Abstract: A process is described for converting an oxygenate-containing feedstock into one or more olefins in a moving bed reactor system operating in countercurrent flow using a catalyst composition comprising a molecular sieve and at least one metal oxide having an uptake of carbon dioxide at 100° C. of at least 0.03 mg/m2 of the metal oxide.

Abstract: The invention provides for cells containing nucleic acids which include lysozyme gene expression controlling region nucleotide sequences which typically are linked to a polynucleotide encoding a heterologous polypeptide.

Abstract: A mammalian cell having a mismatch repair-deficient phenotype is provided, where one or both alleles of a gene essential for mismatch repair, such as an Msh gene, are inactivated. Using this cell in a gene knock-out methodology advantageously allows efficient homologous recombination, even when the DNA sequences of the donor and recipient sequences diverge by significantly more than 0.6%.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing transgenic livestock animals. The methods generally involve first introducing a nucleoprotein made up of nucleic acid and a recombinase into a totipotent or pluripotent cell to produce a recombinant totipotent or pluripotent cell and then growing the recombinant totipotent or pluripotent cell to produce the transgenic livestock animal. The invention further provides kits for use in generating transgenic non-human animals of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an FPA polynucleotide sequence which is involved in controlling the flowering time of plants. The present invention also provides a vector incorporating the protein coding sequence, or a portion or homolog thereof, as well as a genetically modified plant. Also disclosed are methods of producing a genetically modified plant in which the flowering time of the plant has been selectively altered, and methods for reducing the activity of FLC mRNA in plants containing the FLC gene.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding chlorophyllases. The invention also relates to the construction of recombinant DNA fragments comprising all or a portion of the isolated chlorophyllase-encoding polynucleotides, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA fragment results in production of altered levels of chlorophyllase in a transformed host cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of modulating abscisic acid signal transduction in plants. The method comprise introducing into the plant a recombinant expression cassette comprising a promoter operably linked to an ABH1 polynucleotide.

Abstract: The Arabidopsis NI16 gene was isolated in a yeast 2-hybrid screen via its interaction with the NIM1 protein and encodes a protein involved in the regulation of SAR gene expression in plants. NI16 is strongly induced in NIM1-overexpressing plants treated with benzo(1,2,3)thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester (BTH). The nucleic acid sequence of the Arabidopsis NI16 promoter is disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is the seed of a novel soybean cultivar, designated 11939-40, a sample of which is deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-7402. Also disclosed are plants, or parts thereof, grown from the seed of the cultivar, plants having the morphological and physiological characteristics of the 11939-40 cultivar, and methods of using the plant or parts thereof in a soybean breeding program.

Abstract: A soybean cultivar designated 4N0S63222 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 4N0S63222, to the plants of soybean 4N0S63222, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 4N0S63222 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 4N0S63222 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 4N0S63222, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 4N0S63222 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 4N0S63222 with another soybean cultivar.

Abstract: An inbred maize line, designated PH7AB, the plants and seeds of inbred maize line PH7AB, methods for producing a maize plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred maize line PH7AB with another maize plant, and hybrid maize seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line PH7AB with another maize line or plant and to methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic maize plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH7AB, to methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PH7AB and to the inbred maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I090372. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I090372, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I090372 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I090372 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I090372.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated I136799. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety I136799, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety I136799 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety I136799 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety I136799.

Abstract: A novel inbred maize line designated PHB6R and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing inbred maize line PHB6R with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHB6R through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the inbred line PHB6R or an introgressed trait conversion of PHB6R with another maize line. Inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHB6R, methods for producing other inbred maize lines derived from inbred maize line PHB6R and the inbred maize lines and their parts derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel hybrid maize variety designated 38M59 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety 38M59 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 38M59 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 38M59, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 38M59. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize lines derived from hybrid maize variety 38M59 and to the maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: A novel hybrid maize variety designated 32H20 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize lines. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety 32H20 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 32H20 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the hybrid seed 32H20, the hybrid plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and trivial modifications of hybrid 32H20. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize lines derived from hybrid maize variety 32H20 and to the maize lines derived by the use of those methods.

Abstract: In one illustrative example disclosed, a guitar pick holder is made of a thin, flat, and visually-appealing flexible synthetic layer of material which adheres to a front outside surface of a guitar. The flexible synthetic layer of material is sufficiently plasticized such that its front outer surface provides a clinging hold to guitar picks made of, for example, celluloid or nylon. The guitar pick is held against the front surface of the flexible synthetic layer of material and is thereby carried with the guitar, even when it is subject to relatively strong forces of accelerative motion (i.e. when the guitar is physically handled or shaken).

