A method and apparatus provides for treating hard deposits in body cavities. The apparatusand accordingly the methodis comprised of introducing at least one first-component comprising a material with a redox potential for preventing anions precipitation; and introducing at least one second-component comprising a material with a redox potential for preventing cations precipitation.

A method and apparatus provides for treating hard deposits in body cavities. The apparatusand accordingly the methodis comprised of introducing at least one first-component comprising a material with a redox potential for preventing anions precipitation; and introducing at least one second-component comprising a material with a redox potential for preventing cations precipitation.

A braking system for an air brake vehicle includes a source of working pressure and a source of vacuum pressure. The system includes at least one brake actuator having a first chamber for receiving the working pressure, a second chamber for receiving the vacuum pressure; and a push rod that moves linearly in response to pressure in the first chamber and second chamber. A brake assembly is mechanically connected to the push rod for applying friction to a wheel end of a vehicle in response to the linear movement of the push rod.

A vacuum booster check valve comprises: a main body attached to a vacuum inlet; a first passage, an accommodation section, and a second passage; a valve seat formed in the first passage; a valve body accommodated within the accommodation section; and springs that bias the valve body toward the valve seat. The check valve also comprises vibration absorption sections whereby, when the valve body is seated on the valve seat, one part of the valve body absorbs more vibrations imparted to the valve body compared to other parts of the valve body.

Systems and methods for a braking a vehicle. In one example, the braking system includes a friction braking system, a regenerative braking system, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is communicatively coupled to the friction braking system and the regenerative braking system. The electronic processor is configured to receive a driver brake request and determine a brake failure state. The brake failure state indicates a brake failure. In response to determining the brake failure state, the electronic processor applies a braking force based on the driver brake request. The braking force includes a frictional braking force generated by the friction braking system and a regenerative braking force generated by the regenerative braking system.

Methods for controlling vacuum within a brake booster by modifying powertrain operation include determining an intake manifold vacuum in response to actuation of a brake pedal. Increasing the intake manifold vacuum if the brake booster vacuum is less than a desired brake booster vacuum. In some embodiments, the transmission is downshifted to increase engine speed and intake manifold vacuum.

Methods for controlling vacuum within a brake booster by modifying powertrain operation include determining an intake manifold vacuum in response to actuation of a brake pedal. Increasing the intake manifold vacuum if the brake booster vacuum is less than a desired brake booster vacuum. In some embodiments, the transmission is downshifted to increase engine speed and intake manifold vacuum.

Methods and systems are provided for controlling air flow through at least two aspirators coupled across an intake throttle. In one example, a method includes, during a first condition, opening a common aspirator shut-off valve to direct intake air through a first aspirator and a second aspirator each coupled across an intake throttle, and supplying vacuum generated by the first aspirator and the second aspirator to respective vacuum consumption devices as demanded. The method also includes, responsive to a second condition, closing the common aspirator shut-off valve and supplying intake manifold vacuum to the respective vacuum consumption devices as demanded.

Methods and systems are provided for controlling an aspirator shut-off valve in an engine of a hybrid vehicle. One example method includes opening the aspirator shut-off valve following a shut-down command to the engine when engine speed is between a first engine speed and a second engine speed, the first engine speed being lower than an idle speed and the second engine speed occurring before an imminent engine stop. The example method further includes not opening the aspirator shut-off valve between the first engine speed and the second engine speed if an oxygen content of an emission control device is at or near a threshold.

A method for a hybrid-electric vehicle may comprise, while the hybrid-electric vehicle is moving and in an absence of fuel being directed to an engine, directing engine intake air through an ejector to supply vacuum to a brake booster independent of a brake booster vacuum.