Abstract: A method and apparatus to be mounted upon a planter row unit for delivering liquid fertilizer to the bottom of a trench without contacting the seed to be planted is disclosed and claimed. The system as claimed and described is adapted for mounting to substantially all modern row units employing floating row units. The method and apparatus as described does not interfere with existing down pressure or seed placement systems as found on modern row crop planters. As described and implemented, the method and apparatus is more compact and lighter in weight than the prior art. The attached assembly for a seed planting unit works in combination with a seed trench opener to form a trench for the deposit of liquid fertilizer offset from and parallel to the later formed seed trench. The apparatus allows directed liquid fertilizer delivery in close proximity to the seed trench with minimal disruption of said seed trench. The attachment includes a single disk blade disposed forward of the seed trench forming unit.

Abstract: A capstan roller assembly is provided between the yarn supply and scroll type yarn feed attachments for a tufting machine in order to minimize the underfeeding of yarn to the pattern being tufted due to irregularities in the feeding of the yarn from the yarn supply.

Abstract: A needle for stereographic embroidery is mainly composed of a main body which is provided with a tapered drilling part, shaped as a cone for drilling through a cloth easily, and a fixing pivot, at its other side, having a thread for screwing together with a embroidering machine. The tapered drilling part, being shaped as a cone, can drill through a hole of the cloth to squeeze outwards the longitudinal and the latitudinal yarns around the hole without damaging to them, achieving the previous drilling action in the stereographic embroidery and keeping the cloth as a whole. Because the drilling action does not damage to any yarns but squeezes them outwards, it provides a more complete basis for embroidering on the yarns to obtain a more vivid and stereographic picture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a free work pressing device for sewing machine which is simple in structure and smooth in operation. As to the variation in the thickness of the work (18), the work pressing foot (C) is smoothly movable as yielding up and down in dependence upon the variation in the thickness of the work against and under the control of the elastic member (14). The free work pressing device sewing machine comprises a holding portion (A) for mounting the free work pressing device to the presser bar (16) of sewing machine, a slide shaft (5) supported by the holding portion (A) and being slidingly movable in the axial direction, a work pressing foot (C) secured to the lower end of the slide shaft (5), an elastic member (14) for normally pressing the slide shaft (5) axially in the downward direction relative to the holding portion (A), an adjust mechanism (B) for adjusting the vertical position of the work pressing foot (C) relative to the work (18) which is to be stitched.

Abstract: A sewing machine including an automatic threading device that automatically threads at least one of a plurality of threading portions including the thread take-up with a needle thread drawn from a thread source, the sewing machine comprising a first thread guide path for a first threading route that enables threading of the needle thread by the automatic threading device; a second thread guide path for a second threading route that enables manual threading of the needle thread; a movable member that forms a movable thread guide path switchable between a first position enabling threading of the thread take-up and a second position disabling threading of the thread take-up, and a switch mechanism that switches the movable member so as to switch the movable thread guide path between the first and the second positions.

Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus is provided for a vessel having a center helm console supported by a deck, wherein the console is disposed between and separated from opposing port and starboard gunwales of the vessel. The apparatus comprises a rigid panel member operably engaged with each of the port and starboard sides of the console. Each panel member has fore and aft ends, wherein the fore end of each panel member is pivotably attached to the starboard and port sides, respectively, of the console such that the aft side of each panel member is pivotable between an inboard position adjacent to the respective port and starboard sides of the console, and an outboard position adjacent to the respective port and starboard gunwales of the vessel. The panel members in the outboard position protect the occupant from wind and/or water spray produced by the vessel moving through water.

Abstract: The invention provides a kit for constructing a boat, such as an outrigger canoe, which a user can build into a complete outrigger canoe. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the kit can include a plurality of precut wooden panels, wooden spars, metal hardware, composite parts, manufactured parts, fiberglass, epoxy, and a set of directions.

Abstract: A nautical transport vehicle includes at least one floating member, at least one longitudinal fin pivotally mounted on the floating member, and at least one corresponding plate mounted on the floating member and parallel with the longitudinal fin. Thus, the nautical transport vehicle is immersed in the water stably to form a balance support, so that the ship mounted on the nautical transport vehicle is flush rested on the water surface smoothly to obtain tension and buoyancy efficiently.

