Abstract: A variable ratio belt drive in which a pair of pulleys each having axially movable flanges are driven by a belt and in which the ratio of the pulleys can be changed and for all ratio changes, the load between the pulley and the belt is proportional to the useful tangential force at the belt and its friction coefficient with the pulley to produce only the necessary pressure between the pulley flanges and the belt to transmit the power applied to one pulley to the other pulley. The force on the flanges of the pulleys results from control plates having opposed control surfaces of a particular configuration which are forced apart in response to the application of torque to move the pulley flanges axially toward each other with the required force. One embodiment uses a plurality of control surfaces to increase the movement of pulley flanges and thereby the maximum ratio that can be obtained.

Abstract: A cylinder cut-out system including an intake manifold having first passage means communicating with one half of the engine combustion chambers; second passage means communicating with the other half of the engine combustion chambers; an air metering mechanism having passage means for respectively supplying a combustible air-fuel mixture or metered air to the first and second manifold passage means; and a control device having first and second valves that prevent mixture flow to the manifold passage to be inactivated, and open the manifold passage to either atmosphere or the exhaust manifold, respectively.

Abstract: A swimming pool cover having at least a portion of which is made of material allowing solar energy to pass therethrough coacts with a solar heating mat in the pool to retain heat developed by the mat. The dark-colored mat has a specific gravity sufficiently greater than that of water to allow the mat to sink to the bottom of the swimming pool. The mat is made of a pliable material and has a crossbar member to facilitate rolling of the mat so that the surface area of the mat may be varied in order to provide control of the temperature of the water. A cylindrical air sac is connected to the cover, which is made of pliable material, and is positioned adjacent an edge of the cover in order to allow rolling and unrolling of the cover and is sufficiently buoyant to support the cover in the water when the cover is in rolled and unrolled positions and during movement therebetween.

Abstract: A charge forming system including an intake manifold having first passage means communicating with one-half of the engine combustion chambers; second passage means communicating with the other half of the engine combustion chambers; an air metering mechanism having passage means for respectively supplying a combustible fuel/air mixture or metered air to the first and second manifold passage means; and a control device disposed between the air metering mechanism and the intake manifold for controlling flow to the first manifold passage whereby the engine may operate on the power from one-half of its cylinders under low engine load conditions.