Abstract: A humidity-controlling building material, which is produced by subjecting a molded product obtained by dehydration pressing a kneaded product of a hydraulic composition comprising an autoclaved lightweight aerated concrete powder and cement, and water; to autoclave curing, wherein a volume of pores with a diameter of 0.1 ?m or more is 0.1 to 0.25 cc/g and a pore volume resulting from subtracting a volume of pores with a diameter of 0.1 ?m or more from a total pore volume is 0.2 to 0.5 cc/g exhibits remarkably excellent performance in terms of both strength and moisture absorption and desorption performance.

Abstract: A worksurface arrangement comprising at least a first support member, a first worksurface forming member supported by the first support member at a first vertical height, a second worksurface forming member supported by the first support member at a second vertical height and extending to a first side of the first support member where the second vertical height is different than the first vertical height, the second worksurface forming member including an undersurface, a first cover extending downward below the first worksurface forming member to a lower edge below the second vertical height, a second cover extending downward from a height proximate the undersurface of the second worksurface forming member and spaced from the first cover wherein the first and second covers bound a housing cavity width.

Abstract: An assembled portable structure having a plurality of platform members arranged to form a continuous surface. The platform members are attached to each other along one or more surfaces and are capable of being disassembled into smaller components. A plurality of primary support members are detachably engaged to at least a portion of the plurality of the platform members. A plurality of secondary support members are detachably engaged to at least one primary support member of the plurality of the primary support members and at least one of the platform members of the plurality of platform members. The number of primary support members detachably engaged to at least a portion of the plurality of the platform members is less than four for each platform member.

Abstract: A safety box comprises a main body housing provided with a storage portion and a weight portion. The storage portion has a storage portion housing which partly forms the main body housing, a storage portion room for storing objects, a storage portion lid, an electric lock for keeping the lid locked, and a controller for controlling locking and unlocking of the electric lock in response to input of predetermined information. The weight portion has a weight portion housing which partly forms the main body housing, a weight potion room for storing weight substance, and openings for the substance to be filled in and released from the room.

Abstract: The invention is related to an armor kit in a safe, the said kit consisting in armor plates (11, 12, 15, 18) that are juxtaposed to the inner walls of the safe of ATMs and similar equipment, where the attachment of the said plates to the said walls is provided by way of removable retention means, such as screws fitted in threaded holes previously present in the said walls. The kit further comprises means for rigid joining between plates, such means consisting in flat perforated metal plates (13) or in plates that are folded/bent to form angle pieces (16, 19), provided with through-holes for the accommodation of screws.

Abstract: A method of selective catalytic NOX reduction in a power boiler and a power boiler with selective catalytic NOX reduction. Fuel is combusted in a furnace of the boiler and a flue gas stream that includes NOX is generated. The flue gas stream is conducted from the furnace along a flue gas channel to a stack. The flue gas stream is cooled in a heat recovery area, including an economizer section, arranged in the flue gas channel. At least a portion of the NOX is reduced to N2 in an NOX catalyst arranged in the flue gas channel downstream of the economizer section. The flue gas is further cooled and heated air is generated in a gas-to-air heater arranged in the flue gas channel downstream of the economizer section and upstream of the NOX catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a front face (21) for a burner (1), particularly for the gasification of solid carbonaceous materials by partial combustion. The front face (21) comprises a central aperture (23) corresponding to the discharge end of the burner, a front side wall (24) and a backside wall (25) spaced by one or more baffles (26) defining a coolant flow path with a coolant inlet (30) and a coolant outlet (31). The front side wall (24) and the one or more baffles (26) are made of a single piece of metal and the backside wall (25) is welded on the free top ends of the one or more baffles. The front face can for example be made of a steel according to UNS N07718.

