Access Lid for an Embalming Machine
An embalming machine for mixing of fluids and cleaning of a reservoir may include a reservoir. The embalming machine may include a reservoir lid configured to at least partially enclose an upper portion of the reservoir, the reservoir lid including an access hatch integrated into the reservoir lid. The embalming machine may include an access hatch lid integrated into the reservoir lid, the access hatch lid being shaped to overlie the access hatch.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/915,081, filed on 15 Oct. 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to an embalming machine, and more specifically, an embalming machine equipped for mixing of fluids and cleanability of an embalming machine reservoir.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONEmbalming, a technique typically used to prepare a cadaver for burial, is the process by which blood and bodily fluids are removed from a cadaver and replaced with an embalming fluid using an embalming machine. While embalming provides several societal benefits, including restoring the cadaver's appearance and delaying decay to allow time to arrange for a funeral and transport of the cadaver to a burial site, there exists several shortcomings in the maintenance required of the embalming machine between each embalming process, thus necessitating the need for a more efficient system to ready the machine for the next cadaver.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF DISCLOSUREIn one example implementation, an embalming machine may include a reservoir. The embalming machine may include a reservoir lid configured to at least partially enclose an upper portion of the reservoir. The reservoir lid may include an access hatch integrated into the reservoir lid. The embalming machine may include an access hatch lid integrated into the reservoir lid. The access hatch lid may be shaped to overlie the access hatch.
One or more of the following features may be included. The access hatch lid may be affixed to the reservoir lid by at least one hinge. The at least one hinge may be configured to pivotably raise and lower the access hatch lid respective to the reservoir lid. The access hatch may include a filter configured to cover a surface area of the access hatch. The access hatch lid may include a centrally disposed basket depending downwardly from the reservoir lid and into the reservoir. The centrally disposed basket may be dimensioned for insertion into the access hatch such that the access hatch lid may be configured to be removeably retained to the reservoir lid. The embalming machine may further include a tube extending from a lower portion to the upper portion of the reservoir. The tube may provide a pathway for fluid to travel to the reservoir. The embalming machine may further include a port connected to an end of the tube adjacent to the upper portion of the reservoir. The port may be configured to dispense the fluid traveling through the tube and into an interior of the reservoir. The port may be positioned to dispense fluid into the interior of the reservoir to flow in a generally centrifugal motion around the interior of the reservoir. At least a portion of the interior of the reservoir may include a hydrophobic surface. The embalming machine may further include a number of selectable settings including, at least in part, a clean mode and a mix mode. The fluid may be dispensed from the port and into the interior of the reservoir at a defined pressure. The fluid may be dispensed from the port and into the interior of the reservoir at a defined flow rate.
In another example implementation, an embalming machine may include a reservoir. The embalming machine may comprise a reservoir lid configured to at least partially enclose an upper portion of the reservoir. The reservoir lid may include an access hatch providing fluid communication between an interior of the reservoir and an exterior of the reservoir. An access hatch lid may be removeably disposed relative to the access hatch to substantially close the access hatch to fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir in a closed position.
One or more of the following features may be included. The access hatch lid may be hinged relative to the reservoir lid for pivotal movement between an open position permitting fluid communication between the interior of the reservoir and an exterior of the reservoir, and a closed position configured to close the access hatch to fluid communication between the interior of the reservoir and the exterior of the reservoir. The access hatch lid may be removeably retained relative to the access hatch to permit fluid communication between the interior of the reservoir and the exterior of the reservoir and to close the access hatch to fluid communication between the interior of the reservoir and the exterior of the reservoir.
According to another implementation, a method for cleaning of fluids from an embalming machine may include selecting a clean mode from a number of selectable settings on the embalming machine. The embalming machine may include a reservoir. The embalming machine may further include a tube extending from a lower portion to an upper portion of the reservoir. The tube may provide a pathway for fluid to travel to the reservoir. The embalming machine may further include a port connected to an end of the tube adjacent to the upper portion of the reservoir. The method may further include dispensing the fluid from the port and into an interior of the reservoir. The port may be positioned to dispense the fluid into the interior of the reservoir to flow in a generally centrifugal motion around the interior of the reservoir.
One or more of the following features may be included. The port may be positioned to dispense the fluid into the interior of the reservoir to flow in a generally centrifugal motion around the interior of the reservoir. The fluid may be dispensed from the port and into the interior of the reservoir at a defined pressure. The fluid may be dispensed from the port and into the interior of the reservoir at a defined flow rate.
