Recent filings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Maryland, Baltimore City:

August 23

Ralphie's Diner Inc.,9690 Deereco Road, Timonium, filed under Chapter 7. Principal: Hershel Puchino, president. Assets: $52,035; Liabilities: $771,666.22.

James Francis Toomey,3207 Chrisland Drive, Annapolis, a self-employed construction contractor, filed under Chapter 7. Assets: $297,997.75; Liabilities: $398,836.52.

August 25

American Rootermasters Inc.,1024-B S. Carroll St., Hampstead, filed under Chapter 7. Principal: Vernon Shipley, president. Assets: $100; Liabilities: $11,000.

Abbreviations a.k.a.: also known as; c/o: care of; d/b/a: doing business as; t/a: trad ing as; n/a: not available; H/C: Holding Company; LLC: Limited Liability Company; L/P: Limited Partnership; J/V: Joint Venture; P/A: Professional Association; P/C: Professional Corporation

Definitions

The most common types of filings under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code:

Chapter 7 -- Liquidation.

Chapter 11 -- Reorganization.

Chapter 12 -- Agriculture, family farm with other income.

Chapter 13 -- Adjustment of debts of an individual with regular income.