Abstract: A catamaran has a pair of spaced-apart pontoons, each having a forward tapered end and a rearward end. An underwing is affixed to the pontoons and spans therebetween. The underwing has a forward end and a rearward end. A platform is pivotally connected to the underwing forward end and/or rearward end. The platform also has a forward end. A power assembly (e.g., oil hydraulic, air hydraulic, cable lift, chain lift, spring loaded, gear-driven, and other lifting mechanisms) is connected to the platform for one or more of lowering or raising the platform from a stowed position to a plurality of working positions—including positions below the waterline—of the catamaran and for one or more of raising or lowering the platform back to the stowed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a flag hanging from a flagpole has a first clip coupled to the flagpole and a second clip coupled to the flag. Additionally, an arm is coupled to the first clip and the second clip so as to retain at least a portion of the flag in an unfurled state while the flag is hanging from the flagpole.

Abstract: A composition for coating a surface includes a carrier and an indicator distributed throughout the carrier. The indicator is configured to modify an appearance of the coating. The indicator facilitates determining a thickness of the coating in response to the appearance of the coating.

Abstract: A method for crystallization of a weakly acidic and/or weakly basic compound having an uncharged form and at least one charged form comprises the steps of: a) providing a solution of said compound in a solvent having an initial pH-value and an initial total concentration of said compound, said initial pH-value being chosen such that the compound is present in said solution predominantly in said charged form, said initial total concentration being chosen larger than the intrinsic solubility of said uncharged form; b) gradually changing the pH-value of said solution in a direction that leads to a decrease of said compound's solubility until reaching a predetermined target pH-value at which said solution is in a substantially saturated state and the concentration of said uncharged form is substantially equal to said intrinsic solubility thereof; and c) maintaining said solution in a substantially saturated state while allowing formation of crystals of said compound.

Abstract: In a method of forming a single crystalline structure and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device by using the method of forming the single crystalline structure, a single crystalline seed having elements combining with oxygen to form a network former capable of being easily connected to a network of oxide glass is formed. The single crystalline seed is epitaxially grown to form a single crystalline structure.

Abstract: To reduce the heat input to the bottom of the crucible and to control heat extraction independently of heat input, a shield can be raised between a heating element and a crucible at a controlled speed as the crystal grows. Other steps could include moving the crucible, but this process can avoid having to move the crucible. A temperature gradient is produced by shielding only a portion of the heating element; for example, the bottom portion of a cylindrical element can be shielded to cause heat transfer to be less in the bottom of the crucible than at the top, thereby causing a stabilizing temperature gradient in the crucible.

Abstract: An ultrasonic point level measurement instrument comprises a measurement circuit and a transducer. The transducer transmits and receives acoustic signals under control of the measurement circuit. An improvement in the transducer comprises a transducer housing including a pair of spaced apart legs to define a gap therebetween. Each leg includes an interior cavity. A pair of crystal assemblies each comprise a crystal mounted to a circuit board. The circuit board includes conduction paths for connection between the crystal and a terminal pad. Each crystal assembly is received in the interior cavity of one of the legs with the circuit board spacing the crystal from walls of the leg. A pair of cables are each connected between the measurement circuit and the terminal pad of one of the crystal assemblies so that the measurement circuit detects presence of a material in the gap.

Abstract: There is provided a silicon wafer surface defect evaluation method capable of readily detecting a region where small crystal defects exist. A silicon wafer surface defect evaluation method according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a rapid heat treatment step of applying a heat treatment to a silicon wafer cut out from a silicon single-crystal ingot in an atmosphere which can nitride silicon at a temperature elevating speed of 10 to 150° C./second from a room temperature to temperatures between not lower than 1170° C. and less than a silicon melting point, holding the silicon wafer at the processing temperature for 1 to 120 seconds and then cooling the silicon wafer to the room temperature at a temperature lowering speed of 10 to 100° C.

Abstract: By locally heating specific scan positions within a region of interest and automatically obtaining respective measurement data in a time-resolved and spatially-resolved fashion, dynamic processes within a metallization layer of semiconductor devices may be efficiently monitored and/or modified. For instance, OBIRCH and SEI techniques may be used in combination with the automated data recording and manipulation, thereby providing an efficient means for in situ failure analysis, defect identification, for any dynamic degradation processes in interconnects and interlayer dielectrics.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a single crystal during Czochralski crystal pulling below a thickened crystal neck has lower bearing surface(s) with a central opening inscribable with a horizontal circle of diameter D1, centered on a vertical axis, the bearing surface(s) connected by connecting element(s) to minimally one securing element for securing to a crystal pulling lifting device, the connecting elements arranged to provide a clear-space in the region above the bearing surface(s) in which a circle of diameter D2 centered on the vertical axis (D2>D1) is inscribable over a length of the vertical axis. The unitary apparatus is useful for crystal ingot growth by immersion into the semiconductor melt prior to growth of a Dash neck and a thickening of the Dash neck. The apparatus is then raised to support the crystal by bearing against the bottom of the thickening.

