Abstract: An improved pseudo-random number generator is introduced that has increased security due to higher randomness and lower predictability. The PRNG uses seed values that are based on a combination of various selectable values from the real-world that are typically made publicly available over a computer network (i.e., the Internet), such as: one or more weather conditions at a particular time or date and geographic location, a score of a sports event, a stock market index or ticker value, an election vote total, attendance at a cultural event, gross dollar sales from a movie release, and other such numerically quantifiable values that, individually and in combination, are impossible to exactly predict in advance, yet are precisely verifiable after the number-generating event using electronically-stored information. The improved pseudo-random number generator may be used for more secure determination of lottery outcomes and the like.

Abstract: An improved pseudo-random number generator is introduced that has increased security due to higher randomness and lower predictability. The PRNG uses seed values that are based on a combination of various selectable values from the real-world that are typically made publicly available over a computer network (i.e., the Internet), such as: one or more weather conditions at a particular time or date and geographic location, a score of a sports event, a stock market index or ticker value, an election vote total, attendance at a cultural event, gross dollar sales from a movie release, and other such numerically quantifiable values that, individually and in combination, are impossible to exactly predict in advance, yet are precisely verifiable after the number-generating event using electronically-stored information. The improved pseudo-random number generator may be used for more secure determination of lottery outcomes and the like.

Abstract: An improved pseudo-random number generator is introduced that has increased security due to higher randomness and lower predictability. The PRNG uses seed values that are based on a combination of various selectable values from the real-world that are typically made publicly available over a computer network (i.e., the Internet), such as: one or more weather conditions at a particular time or date and geographic location, a score of a sports event, a stock market index or ticker value, an election vote total, attendance at a cultural event, gross dollar sales from a movie release, and other such numerically quantifiable values that, individually and in combination, are impossible to exactly predict in advance, yet are precisely verifiable after the number-generating event using electronically-stored information. The improved pseudo-random number generator may be used for more secure determination of lottery outcomes and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for advancing the sale of vending machine products. The invention enables selling products without revealing the identity of the product. By concealing the identity of the products from a consumer prior to receiving payment, the present invention promotes the automated sale of perishable, slow-selling and/or less profitable products, to increase the overall profitability of a vending machine. Various embodiments are disclosed, including: predetermined price embodiments in which a vending machine sells one or more mystery products for a predetermined price; consumer-specified price embodiments in which a consumer is allowed to specify a price for one or more mystery products; and upsell embodiments in which a vending machine offers one or more upsell mystery products in exchange for the amount of change owed to a consumer, or in exchange for an amount of change owed to a consumer plus an additional monetary value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for advancing the sale of vending machine products. The invention enables selling products without revealing the identity of the product. By concealing the identity of the products from a consumer prior to receiving payment, the present invention promotes the automated sale of perishable, slow-selling and/or less profitable products, to increase the overall profitability of a vending machine. Various embodiments are disclosed, including: predetermined price embodiments in which a vending machine sells one or more mystery products for a predetermined price; consumer-specified price embodiments in which a consumer is allowed to specify a price for one or more mystery products; and upsell embodiments in which a vending machine offers one or more upsell mystery products in exchange for the amount of change owed to a consumer, or in exchange for an amount of change owed to a consumer plus an additional monetary value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for advancing the sale of vending machine products. The invention enables selling products without revealing the identity of the product. By concealing the identity of the products from a consumer prior to receiving payment, the present invention promotes the automated sale of perishable, slow-selling and/or less profitable products, to increase the overall profitability of a vending machine. Various embodiments are disclosed, including: predetermined price embodiments in which a vending machine sells one or more mystery products for a predetermined price; consumer-specified price embodiments in which a consumer is allowed to specify a price for one or more mystery products; and upsell embodiments in which a vending machine offers one or more upsell mystery products in exchange for the amount of change owed to a consumer, or in exchange for an amount of change owed to a consumer plus an additional monetary value.

Abstract: A bridge is mountable in a first secured position on a stringed musical instrument The bridge may be secured by 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. The bridge may be secured in a second released position from the body by a catch. The catch may include an adjustable arm for varying the distance at which the bridge is held in the second released position.

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.