Abstract: A system and method for generating automobile insurance certificates from a remote computer terminal connected by a computer network to a central computer, wherein an expiring automobile insurance policy is identified by viewing on the remote computer terminal data, stored on the central computer, relating to expiring policies and an automobile insurance certificate relating to the expiring policy is ordered electronically, in response to such identification, from the remote computer terminal.

Abstract: A system for preventing cash flow losses for an insured entity including (a) a database for storing information including a base periodic cash flow amount for the insured entity; (b) a database for storing information including an actual periodic cash flow amount for the insured entity; (c) a comparator that compares the base periodic cash flow amount to the actual periodic cash flow amount and, if the actual periodic cash flow amount is less than the base periodic cash flow amount, calculates the difference between the base periodic cash flow amount and the actual periodic cash flow amount; (d) means for making a payment to the insured equal to the difference between the base periodic cash flow amount and the actual periodic cash flow amount if the base periodic cash flow amount is greater than the actual periodic cash flow amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a segment for forming part of a segmented flexible skirt for use on craft, vehicles or devices which can be supported on a cushion of pressurized fluid, comprising a sheet of flexible material folded into a substantially U-shape in plan view to form a curved front wall portion having an upper end and side wall portions having an upper end and a bottom end, said side wall portions in side elevation tapering from their said upper end towards their said bottom end, an upper portion of said front wall portion which extends from said upper end of the front wall portion being in a plane which lies at an angle relative to the remainder of the front wall portion.

Abstract: A cable drum of the type which is penetrated from end to end by a central hole is provided with means for supporting the drum in an up-ended position on a cushion of pressurised fluid, (e.g. water). The said means comprise a flexible skirt of annular form disposed around the periphery of what, in use, is the lower end of the drum so as to define a cushion space, and water pump means whereby pressurised water can be supplied to said cushion space by way of the said central hole so as to support said drum.The invention also comprises a method of unreeling a cable from a cable drum of the type which is penetrated from end to end by a central hole, comprising the steps of disposing the drum on a surface in an upright position, forming at least one cushion of pressurised fluid (e.g. water) beneath the lower end of the drum and allowing the drum to rotate about an upright axis whilst supported by said cushion.