Abstract: A board for a modular pallet, and a modular pallet.

Abstract: An assembly for selectively supplying particulate material to an air seeder, an agricultural implement able to selectively supply and dispense particulate material into the ground and a method of selectively dispensing particulate material into the ground are provided. The assembly has at least one supply receptacle for receiving particulate material from a source and a metering roller for supplying the material to an air seeder. The assembly is operative to selectively supply the material to the air seeder and prevent the material from being supplied to the air seeder. The implement can use the assembly to selectively supply particulate material to ground engaging openers where the particulate material will be dispensed into the ground. Particulate material can be selectively supplied to the implement when it is desired to have the particulate material dispensed into the ground and then prevented from being supplied to the implement when it is not desirable.

Abstract: A ground opener assembly mountable to a frame is provided, comprising a guiding member having a track mountable to the frame; a first trailing arm having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the first trailing arm operably associated with the guiding member so that the first trailing arm can travel along the track; a second trailing arm having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the second trailing arm pivotally attached to the frame; a rear link having a proximal end and a distal end, the rear end of the first trailing arm fixedly attached to the proximal end of the rear link and the rear end of the second trailing arm pivotally attached to the proximal end; at least one dispensing implement and a ground compressing member mounted to the rear link; and a bias device operative to exert a downward bias force on the rear link, the at least one ground opening tool and the ground compressing member.

Abstract: A set of rigid sails that have an aerodynamic profile and that may be secured to a boat.

Abstract: A multi-hulled vessel (10) configured as a trimaran. The multi-hulled vessel (10) comprises a main hull (15) and at least one outer hull (17) to each side of the main hull. The multi-hulled vessel (10) is provided with motion control means (40) for providing damping to wave-induced motion, thereby offering ride control. The motion control means (40) comprises a forward motion damping device (41) disposed adjacent the bow (25) of the main hull (15), and two aft dampening devices (43) disposed one adjacent the stern (33) of each side hull (17). With this arrangement, one of the motion damping devices (41, 43) is located at or near each apex of a notional triangular envelope (44) of the vessel (10). Each motion damping device (41, 43) is configured to resist wave-induced motion of the multi-hulled vessel (10) and thereby provide a damping effect. Each motion damping device (41, 43) may comprise an underwater hydrofoil (45), although other damping arrangements are possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary appendage(s) to improve off plane steering response and maneuverability of water jet powered crafts. The invention utilizes the pump's water flow and rotates on a horizontal axis, parallel to the water. Utilizing surface tension, drag or mechanical control the device rotates up and down on the vertical plane. The device does not cause additional sheer or stresses on water jet thrust assemblies. The invention easily attaches to water jet powered craft dramatically improving the steering capability during off-plane maneuvering. Its unique design allows adjustable torsion loading, rotates on one or both sides and allows precise tuning for multiple crafts from personal watercraft to large water jet powered crafts. This device operates on either side of the discharge nozzle to increase low speed control until the speed increases to a (craft dependent) preset point and allow the device to tilt out of the water.

Abstract: A servo-assisted steering device for vehicles includes a manual control member that is connected to a pump or the like manually driving it when the control member is rotated. The pump is connected at its delivery and suction side to one of the two chambers of one or more steering actuators through hydraulic pipes, feeding a pressurized fluid alternately to one or the other of the two chambers depending on moving direction, in particular the rotation of the control member. Assist control means for the steering actuators include a hydraulic fluid tank and automatic pumping means, which are driven and connected to the hydraulic pipes when the steering wheel is operated and which, by increasing the amount of pumped fluid, increase the pressure exerted by the pump to reduce resistance when steering the control member. The number of revolutions of the motor driving the automatic pumping means may be adjusted.

Abstract: On any given powerboat and any given day on the water the activities of different types of riders/watersports enthusiasts may need ski ropes of different lengths to encompass the experience level of the rider and or the type of watersports activity. The type of powerboat, the experience level of the rider, the amount of wake generated at given distances “off” the powerboat can vary. It is beneficial to be able to adjust the “off” distance of the rider from the powerboat to ensure the rider can use the optimal portion of the powerboats wake to perform tricks. This patent will describe a device that will enable the controlled dispensing, retraction and storage of the ski rope, free from tangles and knots while providing a means to measure, adjust and control the “off” distance of the ski rope for all types of watersports activities and rider experience levels.

