Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes an impeller including an impeller shell, a turbine including a turbine shell and a stator axially between the turbine and the impeller. A first fluid flow is generated between the impeller and the stator and a second fluid flow is generated between the turbine and the stator. The torque converter further includes a thrust bearing axially between the impeller and the stator or axially between the turbine and the stator. The thrust bearing includes a bearing surface arranged for maintaining a hydrodynamic film thereon in a region of the first fluid flow or the second fluid flow during operation of the torque converter. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission clutch damper assembly having an outer carrier with at least one spring retainer plate located therein. At least one spring is retained by stops in the spring retainer plate. A hub having radially outwardly extending castles is provided. Upon rotation of the outer carrier in a first direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon by a first spring end, and upon rotation of the outer carrier in a second direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon a second spring end. Two of the spring retainer plates can be provided with a drive ring therebetween adapted to contact the castles dependent upon a relative rotational position of the hub and the outer carrier, establishing a direct drive connection.

Abstract: An inverted tooth chain assembly configured to mesh with a sprocket is provided including a link with an improved shape for increased strength. The link includes two teeth, a pair of outer flanks, first and second inner flanks, and a crotch located between the first and second inner flanks. A first transition point is arranged between the first inner flank and a first end region of the crotch, and a second transition point is arranged between the second inner flank and a second end region of the crotch. A crotch surface is defined between the first transition point and the second transition point and has a profile with a varying radius of curvature. The profile of the crotch surface has a smaller radius of curvature at the first and second end regions and a larger radius of curvature at a medial region between the first and second end regions.

Abstract: An inverted tooth chain assembly including outer links, middle links, inner links, and a chain pin having a diameter is provided. The inverted tooth chain assembly includes first and second packs of inner links. Each of the packs includes a predetermined number (N) of links. The inner links have a thickness (t), an outer surface depth (s1) defined between an outer diameter of one of the third chain pin openings and an outer surface of the inner link, an outer flank depth (s2) defined between the outer diameter of one of the third chain pin openings and an outer flank surface, and an inner flank depth (s3) defined between the outer diameter of one of the third chain pin openings and an inner flank surface. The outer surface depth, outer flank depth, inner flank depth, thickness, and number of inner links are selected to satisfy certain relationships.

Abstract: A thermal management valve module is provided which includes a housing with at least one flow chamber. First and second valve bodies are rotatably positioned in the housing, and control the opening and closing of ports located on the housing. The first and second valve bodies include fluid pathways that allow flow through the first port and second port, dependent upon rotational positions of the valve bodies. First and second actuator shafts extend in the housing, the second actuator shaft is hollow and the first actuator shaft extends, preferably concentrically, through the second actuator shaft. The first valve body is rotationally fixed to the first actuator shaft and the second valve body is rotationally fixed to the second actuator shaft allowing separate positioning of the first and second valve bodies.

Abstract: A clutch assembly comprising: an axis of rotation; first and second spherical centers positioned along the axis of rotation; a first member having a first spherical surface including: a radius defining a first curvature; the first spherical center; and a first frictional surface; a second member having a second spherical surface including: said radius defining a second curvature about same or equal to the first curvature; the second spherical center; and a second frictional surface. A torque converter comprising a spherical clutch assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chain and sprocket drive system that includes a sprocket and an inverted tooth chain assembly configured to mesh with the sprocket is provided. The chain assembly includes at least two rows of links, each of the links having teeth with a pair of inner flanks, a pair of outer flanks, tips interconnecting a respective inner flank and outer flank, and a radiused crotch located between the pair of inner flanks. The inner flanks have an enlarged profile in a direction toward a center of the link in comparison to a profile of the outer flanks. A contact position with a tooth of the sprocket engaged therewith is located on the link in an area extending from the inner flank into the radiused crotch and on the sprocket in an area of the radiused tip of the tooth.

Abstract: A core ring for a torque converter comprising: an annular body portion including an inner concave surface, an outer convex surface, an inner circumferential edge, and an outer circumferential edge; a plurality of blade tab slots for receiving a plurality of blades; and at least one positioning element including material protruding axially inward from the inner concave surface to form a tip of the positioning element for aligning a stator. A method for installing a torque converter onto a transmission is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission clutch damper assembly having an outer carrier with at least one spring retainer plate located therein. At least one spring is retained by stops in the spring retainer plate. A hub having radially outwardly extending castles is provided. Upon rotation of the outer carrier in a first direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon by a first spring end, and upon rotation of the outer carrier in a second direction relative to the hub, the castles are acted upon a second spring end. Two of the spring retainer plates can be provided with a drive ring therebetween adapted to contact the castles dependent upon a relative rotational position of the hub and the outer carrier, establishing a direct drive connection.

Abstract: A clutch plate includes an annular body and an integral resilient portion connected to the annular body by a first circumferentially extending tab. The annular body has inner and outer diameters and first and second parallel surfaces extending therebetween. The resilient portion has third and fourth parallel surfaces extending at respective acute angles to the first and second parallel surfaces. In some example embodiments, the clutch plate includes a wet friction material affixed to the first and third surfaces. In an example embodiment, the clutch plate has a wet friction material affixed to the second and fourth surfaces. In an example embodiment, the clutch plate has first and second circumferential slots respectively disposed radially inside and outside of the first circumferentially extending tab.

Abstract: A torque converter having a housing with an impeller wall section, and pump vanes brazed to the impeller wall section. The housing is connected to an output of an engine for rotation about a longitudinal axis. A turbine having turbine vanes that are connected to a hub is located about the longitudinal axis within the housing and is connected to an input shaft of a transmission. A stator is located between the pump vanes and the turbine vanes. In order to allow for a thinner housing wall, particularly an area of the impeller wall section, an annular retainer plate is brazed to the impeller wall section about the longitudinal axis and forms a reinforcement. A rolling bearing is located between the retainer plate and the stator, and is used in supporting the housing. An assembly method is also provided.