Abstract: A computer input system implementing a chord keyboard, with particular structuring of the encoding scheme for the chord keyboard, and a method of visual feedback of the operation of the keyboard presented in that structured form. The available characters are divided into groups, and a stroke of a chord either selects an active row or selects a character from the active row. A display provides the status of the keyboard system, including what actions the user has taken, and indicates what characters will be input depending on the user's subsequent actions. When a chord is pressed, this display shows the character that will be input if this chord were to be released, and the user has the opportunity to change the chord selected without inputting an undesired character. One characteristic of the particular structure is the separation of sets of 10 characters into subgroups of 4, 3, 2, and 1 characters, these subgroups being accessed with chords of 1, 2, 3, and 4 fingers respectively.

Abstract: A filter device positionable within a blood vessel for trapping blood clots in that vessel, the filter device comprising a head with a plurality of divergent legs each secured at its proximal end, to the head, each leg having a hook arranged at its distal end.Each leg has a radially outwardly directed radius of curvature to create a conical configuration to the filter assembly, while distributing the stress concentration along the length of the bend, so that the elastic limit of the material, stainless steel in this embodiment, is not exceeded, and which permits compact delivery of the filter, and adequate radially directed force to permit slight hook penetration of a vessel wall.

Abstract: A filter device positionable within a blood vessel for trapping blood clots in that vessel, the filter device comprising a head with a plurality of divergent legs each secured at its proximal end, to the head, each leg having a hook arranged at its distal end. The distal end includes a reversely bent portion of the leg which itself is bent radially outwardly, ending in the shape of a sharp point. The reversely bent portion of the leg comprises a pad to minimize the depth of penetration of the hook.A further embodiment of the leg shows a radially outwardly directed radius of curvature to create a conical configuration to the filter assembly, while distributing the stress concentration along the length of the bend, so that the elastic limit of the material, stainless steel in this embodiment, is not exceeded, and which permits compact delivery of the filter, and adequate radially directed force to permit slight hook penetration of a vessel wall.