Abstract: A performance shell (1) for outdoor music performance including a platform (2) providing a performance area for receiving at least one sound source, the platform combining unitarily with a rear wall reflectors (5), side wall reflector (6) and a canopy reflector (7) to define an enclosure having a front opening (11) for communicating acoustically with an open air audience area. The canopy reflector includes a main portion (8) extending above the performance area and a projecting portion (9) projecting forwardly of a front edge of the performance area, the canopy reflector further including sound diffusion formations (13) on an underside of the main portion and the projecting portion and adapted to provide non-specular reflection of sound from the at least one sound source for enhancing sound received both in the performance area and the audience area.

Abstract: A performance shell (1) for outdoor music performance including a platform (2) providing a performance area for receiving at least one sound source, the platform combining unitarily with a rear wall reflectors (5), side wall reflector (6) and a canopy reflector (7) to define an enclosure having a front opening (11) for communicating acoustically with an open air audience area. The canopy reflector includes a main portion (8) extending above the performance area and a projecting portion (9) projecting forwardly of a front edge of the performance area, the canopy reflector further including sound diffusion formations (13) on an underside of the main portion and the projecting portion and adapted to provide non-specular reflection of sound from the at least one sound source for enhancing sound received both in the performance area and the audience area.

Abstract: A performance shell for outdoor music performance comprises a platform providing a performance area for receiving at least one sound source, the platform combining unitarily with a rear wall reflectors, side wall reflector and a canopy reflector to define an enclosure having a front opening for communicating acoustically with an open air audience area. The canopy reflector comprises a main portion extending above the performance area and a projecting portion projecting forwardly of a front edge of the performance area, the canopy reflector further comprising sound diffusion formations on an underside of the main portion and the projecting portion and adapted to provide non-specular reflection of sound from the at least one sound source for enhancing sound received both in the performance area and the audience area.

Abstract: A system for bringing an internal combustion engine to a stop at a predetermined angular position of an engine shaft, such as a crankshaft or a camshaft, with respect to the engine's valves. The optimum shaft stop position is the point wherein the fewest lifters are collapsed the least amount. Exemplary methods and apparatus include using the engine starter motor to jog the stopped engine to the desired position; using the engine alternator to impose a variable electromagnetic load on the engine to bring the engine to a stop at the desired position; using variable firing of cylinders to control the deceleration profile to bring the engine to a stop at the desired position; and providing one or more detents formed in the shaft and using a shaft follower to control the stop position of the shaft by engaging the follower into a detent.