Abstract: An offshore depot having a vertically symmetric hull, an upper inwardly-tapered wall and a lower outwardly-tapered wall that produce significant heave damping in response to heavy wave action. Ballast is added to the lower and outermost portions of the hull to lower the center of gravity below the center of buoyancy. The offshore depot includes a tunnel formed within or through the hull at the waterline that provides a sheltered area inside the hull for safe and easy launching/docking of boats and embarkation/debarkation of personnel. When the watertight tunnel doors are all shut, the tunnel may be drained to create a dry dock environment within the hull. The offshore depot includes berthing and dinning accommodations, medical facilities, workshops, machine shops, a heliport, and the like.

Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. First and second frames span between the vessels. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. The catamaran hull arrangement provides longitudinal flexibility in a quartering sea state due to the unique universal joint and hinge placement between the frames or trusses and the hulls or barges. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges. An object that has been salvaged from the seabed can be placed upon the marine vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spar based vessel for accessing offshore installations and vessels, including wind farm turbines, in which the centre of gravity of the vessel is positioned below the centre of buoyancy, which is positioned below the operational waterline, the operational waterline occurs at low cross-sectional area vertical struts, and the vertical struts support a topside structure for passengers. Active ballast control system and location of the propulsive elements permits the vessel to travel in spar orientation by positioning the vector of propulsion to lie in the same horizontal plane as the transverse centre of drag of the vessel. A docking system permits safe connection of the vessel to offshore installations, including wind turbines of generic design.

Abstract: A sponson for a watercraft has a sponson body having a front end, a rear end, a top edge and a bottom edge, and a vane connected to a side of the sponson body and extending away therefrom. The vane has a front end and a rear end. The front end of the vane is disposed closer to the bottom edge of the sponson than the rear end of the vane. A watercraft having sponsons of this type is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple destination cable ferry system where a marine vessel is towed by an underwater sled into its final destination over underwater tracks and transfer switches. The system is designed to be under total computer control in such a way that the towed vessel can be delivered to its final destination without requiring any human intervention aboard the vessel.

Abstract: A protective guard for shielding key areas of a boat hull that are exposed to the greatest risk of impact damage from kicked up road debris while being transported behind a tow vehicle. A V-shaped tarp is fastened to the forward tie line anchors of a boat, with the interior angle of the V situated at the bow crest. The tarp is tautly stretched along the hull by bungee cords spanning the underside of the boat, attaching the port and starboard side of the tarp. The rear bottom corners of the tarp are fastened to the boat trailer. This configuration protects of the entire underside of the bow from road debris and damaged resulting therefrom. Other embodiments include a variety of configurations to accommodate not only various sizes of boat, but also to facilitate installation on various other towable objects including different water craft, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a multi-functional bench system for an inflatable boat having a bottom wall, spaced apart first and second tubular side walls, and an outboard motor. The bench system includes a first seating unit, a second seating unit, and an adjustable bracing assembly. The first seating unit is snugly mounted to a portion of the first tubular side wall. The first seating unit includes a first leg assembly hingedly connected to a first handle assembly. The second seating unit is snugly mounted to a portion of the second tubular side wall. The second seating unit includes a second leg assembly hingedly connected to a second handle assembly. The adjustable bracing assembly is positioned about the bottom wall of the inflatable boat and securely interconnects the first and second leg assemblies.

Abstract: An aircraft glazing component is provided having at least a partially transparent body and a visual wear indicator positioned on or in the body which indicator is configured such that a predetermined amount of erosion on the body changes the appearance of the indicator.

