Abstract: A hull (10) for an aquatic vessel which provides a shark-repelling region about the vessel. The hull (10) includes two electrodes connected to an electromagnetic field signal generator, which in use, generates an electromagnetic field (40) about the vessel which repels sharks. The electrodes may be formed from the ends of an electrode cord (23), or may be formed from conductive (24, 25) plates (20, 21) mounted to, or integral with, the hull (10).

Abstract: An inflatable flotation device mounted to a craft is provided. The device comprises an electronic deployment system for activating inflation of the flotation device. A method for inflating a flotation device mounted to a craft is also provided. The method comprises electrically activating the flotation device with a control system. The present invention further includes a two level switching mechanism providing a first alert level and a second alert level prior to deployment of the flotation device.

Abstract: A superstructure, a rotatable device for providing a rotatable mount on the superstructure, and a storage device configured for attachment to the rotatable device are disclosed. The superstructure may be used with, for instance, a boat, and may be collapsible. The rotatable device and storage device may form a rack for mounting board-like objects on, for instance, a boat such that the items may be stored outboard of a passenger compartment, but may be rotated such that a user may select a position for the device for ingress and egress to and from the device.

Abstract: A drink holder that is designed to adjust to fit in any angle rod holder and can be easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: A traffic cone system includes a base, a sleeve, and a retainer. The retainer substantially secures the sleeve relative to the base. A member such as a spring may be inserted into the sleeve make the sleeve stand upright. The member may act in concert with the retainer to secure the sleeve relative to the base. The system may be used to refurbish damaged traffic cones or may otherwise be retrofitted to existing traffic cone components. The system may alternatively be used to build new cones.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting diagnostics in a PC is described. Signals, imperceptible to a user, are transmitted through the LED used to indicate on/off power status. A small hand-held device may be used for detecting and interpreting the signals and to provide a visual indication to the user of a particular problem.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon wafer includes a step of annealing a silicon wafer which is sliced from a silicon single crystal ingot, thereby forming a DZ layer in a first surface and in a second surface of the silicon wafer and a step of removing either a portion of the DZ layer in the first surface or a portion of the DZ layer in the second surface.

Abstract: A method for growing a silicon single crystal ingot by a Czochralski method, which is capable of providing silicon wafers having very uniform in-plane quality and which results in improvement of semiconductor device yield. A method is provided for producing a silicon single crystal ingot by a Czochralski method, wherein when convection of a silicon melt is divided into a core cell and an outer cell, the silicon single crystal ingot is grown under the condition that the maximal horizontal direction width of the core cell is 30 to 60% of a surface radius of the silicon melt. In one embodiment the silicon single crystal ingot is grown under the condition that the maximal vertical direction depth of the core cell is equal to or more than 50% of the maximal depth of the silicon melt.

Abstract: The production yield about defect free devices is improved by so controlling the size and density of void defects that they are under predetermined levels without marring the productivity. The pull-up speed V of a silicon crystal (10) by a pull-up mechanism (4) is controlled, and the rate of cooling by a cooler (30) is also controlled. As a result, the axial temperature gradient G1 at and near the melting point of the silicon crystal (10) is increased. The growth condition V/G1 is lowered to a temperature near the critical value under the condition that the growth rate V lies in the range from 97% to 75% of the limit rate Vmax and that the solid-liquid interface is convex with respect to the melt surface. Thus a silicon crystal (10) is grown by pulling up.

Abstract: A method of forming an epitaxial film on a substrate includes growing an initial layer of a film on a substrate at a temperature Tgrowth, said initial layer having a thickness h and annealing the initial layer of the film at a temperature Tanneal, thereby relaxing the initial layer, wherein said thickness h of the initial layer of the film is greater than a critical thickness hc. The method further includes growing additional layers of the epitaxial film on the initial layer subsequent to annealing. In some embodiments, the method further includes growing a layer of the film that includes at least one amorphous island.

Abstract: A vitreous crucible for holding semiconductor material during a moncrystalline ingot growing process has a sidewall. Part of the sidewall is coated with a devitrification promoter and part of the sidewall is substantially free from devitrification promoter coating. When the crucible is heated as it would be during an ingot growing process, the devitrification promoter induces crystallization of portions of the sidewall, thereby forming enhanced stiffness sidewall portions. Areas that are substantially free from devitrification promoters remain vitreous and are softened by the heat. These become stress accommodating sidewall portions. Flow of the vitreous material in the stress accommodating sidewall portions relieves stresses that would otherwise build up in the sidewall.

