Abstract: An atherectomy device for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel including an outer member, an inner member and a rotatable shaft positioned for rotational movement within the inner member. The outer and inner members are fixed axially. A rotatable tip is mounted to the distal region of the rotatable shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis upon rotation of the shaft to remove deposits from the vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in handwriting recognition in computer algebra are provided. One disclosed method includes receiving handwriting input from a user via a handwriting input device, the handwriting input representing a mathematical expression. The method further includes, at a recognizer, processing the handwriting input to recognize a plurality of candidates and ranking the plurality of candidates to form initial candidate data. The method may further include, at an application program, scanning the plurality of candidates for segments that match application-level criteria, and adjusting a rank of one or more of the plurality of candidates based on the matching, to form a processed candidate list. The method may further include displaying the processed candidate list via a graphical user interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use in handwriting recognition in computer algebra are provided. One disclosed method includes receiving handwriting input from a user via a handwriting input device, the handwriting input representing a mathematical expression. The method further includes, at a recognizer, processing the handwriting input to recognize a plurality of candidates and ranking the plurality of candidates to form initial candidate data. The method may further include, at an application program, scanning the plurality of candidates for segments that match application-level criteria, and adjusting a rank of one or more of the plurality of candidates based on the matching, to form a processed candidate list. The method may further include displaying the processed candidate list via a graphical user interface.

Abstract: An unbounded redundant discrete fact data store for providing answers to specific fact-based search queries is provided. Facts are stored discretely by the data store with information stored with each discrete fact for locating the discrete fact in response to a search query or browse request. The core of the data store includes subject-indicator-fact sets. Each discrete fact represents a particular facet of a particular subject. Accordingly, the data store includes a subject and zero or more indicators for each discrete fact, facilitating look-up of the discrete facts. Additionally, each subject may have zero or more subject classifications and zero or more parent/child relationships with other subjects, further facilitating filtering and look-up of discrete facts.

Abstract: Search methods and associated systems are disclosed. One aspect of the invention is directed toward search methods and associated systems. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a computer-implemented searching method that includes receiving an input having a format. The method further includes finding a pattern that matches the format of the input using a rule set. The method still further includes determining a subject of the input based on the pattern, finding a result record corresponding to the subject, and sending an output based on the result record. In certain embodiments, the method can further include determining at least one qualifier based on the pattern and finding a result record corresponding to the subject and the at least one qualifier. In still other embodiments, the method can further include determining a subject of the input based on the pattern and at least one synonym rule.

Abstract: An automatic focus control system and related method of operation are provided for use in a closed circuit television system of the type designed for magnification of written images and the like, thereby permitting facilitated reading or viewing by persons with restricted vision. The focus control system responds to selected characteristics of a video signal to adjust the focus setting of a signal-producing video camera for substantially optimum image focus resolution. The focus control system operates initially in a scan mode to rapidly adjust the camera focus setting until the selected signal characteristics exceed a predetermined threshold, whereupon the system switches to a fine adjustment mode utilizing a sampling algorithm to achieve a substantially optimum focus setting.