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US 6,886,330 B1Granted
Hydroformed torque converter fluid coupling member
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorGary A. Turner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of manufacturing a torque converter fluid coupling member includes forming a plurality of hollow tubes having first and second ends and connecting the plurality of tubes together side-by-side in an annular array. Fluid may be carried through each tube from the first end to the second end, thereby forming the fluid coupling member. The fluid coupling member may be a turbine or a pump of a torque converter.
Claims19
A method of manufacturing a torque converter fluid coupling member comprising:
- forming a plurality of hollow tubes having first and second ends;
- and
- connecting said plurality of tubes together side-by-side in an annular array such that fluid may be carried through each tube from the first end to the second end, thereby forming the fluid coupling member.
A torque converter fluid coupling member comprising:
- a plurality of hollow steel tubes connected together side-by-side in an annular array wherein fluid may be carried through each tube from one end to another to form the fluid coupling member.
A torque converter turbine assembly comprising:
- a plurality of hydroformed steel tubes connected together side-byside in an annular array such that fluid may be carried through each tube from one end to another;
- wherein a first end of each said tube is positioned at an inner periphery of the annular array and a second end of each said tube positioned at an outer periphery of the annular array;
- wherein side walls of said tubes are operative as turbine blades;
- and
- a turbine hub connected to said tubes.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.