Abstract: A torque converter stator has a plurality of blades integrally molded between inner and outer rim portions. The inner rim portion has an outer race of a one-way torque transmitting device integrally molded therewith. The outer race includes a plurality of cam surfaces and spring abutment surfaces for the one-way device which cooperate with roller, springs and an inner race which are later assembled therewith to complete the one-way torque transmitting device.

Abstract: A three element fluid torque converter has a variable pitch stator. The stator blades have two principal orientations, closed and open. The blades are biased toward the closed position by a spring loaded annular piston. In the closed position, the blades block approximately 75% to 90% of the annular area between a stator core and a stator shell. An inlet angle for the stator blades is between 30 degrees and 70 degrees in the closed position. This combination reduces creep torque without any significant increase in driveline noise and vibration when the engine is idling. As engine speed and torque are increased, the blades overcome the spring bias to rotate to the open position thereby increasing the torque transmitted to effectively propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A three element fluid torque converter has a variable pitch stator. The stator blades have two principal orientations, closed and open. The blades are biased toward the closed position by a spring loaded annular piston. In the closed position, the blades block approximately 75% to 90% of the annular area between a stator core and a stator shell. An inlet angle for the stator blades is between 30 degrees and 70 degrees in the closed position. This combination reduces creep torque without any significant increase in driveline noise and vibration when the engine is idling. As engine speed and torque are increased, the blades overcome the spring bias to rotate to the open position thereby increasing the torque transmitted to effectively propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A torque converter turbine has a plastic bladed element molded around a sintered iron hub to form a substantially semi-toroidal structure. The hub provides ribs, apertures through the hub, and channels in which the plastic bladed element is disposed. Having the bladed element and hub thus engaged allows the bladed element and hub to sustain high torsional and axial loads at elevated temperatures without separating.

Abstract: An impeller for a torque converter embodying the concepts of the present invention utilizes a substantially semi-toroidal shell. The shell has a radially inner periphery which defines an inlet portion and a radially outer periphery which defines an outlet portion. The shell is radially curved between the inlet portion and the outlet portion to define a concave annular recess. A plurality of full vanes and a plurality of splitter vanes are presented from the shell within the annular recess. The impeller vanes are disposed circumferentially about the concave recess at spaced intervals. Each vane has a leading head portion, an intermediate body portion and a trailing end portion. The leading head portions of both vanes are disposed in opposition to the inlet portion--the leading head portion of the full vanes being disposed in proximity to the inlet portion. The leading head portions of the splitter vanes are disposed in radially outwardly spaced relation to the inlet portion.

Abstract: A torque converter turbine has a plurality of blades integrally molded or cast with a shell or core to form a substantially semi-toroidal structure. Each blade has a rounded leading edge and trailing edge joined by hydrofoil blade surfaces. The flow space between adjacent blades provides the optimum distributed flow area from the leading edge to the trailing edge.