Abstract: Seasoning for use with snack chips can be recovered and recycled. A seasoning permeable conveyor transports snack chips through a seasoning application. The seasoning applicator deposits seasoning onto the snack chips. The conveyor allows the seasoning not adhered to the moving snack chips to substantially pass through and by toward a seasoning recoverer. The seasoning recoverer, which is positioned beneath the conveyor, collects the seasoning for purification and blending with fresh seasoning. After blending, the seasoning mixture is transported to the seasoning application for use.

Abstract: An applicator for applying liquid media to a material strip that can be moved relative to the applicator includes a housing having a drum chamber, a drum gate supported within the drum chamber and adapted to rotate therein, and a nozzle block spring-mounted to the housing. The nozzle block includes an inner surface communicating with the drum gate and a linear nozzle adapted to apply the liquid media to the material strip.

Abstract: A gravure coating apparatus containing a gravure roll, a manifold block for continuously coating a solution on an outer peripheral surface of the gravure roll 15 by immersing a lower part of the outer peripheral surface in the solution, and a doctor blade for scraping off excess solution, a surface of a flexible strip support conveyed to the gravure roll being made in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the gravure roll to transfer and coat a prescribed amount of the solution on the surface of the flexible strip support. The apparatus further contains a dam block which extends from the manifold block on a side where the outer peripheral surface of the gravure roll moves out from the manifold block by rotation of the gravure roll.

Abstract: An optical fiber coating die is made such that an interfacial shear rate of the optical fiber to the resin coat is calculated in accordance with a pressure value of resin inside a coating cup, and the interfacial shear rate is in a range of ?1.5×105 to 0 sec?1. Also, an optical fiber drawing die is made such that the interfacial shear rate of the optical fiber to the resin coat is calculated in accordance with a diameter of a coating resin, and the interfacial shear rate is in a range of range of ?3×105 to 2×105 sec?1. By doing this, an optical fiber drawing die which can be used in an optical fiber drawing method so as to realize stable resin coating operation even in high-speed drawing operation and high productivity can be realized.

Abstract: For a colour change in a pour-on system two application devices are provided one behind the other which are not jointly active at the same time for the dyeing. One of the two devices is brought to a standstill for the production by stopping the pumping of dye liquid for the dyeing and is cleaned and supplied with new dye liquid during the rest period. Not only stopping the pump but a liquid deflecting rail which deflects the liquid which is still flowing off into a collecting tray is used for exactly separating the film at the device which is active so far. This brings about a sharp-edged end of the application so far and a sharp-edged start of the new application.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma processing apparatus including a plasma producing chamber into which a microwave and a plasma producing gas are to be introduced, a processing chamber being able to be communicated with the plasma producing chamber, a wafer table provided inside the processing chamber, for carrying thereon a wafer to be processed, and a partition plate provided at an interface between the plasma producing chamber and the processing chamber, and having openings for connecting the plasma producing chamber and the processing chamber for communication therebetween. The partition plate includes rectifying plates being provided at the openings with predetermined different tilt angles, and a reaction gas discharging nozzle for discharging a reaction gas into the processing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a thin film on a substrate includes a housing, a substrate support portion, a securing member, a heater, a target member and a plasma generator. The housing defines a process chamber. The substrate support portion is disposed in the process chamber to support the substrate. The securing member is adapted to non-electrically secure the substrate to the substrate support portion during performance of a process. The heater is provided to maintain the substrate supported by the substrate support portion at a process temperature. The target member faces the substrate support portion and includes materials to be deposited on the substrate. The plasma generator is adapted to excite a process gas supplied into the process chamber into a plasma state.

Abstract: A sample stand is set in a chamber provided with an observation window on its upper surface and a heater for heating a sample is provided in the vicinity of the sample stand. Then, a microscope, a camera and a television monitor are connected and mounted outside the observation window of the chamber. The microscope is mounted such that a specific layer of the sample is focused on and can be observed. According to a manufacturing method of the preset invention, oxidation treatment is performed in such equipment while an oxidation process of the specific layer (semiconductor layer for selective oxidation) of the sample is observed.