Abstract: An oxygen fueled integrated pollutant removal and combustion system includes a combustion system and an integrated pollutant removal system. The combustion system includes a furnace having at least one burner that is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. An oxygen supply supplies oxygen at a predetermine purity greater than 21 percent and a carbon based fuel supply supplies a carbon based fuel. Oxygen and fuel are fed into the furnace in controlled proportion to each other and combustion is controlled to produce a flame temperature in excess The integrated. pollutant removal system includes at least one direct contact heat exchanger for bringing the flue gas into intimated contact with a cooling liquid to produce a pollutant-laden liquid stream and a stripped flue gas stream and at least one compressor for receiving and compressing the stripped flue gas stream.

Abstract: A sewing apparatus and method therefor includes a drive mechanism, a thread feed mechanism, and a needle engagement mechanism for engaging the thread feed mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a drive motor configured to transmit power from the drive motor to the needle engagement mechanism such that it drives a needle within a cartridge without moving the entire cartridge. A method and sewing apparatus includes a plurality of thread feed mechanisms and a needle engagement mechanism for selecting and engaging each of the thread feed mechanisms.

Abstract: A punch needle is disclosed. The punch needle is detachably attached to a needle bar of a sewing machine and is configured to punch a workpiece by moving the needle bar up and down. The punch needle including a base section detachably attached to the needle bar; a mid section in continuation with the base section; a tip section formed on the end of the mid section; and a handle provided on the mid section, the handle being configured to be held by a user's fingers during attachment/detachment of the base section to/from the needle bar.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging a frame to a frame driving mechanism in a sewing machine. The mating alignment feature allows engagement of the embroidery frame to the apparatus where the frame engagement mechanism is at least partially obscured.

Abstract: A single bead-shaped piece fed from a storage pipe storing therein a large number of bead-shaped pieces is carried not on a bearing plate but on a support member provided independently from the bearing plate. The support member is arranged movable on the bearing plate in conjunction with forward and backward movement of a feeding member, and also arranged to be moved relative to the feeding member at the time of the forward or backward movement thereof. The support member is provided with a clamping section for clamping the bead-shaped piece, which is adapted to clamp the bead-shaped piece in conjunction with the relative movement of the feeding member and the support member. This permits the bead-shaped piece to be delivered properly from the storage pipe to the sewing position in a stable manner, and hence a sewing machine can reliably sew the bead-shaped piece on a sewing material.

Abstract: A bobbin case is used in a sewing machine for mounting a bobbin, and includes a case body having a base wall, a case shaft extending along a central line from the base wall for rotatably mounting the bobbin, and a rim having entry and exit holes to define a tensioning path therebetween, and a diverting concaivity configured to divert a running route which is disposed downstream of the tensioning path. A lead-out member is disposed downstream of the running route. A leaf spring is positioned on the rim, and is configured to guide an under thread of the bobbin to run along the tensioning path with an urging force, and continued on running along the running route to the lead-out member to be interlocked with an upper thread for a sewing action.

Abstract: A thread feeding mechanism for actively feeding embroidery thread out of a cartridge through a hollow needle, such that a thread break at or near the needle tip is automatically overcome through normal operation.

Abstract: A sewing device includes a material wrapped around a spool (the spool rotating around an axis), and a needle with a hole through which the material passes. A material feeding mechanism moves the needle and feeds the material in a feeding direction, thereby unraveling the material from the spool and stitching the material into a workpiece. A controller controls the material feeding mechanism to move the needle to a first rest position above a top surface of the workpiece. The first rest position is determined by the following formula: PR1=PW1+AT; wherein PR1 is the first rest position; PW1 is a first position of the top surface of the workpiece; and AT is an amount of material to be used in forming a second stitch in the workpiece after forming a first stitch in the workpiece.

Abstract: A material feeding device includes material wrapped around a spool, the spool rotating around an axis. A material feeding mechanism feeds the material in a feeding direction, thereby unraveling the material from the spool. A force deflection device is arranged between the spool and the material feeding mechanism, and is connected to the material. The force deflection device is configured to as to deform physically when the material feeding mechanism applies an initial feeding force to the material.