Abstract: A method of producing a SiC single crystal includes: disposing a SiC seed crystal at a bottom part inside a graphite crucible; causing a solution containing Si, C and R (R is at least one selected from the rare earth elements inclusive of Sc and Y) or X (X is at least one selected from the group consisting of Al, Ge, Sn, and transition metals exclusive of Sc and Y) to be present in the crucible; supercooling the solution so as to cause the SiC single crystal to grow on the seed crystal; and adding powdery or granular Si and/or SiC raw material to the solution from above the graphite crucible while keeping the growth of the SiC single crystal.

Abstract: The present invention reports a defect that has not been reported, and discloses a defect-controlled silicon ingot, a defect-controlled wafer, and a process and apparatus for manufacturing the same. The new defect is a crystal defect generated when a screw dislocation caused by a HMCZ (Horizontal Magnetic Czochralski) method applying a strong horizontal magnetic field develops into a jogged screw dislocation and propagates to form a cross slip during thermal process wherein a crystal is cooled. The present invention changes the shape and structure of an upper heat shield structure arranged between a heater and an ingot above a silicon melt, and controls initial conditions or operation conditions of a silicon single crystalline ingot growth process to reduce a screw dislocation caused by a strong horizontal magnetic field and prevent the screw dislocation from propagating into a cross slip.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a SiC single crystal includes a first growth process and a re-growth process. In the first growth process, a first seed crystal made of SiC is used to grow a first SiC single crystal. In the re-growth process, a plurality of growth steps is performed for (n?1) times. In a k-th growth step, a k-th seed crystal is cut out from a grown (k?1)-th SiC single crystal, and the k-th seed crystal is used to grow a k-th SiC single crystal (n?2 and 2?k?n). When an offset angle of a growth surface of the k-th seed crystal is defined as ?k, at least in one of the plurality of growth steps, the offset angle ?k is smaller than the offset angle ?k?1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vitreous silica crucible which can suppress buckling and sidewall lowering of the crucible without fear of mixing of impurities into silicon melt. According to the present invention, provided is a vitreous silica crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal, wherein a ratio I2/I1 is 0.67 to 1.17, where I1 and I2 are area intensities of the peaks at 492 cm?1 and 606 cm?1, respectively, in Raman spectrum of vitreous silica of the region having a thickness of 2 mm from an outer surface to an inner surface of a wall of the crucible.

Abstract: The invention provides a film deposition apparatus, which includes a first cover and a second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover are disposed opposite to each other, and the first cover has at least two holes, and a spacer disposed between the first cover and the second cover, wherein the first cover, the spacer and the second cover form a film deposition space.

Abstract: An electrode mixture paste is applied on both sides of a strip of core material made of porous metal sheet that is running along its lengthwise direction. The paste-coated core material is pressed with press rollers alternately from opposite sides once or more, after which the paste-coated core material is passed through the gap between a pair of scraper tools to adjust the coating thickness of the paste, while the position of the core material is restricted with comb-shaped projections, so that, even though the projections are distanced from each other sufficiently to allow weld points of the core material to pass through, the coating thickness is precisely regulated.

Abstract: A roller to contact an oscillating ink transfer drum in an inking system for a printing machine is disclosed. It comprises a cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis and a curved outer surface. A recess is formed in the curved outer surface at an end of the cylindrical body that extends axially inward from said end of the cylindrical body by a depth that gradually reduces in a circumferential direction extending around said axis.

Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes i) a deposition source configured to discharge a deposition material, ii) a deposition source nozzle unit disposed at a side of the deposition source and comprising a plurality of deposition source nozzles arranged in a first direction and iii) a patterning slit sheet disposed opposite to the deposition source nozzle unit and comprising a plurality of patterning slits arranged in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The patterning slit sheet may include: i) a base sheet, in which a plurality of sub-patterning slits are formed in the second direction and ii) a plurality of patterning bars disposed between adjacent sub-patterning slits to form the patterning slits. Further, the deposition apparatus is configured to perform deposition while the substrate is moved relative to the thin film deposition apparatus in the first direction.