The details of one or more example implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other possible example features and/or possible example advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Some implementations may not have those possible example features and/or possible example advantages, and such possible example features and/or possible example advantages may not necessarily be required of some implementations.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTIONEmbalming machines are often used to employ embalming techniques to prepare a cadaver for burial, which typically involves a process by which blood and bodily fluids are removed from the cadaver and replaced with an embalming fluid. Despite the several societal benefits that an embalming process may provide, including restoring the cadaver's appearance and delaying decay to allow time to arrange for a funeral and transport of the cadaver to a burial site, there exists several shortcomings in the maintenance required of the embalming machine between each embalming process. As such, there is a need for a more efficient system to ready the embalming machine for the next cadaver. Accordingly, and as will be discussed below, embalming machine 100 may at least help promote cleanability of a reservoir and efficient mixing techniques of e.g., embalming fluids.
As generally discussed above, and referring also at least to the example implementations of
As generally described above, in some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include reservoir 102. For example, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include tube 200 extending from lower portion 202 to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein tube 200 may provide a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102. For example, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include a port 300 connected to and/or associated with an end of tube 200 adjacent to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein port 300 may be configured to dispense fluid 206 traveling through tube 200 and into an interior of reservoir 102. Consistent with various embodiments, the port may include a separate component that may be in fluid communication with the tube, may include a feature associated with (e.g., coupled with, integrally formed with, etc.) the reservoir, and/or may include a feature of the tube itself (such as an integrally formed feature of the tube, an opening in the tube, or the like). For example, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, port 300 may be positioned to dispense fluid 206 into the interior of reservoir 102 to flow in a generally centrifugal motion 302 around the interior of reservoir 102. For example, as generally discussed above and again referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, at least a portion of the interior of reservoir 102 may include a hydrophobic surface 400. For example, and again referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may further include a number of selectable settings, wherein the number of selectable settings may include, at least in part, a clean mode and a mix mode. For example, and referring again to at least the example implementations of
In some implementations, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined pressure. For example, and as previously discussed above, when a particular mode (e.g., a mix mode or a clean mode) is selected from the number of selectable settings, fluid 206 may be transported to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, dispensed from port 300 into reservoir 102, and directed to follow a radial path around the interior of reservoir 102 to effectuate efficient mixing of fluids or cleaning of reservoir 102 via a generally centrifugal motion 302 (i.e., “whirlpool” behavior). Consistent with this example, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 at a defined pressure that may be automatically set to an optimal value. In some particular example embodiments, the preferred value of the defined pressure may be set to a pressure unit rate of 100 pounds per square inch (psi). In some implementations, rather than being automatically set, the pressure and/or flow rate of the fluid may be manually selected by the user, and/or may otherwise be defined and/or determined.
In some implementations, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined flow rate. For example, and as previously discussed above, when a particular mode (e.g., mix mode or a clean mode) is selected from the number of selectable settings, fluid 206 may be transported to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, dispensed from port 300 into reservoir 102, and directed to follow a path around the interior of reservoir 102 to effectuate efficient mixing of fluids or cleaning of reservoir 102 via a generally centrifugal motion 302 (i.e., “whirlpool” behavior). Consistent with this example, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 at a defined flow rate that may be automatically set to a desired value. In some particular example embodiments, the defined flow rate may be automatically set to a volumetric flow rate, such as, e.g., 1 gallon per minute (gpm). In some particular example embodiments, the value of the defined flow rate of fluid 206 may be about 128 oz./minute. In addition/as an alternative to being automatically set, the flow rate may be manually set by a user and/or may be otherwise defined and/or determined.
