Abstract: A torque converter including an impeller clutch with a first portion connected to a cover for the torque converter and a second portion connected to an impeller; and a lever element in contact with the clutch and displaceable to multiply a first force applied to the lever element for operation of the clutch. In some aspects, the converter includes an impeller piston plate engaged with the lever element and displaceable to apply the force to the lever element. In some aspects, the torque converter includes a torus and a charge chamber for the impeller clutch, a second force is associated with a hydraulic pressure to prevent cavitation in the torus, a third force is required to operate the impeller clutch to transmit a desired torque across the impeller clutch, and the multiplied force is at least equal to a sum of the second force and a third forces.

Abstract: A torque converter including a cover with at least one slot located about a periphery and a pump with at least one protrusion located about a periphery of the pump. The protrusion extends axially through the slot and is bent radially about the slot to join the cover and the pump. In some aspects, the converter includes a sealing element disposed between the cover and the pump and the sealing element is selected from the group consisting of an o-ring and a gasket. A method of transferring torque including: inserting at least one peripherally disposed protrusion for one of a pump and cover of a torque converter through at least one peripherally disposed opening in the other of the pump and cover, radially bending the protrusion to clamp the cover and pump, and transmitting torque from the cover to the pump through the protrusion.