One-way Clutch Between The Movable Guide, An Impeller, Turbine Or A Second Movable Guide Patents (Class 60/345)
  • Publication number: 20010035322
    Abstract: A freewheel arrangement, in particular for a guide wheel of a hydrodynamic torque converter, permits a relative rotation between two elements in essentially only one relative rotational direction with respect to one another about an axis of rotation. At least one pawl is pivotably supported on a first of the two elements and has a pawl section which can come into contact with a blocking surface of the second of the two elements. At least one pawl is formed by a plurality of pawl plate elements which can be stamped from sheet metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Edgar Reinhart, Dietrich Bechmann, Andre Meyer, Friedrich Schramm, Christoph Sasse, Erwin Wack
  • Publication number: 20010027649
    Abstract: A freewheel unit intended especially for the stator of a hydrodynamic torque converter, allows first and second elements to rotate relative to each other around a rotational axis essentially in only one direction. A locking element carrier extends in the circumferential direction around the rotational axis and comes at least one first locking element which extends away from this carrier toward the first element in a first circumferential direction. At least one first locking element can come to rest against at least one blocking surface provided on the first element to prevent any relative rotation between the first element and the locking element carrier in one direction of relative rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Edgar Reinhart, Dietrich Bechmann, Andre Meyer, Friedrich Schramm, Christoph Sasse, Erwin Wack
  • Publication number: 20010023805
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sub-assembly of a hydrodynamic converter which is comprised of an overrunning clutch with bearing rings, a stator of with integrated overrunning clutch outer ring, as well as two thrust bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Jurgen Kroll, Rolf Kostel
  • Patent number: 6125980
    Abstract: A hub for a torque-transmitting member comprising a planar clutch. The clutch includes a pocket plate and a notch plate located within the hub. One plate is integrated within the hub, such as by casting or molding, to form an integral assembly, the other plate being splined or otherwise secured to a shaft. The pocket plate has strut pockets disposed about the axis of the hub. The notch plate has recesses at angularly spaced positions about the axis. Struts pivotally anchored in the strut pockets engage the notch plate recesses to effect one-way torque transfer between the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Ruth, David William Shaw
  • Patent number: 6116394
    Abstract: An overrunning coupling assembly includes a notch plate and an annular coupling pocket plate positioned in face-to-face relationship with respect to each other along a common axis. The pocket plate includes strut pockets disposed at angularly spaced positions about the axis. The notch plate includes notch recesses at angularly spaced positions about the common axis and positioned in juxtaposed relationship with respect to the strut pockets. The notch plate includes an inner circumferential rail at a radially inward side of the notch recesses and an outer circumferential rail at a radially outward side of the notch recesses. Torque-transmitting struts are positioned in the strut pockets. Each strut has first and second ears at one edge thereof for enabling pivotal motion of the struts about an ear axis intersecting the ears. The opposite edge of each strut is engageable with one of the notch recesses whereby one-way torque transfer may occur between the plates. Each opposite edge has first and second corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen M. Ruth
  • Patent number: 6116024
    Abstract: In a torque converter for a motor vehicle a plurality of rotary members are provided including a drive member and a driven member, each located along a common rotational axis. A stator is positioned between the drive and driven members and has a central hub having a bore coaxial with the common rotational axis. The stator includes an outer ring approximately concentric with the central hub, and a plurality of radially spaced blades extending between the hub and the outer ring. A mechanical diode is positioned in the bore and includes a dog clutch to transmit torque when the mechanical diode is driven in a first rotational direction causing the inner and outer members to rotate together, and a ratchet clutch to allow the inner member to rotate relative to the outer member when the diode is driven in a second rotational direction. An adaptor is also provided for coupling the mechanical diode to the hub such that the mechanical diode is positioned coaxial with the common rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: TCP Performance Converters
    Inventor: Daniel M. Rottino
  • Patent number: 6093478
    Abstract: A composite member has a diecast part and a hub part that consists of a harder material than the diecast part. The diecast part is attached to the hub part by diecasting within a diecast mold. The hub part has at least one end face. The at least one end face has an annular sealing projection that, during diecasting of the diecast part, rests at a surface of the diecast mold and is deformed by the diecast mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignees: Firma Ford-Werke AG, Firma Druckgusswerk Mossner GmbH