Abstract: A sewing machine which forms stitches on a first object to be sewn based on stitch data, includes an imaging unit which images an outline of an upper cloth as the first object onto a lower cloth as a second object, obtaining image data, an outline calculation unit which calculates the outline of the upper cloth from the image data obtained by the imaging unit, a determination unit which determines a stitch-forming region for sewing the upper cloth onto the lower cloth based on the outline of the upper cloth calculated by the outline calculation unit, and a stitch data generating unit which generates stitch data for the stitch-forming region determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: An automated flanging machine is provided. More specifically, a machine for automatically sewing a flange onto a work panel having a consistent corner radius and a straight edge is provided. The machine has a table adapted to support a work panel, a sewing head mounted directly adjacent to the table for performing a sewing operation on the work panel, a turning arm mounted adjacent to the table, and a rear conveyor for selectively moving the work panel on the table. The table may include a corner pivot mechanism for stabilizing the panel while the turning arm turns the panel 90 degree relative to an initial position, and for maintaining a consistent corner radius for sewing. The machine may also include a rear material guide and encoding arm for measuring the progression of the work panel as it is sewn along a side by the sewing head.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for detecting the position of a needle during a needlework operation.

Abstract: An embroidery sewing appliqué technique. A tacking stitch is produced and positioned inside a column of a fabric that holds down the fabric on top of a base or host material, such as a garment. Running parallel to the tacking stitch, a column or satin stitch runs near and to the outside of the tacking stitch. The column or satin stitch has a higher density than that utilized in normal embroidery applications. The higher density satin stitch varies with needle size and thread size. The satin stitch cuts the fabric along the outer edge of the fabric. The tack stitch on the inside of the satin stitch locks the fabric down therefore not allowing the inner edge of the satin to be lifted away from the garment by virtue of the running tack stitch and without a separate cutting step.

Abstract: A method for using a tufting machine to produce athletic turf bearing precise graphic tuft patterns at a high throughput rate is disclosed. The utilized machine includes tenter frame and a series of tufting frames upon which tufting head components are mounted. The entire length of a piece of backing material is wrapped around the tenter frame, and the tenter frame circulates the backing past the tufting frames, and the tufting head components are shifted as may be necessary to form a desired graphic tuft pattern.

Abstract: Controlling lateral force developed by a paravane system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: towing a paravane system through water, the towing by way of a bridle comprising a plurality of fixed-length forward lines coupled to a respective plurality of forward tow points, and a plurality of fixed-length aft lines coupled to a respective plurality of aft tow points; and while towing the paravane system through the water changing one or both of the lateral force supplied by the paravane or the direction of the force supplied by the paravane.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a one-piece pad for supporting a portion of a vessel hull thereon, a product design for a mold is initially created in software. Creating the product design includes forming an upper planar surface portion with a plurality of ribs in spaced-apart relation there across and which extend substantially upward, the ribs serving as contact points to a surface portion of the vessel hull adapted to be supported by a structure supporting the to-be-formed one-piece pad thereon, forming a rear support ribbing portion representative of a bottom surface of the pad, and forming vertical sides between the upper planar surface portion with ribs and rear support ribbing portion. The method further includes forming a mold based on the created product design, mounting the mold on an injection molding machine, and forcing plastic materials into the mold on the machine to form the one-piece pad.

Abstract: An accessory attachment clip for watercraft, attached to the watercraft without tools or hardware, and formed of a molded plastic or hard rubber first portion for fastening to the watercraft, and a second portion for attaching an accessory or accessory holder. The second portion is sized so as to be expanded when being positioned on the gunnels and to contract for an accurate fit. A set screw assists in securing the second portion. The accessory holder may be for a fishing rod or drinking cup. The clip may be attached to the gunnels by expanding the clip, sliding the clip over the gunnels, and releasing the clip. The set screw may be fastened to further secure the clip. The clip may be produced by forming within a mold, the plastic or hard rubber first portion, and the second portion. The set screw may be included in the molding process.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electromagnetic wave radiation detection member, an electromagnetic wave radiation detection method, and a device having the electromagnetic wave radiation detection member, which make it possible to determine whether or not the member has been heated by the electromagnetic wave radiation, such as a microwave oven. Specifically disclosed is an electromagnetic wave radiation detection member which is provided with a detection material (1) containing liquid and discoloring a substance to be adhered to which the detection material is adhered, and a bag (2) which includes the detection material (1) and from which the liquid flows out due to the radiation of the electromagnetic waves. As a result, the substance to be adhered is discolored by the electromagnetic wave radiation, thus making it possible to determine whether or not the electromagnetic waves have been radiated.