Abstract: A pin assembly for lifting and supporting substrates according to the invention comprises a roller glide for a lift pin with rollers reducing the friction of the vertical pin movement, a ball bearing sole plate with elastic suspension for re-centering the sole plate after one coating cycle and a ball-bearing pin head that lowers the friction between the pin and the substrate and minimizes lateral forces that the substrate can apply on the pin.

Abstract: A teat dip applicator and method direct a teat dip to a teat cup liner head that defines a chamber and nozzle through which teat dip flows to coat an animal teat prior to and during detachment of a milker unit from a dairy animal.

Abstract: A bird feeder has a containment housing and a convertible feed port assembly mounted through a housing opening. The feed port assembly includes a feed port having a port plate and a support frame which extends into the housing through the port opening. The port plate defines a port opening aligned with the housing opening to enable access to the bird feed within the housing. The feed port assembly also includes a door slidably and rotatably mounted in the feed port. In a retracted position, the door is supported by the support frame in the housing and leaves the port open to provide access to seed within the interior of the housing. The retracted door cooperates with the support frame to form a roof or baffle to prevent seeds from falling out of the port opening. The door is slidable outwardly from the housing interior and rotatable to overlie and close off the door opening. The door has a relatively small aperture for access to small bird seed when the door is closed.

Abstract: A system that is used for converting polluted gases into a heat source for production of hot water. The system provides a combustion chamber, an incinerator chamber and mixing and/or water-heating chamber all of which are inline with each other and contained within appropriate housings. The mixing/and/or water-heating chamber further provides an arrangement of coils for control and heating of the water. Also appropriate ignition means, a blower and the like are included for fill efficiency so as to provide a clean burning, environmentally friendly system for production of hot water.

Abstract: A bank of horizontally oriented boiler tubes which are periodically exposed to the abrasive action of a stream of blowing fluid cleaning medium. Portions of the boiler tubes, located at the top of the bank, are provided with spaced shields for protection from the fluid cleaning medium. An anti-vibration bar extends vertically between the protective shields to suppress vibration of the boiler tubes. A cap is fitted over the top end of the anti-vibration bar. The cap is sized to overlap adjacent portions of the protective shields thereby covering any gaps between the anti-vibration bar and the shields that would expose the boiler tubes to the action of the fluid cleaning medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissolving gas or gases in liquid fuel to improve combustion of the liquid fuel when injected into a combustion chamber is provided. A gas-charger unit is provided to dissolve the gas into liquid fuel at a first pressure. The pressure of the fuel/gas solution is raised to a second pressure before injection of the atomized fuel into a combustion chamber. In one embodiment, a high pressure gas or gasses is/are introduced into the gas charger at a crosscurrent to the liquid fuel. In another embodiment, a gas charger for dissolving gas into a liquid fuel is provided including a plurality of highly porous baffles to increase the contact surfaces between the gas and the liquid.

Abstract: A water-cooled cylinder head for a multicylinder internal-combustion engine, has a cylinder head housing which has charge cycle ducts, passage bores for receiving cylinder head screws, valve stem guides for inlet and outlet valves controlling the charge cycle ducts, and spherical combustion chamber caps which are bounded by a water cooling jacket on a side facing away from the combustion chamber. One spark plug dome respectively has an opening leading to the combustion chamber of the respective cylinder. For reinforcing the cylinder head housing and/or for supporting the spherical combustion chamber caps, a rib structure is integrated in the cylinder head housing.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic lash adjuster including a cup-shaped adjuster body, and a plunger assembly disposed within the adjuster body. The plunger assembly includes a stepped axial bore extending from a body inner end to a central oil passage opening onto a hemispherical pivot head. A valve seat for a check valve is disposed against the step, defining a low-pressure oil chamber in the axial bore. A check ball and lash adjustment spring are disposed against the seat in a high-pressure chamber formed between the valve seat and adjuster body. The body of the plunger assembly may be formed by inexpensive processes to a length equivalent to that of a prior art one-piece plunger to resist torsional side loads which may be imposed on the HLA in use. The separately formed valve seat may also be used in other hydraulic lash adjusters such as incorporated in hydraulic valve lifters.