    Inventors: Arthur Jasinetzky, Hans-Peter Wirtz
  • Patent number: 6026642
    Abstract: A system for adapting a particular sprag unit to an existing stator of a torque converter having a ring-shaped body with an inner surface and a driving member. The system includes an annular retainer possessing an outer surface which fits along the inner surface of the stator. The retainer further includes an inner surface which slidingly engages a particular sprag unit having a plurality of sprags. The outer surface of the annular retainer is connected to the inner surface of the stator to prevent relative movement between these two elements. The sprag unit also contacts the surface of an inner race which possesses a central opening for meshing with a driving member may include a race having an outer surface which also engages the sprags of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: John E. Myers
  • Patent number: 6006886
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter with a converter circuit comprising an impeller, a turbine and a stator, wherein the stator is held by an axial bearing arrangement in the converter housing at a predetermined relative distance from the impeller and the turbine. The axial bearing arrangement has a grooved sliding bearing at each axial side of the stator. In at least one of the sliding bearings, the grooves are formed through only a part of the entire radial length of the sliding bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventors: Christoph Sasse, Uwe Dehrmann
  • Patent number: 5996340
    Abstract: A torque converter comprises a converter housing that has a plurality of connection areas on one axial side. The converter housing is connectable in rotation-proof fashion relative to a crank shaft at connection points located in the connection areas. The converter housing has a plurality of radially extending hollows arranged in the circumferential direction at a distance from each other on the aforementioned axial side. A first distance between one of the hollows and the hollow directly adjacent to it in one circumferential direction is different from a second distance between the one of the hollows and the hollow directly adjacent to it in the other opposing circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Detlev Weichel
  • Patent number: 5918461
    Abstract: A stator assembly for use in a torque converter wherein the stator assembly includes a grounded member, a reaction member and a blade assembly operatively coupled with the reaction member for rotational movement about an axis of rotation relative to the grounded member in one direction and fixed against rotational movement relative to the grounded member in the opposite direction. The reaction member is movable axially relative to the grounded member in response to fluid forces acting on the blade assembly between a first position wherein the reaction member and the blade assembly are free to rotate in one direction and a second, locked position wherein the reaction member and the blade assembly are fixed relative to the grounded member and against rotation in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Sachs AG
    Inventor: Duane Allen Bacon
  • Patent number: 5881556
    Abstract: To provide a stator in which a stator and an impeller or a turbine are brought into direct contact with each other to thereby dispense with a thrust bearing, and in which a frictional wear in the contact portion is suppressed to a small extent to thereby prolong a service life of a torque convertor, a stator 7 is provided with a thrust receiving portion 7c for a torque convertor with an impeller and a turbine facing each other. The thrust receiving portion 7c is provided in an inner circumferential portion of the stator, and brought into contact with the impeller so that an axial movement of the thrust receiving portion 7c is limited. Oil grooves 7d for recirculating and holding working oil are formed in a contact surface of the thrust receiving portion 7c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 5855263
    Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly (15) including a driven member (37) defining a plurality of driven pockets (41), with a radially moveable pawl (59) disposed in each pocket. The pockets (41) are interconnected by circumferentially-extending grooves (47), and disposed in each groove (47) is a spring member (53). Each spring member (53) includes a retaining portion (55) engaging a radially outer surface (67) of one pawl (59a), to retain the pawl in its pocket (41), and a spring portion (57) engaging a radially inner surface (69) of another pawl (59b), biasing part of the pawl toward the drive position (FIG. 6). The arrangement of the invention makes it practical to provide a one-way clutch having as few parts as possible, and being adapted for "drop-in" assembly of the clutch within a device such as a torque converter stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Donald J. Fergle
  • Patent number: 5852932
