Abstract: A cylinder head gasket has a functional layer with a plurality of openings with a compression bead surrounding at least one of the openings. The functional layer additionally includes a plurality of stoppers, or compression limiters, spaced from the compression bead for preventing full flattening of the compression bead between the engine block and the cylinder head and for limiting the expansion and contraction of the compression bead during and between firings in the cylinders of the engine block. At least one of the stoppers has a generally frustoconical shape with a top and a reverse-frustoconical opening in the top.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided having an elongated handle and a brush head supported by the handle. The brush head has a base and a plurality of bristles that are arranged in sections. Each section has bristles that extend from the base to form a contact surface elevated from the base. One or more of the sections include bristles that extend to varying lengths from the base to form a contact surface that inclines or declines relative to the base. The sections of bristles further include a first outside section having a contact surface that declines inwardly, an inside section, adjacent the first outside section, having a contact surface that declines outwardly toward the first outside section, and a second outside section positioned adjacent an opposite side of the inside section from the first outside section. The second outside section has a contact surface that declines inwardly toward the inside section.

Abstract: Video content, such as broadcast television, may be divided into segments, and each segment may be assigned a distinguishing Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The URL assigned to a segment allows a user to access the segment via the Internet. For example, a television news program may be broken into segments (e.g., each interview on the program might constitute a segment). For each segment, a code may be assigned, and may be appended to the broadcaster's domain name to create a distinct URL for the segment. While the segment is being broadcast, the URL may be displayed with the segment, thereby allowing a viewer to identify the segment and to locate an Internet version of the segment. Entering the URL into a browser may access an Internet version of the broadcast segment to which the URL pertains.

Abstract: A method for managing risk of longevity is presented in which transactions with supplier and demander entities which benefit from longevity increases or decreases, respectively, are hedged by an intermediary. For example, the intermediary may purchase a first bond from a first entity and sell a second bond to a second entity. Each of the bonds may be linked to a longevity statistic or index.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided having an elongated handle and a brush head supported by the handle. The brush head has a base and a plurality of bristles that are arranged in sections.Each section has bristles that extend from the base to form a contact surface elevated from the base. One or more of the sections include bristles that extend to varying lengths from the base to form a contact surface that inclines or declines relative to the base. The sections of bristles further include a first outside section having a contact surface that declines inwardly, an inside section, adjacent the first outside section, having a contact surface that declines outwardly toward the first outside section, and a second outside section positioned adjacent an opposite side of the inside section from the first outside section. The second outside section has a contact surface that declines inwardly toward the inside section.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided having an elongated handle and a brush head supported by the handle. The brush head has a base and a plurality of bristles that are arranged in sections. Each section has bristles that extend from the base to form a contact surface elevated from the base. One or more of the sections include bristles that extend to varying lengths from the base to form a contact surface that inclines or declines relative to the base. The sections of bristles further include a first outside section having a contact surface that declines inwardly, an inside section, adjacent the first outside section, having a contact surface that declines outwardly toward the first outside section, and a second outside section positioned adjacent an opposite side of the inside section from the first outside section. The second outside section has a contact surface that declines inwardly toward the inside section.

Abstract: Video content, such as broadcast television, may be divided into segments, and each segment may be assigned a distinguishing Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The URL assigned to a segment allows a user to access the segment via the Internet. For example, a television news program may be broken into segments (e.g., each interview on the program might constitute a segment). For each segment, a code may be assigned, and may be appended to the broadcaster's domain name to create a distinct URL for the segment. While the segment is being broadcast, the URL may be displayed with the segment, thereby allowing a viewer to identify the segment and to locate an Internet version of the segment. Entering the URL into a browser may access an Internet version of the broadcast segment to which the URL pertains.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing offline chat messages are provided. Offline chat messages may be merged in a conversation thread in an email message. In one embodiment, a method of processing messages includes receiving a chat message when a designated recipient is offline, generating an email message that includes the chat message, and enabling a designated recipient to access the email message through an email inbox associated with the designated recipient.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for filling patterned mold cavities formed on a surface of a mold structure with solder includes an injector head assembly comprising a solder reservoir having a bottom surface with an elongated slot for injecting solder into the mold cavities and a carriage assembly configured to carry and scan the mold structure under the injector head assembly. The mold structure is brought into contact with the solder reservoir bottom surface and a seal is formed between an area of the solder reservoir bottom surface surrounding the elongated slot and the mold structure surface and then the mold structure is scanned under the injector head assembly in a first direction from a starting position to a finish position for filling the mold cavities and in a second direction opposite to the first direction for returning back from the finish position to the starting position.

