Abstract: A torque converter includes a turbine including a plurality of turbine blades and an inner radial extension radially inward from the turbine blades. The torque converter also includes a stator including a plurality of stator blades and a stator body supporting the stator blades. At least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body is provided with a stator retaining assembly to limit radial movement of the stator with respect to the turbine.

Abstract: An axial thrust washer for a torque converter is provided. The axial thrust washer includes an inner circumferential surface; an outer circumferential surface; a first axial surface extending from the inner circumferential surface to the outer circumferential surface; and a second axial surface opposite the first axial surface. The second axial surface includes a plurality of radially inner pads and a plurality of radially outer pads. The radially inner pads extend axially further from the first axial surface than the radially outer pads. A torque converter and a method of forming a torque converter are also provided.

Abstract: A thrust bearing cage including an improved lubrication feature is disclosed. The thrust bearing cage includes a first rim and a second rim with a plurality of crossbars extending therebetween to define rolling element pockets. Each crossbar of the plurality of crossbars includes: a first radial flange extending from the first rim; a second radial flange extending from the second rim; and a medial radial flange connecting the first radial flange and the second radial flange. The medial radial flange is axially offset from the first radial flange and the second radial flange. At least one of the first radial flange, the medial radial flange, or the second radial flange includes a protrusion defining at least one ramped surface. The ramped surface creates a hydrodynamic effect, which guides the thrust bearing cage away from an adjacent surface, and ensures that a lubricated state is maintained.

Abstract: A torque converter comprising a cover that includes a cover-thickness defined by an outer peripheral surface and inner peripheral surface of the cover. The torque converter may also include a turbine shell that includes a turbine-shell thickness defined by a turbine-shell outer peripheral surface and turbine-shell inner peripheral surface, wherein the cover-thickness and the turbine-shell thickness are substantially identical.

Abstract: A thrust bearing cage including an improved lubrication feature is disclosed. The thrust bearing cage includes a first rim and a second rim with a plurality of crossbars extending therebetween to define rolling element pockets. Each crossbar of the plurality of crossbars includes: a first radial flange extending from the first rim; a second radial flange extending from the second rim; and a medial radial flange connecting the first radial flange and the second radial flange. The medial radial flange is axially offset from the first radial flange and the second radial flange. At least one of the first radial flange, the medial radial flange, or the second radial flange includes a protrusion defining at least one ramped surface. The ramped surface creates a hydrodynamic effect, which guides the thrust bearing cage away from an adjacent surface, and ensures that a lubricated state is maintained.

Abstract: A torque converter includes a turbine including a plurality of turbine blades and an inner radial extension radially inward from the turbine blades. The torque converter also includes a stator including a plurality of stator blades and a stator body supporting the stator blades. At least one of the inner radial extension and the stator body is provided with a stator retaining assembly to limit radial movement of the stator with respect to the turbine.

Abstract: A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes a front cover including a front radially extending section and a front axially extending section extending axially from an outer radial end of the front radially extending section. The torque converter also includes a plurality of baffle assemblies each including a base connected to the front radially extending section and a support connected to the base. Each of the baffle assemblies includes a first baffle and a second baffle extending radially inward from the respective support. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided. The method includes providing a plurality of baffle assemblies each including a base, a support connected to the base and a first baffle and a second baffle extending from the support; and fixing the bases of the baffle assemblies to a radially extending section of the front cover such that the first and second baffles extend radially inward from the respective support.

Abstract: Dispenser cups for washing machine appliances are provided. A dispenser cup includes a container which includes a side wall and a bottom wall, the side wall having a top end. The container defines a compartment configured to receive a wash material. The dispenser cup further includes a wash liquid inlet positioned on the side wall of the container and in fluid communication with the compartment for providing a flow of wash liquid to the compartment. The dispenser cup further includes a deflector plate positioned at least partially within the compartment. The deflector plate is positioned such that wash liquid exhausted from the wash liquid inlet into the compartment contacts the deflector plate and is redirected towards the bottom wall of the container. The dispenser cup further includes a wall extending from the deflector plate within the compartment such that wash liquid redirected towards the top end contacts the wall.

Abstract: A dispenser cup for a washing machine appliance is provided that may more effectively clean a container provided therein. The container includes a side wall and a bottom wall, and defines a compartment configured to receive a wash material. A wash liquid inlet is positioned on the side wall of the container to provide a flow of wash liquid to the compartment. Additionally, features for redirecting the flow of wash liquid from the wash liquid inlet towards the bottom wall of the container is provided such that the wash liquid more effectively cleans the bottom wall of the dispenser cup container during operation of the washing machine appliance.