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may further include at least a second tube 304 projecting into lower portion 202 of reservoir 102, wherein at least second tube 304 may be configured to inject (and/or extract) fluid 206 (and/or one or more similar and/or different fluids) into (and/or from) the interior of the reservoir 102. In various implementations, the second tube 304 may extend from within the interior of the reservoir (e.g., from a bottom of the reservoir) and/or may extend through a sidewall of the reservoir adjacent the lower portion of the reservoir, and/or may extend from an upper portion of the reservoir (e.g., either down from a top of the reservoir and/or through a sidewall of the reservoir) down to the lower portion of the reservoir. For example, as discussed above and also referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may further include a reservoir lid 104 configured to at least partially enclose upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein reservoir lid 104 may include access hatch 106 integrated into reservoir lid 104. For example, and referring again to at least the example implementations of
In some implementations, and referring also at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include reservoir 102. For example, and continuing with the above-described illustrative example implementation of
As generally discussed above, in some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include tube 200 extending from lower portion 202 to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein tube 200 may provide a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102. For example, and referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include port 300 in fluid communication with tube 200 adjacent to upper portion 204 of the reservoir 102. For example, and again referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, the method may further include dispensing fluid 206 from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102, wherein port 300 may be positioned to dispense fluid 206 into the interior of reservoir 102 to flow in a generally centrifugal motion 302 around the interior of reservoir 102. For example, and as previously discussed above, tube 200 may provide a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102, such that fluid 206 may be pumped through tube 200 and dispensed from port 300 into reservoir 102. For example, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, the method may further include pouring at least a second fluid 700 into the interior of reservoir 102 through access hatch 106 integrated into reservoir lid 104, wherein reservoir lid 104 may be configured to at least partially enclose upper portion 204 of the reservoir 102. For example, and as previously discussed above, fluid 206 may be pumped through tube 200 and dispensed from port 300 into reservoir 102. In some particular example embodiments, fluid 206 may be directed to flow in a generally centrifugal motion 302 around the interior of reservoir 102 because of the generally tangential positioning of port 300 relative to an interior surface of reservoir 102. Consistent with the present example, and now referring to at least the example implementation of
In some implementations, and referring again to at least the example implementation of
In some implementations, and as generally described above, at least a portion of the interior of reservoir 102 may include hydrophobic surface 400. For example, reservoir 102 may be specially treated with a hydrophobic surface treatment to bond a hydrophobic material to the surface of reservoir 102 to create a hydrophobic coating. Consistent with the foregoing example, the hydrophobic coating may be applied to at least a portion of the surface of reservoir 102 using a spray that may be buffed on and then left to dry (e.g., depending upon the coating material, for at least 24 hours, and/or another suitable time period). Similarly, it may be possible to effectively treat all of the hydraulic components of embalming machine 100 with the hydrophobic surface treatment so that all of the hydraulic components are resistant to staining, build-up, and deposits of debris from various fluids or oils. It will be appreciated that additional and/or alternative approaches may be utilized for providing a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic surface character to at least a portion of the interior of the reservoir and/or to one or more aspects of the embalming machine.
In some implementations, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined pressure. For example, and referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined flow rate. For example, and referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, and referring also at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include reservoir 102. For example, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include tube 200 extending from lower portion 202 to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein tube 200 may provide a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102. In some implementations, and again referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include port 300 in fluid communication with tube 200 adjacent to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102. In some particular example embodiments, port 300 may be customized/customizable. For example, port 300 and/or at least a portion of tube 200 may be customized to bend at various angles and/or to have a crimped end ranging in various widths. It will be appreciated that by customizing the port and/or at least a portion of the tube, various flow characteristics of the fluid entering the reservoir via the tube and the port may be altered (e.g., angle of the stream of fluid entering the reservoir may be changed, the relative pressure of the stream of fluid entering the reservoir may be changed, and the like). For example, in a particular illustrative example embodiment, port 300 may be customized to have a crimped end, e.g., with an opening measuring approximately 0.12 inches wide, and/or another selected dimension. It will be appreciated that, consistent with some implementations, by bending tube 200 and/or port 300 and/or crimping an end of port 300 through which fluid 206 is dispensed, there may be a realized advantage of reducing the production of air bubbles in the water line and particularly those in e.g., tube 200. It will be appreciated that various additional and/or alternative features, advantages, and/or characteristics may be achieved by varying one or more of the angle of the port and/or the tube, the opening dimension of the port, etc.
In some implementations, the method may further include dispensing fluid 206 from port 300 and into an interior of reservoir 102, wherein port 300 may be positioned to dispense fluid 206 into the interior of reservoir 102 to flow in a generally centrifugal motion 302 around the interior of reservoir 102. For example, and as previously discussed above, tube 200 may provide a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102, such that fluid 206 may be pumped through tube 200 and dispensed from port 300 into reservoir 102 with enough inertial force to flow in a generally radial path around the interior of reservoir 102.
In some implementations, the method may further include pouring at least a second fluid 700 through access hatch 106 integrated into reservoir lid 104, wherein reservoir lid 104 may be configured to at least partially enclose upper portion 204 of reservoir 102. For example, and as previously discussed above and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, the method may further include injecting fluid 206 (and/or another similar and/or different fluid) from at least a second tube 304 projecting from inside of lower portion 202 of reservoir 102 and/or otherwise having an opening adjacent a lower portion of the reservoir, as generally discussed above. For example, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, at least a portion of the interior of reservoir 102 may include a hydrophobic surface 400. For example, hydrophobic surface 400 may be both water and oil repellent, such that the hydrophobicity of the surface renders it both easy to clean as deposits and residues left by various liquids, dirt, and even oil, are deterred from naturally adhering to, or smudging, hydrophobic surface 400. In a corresponding manner, hydrophobic surface 400 may also promote ease of movement for fluid 206 to freely flow around the interior of reservoir 102. Various features, aspects, and configurations of such hydrophobic and/or oleophobic surfaces have been described herein.