Abstract: A toothbrush is provided having an elongated handle and a brush head supported by the handle. The brush head has a base and a plurality of bristles that are arranged in sections. Each section has bristles that extend from the base to form a contact surface elevated from the base. One or more of the sections include bristles that extend to varying lengths from the base to form a contact surface that inclines or declines relative to the base. The sections of bristles further include a first outside section having a contact surface that declines inwardly, an inside section, adjacent the first outside section, having a contact surface that declines outwardly toward the first outside section, and a second outside section positioned adjacent an opposite side of the inside section from the first outside section. The second outside section has a contact surface that declines inwardly toward the inside section.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for filling patterned mold cavities formed on a surface of a mold structure with solder includes an injector head assembly comprising a solder reservoir having a bottom surface with an elongated slot for injecting solder into the mold cavities and a carriage assembly configured to carry and scan the mold structure under the injector head assembly. The mold structure is brought into contact with the solder reservoir bottom surface and a seal is formed between an area of the solder reservoir bottom surface surrounding the elongated slot and the mold structure surface and then the mold structure is scanned under the injector head assembly in a first direction from a starting position to a finish position for filling the mold cavities and in a second direction opposite to the first direction for returning back from the finish position to the starting position.

Abstract: A facility for tracking actions performed by users on content. The facility monitors items of content that are being tracked for a user, and detects actions performed by other users pertaining to the tracked content. Actions may be any activity performed by a user with respect to an item of content, such as replying to content, rating an item of content, or editing content. The facility collects tracking statistics and provides the tracking statistics for on-site presentation to users. Users thereby stay engaged in conversations around content because they can quickly determine whether additions have been made to the conversation since they last participated. The users may use the tracking statistics to directly navigate to new content. The facility may allow a user to characterize a relationship with one more other individuals and track actions performed by the characterized individuals.

Abstract: A method for managing risk of longevity is presented in which transactions with supplier and demander entities which benefit from longevity increases or decreases, respectively, are hedged by an intermediary. For example, the intermediary may purchase a first bond from a first entity and sell a second bond to a second entity. Each of the bonds may be linked to a longevity statistic or index.

Abstract: A contact list search with autocomplete is described. The contact list search searches on all contact information fields, including name, email, address, company, and so forth. The search results are updated on the fly as additional characters are entered to form new query strings. When a contact is selected from the results, a profile for a contact is displayed, including text boxes for editing the profile.

Abstract: A composition useful for ultrasound facilitated in vivo transfection of DNA into liver cells of a mammal comprises (a) an ultrasonic contrast agent comprising protein-stabilized gas-filled microspheres, and (b) plasmid DNA encoding apo A1. Preferably, the gass in the microspheres is air, nitrogen oxygen, or a fluorocarbon gas. In some preferred embodiments the DNA encoding apo A1 is operably linked to a promoter.

Abstract: The invention includes a novel method and system to achieve leaflet coaptation in a cardiac valve percutaneously by creation of neochordae to prolapsing valve segments. This technique is especially useful in cases of ruptured chordae, but may be utilized in any segment of prolapsing leaflet. The technique described herein has the additional advantage of being adjustable in the beating heart. This allows tailoring of leaflet coaptation height under various loading conditions using image-guidance, such as echocardiography. This offers an additional distinct advantage over conventional open-surgery placement of artificial chordae. In traditional open surgical valve repair, chord length must be estimated in the arrested heart and may or may not be correct once the patient is weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. The technique described below also allows for placement of multiple artificial chordae, as dictated by the patient's pathophysiology.

Abstract: A method for transfection of DNA or RNA encoding apo A1 into the liver to regulate lipid metabolism comprises injection of a solution containing the DNA or RNA gene into the liver in combination with gas microbubbles or microspheres and using ultrasound to induce the transfection of the DNA or RNA in the liver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quickly reducing and/or stopping human carbon monoxide exposure and/or inhalation in connection with the operation of a gas powered boat. The present invention may be adapted to a wide variety of boats, new or used, wherever carbon monoxide is produced in connection with the operation of a boat. In addition to swim steps, ladders, sun decks, platforms and swim platforms, the present invention may be adapted to virtually any form of device on a boat where carbon monoxide and one or more humans may be present.

Abstract: A system can include a rigid or semi-rigid container, a caddy and a cart. A connector can be provided which is operable to provide for a first connection between the cart and the container and a second connection between the container and the caddy. At least one of the first connection and the second connection is a releasable connection. The container is also releasably attachable to said cart. Also provided is a method of using the components of the system. The system and method are well suited for application in shopping environments.

Abstract: A method for transfection of a DNA or RNA, such as the apo A1 gene into the liver to regulate lipid metabolism comprises injection of a solution containing the DNA or RNA gene into the liver using gas microbubbles or microspheres and using ultrasound to induce the expression of the gene in the liver