Abstract: A slit nozzle which is easily manufactured and in which no capillary action occurs, and an apparatus for supplying a treatment liquid using the slit nozzle are disclosed. The slit nozzle is constructed of a left portion and a right portion joined to each other, one of which is made of metal and the other of which is made of resin. In the apparatus for supplying a treatment liquid using one or more of the slit nozzles, the slit nozzles are provided in a circulating passage of a treatment liquid whose temperature is controlled.

Abstract: A film forming apparatus including a film forming chamber which forms a film, a jetting mechanism which jets aerosol containing material particles onto a substrate in the film forming chamber, a measuring chamber communicating with the film forming chamber, a measuring mechanism which measures a thickness of the film in the measuring chamber, a pressure adjusting mechanism which controls an internal pressure of the film forming chamber and the measuring chamber, a conveyor which transports the substrate between the film forming chamber and the measuring chamber, and a blocking section which blocks a communication between the film forming chamber and the measuring chamber. Accordingly, inside of the measuring chamber is maintained clean without being polluted with the aerosol, and the measurement precision can be maintained. In the film forming process, the film thickness can be easily and precisely measured, and fed back to the film forming condition.

Abstract: A diffuser for delivering one or more process gasses to a reaction region inside a chamber. The diffuser includes a first plate having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: Generating drive signals of at least two RF power generators which supply RF power to a plasma process, in which at least two drive signals, each driving one RF power generator, are generated in an RF generator driver. Each drive signal is generated by a respective function generator, such as a digital sine generator, of the generator driver.

Abstract: The invention provides a plasma processing apparatus aimed at suppressing the corrosion caused by reactive gas and heavy-metal contamination caused by plasma damage of components constituting the high-frequency electrode and gas supply unit. The plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber 1 for subjecting a processing substrate 4 to plasma processing, gas supply means 17, 16 and 11 for feeding gas to the processing chamber 1, and an antenna electrode 10 for supplying high-frequency radiation for discharging the gas to generate plasma, wherein the gas supply means includes a gas shower plate 11 having gas discharge holes on the surface exposed to plasma, and a portion of or a whole surface of the conductor 10 exposed to gas constituting the antenna-electrode side of the gas supply means is subjected to ceramic spraying containing no heavy metal to form a protecting film 12.

Abstract: An ion shower system is disclosed and comprises a plasma source operable to generate source gas ions within a chamber. The plasma source further comprises a plurality of conductor segments and a plurality of capacitors, wherein the conductor segments are serially connected through the plurality of capacitors. The plasma source further comprises an antenna drive circuit coupled to the plurality of conductor segments that provides power to the conductor segments and capacitors at a predetermined frequency. The ion shower system also comprises a source gas inlet that provides a source gas to the chamber. The conductor segments, capacitors and antenna drive circuit cooperatively provide energy to charged particles in the chamber, thereby energizing the charged particles and generating a plasma comprising source gas ions and electrons within the chamber due to ionizing collisions between the energized charged particles and the source gas.

Abstract: A wafer holder is provided in which local heat radiation in supporting and heating wafers is kept under control and temperature uniformity of the wafer retaining surface is enhanced, and by making use of the wafer holder a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus suitable for processing larger-diameter wafers is made available. In a wafer holder (1) including within a ceramic substrate (2) a resistive heating element (3) or the like and being furnished with a lead (4) penetrating a reaction chamber (6), the lead (4) is housed in a tubular guide member (5), and an interval between the guide member (5) and the reaction chamber (6) as well as the interior of the guide member (5) are hermetically sealed. The guide member (5) and the ceramic substrate (2) are not joined together, and in the interior of the guide member (5) in which the inside is hermetically sealed, the atmosphere toward the ceramic substrate (2) is preferably substantially the same as the atmosphere in the reaction chamber (6).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing uniform gas flow in a processing chamber is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus is an edge ring that includes an annular body having an annular seal projecting therefrom is provided. The seal is coupled to a side of the annular body opposite a side adapted to seat on the substrate support. In another embodiment, a processing system is provided that includes a chamber body, a lid, a substrate support and a plurality of flow control orifices. The lid is disposed on the chamber body and defining an interior volume therewith. The substrate support is disposed in the interior volume and at least partially defines a processing region with the lid. The flow control orifices are disposed between the substrate support and the lid. The flow control orifices are adapted to control flow of gases exiting the processing region.