In some implementations, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined pressure. For example, and as generally discussed above, adjusting and/or regulating the hydraulic pressure of fluid 206 may provide additional cleaning or mixing motion by activating an injection of the same and/or a different fluid from at least a second tube 304 projecting from inside lower portion 202 of reservoir 102 (and/or otherwise disposed to dispense fluid adjacent to a lower portion of the reservoir). In some particular example embodiments, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined flow rate. In some particular example embodiments, and referring again to at least the example implementation of
Referring at least to the example implementations of
Consistent with some illustrative example embodiments, and as generally mentioned above, embalming machine 100 may include reservoir lid 104, e.g., which may at least partially enclose an opening of reservoir 102 (e.g., such as the top opening of reservoir 102). Further, consistent with some such embodiments, reservoir lid 104 may include access hatch 106, e.g., which may allow at least a portion of reservoir lid 104 to be opened to permit fluid access to reservoir 102 while reservoir lid 104 is in place at least partially enclosing reservoir 102. With reference to the illustrative example embodiment shown in
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include reservoir lid 104 configured to at least partially enclose upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein reservoir lid 104 may include access hatch 106 integrated into reservoir lid 104. For example, and referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include access hatch lid 108 integrated into reservoir lid 104, wherein access hatch lid 108 may be shaped to overlie and/or otherwise at least partially, or fully, enclose or occlude access hatch 106. For example, and referring now to at least the example implementations of
In some implementations, access hatch lid 108 may be affixed to reservoir lid 104 by at least one hinge 902. For example, as generally discussed above and referring again at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, at least one hinge 902 may be configured to pivotably raise and lower access hatch lid 108 respective to reservoir lid 104. For example, as generally described above and referring again at least to the example implementations of
In some particular example implementations, one or more O-rings may be disposed between the described respective cylinder (e.g., and may be similarly disposed around the shaft, or hinge pin). Consistent with some such embodiments, the O-rings may frictionally interact with the adjacent cylinders. In some embodiments, the frictional interaction between the O-rings and the cylinders may dampen the rotation of the cylinders relative to one another, and may provide a soft closing of the access hatch lid relative to the reservoir lid (e.g., by controlling and/or reducing the rate of rotation of the cylinders relative to one another for a given rotational force). In some such embodiments, the inclusion of the O-rings may impart a “soft close” feature to the access hatch lid.
For example, as generally described above and referring again at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, access hatch 106 may include a filter configured to cover at least a portion, and/or all, of a surface area of access hatch 106. For example, access hatch 106 may include a filter (e.g., mesh webbing) integrated into reservoir lid 104 at the same location of access hatch 106. For example, a filter may be configured to cover a surface area of access hatch 106 by extending across the total area occupied by access hatch 106. Consistent with the foregoing example, the filter may be integrated into reservoir lid 104 as a preventative measure against the unintended entry of debris into access hatch 106. For example, and as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the filter may be configured to yield different grain capacities or sieve sizes, such that the filter may be configured to filtrate different grain sizes of debris depending upon the type of filter used. In addition/as an alternative to preventing the intrusion of foreign object into the reservoir, in some implementations, the filter may also aid in reducing and/or preventing fluid splashing out of the reservoir. For example, and as generally discussed above, a filter may be integrated into reservoir lid 104 and cover access hatch 106 as a preventative measure against the unintended entry of debris into access hatch 106. In some implementations, the filter may be made from one or more different materials including, e.g., stainless steel or any alternative metallic or polymer material suitable for providing a substantially rigid (i.e., not easily pierced) structure. In some implementations, the filter may be removeably disposed relative to the access hatch and/or the opening of the reservoir, which may, for example, allow for removal of the filter and/or replacement of the filter. It will be appreciated that in some configurations access hatch 106 may not include a filter integrated into reservoir lid 104. Instead, access hatch 106 may fully expose the interior the external environment when access hatch lid 108 is pivotably raised from reservoir lid 104. Other configurations may be possible as well without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
In some implementations, access hatch lid 108 may include centrally disposed protrusion, or basket 1400, depending downwardly from reservoir lid 104 and into reservoir 102. For example, as generally described above and referring at least to the example implementations of
For example, and consistent with some illustrative example embodiments, centrally disposed basket 1400 may enable access hatch lid 108 to at least partially extend into reservoir 102 from access hatch 106. In some particular example embodiments, and again referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, centrally disposed basket 1400 may be dimensioned for insertion into access hatch 106 such that access hatch lid 108 may be configured to be removeably retained to reservoir lid 104. For example, and as generally discussed above, access hatch lid 108 may include centrally disposed basket 1400 depending downwardly from reservoir lid 104 and into reservoir 102. It will be appreciated that the depth that the centrally disposed basket depict downwardly from the reservoir lid may vary. For example, in some implementations that centrally disposed basket may depend a notable degree into the reservoir. In some implementations, the centrally disposed basket may only depend approximately the thickness of the reservoir lid, e.g., such that the centrally disposed basket may provide lateral location and retention of the access hatch lid relative to the access hatch and/or reservoir lid, with minimal intrusion into the reservoir. Variation between the foregoing ranges are equally contemplated by the present disclosure.
