Abstract: An impeller for a torque converter is provided. The impeller includes an impeller shell including an inner circumference, an outer circumference and a radial extension extending radially outward from the inner circumference. The radial extension includes an axially extending groove formed therein. The impeller also includes an impeller hub welded to the impeller shell by a weld. The weld is radially inside of the axially extending groove. A method of forming an impeller for a torque converter is also provided.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a torque converter is provided. The drive assembly includes a turbine; a damper assembly fixed to a first side of the turbine by connectors; and a hydrodynamic bearing fixed to a second side of the turbine opposite the first side. The hydrodynamic bearing includes at least one recess formed therein receiving ends of the connectors. A method of forming a drive assembly is also provided. The method includes fixing a damper assembly cover plate to a first side of a turbine via connectors; and fixing a hydrodynamic bearing to a second side of the turbine opposite the first side. The hydrodynamic bearing including at least one recess formed therein receiving an ends the connectors. A torque converter is also provided.

Abstract: An impeller for a torque converter is provided. The impeller includes an impeller shell including an inner circumference, an outer circumference and a radial extension extending radially outward from the inner circumference. The radial extension includes an axially extending groove formed therein. The impeller also includes an impeller hub welded to the impeller shell by a weld. The weld is radially inside of the axially extending groove. A method of forming an impeller for a torque converter is also provided.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a torque converter is provided. The drive assembly includes a turbine; a damper assembly fixed to a first side of the turbine by connectors; and a hydrodynamic bearing fixed to a second side of the turbine opposite the first side. The hydrodynamic bearing includes at least one recess formed therein receiving ends of the connectors. A method of forming a drive assembly is also provided. The method includes fixing a damper assembly cover plate to a first side of a turbine via connectors; and fixing a hydrodynamic bearing to a second side of the turbine opposite the first side. The hydrodynamic bearing including at least one recess formed therein receiving an ends the connectors. A torque converter is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-use drive plate for a torque converter that includes an annular shaped inner portion defining a openings for connection to a front cover of a torque converter and an outer portion with a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners for connection to a motive force, such as an engine. A plurality of test tabs disposed axially from the annular shaped inner portion and extending radially outward each define a receiver opening with ramp surfaces on the annular shaped inner portion that extend between each one of the plurality of test tabs. Each of the ends of the ramping surfaces terminate at the receiver opening displaced from a middle portion of the ramp surface.

Abstract: A stator assembly for a torque converter includes a housing, a blocking element, an inner race, and a first ring. The housing includes a plurality of stator blades, a central axis, and a pocket. The blocking element is disposed in the pocket and is pivotable about an axis parallel to the central axis. The inner race includes an outer notch for engaging the blocking element, an inner spline for engaging a transmission shaft, and a first outer piloting surface. The first ring is for radially positioning the housing on the inner race first outer piloting surface. In some example embodiments, the housing includes a bore and the first ring is pressed into the housing bore. In some example embodiments, the housing includes a radially extending surface in contact with the first ring. In an example embodiment, the radially extending surface limits axial displacement of the inner race.

Abstract: An impeller for a torque converter is provided. The impeller includes an impeller shell including an inner circumference, an outer circumference and a radial extension extending radially outward from the inner circumference. The radial extension includes an axially extending groove formed therein. The impeller also includes an impeller hub welded to the impeller shell by a weld. The weld is radially inside of the axially extending groove. The axially extending groove is 5 to 10 millimeters from the weld. A method of forming an impeller for a torque converter is also provided.

Abstract: The invention presented is a multi-use drive plate for a torque converter that includes an annular shaped inner portion defining a openings for connection to a front cover of a torque converter and an outer portion with a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners for connection to a motive force, such as an engine. A plurality of test tabs disposed axially from the annular shaped inner portion and extending radially outward each define a receiver opening with ramp surfaces on the annular shaped inner portion that extend between each one of the plurality of test tabs. Each of the ends of the ramping surfaces terminate at the receiver opening displaced from a middle portion of the ramp surface.