Abstract: An architecture for coupling the output of a prime mover to a rotationally driven device. The architecture includes a selectable switching device, a terminal output member and a torque transfer device having an intermediate output member. The selectable switching device is coupled to the output of the prime mover and is selectively and alternately coupled between first and second states; in the first state with the torque transfer device, whereby the torque transfer device is rotatably driven by the prime mover and the terminal output member is rotatably driven by the intermediate output member of the torque transfer device; and in the second state with the terminal output member, whereby the terminal output member is rotatably driven by the prime mover and the torque transfer device is rotatably disconnected from the prime mover and is not rotatably driven.

Abstract: A launch device having a front cover connectable to the output of a prime mover, an output hub connectable to the input of the transmission, an impeller driven in rotation with the front cover and a turbine fluidly coupled in rotation with the impeller. A damper includes an output member connected to and rotatable with the output hub. A lock-out clutch, when engaged, rotationally locks the damper with the front cover and includes a clutch piston which is axially and rotationally moveable relative to the output hub. A mechanical clutch piston positioner includes first and second interfaces individually associated with either the clutch piston or one of the output member or output hub. The first interface is axially and rotationally moveable relative to the second interface. Upon the first interface overrunning tire second interface, mechanical engagement of the interfaces axially positions tire clutch piston toward the front cover.

Abstract: A launch device coupling a prime mover to a transmission. The launch device includes a front cover for connecting to the output of the prime mover and an output hub for connecting to the input of the transmission. A rear cover is connected to the front cover and cooperates to define a chamber. Within the chamber are an impeller and a turbine having a plurality of opposing blades such that hydraulic fluid is directed from the impeller blades and toward the turbine blades. A main damper is provided between the turbine and output hub of the launch device. Coupled to the main damper is a lock-out clutch configured to releasably lock the main damper for rotation with one of the front and rear covers. The launch device also includes an active dynamic damper system coupled to the main damper and configured to reduce resonance influence on the main damper.

Abstract: A launch device having a front cover connectable to the output of a prime mover, an output hub connectable to the input of the transmission, an impeller driven in rotation with the front cover and a turbine fluidly coupled in rotation with the impeller. A damper includes an output member connected to and rotatable with the output hub. A lock-out clutch, when engaged, rotationally locks the damper with the front cover and includes a clutch piston which is axially and rotationally moveable relative to the output hub. A mechanical clutch piston positioner includes first and second interfaces individually associated with either the clutch piston or one of the output member or output hub. The first interface is axially and rotationally moveable relative to the second interface. Upon the first interface overrunning tire second interface, mechanical engagement of the interfaces axially positions tire clutch piston toward the front cover.

Abstract: A launch device coupling the rotary output of a prime mover to the rotary input of an automotive transmission. The launch device includes a shell defining a chamber into which impeller blades extend. A rotatable turbine is located in the chamber. Turbine blades oppose the impeller blades and receive fluid from the impeller blades, causing rotation of the turbine and an output hub. Pull bearings constructively support the shell for relative rotation with respect to one or more internal components of the launch device, such as the output hub. Portions of the pull bearings are fixed relative to an associated one of the internal components to limit axial movement of the inner and outer races of the pull bearing and, thereby, limit axial expansion of the shell.

Abstract: A launch device coupling a prime mover to a transmission. The launch device includes a front cover for connecting to the output of the prime mover and an output hub for connecting to the input of the transmission. A rear cover is connected to the front cover and cooperates to define a chamber. Within the chamber are an impeller and a turbine having a plurality of opposing blades such that hydraulic fluid is directed from the impeller blades and toward the turbine blades. A main damper is provided between the turbine and output hub of the launch device. Coupled to the main damper is a lock-out clutch configured to releasably lock the main damper for rotation with one of the front and rear covers. The launch device also includes an active dynamic damper system coupled to the main damper and configured to reduce resonance influence on the main damper.

Abstract: A table construction and method is provided having an internal opening that selectively accommodates a floor lamp or torchier and allows the insertion and removal of the lamp from the opening in a horizontal plane without disassembling the lamp and without requiring the component pieces of the table to be completely separated.