Abstract: A cylinder block for an internal combustion engine which, in use, supports a rotary crankshaft 40, the block having pairs of opposed lock width surfaces 37 formed thereon for forming an interference fit with respective co-operating lock width surfaces 38 on the crankshaft bearing caps 34 which in use are secured to respective bearing cap support surfaces 36 also formed on the block 31. The lock width surfaces 37, 38 are spaced from the respective bearing cap support surfaces 36 so as to improve stress cracking resistance of the block 31.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing noise originating in a flowing stream of gases in which the noise is progressively absorbed from the flowing stream to provide noise of reduced intensity relative to noise intensity at the upstream end of the stream, and the noise of reduced intensity actively attenuated with controlled sound energy. To facilitate the active attenuation of noise, the flowing stream is preferably divided into a plurality of smaller streams after a level of reduced intensities is attained and the active attenuation performed independently in each of the smaller streams. The apparatus is in the nature of a conduit (10) which defines a single duct extending from the inlet end (14) for a portion of the length of the conduit. Downstream, the single duct joins with a plurality of ducts (32,34) extending to the outlet end (16). An active noise attenuating device is preferably provided in each of the plurality of ducts.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for introducing superimposed symbology from a CRT into a dimly lit scene being viewed through a viewing device by utilizing a very small mirror to reflect symbology from the source to the viewing device while minimizing the interference of the reception of light from the dimly lit scene by the viewing device, reducing the light from the source to a level consistent with that from the dimly lit scene and decreasing the aperture from the source so that the symbology remains in focus over a large depth of focus.

Abstract: A decoupling ring provided on the front annular face of the nose shell of a craft, surrounding the sonar array. This ring decouples the vibration in the nose shell from the fluid path. The decoupling ring is constructed of one or more mass elements on one or more compliance elements. The individual compliance elements are preferably vibrationally speaking springs and the mass elements are preferably metal segments which form a mass-spring system. The dimensions and characteristics of the mass and compliance rings are chosen to have a fundamental resonant frequency well below the sonar frequency range of interest, thus acting as a low pass filter. When the vibrational energy has a frequency above the resonant frequency of the mass spring system, the vibrational energy is attenuated effectively. The low frequency resonance of the decoupling ring is obtained by using a large mass and a large compliance in the mass and compliance elements, respectively.

Abstract: An array plate for use in an underwater craft. The craft having an array of sonar elements which has a selected range of operating frequencies. The array plate having at least one layer of material in which the layer(s) of material are designed to have selected natural frequencies of vibration throughout the range of sonar operating frequencies. The natural frequencies resulting in standing waves having selected wavelengths that develop along the layer(s) of material. The sonar elements are mounted upon the layer(s) of material such that adjacent sonar elements are spaced apart a distance of one half the average wavelength of the standing waves.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method and apparatus for stripping leaf lamina from tobacco leaf stems. The apparatus comprises two pairs of opposed rollers in tandem relationship. The first set of rollers is driven at a fixed speed and serves to engage and feed tobacco leaf to the second set of rollers which are driven at a relatively higher speed. When the second pair of rollers engages the stem of the tobacco leaf, the stem is yanked away from the leaf lamina, which is held back by its engagement with the first pair of feed rollers. In this way stripping of the leaf lamina occurs. The disclosure is also of a method of destemming tobacco leaf, employing the apparatus of the invention. The method simulates the desirable results of hand stripping without an expenditure of hand stripping labor. The method is also advantageous in that it permits one to destem tobacco leaves having relatively low moisture content and at ambient temperatures, thereby effecting a considerable savings in energy expenditure.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method and apparatus for stripping leaf lamina from tobacco leaf stems. The apparatus comprises two pairs of opposed rollers in tandem relationship. The first set of rollers is driven at a fixed speed and serves to engage and feed tobacco leaf to the second set of rollers which are driven at a relatively higher speed. When the second pair of rollers engages the stem of the tobacco leaf, the stem is yanked away from the leaf lamina, which is held back by its engagement with the first pair of feed rollers. In this way stripping of the leaf lamina occurs. The disclosure is also of a method of destemming tobacco leaf, employing the apparatus of the invention. The method simulates the desirable results of hand stripping without an expenditure of hand stripping labor. The method is also advantageous in that it permits one to destem tobacco leaves having relatively low moisture content and at ambient temperatures, thereby effecting a considerable savings in energy expenditure.