Abstract: A clutch engagement control system for a vehicle transmission. The system comprises an automatic transmission gearset and at least one hydraulic clutch coupled to the gearset. A hydraulic pressure controller is coupled to the clutch. A clutch engagement controller is coupled to the pressure controller, and an altitude sensor is coupled to the clutch engagement controller. The clutch engagement controller is configured to receive from the altitude sensor an altitude signal corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle. The clutch engagement controller adjusts a hydraulic pressure request of the pressure controller in accordance with the altitude signal, such that the clutch engages with at least one of a rate and pressure corresponding to the sensed altitude. A method employs the system.

Abstract: A clutch engagement control system for a vehicle transmission. The system comprises an automatic transmission gearset and at least one hydraulic clutch coupled to the gearset. A hydraulic pressure controller is coupled to the clutch. A clutch engagement controller is coupled to the pressure controller, and an altitude sensor is coupled to the clutch engagement controller. The clutch engagement controller is configured to receive from the altitude sensor an altitude signal corresponding to the altitude of the vehicle. The clutch engagement controller adjusts a hydraulic pressure request of the pressure controller in accordance with the altitude signal, such that the clutch engages with at least one of a rate and pressure corresponding to the sensed altitude. A method employs the system.

Abstract: A slider is formed of an air bearing surface coated with a wear limiting coating that substantially limits surface wear of the air bearing surface encountered in proximity recording. The wear limiting coating is comprised of a wear inhibiting layer formed on the air bearing surface and a sacrificial layer formed on the wear inhibiting layer. The two coatings of the wear limiting coating have different mechanical properties so that the sacrificial layer is burnished, exposing the wear inhibiting layer. This design substantially limits the surface wear of the air bearing surface typically encountered in proximity recording, resulting in less debris accumulation, which could otherwise adversely affect the performance of the proximity recording head. This self-limiting burnishing action overcomes the flying height variation due to manufacturing tolerances and provides extremely small and uniform magnetic spacing, which greatly enhances the proximity recording.