Abstract: A circuit and method for controlling a battery (12) are provided. The circuit (18) includes a switching device (24) disposed between first and second poles (20, 22) of the battery (12) and responsive to a control signal. The circuit also includes a controller (26) that generates the control signal in accordance with a predetermined algorithm responsive to a temperature and a voltage drop across poles (20, 22). The inventive method includes the step (30) of providing a switching device (24) between first and second poles (20, 22) of battery (12). The method further includes the step (34) of controlling switching device (24) responsive to a temperature and a voltage drop across poles (20, 22).

Abstract: A parking pawl assembly 10 is provided for use in combination with a vehicle of the type including a transmission assembly 12 having a park gear 16. Assembly 10 includes a pawl member 22 which is selectively movable and which allows the park gear 16 to rotate while pawl member 22 is being disengaged from the park gear 16, thereby gradually and smoothly releasing residual torque stored within the park gear 16.

Abstract: Method of stabilizing valve lift-off movement in an automotive hydraulic shock absorber having compression and expansion chambers filled with a hydraulic shock-absorber fluid is diclosed. The chamber are divided by a valve body which has one or more orifices that have fluid flow therethrough controlled by a spring biased valve that lifts off from the valve body when the fluid pressure differential between chambers is above a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A watertight and airtight seal is useful for use between two structures having relative movement therebetween. The seal apparatus includes a first adhesive bead (38) disposed on a first structural member (12) and a second adhesive bead (44) disposed on a second structural member (22). An elastomeric member (30) includes a first flange (34) portion bonded to the first adhesive bead and a second flange portion (36) bonded to the second adhesive bead (44). The elastomeric member also includes a flexible portion disposed between the first and second flange portions, this flexible portion being operative to freely flex during relative motion between the first and second structural members. This flexibility substantially reduces stress otherwise imparted on the first and second adhesive beads during such movements in the absence of the flexible portion, thereby improving the durability of the seal.