Abstract: A masking system protects portions of a part, such as a turbine engine component, to be coated. The masking system has a base, a conduit positioned on said base, a part to be coated being positioned over the conduit, and an annular plate positioned over the conduit and resting on a first portion of the part.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus (1) for manufacturing single crystals, comprising: a crucible main body (5) for holding a sublimation material; a lid member (9) provided with a seed crystal supporting member (7) at a position facing the sublimation material; a tubular guide member (11) extending from the vicinity of the outer periphery of the seed crystal supporting member (7) toward the sublimation material; and a heat insulating material (21) that is positioned on the outer periphery side of at least one of the seed crystal supporting member (7) and the guide member (11) and has a lower heat conductivity than single crystals (27), when growing the single crystals (27) by heating the sublimation material (3) and the seed crystals, the heat-insulating material (21) makes the flow of the heat (H) from the sublimation material (3) toward the seed crystals concentrate on the seed crystals.

Abstract: A method for breeding Musca Domestica includes placing imagoes of Musca Domestica in an environment having a temperature of 18-35° C. and having a humidity of 50-80%. A laying pan is provided to attract the imagoes of Musca Domestica to lay eggs in the laying pan. The laying pan includes substances capable of attracting the imagoes of Musca Domestica to lay eggs in the laying pan. The eggs are transferred into a cultivating material including at least one product of soybean and/or milk. The eggs of Musca Domestica are bred at a temperature of 20-35° C. until hatching into larvae. The larvae are placed on swine feces and bred at a temperature of 20-35° C. for 2-3 days. The yield and breeding speed of the larvae of Musca Domestica are increased by the method.

Abstract: A method for treating swine feces/urine includes breeding and growing imagoes of Musca Domestica in an environment having a temperature of 18-35° C. and having a humidity of 50-80%. The imagoes of Musca Domestica lay eggs in the environment. The eggs of Musca Domestic are transferred into a cultivating material including at least one product of soybean and/or milk. The eggs of Musca Domestica are bred at a temperature of 20-35° C. until hatching into larvae. The larvae of Musca Domestica are placed on swine feces/urine of a thickness of 4-10 cm at a temperature of 20-35° C. for 2-3 days. The larvae feed on and decompose the swine feces/urine. The swine feces/urine can be decomposed in 5-7 days without causing pollution to the air, water sources, and environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling a milking installation having a movable element that performs a procedure related to extracting milk from milking animals. An exemplary method includes capturing a three-dimensional image of a detected entity present in an operating zone of the movable element, and comparing the captured three-dimensional image to stored image reference data. Based on the comparison, the detected entity is categorized entity as one of a first predefined entity and a second predefined entity. The first predefined entity corresponds to a milking animal and the second predefined entity corresponds to an entity other than a milking animal. Based on the categorization, a control determination is made of whether to allow the movable element to continue the procedure related to milk extraction or to initiate a safety measure. Then, the control determination is implemented.

Abstract: An animal food/water dispensing apparatus provides a base that is invertible for alternative use as a water bowl or a feed bowl in conjunction with a single reservoir container design that is adapted to supply either water or feed to the base, so that a minimum of components are required to assemble an animal waterer or animal feeder. Each face of the base has a container mounting ring and a water trough or feed basin for presenting the flowable material from the reservoir container.

Abstract: An animal food/water dispensing apparatus provides a base that is invertible for alternative use as a water bowl or a feed bowl in conjunction with a single reservoir container design that is adapted to supply either water or feed to the base, so that a minimum of components are required to assemble an animal waterer or animal feeder. Each face of the base has a container mounting ring and a water trough or feed basin for presenting the flowable material from the reservoir container.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a liquid container with a a lower bottom opening which can be screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin. An insert is received within the central collar and is configured to be vertically movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the liquid container to the basin, and a second position in which fluid flow from the container to the basin is prevented. Movement of the insert between the two positions is effected by pushing the liquid container toward the basin (the closed position) and by pulling the liquid container away from the basin (the open position). Each movement of the insert has an associated “snap” or gives positive physical feedback which the user can feel that assures the user that the desired fluid flow or fluid sealed position has been achieved.

