Abstract: A blanket in the form of a patchwork quilt and a method of creation is provided. The quilt comprises a plurality of patchwork squares that are cut from a variety of cloth pieces. A plurality of fabric strips is cut to form the border of the patchwork square, whereby each strip comprises a heat-activated, dual-sided adhesive. The outer edges of the plurality of fabric strips are then sewn around the perimeter of the patchwork square, while the inner edge remains unsecured to the square. A keepsake may be inserted within the inner perimeter of the border, thereafter a user may secure the keepsake within the border by applying a heat source to the border.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a needle bar, a needle bar up-and-down movement mechanism, a swinging mechanism, a lower shaft, an outer shuttle, a thread cutting mechanism, a rotation speed adjustment mechanism, and an actuator. The needle bar up-and-down movement mechanism is configured to move the needle bar up and down. The swinging mechanism is configured to swing the needle bar in a left-right direction. The lower shaft is configured to rotate in synchronization with up-down movement of the needle bar. The outer shuttle is configured to rotate along with rotation of the lower shaft. The thread cutting mechanism is configured to cut at least an upper thread. The rotation speed adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust a rotation speed of the outer shuttle. The actuator is a driving source of the thread cutting mechanism and the rotation speed adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A novel method of tufting carpets is provided to allow the use of four or more colors of yarn at sufficient stitch density to provide for a solid appearance of any of the selected colors at any location on the carpet, and utilizing natural tacking of rear yarns to minimize loose yarn on the backing.

Abstract: A robust mechanical actuation design for an autonomous sailing buoy (1) is disclosed based on an internal actuation system. The buoy (1) consists of a simple closed body (3) taking the form of a ship hull to which are attached two fixed appendages (2, 4): one rigid wing (4) to catch the wind, and a keel (2). The design is completely rudderless. Steering is performed using only an internal actuation system. This system includes a moving mass system (5, 6, 7), a processing unit (9), and a navigation unit (8). The navigation unit (8) consists of a GPS, accelerometers and gyroscopes, and a wind direction and velocity sensor. The processing unit (9), using information given by the navigation unit (8), automatically controls the moving mass (6) to hold the buoy (1) on a desired course.

Abstract: A modular payload system for an autonomous water vehicle includes a hull formed with a recessed portion that extends longitudinally over a region where a transverse cross section of a lower portion of the recess is constant along the region. A plurality of payload boxes are sized to fit in the recess and be distributed along the longitudinal axis. A transverse cross section of a lower portion of each payload box is configured complementarily with the lower portion of the recess. The payload boxes can be sized so that one payload box has a longitudinal dimension that is an integral multiple of the longitudinal dimension of the second payload box. The payload boxes can have complementarily positioned external electrical connectors to allow a jumper cable to serially connect the payload boxes.

Abstract: A single point mooring includes a yoke-shaped articulated arm assembly, which is affixed to the seabed by a fixed foundation or mooring base assembly, and a mooring support structure, which is retrofitted to a vessel. The articulated arm is connected to the base by a triaxial articulation joint for accommodating yaw, pitch and roll. To moor the vessel, the arm is connected to the mooring support structure with weighted pendants on port and starboard sides. The pendants are suspended at an adjustable elevation with respect to the mooring support structure, thus allowing the mooring system to be used at varying water depths. A combined connection bracket hosts both pendant linkages and umbilicals or hoses for speeding the process of connecting and disconnecting a vessel from the mooring system. A removable anchor, such as a suction pile, fixes the mooring system to the seabed, allows the system to be easily redeployed to another location.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a take-off and landing system for carrier aircraft, which comprises a takeoff device and a landing device; said takeoff device is a bow side launch deck which is located at the front part of the aircraft carrier and extends from a track groove provided with a track guider; said landing device is a stern side rear bridge which is located at the rear part of the aircraft carrier and extends from a treadmill belt-type runway. The invention also discloses a take-off and landing method corresponding to the take-off and landing system. The take-off and landing system and the method thereof enhances advantages and avoids weaknesses with regard to the existing take-off technologies, reduces the difficulty and risk in the existing landing technology. The present invention is suitable for the take-off and landing of all kinds of carrier aircrafts and also makes a design to build a “pocket-sized aircraft carrier” become possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evacuation system (4) for a vessel (1) or offshore facility, comprising a storage unit (7) having a length, a width and a height defining a volume of the storage unit (7), the storage unit (7) in a storage situation being adapted to house one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units (5), the inflatable floatable units each having a capacity of more than 150 persons, and a deployment arrangement (8) having a displacement device, wherein a maximum height of the storage unit is 2.7 metres, and the displacement device is adapted to displace the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units in a substantially horizontal and linear direction out of the storage unit (7) below the maximum height and subsequently lower the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units (5) into the water in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: A tier for a tower light consists of a tubular body having spaced apart inner and outer walls joined together to maintain a fixed relationship and defining an annular space for receiving a sleeve and having an access opening in the outer wall through which the sleeve may be inserted into and removed from the annular space, the inner and outer walls being joined together by an annular base upon which the sleeve is seated. There is also disclosed a tower light having one or more such tiers.