    Abstract: In the one-way clutch of a torque converter, an outer race (30 in FIG. 10A) which is assembled on the inner circumferential side of a stator so as to be unrotatable includes a first side face (31) which is provided with first teeth (32). An inner race (40) which is mounted on a stationary shaft so as to be unrotatable includes a second side face (41) which is opposite to the first side face (31) and which is provided with second teeth (42). With the rotation of the outer race (30), the first teeth (32) and the second teeth (42) are engaged and disengaged by the functions of an intermediate member (50) which moves along inclined planes (33) formed in the first side face (31). Thus, shock noise are prevented during the release of the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shogo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5829565
    Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly (15) including a planar drive member (57) and a planar driven member (25, 27) defining driven pockets (33), and a pawl (55) disposed in each driven pocket. A one-piece spring assembly (45) is disposed adjacent the driven plate (27) and includes a spring member (49) in biasing engagement with each of the pawls (55). In one embodiment, the drive member (57) is molded integrally with an annular stator hub (19) of a torque converter stator (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Donald J. Fergle, Erlen B. Walton, James M. Brown
  • Patent number: 5822987
    Abstract: In a torque converter, in order to reduce the cost, simplify the manufacturing process and ensure the centering precision of of the stator relative to the outer race of a one-way clutch, the stator and the outer race of the one-way clutch have first engaging surface portions preventing relative rotation therebetween and second engaging surface portions providing concentricity therebetween. The first and second surface portions are axially offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Koji Maeda, Yutaka Teraoka, Makoto Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5806644
    Abstract: An idler wheel hub with freewheel mechanism, which encompasses an inner freewheel ring and an outer freewheel ring. Located radially between the freewheel rings are an inner cage and an outer cage. These cages are provided with recesses so that clamping bodies can penetrate therein. The clamping bodies are directionally prestressed so as to be in contact with the freewheel rings. The axial extension of the components is limited by side plates, which are located between the freewheel rings, and the freewheel rings are in turn centered by the side plates. One of the side plates forms a single part with the outer cage of the freewheel mechanism. The second side plate locks securely into the outer cage of the freewheel mechanism. The plates are provided with axially outwardly arranged glide devices. At least one of the side plates is attached in a turn-proof manner relative to the outer freewheel ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 5779014
    Abstract: A one-way clutch includes an outer ring 8, an inner ring 9 and a plurality of clutch members 10 interposed between the outer and inner rings 8 and 9. The present invention provides a one-way clutch mounting structure by having the outer ring of one-way clutch mounted in a housing, which may be a part of stator 5 of a torque converter 2. In accordance with the present invention, the housing has an annular section and a side section which together define a pocket in which the outer ring 8 is mounted. The outer ring 8 has an outer peripheral surface formed with a spiral groove 8c and the annular section of the housing partly extends into the spiral groove 8c when casted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: NSK-Warner Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Kinoshita, Toshio Awaji, Takashi Miura
  • Patent number: 5771691
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm E. Kirkwood, Michael E. Fingerman
  • Patent number: 5729976
    Abstract: A one-way clutch mechanism suited to shorten its axial dimension and to prevent the production of a shock noise, in which a side clutch member (20 in FIG. 3) is interposed between a stator side member (18) disposed unitarily with a stator and a stationary-shaft side member (22) disposed unitarily with a stationary shaft, and in which the surfaces of the stator side member (18) and the side clutch member (20) confronting each other are respectively formed with oblique planes (18a, 20a), wherein only when the stator has received a turning force of specified direction from a fluid stream, the stator side member (18) and the side clutch member (20) are brought away from each other into the operational connection of the stator side member (18) and the stationary-shaft side member (22) by the cooperation of the oblique planes (18a, 20a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyohito Murata, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Shogo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5718114
