Abstract: A closing mechanism for a toilet is integrated within a pivoting member, or lid, of the toilet, providing a self-closing lid. The self-closing lid includes a sensor to detect when a user of the toilet leaves a field of view of the sensor. The sensor sends a signal to actuate a motor, which may include a closing member, to rotate the pivoting member from an open position to a closed position. Rotation is achieved by biasing engagement of the motor and/or closing member with a surface of the toilet.

Abstract: A counterbalancing mechanism for an articulated rolling door mounted for movement horizontally away from the doorway when the door is opened, with the weight of the vertical portion of the door producing variable forces urging the door towards its closed position as the door is moved between its open and closed positions. A drum is connected to the door and mounted for rotation in response to movement of the door between its open and closed positions, the drum having a spiral groove formed in the outer surface for guiding a cable along the drum when the drum is rotated. A cable is connected to the drum and adapted to wrap around the drum in the spiral groove in response to rotation of the drum in one direction, and to unwrap from the drum in response to rotation in the opposite direction. A weight is suspended from the cable for applying a torque to the drum, and thus applying a force to the door, urging the door toward its open position.