Abstract: Aerial markers are disclosed for hanging on overhead support cables at discrete spaced apart distances to warn passersby, such as airplanes, helicopters, hang gliders, hot air balloons, and the like of the presence of the cables. The aerial markers can be made in multiple parts, having various parting lines, including a vertical parting line, and can be hung in a spaced relationship to the support cables. To space the marker body from the support wire, a support frame is used to enable hanging the marker body via one or more external clamps. Direct connection is also possible.

Abstract: A display module has a two-phase motor which includes a rotor including N pairs of poles magnetised radially, in alternate directions, N being equal to 3 or 5, and a stator part including at least two W-shaped circuits made from radial pole teeth extending inwards from a peripheral closed belt and including a coil on a central leg of the W, said W-shaped circuits being arranged in such a way that when the central tooth of one of the W-shaped circuits is positioned facing a rotor magnetic transition, at least one central tooth of another W-shaped circuit is positioned facing a rotor magnetic pole. Said display module additional includes at least one specific mechanical interaction (between the rotor and the stator, comprising angular friction at a force that is substantially constant depending on the speed of the rotor relative to the stator, and at a value lower than the torque produced by the electromagnetic interaction between the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: A traffic management device comprises at least opening in the surface of its body to facility hand grasping of a single or a stacked plurality cones. The traffic management devices may be in the shape of a cone. The device further comprises a registration structure so that a worker can align the devices in a stacked configuration so that the cut outs of each opening are aligned to create a handhold for the stacked cones.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a heat treatment method of performing a single crystallization of amorphous silicon formed on a substrate to be processed by irradiating the substrate with a microwave. The heat treatment method includes: irradiating the substrate with a microwave to increase a temperature of the substrate to a first temperature such that the amorphous silicon formed on the substrate becomes a single crystal at an interface between the substrate and the amorphous silicon and a nucleation does not occur in a region except the interface; irradiating the substrate with a microwave to heat the substrate at the first temperature for a predetermined period; irradiating the substrate with the microwave to increase the first temperature to a second temperature, which is higher than the first temperature; and irradiating the substrate with the microwave to heat the substrate at the second temperature.

Abstract: A method for growing an ingot according to the embodiment includes filling a first powder in a crucible; raising a temperature of the crucible; forming a second powder by grain-growing the first powder; and growing the ingot by sublimating the second powder.

Abstract: A vapor phase growth apparatus of an embodiment includes a reaction chamber, a first gas supply channel that supplies a Si source gas to the reaction chamber, a second gas supply channel that supplies a C source gas to the reaction chamber, a third gas supply channel that supplies an n-type impurity source gas to the reaction chamber, a fourth gas supply channel that supplies a p-type impurity source gas to the reaction chamber, and a control unit that controls the amounts of the n-type impurity and p-type impurity source gases at a predetermined ratio, and introduces the n-type impurity and p-type impurity source gases into the reaction chamber. Where the p-type impurity is an element A and the n-type impurity is an element D, the element A and the element D form a combination of Al, Ga, or In and N, and/or a combination of B and P.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single-crystal silicon pulling silica container, the silica container including a straight body portion, a curved portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the OH group concentration in the straight body portion is 30 to 300 ppm by mass, the OH group concentration in the bottom portion is 30 ppm by mass or less, and the difference in the OH group concentration between the straight body portion and the bottom portion is 30 ppm by mass or more. As a result, a low-cost single-crystal silicon pulling silica container, the silica container that can reduce cavity defects called voids and pinholes in pulled single crystal silicon, is provided.

