Patents by Inventor Rob S. ZIMMERMAN

Rob S. ZIMMERMAN 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: 9821778
    Abstract: A Hill Start Assist (HSA) system for an off-road type vehicle includes a brake system for producing a braking force sufficient to maintain the vehicle in a stopped condition, and a control unit in communication with the brake system for controlling a brake modulator of the brake system to maintain the braking force when a manual brake actuator of the brake system is in a released position. The HSA system is operable in a ready state where the brake modulator is in an open condition and the braking force is not maintained, an activated state and a hold state where the brake modulator is in a closed condition and the braking force is maintained. The HSA system is only in the ready state upon determination by the control unit that predetermined vehicle conditions are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney M. Frijas, Rob S. Zimmerman, Chad D. Raymond, Jason A. Sovern
  • Patent number: 9809207
    Abstract: A Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) for an off-road type vehicle includes a 2WD/4WD switch adapted to switch a drive mode of the vehicle between a two-wheel drive mode (2WD) and a four-wheel drive mode (4WD). The switch is configured to be manually activated by an associated vehicle operator. A control unit is in signal communication with the 2WD/4WD switch. The control unit is operable to activate the BTCS only if the drive mode is switched to the four-wheel drive mode and predetermined vehicle operating conditions relating to engine throttle position or opening and wheel speed are subsequently satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney M. Frijas, Rob S. Zimmerman, Chad D. Raymond, Jason A. Sovern
  • Publication number: 20170240150
    Abstract: A Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) for an off-road type vehicle includes a 2WD/4WD switch adapted to switch a drive mode of the vehicle between a two-wheel drive mode (2WD) and a four-wheel drive mode (4WD). The switch is configured to be manually activated by an associated vehicle operator. A control unit is in signal communication with the 2WD/4WD switch. The control unit is operable to activate the BTCS only if the drive mode is switched to the four-wheel drive mode and predetermined vehicle operating conditions relating to engine throttle position or opening and wheel speed are subsequently satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Rodney M. Frijas, Rob S. Zimmerman, Chad D. Raymond, Jason A. Sovern
  • Publication number: 20170240146
    Abstract: A Hill Start Assist (HSA) system for an off-road type vehicle includes a brake system for producing a braking force sufficient to maintain the vehicle in a stopped condition, and a control unit in communication with the brake system for controlling a brake modulator of the brake system to maintain the braking force when a manual brake actuator of the brake system is in a released position. The HSA system is operable in a ready state where the brake modulator is in an open condition and the braking force is not maintained, an activated state and a hold state where the brake modulator is in a closed condition and the braking force is maintained. The HSA system is only in the ready state upon determination by the control unit that predetermined vehicle conditions are satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Rodney M. Frijas, Rob S. Zimmerman, Chad D. Raymond, Jason A. Sovern
  • Patent number: 9618961
    Abstract: An apparatus may, for example, include a first lever pivoting about a first axis. The apparatus may also include a second lever mounted with the first lever, pivoting about a second axis, and biased to a first position. The first lever can be configured to engage a braking system of a vehicle when the first lever is pivoted about the first axis and the second lever is in the first position. The second lever can be configured to be pivoted about the second axis to a second position. The first lever can be configured to disengage a reverse lockout system of the vehicle when the second lever is in the second position. The second lever can be configured to be pivoted about the second axis to a third position, which cases the first lever to engage a parking brake mechanism of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Philip A. Oakes, Scott Daniel Batdorf, Rob S. Zimmerman, Matthew J. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20150020638
    Abstract: An apparatus may, for example, include a first lever pivoting about a first axis. The apparatus may also include a second lever mounted with the first lever, pivoting about a second axis, and biased to a first position. The first lever can be configured to engage a braking system of a vehicle when the first lever is pivoted about the first axis and the second lever is in the first position. The second lever can be configured to be pivoted about the second axis to a second position. The first lever can be configured to disengage a reverse lockout system of the vehicle when the second lever is in the second position. The second lever can be configured to be pivoted about the second axis to a third position, which cases the first lever to engage a parking brake mechanism of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Philip A. OAKES, Scott Daniel BATDORF, Rob S. ZIMMERMAN, Matthew J. ALEXANDER