Patents by Inventor Steven R. Franker

Steven R. Franker 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: 20230191904
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, front and rear wheels, a powertrain comprising an engine and transmission, and various other systems and components. The frame includes various features for supporting components and systems of the vehicle. For example, a rear portion of the frame is configured to support a utility bed, a portion of a cooling system, a portion of an air intake system, and a portion of an exhaust system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Joshua A. Rasa, David D. Helgeson, Donald S. Hansen, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Stephen L. Nelson, Jeffrey I. Peterman, Owen J. Dickinson, Timothy J. Giese, Ryan K. Lovold
  • Patent number: 11628722
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, front and rear wheels, a powertrain comprising an engine and transmission, and various other systems and components. The frame includes various features for supporting components and systems of the vehicle. For example, a rear portion of the frame is configured to support a utility bed, a portion of a cooling system, a portion of an air intake system, and a portion of an exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua A. Rasa, David D. Helgeson, Donald S. Hansen, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Stephen L. Nelson, Jeffrey I. Peterman, Owen J. Dickinson, Timothy J. Giese, Ryan K. Lovold
  • Publication number: 20220324282
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Publication number: 20220243810
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a frame assembly, a plurality of ground-engaging members supporting the frame assembly, and a powertrain assembly operably coupled to the ground-engaging members and including a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator defined by a portion of the frame assembly and including seating for at least an operator. The utility vehicle also includes an electrical assembly comprising an electric motor operably coupled to the continuously variable transmission. The electric motor is positioned rearward of the operator area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Inventors: Dylan T. Truskolaski, Zacharey J. Hussong, Brian D. Krosschell, John M. Nutter, Steven R. Franker, Anthony J. Myhre, Gary A. Pinkley, Adrien O. Lechat, David A. Galsworthy, Andrew C. Schleif, Ryan A. Tholen, Anthony J. Ripley, Stephen L. Nelson, Jeffrey I. Peterman, Samuel C. Willenbring, Maxim Kolesnikov, Adam J. Heinzen, Maverick J. Klotz, Stephen G. Crain
  • Patent number: 11400785
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Patent number: 11400786
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Patent number: 11400787
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Patent number: 11400784
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Patent number: 11124036
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Patent number: 11110913
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Krosschell, Jonathon P. Graus, Steven R. Franker, Jill Kolesnikov, Maxim Kolesnikov, Keijiro Ikebe, Elaine M. Scott, Joseph Paul Nuxoll
  • Publication number: 20210086578
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Publication number: 20210070124
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Publication number: 20210070125
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Publication number: 20210070126
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Publication number: 20200346542
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, front and rear wheels, a powertrain comprising an engine and transmission, and various other systems and components. The frame includes various features for supporting components and systems of the vehicle. For example, a rear portion of the frame is configured to support a utility bed, a portion of a cooling system, a portion of an air intake system, and a portion of an exhaust system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Joshua A. Rasa, David D. Helgeson, Donald S. Hansen, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Stephen L. Nelson, Jeffrey I. Peterman, Owen J. Dickinson, Timothy J. Giese, Ryan K. Lovold
  • Publication number: 20180297435
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Patent number: 10017090
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame, a powertrain assembly, a front suspension assembly, and a rear suspension assembly. A cargo bed may be supported by the frame at the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle also includes an operator seat and at least one passenger seat positioned within an operator area. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes doors to enclose the operator area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Patent number: 10005335
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse
  • Publication number: 20180141543
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Brian D. Krosschell, Jonathon P. Oakden-Graus, Steven R. Franker, Jill M. Kivisto, Maxim Kolesnikov, Keijiro Ikebe, Elaine M. Scott, Joseph Paul Nuxoll
  • Publication number: 20170087950
    Abstract: A damping control system for a vehicle having a suspension located between a plurality of ground engaging members and a vehicle frame includes at least one adjustable shock absorber having an adjustable damping characteristic. The system also includes a controller coupled to each adjustable shock absorber to adjust the damping characteristic of each adjustable shock absorber, and a user interface coupled to the controller and accessible to a driver of the vehicle. The user interface includes at least one user input to permit manual adjustment of the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber during operation of the vehicle. Vehicle sensors are also be coupled to the controller to adjust the damping characteristic of the at least one adjustable shock absorber based vehicle conditions determined by sensor output signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Brady, Alex R. Scheuerell, Steven R. Franker, Aaron J. Nysse