Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure relate to a device for determining a characteristic of a camera. The device includes a moveable fixture operable to position a target in a field of view of a camera. A face of the target has linear regions of interest, and the face is normal to a line of sight of the camera. The moveable fixture is configured to rotate the target about a center of the face to adjust an angle of the linear regions of interest relative to a horizontal axis and a vertical axis of the field of view, thereby enabling a determination of a characteristic of the camera based on the linear regions of interest. Target rotation angles can be determined for any camera field position and indexed automatically to improve testing efficiencies while increasing the number of target positions that are characterized in the camera's field of view.

Abstract: A valve system includes a cam that has a shaft portion with an opening configured to receive a motor shaft, where the opening is off-center within the shaft portion. The system also includes a connecting rod assembly mounted to the shaft portion of the cam, where the connecting rod assembly includes a flexible one-piece connecting rod. The system further includes a valve mounted to an end of the flexible one-piece connecting rod such that rotation of cam results in translation of the valve.

Abstract: A valve system includes a cam that has a shaft portion with an opening configured to receive a motor shaft, where the opening is off-center within the shaft portion. The system also includes a connecting rod assembly mounted to the shaft portion of the cam, where the connecting rod assembly includes a flexible one-piece connecting rod. The system further includes a valve mounted to an end of the flexible one-piece connecting rod such that rotation of cam results in translation of the valve.

Abstract: A method for surgically implanting a fluid adjustable device within a body. The method uses the step of providing a fluid adjustable device having an elongated substantially flexible inflatable portion and an elongated flexible and substantially inextensible band portion attached to the inflatable portion. The method further involves changing the shape of the device from a straight configuration to a curved configuration by increasing the temperature of the device by inserting the device into a body.

Abstract: A surgically implantable fluid adjustable device, such as an adjustable gastric band, having an elongated substantially flexible inflatable portion, and an elongated flexible and substantially inextensible band portion attached to the inflatable portion. The device further includes a member for changing the shape of the device from a straight configuration to a curved configuration after being implanted within a body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted for applying a plurality of surgical fasteners to body tissue. The surgical instrument includes an anvil and a cartridge housing containing a plurality of surgical fasteners. The cartridge housing and anvil are relatively movable between a first spaced apart position and a second closed position. A firing mechanism is associated with the cartridge housing for ejecting the surgical fasteners from the cartridge housing to be driven against the anvil. A lockout mechanism interacts with the cartridge housing for activation and deactivation; the lockout mechanism preventing movement of the cartridge housing to its second closed position but permitting relative reapproximation movement of the cartridge housing and anvil, whereby reapproximation provides an indicator that the instrument is not malfunctioning.

Abstract: An air bag calibrator that is used to calibrate a plurality of seat sensors within a seat simultaneously. The calibrator uses controlled pressure contained within an air bladder and an air press cylinder to apply a controlled force across an entire seat surface that actuates all of the seat sensors in a consistent and repeatable manner, a major improvement over existing seat calibration methods. This is accomplished by loading a seat onto the calibrator, recording a baseline seat sensor value for each of the seat sensors, extending the air press cylinder to an extended position and applying a controlled force across the entire seat surface. The air pressure in the air bladder is then increased or decreased to a target pressure for a predetermined time, at which time an actuated seat sensor values for each of the seat sensors is recorded.

Abstract: An electrical control popout actuator mechanism preferably integrated with a trimmer potentiometer is vertically mounted directly to a printed circuit board. The electrical control popout actuator mechanism has a cam cylinder member, a spring biasing member, a shaft member, and a follower member which allow it to extend during use and retract when not in use. Flanges on said follower member follow cooperating cam paths to allow activation of the mechanism.

Abstract: A sheet to be used to help turn or position a patient wherein the sheet includes a bottom surface and top surface, the bottom surface including opposing end portions and a central portion which has less frictional drag than the opposing end portions and top surface. The top surface is constructed in a configuration with an area larger than the area of the central portion at the bottom surface. A method of application is also disclosed.