Patents by Inventor Erik S. Ellifson

Erik S. Ellifson 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).

  • Publication number: 20250010675
    Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a chassis having a frame member, a tractive element, a suspension assembly having a support linkage pivotally coupled to the frame member so that the support linkage is configured to pivot about a pivot point, and an axle assembly coupled to the tractive element and supported on the support linkage. The axle assembly includes an axle and an electric motor that is oriented so that the electric motor extends in a direction toward the pivot point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2024
    Publication date: January 9, 2025
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Erik S. Ellifson, Christopher Yakes, Colin Wheeler, Jeremy Andringa, Ryan Wolf, Martin J. Schimke, Chad Smith, Peter Kramer, Nader Nasr
  • Patent number: 12122212
    Abstract: An electrified vehicle, comprising a chassis having a frame, a first tractive element, and a first suspension system coupled with the first tractive element and the chassis. The first suspension system may comprise a first knuckle coupled with the first tractive element, and a first strut-damper coupled with the first knuckle and the chassis, the first strut-damper extending between the chassis and the first knuckle. The first suspension system may also include a first control arm coupled with the first knuckle and the frame member, and a torsion bar coupled with the chassis at a first end of the torsion bar. The torsion bar may extend in a direction substantially parallel with the frame member, where the torsion bar may be configured to support a portion of a mass of the electrified vehicle in response to displacement of the first tractive element relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Erik S. Ellifson, Christopher Yakes, Colin Wheeler, Jeremy Andringa, Ryan Wolf, Martin J. Schimke, Chad Smith, Peter Kramer, Nader Nasr
  • Publication number: 20240343084
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a suspension system having a first damper, a second damper, and a controller. The dampers include housings and pistons sealingly interfaced with an inner diameter of the housing, dividing the damper into a first and second chamber. The suspension system includes proportional variable relief valves which control pressure of fluid entering or exiting one of the first and second chamber of one of the first and second damper. The controller controls the valves to control extension or compression of the first damper and extension or compression of the second damper based on a degree of roll of the vehicle during a turn of the vehicle or a degree of pitch of the vehicle during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The first and second damper control a roll and pitch of the vehicle. The valves control a damping rate of one of the first and second damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Kai P. Schubart, Christopher J. Rukas, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Patent number: 12098757
    Abstract: The damper assembly includes a tubular member, a rod, a primary piston, a secondary piston, and a resilient member. The tubular member includes a sidewall and a cap positioned at an end of the sidewall. The sidewall and the cap define an inner volume. The sidewall includes a shoulder separating the tubular member into a first portion and a second portion. The resilient member is disposed between the secondary piston and the cap and thereby is positioned to bias the secondary piston into engagement with the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Dillman, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Publication number: 20240286483
    Abstract: A suspension element includes a housing, a first joint, and a second joint. The housing is configured to couple a tractive element assembly to a vehicle. The housing has a first end configured to engage a portion of the vehicle and a second end configured to interface with the tractive element assembly. The first joint includes a first actuator and a first resilient member. The first actuator is configured to facilitate linear extension and retraction of the suspension element. The second joint includes a second actuator and a second resilient member. The second actuator is configured to facilitate rotational movement of the suspension element. The first resilient member and the second resilient member are configured to support a static load of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2024
    Publication date: August 29, 2024
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Drach, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch, Devon C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 12065007
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a suspension system having a first damper, a second damper, and a controller. The dampers include housings and pistons sealingly interfaced with an inner diameter of the housing, dividing the damper into a first and second chamber. The suspension system includes proportional variable relief valves which control pressure of fluid entering or exiting one of the first and second chamber of one of the first and second damper. The controller controls the valves to control extension or compression of the first damper and extension or compression of the second damper based on a degree of roll of the vehicle during a turn of the vehicle or a degree of pitch of the vehicle during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The first and second damper control a roll and pitch of the vehicle. The valves control a damping rate of one of the first and second damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Kai P. Schubart, Christopher J. Rukas, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Patent number: 12054027
