Patents by Inventor Robert Bessette
Robert Bessette 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).
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Patent number: 8056656Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Soucy International Inc.Inventors: André Todd, Robert Handfield, Robert Bessette, Chad Olson
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Patent number: 8056655Abstract: A drive system has a drive-system frame operatively connectable to a vehicle. The drive-system frame is capable of pivotal movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to steer the vehicle. The drive-system frame is incapable of pivotal movement with respect to the frame of the vehicle in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and normal to the ground when the vehicle is on flat level terrain and steered straight. A rail is pivotally mounted to the drive-system frame. A ground-engaging endless belt is in sliding engagement with the rail. The belt is operatively connectable to an engine to propel the vehicle. The drive system is operatively connectable to the steering device of the vehicle. A steering angle stopper is disposed on the vehicle such that a steering linkage of the vehicle does not bear a force created when the stopper is engaged. A vehicle is also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignees: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc., Soucy International Inc.Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Jeannnot Belanger, Robert Bessette
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Publication number: 20110260527Abstract: A traction assembly for replacing a wheel on a vehicle is disclosed. The traction assembly uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are pivotally mounted to a support frame which is coupled to the sprocket wheel via a support arm. The support arm is pivotally yet non-drivingly connected to the sprocket wheel and is pivotally connected to the support frame. The support arm is able to pivot forwardly and rearwardly, albeit in a limited fashion, with respect to the support frame. Such forward and rearward pivotal movements allow the weight of the vehicle to be transferred on the trailing portion, i.e. either the front or the rear portion, of the support frame depending on the direction of movement of the vehicle, thereby generally preventing the leading portion from diving or digging into the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventor: Robert Bessette
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Patent number: 8007058Abstract: The present invention generally provides a wheel replacing traction assembly which uses, for propulsion, a longitudinally extending endless track disposed around and cooperating with a sprocket wheel, idler and/or road wheels and a supporting frame. The endless track generally comprises an inner wheel-engaging surface and an outer ground-engaging surface, the latter being provided with traction lugs. The outer surface further comprises at least one laterally extending portion which also extends along the circumference of the track; the traction lugs located on this laterally extending portion being generally higher than the traction lugs located on the remainder of the outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Soucy International Inc.Inventor: Robert Bessette
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Publication number: 20110079980Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: André Todd, Robert Handfield, Robert Bessette, Chad Olson
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Publication number: 20110048816Abstract: An assembly is provided for limiting the displacement of a track system mounted to the axle of a vehicle. The assembly generally comprises an anchor bracket and a stabilizing rod. The anchor bracket is configured to be fixedly mounted to the chassis of the vehicle whereas the stabilizing rod is pivotally and slidingly mounted, at one end, to the anchor bracket, and generally only pivotally mounted, at the other end, to the track system. While allowing limited rotation, the limiting assembly generally prevents excessive rotation of the track system about the axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Robert Bessette, Louis-Frédéric Marchildon
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Publication number: 20110048817Abstract: The present invention generally provides a wheel replacing traction assembly which uses, for propulsion, a longitudinally extending endless track disposed around and cooperating with a sprocket wheel, idler and road wheels, and a guide rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Robert Bessette, Louis-Frédéric Marchildon
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Patent number: 7870914Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2007Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Soucy International Inc.Inventors: André Todd, Robert Handfield, Robert Bessette, Chad Olson
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Publication number: 20100230185Abstract: A drive system has a drive-system frame operatively connectable to a vehicle. The drive-system frame is capable of pivotal movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to steer the vehicle. The drive-system frame is incapable of pivotal movement with respect to the frame of the vehicle in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and normal to the ground when the vehicle is on flat level terrain and steered straight. A rail is pivotally mounted to the drive-system frame. A ground-engaging endless belt is in sliding engagement with the rail. The belt is operatively connectable to an engine to propel the vehicle. The drive system is operatively connectable to the steering device of the vehicle. A steering angle stopper is disposed on the vehicle such that a steering linkage of the vehicle does not bear a force created when the stopper is engaged. A vehicle is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Jeannnot Belanger, Robert Bessette
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Publication number: 20100050427Abstract: The field-repair assembly is used for temporarily repairing a ruptured or otherwise damaged elastomeric track mounted on a vehicle and generally allows the vehicle to proceed, preferably on its own, to a maintenance site located nearby where replacement or permanent repair of the track can be undertaken. The assembly comprises a plurality of spaced-apart and generally parallel support members, each of which being generally transversely disposed on the ground engaging outer surface of the track. The transverse members are secured to each side of the track via retention brackets. The transverse members are further linked together via flexible cables which are fixedly mounted to retention brackets. The assembly further comprises a bridging element generally mounted to a subset of the transverse members. The bridging element is generally located over the damaged area of the track and on the outer surface thereof for providing continuity and support to the damaged track.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2007Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Rémi Breton, Robert Bessette