Abstract: A tool for producing a layer with a micro structured outer surface on a substrate surface is provided. The tool includes an elastic matrix web with a negative of the micro structure to be produced, an elastic pressure roller that is movable over a surface, and at least one guiding element for guiding the elastic matrix web relative to the pressure roller. The pressure roller and the matrix web are arranged in such a manner that when the pressure roller is moved over the substrate surface, the negative on the matrix web faces the substrate surface. In this manner particularly good directional stability and guiding precision of the matrix web can be achieved.

Abstract: A fluid bed granulation process of a predetermined substance comprises the steps of: forming, through a fluidification. air flow of predetermined flow rate, a fluid bed of granules of said substance to be granulated fed to it in the form of seeds,—feeding said fluid bed with a continuous flow of a growth substance (or liquid).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for applying a sealant to an inner side of a tire.

Abstract: The present application discloses a metal matrix composite for evaporation mask, comprising matrix and reinforcing phase dispersed in the matrix, wherein the matrix is iron-nickel alloy, the reinforcing phase is non-metallic particles, and the volume ratio of the non-metallic particles in the matrix is in the range from 20 vol % to 50 vol %. The present application also provides an evaporation mask made from the metal matrix composite and a making method thereof. The metal matrix composite according to the present application has a decreased density and an elevated elasticity modulus, and thereby is useful to prevent the evaporation mask from drooping due to gravity. Further, the method for making the evaporation mask according to the present application is beneficial to improve the overall performance of the evaporation mask, save raw materials and reduce the cost.

Abstract: A deposition mask assembly having a plurality of deposition masks consecutively arranged in parallel is discussed. The deposition mask has a frame coupled with the plurality of deposition masks, wherein cross section of one end of each deposition mask having first and second sectors which are asymmetric and meet each other at a first contact point, wherein the first sector has a first radius and a first center angle, and connected to an upper surface of the deposition mask, the second sector has a second radius different from the first radius and a second center angle different from the first center angle, and connected to a lower surface of the deposition mask, and the contact point is asymmetric, pointed and protruded horn-shaped or arrow-shaped.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a substrate holding portion, a shield arranged to surround a substrate, and a shield holding portion configured to hold the shield. The shield includes first magnets each having a magnetic pole of a first polarity facing the shield holding portion, and second magnets each having a magnetic pole of a second polarity facing the shield holding portion. The first magnets and the second magnets are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the center of the shield. The shield holding portion includes third magnets each having a magnetic pole of the first polarity facing the shield, and fourth magnets each having a magnetic pole of the second polarity facing the shield.

Abstract: A device for applying a two-part adhesive to a substrate includes a carrier, a first tray coupled to the carrier, a first package disposed in the first tray, and a second package disposed in the first tray. The first package contains a first part of the two-part adhesive and the second package contains a second part of the two-part adhesive. The device further includes a applicator that is in communication with the first package and the second package. The applicator is configured to receive the first part and the second part and mix the first part and the second part to form the two-part adhesive. The device also includes a second tray coupled to the carrier and configured to accommodate a power supply that provides electrical power to operate the device.

Abstract: An ion implantation apparatus in which a fluorine compound gas is used as a source gas of an ion source, includes a vacuum chamber into which the source gas is introduced; an introduction passage connected to the vacuum chamber and configured to introduce into the vacuum chamber a cleaning gas containing a component that reacts with the fluorine compound deposited inside the vacuum chamber so as to generate a reactant gas; a delivery device configured to forcibly introduce the cleaning gas into the introduction passage; a first adjustment device configured to adjust an amount of gas flow in the introduction passage; an exhausting passage connected to the vacuum chamber and configured to forcibly exhaust the reactant gas along with the cleaning gas; and a second adjustment device configured to adjust an amount of gas flow in the exhausting passage.