Abstract: A device for tension rods or attachment bolts for snare drums. The threaded tension rod or bolt may be a threaded locking bolt. In this way, the vibration caused by use of the drum does not lead to disengagement of the attachment means, or disengagement of the nuts from the tension rods. In these self-locking bolts, tension rods, or fasteners, a portion of the helical screw thread is replaced with a pliant member such as a polymer, and when the fastener is tightened, the polymer friction-fits to the threaded hole within the attachments means or nuts, rendering the fastener difficult to remove.

Abstract: An improved flat cymbal is formed from a flat sheet of stainless metal by laser cutting it into a selected form, such as a Maltese Cross having four arms with spaces between the arms. An opening is formed in each of the four arms. The cymbal will produce a distinctive sound that may be modified or tuned by changing the size of the openings or inserting jingles, rivets, sizzlers or shrapnel in the openings in the arms.

Abstract: Based on music performance data, music score display data are composed for displaying a music score representing the music performance. A user inputs his/her musical skill to the apparatus. Referring to a musical skill level versus music score item correspondence table, music score items to be exhibited in the music score are determined to meet the musical skill as inputted by the user, and are included in the composed music score display data. Thus, a music score containing assisting as well as necessary detailed musical signs and indications which meet the user's musical skill will be displayed in addition to the main musical notation of the note progression.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument displays a musical score including lyric character strings on a displayer 21, using music data stored in a storage device 43, by program-processing by a computer main unit 42. The music data includes a series of data representative of a lyric character string separated by break of lyrics, word, or segment of a sentence, the series of data stored in associated relation with data representative of a timing indicative of progression of a musical piece. The computer main unit 42 displays, on the displayer 21, a lyric character string which is not provided with enough display space in a display style different from a display style used for a lyric character string provided with enough display space. For example, part or the whole of characters of either of adjacent overlapping character strings is omitted, with a mark representative of being omitted attached. Alternatively, part or the whole of a preceding character string is displayed in a reduced size or in rows.

Abstract: The song search apparatus for searching a song among songs including lyrics and performances, comprises: a song feature information database which stores song feature information indicating acoustic feature of the performances or feature of the lyrics included in the songs; an input unit which inputs a search word representing the song to be searched and formed of a word representing a subjectivity; a search song feature information database which stores search song feature information indicating the acoustic feature or the feature of the lyrics of the songs; a search process unit which compares input search song feature information corresponding to the inputted search word with each of the stored song feature information, extracts a song most similar to the input search song feature information, and makes a display display an image indicating the input search song feature information and an image indicating the song feature information of the extracted song.

Abstract: Systems, and related methods, for graphical visualization and real-time motion control of virtual or real objects for the purpose of generating or influencing image or tone sequences in real time by interactive control commands of a user.

Abstract: Transducer for converting mechanical stress into electric signals, which transducer is composed of at least one electromechanical sheet (107,108) and is capable of converting mechanical stress into electric signals and in which transducer at least one of the electrodes required by the electromechanical sheet is disposed on the surface of one or more thin and flexible dielectric materials, said electrodes (109) forming electrically conductive surfaces of the transducer for connecting the transducer to a signal processing device, said electromechanical sheets being permanently charged cellular electret film and which transducer is constructed of a unitary, thin and flexible layered laminate structure.

Abstract: An optical energy conversion apparatus 10 includes a first impurity doped semiconductor layer 5, formed on a substrate, and which is of a semiconductor material admixed with a first impurity, an optically active layer 6, formed on the first impurity doped semiconductor layer 5, and which is of a hydrogen-containing amorphous semiconductor material, and a second impurity doped semiconductor layer 7, admixed with a second impurity and formed on the optically active semiconductor layer 6. The second impurity doped semiconductor layer is of a polycrystallized semiconductor material lower in hydrogen concentration than the material of the optically active semiconductor layer 6. The average crystal grain size in the depth-wise direction in an interfacing structure between the optically active semiconductor layer 6 and the second impurity doped semiconductor layer 7 is decreased stepwise in a direction proceeding from the surface of the second impurity doped semiconductor layer towards the substrate 1.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to enable circuit configuration of a substrate by the setting of settable bits associated with those circuits. An electrically conductive material is deposited onto selected settable bits which closes the desired circuit between the settable bits. In one embodiment in accordance with the invention, a carrier substrate is provided that comprises settable bits which are used to control a microelectronic package's electrical characteristics. In one embodiment, the settable bits are in the form of sets of spaced-apart bit pads which form an open circuit between a logic circuit and electrical ground (Vss). The open circuit is closed with the application of electrically conductive material that bridges the set of spaced-apart bit pads. The settable bits, therefore, do not require the addition of high profile components such as 0-ohm resisters to form the electrical bridging function between the bit pads of a settable bit.