Abstract: A substrate-treating apparatus includes: a plurality of modules disposed along a first direction, each of the plurality of modules having an inner space containable a substrate; a transfer unit transferring the substrate among the plurality of modules, the transfer unit including at least one track disposed along the first direction and at least one movable transfer chamber moving along the at least one track; and a gate valve fixed to each of the plurality of modules and combined with the at least one movable transfer chamber, wherein the at least one movable transfer chamber is atmospherically isolated from an exterior while moving.

Abstract: In ovo injection delivery devices include a housing; an extendable and retractable injection needle movably disposed within the housing, wherein the needle is configured to deliver a predetermined dosage of a substance into an egg; and a pump assembly disposed within the housing, wherein the pump assembly is configured to deliver a predetermined amount of a substance to the needle for injection into an egg. A pneumatic logic circuit controls the injection needle and pump assembly via pressurized air or other fluid. The pneumatic logic circuit controls priming of the pump assembly with a substance when the injection needle is in a retracted position and controls dispensing of the substance from the pump assembly to the injection needle when the injection needle is in an extended position. A sensor that detects the presence of an egg within an egg flat (or other carrier) beneath the in ovo injection delivery device.

Abstract: A pet bed system has an overlay removably secured to a pet bed. The pet bed has a top surface for supporting a recumbent pet within a supportive area, a basal area, and a transition area between the supportive area and the basal area. The overlay has a protective area generally disposed upon the supportive area of the top surface, and a plurality of extension areas extending from the protective area and overlapping the transition area of the pet bed while exposing portions of the top surface. The pet bed and the extension areas may be provided with mating attachment members to removably secure the overlay to the pet bed. A great variety of different types of attachment members are suitable. Alternatively, the extension areas may be joined by an elastic section to removably secure the overlay to the pet bed by compression. The overlay may be washable for reuse or disposable. A kit may be used to retrofit the overlay to a pet bed.

Abstract: A pet feeding device includes a casing and a feeding drawer that is movable between open and closed positions. A motor is connected to a spool and a cord couples the spool to the drawer so that the drawer may be selectively moved between the open and closed configurations. The cord is stretchable such that it yields if an obstruction, e.g. a pet paw, is caught between the drawer and casing as the drawer moves between open and closed configurations. A pressure sensor may also sense this obstruction and actuate movement of the drawer to the open configuration. The feeding device may include one or more transmitter(s) and sensor(s) for communicating distinctive data for causing the drawer to open or close when a predetermined transmitter is positioned in front of the drawer. The transmitter may be situated on a pet collar.

Abstract: An animal feeder comprising a feed serving trough having frontal animal access and a feed delivery chute with an openable trough door, a plurality of feed storage modules stacked on the trough and over the trough door, the feed modules having an openable top comprising double trap doors, a latch for maintaining the trough door and each respective one of the traps doors closed and a linear actuator operatively connected to each of the latches for causing the latches to release the trough door and the trap doors of the respective feed boxes in a timed sequence.

Abstract: A pet excrement encapsulation and disposal device which accepts a biodegradable cardboard capture box hinged on one of the long sides to allow the box to open and close and is snapped into the carriage assembly of the device. The carriage assembly is a skeleton with pins at each of the four feet which are set in grooves in the side walls of the apparatus. The apparatus is placed over the excrement and as the operator plunges down on the handle, the carriage assembly is forced open as the pins in the feet follow grooves designed to open the capture box to its' widest position and then snaps shut around the excrement at the bottom of the movement. The apparatus is simply picked up to complete the encapsulation. The capture box can then be discharged over a trash receptacle by activating a squeeze grip under the pump handle.