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a wheel assembly, a chassis, and a damper assembly coupling the wheel assembly to the chassis. The damper assembly includes a housing including a wall defining a first aperture and a second aperture, a first tubular member coupled to the housing, a second tubular member slidably coupled to the housing and extending between the wall and the first tubular member, a piston coupled to the second tubular member, the piston engaging an inner surface of the wall and an outer surface of the first tubular member, and a conduit fluidly coupling the first aperture and the second aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Erik S. Ellifson, Patrick S. Dillman, Jason J. Zuleger, Aaron J. Rositch, Robert K. Sollenskog
  • Publication number: 20240217298
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a suspension system having a first damper, a second damper, valves and a controller. Each of the first damper and the second damper include a housing and a piston sealingly interfaced with an inner diameter of the housing, dividing the damper into a first and second chamber. Each valve controls flow rate of fluid entering or exiting at least one of the first and second chamber of at least one of the first damper and the second damper. The controller controls the valves to control extension or compression of at least one of the first damper and the second damper based on at least one of a degree of roll of the vehicle during a turn of the vehicle and a degree of pitch of the vehicle during acceleration of the vehicle or a degree of pitch of the vehicle during deceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Kai P. Schubart, Christopher J. Rukas, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Publication number: 20240207800
    Abstract: A mixer vehicle comprises a chassis and mixer drum coupled with the chassis. The mixer drum includes a first cylindrical inner volume and a second cylindrical inner volume. The first cylindrical inner volume and the second cylindrical inner volume are fluidly coupled with each other at passageways positioned at both ends of the mixer drum. The mixer drum further comprises a first mixer screw positioned within the first cylindrical inner volume and a second mixer screw positioned within the second cylindrical inner volume. The first mixer screw and the second mixer screw are configured to be driven to rotate to drive a slurry material between the first cylindrical inner volume and the second cylindrical inner volume to mix the slurry material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2023
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Erik S. Ellifson, Bryan Datema, Robert Varao, Clint Glunz
  • Patent number: 12005777
    Abstract: A suspension element includes a housing, a first joint, and a second joint. The housing is configured to couple a tractive element assembly to a vehicle. The housing has a first end configured to engage a portion of the vehicle and a second end configured to interface with the tractive element assembly. The first joint includes a first actuator and a first resilient member. The first actuator is configured to facilitate linear extension and retraction of the suspension element. The second joint includes a second actuator and a second resilient member. The second actuator is configured to facilitate rotational movement of the suspension element. The first resilient member and the second resilient member are configured to support a static load of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Drach, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch, Devon C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 11993121
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a suspension system having a first damper, a second damper, valves and a controller. Each of the first damper and the second damper include a housing and a piston sealingly interfaced with an inner diameter of the housing, dividing the damper into a first and second chamber. Each valve controls flow rate of fluid entering or exiting at least one of the first and second chamber of at least one of the first damper and the second damper. The controller controls the valves to control extension or compression of at least one of the first damper and the second damper based on at least one of a degree of roll of the vehicle during a turn of the vehicle and a degree of pitch of the vehicle during acceleration of the vehicle or a degree of pitch of the vehicle during deceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Kai P. Schubart, Christopher J. Rukas, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Publication number: 20240052818
    Abstract: A pump system includes a housing defining a first internal volume and a second internal volume, a first piston positioned to separate the first internal volume into a first chamber and a second chamber, a second piston positioned to separate the second internal volume into a third chamber and a fourth chamber, a first inlet check valve configured to permit fluid flow into the first chamber, a second inlet check valve configured to permit fluid flow into the third chamber, a directional control valve (DCV) repositionable between (a) a first position where the DCV is configured to fluidly couple the second chamber to a high pressure fluid source and (b) a second position where the DCV is configured to fluidly couple the fourth chamber to the high pressure fluid source, and a relief valve configured to supply a fluid to the DCV through an orifice to move the DCV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Kai P. Schubart, Christopher J. Rukas, Patrick S. Dillman, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Patent number: 11815078
    Abstract: A pump system includes a housing defining a first internal volume and a second internal volume, a first piston positioned to separate the first internal volume into a first chamber and a second chamber, a second piston positioned to separate the second internal volume into a third chamber and a fourth chamber, a directional control valve (DCV) fluidly coupled to the second chamber and the fourth chamber, a first relief valve fluidly coupled to the DCV via a first control line and the second chamber via a first sensing line, a first orifice positioned along the first sensing line, a second relief valve fluidly coupled to the DCV via a second control line and the fourth chamber via a second sensing line, and a second orifice positioned along the second sensing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Kai P. Schubart, Christopher J. Rukas, Patrick S. Dillman, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Publication number: 20230322072
