Abstract: A clutch assembly for a torque converter, including: a cover; a piston plate including a hole; and a rivet in the hole. The rivet includes a rivet head. Prior to applying pressure to the rivet to fix the rivet to the piston plate, the rivet head is clamped between the piston plate and the cover. A clutch assembly for a torque converter, including: a cover; a piston plate with a hole; a leaf spring with a first end fixedly attached to the cover and a second end; and a rivet connecting the second end of the leaf spring to the piston plate. The rivet includes: a head disposed between the leaf spring second end and the cover; and a shaft in the piston plate hole. The piston plate or the cover is deflectable to clamp the rivet head between the cover and the piston plate before the shaft is expanded.

Abstract: A method of assembling a piston plate and cover for a torque converter comprising the steps of: installing a shimming leaf into the cover; installing a rivet comprising a rivet head and a rivet body into a piston plate hole; supporting the rivet head with the shimming leaf; and expanding the rivet body into the piston plate hole. The method includes a shimming leaf assembly, wherein the shimming leaf assembly comprises the shimming leaf and a pivot, wherein the shimming leaf is rotatable about the pivot.

Abstract: An impeller hub including a tube portion extending along an axis, the tube portion having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, wherein a longitudinal bore forms the inner diameter, a flange extending radially out from the tube portion, wherein the longitudinal bore through the tube portion and the flange are formed by a cold forming process.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a piston plate for a lock-up clutch, the piston plate including a circumferential surface forming an opening axially aligned with an axis of rotation for the torque converter; a ring-shaped element fixedly secured to the piston plate; and a seal in compressive engagement with the circumferential surface, axially aligned with the ring-shaped element, and including a surface facing radially inward for forming a seal with an input shaft inserted into the torque converter.

Abstract: A method of connecting plates in a torque converter including: forming a head of a rivet with an end surface that is curved or forms multiple planes; forming a portion of an interior surface of the cover to protrude or indent with respect to a surrounding portion of the interior surface; disposing the body of the rivet in respective holes in respective portions of the plates; and displacing the plates such that the end surface of the rivet head contacts the portion of the interior surface, the respective portions of the first and second plates are at an acute angle with respect to the surrounding portion of the interior surface, and a longitudinal axis of the rivet is at an acute angle with respect to a line orthogonal to the surrounding portion of the interior surface.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for a torque converter, including: a cover; a piston plate including a hole; and a rivet in the hole. The rivet includes a rivet head. Prior to applying pressure to the rivet to fix the rivet to the piston plate, the rivet head is clamped between the piston plate and the cover. A clutch assembly for a torque converter, including: a cover; a piston plate with a hole; a leaf spring with a first end fixedly attached to the cover and a second end; and a rivet connecting the second end of the leaf spring to the piston plate. The rivet includes: a head disposed between the leaf spring second end and the cover; and a shaft in the piston plate hole. The piston plate or the cover is deflectable to clamp the rivet head between the cover and the piston plate before the shaft is expanded.

Abstract: A device to be used in conjunction with a fishing hook to secure bait to the hook. The device consists of a singular filament formed into a diametrical serpentine configuration with a bend formed in the middle of the device. This bend forms a self-enclosed open loop allowing for universal hook attachment. Opposing open ends of the device allow it to be threaded into and completely enclosed by the leading end of the bait. The opposing open ends further enhance operation of the device by allowing for self-centered attachment of baits to the device. The device adapts to accept many different baits and hook configurations.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Dracaena plant named ‘Norjim’ that is characterized by variegated leaves with yellow-green center stripes and grey-red margins, strong leaves having an ensiform shape and good resistance during the rainy season to bacterial growth. In combination, these traits set ‘Norjim’ apart from all other known existing varieties of Dracaena.