Patent ID: 7818965

Claim:
A torque converter output augmentation apparatus comprising: a torque converter configured to be connected between an engine and a driven component in a drive train and to transmit torque from the engine to the driven component; and a torque augmenter comprising: a hydraulic circuit into which the torque converter is connected, a fluid pressurizer connected in the circuit and configured to pressurize hydraulic fluid received from the torque converter, a hydraulic fluid container connected in the circuit between the fluid pressurizer and the torque converter and configured to store pressurized hydraulic fluid received from the fluid pressurizer, a valve connected in the circuit between the hydraulic fluid container and the torque converter, and a programmable torque augmenter controller electrically connected to the valve and programmed to operate the valve, alternately admitting and blocking pressurized hydraulic fluid flow from the hydraulic fluid container to the torque converter, the torque converter being configured to use pressurized fluid received from the hydraulic fluid container in a manner that augments torque converter output; and wherein the fluid pressurizer comprises a fluid pump and a vehicle wheel brake configured to use braking energy to pressurize hydraulic fluid.