Abstract: A system for reducing damage by birds to an airplane, the system including: (a) a detector mounted on the airplane, operable to detect a bird in a vicinity of the airplane and to generate detection information indicative of motion of the bird; (h) a processor, connected to the detector, configured to analyze the detection information and to selectively trigger activation of a jetting system that is mounted on the airplane in response to a result of the analysis; and (c) the jetting system, operable to jet a high pressure jet onto a bird.

Abstract: An assembly structure of a display device according to the present invention is a structure in which a liquid crystal indicator is assembled to a meter body including a case having a ring-like peripheral wall, a dial arranged on a front surface side of the case, a pointer that moves on the dial, and a movement that is provided in the case and drives the pointer. In the peripheral wall of the case, an indicator insertion opening is formed, through which it is possible to insert and detach the liquid crystal indicator into and from between the movement and the dial.

Abstract: A velocity of Ar gas flow passing through between a lower end of a cylindrical body and a thermal shielding body is influenced by arrangement of a pulling path of single crystal silicon, a cylindrical body, and a thermal shielding body. Accordingly, the velocity of the Ar gas flow passing through between a lower end of the cylindrical body and the thermal shielding body is controlled by adjusting a relative position of the pulling path of the single crystal silicon, the cylindrical body, and the thermal shielding body. As described above, dust falling off to silicon melt can be reduced, thereby preventing deterioration in quality of the single crystal silicon.

Abstract: A slit valve module includes two solenoid valves and a cover plate with magnetic material or magnetically attractable material, one of the solenoid valves is positioned above or under the plate and another one of the solenoid valves is positioned at a side of the plate. These two solenoid valves can respectively generate horizontally and vertically magnetic forces, thereby facilitating operate of the plate. When the slit valve is closed, the slit valve can employ the weight of the plate to fall down. Moreover, when the plate approaches the vacuum chamber, the pressure difference can draw the plate. Therefore, the existing gravity and vacuum resources can be taken advantage of to use minimum magnetic energy to control the slit valve effectively and efficiently.

Abstract: A film deposition apparatus includes a first turntable including at least ten substrate receiving areas that receive corresponding 300 mm substrates; a first reaction gas supplying portion arranged in a first area inside the chamber to supply a first reaction gas; a second reaction gas supplying portion arranged in a second area away from the first reaction gas supplying portion along the rotation direction of the first turntable to supply a second reaction gas; and a separation area arranged between the first and the second areas. The separation area includes a separation gas supplying portion that supplies a separation gas that separates the first reaction and the second reaction gases, and a ceiling surface having a height so that a pressure in a space between the ceiling surface and the first turntable is higher with the separation gas than pressures in the first and the second areas.

Abstract: Provided are a showerhead assembly for depositing a thin film on a substrate and a thin film deposition apparatus having the same. The showerhead assembly includes a plurality of gas injection units radially disposed above a substrate, each of the plurality of gas injection units comprising a receiving part configured to receive a gas supplied from the outside and a plurality of injection holes configured to inject the gas within the receiving part.

Abstract: A plasma system has at least one inductively coupled high-frequency plasma jet source having a burner body delimiting a plasma generating space, having an outlet orifice for the plasma jet, and a chamber communicating with the plasma jet source through the outlet orifice, having a substrate situated in the chamber, where it is exposed to the plasma jet. The substrate is situated on a substrate electrode to which an electric voltage may be applied. In addition, a method of producing a functional coating on the substrate using such a plasma system is also described. In a preferred embodiment, during operation of the plasma system, both the plasma jet and the electric voltage on the substrate electrode are pulsed and/or a pressure gradient is maintained between the interior of the plasma jet source and the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates are described. A processing chamber includes a substrate support with an in-situ plasma source, which may be an inductive, capacitive, microwave, or millimeter wave source, facing the substrate support and a radiant heat source, which may be a bank of thermal lamps, spaced apart from the substrate support. The support may be between the in-situ plasma source and the radiant heat source, and may rotate. A method or processing a substrate includes forming an oxide layer by exposing the substrate to a plasma generated in a process chamber, performing a plasma nitridation process on the substrate in the chamber, thermally treating the substrate using a radiant heat source disposed in the chamber while exposing the substrate to oxygen radicals formed outside the chamber, and forming an electrode by exposing the substrate to a plasma generated in the chamber.

