The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 14, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 16, 1997
Malcolm E Kirkwood, Livonia, MI (US);
Michael E Fingerman, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc., Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
A torque converter for translating kinetic energy between a prime mover and a transmission including a torque input member and an impeller assembly operatively coupled for rotation with the torque input member. A turbine assembly is fluidly connected in driven relationship with the impeller assembly. A clutch assembly is supported for selective operation with the turbine assembly and interposed between the turbine assembly and the torque input member. The clutch assembly may be a continuously slipping bypass clutch which is selectively movable into engagement with the torque input member to provide torque translation between the torque input member and the turbine assembly at low engine speeds. The continuously slipping bypass clutch includes annular friction clutch facings having at least one circuitous groove providing fluid communication between the high and low pressure cavity in the torque converter and wherein the groove includes at least one bridge portion spanning the groove to interconnect either side of the groove in the clutch facing.