    Abstract: The one-way clutch mechanism of a torque converter which has a short axial dimension, and which neither produces a shock noise (an abnormal sound) nor suffers a power loss in the idle mode thereof. An outer race (30 in FIG. 1 ) is united with a stator (18), and supports the stator (18) so as to be axially movable and rotatable with respect to a stationary shaft (16). The outer race (30) includes a first side face (32) which is formed with first teeth. An inner race (40) is united with the stationary shaft (16), and includes a second side face (42) opposite to the first side face (32). The second side face (42) is formed with second teeth which can prohibit the rotation of the outer race (30) in one direction, by meshing with the first teeth. The stator (18) and the outer race (30) receive the axial component force of a fluid stream which changes depending upon a speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyohito Murata, Shogo Matsumoto, Hiroyuki Shioiri
  • Patent number: 5706656
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter which includes pump wheels and/or turbine wheels in particular of a Fottinger coupling, wherein all the required blades are stamped in the form of blade blanks, out of a round stamping blank in a single operating process, in such a manner that each blade blank remains connected, by means of a connecting web, to a ring-shaped area of the stamping blank which remains intact during the stamping. The blade blanks are then subjected to a shaping process, in which they are reshaped into the final three-dimensional shape of the blade, whereby the connection with the ring-shaped area remains intact, and, in a shaping process, the ring-shaped area is adapted to the contour of the housing that delimits the pump wheel or turbine wheel. A blade carrier is thereby produced which makes it possible to install all the blades, in their three-dimensional position with respect to the pump or turbine wheel, in a single process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 5704456
    Abstract: In a hydrodynamic torque converter, a secondary circulation which is provided for the cooling of the hydraulic fluid in the primary circulation chamber, and when there is a lockup clutch also for the actuation of this lockup clutch, runs through a stator support structure which comprises an overrunning clutch unit. One or more passage channels are provided in the locking rings of the overrunning clutch unit which provide the flow path through the stator support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventor: Rudiger Hinkel
  • Patent number: 5680758
    Abstract: An assembly of a one-way clutch and a liquid thrust bearing is provided which can absorb an axial load due to a stator of a torque converter, thereby reducing the number of parts as compared to a conventional torque converter using a mechanical thrust bearing. In order to attain the object, the one-way clutch is mounted on a boss portion of a stator of a torque converter, a bearing support is disposed between outer and inner rings of the one-way clutch, a turbine-side member of the torque converter is disposed with a fixed inwardly facing surface facing an outwardly facing surface of the bearing support with a small open annular gap being between the facing surfaces and dynamic pressure grooves formed in one of the facing surfaces for providing a high pressure liquid layer between the facing surface which acts as a thrust bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Miura
  • Patent number: 5676230
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bushing for a one-way clutch which is to be assembled in a stator of a torque converter. The bushing is useful for centering outer and inner rings of the one-way clutch and for backing up an associated thrust needle bearing. The bushing has a thrust surface to be positioned facing the thrust needle bearing and defines a center hole, an inner periphery and an outer periphery. The bushing is provided with a plurality of grooves formed in the thrust surface of the bushing and extending from the outer periphery to the inner periphery. An inward extension of a longitudinal center line of each of the grooves does not intersect a center of the bushing. The grooves may be arranged, for example, in the form of a whorl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Toshio Awaji, Takashi Miura, Taiji Kamiya
  • Patent number: 5655875
    Abstract: A torque converter stator made by injection molding of plastic material includes a metallic one-way clutch outer race which is insert molded within the stator hub. A plurality of recesses forming lubricant passages extend through the wall of a radial flange of the hub. The lubrication recess (30) is defined by a part-cylindrical outer wall (32) and a pair of planar side walls (34) spaced apart by a distance d. The juncture of the outer wall (32) and the side wall (34) is filleted to form a rounded corner (36) having a radius of curvature R1. To relieve the weld line (60) from concentration of residual stress due to post-molding shrinkage while avoiding stress concentration at the rounded corners (36), the ratio R1/d is selected to be 0.18-0.35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Sekine
  • Patent number: 5642795
