Abstract: A columbarium for cremation remains constructed of at least one unit which includes a generally planar bottom surface and at least five vertical outer sides with each side having a corner. A cover supported by a plurality of walls which, along with said outer sides and said bottom, form compartments. An opening in each outer side providing access to a compartment for receiving cremation remains.

Abstract: An electronic memorial comprising a programmable memory for storing data regarding a selected individual; a control unit for receiving and processing the data from the programmable memory; an electronic display configured to receive and visually display the processed data; a power source for providing power to the programmable memory, the control unit, and the display; and, a memorial unit corresponding to the selected person and configured to hold the programmable memory, the control unit, the electronic display, and the power source.

Abstract: A steel manhole is provided which includes a steel box having a hole having a bolt hole and formed at an upper portion of the same, a height control pipe having a vertical longitudinal hole inserted into an inner diameter portion of the hole, a multi-hole lid for covering an upper portion of the height control pipe, a male screw formed at left and right portions of the steel box and having a male screw portion, and a female screw having a thread portion for being threaded with the male screw pipe.

Abstract: A burial crypt arrangement comprises precast concrete cells (1) arranged in rows, with the cells (1) in each row being spaced apart and staggered relative to the cells (1) in adjacent rows. The corners (3) of cells (1) in a row are juxtaposed with the diagonally opposite corners of cells in adjacent rows. In this manner, both the spaces within cells, and the spaces between cells, can be used as burial chambers. Each cell (1) is formed by a continuous wall (2) of rectangular shape. Cells may be stacked vertically. The thickness of the wall (2) is tapered, being thicker at the top than the bottom, so that a ledge (9) is formed at the junction of stacked cells. An intermediate lid (10) can be supported in each burial chamber by the ledges (9). Each burial chamber is closed by a top lid (12). A trailer (17) can be used to raise and transport the lids (12).

Abstract: A self-mountable niche for remain ashes has a substantially closed box, a receptacle for accommodating ashes and insertable in the box, a supporting element connected with the box and supporting the latter, and a fastening and locking element connected with the supporting element for placing the niche at a corresponding location.

Abstract: A burial apparatus for underground crypts, preferably those that include space for two stacked caskets, which apparatus includes a ground auger, a turnbuckle connected thereto and a flanged inverted L-shaped member connected to the turnbuckle and engaged with the crypt to retain the crypt within the ground. The apparatus works particularly well with an empty crypt and with a dual crypt when opened to receive a second casket.

Abstract: A crypt lid with lifting means for applying a vertical force to lift the lid is provided. The lid is preferably cast of concrete with one or more lifting holes extending vertically through the lid. The holes may be lined with a corrosion resistant material, such as a hard plastic, PVC, or other suitable material. The lining is preferably threaded, and sealing plug is adapted for threaded engagement with the lining of the holes. The plug is provided with a recessed drive receptacle and preferably fits flush with the surface of the crypt lid. This feature prevents damage to the plug, the lining, or the lid itself when a crypt is exhumed with heavy machinery like a backhoe. An easily removed privacy partition between upper and lower sections of the burial vault is also provided.

Abstract: A double depth crypt vault having two casket compartments, and which permits the placement of two caskets in the same crypt. A center dividing shelf separates the lower casket compartment from the upper casket compartment. The upper crypt compartment has a cover portion designated the vault lid which is configured to mate with and be sealed to the upper edge of the crypt vault. The double depth crypt vault can be formed and integrally molded as a unit out of a heavy-duty plastic material. Optionally, the double depth crypt vault may have tapered walls for added strength and stability for shipping purposes. Ground augers may be employed with the double depth crypt vault to prevent upward floatation.

Abstract: A two-piece container for burial of a deceased's remains and personal artifacts. A first container holds the deceased's remains. A second container holds the papers and belonging's that document that person's life. A cylindrical, waterproof tube of metal or plastic holds the two containers when they are buried. Typically, the tube is placed vertically in the ground, with the top portion exposed. The tube can vary in length, thereby allowing more than one set of containers to be buried in a given location. This system has several advantages: less space is needed to bury an entire family; and the tubes can be installed before death making winter burials less of a problem. The cap of the tube can be protected and a headstone can be placed at the site. The cap can be made accessible so that it can be opened as needed to bury another person, or to obtain access to records as needed.

