Author: claimsbot

We claim:

1. A system for automatically obtaining loan workout decisions, comprising:
a network of personal computers connected into a network administered by a central server computer,
each personal computer in the network including a network interface for transmitting borrower inputs to, and receiving outputs from, the server computer,
each personal computer in the network further including display screens for receiving inputs from, and providing outputs to, a financially troubled borrower, including inputs and outputs relating to a proposed workout,
the central server computer having a central processing unit that runs automatic workout decision analysis software and has access to electronically stored information relating to the financially troubled borrower and other information necessary to the decision analysis process,
the central server computer transmitting to the financially troubled borrower, automatically over the network, approval of the proposed workout if certain predefined parameters are met and, if the predefined parameters are not met, providing further instructions to the financially troubled borrower.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the personal computers are connected into the network using an Internet connection.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the network interface is web-based.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the user selects a workout type among a menu of predefined workout types.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein if the user inputs fail to satisfy predetermined guidelines, the user receives a message informing the user that the system cannot be used.
6. A method for automatically obtaining loan workout decisions, comprising:
connecting a network of personal computers connected into a network administered by a central server computer;
providing each personal computer in the network with a network interface for transmitting borrower inputs to, and receiving outputs from, the server computer;
displaying on each personal computer in the network screens for receiving inputs from, and providing outputs to, a financially troubled borrower, including inputs and outputs relating to a proposed workout;
running automatic workout decision analysis software having access to electronically stored information relating to the financially troubled borrower and other information necessary to the decision analysis process;
transmitting to the financially troubled borrower, automatically over the network, approval of the proposed workout if certain predefined parameters are mettions to the financially troubled borrower.
7. The method of claim 6, further including:
connecting the personal computers into the network using an Internet connection.
8. The method of claim 6, further including:
using a web-based interface for connecting the server computer into the network.
9. The method of claim 6, further including:
system of claim 1, wherein the user selects a workout type among a menu of predefined workout types.
10. The method of claim 6, further including:
transmitting a message informing the user that the system cannot be used if the user inputs fail to satisfy predetermined guidelines.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An object requiring a Class A standard thermal insulation, characterized by a flame spread speed rating value of from 0 to 25 and a smoke developed rating value of 0 to 450, said object being insulated with metallized insulation material which includes a reflective metallized polymeric film having a foil-free metallized outwardly exposed surface, said metallized polymeric film having a clear anti-corrosion lacquer coating thereon while retaining effective surface emissivity of said exposed surface.
2. An object as claimed in claim 1 being an object selected from the group consisting of packaging, a vehicle and a residential, commercial, industrial building or establishment requiring Class A insulation.
3. An object as claimed in claim 1 wherein the insulation comprising a metallized polymeric material reflective insulation material bubble-pack assembly comprising
(i) a first thermoplastic film having a plurality of portions wherein each of said portions defines a cavity;
(ii) a second film in sealed engagement with said first film to provide a plurality of closed said cavities; and
(iii) at least one layer of a metallized thermoplastic film; and wherein at least one of said first or second films contains an effective amount of a fire-retardant material.
4. An object as claimed in claim 3 comprising
(i) a first bubble pack having a first thermoplastic film having a plurality of portions wherein each of said portions defines a cavity and a second thermoplastic film in sealed engagement with said first film to provide a plurality of closed said cavities; and
(ii) a second bubble-pack having a third thermoplastic film having a plurality of portions wherein each of said portions defines a cavity and a fourth thermoplastic film in sealed engagement with said third film to provide a plurality of closed said cavities.
5. An object as claimed in claim 3 wherein said bubble-pack assembly comprises
(i) a first bubble pack having a first thermoplastic film having a plurality of portions wherein each of said portions defines a cavity and a second thermoplastic film in sealed engagement with said first film to provide a plurality of closed said cavities; and
(ii) a second bubble-pack having a third thermoplastic film having a plurality of portions wherein each of said portions defines a cavity and a fourth thermoplastic film in sealed engagement with said third film to provide a plurality of closed said cavities; a metallized thermoplastic film interposed between and bonded to said first bubble pack and said second bubble pack; and wherein at least one of said first second, third, fourth or additional thermoplastic films contains an effective amount of a fire-retardant material.
