Abstract: A system for increasing the efficiency of tasks involving travel between locations. In an illustrative embodiment, the system facilitates acquiring one or more desired products and/or services by a user via an inventory and/or location search. The system includes a first mechanism for providing a query containing information pertaining to the one or more desired products and/or services. A second mechanism performs an inventory search of multiple businesses based on the query and provides search results to the first mechanism in response thereto. In the specific embodiment, the search results contain approximately real-time inventory information and Global Positioning System (GPS) location information associated with the query. The query includes price-preference information pertaining to one or more desired prices or price ranges associated with the one or more desired products and/or services.

Abstract: An efficient fluid cleaning system. The efficient system includes a first mechanism for changing the pressure of a fluid from a first pressure to a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure. A second mechanism distributes the fluid within an evaporation chamber at the second pressure. The evaporation chamber includes an evaporation surface having capillary channels for dispersing oil about the evaporation surface via capillary action to facilitate evaporation of contaminants from within the fluid. In a specific embodiment, the capillary channels are spiral capillary channels, and the system further includes a vent through a ceiling of the evaporation chamber. The vent includes a valve biased in an open position and lacking a cracking pressure. The valve prevents the escape of the fluid from the system but allows gases to escape from the system unencumbered. The evaporation surface has perforations through which fluid passes onto the evaporation surface.

Abstract: A system for facilitating transactions. The system includes a charging terminal capable of charging an account based on an account number. A scanner obtains biometric information. A first mechanism employs the biometric information to automatically provide an account number to the charging terminal. In a specific embodiment, the first mechanism is a credit card or Automated Teller Machine terminal (ATM), and the account number includes a credit number or ATM number. The first mechanism automatically selects from among plural accounts based on the biometric information. A second mechanism enables a user to control which account number is selected in response to retrieval of biometric information by the scanner. A third mechanism enables the user to prioritize plural accounts. The highest priority account is selected for automatic charging via the system. In an illustrative embodiment, a seventh mechanism automatically provides transaction information to the charging terminal.

Abstract: A system for selectively disabling a vehicle. In the illustrative embodiment, the system adapted to prevent high-speed automotive chases. The system includes a first mechanism for locating vehicle to be disabled. A second mechanism launches a disabling projectile toward the vehicle. A third mechanism employs the projectile to disable the vehicle by suffocating an engine of the vehicle or otherwise compromising the fuel/air mixture. In a specific embodiment, and an infrared guidance system guides the projectile toward a muffler of the vehicle, and a muffler-plugging agent incorporated within the projectile plugs a muffler.

Abstract: An efficient fluid cleaning system. The efficient system includes a first mechanism for changing the pressure of a fluid from a first pressure to a second pressure, the second pressure lower than the first pressure. A second mechanism distributes the fluid within an evaporation chamber at the second pressure. The evaporation chamber includes an evaporation surface having capillary channels for dispersing oil about the evaporation surface via capillary action to facilitate evaporation of contaminants from within the fluid. In a specific embodiment, the capillary channels are spiral capillary channels and the system further includes a vent through a ceiling of the evaporation chamber. The vent includes a valve biased in an open position and lacking a cracking pressure. The valve prevents the escape of the fluid from the system but allows gases to escape from the system unencumbered.