Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in a vehicle torque converter whereby the impeller element of the converter may be operatively locked to the turbine element for a direct mechanical drive to thereby eliminate the inefficiency inherent in such converters when functioning as fluid couplings. The invention also discloses means for reducing the torque transmitted by the converter when the vehicle's engine is idling and the vehicle's transmission is in gear.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in a vehicle torque converter whereby the impeller element of the converter may be coupled or locked up to the turbine element for direct drive, to thereby eliminate the inefficiency inherent in such converters when functioning as fluid couplings. My invention also provides a converter having two ranges of torque amplification, i.e., a normal or conventional range where the stator member is held from reverse rotation and a lower range where greater torque amplification is provided.