Abstract: An apparatus and methods for a double coast engagement diaphragm spring for a torque converter are provided. The double coast engagement diaphragm spring includes first and second coast engagement diaphragm springs. The first coast engagement diaphragm spring exerts a first, continuous axial thrust onto a turbine comprising the torque converter. The second coast engagement diaphragm spring applies a second axial thrust onto the turbine only during coasting conditions. A drive flange includes ramps for engaging the second coast engagement diaphragm spring during coasting conditions and causing the second coast engagement diaphragm spring to apply the second axial thrust onto the turbine. A retainer plate disengages the second coast engagement diaphragm spring during drive conditions. A spacer ring between the first coast engagement diaphragm spring and the second coast engagement diaphragm spring causes the first and second coast engagement diaphragm springs to operate in series.

Abstract: A transmission includes a torque converter stator with controllable blade angle. The blade angle is adjusted by adjusting the rotational position of a control ring with respect to a stator hub. The stator blades are supported by the stator hob, a locking ring, and an outer ring. The stator blades have teeth that mesh with teeth on the control ring to determine blade angle. A controller adjust the blades by commanding fluid pressures in hydraulic circuits routed to the stator hub. Various circumstances in which the controller would adjust the blade angle are discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter comprising a driving pump wheel, a driven turbine wheel, and a guide wheel, which has guide wheel blades. In order to create a hydrodynamic torque converter, which requires less installation space than conventional torque converters and is producible cost-effectively, the guide wheel blades are attached to the guide wheel such that they can move between a throughflow position and a guide position.

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 stator construction for hydrodynamic torque converters with the stator construction including a plurality of stator blades fixedly arranged on a supporting hub. A supporting hub is adapted to be non-rotatably fixed in a reactionary direction of rotation of the torque converter. At least one additional stator blade is arranged between two neighboring fixed stator blades and guided movably on the supporting hub along a path of revolution concentric to the wheel axis between a central partial load position and a clutch position in the proximity of one of the fixed stator blades lying at the rear with respect to the reactionary direction of rotation.

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.