Abstract: A thrust washer for a torque converter, the thrust washer having a curved front surface with a plurality of grooves for increasing fluid flow between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the thrust washer. This increased fluid flow reduces the buildup of back pressure within the torque converter enabling better operation thereof.

Abstract: A thrust washer for a torque converter, the thrust washer having a curved front surface with a plurality of grooves for increasing fluid flow between the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the thrust washer. This increased fluid flow reduces the buildup of back pressure within the torque converter enabling better operation thereof.

Abstract: A damper assembly for a friction clutch includes a first and second series of springs arranged by a first and second series of spring pockets disposed around the outer circumference of the clutch. Vertical flange sections are configured to influence the springs against perpendicular walls of the damper minimizing frictional input. An arm ring of a turbine assembly rotatably communicates with the first series of springs to displace them a predetermined distance. Subsequent rotation of the arm ring displaces the second series of springs along with continuous displacement of the first series of springs creating a multi-rate damper.

Abstract: An input compounding torque converter is provided for converting and multiplying torque from a prime mover to an input shaft for a transmission. The input compounding torque converter includes an impeller operatively connected for rotation with a prime mover. The input compounding torque converter also includes a turbine fluidly connected in driving relationship with the impeller for receiving torque from the impeller and planetary gearset interconnecting the turbine and an input shaft of a transmission for multiplying torque from the turbine to the input shaft. The planetary gearset includes an annulus gear connected to the turbine, a planetary carrier connected to the input shaft, a sun gear, and a plurality of planetary pinion gears rotatably supported on the planetary carrier and engaging the sun and annulus gears.

Abstract: A manual transmission shift control apparatus wherein dual cables lead from a floor-mounted shift control lever assembly directly, i.e., without bending, to dual select and shift shafts operatively connected to the transmission. The dual shafts are rotatably mounted and operated in a housing on top of the transmission. A selector mechanism bearing a shift finger is rotatably and slidably mounted on a shaft in the housing, such that, through suitable linkage, the shift finger is selectively rotated by the rotated select shaft into 1/2, 3/4, or 5/R shift positions, and then slid by the rotated shift shaft into the 1, 3 or 5 shift ratios in one direction, or the 2, 4 or R shift ratios in the other direction.

Abstract: In a shift control arrangement for a manual transmission wherein dual cables lead from a floor-mounted shift control lever to dual select and shift shafts operatively connected to the transmission, a shift mechanism bearing a shift finger is rotatably and slidably mounted on a shaft in the housing, such that, through suitable linkage, the shift finger is selectively rotated by the select shaft into 1/2, 3/4, or 5/R shift positions, and then slid by the shift shaft into the 1, 3 or 5 shift ratios in one direction, or the 2, 4 or R shift ratios in the other direction. A reverse inhibitor mechanism operates in conjunction with a pin extending from the rotatable and slidable shift mechanism to prevent an inadvertent manual shift from 5 to R ratio positon, and to result in a shift from 5 to 4 instead.