Abstract: An artificial plant assembly (10) consisting of a stationary central stem (12) and a plurality of rotatable fronds (70). The central stem (12) includes a rigid inner core (14) and a molded outer stem (22). Near the lower terminus (26) of the outer stem (22) is a frond stop (30), a bulbous section (48) located above the stop (30), and extending from the upper end (18) and sides is located a plurality of leaves (58). The rotatable frond (70) also has a rigid inner core (72) and a molded outer stem (80). The outer stem (80) has an upper terminus (82), a lower bulbous section (84), and a plurality of leaves (58) that extend from its upper terminus (82) and sides. The lower bulbous section (84) has an open side (86) and an enclosed lower portion (80) having an opening (90). To produce the artificial plant assembly (10) the lower bulbous section (84) is inserted upward through the lower end (16) of the inner core (14) and forced over the frond stop (30).

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for laser welding a nickel and/or cobalt based superalloy article comprising: preheating the entire weld area and adjacent region to a ductile temperature with an induction heat coil and maintaining such temperature during welding and solidification of the weld; and welding the preheated article utilizing a laser with a powder alloy feed with a control means controlling the laser, power feed and motion system on which the article is fixtured, wherein the control means includes a vision system which digitizes the weld area providing a path for the laser welding to follow.