Abstract: An emergency kit of orthodontic tools and components comprising a portable and foldable case which contains a pliers-like wire cutting tool, an elongated plastic rod to effect movement of cut wire ends away from the user's gums, a small container of dental wax, a mouth mirror, and at least one sanitizing wiping cloth. The kit facilitates a user thereof to make minor corrections to braces to relieve discomfort associated with loose or broken wires.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the real-time automatic determination of the approval status of a potential borrower of a loan. The method includes (1) transmitting an image of a form by facsimile transmission to a control location, wherein the form contains predefined information applicable to the potential borrower in spaces located at predetermined locations; (2) automatically receiving the image of the form by facsimile transmission at the control location; (3) automatically scanning and interpreting the image of the form to obtain the predefined information; (4) automatically determining at the control location the approval status of the potential borrower according to criteria provided by a lender, wherein the determining step utilizes the predefined information; and (6) automatically transmitting information regarding the approval status from the control location to the potential borrower.