Abstract: A mechanism for raising a toilet seat includes two geared shafts that are cooperatively engaged while mounted on a toilet. A foot-operated lever attached to a first of the geared shafts provides torque thereto, causing a rotation of the first geared shaft upon depressing the lever. This, in turn, causes a rotation of the second of the geared shafts. The second geared shaft includes a metal flange or other connector that secures a toilet seat thereto over the bowl of the toilet. As the two geared shafts rotate, the toilet seat raises and lowers with the movement of the metal flange on the second geared shaft.

Abstract: A bridge is releasably mountable on a stringed musical instrument and used in conjunction with a release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is activated, the distance between one end of a string being held by the bridge and a second end of the string secured elsewhere on the musical instrument is decreased, thereby decreasing the tension on the instrument caused by the tuning of the string.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a foreign exchange insurance policy that automatically considers factors such as the type of currency, exchange rate, amount of coverage, and period of coverage, to determine a premium. Users can access the system using credit cards, ATMs, banks or other media.

Abstract: A system for establishing anonymous communications includes a plurality of party terminals, a plurality of requester terminals, and a central controller. The system receives and stores party data about respective parties. Upon receiving criteria for parties of interest from a requestor terminal and authorization from respective parties, the central controller releases to the requester party associated with the parties. The system also establishes communications channels between parties and the requester, while maintaining their anonymity.