    Abstract: A one-way clutch comprises a first ring, a second ring spaced from the first ring to define an annular space therebetween, engaging members disposed in the annular space, at least one holding member for holding the engaging members, and a biasing member for biasing the engaging members in one direction. A pair of annular retaining members are disposed on opposite sides of the first and second rings to close the annular space between the first and second rings. Each annular retaining member has an inner surface provided with first and second stepped portions at first and second inner peripheral end surfaces thereof, respectively. The first stepped portion of each of the annular retaining members receives an end of the first ring, and the second stepped portion of each of the annular retaining members receives an end of the second ring. At least one of the annular retaining members has an annular recess at the inner surface thereof for receiving an end of the holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Miura, Tetsuaki Numata
  • Patent number: 5586434
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stator having an inner race 24, a metal outer race 23, a stator carrier 21, a plurality of stator blades, and a one-way clutch 26. The one-way clutch 26 includes rollers 27, plate springs 28, and spring supporters 29. The rollers 27 are disposed in a plurality of clearance gaps defined between the inner and outer races becoming gradually larger in width in radial directions in a first circular direction. The plate springs 28 respectively urge the rollers 27 in the first circular directions. The spring supporters 29 are molded integrally with the stator carrier 21 so as to be fixed in an inner circumferential wall of the outer race 23 and support the plate springs 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventors: Mamoru Okubo, Koji Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 5515956
    Abstract: Hydrokinetic torque converter, including a housing driven by an internal combustion engine with a housing wall near the drive which is provided with a concentric guide hub, a pump wheel integrated into the housing wall away from the drive, a turbine wheel located between the pump wheel and the housing wall near the drive, which turbine wheel is non-rotationally connected by means of a turbine wheel hub to the output, possibly a stator located between the two, whereby the turbine wheel and/or the pump wheel are provided with axial bearings opposite the stator, and whereby the walls of the pump wheel and/or of the turbine wheel pressurized with axial pressure are provided on their radially inside diameter with mountings for fastening the axial bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Fichtel & Sachs AG
    Inventors: Bernd Schoder, Johannes Sossnitza, Jurgen Demgensky, Josef Riedmann, Horst Jadicke, Wilfried Glock
  • Patent number: 5465575
    Abstract: A torque converter having an impeller, turbine, and stator each formed of interconnecting upper and lower members, and a method for producing the same. The upper and lower members each include a number of spaced apart blades disposed about a central axis. Preferably, the corresponding upper and lower members are die cast with blades spaced apart at twice the distance desired in the completed assembly. When the upper and lower members are interconnected, their blades nest such that each member provides every other blade of the assembled component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Nelson Metal Products Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis S. Shimmell
  • Patent number: 5282362
    Abstract: A torque converter has a turbine and a pump with elastomeric linings on its core and shell surfaces proximate to the blades. The elastomeric linings are deformed where the blades engage the core and shell surfaces. This localized deformation effects a seal between the blades and the core and shell surfaces. This seal eliminates leakage between the blades and the cores and the shells, thereby increasing torque converter efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Craig M. Renneker, Joel M. Maguire
  • Patent number: 5168702
    Abstract: There is disclosed a thin torque converter, fluid coupling device mounted on a vehicle. The converter which has a smaller axial dimension than the prior art converter, comprises an outer race, an inner race, a number of sprags mounted between the races, and two thrust washers. The races and the sprags are held between the washers. The sprags are wider than the inner surface of the outer race, but narrower than the outer surface of the outer race. The washers have radial outward portions bent along the side end surfaces of the outer race. Snap rings anchored to the boss of the stator of the converter prevent the washers from coming off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiro Sakakibara, Takashi Furuya, Naoki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 5125487
    Abstract: A method of manufactore of, and apparatus for, a torque converter assembly having an improved reactor assembly. A torque converter is disclosed having a stator which has improved and simplified casting and machining requirements. A stator hub is provided having a cylindrical bore substantially coaxial with the axis of the transmission shaft to which the torque converter is mounted. An overrunning clutch and thrust bearing cartridge assembly is provided to be fitted into the stator hub bore. The overrunning clutch provides improved lubrication on both sides of the clutch engaging element surfaces, either rollers or sprags, between the inner and outer rings which form the clutch races. Wear surfaces within the clutch assembly are stamped steel instead of aluminum. Clutch load is increased by increasing the roller or sprag dimensions in the direction of the stator axis, while maintaining the same stator hub width. Thrust bearings are mounted to the outside of the overrunning clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: INA Bearing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hodge
