Abstract: Embodiments of a patient transport platform employing one or more adjustable columns interposed between a base having caster wheels with one or more intermediate large wheels, the adjustable columns accommodating deployment and retraction of the large wheels and elevation and positioning of an articulating patient stretcher chair. In various embodiments, the adjustable columns are in parallel or series connection, or combinations thereof. An articulating base frame assembly with a dampened interconnection between fore and aft sections, having three pairs of wheels for selective implementation in use is also presented.

Abstract: Embodiments of a patient transport platform employing one or more adjustable columns interposed between a base having caster wheels with one or more intermediate large wheels, the adjustable columns accommodating deployment and retraction of the large wheels and elevation and positioning of an articulating patient stretcher chair. In various embodiments, the adjustable columns are in parallel or series connection, or combinations thereof. An articulating base frame assembly with a dampened interconnection between fore and aft sections, having three pairs of wheels for selective implementation in use is also presented.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a piston plate for a lock-up clutch, the piston plate including a circumferential surface forming an opening axially aligned with an axis of rotation for the torque converter; a ring-shaped element fixedly secured to the piston plate; and a seal in compressive engagement with the circumferential surface, axially aligned with the ring-shaped element, and including a surface facing radially inward for forming a seal with an input shaft inserted into the torque converter.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; a first through bore for receiving a transmission input shaft; a clutch including a piston plate; a plurality of fasteners connected to the cover; and a plate connected to the cover. The plate includes a radially aligned wall including a plurality of openings in which the plurality of fasteners is disposed; a second through bore at least partially aligned, in an axial direction, with the first through bore; and a plurality fins extending from the radially aligned wall in the axial direction. Each fin includes a first end aligned with the first and second through bores in the axial direction. Each fin includes a second end disposed radially within the plurality of openings. A space, aligned with an axis of rotation for the torque converter and the second through bore, is formed between the respective first ends.

Abstract: A torque converter clutch assembly including a torque converter cover drivingly engaged with a prime mover, a piston plate for engaging the clutch; a drive plate; and a drive ring drivingly engaged with the drive plate. The drive ring has a continuous ring-shaped segment at its outer circumference, and a radial friction wall. The drive plate is disposed axially between the radial friction wall and the ring-shaped segment. In some example embodiments of the invention, the drive plate includes at least one tab with an outer diameter and the ring-shaped segment includes an inner diameter larger than the tab outer diameter.

Abstract: A torque converter having three sealed chambers in which a piston for engaging and disengaging a lock-up clutch is attached to the torque converter using a plurality of leaf springs. The assembly includes a plurality of access or pass-through holes for effecting the attachment of the leaf spring to the cover using rivets. Also included is plurality of plugs to seal the pass-through holes. A method of using the plugs to prevent uncontrolled leakage from one sealed chamber to another.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper with a friction device. The friction device is formed on at least one friction surface on two contra-rotationally and oppositely disposed disc parts that are in frictional contact with one another. In order to propose how to determine the initial stressing effect of the frictional action independently of external support of the disc parts, the frictional surfaces are pressurized against one another by means of at least one spring element.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a piston plate for a lock-up clutch, the piston plate including a circumferential surface forming an opening axially aligned with an axis of rotation for the torque converter; a ring-shaped element fixedly secured to the piston plate; and a seal in compressive engagement with the circumferential surface, axially aligned with the ring-shaped element, and including a surface facing radially inward for forming a seal with an input shaft inserted into the torque converter.

Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover; a first through bore for receiving a transmission input shaft; a clutch including a piston plate; a plurality of fasteners connected to the cover; and a plate connected to the cover. The plate includes a radially aligned wall including a plurality of openings in which the plurality of fasteners is disposed; a second through bore at least partially aligned, in an axial direction, with the first through bore; and a plurality fins extending from the radially aligned wall in the axial direction. Each fin includes a first end aligned with the first and second through bores in the axial direction. Each fin includes a second end disposed radially within the plurality of openings. A space, aligned with an axis of rotation for the torque converter and the second through bore, is formed between the respective first ends.

Abstract: A torque converter clutch assembly including a torque converter cover drivingly engaged with a prime mover, a piston plate for engaging the clutch; a drive plate; and a drive ring drivingly engaged with the drive plate. The drive ring has a continuous ring-shaped segment at its outer circumference, and a radial friction wall. The drive plate is disposed axially between the radial friction wall and the ring-shaped segment. In some example embodiments of the invention, the drive plate includes at least one tab with an outer diameter and the ring-shaped segment includes an inner diameter larger than the tab outer diameter.

Abstract: The present invention is a torque converter having three sealed chambers in which a piston for engaging and disengaging a lock-up clutch is attached to the torque converter using a plurality of leaf springs. The assembly includes a plurality of access or pass-through holes for effecting the attachment of the leaf spring to the cover using rivets. Also included is plurality of plugs to seal the pass-through holes. Also presented is a method of using the plugs to prevent uncontrolled leakage from one sealed chamber to another.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper with a friction device. The friction device is formed on at least one friction surface on two contra-rotationally and oppositely disposed disc parts that are in frictional contact with one another. In order to propose how to determine the initial stressing effect of the frictional action independently of external support of the disc parts, the frictional surfaces are pressurized against one another by means of at least one spring element.

Abstract: A torque converter including an input housing having an axial surface and a pump shell having an axial surface. The input housing and the pump shell being welded together and the pump shell or the input housing having a groove facing the other of the pump shell or output housing. The torque converter also including a ring located in the groove and contacting the other of the pump shell or input housing.