Abstract: An electronic ignition system provides precisely timed spark plug ignition in the combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine and provides an optimal supply of ignition energy for the required operating mode by including a programmable transistor ignition system ("PTI") controllable according to engine operating parameters which can execute a joint program for all spark plugs. The PTI is connected in series with high-voltage capacitor ignition devices associated with the individual spark plugs and supplies ignition energy to them repeatedly during each ignition process.

Abstract: The invention concerns three-layer composites with their plastic core so uniformly enriched with an appropriate percentage by volume of a ferrosilicon with an appropriate particle size that the composites can be securely joined to each other and to sheets of metal alone by resistance welding. The property applies to composites with either a viscously elastic or an impact-resistant core.

Abstract: To extend the temperature range of composite materials the composite material is made up of more than two hard layers which are joined with thin intermediate layers of viscoelastic material where one intermediate layer differs from another intermediate layer in that its softening range lies in a different temperature range so that the damping ranges of the intermediate layers also are different.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting the timing of an internal combustion engine in response to knocking are provided. In the method, knocking signals are generated when the engine knocks and the timing is too far advanced. First correctional signals are generated in response to the knocking signals and adjust at one speed range one of several control curves. Second correctional signals are generated from the first correctional signals to adjust the control curves at the remaining speed ranges. The timing of the engine is retarded in response to the adjusted control curves until the knocking disappears.

Abstract: The ignition timing of a spark-ignited internal combustion engine is controlled to have a stabilized idle speed which is approximately equal to a desired idle speed. In accordance with the invention the engine is supplied with a fuel-air mixture which has a high air ratio, exceeding the air ratio corresponding to maximum mean indicated pressure and hence maximum torque. The air ratio is in a range wherein an increased air ratio corresponds to decreased mean indicated pressure and consequently decreased torque. According to the invention, the ignition timing of the engine is controlled to linearly advance the timing from a nominal retarded condition in proposition to change in engine speed below the desired speed. The timing advance has the same ratio to engine speed change as the ratio of nominal ignition pulse spacing to the desired engine idle speed.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine under varying load conditions includes different controls which are used in first, second and third load ranges of the engine. In the first, lowest load range, including idle operation, a constant lean fuel-air ratio and constant mixture volume are supplied to the engine while the ignition timing is varied to provide a more advanced timing with increased engine load. In the second, intermediate load range, the lean fuel-air ratio is again maintained constant, the ignition timing corresponding to the most advanced ignition timing of the first range is maintained constant, and the mixture volume is varied from the volume corresponding to the first range to a higher volume with increased engine load. In the third, highest range of engine load, the mixture volume is maintained constant, the ignition timing is varied only as required to prevent knocking of the engine, and the fuel-air ratio is varied to supply a richer mixture with increased engine load.