    Abstract: A suspension element includes a housing, a first joint, and a second joint. The housing is configured to couple a tractive element assembly to a vehicle. The housing has a first end configured to engage a portion of the vehicle and a second end configured to interface with the tractive element assembly. The first joint includes a first actuator and a first resilient member. The first actuator is configured to facilitate linear extension and retraction of the suspension element. The second joint includes a second actuator and a second resilient member. The second actuator is configured to facilitate rotational movement of the suspension element. The first resilient member and the second resilient member are configured to support a static load of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Drach, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch, Devon C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 11732772
    Abstract: The damper assembly includes a tubular member, a rod, a primary piston, a secondary piston, and a resilient member. The tubular member includes a sidewall and a cap positioned at an end of the sidewall. The sidewall and the cap define an inner volume. The sidewall includes a shoulder separating the tubular member into a first portion and a second portion. The resilient member is disposed between the secondary piston and the cap and thereby is positioned to bias the secondary piston into engagement with the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Dillman, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Patent number: 11712964
    Abstract: A suspension element includes a housing, a first joint, and a second joint. The housing is configured to couple a tractive element assembly to a vehicle. The housing has a first end configured to engage a portion of the vehicle and a second end configured to interface with the tractive element assembly. The first joint includes a first actuator and a first resilient member. The first actuator is configured to facilitate linear extension and retraction of the suspension element. The second joint includes a second actuator and a second resilient member. The second actuator is configured to facilitate rotational movement of the suspension element. The first resilient member and the second resilient member are configured to support a static load of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Drach, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch, Devon C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 11685219
    Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle suspension system includes a first damper and a second damper. The second damper includes a housing including a wall that defines an aperture, the wall and the first damper at least partially defining a chamber. The second damper also includes a piston positioned within the chamber, a conduit defining a flow path that includes the aperture, and a flow control device disposed along the flow path. The second damper is configured to provide a damping force that varies based on the position of the piston within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Erik S. Ellifson, Patrick S. Dillman, Jason J. Zuleger, Aaron J. Rositch, Robert K. Sollenskog
  • Patent number: 11649874
    Abstract: The damper assembly includes a tubular member, a rod, a primary piston, a secondary piston, and a resilient member. The tubular member includes a sidewall and a cap positioned at an end of the sidewall. The sidewall and the cap define an inner volume. The sidewall includes a shoulder separating the tubular member into a first portion and a second portion. The resilient member is disposed between the secondary piston and the cap and thereby is positioned to bias the secondary piston into engagement with the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Oskhosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Dillman, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Publication number: 20230074504
    Abstract: An electrified vehicle, comprising a chassis having a frame, a first tractive element, and a first suspension system coupled with the first tractive element and the chassis. The first suspension system may comprise a first knuckle coupled with the first tractive element, and a first strut-damper coupled with the first knuckle and the chassis, the first strut-damper extending between the chassis and the first knuckle. The first suspension system may also include a first control arm coupled with the first knuckle and the frame member, and a torsion bar coupled with the chassis at a first end of the torsion bar. The torsion bar may extend in a direction substantially parallel with the frame member, where the torsion bar may be configured to support a portion of a mass of the electrified vehicle in response to displacement of the first tractive element relative to the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Erik S. Ellifson, Christopher Yakes, Colin Wheeler, Jeremy Andringa, Ryan Wolf, Martin J. Schimke, Chad Smith, Peter Kramer, Nader Nasr
  • Publication number: 20230070769
    Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a front subframe, a rear subframe, and a body that connects the front subframe to the rear subframe so that forces acting on the front subframe and the rear subframe are transmitted through the body. The vehicle also includes a housing coupled to an underside of the body between the front subframe and the rear subframe. An energy storage system is enclosed in the housing and includes a battery and a battery interface configured to electrically couple the battery to at least one component of the electrified vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Applicant: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Colin Wheeler, Jeremy Andringa, Erik S. Ellifson, Peter Kramer, Nader Nasr, Martin J. Schimke, Chad Smith, Ryan Wolf, Christopher Yakes