Abstract: The invention proposes a periodically actuable tappet (1) for a valve train, said tappet (1) comprising a hollow cylindrical skirt (2) that can be arranged through an outer peripheral surface (3) in a guide bore (4) of a surrounding structure (5), said skirt (2) comprising a window-type aperture (6) in which a separate anti-rotation device (8) is arranged through a radially inner portion (7), a radially outer portion (9) of the anti-rotation device (8) extending beyond the skirt (2) for guidance in a longitudinal groove (10) that intersects the guide bore (4), wherein the anti-rotation device (8), as viewed in cross-section, is substantially mushroom-shaped, the inner portion (7) has a rectangular cross-section corresponding to a geometry of the aperture (6) of the skirt (2), into which cross-section, the outer portion (9) merges in the manner of a roof through a fractional cylindrical outer peripheral surface (11), inner legs (12) of the outer portion (9) extend beyond the aperture (6) in peripheral directio

Abstract: A valve performance controller for use in an engine that performs ignition timing retardation control to prevent knocking. The controller variably controls valve performance of an intake valve in accordance with an operation state of the engine. The controller corrects a control target so that the compression end temperature of a combustion chamber decreases when a retardation amount of the ignition timing obtained through the retardation control is greater than a predetermined value. The correction is performed only when the engine performance degradation that would occur when the ignition timing is retarded in a state in which the control target is uncorrected is predicted to be greater than the engine performance degradation that would occur when the control target is corrected.

Abstract: Swivel actuator device for lift control of a gas exchange valve in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine comprising a swivel motor having a shaft on which is provided a first operating element having a control path for opening the gas exchange valve, whereby a second operating element having a second control path provided on the first operating element. Due to the arrangement of the swivel actuator device, less electric power is needed at low rotational speeds and processing of the fuel mixture is improved.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic lash adjuster including a cup-shaped adjuster body, and a plunger assembly disposed within the adjuster body. The plunger assembly includes a stepped axial bore extending from a body inner end to a central oil passage opening onto a hemispherical pivot head. A check valve cartridge sub-assembly is disposed against the step, defining a low-pressure oil chamber in the axial bore. A lash adjustment spring is disposed against the cartridge sub-assembly in a high-pressure chamber formed between the sub-assembly and the adjuster body. The cartridge sub-assembly may be used in other hydraulic lash adjusters such as are incorporated in hydraulic valve lifters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve-lash-adjusting element (HVA) for the valve train of an internal combustion engine, which is characterized by the following features: a housing (1) has a blind bore (2) in which a piston (3) is guided with sealing clearance and is in pressure contact with a valve-actuating element (6) and its cam; the piston (3), together with the blind bore (2), defines a high-pressure space (4) while a low-pressure space (5) is located above the piston (3); the pressure spaces (4, 5) are connected by at least one central axial bore in the piston (3), this axial bore being controlled by a control valve arranged in the piston (3).

Abstract: A system for bringing an internal combustion engine to a stop at a predetermined angular position of an engine shaft, such as a crankshaft or a camshaft, with respect to the engine's valves. The optimum shaft stop position is the point wherein the fewest lifters are collapsed the least amount. Exemplary methods and apparatus include using the engine starter motor to jog the stopped engine to the desired position; using the engine alternator to impose a variable electromagnetic load on the engine to bring the engine to a stop at the desired position; using variable firing of cylinders to control the deceleration profile to bring the engine to a stop at the desired position; and providing one or more detents formed in the shaft and using a shaft follower to control the stop position of the shaft by engaging the follower into a detent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for starting a vehicle in a cold temperature environment and minimizing the time spent by the vehicle within a resonance frequency zone during operation. The present invention includes a method of starting a vehicle engine comprising adjusting the speed of the engine during an engine start mode in accordance with a fixed value threshold. The method also includes determining whether the engine speed has reached the fixed value threshold or whether a time-based threshold has been reached. The method further includes transitioning out of the engine start mode into a normal operating mode when either the fixed value threshold or the time-based threshold has been reached.

Abstract: During a shut-down period of an engine based on an idle stop control, a computer estimates a power stroke cylinder and a compression stroke cylinder when the engine is stopped. A fuel is injected into the power stroke cylinder and the compression stroke cylinder in an intake stroke just before the engine is stopped. An air-fuel mixture is hold in each cylinder with the engine stopped. When an auto start is required while the engine is stopped, a spark ignition is performed in the power stroke cylinder to start cranking of the engine by combustion energy. At nest ignition timing, a spark ignition is performed in the compression stroke cylinder to start the engine without an aid of a starter.

