1. Automatic Commode Seat Closing System Patent No.: 5,369,814 Date: December 6, 1994 The apparatus uses a water pressure sensor to sense a drop in line pressure associated with the flushing of the toilet. Once this sensor is activated, the seat closure unit, which consists of a reciprocally mounted piston shaft, allows for a regulated rate of descent for the toilet seat.

2. Claims Paraphrased  The apparatus is comprised of typical toilet bowl equipment, a flush lever, a pivot-able seat, a water pressure sensor, a seat closure unit, and mechanical linkage.  The apparatus uses the water pressure sensor for sensing a pressure drop when the flush lever is actuated, uses the mechanical linkage to activate the seat closure unit after the sensor is activated, and uses the seat closure unit for closing the toilet seat after the mechanical linkage is activated. Automatic Commode Seat Closing System Patent No.: 5,369,814

3. Neorest Series 600 by TOTO Lid automatically opens when individual approaches Lid automatically closes 6 seconds after user leaves sensor zone Controlled rate of descent when closing

4. Pros  Hands free  User recognition  Reliable operation  Manual override Cons  Requires electricity (120 V AC)  Expensive ($5000) Neorest Series 600 by TOTO

5. Date: Sep. 21, 2004 The apparatus uses a sensor to sense when a person has finished using the toilet, at which time, the sensor activates a motor to lower the toilet seat in a slow but steady manner. Apparatus for Lowering Toilet Seat Patent No.: 6,792,626 B1

6. Claims Paraphrased  The apparatus comprises of traditional toilet seat equipment with an attached relay in the water tank, a motor attached to the toilet seat with an on seat sensor and the appropriate wiring. The apparatus may be powered by battery or by standard household current. Apparatus for Lowering Toilet Seat Patent No.: 6,792,626 B1

7. Toilet Seat Closing System Patent No.: 6,321,394 Date: Nov. 27, 2001 The weight of the seat will retract the pistons slowly over time.

8. Claims Paraphrased  Comprises of a typically toilet seat assembly with two pistons on each side to slowly lower the seat over time to “permit a male user to urinate in said toilet as said seat assembly is lowered.” Pistons are to be air based. Toilet Seat Closing System Patent No.: 6,321,394

9. DATE: Sept. 13, 2005 An apparatus for automatically lowering a raised toilet seat after each flush. Automatic Toilet Cover Closure Divice Patent No.: 6,941,588

10. CLAIMS:  Apparatus attached to the back of the bowl of the toilet.  Float positioned in water tank to tell when toilet is flushed.  Movable arm pivots outward when toilet is flushed, pushing the seat over equilibrium. Gravity does the rest. Automatic Toilet Cover Closure Divice Patent No.: 6,941,588

11. Automatic Toilet Seat Lowering Hinge Assembly Patent No.: 5,279,000 Date: Jan. 18, 1994 When the seat is raised fluid flows through a one way valve into a chamber in the bar shown at the bottom of the seat. Immediately the seat begins to lower because the fluid begins to drain slowly back into the first chamber.

12. Automatic Toilet Seat Lowering Hinge Assembly Patent No.: 5,279,000 As the fluid drains back into the first chamber the seat lowers slowly to its horizontal position. A “tip valve” is used to allow the system to be bypassed by the user. There is a “threaded needle” which can be used to adjust the fall time to between 2 and 3 minutes.

13. Self-closing Toilet Lid Patent No.: 6,775,855 Date: October 24, 2003 Self-contained system for lowering lid and seat Utilizes water dripping into reservoir at fixed rate through orifice Timer can be adjusted or bypassed via knob on backside Water returns via part 16 when lid is horizontal.

14. Pivoting of lower reservoir triggers release mechanism. Once released, spring pushes lid past vertical. Lid falls under its own weight If toilet seat is vertical, lid will lower seat as well. Self-closing Toilet Lid Patent No.: 6,775,855

15. Considerate Seat Uses Combination of springs and hydraulics to gently lower seat. Pros  Adjustable timer  Can be lowered at any time  Self-contained system  Low price ($37) Cons  Entire apparatus must be replaced in order to replace toilet seat  Manufacturer’s website no longer exists.