Abstract: Provided are a liner assembly and a substrate processing apparatus including the liner assembly. The liner assembly includes a side liner, an intermediate liner, and a lower liner. The side liner has a cylindrical shape with upper and lower portions opened. The intermediate liner is disposed under the side liner and has a plurality of first holes passing therethrough in a vertical direction. The lower liner is disposed under the intermediate liner. Here, the plurality of first holes are formed in different sizes and numbers in a plurality of regions.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus including a processing vessel 10 in which a plasma process is performed and a plasma generation antenna 20 having a shower plate 100 which supplies a first gas and a second gas into the processing vessel 10, performs the plasma process on a substrate with plasma generated by a surface wave formed on a surface of the shower plate 100 through a supply of a microwave. The shower plate 100 has multiple gas holes 133 configured to supply the first gas into the processing vessel 10 and multiple supply nozzles 160 configured to supply the second gas into the processing vessel 10, and the supply nozzles 160 are protruded vertically downwards from a bottom surface of the shower plate 100 and are provided at different positions from the gas holes 133.

Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a chamber, a reaction-gas inlet, a gas exhaust port, a rotation unit, a semiconductor wafer holder, a heater, and a purge-gas inlet. The wafer holder includes a first hold region to hold the semiconductor wafer and a second hold region held by the rotation unit. The second hold region surrounds the first hold region. The level of the first hold region and the level of the second hold region differ. A plurality of ventholes is provided to the first hold region so that the ventholes are just below a sidewall of the semiconductor wafer held by the first hold region.

Abstract: A support for an optical coating liquid composition to deposit by evaporation treatment on an optical article, includes a crucible in which the optical coating liquid composition is introduced; wherein the support (30) further includes a frame (36, 37) forming an envelope in which the crucible and the optical coating liquid composition are wrapped; the frame (36, 37) having an internal space and being configured to hermetically seal the crucible and the optical coating liquid composition when the internal space has an internal pressure lower than a predetermined pressure threshold and being configured to let out vapour of the optical coating liquid composition when the internal pressure of the internal space is greater than the predetermined pressure threshold; by virtue of which the support (30) constitutes a cartridge of optical coating liquid composition.

Abstract: A batch-type vertical substrate processing apparatus includes a processing chamber into which a substrate holder configured to stack and hold a plurality of target substrates in a height direction is inserted; and a plurality of flanges formed to protrude from an inner wall of the processing chamber toward an internal space of the processing chamber along a planar direction and configured to divide the interior of the processing chamber into a plurality of processing subspaces along the height direction, wherein the flanges include insertion holes through which the substrate holder is inserted, and diameters of the insertion holes are small at an upper side of the processing chamber and become gradually larger toward a lower side of the processing chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are used at the end of a dairy animal milking process to stop milking pulsation in an off position and then applying a teat dip into a milker unit teat cup liner to improve dip coverage on the teat.

Abstract: Waste collection pads are provided which have on their upper surface a waste collection area, the perimeter of the collection area being defined by a self-sealing strip. Suitable self-sealing strips include hook-and-loop, plastic zipper, and adhesive strips. In use, waste is deposited on the waste collection area, and the pad is then folded over so as to functionally engage the self-sealing strips. The waste is thereby contained and substantially sealed off from the environment. An absorbent layer, substantially covering the waste collection area, may optionally be present.

Abstract: A hopper separates waste from cat litter. The hopper may include sidewalls with a top and a bottom. The sidewalls may taper from the top to the bottom. At the bottom of the hopper is a grate. The hopper may be placed on a pail and the cat litter and waste may be poured directly into the hopper. The clean cat litter may pass through the grate and the waste may be caught on the grate and separated from the clean cat littler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fish fanning plant adapted for floating in free water. The plant comprises a substantially vertical inlet pipe and a corresponding outlet pipe for taking in and discharging water, respectively, at a water depth having the desired water quality at a depth (h). A substantially horizontal residential compartment of an accommodation assembly has an inlet end and an outlet end. Lattices are provided at these ends. Also provided at said ends are angled end sections for connecting the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, and residential compartment. The plant also comprises at least one means for providing water flow through the residential compartment. The invention further includes a module for a residential compartment of a fish fanning plant, a method for manufacturing an accommodation assembly, use of such a fish fanning plant for smolt, as well as a method for emptying such a fish farming plant.

Abstract: A transporting unit for live poultry including a quadrangular supporting frame and a plurality of drawer-type cages open at the top, arranged in a superimposed condition in the frame and slidably displaceable outwards through a first side of the supporting frame, in a partially extracted condition to enable loading of the poultry from a site located at a second side of the frame from the lowermost drawer kept inserted within the frame. The frame is configured to enable simultaneous loading of the poultry into each drawer-type cage from an additional site located at a third side of the supporting frame which is opposite to the second side.

