Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller cover and a bypass clutch. A drive ring is located between adjacent surfaces of the cover and a clutch piston, which moves axially on a support surface. The piston is welded at a radially outer position to thin clutch plate, which is supported at another radial location on the cover. As the piston moves into engagement with the ring and cover, the clutch plate permits this movement by bending elastically. When clutch apply pressure is reduced, energy stored in the clutch plate is used to move the piston out of engagement with the drive ring and cover.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller cover and a bypass clutch. A drive ring is located between adjacent surfaces of the cover and a clutch piston, which deflects flexurally axially. The piston is welded to the cover at a radially inner position, which is supported at another radial location on the cover. The piston deflects into engagement with the drive ring, and the drive ring engages with the cover. When clutch apply pressure is reduced, energy, in the form of elastic bending potential energy stored in the piston, is used to move the piston out of engagement with the drive ring and cover.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller cover and bypass clutch located within the impeller housing. The impeller cover has welded to it a clutch plate, which carries friction material adjacent the clutch piston. The piston has legs that extend axially into engagement with helical springs carried in a damper assembly arranged in series with the damper between the impeller cover and the input shaft of the transmission. The springs are located in a retainer that accommodates two, three or four springs, as required by the torque requirements of the clutch and damper. The spring constant of the damper can be linear or piecewise linear over the full displacement range of the damper springs.

Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter includes an impeller cover and bypass clutch located within the impeller housing. The impeller cover has welded to it a clutch plate, which carries friction material adjacent the clutch piston. The piston has legs that extend axially into engagement with helical springs carried in a damper assembly arranged in series with the damper between the impeller cover and the input shaft of the transmission. The springs are located in a retainer that accommodates two, three or four springs, as required by the torque requirements of the clutch and damper. The spring constant of the damper can be linear or piecewise linear over the full displacement range of the damper springs.