6. An object as claimed in claim 3 wherein said assembly has at least one outer layer of said metallized thermoplastic film.
7. An object as claimed in claim 6 having two outer layers wherein both outer layers of said assembly are formed of said metallized thermoplastic film.
8. An object as claimed in claim 3 wherein said assembly further comprises at least one or a plurality of additional thermoplastic films.
9. An object as claimed in claim 3 wherein at least one of said first, second, third, fourth or additional thermoplastic films contains an effective amount of a fire-retardant material.
10. An object as claimed in claim 1 wherein said metallized thermoplastic film contains a fire-retardant material.
11. An object as claimed in claim 1 wherein said metallized thermoplastic film is a metallized polyester film.
12. An object as claimed in claim 3 wherein said effective amount of said fire retardant material is 10-25% ww fire-retardant.
13. An object as claimed in claim 3 wherein the metallized polymeric reflective insulation material assembly comprising a laminate of
a first thermoplastic layer;
a second thermoplastic layer;
a thermoplastic bubble layer;
a third thermoplastic layer; and
a scrim laminated to said first and second layers as to be visible through said first layer, wherein at least one of said second, third or thermoplastic bubble layers comprises a metallized thermoplastic film.
14. An object as claimed in claim 13 wherein each of said layers is made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride and polyester.
15. An object as claimed in claim 13 wherein each of said thermoplastic layers is formed of polyethylene.
16. An object as claimed in claim 13 wherein at least one of said second, third or thermoplastic bubble layer comprises a layer comprising a fire-retardant material.
17. An object as claimed in claim 3 wherein said metal is aluminum.
18. An object insulated with a reflective Class A standard thermal insulation characterized by a flame spread speed rating value of from 0 to 25 and a smoke developed rating value of 0 to 450, said object being insulated with metallized insulation material comprising a reflective metallized polymeric film having a foil-free metallized outwardly exposed surface.
19. The object as claimed in claim 18 wherein said insulation material further comprises a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of a closed cell foam, polyethylene foam, polypropylene foam, multi-layers assembly and a bubble-pack assembly.
20. The object as claimed in claim 19 wherein the insulation material comprises a bubble-pack insulation assembly.
21. The object as claimed in claim 20 wherein the bubble pack insulation assembly is free of fire retardant additive.
22. The object as claimed in claim 20 wherein the bubble-pack insulation assembly comprises a plurality of bubbled thermoplastic film bonded to each other with added fire retardant incorporated within one or more of said bubbled films.
23. The object as claimed in claim 18 wherein the metallized polymeric film provides an effective surface emissivity of the exposed surface.
24. The object as claimed in claim 18 wherein the surface thermal emissivity is equivalent to or greater than 95% reflectance.
25. The object as claimed in one of claims 18-24 wherein said metallized polymeric film has a clear, anti-corrosion lacquer coating thereon.

What is claimed is:

1. An actuation system for assisting the operation of a natural heart and comprising:
a framework element configured to be coupled with a portion of the heart;
the framework element being configured for being deformed;
an actuator mechanism coupled to the framework element and operable for deforming the framework element for varying the shape of the heart.
2. The actuation system of claim 1 further comprising:
an internal framework element configured to be positioned within the interior volume of the heart and to be coupled to at least a portion of the internal tissue of the heart; and
an external framework element configured to be positioned proximate an exterior surface of the heart, the internal and external framework elements being coupled together,
at least one of the elements of the framework being configured for being deformed;
the actuator mechanism coupled to the at least one of the framework elements, and operable for deforming at least one framework element for varying the shape of the heart.
3. The actuation system of claim 1, wherein the actuator mechanism is selectively movable between an actuated state and a relaxed state and operable, when actuated, for deforming the framework element.
