Abstract: An apparatus and process for enhancing the ignition of a gas to form a plasma in a plasma tool. The apparatus and process includes the use of a plasma tube to locally enhance the applied electric field so that plasma can be initiated at higher pressures, at lower electric fields, and/or in otherwise difficult gases to ignite. The plasma tube includes at least one conductive fiber secured to the tube. A process for enhancing the local electric field includes coupling the plasma tube to an energy source such as microwave energy, radiofrequency energy, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing energy sources.

Abstract: A current sensing system including a carrier strip, the carrier strip disposed so as to be associated with a current carrying conductor, wherein when an electrical current flows through the conductor, the electrical current flowing through the conductor creates a magnetic field having a magnetic flux, wherein the magnetic flux is responsive to the electrical current flow, a Hall effect sensor disposed relative to the carrier strip such that the Hall effect sensor is communicated with the magnetic field, wherein the Hall effect sensor generates an electrical signal responsive to the magnetic flux and a metering device in communication with the Hall effect sensor, wherein the metering device processes the electrical signal so as to create a processed signal responsive to the electrical current flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent for transluminal implantation in a hollow organ, comprising a plurality of circumferentially interconnected stent members forming at least two chains. The chains are linked together via several intermediate members having at least a section disposed at a slant angle relative to the stent longitudinal axis, in order to compensate, at least partly, for the longitudinal shortening upon expansion of the stent. This longitudinal shortening, occurring during stretching of the stent, is reduced owing to the provision, between the chains which are close to the first stent members and linked by intermediate members, of at least one other stent member having a higher elastic deformability than the first stent members.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a machine for shaping a bus bar comprises a first retaining device, a second retaining device, a twisting device and an offset mechanism. The first retaining device is arranged to secure a first section of the bus bar in a first plane. The second retaining device is arranged to secure a second section of the bus bar. The twisting device is connected to the second retaining device and rotates the second retaining device to twist the second section of the bus bar about a longitudinal axis of the bus bar positioning the bus bar in a second plane. The offset mechanism is connected to the first retaining device and is arranged to offset the second section of the bus bar in a third plane, the third plane generally parallel to the second plane.