The invention comprises a method, an article, and a control system for controlling a powertrain having a main and an auxiliary hydraulic pump, with each pump operative to supply hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic circuit of the transmission. Only one communication channel is formed, and the communication channel has an ascending portion that increases in height toward the inside of the housing. The foam is hydrophobic foam to prevent the foam from absorbing the ink. Embodiments further include structuring the retaining ring such that the distance between the outer surface to the perimeter of the substrate retained by the inner surface of the retaining ring varies. At least one implementation provides for seeding of a solid state amplifier or large core fiber amplifier with time delayed, polarization split pulses, with capability for recombining the time separated pulses at an amplifier output.