Abstract: Potentially damaging operation of a viscous converter clutch (VCC) is detected in relation to the slippage thereacross. The slippage is compared with a reference slip value indicative of excessive VCC slippage to develop a net overslip indicator. The value of the net overslip indicator changes in the direction of a first limit value so long as the detected slip is at least as great as the reference slip, and in the direction of a second limit value so long as the detected slip is less than the reference slip. When the net overslip indicator reaches the first limit value, the friction clutch is disengaged to release the VCC. According to a first embodiment, the transmission fluid temperature at the time of such deactivation is measured and stored, and the VCC is reactivated when transmission fluid temperature falls below the stored temperature, assuming other criteria for activation are also met.

Abstract: An engine spark timing control system and method for addressing various engine output torque constraints. Preignition and knock concerns are addressed according to the conventional practice of calibrating spark control table, and the most limiting of the drivetrain-related torque constraints is referenced to such table to determine the additional retard, if any, required to satisfy such constraint. With this control, the preignition spark control table or any of the drivetrain-related torque constraints may be changed at will without violating the other constraints or calibrations.

Abstract: A low-friction, boat-type rocker arm assembly is provided. The boat-type rocker arm is designed to roll on a fulcrum of a supporting pedestal during operation, rather than slipping or sliding thereon. The rocker arm has a recessed intermediate area of a predetermined radius which is greater than the radius of the fulcrum of the pedestal. The rocker has a rectangular opening in the recessed portion with opposite, transverse edges tapering downwardly and inwardly which fit closely with the pedestal to limit travel of the rocker arm relative to the pedestal. The pedestal also has rounded surfaces at those portions positioned near the tapered edges of the rocker arm opening.

Abstract: A feedforward throttle adjustment for a closed loop idle speed control provides engine power output required to drive a variable power steering load while maintaining the engine idle speed in a desired range. The working pressure of the power steering system is detected, and the change in such pressure in the course of a steering maneuver is used to initiate an increase in the engine power output setting. The increase is determined in relation to the peak pressure change; it is implemented at a pedetermined rate, and is subject to interruption whenever the pressure change indicates that the steering maneuver has ended.

Abstract: Thionyl chloride cells are deactivated by introducing a solution of aluminum chloride in thionyl chloride into the cell.

Abstract: A high rate rechargeable silver-zinc pile type battery including a plurality of bipolar electrodes which are assembled into a full scale multi-cell pile. Each of bipolar electrodes includes a positive side having a porous silver matrix attached to silver foil and a negative side having a porous zinc structure vapor deposited on silver foil. A separator including three different components in layers is disposed between the positive and negative sides of the bipolar electrode. An epoxy adhesive is used to position and retain a seal in its proper location to electrically isolate the individual electrodes and form a cavity for retention of the electrolyte. Intercell connectors of etched silver foil serve as the cell case and active material substrate as well as the series connection between individual cells for electrical continuity.