Abstract: A portable, modular, underwater burial/marine habitat anchored on an underwater surface consisting of a plurality of base sections and top sections each having extruded, lightweight concrete slabs and having a plurality of removable walls and egress openings, the sections being joined together and stacked in a desired configuration to form an underwater burial site and a marine sanctuary.

Abstract: A flat, rectangular lid member is designed to releasably close the open upper end of a burial vault. The lid member has an upper face, a lower face, opposite first and second ends, and opposite sides. A headstone holder formed integrally with or separate from the lid member projects upwardly from the upper face of the first end of the lid member. The headstone holder has an upright, rectangular cavity with an open upper end for receiving the lower end of a headstone to support the headstone in an upright position.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed, insulated, fiberglass and/or polymeric burial vault. The burial vault may include inner and outer layers with an insulation material there between. Additionally, an anchor or other device may be utilized to hold the burial vault in the ground.

Abstract: A columbarium system for the storage of human remains that includes a plurality of similarly configured storage containers is disclosed. The storage container has walls that define an enclosure having an opening at one end with a mounting plate attached thereto. The mounting plate has a pair of tabs that are arranged on opposite sides of the mounting plate and one pair of receiving grooves arranged at opposite sides of the mounting plate. The receiving grooves are dimensioned for receiving a tab from another container so that an arrangement of containers can be formed by the interlocking engagement of the tabs and grooves in adjacently arranged containers. The storage containers are self-framing in that additional framing members are not required for the erection of the columbarium system.

Abstract: A modular storage system for the internment of cremated human remains including interengaging construction blocks having a plurality of pre-formed recesses therein. Storage tubes each having a closure registerable within the recesses forms a self-supporting wall of multiple blocks with multiple niches. Each of the construction blocks has lifting engagement fixtures for positioning and alignment of the blocks defining structural interior walls.

Abstract: A mausoleum and method of constructing a mausoleum. The mausoleum may include plurality of vertically extending walls supportable on a surface, wherein at least one vertically extending wall has a plurality of cells integrally formed therein. At least one cell is substantially filled with a filler material. A roof is supported on the vertically extending walls and cooperates with those walls to define at least one crypt niche having at least one open end. A closure panel corresponding to each open end of each crypt niche is provided. One or more cells within the walls may be unfilled to serve as drain and/or vent passages for each niche. Shelf assemblies may be supported within each niche to form chambers for receiving caskets therein. Each shelf may have open cells formed therein which can communicate with open cells within the walls. A lawn crypt manufactured from similar materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thin-walled, light weight crypt form/liner is provided for use in making monolithic mausoleums. The crypt form/liner includes a first side, a second side, and a top defining an open-ended chamber having a front edge. The top, first side, and second side of the form/liner can be pleated. A two tier frame is formed on the front edge to facilitate interconnection of adjacent form/liners. The second tier of one form/liner overlies the first tier of an adjacent form/liner. The two tiers include bolt holes which are aligned when the form/liners are positioned adjacent each other. A connecting rod is mounted to one of the form/liners, and is sized to extend through the bolt holes of both adjacent form/liners to extend beyond the front edges thereof. The front frames define a shoulder which surrounds the opening to the crypts. A sealer plate is mounted in the shoulder. A memorialization plaque is mounted on the connecting bars.

Abstract: In a first aspect of the disclosure, a monument is shown having a movable element mounted in an opening therein for displaying information. The movable element may be partially or fully recessed in the opening but is constructed so as to be accessible for manual movement to change the information displayed. In a second aspect of the dislosure, a columbarium niche structure is shown having a movable element positioned behind an opening in a door. The movable element is preferably recessed so that no portion thereof extends beyond the front face of the door, but is constructed so as to be accessible for manual movement to change the information displayed. An adjustment system is provided for aligning the movable element with the door opening, and a bearing system is used to facillitate movement of the movable element.