Abstract: The upper electrode 31 has a hole 35 extending from an upper surface 33 to a lower surface 34, a bolt 36 is inserted from the upper surface 33 of the upper electrode 31 into the hole 35, and secured in a lower electrode 32 by a screw. A gap 51 between an inside of the hole 35 and a straight body portion of the bolt 36 allows the upper electrode 31 to slide in all directions in a placement surface (upper surface of the lower electrode 32 in contact with the lower surface 34 of the upper electrode 31 in FIG. 2) that is a contact surface with an upper surface of the lower electrode 32, thereby providing an effect of preventing occurrence of a crack or a break in a U rod that can be expanded and contracted in all directions during a vapor phase growth process.

Abstract: Provided are atomic layer deposition apparatus and methods including a rotating wheel with a plurality of substrate carriers for continuous processing of substrates. The processing chamber may have a loading station on the front end which is configured with one or more robots to load and unload substrates from the substrate carriers without needing to stop the rotating wheel.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

Abstract: A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A modular pet assembly having a pair of end members that define an opening sized and shaped for the entrance and exit of a pet. At least one end member is configured for wall mounting at a selected elevation. A lateral member interchangeably engages between the end members at a plurality of locations for arrangement of the modular pet assembly in a plurality of configurations. The pet assembly assembles into a configuration for accommodating a pet, and disassembles into a configuration for storage and shipping.

Abstract: A container in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base with a core removably mounted in the base. The core includes a temperature controlling substance used to cool the contents of the container over a prolonged period of time. The core is removable from the base for placement in a freezer or other cold environment and then replaced to provide cooling to the material in the container.

Abstract: The present invention is an animal and pet water bottle cap dispenser device, used in combination with a water bottle with a bottle top to dispense water to an animal or pet. The device has a flanged attachment sleeve, a flanged vertical middle sleeve and a dispersion ball that is set on the top surface of the vertical middle sleeve as water from the bottle runs internally through the sleeves and around the sides of the dispersion ball to the animal or pet to disperse drinking. There is also a second cap that is threadedly and removably integral with the middle sleeve, to cover the dispersion ball and the device, while the device is not in use. The device can be easily disassembled, separated, sterilized, sanitized and reassembled for sterilized or sanitary pet or animal usage, is dishwasher safe and is choke-free.

Abstract: An indoor livestock confinement system includes a plurality of hollow plastic panels. One of the hollow plastic panels defines a U-shaped door frame. The door frame is open at the top and includes an attachment for a door at one edge. The door frame includes a reinforcement inside the panel that extends across a bottom threshold and sides of the door frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pet grooming device that allows a pet to groom itself by passing through an annular tunnel having a plurality of grooming elements disposed therewithin. The tube-shaped device comprises an elongated tunnel having a first and second opening with wire grooming bristles attached within its interior. The pet is able to walk through the opening and as the animal passes through the device wire bristles brush the pet's hair in the natural direction, from head to tail. The distance the animal must pass through while traversing the device ensures that the animal's fur is sufficiently engaged by the bristles to promote a thorough grooming with each pass through the device, while a pathway free of grooming elements is provided for the pet to walk through the tunnel with ease and less trepidation. A barrier crossing and stand alone embodiment are disclosed, along with a method of construction.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided having openings for entry of rodents within the enclosure. There is arranged one or more applicators in the form of a suspended flexible web configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having a chemical on the web for application to the rodents.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved head restraint that can be used in conjunction with conventional cattle chutes that are equipped with head gates. It provides the advantages of being humane by causing little or no discomfort to the cattle being restrained. Its implementation can reduce the human labor requirements associated with treating a herd of cattle and generally leads to savings in medication by virtue of being able to more accurately apply medications to the eyes of a cow having a stabilized head as compared to loss of medication when dealing with a struggling animal that is jerking its head around during the procedure. Its use greatly reduces the risk of injury to the animal and the person administering the treatment to the animal. Head restraints of this invention offer the advantage of being capable of being affixed to existing chutes of differing sizes.