4. The actuation system of claim 2 further comprising at least one cord component configured for extending through the tissue of the heart and for coupling together the external and internal framework elements.
5. The actuation system of claim 2, wherein both the internal and external framework elements are flexible.
6. The actuation system of claim 1 including multiple framework elements.
7. The actuation system of claim 2 including multiple internal framework elements comprising:
a first ring configured for placement adjacent one of the annuli of the heart; and
a second ring configured for placement adjacent another of the annuli of the heart.
8. The actuation system of claim 2, the internal framework element including a ring configured for placement adjacent one of the annuli of the heart.
9. The actuation system of claim 2, the internal framework element including a septal splint configured for coupling to a portion of a septal wall between chambers of the heart.
10. The actuation system of claim 6, wherein the multiple framework elements further comprise a septal splint configured for coupling to a portion of a septal wall between chambers of the heart.
11. The actuation system of claim 7, wherein the multiple internal framework elements further comprise at least one connector joining the first ring and the second ring.
12. The actuation system of claim 1, wherein the framework element comprises a yoke having a basal arc and a ventricular arc configured to extend at an angle to the basal arc.
13. The actuation system of claim 12 wherein the basal arc of the yoke is flexible for being flattened by the actuator mechanism.
14. The actuation system of claim 13 including multiple framework elements comprising a flexible ring configured for placement adjacent one of the annuli of the heart, the ring coupled to the yoke and operable for being flexed when the basal arc is flattened.
15. The actuation system of claim 12 wherein the yoke is flexible for flexing generally between the basal arc and the ventricular arc, the actuator mechanism being operable for varying the angle between the basal arc and the ventricular arc.
16. The actuation system of claim 12 wherein the yoke includes opposing limbs, the yoke being flexible for varying the distance between the limbs and the actuator mechanism operable for flexing the and varying the limb distance.
17. The actuation system of claim 16 including multiple framework elements comprising a flexible septal splint configured for coupling to a portion of a septal wall between chambers of the heart, the septal splint spanning between the limbs of the ventricular arc and flexing when the yoke is flexed.
18. The actuation system of claim 12, further comprising a sheath configured for placement adjacent a wall of a ventricle of the heart.
19. The actuation system of claim 12 wherein the sheath is generally non-expandable.
20. The actuation system of claim 18, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the limbs of the ventricular arc, the sheath being operable for flexing when the ventricular arc is flexed.
21. The actuation system of claim 18, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the limbs of the ventricular arc, the sheath operable for being tensed when limbs of the arc are one of twisted and rotated on their long axes.
22. The actuation system of claim 18, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the actuator mechanism, the actuator mechanism being selectively movable between an actuated state and a relaxed state and operable for applying direct traction to the sheath margins during the actuated state.
23. The actuation system of claim 12 wherein the ventricular arc includes opposing limbs, the ventricular arc being flexible for being twisted on a vertical axis, and the actuator mechanism operable for flexing the ventricular arc and twisting the limbs around the axis.
24. The actuation system of claim 23 including multiple framework elements comprising a flexible septal splint configured for coupling to a portion of a septal wall between chambers of the heart, the septal splint spanning between the limbs of the ventricular arc and flexing when the ventricular arc is flexed.
25. The actuation system of claim 24, further comprising a sheath configured for placement adjacent a wall of a ventricle of the heart.
26. The actuation system of claim 25, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the limbs of the ventricular arc, the sheath being operable for flexing when the ventricular arc is flexed.
27. The actuation system of claim 25, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the actuator mechanism, the actuator mechanism being selectively movable between an actuated state and a relaxed state and operable for applying direct traction to the sheath margins during the actuated state.
