Abstract: An improved engine gear drive train arrangement is provided which effectively minimizes the crankshaft torsional vibrations at the location of the gear train, for engines with a front gear train. A flywheel is resiliently connected to the rear end portion of the crankshaft so as to resiliently connect a driven unit to the crankshaft. An extra inertial device is connected to the front end portion of the crankshaft and includes an inertia so selected as to cause a nodal point of the first torsional vibration mode of the crankshaft to be located in the vicinity of the crank gear to minimize the amplitude of torsional deflection of the crankshaft at the crank gear. Also, the device for resiliently connecting the flywheel to the rear end portion of the crankshaft may include resilient members positioned in cavities formed by engaging rings.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the growth of microorganisms in liquid culture involving the detection of pressure change in a gas-tight container such as a blood culture bottle incorporating a flexible diaphragm (septum) by detecting displacement of the septum, is characterised by the position or conformation of the diaphragm being repeatedly sensed using a distance-measuring means, such as a laser, preferably capable of detecting a variation in the position or conformation of the diaphragm to an accuracy of 200.mu. or better, with a portion of the container adjacent the diaphragm conveniently being used as a reference to detect any relative positional or conformational change of the diaphragm. Preferably the laser repeatedly scans a plurality of containers mounted in a holder such as a flat bed or a carousel.

Abstract: An imaging device is fitted with a handstrap adjustable for holding the device with either the left or right hand without having to detach the handstrap from the body of the imaging device. Such an imaging device includes: a body; a conduit fixedly attached to the body and, a strap having a predetermined length with an intermediate portion and first and second end portions, each of the end portions being attached to the body, the intermediate portion being movable through the conduit to allow formation of a loop on either side thereof which is sufficient in size to accommodate a single hand of a user to engage the imaging device.

Abstract: A folding assembly for use with an imaging device can foldably connect a first housing section to a second housing section so as to accommodate movement of the first and second housing sections relative to each other between erect and folded positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for altering the acoustic signature of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Several techniques for altering the acoustic signature of an engine are shown, including time-varying, disabling or cutout of individual cylinders of an engine in a random fashion in order to reduce the periodic characteristics of the exhaust noise of the engine. Alternate embodiments include offsetting crank pins to transform an even firing engine into an uneven firing engine, inhibiting the fueling of individual cylinders, and inhibiting the ignition signals provided to individual cylinders. A combination of the above techniques may also be implemented in order to disperse the exhaust noise energy present over a wide frequency range, making acoustic detection of the exhaust signature difficult. Cylinder cutout schemes are implemented over a single or multiple engine cycle to disperse exhaust noise pulses over time and randomize measurable spectral noise composition.

Abstract: A method and device for providing a time-varying minimum engine speed setting are disclosed. A first embodiment of the device includes programming within an electronic engine control module for variably supplying fuel to an engine via variable activation periods for the fuel injectors of a fuel injected engine. In another embodiment a rotating cam provides a positionally time-varying mechanism stop against which the throttle linkage is positioned when released by the operator. In another embodiment of the invention, a solenoid provides a minimum engine speed setting which varies between two different positions. The two different positions are produced by a solenoid, which is activated and deactivated at random to produce a pseudo-random variation in minimum engine speed. Pulse-width activation of the solenoid provides variable positioning of the solenoid actuator between the two end stop positions of the solenoid actuator.