Abstract: A plug insert matingly fits into the open lower end of a feed tube in a gilt or sow stall. The plug includes an inlet for receiving feed from the tube and an outlet for discharging feed onto the floor of the stall. The inlet and outlet are offset from one another. An axle extends through the plug, with spokes on the lower outer end of the axle, an anti-bridge bar on the upper end of the axle, and one or more fins on the central portion of the axle. Discharge of the seed is controlled by the gilt or sow as she rotates the spokes on the forward end of the plug, thereby rotating the fins or spiral flighting to carry feed from the inlet to the outlet. This self-feeding system eliminates or minimizes feed waste while providing an appropriate feeding program for the gilt or sow.

Abstract: The present inventive concepts relate to pet toys, in general, and specifically to pet toys constructed and adapted to provide a light source which directs a point of light on a distal surface to provide entertainment to an animal. A pet toy can include a housing suitable for attachment to mounting surface, such as ceiling or wall. The housing can further contain a laser light, a power supply, one or more motors and control circuitry. The motor(s) and control circuitry can be configured to move the light source to cause the point of light to move around on the distal surface. The control circuitry may be remotely operable via a remote control unit. The pet toy may selectively allow for either a constant or an intermittent display of the laser light, and may include a timing circuit to permit automatic deactivation of the light.

Abstract: An animal training apparatus with a radio transceiver is provided, which includes an encoder/tact switch setting animal stimulation levels, a mode designation input unit, a stimulation command input unit, an ID code setting unit, an RF radio signal generation unit, an antenna switch, a signal amplification unit, a received signal demodulation unit, a low-pass filter removing harmonic waves in a transmitted RF signal, a microphone inputting a user input audio signal, an audio output unit, and a first microprocessor operating in a radio transceiver mode if a user command is input, and generating data that corresponds to the stimulation level if a stimulation command is input. The animal training apparatus can subdivide and continuously set stimulation levels for animals, set levels that suit respective animals in the case of multi-dog training, and provide easiness to carry about through condensation of the training apparatus and the radio transceiver into one product.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely attaching one or more animals to a vehicle and enabling a human being to control an animal hands-free while she concentrates on operating the vehicle. The apparatus stretches to mitigate energetic movements, and the stretching does not terminate abruptly, thereby reducing the prospect of injury to a vehicle operator and/or to an attached animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passage device for fauna, which includes a first support structure to which is connected an overhead door, and which has been designed both to enable the passage of fauna and to prevent said fauna from accessing the inside of an enclosure for roads, railway lines and other infrastructures or premises enclosed by a fence.

Abstract: H2O heating methods, devices, and systems are disclosed, wherein the method of heating H2O includes immersing the combustion of H2 with O2 in flowing H2O such that H2O from the combustion diffuses into the flowing H2O, and thus supplements and heats the flowing H2O. Extended systems are also disclosed that source heated H2O for use, inter alia, in electric power generation driven by turbines or pistons, mobile vehicle locomotion driven by turbines or pistons, environmental heating, environmental cleaning, cooking of materials, recycling of materials, cutting of materials, and drilling of materials. In addition, portable implementations of the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A combustion system includes a reformer reforming a fuel on a catalyst to increase a combustion energy generated by the fuel per unit quantity of the fuel. The system includes an injection unit injecting a reformed fuel and a non-reformed fuel in such a manner that the reformed fuel is annularly distributed along an inner circumferential wall of a cylinder and the non-reformed fuel is distributed inside of the annularly distributed reformed fuel. The reformed fuel and the non-reformed fuel are combusted in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine at a substantially same time. The reformed fuel is annularly distributed along an inner circumferential wall of an internal combustion engine. The non-reformed fuel is distributed in a center portion of the annularly distributed reformed fuel. The non-reformed fuel is compressed self-ignited to be combusted and the reformed fuel is ignited by a combustion of the non-reformed fuel.