Abstract: A columbarium which includes a pair of end walls disposed along substantially vertical planes resting on a base and supporting a top forming an enclosed open area. A plurality of containers which are arranged in horizontal and vertical rows are positioned within the open area. A pair of side walls which are supported solely by the base are disposed along substantially vertical planes forming the outer limits of the open area. The side walls are formed of a plurality of removable cover plates which are arranged in horizontal and vertical rows which substantially correspond with the horizontal and vertical rows formed by the containers.

Abstract: A free-standing cremation memorial for holding cremated remains has a plurality of chambers in a vertical portion of the structure as well as a number of chambers in the base unit. A base member prefabricated of aluminum framework with at least about 10 underground chambers is provided. An upright framework supported on said base in which a large number of niches is provided. A base member, which is supported on concrete footings, is a three-dimensional framework which provides support for the upright portion of the cremation memorial, which is also prefabricated framework.

Abstract: A plastic stackable riser for providing a grade level access for underground components such as septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drop boxes, including a cylindrical side wall having a top free edge and a bottom edge. The top free edge defines a first end opening and the second bottom edge is connected to a generally inverted U-shaped connecting member which defines a channel shaped to receive the first free edge portion of an adjacent stackable riser. In use, a plurality of stackable risers are interlocked together so that the side walls all extend along common vertical axes to the underground component and provide a gas-tight, liquid-tight column above the underground component.

Abstract: A columbarium in the form of a structure includes a plurality of components forming urn chambers for receiving at least one urn. The front opening of each component is closed by a door. The components are arranged in horizontal rows with the side walls of the components being located next to one another. At least two rows of components are arranged on top of each other, wherein an upper of the two rows is rearwardly offset relative to the lower of the two rows so as to form a step. The structure may be pyramid-shaped with four corners, wherein the rows are arranged in a square configuration on a plurality of levels.

Abstract: A double depth vault has a floor and opposing spaced side walls and end walls forming a burial enclosure. An intermediate floor panel is mountable in the enclosure at a predetermined location spaced above the floor to divide the vault into a lower burial chamber and an upper burial chamber. Pairs of aligned vertical guide grooves are provided in opposing walls of the vault to extend from the open end towards the floor, terminating at the desired intermediate floor position. Opposite edges of the intermediate floor member facing the grooved walls of the vault each have at least two spaced projecting pins for engagement in the respective guide grooves as the intermediate floor member is lowered into the vault. The closed ends of the guide grooves provide stops for engagement by the respective pins to support the intermediate floor member at the desired height in the vault.

Abstract: A cremation niche for holding the cremated remains of a deceased living being. The cremation niche includes a precast concrete block preferably having a size and consistency of a conventional cast building block. A cavity within the concrete block with access thereinto through an opening in the front upright surface of the concrete block provides access into the cavity for placing the cremated remains therein. A front face block matches the dimensions of the front surface of the concrete block and is connectable thereto by fasteners. A seal between the face block and the front face of the concrete block seals the cavity and protects the cremated remains. A separate molded plastic liner fitted into the cavity further enhances a hermetic seal within the cavity. Spacer tabs formed into one horizontal surface and one end surface of the concrete block enhance ease of building a wall of the filled and sealed niches with precise spacing between niches.

Abstract: A columbarium structure comprising several niche units, each of which is of a door hingably attached to it. Within each such door, a rotatable element is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: A plastic stackable riser for providing a grade level access for underground components such as septic tanks, distribution boxes, and drop boxes, is disclosed. The stackable riser includes a continuous peripheral side wall having a top free edge and a bottom edge. The top free edge defines a first end opening and the second bottom edge is connected to a generally inverted U-shaped connecting member which defines a channel shaped to receive the first free edge portion of an adjacent stackable riser. In use, a plurality of stackable risers are interlocked together so that the side walls all extend along common vertical axes to the underground component.

Abstract: The double depth crypt which permits having two crypt compartments completely independent from each other. The double depth crypt including a lower crypt compartment having an upper edge, and an upper crypt compartment that has a lower cover portion configured to mate with and seal on the upper edge of the lower crypt compartment. The upper crypt compartment also has an upper edge on which a separate cover is placed. The upper crypt compartment and the cover portion can be formed using a standard cover adhered to the lower portion of a crypt housing, or can be integrally molded as a unit.