28. The actuation system of claim 12 wherein the yoke comprises a flat spring structure.
29. The actuation system of claim 28 further comprising a jacket positioned on the yoke.
30. The actuation system of claim 29 wherein the jacket is one of a fabric and a molded material.
31. A method of assisting the pumping function of the natural heart comprising:
interfacing the natural heart with an actuation system, the actuation system comprising an actuator mechanism and a framework element for coupling with a portion of the heart, the framework element being configured for being deformed;
coupling the actuator mechanism to the framework element; and
deforming the framework element by moving the actuator mechanism for varying the shape of the heart.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the actuator mechanism is selectively movable between an actuated state and a relaxed state and operable, when actuated, for deforming the framework element.
33. The method of claim 31 further comprising:
coupling an internal framework element to a portion of the internal tissue of the heart; and
coupling an external framework element to portion of the external tissue of the heart; and
deforming at least one of the framework elements with the actuator mechanism.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein both the internal and external framework elements are flexible.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein the framework element comprises a yoke having a basal arc and a ventricular arc configured to extend at an angle to the basal arc.
36. The method of claim 31, wherein the basal arc is flexible for being flattened by the actuator mechanism.
37. The method of claim 36 including multiple framework elements comprising a flexible ring configured for placement adjacent one of the annuli of the heart, the ring coupled to the yoke and operable for being flexed when the basal arc is flattened.
38. The method of claim 35, wherein the yoke is flexible for flexing generally between the basal arc and the ventricular arc, the actuator mechanism being operable for varying the angle between the basal arc and the ventricular arc.
39. The method of claim 35 wherein the yoke includes opposing limbs, the yoke being flexible for varying the distance between the limbs and the actuator mechanism operable for flexing the yoke and varying the limb distance.
40. The method of claim 39 including multiple framework elements comprising a flexible septal splint configured for coupling to a portion of a septal wall between chambers of the heart, the septal splint spanning between the limbs of the yoke and flexing when the ventricular arc is flexed.
41. The method of claim 31, the actuation system further comprising a sheath configured for placement adjacent a wall of a ventricle of the heart.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein the sheath is generally non-expandable.
43. The method of claim 41, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the limbs of the ventricular arc, the sheath being operable for flexing when the ventricular arc is flexed.
44. The method of claim 41, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the limbs of the ventricular arc, the sheath being operable for being tensed when limbs of the arc are one of twisted and rotated on their long axes.
45. The method of claim 41, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the actuator mechanism, the actuator mechanism being selectively movable between an actuated state and a relaxed state and operable for applying direct traction to the sheath margins during the actuated state.
46. The method of claim 35 wherein the ventricular arc includes opposing limbs, the ventricular arc being flexible for being twisted on a vertical axis, and the actuator mechanism operable for flexing the ventricular arc and twisting the limbs around the axis.
47. The method of claim 46 including multiple framework elements comprising a flexible septal splint configured for coupling to a portion of a septal wall between chambers of the heart, the septal splint spanning between the limbs of the ventricular arc and flexing when the ventricular arc is flexed.
48. The method of claim 47, further comprising a sheath configured for placement adjacent a wall of a ventricle of the heart.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the limbs of the ventricular arc, the sheath being operable for flexing when the ventricular arc is flexed.
50. The method of claim 48, wherein the sheath margins are fixed to the actuator mechanism, the actuator mechanism being selectively movable between an actuated state and a relaxed state and operable for applying direct traction to the sheath margins during the actuated state.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A cleaning tool comprising a cleaning sheet and a holding member for holding the cleaning sheet, the holding member having a handle member, a support arm provided slidably within the handle member, and a leg member connected to the support arm, and the leg member being positioned substantially coplanar with the support arm.
2. The cleaning tool according to claim 1, the support arm is provided in a position which does not project upward beyond the leg member.
3. The cleaning tool according to claim 1, the leg member is removably disposed to the support arm.
4. The cleaning tool according to claim 1, the handle member is comprises of a sheath portion for accommodating the support arm, and a grip portion provided so as to project upward from the sheath portion.
5. A holding member comprising a handle member, a support arm disposed slidably within the handle member, and a leg member connected to the support arm, and the leg member being positioned substantially coplanar with the support arm.