Abstract: In an intake manifold 3 having a plurality of branch tubes 4, 4 arranged over the top surface of a cylinder head 1 in a state were a flange 7 provided at downstream-side ends of the branch tubes 4, 4 is fixed to a lateral surface of the cylinder head 1, and having a plenum chamber portion 5 provided at upstream-side ends of the branch tubes 4, 4, a retainer 10is provided on the lateral surface of the cylinder head 1 and projecting outward therefrom, and an engaging recess 9 is provided in the lower portion of the flange 7 in order to engage with the retainer 10. Further, in the plenum chamber portion 5 of the intake manifold 3, flat portions 8, 8 are formed and are permitted to be provisionally placed on and fixed in position relative to the top surface of a rocker cover 2.

Abstract: An engine air intake device comprises a collector divided by a partition wall into first and second volume chambers, first and second upstream intake pipe portions, a plurality of first and second downstream branch pipes, and a first communication valve. The first and second upstream intake pipe portions are connected to an upstream side of the first and second volume chambers, respectively. The first and second downstream branch pipes extend from the first and second volume chambers, respectively, to respective intake ports of first and second banks of first and second cylinders, respectively. The first communication valve is mounted to the partition wall in a position that does not interfere with a path of a main flow of intake air inside the collector and configured and arranged to allow communication between the first volume chamber and the second volume chamber when the first communication valve is open.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an engine intake manifold assembly is provided. The method includes forming a top, middle, and bottom section of the manifold assembly in an injection molding process, each including cavities defined with positive draft angles, the cavities defining a plurality of internal passageways in an assembled state of the manifold assembly. The top, middle, and bottom sections are joined to form the manifold assembly through vibration welding or ultrasonic welding. An engine intake manifold assembly having top, middle, and bottom sections joined through vibration welding or ultrasonic welding is also provided.

Abstract: A four-stroke internal combustion engine is operated in controlled auto-ignition mode by any of a variety of valve control strategies conducive to controlled auto-ignition conditions in conjunction with in-cylinder fuel charges that are at either stoichiometric or lean of stoichiometric air-fuel ratios. A measure of engine NOx emission is provided and when it crosses a predetermined threshold, the in-cylinder fuel charge is transitioned from the operative one of the stoichiometric or lean of stoichiometric air-fuel ratios to the inoperative one of the stoichiometric or lean of stoichiometric air-fuel ratios.

Abstract: A movable core 31 can move with respect to a fixed core 21. A bobbin 51 on which a coil 52 is wound is disposed around the fixed core 21. A body 22 is disposed around the bobbin 51. A connector 24 is formed of resin and disposed around the fixed core 21. A connecting wire 25 is connected to the coil 52 and embedded in the connector 24. A seal 27 is disposed in a region 26 that is surrounded by the fixed core 21, the connector 24 and the body 22, with the connecting wire 25 running through the seal 27.

Abstract: When, with a piston assuming the top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke, a fuel is injected from a nozzle of a fuel injection valve, the injected fuel from the nozzle is guided to reach electrodes of a spark plug by a concave surface defined by a crown portion of a piston. A control unit is provided that controls the fuel injection valve and the spark plug. The control unit is configured to carry out under a given condition controlling the fuel injection valve to start the fuel injection at a time before the top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke and finish the fuel injection at a time after the top dead center (TDC) on the compression stroke; and controlling the spark plug to carry out the ignition at a time after the top dead center (TDC).

Abstract: Part load operating point for a controlled auto-ignition four-stroke internal combustion engine is reduced without compromising combustion stability through a valve control operative to establish low pressure conditions within the combustion chamber into which fuel and exhaust gases are introduced. Combustion chamber pressures during the intake cycle are controlled lower as engine load decreases. Combusted gases are recirculated into the combustion chamber through a variety of internal and external recirculation mechanizations. A split-injection fuel control is implemented during low part load operation whereas a single-injection fuel control is implemented during intermediate and high part load operation. Split-injections are characterized by lean fuel/air ratios and single-injections are characterized by either lean or stoichiometric fuel/air ratios. Controlled autoignition is thereby enabled through an extended range of engine loads while maintaining acceptable combustion stability and emissions.

Abstract: Low load operating point for a controlled auto-ignition four-stroke internal combustion engine is reduced without compromising combustion stability through a valve control operative to establish sub-atmospheric pressure conditions within the combustion chamber into which fuel and exhaust gases are introduced. A split-injection control operative to introduce a first fuel fraction into the combustion chamber during an intake stroke and a second fuel fraction into the combustion chamber during a compression event, in combination with the valve control, provides further reductions in low load operating points without compromising combustion stability.