Abstract: A lawn crypt is fabricated from molded unitary plastic structural members. The structural members are attached to one another so as to inhibit lateral movement therebetween by pins inserted through interengaging protuberances extending outward from the sides of the structural members. The protuberances resemble half-circles or partially open knuckles. Every adjacent protuberance of each structural member opens in the opposite direction. The lawn crypt allows burial chamber lids to be cast in place by the use of a unitary plastic molded lid form that becomes part of the lid after casting. The lid form includes molded-in sockets for restraining concrete reinforcing bars placed therein.

Abstract: An hermetically sealed module for a mausoleum is disclosed having a bottom member of predetermined dimensions, a cover member having dimensions which are complementary with respect to the bottom member, and a door member having predetermined dimensions which are complementary with respect to both the bottom and the cover members. The top member is laid upon the bottom member so as to provide a cavity for receiving a container having a decomposable corpse therein. The door member closes off the cavity. All mating surfaces between the bottom member, cover member and door member are sealed from inside and provide for an hermetically sealed module to be installed into a mausoleum. The mausoleum is provided with drain vents and air vents. The air vents in cooperation with fan devices provide a circulating system that not only purges the vaults of the decomposition gases of the body but also creates an evaporation process which assists in the removal of any decomposition fluids within the module.

Abstract: The tomb has a bone accommodating chamber inside it and the overall structure is formed like a house. The bone accommodating chamber is enclosed by the wall section on four sides and by the roof section that can be removed from the top of the wall section, so as to prevent ingress of water. The roof section can be taken off the wall section by lifting it, allowing the cinerary urn to be placed inside the tomb with ease.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-tier burial system comprising a plurality of precast elements, a first plurality of the elements being aligned to form a first tier defining a plurality of spaced-apart burial niches, and a second plurality of the elements being aligned to form a second tier supported by the first tier also defining a plurality of spaced-apart burial niches, the niches in the second tier being vertically staggered in relation to the niches in the first tier.

Abstract: A two piece tombstone monument cut with a matching tongue and groove. Removed segments of the tongue provide cells for interring urns or other containers of cremains.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a storage container for human remains which comprises a bottom portion, a plurality of walls each having a bottom edge coupled to the bottom means, a rim portion, a cover which fits into a recessed portion of the rim portion, a retainer portion which retains the cover within the recessed portion, fastener means to fasten the retainer portion to the cover wherein the container contains ashed human remains.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular multi-crypt assembly including a plurality of individual crypts. The assembly comprises a plurality of interconnected crypt modules wherein each module includes a plurality of tenons and mortises thereon for engaging corresponding mortises and tenons of adjacent modules to interconnect the modules into a solid multi-crypt assembly. The crypt modules have an inverted L configuration and are injection molded from a plastic material such as polyethylene.

Abstract: A columbarium (20) is constructed with a framework (22) having risers (24) extending vertically and having brackets (30) mounted thereon. Tie rods (26) extend horizontally through the brackets to connect the risers (24). Shelves (28) rest on the brackets (30) and space the risers and also hide the tie rods for improved appearance. A backing (46) covers the rear of the columbarium and front covers (42) hide each niche. Decorative stone facing can then be attached to the front of the shelves (28). The flexibility and the height of the risers and width of the tie rods provides for a variety of sizes. In addition, the columbarium may be constructed using modules (70) which can be transported and then later joined together with additional tie rods (27) extending between the brackets (30).

Abstract: A niche construction comprised of a wall of reinforced concrete which has a surface with recesses formed therein which have openings which extend to the surface, box liners of non-combustible plastic material which have fiberglass fibers disposed therein, the liners disposed in said recesses, and an adhesive adherent to the liner and to said concrete disposed on the exterior surface of the liner and the interior of the recess and which forms a bond between the box liner and the reinforced concrete to prevent removal of the box liner.

