectively extendable laterally outward at an angle relative to a horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Publication number: 20220242713
    Abstract: A mid-mount fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, a front cabin coupled to the chassis forward of the body assembly, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a tandem rear axle coupled to the chassis, and a ladder assembly having a proximal end that is coupled to the chassis rearward of the front cabin and between the front axle and the tandem rear axle. The ladder assembly includes a plurality of ladder sections. The ladder assembly is extensible to a horizontal reach of at least 88 feet. A distal end of the ladder assembly does not extend beyond the rear end of the body assembly when fully retracted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Patent number: 11332353
    Abstract: A mid-mount fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, a front cabin coupled to the chassis forward of the body assembly, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a ladder assembly having a proximal end that is coupled to the chassis rearward of the front cabin and between the front axle and the rear axle, and a pump positioned rearward of the front cabin and forward of an axis about which the ladder assembly rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Publication number: 20220112061
    Abstract: A ladder assembly includes a ladder and a basket. The ladder has a first end and an opposing second end configured to couple to the fire apparatus. The basket is coupled to the first end of the ladder. The basket includes a subfloor frame assembly, a floor panel coupled to the subfloor frame assembly, and an upper frame assembly extending upward from and around a periphery of the floor panel. The upper frame assembly includes a front portion, a rear portion, opposing side portions coupled to the rear portion; and a pair of doors extending between the front portion and the opposing side portions. The pair of doors are positioned proximate front corners of the basket and oriented at an angle relative to the front portion and the opposing side portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Archer, Eric D. Betz, Eric R. Linsmeier
  • Publication number: 20220112060
    Abstract: A support structure for a ladder assembly of a fire apparatus includes a torque box, a pedestal, and a support plate. The torque box includes a top surface defining an aperture. The pedestal has (i) a lower end received by the aperture of the torque box and (ii) an upper end configured to couple to the ladder assembly. The support plate is positioned along the top surface of the torque box. The support plate includes a first leg and a second leg. The first leg extends from a first side of the support plate and is configured to engage with a first rail of the fire apparatus. The second leg extends from an opposing second side of the support plate and is configured to engage with a second frame rail of the fire apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Archer, Don Parshall, Eric D. Betz, Jon J. Morrow, Peter K. Kramer, Troy D. Lind
  • Publication number: 20220112059
    Abstract: A turntable for a ladder assembly of a fire apparatus includes a base plate, a first set of side plates coupled to the base plate, a second set of side plates coupled to the base plate, a first bracket coupled to the base plate, a second bracket coupled to the base plate, a subfloor assembly releasably coupled to the first bracket and the second bracket with a plurality of fasteners, and a work platform coupled to the subfloor assembly. The first set of side plates extend vertically upward from a first side of the base plate. The second set of side plates extend vertically upward from an opposing second side of the base plate. The first bracket extends rearward from the base plate proximate the first side thereof. The second bracket extends rearward from the base plate proximate the opposing second side thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, Jennifer L. Bloemer, Jeffrey D. Aiken
  • Publication number: 20220112057
    Abstract: A ladder assembly for a fire apparatus includes a first ladder section, a second ladder section extendible relative to the first ladder section, and a slide pad positioned between the first ladder section and the second ladder section. The slide pad includes a body portion, a first engagement surface extending from the body portion, and a second engagement surface extending from the body portion. The first engagement surface is spaced an offset distance from the second engagement surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, Jennifer L. Bloemer, Jeffrey D. Aiken
  • Publication number: 20220112058
    Abstract: A ladder assembly for a fire apparatus includes a base rail, a hand rail, a first lacing member, a second lacing member, and a gusset. The first lacing member and the second lacing member extend between the base rail and the hand rail. Both the first lacing member and the second lacing member engage the base rail at an interface. Each of the first lacing member and the second lacing member defines a slot along only a portion of a length thereof. Portions of the gusset are received by the slot of the first lacing member and the slot of the second lacing member. The gusset engages the base rail to reinforce the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, Jennifer L. Bloemer, Jeffrey D. Aiken
  • Publication number: 20220017048
    Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a ladder assembly coupled to the chassis, and a stability system. The stability system includes at least one of (i) a front downrigger coupled to the chassis, (ii) a rear downrigger coupled the chassis, or an outrigger coupled to the chassis. The stability system is controllable to facilitate leaning the fire apparatus at least two degrees relative to a ground surface while maintaining full operational capability of the ladder assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer
  • Publication number: 20220009761
    Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a torque box coupled to the chassis, a pedestal coupled to the torque box, a ladder assembly coupled to the pedestal, and a stability assembly. The torque box has a front end and a rear end. The pedestal is positioned between the front end and the rear end of the torque box. The stability assembly includes a housing coupled to the chassis and the front end of the torque box, a pair of outriggers received within the housing, and a downrigger coupled to the rear end of the torque box. The pair of outriggers is selectively extendable laterally outward in opposing directions. The downrigger is selectively extendable downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: David W. Archer, Don Parshall, Eric D. Betz, Eric R. Linsmeier, Jennifer L. Bloemer, Jeffery D. Aiken, Jon J. Morrow, Michael R. Moore, Peter K. Kramer, Troy D. Lind
  • Publication number: 20210388675
    Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, axles coupled to the chassis, a turntable rotatably coupled to the chassis, and an aerial ladder assembly pivotably coupled the turntable and including a ladder section. The ladder section includes a first base rail and a second base rail extending longitudinally, a plurality of ladder rungs extending between the first base rail and the second base rail, a top plate positioned above the first base rail, a series of lacing members coupled to the top plate and the first base rail, and a gusset plate coupled to the top plate and at least one of the lacing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Betz
  • Patent number: 11161483
    Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a ladder assembly coupled to the chassis, and a stability system. The stability system includes at least one of (i) a front downrigger coupled to the chassis or (ii) a rear downrigger coupled the chassis, and an outrigger coupled to the chassis. The at least one of (i) the front downrigger or (ii) the rear downrigger and the outrigger are extendable and retractable to facilitate leaning the fire apparatus at least two degrees relative to a ground surface while maintaining full operational capability of the ladder assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Betz, David W. Archer