Abstract: An ultra thin disposable pet pad may have a high pressure polyethylene cast film as a bottom layer, a non woven fabric as a top layer and a liquid absorbing material as a middle layer. The absorbent material may be a super absorbent polymer disposed between the top and bottom layers. The pet pad may be rolled for convenient storage and transportation. The absorbent material may extend to the edges of the top and bottom layers. The pet pad may be cut to size and re rolled for convenient carry.

Abstract: An ultra thin disposable pet pad may have a high pressure polyethylene cast film as a bottom layer, a non woven fabric as a top layer and a liquid absorbing material as a middle layer. The absorbent material may be a super absorbent polymer disposed between the top and bottom layers. The pet pad may be rolled for convenient storage and transportation. The absorbent material may extend to the edges of the top and bottom layers. The pet pad may be cut to size and re rolled for convenient carry.

Abstract: A containment pen for finfish aquaculture, comprising a supporting structure, a net attached to the supporting structure and defining a containment volume for containing finfish, wherein the net comprises a plurality of removable net panels, wherein each of the removable net panels comprises a discrete piece of flexible netting attached along its perimeter to one or more substantially rigid members, and wherein the removable net panels are configured to be removable from the containment pen with the piece of flexible netting remaining attached to the substantially rigid members.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved structure for a cat scratch board, which is structured to include an abrasive surface and at least one fastening structure, and claw filing wire material is horizontally arranged to cover the abrasive surface and an appropriate surface of a plate. A plurality of fastening units fasten the claw filing wire material to the plate to form the abrasive surface. The fastening structure is installed to the other surface from the abrasive surface of the plate, and the fastening structure is structured from a locking member and a connecting member. The locking member functions in coordination with the connecting member for clamping. A clamping space is formed between the fastening structure and the plate.

Abstract: A biodegradable chew toy having a first body that is made of a first biodegradable material have first characteristic. A second body is made of a second biodegradable material having a second characteristic. The second body is overmolded by the first body. The first characteristic and the second characteristic differ by elasticity.

Abstract: An animal training system includes a portable remote transceiver for a user for transmitting a remote animal control signal to a remote animal transceiver on an animal for effecting a control stimulus to the animal. A separate animal control transceiver positioned at the animal may be in signal communication with the remote animal transceiver placed at the animal to effect a control stimulus to the animal in response to a control signal from the remote animal transceiver.

Abstract: Small animal support/restraint device with a mount attached to building structure to station the device over the work surface, eliminating interference with accessing the animal and providing reliable stability. Descending from the mount, a height adjustable vertical post with pivot positioned at the lower end facilitates a rotating crossbar to which sliding eyes are attached for connecting loops and belts for tethering the animal.

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: The ECU includes: a stop control portion controlling an electric water pump to stop, when an engine provided with the electric water pump pressure-feeding a coolant is warmed up; a first drive control portion controlling the electric water pump to drive for a predetermined period at least before the stop control portion performs a control, when a coolant temperature thw in starting the engine is equal to or higher than a predetermined value ?. The electric water pump corresponds to a variable water pump capable of changing the flow rate of the coolant.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a cylinder head having a structure allowing for more uniform lateral coolant flow, and an internal combustion engine including such a cylinder head. The cylinder head includes a lower water jacket cavity, an upper water jacket cavity in fluid communication with the lower water jacket cavity through plural orifices formed in cylinder head material between the lower and upper jacket cavities, and a coolant outlet passage extending from the upper water jacket cavity to a lateral side of the cylinder head. A rail cavity is provided in the cylinder head, extends in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder head, and is in fluid communication with the coolant outlet passage. A lateral passage is provided in the cylinder head upstream from the coolant outlet passage with a portion of the rail cavity therebetween.