Abstract: A method of storing an enclosed entombment casket in the chamber of an above-ground burial crypt is provided wherein a compact, lightweight casket enclosure made from a thermoplastic resinous material which is impervious to gases and liquids and which is chemically resistant to the highly corrosive liquids used in the embalming process, notably formaldehyde, is first placed into the crypt chamber and positioned so that it will be completely contained inside the chamber with an open end located close to but spaced from the entrance opening of the chamber. The enclosed entombment casket is then inserted into the casket enclosure through its open end which is then closed and sealed by a gas and liquid impermeable cover made from the same thermoplastic resinous material. The cover is provided with a generally U-shaped sealing channel disposed around its outer periphery which is adapted to receive in an abutting relationship the peripheral edges of the casket enclosure which surround the open end.

Abstract: A curtain wall for a building structure is provided in which structural members and diaphragms are used to reinforce a relatively light frame such that the number of connections to the building required is reduced to one or two. The curtain wall module comprises a frame having a top and bottom chord and a plurality of transverse studs spaced at intervals along the length of the chords defining a plurality of panels. Exterior cladding including a layer of sheet metal is mounted to the exterior face of the frame strengthening the frame as a stressed diaphragm. In the preferred embodiment the top chord of the frame includes a relatively strong reinforcing beam (such as a square hollow structural section) parallel to and connected to the top chord along the full length of the top chord. The weight of the wall may be supported upon the building by vertically adjustable connectors at two points on the beam.

Abstract: An improved mausoleum includes a support frame made of fiberglass structural members and a plurality of sealed fiberglass caskets which are proof against deterioration. The mausoleum according to the invention eliminates the need for venting and drainage, greatly simplifies construction of the mausoleum, and reduces funeral expenses. In preferred embodiments, each of the fiberglass caskets has a pair of central lateral flanges, and the support structure includes a plurality of pairs of parallel rails made of fiberglass spaced apart so that the caskets can be inserted between the rails and supported thereon by the central lateral flanges of each casket.

Abstract: A connector assembly is described for concrete structural elements, such as concrete crypt modules for mausoleum structures. The connector assembly includes a top corner member connectable to a concrete structural element with a horizontal top plate extending along the top of the structural element and a vertical edge plate extending down one side of the structural element. The vertical edge plate has an inwardly stepped portion extending downwardly from the top of the structural element and terminating in a horizontal shelf portion and the horizontal top plate has a recess adapted to extend into the concrete. One edge of the recess and the top end of the vertical edge plate have opposed interlock projections. The assembly also includes an interlock plate means having projections for engaging the opposed interlock projections and one edge of the plate means has a downwardly projecting flange terminating above the corner member shelf portion.

Abstract: A crypt insulation panel is made of closed cell polyurethane and placed over an open front of a crypt. The panel is mounted to the crypt by the use of a non-water soluble sealant or polyurethane foam. Further, the panel has an R value of at least 7 and has at least 85% closed cells. A fumigant or a perfume can be added to the panel.

Abstract: A memorial vault apparatus for human cremated remains which includes a concrete slab having a top level surface. A first set of elongated parallel cylindrical pipes are supported on top of the level surface with each adjacent pair of pipes being equidistantly spaced from each other. Each of the pipes of the second set of pipes are perpendicular to each of the pipes of the first set of pipes to form a grid work for receiving vaults in the spaces formed between the first and second set of pipes. A saddle connector is provided for attaching each of the pipes of the second set of pipes to each of the pipes of the first set of pipes. This saddle structure has a first semi-circular surface thereon in abutment with the top of one of the first set of pipes and a second semi-circular surface in abutment with the bottom of one of the second set of pipes and the saddle structure is adhesively cemented to the pipes at the point which the saddle structure abuts the pipes.

Abstract: An interment facility including an above-ground building of generally rectangular parallelpiped configuration; a plurality of sealed vaults each containing a single corpse; and a skeleton vault support structure within the building including a plurality of laterally and fore and aft spaced columns, and a plurality of horizontal rails supported by the columns and coacting with the columns to suspend a large quantity of vaults within the interior volume of the building in a series of side-by-side vertical rows each including a plurality of tiers. The vaults are moved into and out of the individual interment spaces by sliding movement into the open end of the rows from a vestibule area within the building with flanges defined along the opposite longitudinal edges of the vaults engaging and sliding along the rails to allow movement of the vaults to their final designated space and to support the vault by its flanges in its final designated space.