Abstract: A cooling structure of an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block, a cylinder head and a gasket. In a cross-section defined through an inter-bore region and perpendicular to the cylinder bank center line, a first end and a second end which face a cylinder bank center line are disposed nearer to the cylinder bank center line than a third end and a fourth end which face the cylinder bank center line, respectively. In the cross-section, a fifth end of a first communication hole facing the cylinder bank center line is provided between the first end of the head opening and the third end of the block opening. In the cross-section, a sixth end of a second communication hole facing the cylinder bank center line is provided between the second end of the head opening and the fourth end of the block opening.

Abstract: A system and methods for inferring a local engine temperature based on various engine conditions input to a dynamic model are disclosed. In the example system provided, an inferential temperature sensor uses a trainable model to estimate a local metal temperature in an exhaust valve bridge of a cylinder head which thereby allows closed loop control of a coolant flow device independent from engine speed, engine state, coolant flow state or system temperature. In response to estimated local metal temperatures, the methods described further allow thermal management of the engine system to be optimized.

Abstract: Disclosed is an engine cooling system which comprises: a head-side circulation pathway through which coolant from a water pump is circulated via a water jacket of a cylinder head and an EGR cooler; a block-side circulation pathway through which the coolant from the water pump is circulated via a water jacket of a cylinder block; and a switching valve unit operable, during cold operation of the engine, to pass the coolant from the water pump, along the head-side circulation pathway, and, when a temperature of the engine is raised up to a predetermined value, to pass the coolant from the water pump, along not only the head-side circulation pathway but also the block-side circulation pathway.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine comprises a crown, a skirt section extending from the crown, and an oil ring groove. The piston further comprises a drain hole and a cooling channel. The drain hole extends from the oil ring groove to an inside space of the piston. The cooling channel is formed in the crown at a level above the oil ring groove, and arranged to covey a cooling oil. The cooling channel includes a channel segment which is located near the drain hole and which is formed to have a sectional shape avoiding the drain hole.

Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine, including a crown portion that defines a combustion chamber, a ring-shaped cooling channel formed in the crown portion, through which a cooling oil flows, and a plurality of concave portions formed on at least one side of the cooling channel, in an axial direction of the piston, each of the plurality of concave portions having a curved surface.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes an oil control valve to control oil flow within a valve train. The control valve varies the flow rate to actuate an engine component from a first position to a second position based upon fluid pressure from the control valve. Varying the flow rate through the control valve includes increasing the flow rate through the control valve to increase the pressure to a first level to actuate the engine component to the first position. After the engine component is actuated, the flow rate through the control valve is maintained at a level sufficient to maintain the engine component in the first position. To actuate the engine component to the second position the flow rate through the control valve is then decreased. The fluid flow rate through the control valve is then maintained at a level sufficient to maintain the engine component in the second position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a variable valve timing control apparatus including a driving-side rotating member rotating about a rotary axis by rotational force transmitted from a crankshaft, a driven-side rotating member including at least one fluid pressure chambers partitioned and formed with at least one advanced angle chambers and at least one retarded angle chambers and integrally rotating with a camshaft for opening and closing a valve, and a lock mechanism configured with a lock member provided at one of the driving-side rotating member and the driven-side rotary member to be engageable and disengageable with a recessed portion formed at the other of the driving-side rotating member and the driven-side rotary member, and an engine control unit for stopping the internal combustion engine to position a portion where the lock mechanism is formed below a virtual line passing through the rotary axis when the internal combustion engine is stopped.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus includes: a first lock mechanism being arranged to lock the vane rotor to a first position between the most retard angle position and the most advance angle position with respect to the housing, and to release the lock; and a second lock mechanism being arranged to lock the vane rotor with respect to the housing, to a second position which is between the most retard angle position and the most advance angle position, and is on the retard angle side of the first position, and to release the lock.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a lift amount adjusting apparatus, a valve opening-closing timing control apparatus, a first assist portion, a second assist portion, and an engine control portion. The engine control portion performs a lift amount adjustment control controlling the lift amount adjusting portion to reduce a push force that the valve applies on the camshaft when the camshaft rotates in a case where the engine control portion receives start information of the internal combustion engine, controls the phase changing portion thereafter to change the relative rotational phase toward the advanced angle direction or toward the retarded angle direction on a basis of a predetermined condition, controls the lift amount adjusting portion thereafter to make the lift amount reach a predetermined amount corresponding to the predetermined condition, and drives a starter motor of the internal combustion engine thereafter.