Abstract: The invention provides a nanolithographic protosubstrate adapted for nanolithographic formation of nanostructures on the protosubstrate comprising: a substrate having a top surface exposed for nanolithographic formation of nanostructures, wherein the top surface comprises: electrically insulating surface regions; and at least one discreet electrode topology surrounded by the electrically insulating surface regions, wherein the electrode topology is adapted with electrical interconnections for electrically coupling the electrode topology to an external device.

Abstract: A multi-strand printed circuit board substrate for ball-grid array (BGA) assemblies includes a printed wiring board (11) having a plurality of BGA substrates (12) arranged in N rows (14) and M columns (16) to form an N by M array. N and M are greater than or equal to 2 and the size of the N by M array is selected such that each of the plurality of BGA substrates (12) maintains a planarity variation less than approximately 0.15 mm (approximately 6 mils). The printed wiring board (11) has a thickness (26) sufficient to minimize planarity variation and to allow a manufacturer to use automated assembly equipment without having to use support pallets or trays.

Abstract: A chip module element having an array of capacitors, a planar interconnect structure coupled to the array of capacitors, and a multilayer circuit structure coupled to the planar interconnect structure. The planar interconnect structure includes a plurality of conductive elements (e.g., z-connections and conductive posts) electrically communicating the capacitors and the multilayer circuit structure. A plurality of conductive pins is coupled to the multilayer circuit structure. The array of capacitors is capable of being charged by providing an electrical current which passes from the pins, through the multilayer circuit structure, through the conductive elements, and to the capacitors. A method for making a chip module element comprising forming an array of capacitors, electrically testing the capacitors in the array to determine which capacitors are defective and which are acceptable, and storing data of the defective capacitors in an information storage medium.

Abstract: A multi-layered printed wiring board, capable of securing required wiring density even with a decreased number of wiring layers and reducing radiation noises, has at least three wiring layers each at least having at least one power supply line or a ground line, and another kind of line, the wiring layers each having an outer edge. A ground line is formed at the outer edge of at least one of the wiring layers. A basic power supply line is formed inside the ground line. At least one power supply line extends from the basic power supply line. A plurality of electronic parts are mounted on at least one of the wiring layers. The at least one power supply line is wired to mounting positions of the electronic parts via at least one of the wiring layers.

Abstract: A method to replace an electrical interface on a printed circuit board having a plurality of contact pads on a top surface, the contact pads being connected to conducting material extending through said circuit board. For the contact pad being replaced, drilling a hole through said printed circuit board at that location, and removing any remaining conductor material attached to the contact pad on the top board surface. Providing a replacement conductor/contact pad structure having a generally T-configuration with a stem and a head that completely surrounds the stem, wherein said head has a diameter greater than the diameter of the drilled hole. Inserting the replacement conductor/contact pad into the hole with said stem extending beyond the second surface of the board with the bottom surface of the head being in contact with the first surface of said board. A replacement conductor/contact pad on repaired board is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a configuration of a hard drive enclosure system and method for manufacture in which a polymer including electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI shielding) properties is configured such that shielding gaskets may be reduced or eliminated completely. Patterned honeycomb “tubes” are molded into the front wall of the front panel providing access to the interior of the front plate, and allowing ventilation. Other EMI shielding cuts may be molded or stamped into the sides of the disk-drive enclosure and raised tab structures allow the enclosure to be placed in an array. The container is generally stamped, molded or extruded from Premier® or another EMI-shielding polymer material that provides sufficient EMI shielding.

Abstract: Portable scale devices, apparatus and methods for use with stretchers so that emergency medical service (EMS) personal can accurately measure a patient's weight in the field so that proper medication treatment and dosage can be administered. A head plate member can be pivotably attached to a middle plate, and a foot plate member can also be pivotably attached to the middle plate. The head and foot plate members can be inclined to form a V configuration relative the middle plate. A scale can be attached beneath the middle plate so that the pivotable head and foot plate members on the middle member with the scale can be easily inserted between a mattress and a stretcher. The portable scale devices, apparatus and methods can be used in the field as soon as a patient is placed on the stretcher, as well as when the stretcher is being physically moved and handled in the field, and additionally when the stretcher is being placed and/or moved by a vehicle such as an ambulance.