Abstract: A leash for domestic animals comprising a box-shaped body that houses a cord-winding pulley and a handle with open annular profile that ends at the free ends with rotational pins inserted from opposite sides in suitable housings obtained on the sides of a basically rectangular short pipe joined to said box-shaped body. The handle is provided with a button that stops and releases the pulley with the interposition of suitable return means. The handle is composed of two C-shaped semi-parts, each of them ending with one of said rotational pins at one end and with fast coupling and uncoupling mechanisms at the other end.

Abstract: A hot water heater, particularly but not exclusively for domestic use, is herein described and having removably secured thereto a modular heat exchanger or an external water heater to heat the water in a separate tank portion. The two are easily separable from one another for service, repair or interchange. The air-to-air heat exchanger extracts heat loss from the central flue of a gas fired water heater to provide a source of heat for the building in which the hot water heater is installed. The external water heater is provided with a gas-fired burner for heating water from the tank circulated in a heat exchanger to transfer heat from a fluid heated by the burner and circulated in the heat exchanger to transfer the heat to water circulated from the water tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston (10) for an internal combustion engine, having an outer circumferential cooling channel (19) and an inner cooling cavity (21), the cooling cavity bottom (22) of which has an opening (23) that is closed off with a separate closure element (33) that has at least one cooling oil opening (35), whereby the closure element (33) is held, in clamped manner, by means of two engagement elements (37) disposed on the outer edge, in at least one engagement groove (34) provided in the region of the opening (23) of the cooling cavity bottom (22). According to the invention, it is provided that the closure element (33) has at least two spring tabs (38) that support themselves on a contact surface (39) provided in the piston interior, in each instance, in such a manner that the closure element (33) is held in the engagement groove (34) under axial bias.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cooling system, in particular a motor vehicle cooling system comprising a cooling circuit, in which a cooling medium is circulated by means of a cooling medium pump; wherein the cooling medium pump or another work machine is driven by means of a drive machine via a hydrodynamic coupling, comprising a pump impeller driven by the drive machine and a turbine wheel driving the cooling medium pump, which together form a toroidal working chamber which can optionally be filled with working medium; wherein the working medium is the cooling medium; a compensating container, comprising a space filled with cooling medium and an air chamber above a cooling medium level in the space filled with cooling medium. The invention is characterised in that the working chamber of the hydrodynamic coupling is always connected to the air chamber or can optionally be connected to the latter via an air-conducting connection.

Abstract: A three-port flow control valve comprising a valve body having two opposite-facing valve seats disposed along a central bore terminating in an exhaust port. A supply port communicates with the first valve seat, and a common port communicates with the second valve seat. A pintle shaft connected to an actuating linear solenoid extends along the central bore. A first valve head actuated by the pintle shaft mates with the first valve seat. A second valve head disposed colinearly with the pintle shaft mates with the second valve seat. Opening of the first valve closes the second valve and vice versa. While the solenoid is de-energized the supply pressure keeps the first valve closed. A spring may be disposed between the second valve head and the exhaust port to urge the second valve head to close with the second valve seat.

Abstract: A variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a helical wall part provided in a guide rail for changing valve opening characteristics of a valve and a projection part, and can secure a contact area between the two when the two are engaged, thus successfully reducing the contact pressure generated between the two. The placement of the projection part with respect to the helical wall part is determined such that the central axis line of the projection part and the central axis line of a camshaft perpendicularly intersect with each other in a state in which the projection part is protruded toward the guide rail by an actuator.