Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a torsional vibration damper and a clutch operatively coupled to the torsional vibration damper. The clutch includes a friction disc having a tab coupled to a distal portion of the friction disc and extending axially away from the distal portion. The clutch also includes a piston configured to urge the friction disc into engagement with a torque converter cover to transfer torque from the torque converter cover to the torsional vibration damper. The tab includes a first segment directly contacting a spring member or a spring seat of the torsional vibration damper and a second segment, between the first segment and the distal portion of the friction disc, configured to slide against a guide surface of the torsional vibration damper to provide radial guidance to the friction disc.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly includes a torsional vibration damper and a clutch operatively coupled to the torsional vibration damper. The clutch includes a friction disc having a tab coupled to a distal portion of the friction disc and extending axially away from the distal portion. The clutch also includes a piston configured to urge the friction disc into engagement with a torque converter cover to transfer torque from the torque converter cover to the torsional vibration damper. The tab includes a first segment directly contacting a spring member or a spring seat of the torsional vibration damper and a second segment, between the first segment and the distal portion of the friction disc, configured to slide against a guide surface of the plate torsional vibration damper to provide radial guidance to the friction disc.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque-coupling device includes an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel, a stator, a casing, a stationary shaft operatively coupled to the stator so that a driven shaft axially extends through the stationary shaft, a first fluid passage formed axially through the driven shaft, a second fluid passage formed between the stationary shaft and the driven shaft, a third fluid passage formed radially adjacent to the stationary shaft, and a lock-up clutch including a piston housing member non-moveably attached to a center hub of the casing, and a lockup piston mounted to the center hub so as to be axially movable along the center hub. The first fluid passage hydraulically connected to a first hydraulic chamber. The second fluid passage hydraulically connected to a second hydraulic chamber. The third fluid passage hydraulically connected to a torus chamber defined between the impeller shell and the turbine shell.

Abstract: Sealed piston apparatus and related systems for use with vehicle torque converters are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle torque converter includes a housing and a clutch including a piston in the housing. The piston has a first side partially defining a first chamber and a second side, opposite the first side, partially defining a second chamber. The vehicle torque converter also includes a first seal operatively coupled to the piston and a second seal operatively coupled to the piston. The vehicle torque converter also includes an orifice positioned on the piston radially inward relative to a clutch pack of the clutch. The orifice is configured to provide a flow of a fluid between the first and second chambers during a lockup on operation of the vehicle torque converter to lubricate the clutch. The first seal is a one-way seal.

Abstract: Blade and spring damper apparatus for use with vehicle torque converters are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle torque converter includes a housing, a hub, a clutch including a piston in the housing, and a damper assembly operatively interposed between the clutch and the hub. The damper assembly includes a blade damper having a blade and a roller engaging the blade. Movement of the roller relative to the blade bends and unbends the blade. The damper assembly also includes a spring damper connected to the blade damper. The spring damper includes a first spring damper portion, a second spring damper portion, and a spring between the first and second spring damper portions. Movement of the first spring damper portion relative to the second spring damper portion compresses and decompresses the spring. The blade damper and the spring damper, together, are configured to dampen a torsional vibration received by the housing when the clutch is engaged.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque-coupling device includes an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel, a stator, a casing, a stationary shaft operatively coupled to the stator so that a driven shaft axially extends through the stationary shaft, a first fluid passage formed axially through the driven shaft, a second fluid passage formed between the stationary shaft and the driven shaft, a third fluid passage formed radially adjacent to the stationary shaft, and a lock-up clutch including a piston housing member non-moveably attached to a center hub of the casing, and a lockup piston mounted to the center hub so as to be axially movable along the center hub. The first fluid passage hydraulically connected to a first hydraulic chamber. The second fluid passage hydraulically connected to a second hydraulic chamber. The third fluid passage hydraulically connected to a torus chamber defined between the impeller shell and the turbine shell.

Abstract: Sealed piston apparatus and related systems for use with vehicle torque converters are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle torque converter includes a housing and a clutch including a piston in the housing. The piston has a first side partially defining a first chamber and a second side, opposite the first side, partially defining a second chamber. The vehicle torque converter also includes a first seal operatively coupled to the piston and a second seal operatively coupled to the piston. The vehicle torque converter also includes an orifice positioned on the piston radially inward relative to a clutch pack of the clutch. The orifice is configured to provide a flow of a fluid between the first and second chambers during a lockup on operation of the vehicle torque converter to lubricate the clutch. The first seal is a one-way seal.

Abstract: Blade and spring damper apparatus for use with vehicle torque converters are disclosed. A disclosed vehicle torque converter includes a housing, a hub, a clutch including a piston in the housing, and a damper assembly operatively interposed between the clutch and the hub. The damper assembly includes a blade damper having a blade and a roller engaging the blade. Movement of the roller relative to the blade bends and unbends the blade. The damper assembly also includes a spring damper connected to the blade damper. The spring damper includes a first spring damper portion, a second spring damper portion, and a spring between the first and second spring damper portions. Movement of the first spring damper portion relative to the second spring damper portion compresses and decompresses the spring. The blade damper and the spring damper, together, are configured to dampen a torsional vibration received by the housing when the clutch is engaged.