Abstract: Part load operating point for a controlled auto-ignition four-stroke internal combustion engine is reduced without compromising combustion stability through load dependent valve controls and fueling strategies. Optimal fuel economy is achieved by employing negative valve overlap to trap and re-compress combusted gases below a predetermined engine load and employing exhaust gas re-breathing above the predetermined engine load. Split-injection fuel controls are implemented during low and intermediate part load operation whereas a single-injection fuel control is implemented during high part load operation. Split-injections are characterized by lean fuel/air ratios and single-injections are characterized by either lean or stoichiometric fuel/air ratios. Controlled autoignition is thereby enabled through an extended range of engine loads while maintaining acceptable combustion stability and emissions at optimal fuel economy.

Abstract: Part load operating point for a controlled auto-ignition four-stroke internal combustion engine is reduced without compromising combustion stability through negative valve overlap control operative to retain and compress combusted gases within the combustion chamber into which fuel is introduced. Combustion chamber pressures and temperatures are increased as engine load decreases. Various split-injection fuel controls are implemented during low and intermediate part load operation whereas a single-injection fuel control is implemented during high part load operation. Split-injections are characterized by lean fuel/air ratios and single-injections are characterized by either lean or stoichiometric fuel/air ratios. Controlled autoignition is thereby enabled through an extended range of engine loads while maintaining acceptable combustion stability and emissions.

Abstract: Method for controlling a diesel engine with a common-rail injection system and a particulate filter, comprising the steps of performing at least one main injection (PRE, MAIN, AFTER) of fuel into a cylinder of the engine, the fuel being intended to take part in combustion inside the cylinder, and performing a post-injection (POST) in order to inject a predefined total quantity of fuel (QPOST) inside the cylinder, the post-injection being separated from the main injection (PRE, MAIN, AFTER) by means of a time separation interval such that the fuel injected during post-injection does not take part in combustion. The method also comprises the step of dividing the post-injection (POST) into a plurality of separate post-injections (POST1, POST2, POST3).

Abstract: A combustion control apparatus configured to operate a direct-injection spark-ignition internal combustion engine in a top dead center injection operating mode. In the top dead center injection operating mode, a fuel injection start timing is set to be before compression top dead center, a fuel injection end timing is set to be after compression top dead center, and an ignition timing is set to be after compression top dead center. The combustion control apparatus is configured to promote incylinder fuel spray penetration.

Abstract: A throttle valve for adjusting an amount of intake air to an internal combustion engine includes throttle shafts disposed in an intake air passage perpendicularly across the longitudinal axis of the air passage, and first and second valve members mounted on the throttle shafts for opening/closing about the throttle shafts independently of each other. By these first and second valve members, there are formed main air passages for causing air to flow in the intake air passage along the longitudinal axis of the intake air passage toward the internal combustion engine and auxiliary intake air passages for causing air to flow in the intake air passage substantially perpendicularly across the longitudinal axis of the air passage.

Abstract: The throttle position corresponding to the rotational angle of the throttle valve is calculated based on electric signals output from a rotor position detector constituted by three Hall ICs that detect the rotational position of a magnet rotor of a brushless DC motor. A valve position control quantity of the throttle valve is so calculated as to eliminate the difference between the thus calculated valve position and a target valve position. The motor current control quantity of the brushless DC motor is so determined as to eliminate the difference between the calculated valve position and the target valve position. Though the throttle position sensor is omitted, the electric signals output from the rotor position detector are used for calculating both the valve position control quantity and the motor current control quantity.

Abstract: An ignition control system for an internal combustion engine includes a throttle opening detector, a crank angle detector, a stroke determiner, and an ignition timing corrector. The throttle opening detector detects a throttle opening of a throttle valve disposed in an intake passage of the internal combustion engine. The crank angle detector detects a crank angle signal associated with the rotation of a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The stroke determiner determines a stroke based on the crank angle signal. The ignition timing corrector corrects ignition timing in a retardation direction by a predetermined retardation angle when the throttle valve is rapidly opened to a predetermined throttle opening and then rapidly closed within a predetermined time period including one combustion cycle of the internal combustion engine. The stroke determiner defines the combustion cycle. The predetermined retardation angle is based on at least the throttle opening.