Abstract: Semiconductor device fabrication systems and methods are provided. In an example, a semiconductor device fabrication system includes a semiconductor fabrication tool. Further, the semiconductor device fabrication system includes wireless sensors associated with the semiconductor fabrication tool. The wireless sensors measure process parameters of the fabrication tool and transmit wireless signals. The semiconductor device fabrication system also includes a sensor controller configured to identify the wireless sensors associated with the semiconductor fabrication tool and to receive the wireless signals from the wireless sensors. The semiconductor device fabrication system further includes a tool controller including a receiver for receiving data from the sensor controller. The tool controller is configured to sequentially assign system variable identifiers (SVID) to the data from the sensor controller, and to contextualize the data in data packets.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a phase of gaseous fuel delivered to fuel injectors of a fuel delivery system. In one example, a method may include adjusting a fuel pressure in a fuel delivery system to deliver fuel in each of a liquid and a gaseous phase during different engine operating conditions. The fuel pressure may be based on a temperature, composition, and desired phase of the fuel.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing vacuum at an outlet of an upstream first compressor when powering on a second compressor positioned downstream of the first compressor. In one example, a method may comprise, in response to a desired engine torque increasing above a threshold: powering on a second compressor positioned downstream of a first compressor in an intake of an engine system, and opening a compressor recirculation valve (CRV) positioned in a bypass passage coupled across the first compressor for a duration. As such, a portion of intake gasses from upstream of the first compressor may be routed to the second compressor.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a turbocharger system to reduce and balance axial thrust load on the turbine shaft and the associated bearing system and sealing. In one example, a partial back plate compressor may be used in combination with an axial turbine to reduce axial thrust load and to improve turbocharger transient response time. In another example, a regenerative turbocharger system with back-to-back turbo pump may be used to reduce and balance axial thrust load.

Abstract: In one aspect, an assembly is provided. The assembly includes a substrate having a top surface and an inner wall, the inner wall defining a cavity, and at least one metal foil layer ultrasonically welded to the substrate top surface using an ultrasonic additive manufacturing process. The at least one metal foil layer extends across the cavity to define a passage, and the at least one metal foil layer is substantially planar and is parallel to the substrate top surface.

Abstract: Pet litter box cleaning system including a base structure, sieve member, and, optionally, trash receptacle is provided. The base structure includes a bottom wall and side wall(s) extending upward from the bottom wall except in one portion to leave an open side for receiving the sieve member therethrough. In a first embodiment, the sieve member includes a back wall for extending across the open side, a sifter and handle. In a second embodiment, a door serves to close the open side and the sieve member does not include a back wall. The trash receptacle may extend from an upraised wall of the base structure. In use, the sieve member is inserted in the base structure to clean litter of waste by lifting the sieve member by the handle whereby clean litter passes through the sifter and waste collects on the sifter which then is disposed of into a trash receptacle.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine is disclosed. In one example, internal EGR is increased during conditions where cooled EGR is at a higher concentration during a decreasing engine load so that homogeneous compression ignition may be initiated at lower engine loads.

Abstract: A method for an engine, comprising: during a first condition comprising a high engine temperature, injecting a first quantity of liquid petroleum gas into a first engine cylinder at a first timing during an intake stroke; and injecting a second quantity of liquid petroleum gas into the first engine cylinder at a second timing during a compression stroke following the intake stroke. In this way, combustion knock and cylinder pre-ignition may be mitigated without retarding spark ignition and/or limiting engine load, thereby allowing for maximum engine performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for delivering gaseous fuel as multiple fuel injections split between an intake stroke, a compression stroke, and/or a power stroke to expedite exhaust catalyst heating during an engine cold-start. Fuel injected in the intake and compression stroke is ignited and combusted. The power stroke fuel injections are combusted in the exhaust port to increase exhaust temperature and pressure for faster catalyst light-off.