Abstract: A cylinder head is provided with liquid cooling system and a method for cooling the cylinder head. The cylinder head includes, but is not limited to a liquid jacket in which a coolant flows along a main flow pathway from a coolant inlet to a coolant outlet. The liquid jacket is interrupted between the coolant inlet and coolant outlet by portals to cylinders of an internal combustion engine. A second portal is arranged in a flow shadow of a first portal. The cylinder head in the liquid jacket exhibits a flow guide wall with a constriction of the flow cross section, and a baffle plate, which is arranged in the direction of the main flow pathway, downstream from the flow guide wall. The baffle plate is designed to divert a coolant flow branch in a direction of flow transverse to the main flow pathway, toward the second portal.

Abstract: A water jacket spacer has a spacer body molded in conformity to the shape of the water jacket and a regulating member whose one side is fixed to the spacer body. The regulating member is composed of a first member which is not water-swellable and is elastically deformable and a second member made of water-swellable elastomer which is integrally fixed to the first member. The regulating member lies in a state not-contacting an opposed wall of the water jacket when inserted into the water jacket together with the spacer body, whereas it blocks a part of cooling water flowing through the water jacket by deforming such that a side of the regulating member not fixed to the spacer body faces toward the opposed wall of the water jacket when the second member swells by absorbing cooling water flown into the water jacket and thereby the first member is elastically deformed.

Abstract: A PCV anti-freezing apparatus for two-cylinder engine may include a PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) nipple connected to an intake manifold of a two-cylinder engine, and an oil separator formed within the PCV nipple.

Abstract: A continuous variable valve lift apparatus may include a camshaft, a first cam disposed on the camshaft, an actuating shaft parallel to the cam shaft, an actuating lever connected to the actuating shaft, a swing arm rotatably coupled to the actuating lever and an engine, a second cam pivotally connected to the swing arm and contacting the first cam to open a valve unit and a control portion which is connected to the actuating shaft and selectively rotates the actuating shaft for pivoting center of the swing arm to move.

Abstract: A method of joining multiple powder metal components to form a powder metal component assembly using an adhesive is disclosed. By machining at least one of the powder metal components prior to the adhesive joining, otherwise difficult to machine features can be more easily machined for less cost and at higher production rates. Unlike high temperature joining techniques, the adhesive joins the powder metal components at room temperature. This room temperature adhesive joining eliminates the thermal distortions in pre-joined machined features common to high temperature joining techniques such as brazing or welding that bring these features out of specification during joining.

Abstract: A variable valve lift apparatus includes a cam, a swing arm of which one end thereof a valve is connected to and the swing arm contacting the cam, a support portion selectively supporting the other end of the swing arm, a hydraulic lash adjuster of which an oil supply hole and an oil exhaust hole thereto, and selectively supporting the swing arm according to oil supplying thereto or oil exhausting therefrom, a check valve selectively opening the oil exhaust hole and a control portion controlling the check valve for the check valve to selectively open the oil exhaust hole.

Abstract: A integrated variable valve actuator assembly of a variable valve lift apparatus may include a rocker arm rotating on a rocker shaft and including an oil supply line with selectively provided oil, a fastener penetrating the side of the rocker arm and discharging oil supplied from the oil supply line through the oil passage, a valve bridge located at the bottom of the fastener and pressurizing valves, an actuator device including an actuator piston being inserted in the valve bridge and formed with an oil supply passage, and an actuator spring being inserted in the actuator piston and providing the actuator piston with elastic force, and a variable control device located at the bottom of the actuator piston and adjusting the heights of the actuator piston by a movement generated by the hydraulic pressure of oil supplied from the oil supply passage.

Abstract: In a valve actuation apparatus of an internal combustion engine employing a motion converter for converting a rotary motion of a drive cam into an oscillating motion of a rockable cam, the rockable cam has a cam contour surface, for operating an engine valve by the oscillating motion. The cam contour surface is contoured to have a valve-opening small lift area through which the cam contour surface extends from a base-circle area, a valve-opening middle lift area extending continuously from the valve-opening small lift area toward a cam-nose portion, and a valve-opening large lift area extending continuously from the valve-opening middle lift area toward a cam-nose top. A radius of curvature ?2 of a part of the valve-opening middle lift area, bordering the valve-opening small lift area, is set to be less than a radius of curvature ?3 of the valve-opening large lift area.