Abstract: A birdcage includes a cage with a removable bottom wall and a base that receives and supports the cage wall that includes a removable tray. The removable wall resides slides in and out of the base above the tray. The base includes side walls that extend beyond the cage perimeter and flare upwardly and outwardly to catch debris being expelled from the cage.

Abstract: Floor covering for an animal house for beef animals and dairy animals includes an elastomeric mat which can be fixed to a floor or floot slat by screws. Rigid strips are located at the base of the mat for securing the screws which are coverable by the mat when it is fixed to the slat. The mat is designed for cleanliness and enhanced protection and comfort for animals. A flap valve forms an openable flat valve along one longitudinal edge of the mat to close a gap between adjacent slats of a slatted floor to reduce the emission of gases and fumes emanating from a tank beneath the floor. The flap valve allows waste material to pass through the slatted floor to the tank.

Abstract: A circular and molded disc for throwing to a dog for retrieval to the thrower. The disc is of a convex contour when seen from the side. The disc has on its top surface a circular knob to be grasped by the dog for pickup and retrieval. The knob has a reduced diameter neck below its top surface which is formed by an undercut into the material of the neck for a comfortable pickup by the dog.

Abstract: An amusement article for a domestic animal comprising an outer textile casing defining a shape in the form of a small article which can be carried by a domestic animal, an inner filling, and a microbe-inhibiting agent or property applied to at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling. The toys may be fabricated in various shapes, designs and styles, e.g., animals, bones, hearts, geometric shapes, etc. A process for applying the microbe-inhibiting agent or property to at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling is provided. Application methods include spraying, dipping, brushing, and rolling the microbe-inhibiting agent or property onto at least one of the outer textile casing and the inner filling.

Abstract: A holder for dog chews and pet treats is provided, comprising a molded hollow body shape including a plurality of openings. Inserts may be included in the openings which may be of a lower durometer or thinner cross-section than the thickness of the body. Pet treats such as dog chews and the like may be inserted into the inserts to be frictionally retained therein for enjoyment by an animal.

Abstract: Through various means, a visible or invisible uniform pattern to the normal human eye is created in sheet (flat pane) glass or plastic. The patterns are visible to the normal avian eye but may or may not be visible to the normal human eye. The elements forming the pattern: (1) uniformly cover an entire pane (sheet) of flat glass or plastic, (2) are of any shape or size, and (3) are separated by 5 centimeters (2 inches) or less and arranged in horizontal rows, vertical columns, both horizontal rows and vertical columns, or any other parallel arrangement of elements with similar spacing and variously angled from either or both the horizontal row and vertical column orientation. The elements forming the pattern are visible to birds viewing clear or tinted sheet (flat pane) glass or plastic. The patterns create a visual warning about the glass hazard in the environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring a herd of animals. Each of multiple sensors are attached to one of the animals and is in peer-to-peer communication with another of the sensors to define a dynamically network arrangement of sensors. A base station is in communication with at least one of the sensors to access the networked arrangement of sensors. A central system is in communication with the base station and has instructions to monitor a position of the herd with data collected by the sensors.

Abstract: A leash ring comprises two side members which secure about a stationary object. The side members are pivotally secured together by a threaded fastener at the proximal ends thereof and retain a leash receiving member therebetween. The side members of the leash ring comprise teeth on the distal ends thereof for securing the side members together around a stationary object. The leash ring freely rotates about the stationary object thereby enabling free movement of a pet tethered thereto without entanglement.

Abstract: A dog boot is provided comprising a generally vertical and cylindrical elongated tubular legging portion ending in and connected to a toe-box portion both of which are attached within a generally horizontal non-slide sole portion. The legging portion extends upwardly from the toe-box portion and defines an offset longitudinal slit providing adjacent, opposite, overlapping flap portions that are equipped with loop and hook fastening material allowing for ease of insertion and extraction of the dog's leg and paw. The generally tubular legging portion has two adjustable fastening straps for cinching the legging portion securely at two separate points around the dog's leg. Within the non-slide portion is a removable sole insert shaped to receive the pads of the dog's paw wherein the removable sole insert works as a shock absorber for the dog and adds comfort and stability during wear.

Abstract: An animal lifting device and method is provided. In particular, a hip member and a chest member are provided that have handles thereon. The chest member and the hip member may be selectively interconnected to each other with an interconnection member. The chest member may include an upper portion, shoulder pads, a chest pad, a center cross member, and an adjustable strap. The hip member may include an upper portion, an adjustable sling, and adjustable straps.

