Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes internal flow passages through which filler media, gas, and coolant may flow. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms, gas, and coolant may be supplied to the hand-held laser welding wand via external systems and delivery devices without substantially impairing operation of the wand.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes one or more filler media delivery flow passages. The wand is dimensioned to be grasped with a single hand, thus filler media of various types and forms may be supplied to the weld area on a workpiece using various types of delivery systems and methods, including fully automated, semi-automated, or manually. The filler media may be delivered via the filler media delivery passages or separate from the passages.

Abstract: A hand-held laser welding wand includes a reflection shield that reflects laser light that is reflected off a work piece surface away from the hand of a user of the hand-held laser welding wand. The shield also reflects the thermal radiation transmitted from the work piece toward the wand during the weld process. This will help guard against a user of the wand absorbing laser light that may be reflected off the work piece, as well as significantly reduce any heat that might be transferred to the wand as a result of the reflected laser light.

Abstract: A method of removing metal from a metal-containing substrate is provided. The method comprises (1) providing modified plants having an improved metal accumulating capability compared to unmodified plants by virtue of an increase in the concentration of histidine within the modified plants and (2) maintaining at least one such modified plant on the metal containing substrate under conditions such that the modified plant accumulates the metal from the substrate. The modified plant can be genetically engineered so as to be capable of increased production of histidine. Further, the increase in histidine concentration within the modified plants can also be achieved by administering a formulation comprising an effective concentration of histidine to the plants. A recombinant vector capable of transforming selected plant cells to augment the concentration of histidine in the plant cell, and a plant cell, plant cell culture or transgenic plant transformed with such a vector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-way wireless local transmission system integrates computer and television user interfaces. A television set-top device includes a separate transmitter and receiver. The transmitter converts an audio and video signal into a modulated signal within the 902-928 MHz frequency band and transmits the modulated signal to a receiver associated with a computer peripheral device. The receiver downconverts the modulated signal and processes the signal within the computer. The computer processed signal is then sent by a transmitter in the computer peripheral device to the receiver in the set-top device, which provides the signal to a television receiver which displays images in response to the received signals.

Abstract: Materials and methods for removing metal pollutants from metal-containing substrates, particularly soil environments, using plants modified so as to contain an increased concentration of the amino acid histidine responsible for metal uptake and tolerance.

Abstract: A process for the abatement of trimethylvinylsilane (TMVS) by contacting a gas stream containing TMVS with copper(II) oxide (CuO) and/or manganese oxide (MnO2) in the presence of sufficient oxygen to prevent reduction of the oxides and at a temperature of at least room temperature, but preferably, at an elevated temperature greater than 100° C.

Abstract: A two-way wireless local transmission system integrates computer and television user interfaces. A television set-top device includes a separate transmitter and receiver. The transmitter converts an audio and video signal into a modulated signal within the 902-928 MHz frequency band and transmits the modulated signal to a receiver associated with a computer peripheral device. The receiver downconverts the modulated signal and processes the signal within the computer. The computer processed signal is then sent by a transmitter in the computer peripheral device to the receiver in the set-top device, which provides the signal to a television receiver which displays images in response to the received signals.

Abstract: A hydraulic winch assembly is attached to a motor vehicle and hydraulically powered by the vehicle's power steering system. A four-way, dual solenoid-operated valve controls the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid. During normal driving operations while the winch is not in use, hydraulic fluid flows through the valve with no diversion of fluid away from the power steering system. With either of the solenoid coils energized, the valve diverts hydraulic fluid to the winch motor for operation of the winch. Return hydraulic flow from the winch motor maintains sufficiently high pressure to enable the power steering system to function safely during operation of the winch. In this manner, the winch is fail-safe because power steering system operation will not be adversely affected in the event of an inadvertent activation of the winch. Hydraulic fluid is continuously cooled by a cooler, even when the winch is not in operation.

Abstract: The specification discloses a fluid coupling for connecting rotatable shafts. In one embodiment, rotation of an output shaft is transferred to a drive shaft by a pair of opposed rotatable rings having interleaved fins. The interleaved fins provide fluid filled chambers and relative movement of the fins compresses the fluid and increases the ability of the fluid to transfer torque.

Abstract: A test for determining hepatic function has been developed. This test uses oral administration of isotope labeled phenylalanine or tyrosine, particularly .sup.13 C-phenylalanine, in a rapid breath test. In the preferred mode, the breath sample is analyzed using a mass spectrometer and compared with a standard. The breath test provides a dynamic rather than static determination of hepatic function and can be used for both early and late stage liver problems.

Abstract: The specification discloses a fluid coupling for connecting rotatable shafts. In one embodiment, rotation of an output shaft is transferred to a drive shaft by a pair of opposed rotatable rings having interleaved fins. The interleaved fins provide fluid filled chambers and relative movement of the fins compresses the fluid and increases the ability of the fluid to transfer torque.

Abstract: A well water aeration system removes volatile contaminants from well water pumped through the well pipe of a well into a building. An elongate spray conduit is spliced into the well pipe at a location below the top of the well but above the average static water level in the well. The spray conduit is formed with spray holes for spraying, aerating and recirculating a fractional portion of the well water pumped through the well pipe with the fractional portion of sprayed water falling back down the well. The spray holes are selected in number and diameter to maintain adequate pressure for continued pumping of the well water through the well pipe. A check valve at the upper end of the spray conduit stops the backflow of water from the building into the elongate spray conduit when pumping of well water through the well pipe stops.