Functionally enhanced hydrokinetic device having clutch assembly operable at low engine speeds

A torque converter for translating kinetic energy between a prime mover and a transmission, said torque converter comprising:

• a torque input member and an impeller assembly operatively coupled for rotation with said torque input member;
• a turbine assembly fluidly connected in driven relationship with said impeller assembly;
• a clutch assembly supported for selective operation with said turbine assembly and interposed between said turbine assembly and said torque input member, said clutch assembly selectively movable into engagement with said torque input member to provide torque translation between the torque input member and said turbine assembly at the approximate coupling point of said torque converter, and said torque converter having a squash ratio of less than 1.0.

An annular friction clutch facing for a hydrokinetic torque converter clutch, said facing having an inner and outer edge defining a prescribed width and at least one circuitous groove cut into said facing so as to define at least two separate portions thereof and extending a substantial annular distance about said facing adapted to direct hydraulic fluid in a hydrokinetic torque converter from a high pressure cavity at said outer edge of said facing and across said width of said facing in a circuitous path in at least three transversing passes to a low pressure cavity at said inner edge of said facing, said groove having an inlet section that defines one of said passes with said inlet section including an inlet that is adapted to open said groove at said outer edge of said facing to said high pressure cavity, and said groove having an outlet section that defines another of said passes and has an outlet that is adapted to open said groove at said inner edge of said facing to said low pressure cavity at a location remote from said inlet, said circuitous groove including at least one bridge portion spanning a portion of said at least one circuitous groove to interconnect said portions of said clutch facing.