Abstract: A worshipping system comprises a worshipping room having an altar, an area for storing a number of cinerary urns, visible means provided in said worshipping room for visually suggesting the movement of the spirits from the cinerary urns to the altar, and control means for actuating said visible means. When necessary codes such as the number of the family or the deceased concerned are inputted into the input unit of the control means, the visible means simulates the transfer of the spirit of the deceased from the cinerary urn to the worshipped object. This causes the worshippers of their ancestors to feel that the spirit in the cinerary urn has been united to the worshipped object through the visible means.

Abstract: A lawn crypt (10) comprises a rectangular array of chambers (22). Each chamber (22) is defined by opposing side panels (34, 46) and opposing end panels (52, 64). A top panel (70) serves to close the chamber and is supported by the side panels (34, 46) and the end panels (52, 64). Each chamber (22) is divided into an upper vault (102) and a lower vault (104) by a horizontal divider (100). The side, end and top panels are fabricated of reinforced concrete such that the crypt (10) can carry the substantial burden of heavy mechanized equipment. By using heavy equipment the operations of opening and closing grave sites can be done with a minimal amount of labor and time.

Abstract: Fastening apparatus for shutters and a method of attachment thereof is disclosed. The fastening apparatus is hidden, yet operable, from in front of the face of the shutters. A plurality of studs are held by nuts retained within a cavity of a holding member attached to the framework, such as a columbarium or mausoleum structure. Rotation of the nuts on the stud moves the stud against ramp members fastened to the rearside of the shutters thereby drawing the shutters to the framework.

Abstract: A columbarium structure made from a multiplicity of preformed niche units or modules. The units are secured together utilizing brackets spanning coplanar walls of adjacent units, channel members overlying parallel and adjacent front edges in units, and rosettes secured to the brackets and overlying ends of the channel members.

Abstract: An above-ground interment arrangement for cremated remains which are contained in respective remains vessels. The arrangement is provided with a foundation which rests upon the ground of the cemetery, or other location. At least one further portion of the arrangement, which may be part of a pre-existing monument, is provided with a repository chamber adapted for receiving a remains vessel. In some embodiments, the portion of the arrangement which rests upon the foundation may be formed of several levels of repository chambers to form a stack which may accommodate a multiplicity of remains vessels. In further embodiments, two such stacks may be arranged side by side to double the capacity of the interment arrangement, and render it suitable for interring the victims of battles or catastrophes. Each such repository chamber is provided with a respective cover which may be affixed to the monument by any of several known means.

Abstract: Hazardous or toxic waste material is permanently stored by sealing the material in sealed containers within an otherwise solid concrete block buried in the earth. A concrete chamber with integrated floor and side walls is formed in the ground. A first group of sealed, filled containers is arranged on the floor and covered with concrete. After the poured concrete has been cured, a second layer of containers is placed in the chamber and similarly encased in concrete. A final layer of concrete of substantial depth is poured atop the uppermost layer of containers to seal the chamber. Means can be provided to collect and recycle any leachate which escapes the concrete chamber providing additional safety.

Abstract: A prefabricated burial chamber adapted to be mounted on or adjacent similar burial chambers and cast integrally of reinforced concrete with a pair of side walls, a rear and a top wall and a vertical pillar connected to a front edge of one of said side walls.

Abstract: An improved mausoleum and the method of construction, the mausoleum including a plurality of stacked, preformed, molded fiberglass or plastic crypts, interlocked together at crypt corners by metal fastening plates bolted to fastening rods partially embedded in the end faces of each crypt. Vertical columns of crypts are supported on a concrete or other conventional foundation. Each bottom crypt in a particular vertical column includes adjustable leveling supports to accommodate for variations in the surface of the foundation. A non-load bearing supporting shell or facade of decorative masonry or other material may be used to house an entire tier of crypts. Each crypt includes one or more vertically disposed, rigid supporting structural members embedded in each crypt side wall, the support member ends forming tenons which are interlocked with vertically adjacent crypt tenons to provide increased vertical compression force loading for the stacked vertical columns of crypts.