Abstract: A weight scale for a extracorporeal pump controller including: a load cell mounted to a support housing; a spring coupled to the load cell to apply a force to the load cell; a scale beam connected to the spring and at a proximal end connected to the support housing, and an overload protection bore having an aperture through which extends said beam and said aperture having at least one edge in a path of said beam, wherein said edge terminates said path and the beam has maximum rated load position in the path before the edge.

Abstract: A full function foldable keyboard for an electronic device and in particular a mobile communication terminal having first, second and third body elements is disclosed wherein hinged together second and third body elements are arranged for pivotal movement relative to one another about a lengthwise axis passing through the hinge as the device is moved between its operative closed and open positions. The second body element is arranged for rotational movement with respect to the first body element about a pivot axis passing lengthwise through the first and second body elements and is offset from one edge of the first body element and the hinge edge of the second body element. The third body element moves with transverse sliding movement along an angular linear path with respect to the first body element as the device is moved between its operative closed and open positions.

Abstract: A joystick includes a base and a cover mounted over the base. A stick has a first end that extends from the cover and a second end. An active yoke is mounted above the base and is coupled to second end of the stick. The active yoke has a first and second end. The active yoke is adapted to be moved by the stick. A passive yoke is mounted over the active yoke and has a third and fourth end. The passive yoke is adapted to be moved by the stick. A first contactor is mounted to the first end and a second contactor is mounted to the third end. A first resistor is positioned between the first contactor and the cover and a second resistor is positioned between the second contactor and the cover. The resistors are adapted to generate an electrical signal that is indicative of a position of the stick. A switch is positioned in the base below the active yoke. The switch is activated when the stick is sufficiently depressed so as to cause the active yoke to contact the switch.

Abstract: An electrical switch comprises a dielectric substrate and a deformable contact member overlying the dielectric substrate for contacting an electrical conductor on the dielectric substrate when deformed. The contact member is electrically connected to another electrical conductor on the dielectric substrate, and may have plural contact fingers. A mounting may be provided for mounting the switch using a fastener, a tie member or an adhesive member.

Abstract: A multifunction switch for operating a device in a sealed container such as a flashlight includes at least one reed switch mounted at a location on an inner surface of the sealed container. A base plate is provided on an outer surface of the sealed container which has at least three detents. A sliding switch plate having an inner surface is juxtaposed with the outer surface of the base plate. The sliding switch plate inner surface has a securing device for removably securing and retaining the sliding switch in a desired position when the securing device is received by one of the detents. The sliding switch inner surface has at least one magnet mounted therein which operates one or more reed switches when at least one magnet slides over the location of the reed switch. A perimeter face plate is attached to the base plate to hold the sliding switch plate onto the base plate.

Abstract: A vehicle door handle apparatus includes a door handle having an inner space therein, a first wall portion having an operation surface at an outer side thereof, and a first inner surface at an inner side thereof, the first inner surface being a part of a surface defining the inner space of the door handle; a sensor electrode positioned inside the inner space so as to face the first inner surface of the first wall portion and capable of generating electrostatic capacitance between the sensor electrode and a dielectric approaching the operation surface; and a controlling member housed within the inner space and capable of adjusting the sensor electrode to come in contact with the inner surface of the first wall portion.

Abstract: An air guidance device is for cooling a switch part of an electrical switch. It includes at least one air guidance element arranged at a distance from the switch part to be cooled, forming at least one air duct which runs vertically when the switch is in the installed position. The air duct includes an inlet area, which points downwards, for cooling air to flow therein, and having an outlet area, which points upwards, for cooling air to flow out thereof. In order to improve the heat dissipation, the air guidance element is shaped such that the inlet area tapers in the direction of the outlet area.

Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for a circuit breaker which includes a housing assembly that defines a substantially enclosed space housing an operating mechanism. The handle assembly is preferably a single-piece and includes a base member which is coupled to the operating mechanism, and a handle member having a first end which protrudes from an opening of the housing assembly, and a second end coupled to the base member. The base member includes first and second integral resilient legs which are disposed within the opening and are supported by posts protruding from the housing assembly, in order to resist undesired access into the substantially enclosed space therein. The first and second integral resilient legs each include a groove which increases the resiliency of the leg. The handle assembly is preferably symmetric about the longitudinal axis of the handle member.