Abstract: A pet litter box cleaning system including a base structure, sieve member, and trash receptacle is provided. The base structure includes a bottom wall and side wall(s) which extend upward from the base wall except in one portion to leave an open side for receiving the sieve member therethrough. The sieve member includes a back wall for extending across the open side, a sifter and handle. The trash receptacle extends from an upraised wall of the base structure. In use, the sieve member is inserted in the base structure and litter filled on top thereof. The litter is cleaned of waste by lifting the sieve member by the handle whereby clean litter passes through the sifter and waste collects on the sifter which can then be disposed of directly into the trash receptacle. Afterward, the empty sieve member is placed back into position in the base structure for further use.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a variable geometry turbine. In one example, a nozzle vane includes a stationary having a first cambered sliding surface and a sliding vane having a second cambered sliding surface where the second cambered sliding surface includes a flow disrupting feature in contact with the first sliding cambered surface. The sliding vane may be positioned to slide in a direction from substantially tangent along a curved path to an inner circumference of the turbine nozzle and selectively uncover the flow disrupting feature.

Abstract: A power delivery and control device that includes a voltage input line, a voltage output line, a control logic unit coupled to the voltage input and voltage output line to control a voltage being delivered by the voltage output line based on a programmable behavior parameter, a voltage output register accessible to the control logic unit to define the programmable behavior parameter, a control register accessible to the control logic unit to activate and deactivate the voltage output line, and a control line coupled to the control logic unit to receive commands to change content of the voltage output register.

Abstract: An engine is provided that includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) conduit in fluidic communication with a first exhaust valve in a cylinder and an intake system, an exhaust conduit in fluidic communication with a second exhaust valve in the cylinder and an emission control device. During operation with the first valve active and the second valve deactivated, a fixed EGR level can be provided. However, during operation with the first valve deactivated and the second valve active, increased engine output can be achieved with reduced EGR without requiring additional exhaust throttling or switching valves.

Abstract: In one aspect, an assembly is provided. The assembly includes a substrate having a top surface and an inner wall, the inner wall defining a cavity, and at least one metal foil layer ultrasonically welded to the substrate top surface using an ultrasonic additive manufacturing process. The at least one metal foil layer extends across the cavity to define a passage, and the at least one metal foil layer is substantially planar and is parallel to the substrate top surface.

Abstract: A combined litter box and cleaning sieve is provided including a base structure and a sieve member. The base structure includes a bottom wall and side wall(s) which extend upward from the base wall except in one portion to leave an open side for receiving the sieve member therethrough. The sieve member includes a back wall section for extending across the open side of the base structure, a screen portion and upstanding handle. In use, the sieve member is inserted in the base structure and litter filled on top thereof. The litter can be cleaned of waste by lifting the sieve member by the handle whereby clean litter sifts through the screen portion and waste is collected on the screen which can then be disposed of. Afterward, the empty sieve member is placed back into position through the receiving side of the base structure for further use.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for delivering gaseous fuel as multiple fuel injections split between an intake stroke, a compression stroke, and/or a power stroke to expedite exhaust catalyst heating during an engine cold-start. Fuel injected in the intake and compression stroke is ignited and combusted. The power stroke fuel injections are combusted in the exhaust port to increase exhaust temperature and pressure for faster catalyst light-off.

Abstract: A method for an engine, comprising: during a first condition comprising a high engine temperature, injecting a first quantity of liquid petroleum gas into a first engine cylinder at a first timing during an intake stroke; and injecting a second quantity of liquid petroleum gas into the first engine cylinder at a second timing during a compression stroke following the intake stroke. In this way, combustion knock and cylinder pre-ignition may be mitigated without retarding spark ignition and/or limiting engine load, thereby allowing for maximum engine performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a phase of gaseous fuel delivered to fuel injectors of a fuel delivery system. In one example, a method may include adjusting a fuel pressure in a fuel delivery system to deliver fuel in each of a liquid and a gaseous phase during different engine operating conditions. The fuel pressure may be based on a temperature, composition, and desired phase of the fuel.

Abstract: An engine is described having an engine control unit and two or more hydraulically operated wheels, wherein a fluid is flowed from an accumulator to the engine via the first wheel to assist in acceleration of the turbocharger in response to an acceleration signal from the engine control system and wherein the fluid is flowed from the engine to the accumulator via the second wheel to decelerate the turbocharger in response to a deceleration signal from the engine control unit. In one particular embodiment, the second wheel absorbs energy from the turbocharger in response to the deceleration signal from the engine control unit to decelerate the turbocharger. In some embodiments, the hydraulically operated wheels may be positioned on the same shaft of, and between, the turbine and compressor of the turbocharger.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine is disclosed. In one example, internal EGR is increased during conditions where cooled EGR is at a higher concentration during a decreasing engine load so that homogeneous compression ignition may be initiated at lower engine loads.