Abstract: A method of determining the profile of a surface of an object is disclosed that does not require that the video inspection device be at a certain angle relative to the surface when an image of the surface is obtained (e.g., allows non-perpendicular captures of the image 30). The method determines a reference surface and a reference surface line. The reference surface line is then used to determine a surface contour line on the surface of the object. The profile is then determined by determining the distances between the reference surface and the surface contour line.

Abstract: A method of determining the profile of a surface of an object is disclosed that does not require that the video inspection device be at a certain angle relative to the surface when an image of the surface is obtained (e.g., allows non-perpendicular captures of the image 30). The method determines a reference surface and a reference surface line. The reference surface line is then used to determine a surface contour line on the surface of the object. The profile is then determined by determining the distances between the reference surface and the surface contour line.

Abstract: A reusable cannula for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures is fabricated from a material such as a thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (LCP), e.g., a polymer synthesized from p-hydroxybenzoic acid and 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid monomers. The cannula is electrically non-conductive, radiolucent, and experiences an appearance change in response to sterilization by autoclaving. The cannula is fixedly or removably attached to a cannula housing which may have a valve system and/or desufflation port.

Abstract: A multi-position method is provided for gas metal arc welding thick aluminum alloy plates in a single welding pass on each surface of the plates. A first plate edge is provided with a tongue portion having (1) a land surface abutting a portion of a second plate edge, and (2) two arcuate J-shaped side surfaces, each adjoining the land surface at opposite ends thereof and each adjoining its respective side surface of the first plate at an angle approximating 90.degree.. The J-shaped side surfaces and second plate edge surface cooperate to define a modified double-J welding groove. The plates are welded together in a single pass on each side thereof by first depositing a weld bead in the modified J groove on one side of the plates and then, after this bead has sufficiently solidified, a second weld bead is deposited in a single pass in the modified double-J groove on the other side of the plates.