Abstract: A first bearing member is provided on one of an upper face of a board member and a lower face of a key top member. A first guide member is provided on the other one of the upper face of the board member and the lower face of the key top member. A first link member is disposed between the board member and the key top member, and has a first end portion rotatably supported by the first bearing member and a second end portion engaged with the first guide member. The first link member is pivotable in a first direction about the first end portion thereof to allow the key top member to move in a vertical direction. The second end portion of the first link member is slidable relative to the first guide member in a horizontal direction in accordance with the movement of the key top member.

Abstract: A metal dome switch includes a touch element protruding from a center of the metal dome switch, a connecting element integrally extended from a periphery of the touch element and a mountable surface integrally formed on the touch element. Since the touch element, the connecting element and the mountable surface are integrally formed; the manufacture cost of the metal dome switch can be reduced.

Abstract: A touch screen comprising: a) a substrate; b) a first conductive layer located on the substrate; c) a flexible sheet comprising a substantially planar surface and integral compressible spacer dots formed thereon, each integral compressible spacer dot having a base closest to the substantially planar surface and a peak furthest from the substantially planar surface; and d) a second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface of the flexible sheet, the peaks of the integral compressible spacer dots extending beyond the second conductive layer located on the substantially planar surface; wherein the first and second conductive layers are positioned towards each other and separated by the integral compressible spacer dots. The integral compressible spacer dots are sized and positioned in a pattern that establishes at least one of differentiated minimum required activation forces and differentiated durability for selected areas of the touch screen.

Abstract: A postal sorting machine includes an injection carousel (1) and a system (4) for injecting mail items (3) standing on edge into receptacles (2) of the carousel (1). Each receptacle (2) of the carousel (1) is defined by an end wall (7) and two side walls (5, 6). A flexible deflector (12) is secured to a first side wall (5) of each receptacle in such a manner that each mail item (3) injected into the receptacle (2) is guided towards the end wall (7) while being pressed substantially against the second side wall (6).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid circuit-breaker which, for each pole, comprises a dielectric-gas interrupting chamber (1) which contains a first contact (1A) and a moving second contact (1B) that are disposed longitudinally to a first axis (AA?) and in which the first contact (1A) is connected to a first terminal (3A) of the network, said interrupting chamber (1) being connected in series with a vacuum bottle (2) which contains a fixed contact (2A) and a moving contact (2B) that are disposed longitudinally to a second axis (BB?) and in which the fixed contact (2A) is connected to a second terminal (3B) of the network, actuating means acting via a single control (4) to move said moving contacts between respective open positions and respective closed positions.

Abstract: A method for interconnecting tubulars by forge welding involves arranging the tubular ends that are to be interconnected at a distance, up to a few millimeters from each other in a shield gas chamber, into which a reducing non-explosive flushing fluid mixture (e.g. N2+H2) is injected; heating each tubular end within the space by means of at least three electrodes that are pressed at circumferentially spaced intervals against the wall of each tubular, adjacent to the tubular end such that a high frequency electrical current is transmitted in a substantially circumferential direction through the tubular segments between the electrodes; and moving the thus uniformly heated tubular ends towards each other until a forge weld is formed between the heated tubular ends.

Abstract: A positioning jig for a spot-welding electrode includes an attaching portion for temporarily attaching to a workpiece. A positioning portion of the jig is disposed in parallel to a central axis of the attaching portion and spaced from the central axis. The positioning portion has an imaginary central axis coinciding with the central axis of the attaching portion. With the attaching portion attached to that part of a workpiece surface which is to be spot welded, the electrode is set on the central axis of the attaching portion. An inclination of the electrode is corrected to make the electrode stand parallel to the positioning portion such that, even when the workpiece surface is curved, the electrode can be positioned perpendicularly to the workpiece surface part to be spot welded.

Abstract: An arc suppression system for plasma processing comprising at least one sensor coupled to the plasma processing system, and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor. The controller provides at least one algorithm for determining a state of plasma in contact with a substrate using at least one signal generated from the at least one sensor and controlling a plasma processing system in order to suppress an arcing event. When voltage differences between sensors exceed a target difference, the plasma processing system is determined to be susceptible to arcing. During this condition, an operator is notified, and decision can be made to either continue processing, modify processing, or discontinue processing.