Torque converter with stator clutch

A process of converting torque for operation of a vehicle, comprising:

• receiving a prime mover input torque from a prime mover;
• operating an impeller in response to the prime mover input torque;
• generating a torque output with a turbine arranged with the impeller in response to operation of the impeller;
• limiting rotation of a stator in a first mode during operations that include one of utilizing a retarding function or utilizing the retarding function during downhill driving;
• and
• allowing rotation of the stator in a second mode.

A torque converter, comprising:

• means for receiving a prime mover input torque from a prime mover means;
• means for operating an impeller means in response to the means for receiving the prime mover input torque;
• means for generating a torque output with a turbine means arranged with the means for operating the impeller means;
• means for limiting rotation of a stator means in a first mode during particular operations including one of utilizing a retarding function or utilizing the retarding function during downhill driving;
• and
• means for allowing rotation of the stator means in a second mode.