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Publication number: 20090321151Abstract: This invention generally relates to track systems and traction assemblies for use as wheel replacement for wheeled vehicles. The track system uses a traction band disposed about a sprocket wheel, idler wheels and a road wheels for propulsion. The idler wheels and road wheels are typically pivotally mounted to a support frame, itself configured to be movably coupled to the vehicle frame via a support member. The track system can be adjustably spaced from the vehicle frame by selectively inserting one or more spacing elements between the sprocket wheel and the axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: RENE ARCHAMBAULT, ROBERT BESSETTE, GUILLAUME PROVENCHER, JONATHAN THIBAULT
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Publication number: 20090267407Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. The traction assembly pivots around a pivot point located under the traction axle of the vehicle. This pivot point is preferably longitudinally displaced in relation to such axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventor: Robert Bessette
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Publication number: 20090194345Abstract: The present invention generally provides a wheel replacing traction assembly which uses, for propulsion, a longitudinally extending endless track disposed around and cooperating with a sprocket wheel, idler and/or road wheels and a supporting frame. The endless track generally comprises an inner wheel-engaging surface and an outer ground-engaging surface, the latter being provided with traction lugs. The outer surface further comprises at least one laterally extending portion which also extends along the circumference of the track; the traction lugs located on this laterally extending portion being generally higher than the traction lugs located on the remainder of the outer surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventor: Robert Bessette
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Patent number: 7497530Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. The traction assembly pivots around a pivot point located under the traction axle of the vehicle. This pivot point is preferably longitudinally displaced in relation to such axle.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Soucy International Inc.Inventor: Robert Bessette
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Publication number: 20080156548Abstract: An endless belt system for a vehicle having a negative trail steering geometry is provided. The endless belt system replaces the wheels that steer a vehicle, particularly an all-terrain vehicle, to provide increased steerability and floatation over soft terrain.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicants: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC., SOUCY INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Bertrand Mallette, Jeannot Belanger, Robert Bessette
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Publication number: 20070261898Abstract: This invention generally relates to traction assemblies for use as wheel replacements generally for heavy and/or large vehicles and also to components therefor. The traction assembly generally comprises a sprocket wheel adapted to be mounted to one of the axles of the vehicle, a frame adapted to be pivotally mounted to the vehicle, idlers wheels mounted at the fore and at the aft of the frame and road wheels mounted therebetween and a traction band mounted around the sprocket wheel, the idlers wheels and the road wheels and cooperating therewith for propulsion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventor: Robert Bessette
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Publication number: 20070169968Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. More particularly, the traction assembly comprises a sprocket wheel which has a different size and number of sprocket teeth depending on whether the traction kit replaces the front wheels or the rear wheels of the vehicle. The sprocket wheel of the traction kit can also be configured such that its sprocket teeth are laterally offset. The traction kit can also comprise an anti-torque system that prevent physical contact between the traction kit and the vehicle and that can bias the position of the traction kit in order to improve the steering performance. Finally, the traction assembly can comprise a pivotable extension which lengthens the traction assembly and improves its traction capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Andre Todd, Robert Handfield, Robert Bessette, Chad Olson
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Publication number: 20060181148Abstract: This invention relates to a traction assembly for a vehicle which uses an endless traction band and a plurality of wheels for propulsion. The traction assembly pivots around a pivot point located under the traction axle of the vehicle. This pivot point is preferably longitudinally displaced in relation to such axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2006Publication date: August 17, 2006Inventor: Robert Bessette
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Patent number: 6260648Abstract: A linking system for linking a steering rod to a steering gear in a steerable vehicle. In particular, the steerable vehicle is a snowmobile having a frame, a pair of skis pivotally mounted on the frame, a handlebar rotatably mounted onto the frame, and a linking system for linking the handlebar to the skis for steering the snowmobile. The linking system comprises a drive sprocket mounted for common rotation with the steering rod. It also comprises a chain having a first end and a second end. The chain is trained about the drive sprocket. A pair of driven sprockets redirect the first and second ends of the chain. The chain is trained about the pair of driven sprockets. The system further comprises a sliding rod having a middle portion connected to the first and second ends of the chain, and a pair of end portions connected to the steering gear of the steerable vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Robert Bessette Technologie Inc.Inventor: Robert Bessette
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Patent number: 5962035Abstract: A device is disclosed for producing a continuous formed confection of frozen dairy product and flavoring gel combined in co-extensive strips. The device includes an extrusion die provided with a shaping bore for extrusion-forming the frozen dairy product and a channel downstream of the shaping bore for laying a continuous bed of flavoring gel on the frozen dairy product. The channel includes a plurality of discharge orifices for depositing stripes of flavoring fluid on the frozen dairy product.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Resfab Inc.Inventors: Robert Masse, Alain Dion, Robert Bessette, Khiem Tran