Abstract: A combination internal combustion and electric engine has a predetermined plurality of cylinders. A number of cylinders less than the predetermined plurality of cylinders are configured in conventional fashion and each has a conventional fuel powered piston located within it. A solenoid powered piston is positioned in each one of the remaining cylinders which does not have a conventional fuel powered piston therein. Additionally, a method of converting a conventional internal combustion engine having a predetermined plurality of cylinders in fluidic communication with a carburetor and an equal number of pistons into a combination internal combustion and electric engine includes blocking off less than all of the cylinders to prevent fluidic communication between the blocked cylinders and the carburetor and replacing a number of the fuel powered pistons within the blocked cylinders with electrically powered pistons. The invention is equally applicable to four, six, and eight cylinder engines.

Abstract: An anti-skid tire guard has three main components. The first component is a pair of spaced strips of material, each of the strips comprising three slats connected end to end by hinge pins. The strips are maintained in spaced relation by a plurality of metal or plastic tread members having studs projecting from one surface thereof. The ends of both of the strips are provided with female connectors. A plurality of blanks comprise each tread member and are connected by wires which are attached to the hinges by adjacent slats forming the strips. The second component comprises two slats attached end to end by a hinge, the free ends of each of these slats comprising male connector members designed to securely fit within the female members. A tread member similar to those used in the first component is provided, which is attached to the hinged portion between the two slats at one end and which has a hook at its other end.