Abstract: A friction stir welding system can reduce the likelihood of oxide formation in the work pieces being friction stir welded by forming an inert gas atmosphere in which the friction stir welding process is performed. The friction stir welding system includes one or more inert purge gas sources that direct inert purge gas towards the forming friction stir weld. The inert purge gas can be directed towards the forming weld from both an upper and a lower side, which further reduces the likelihood of oxide formation. Additionally, the friction stir welding system can include one or more housings that contains the inert purge gas about the forming friction stir weld, such as about an upper and lower side of the friction stir weld.

Abstract: A basin may comprise a wall wherein the wall may be circumscribed about a bowl of a toilet. The wall circumscribed about the bowl of the toilet may define a cavity which may catch or contain waste water overflowing from the toilet. Further, the bowl may be modified with a notch at a rear portion of a rim of the bowl. The notch may operate to direct overflowing waste water therethrough and into the basin or in the alternative into a bucket. In another embodiment of the present invention, a bowl may be modified with a threaded aperture. The threaded aperture may be large enough for an instrument or hand to pass therethrough so as to aid in removing debris from a siphon passageway. In another embodiment of the present invention, a bowl of a toilet may be fabricated with a built in plunger. The built in plunger may have a head that is disposed within the siphon passageway.