Abstract: A torque limiting flex plate assembly includes a flex plate configured to couple to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, and a torque limiting clutch assembly integrated with the flex plate. The torque limiting clutch assembly is in frictional engagement with the flex plate such that the torque limiting clutch assembly and the flex plate are coupled for common rotation during normal engine operation. Upon receiving a torque spike from a transmission input shaft, the torque limiting clutch assembly is configured to slip such that the flex plate and the torque limiting clutch assembly rotate independently at different speeds to thereby prevent the torque spike from being transferred through the flex plate to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A system for controlling the engagement and disengagement of one or more clutches that are adapted to operatively connect an engine and an automatic transmission includes a control device for determining if a negative torque condition exists and for providing an output or signal to decrease the rotational speed of the engine in response to the determination of the existence of the negative torque condition.

Abstract: An annular friction liner for a bridging clutch of a torque converter. The liner has a radially extending friction surface engageable with a reaction surface of the torque converter. The friction surface has a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves extending from a radially inner edge of the friction surface to a radially outer edge thereof. Each groove extends along a serpentine path and has a series of contiguous groove sections which interconnect end-to-end at a substantial angle to one another. This groove path provides a mixing module for promoting turbulence.

Abstract: A torque converter for translating kinetic energy between a prime mover and a transmission including a torque input member and an impeller assembly operatively coupled for rotation with the torque input member. A turbine assembly is fluidly connected in driven relationship with the impeller assembly. A clutch assembly is supported for selective operation with the turbine assembly and interposed between the turbine assembly and the torque input member. The clutch assembly may be a continuously slipping bypass clutch which is selectively movable into engagement with the torque input member to provide torque translation between the torque input member and the turbine assembly at low engine speeds.

Abstract: A torque converter for translating kinetic energy between a prime mover and a transmission including a turbine assembly rotatable about an axis and which includes a shell, a core and a plurality of turbine blades mounted therebetween. The turbine blades have flat working surfaces such that each of the turbine blades is contained in a single plane and such that each of the turbine blades is positioned spatially so as to define an angle Alpha of between -5.degree. and 65.degree. relative to the axis of rotation of the turbine assembly.

Abstract: A torque converter has an axial type reactor that is disposed between a turbine and an impeller at an inner end to form a toroid. The reactor blades have leading edges that slant toward the turbine in the radially inward direction and form an angle with an inner shell ring that varies between 60.degree. and 90.degree.. The leading edges also slant circumferentially so that radial lines intersecting the respective connection points of the leading edge with the inner shell ring and an outer core ring form a central angle that varies between 5.degree. in one direction and 12.degree. in the other direction.