Patents Assigned to TCP Performance Converters
  • Patent number: 6116024
    Abstract: In a torque converter for a motor vehicle a plurality of rotary members are provided including a drive member and a driven member, each located along a common rotational axis. A stator is positioned between the drive and driven members and has a central hub having a bore coaxial with the common rotational axis. The stator includes an outer ring approximately concentric with the central hub, and a plurality of radially spaced blades extending between the hub and the outer ring. A mechanical diode is positioned in the bore and includes a dog clutch to transmit torque when the mechanical diode is driven in a first rotational direction causing the inner and outer members to rotate together, and a ratchet clutch to allow the inner member to rotate relative to the outer member when the diode is driven in a second rotational direction. An adaptor is also provided for coupling the mechanical diode to the hub such that the mechanical diode is positioned coaxial with the common rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: TCP Performance Converters
    Inventor: Daniel M. Rottino