  • Patent number: 5094076
    Abstract: A torque converter reactor includes a monolithic body of plastic resin having a hub and radially extending vanes terminating in an outer rim. A clutch with metal parts is partly encapsulated in the hub during a molding operation. The clutch is preheated to accommodate the resin shrink rate, and shut off plates keep the interior of the clutch free of plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventor: Scott W. Henricks
  • Patent number: 4953353
    Abstract: A roller clutch subassembly for incorporation into the hub of a torque converter stator has an integrally molded plastic cage unit that holds the springs and rollers, and in which an array of windows opening through the cage unit allow roller pockets of the cage unit to be bypass molded, as well as allowing visual access to the pockets post installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Frederick E. Lederman
  • Patent number: 4876851
    Abstract: An infrared radiation screening arrangement includes a special core structure and an outer gas guiding ring which together serve to block the direct view of a hot engine exhaust gas outlet and associated hot engine parts in order to hinder IR-detection of the engine. The gas guiding ring and the core structure define a cooling air guide channel with cooling air inlets for cooling the components of the arrangement and for cooling the exhaust gas stream which is ejected in an essentially unaltered direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Mueller
  • Patent number: 4441315
    Abstract: A reaction assembly for a torque converter is disclosed. The outer race of an overrunning clutch is engaged in the axial bore of a reactor member, the outer race bearing axially on one side against a transverse flange of the reactor member. A keeper ring bears against the other axial side of the outer race for axially maintaining the outer race with respect to the reactor member. A bayonet mount is provided between the keeper ring and the reactor member. The keeper ring is rotationally connected to the reactor member by at least one tab fixed to the keeper ring and axially engaged in an axial slot in the reactor member between two shoulders thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Valeo
    Inventor: Jean C. Bochot
  • Patent number: 4203288
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic torque converter transmission for multiplying torque delivered from a driving member to a driven member comprising a bladed impeller connected to the driving member, a bladed turbine connected to the driven member and a stator located between the flow exit section of the turbine and the flow entrance section of the impeller, said impeller comprising a main impeller blade section and an auxiliary impeller blade section, the latter being located radially outward with respect to the former, and a centrifugally operated clutch structure for connecting together for rotation in unison the auxiliary impeller blade section and the main impeller blade section at high impeller speeds and for disengaging them when the impeller speed is less than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Nichols
  • Patent number: 4180978
    Abstract: A torque converter having an impeller incorporating blades having a negative outlet tip angle in the range of 20.degree. to 30.degree. to reduce the torque absorption capacity of the impeller at engine idle. The stator blades are set at a check angle in the range of 51.degree. to 53.degree. and have a sharp nose displaced circumferentially from the entrance flow of the stator thereby inducing fluid turbulence at the stator inlet during converter stall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Don G. Maddock
  • Patent number: 4117677
    Abstract: The stator assembly of a torque converter includes a stator wheel, a one-way brake for connecting the stator wheel to a stator shaft, a thrust washer provided on each side of the one-way brake and a pair of snap rings fixed to the stator wheel for locating the thrust washers. A gap is provided between the outer circumference of the thrust washer and the stator wheel to prevent undesirable engagement therebetween which would adversely effect the operation of the one-way brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1978
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Murakami, Choji Furusawa
  • Patent number: 3934414
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic torque converter, especially for motor vehicles, which is equipped with a pump wheel, a turbine wheel and a guide wheel and with adjustable cascade at least at one of these wheels, preferably at the guide wheel; each blade of such wheel is thereby rotatably supported and is automatically adjustable against a spring force by the torque exerted by the circulating flow of the hydraulic medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1974
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1976
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Merkle, Eberhard Frotschner