Abstract: A hot water dispensing system includes a water tank having a heat source for heating water in the tank. The tank has a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet. An expansion chamber is connected to the water tank and situated above the water tank for receiving heated water from the water tank.

Abstract: An integrated cooling system includes a housing and a pumping device disposed within the housing, configured to pressurize a fluid. The cooling system also includes a motor disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the pumping device. The cooling system further includes a first cooling circuit configured to receive the pressurized fluid and circulate the pressurized fluid through at least one component external to the housing. The cooling system also includes a second cooling circuit in fluid communication with the first cooling circuit, and configured to direct at least a portion of the pressurized fluid through the motor.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine including at least one engine cylinder includes a cylinder cavity with first and second stopping members interconnected by a cylinder wall, the cylinder further includes two piston members slidably moveable within said cylinder cavity and between extreme positions intermediate between two stopping members, two piston members combust between their faces and cylinder wall pushing them with their power transmittal members alternatively to revolve the cogwheel and axle. By the ratchet function of power transmittal member or cogwheel, each piston has its free returning movement without clinging with the cogwheel and axle, allowing each piston continuously and alternatively revolves the axle without waste of energy for returning movements.

Abstract: A machine includes a piston disposed within a chamber. The machine may also include a rotary member rotatable about a first axis. Additionally the machine may include a linkage connecting the piston to the rotary member. The linkage may include a first link member connected to the rotary member in a manner limiting relative rotation between the first link member and the rotary member to rotation about a second axis disposed at an angle to the first axis. The linkage may also include one or more adjusters configured to adjust the linkage. Additionally, the linkage may be configured such that, during one revolution of the rotary member around the first axis, the piston undergoes a sequence of motions including a first stroke in a first direction, a second stroke in a second direction, a third stroke in the first direction, and a fourth stroke in the second direction.

Abstract: In a stroke-variable engine, the position of a center of gravity of a subsidiary connecting rod is determined so that a distance between the position of the center of gravity of the subsidiary connecting rod and an axis of a crankpin is smaller than a distance between a point of connection of a main connecting rod to the subsidiary connecting rod and the position of the center of gravity as well as a distance between a point of connection of a control rod to the subsidiary connecting rod and the position of the center of gravity. Thus, 0.5-order vibration generated in the subsidiary connecting rod is lowered, engine vibration is suppressed, and noise generated with the vibration is suppressed.

Abstract: A valve system for an internal combustion engine, including an actuator assembly having a plurality of coil assemblies arranged in a substantially stacked configuration, each coil assembly including a support made of an electrically insulative material, an electrically conductive coil positioned about the support and placeable in electrical communication with a source of electrical power, and a magnetic material substantially surrounding the electrically conductive coil; a piston assembly including a non-magnetic plunger and a plurality of magnets and flux conduits arranged in a substantially stacked and alternating configuration on the plunger; and a valve member attached to the piston assembly.

Abstract: A method for operating an engine having a variable cam timing control system, for controlling a camshaft angle in such engine. The method includes deactivating the variable cam timing system and setting the camshaft angle to a predetermined angle for a predetermined duration after failure in a sensor used to control the variable cam timing system and then reactivating the variable cam timing system after such predetermined time. The deactivating continues during the predetermined duration in the presence of a subsequent failure of the sensor during the predetermined duration. The reactivating comprises driving the cam angle to a camshaft angle established by the variable cam timing system in a predetermined manner. The reactivating occurs over a predetermined reactivation time.

Abstract: The invention proposes a variable valve train (1) for a gas exchange valve (8) of an internal combustion engine, which gas exchange valve (8) is actuated by a cam (2), said valve train (1) comprising a force transmission device (4) that is arranged between the cam (2) and the gas exchange valve (8) and includes a hydraulic lifting device (9) comprising a pressure piston (10) that is arranged for longitudinal displacement in a cylinder (12), said pressure piston (10) defining a pressure chamber (13) that is connected to a pressure medium supply of the internal combustion engine and said pressure piston (10) permitting, under high-pressure loading, an actuation of the gas exchange valve (8) independently of the cam (2). The force transmission device (4) is configured as an oscillating lever or rocker arm (3) mounted for pivoting on a lever shaft (6) comprising a longitudinal channel (14) that transports pressure medium and acts as a link (15) between the pressure medium supply and the pressure chamber (13).