Consistent with the foregoing example, centrally disposed basket 1400 may include a maximum width adapted to be less than a diameter of access hatch 106. In a corresponding manner and as generally discussed above, access hatch lid 108 may include brim 1402, wherein brim 1402 may be wider than access hatch 106 such that brim may rest beyond the perimeter of access hatch 106 and atop at least a portion of reservoir lid 104. For example, brim 1402 may include a maximum width adapted to be greater than a diameter of access hatch 106. In some implementations, access hatch lid 108 may not include brim 1402. For example, at least a portion of access hatch lid 108 may include a cooperatively tapered end, such that the engagement between access hatch lid 108 and access hatch 106 may removeably retain access hatch lid 108 relative to access hatch 106 via friction. In some particular example embodiments, centrally disposed basket 1400 may be used as a measuring tool for various fluids used during the embalming process. For example, the side wall of centrally disposed basket 1400 may include an upwardly directed indicia on at least a portion of the side wall, wherein the upwardly directed indicia may be at least one of standard and/or metric units of measurement. Accordingly, a user may have the option to pour fluids into centrally disposed basket 1400 using the indicia to measure the fluids prior to adding the fluids to reservoir 102 via access hatch 106.
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may further include tube 200 vertically extending from lower portion 202 to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein tube 200 provides a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102. For example, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may further include port 300 in fluid communication with tube 200 adjacent to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein port 300 may be configured to dispense fluid 206 traveling through tube 200 and into an interior of reservoir 102. For example, port 300 may be connected to tube 200 positioned adjacent to the top of reservoir 102, but may not necessarily be positioned at the absolute top of reservoir. For example, tube 200 may provide a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102, such that fluid 206 may be pumped through tube 200 by embalming machine 100 and dispensed from port 300 into reservoir 102.
In some implementations, port 300 may be positioned to dispense fluid 206 into the interior of reservoir 102 to flow in a generally centrifugal motion around the interior of reservoir 102. For example, port 300 may be positioned generally tangentially to an inner surface of reservoir 102. As such, when fluid 206 is dispensed from port 300 it may be directed to make contact with the inner surface of reservoir 102 and consequently experience a generally centrifugal motion 302 around the interior of reservoir 102.
In some implementations, at least a portion of the interior of reservoir 102 may include hydrophobic surface 400. For example, and as generally discussed above, to easily clean hydrophobic surface 400, a user may select a clean mode from a number of selectable settings on embalming machine 100, wherein selecting the clean mode may cause embalming machine 100 to pump water and/or cleaning solution through the system and through tube 200. When the water and/or cleaning solution is dispensed from port 300, the water and/or the cleaning solution may flow in a radial path around the interior of reservoir 102 via the generally centrifugal motion 302 to rid the inner surface of reservoir 102 of any staining, dirt or oil that has accumulated during the embalming process. As such, hydrophobic surface 400 may provide an easy clean and stain-free surface for reservoir 102.
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may further include a number of selectable settings, the selectable settings including, at least in part, a clean mode and a mix mode. For example, and as generally discussed above, a user may select from a number of selectable settings throughout the embalming process, wherein the number of selectable settings may be labeled on embalming machine, and more specifically positioned around setting knob 110 (and/or via another suitable selection interface), such that the user may turn setting knob 110 in the direction of the desired setting until a dial on setting knob 110 aligns with the desired setting to activate the respective mode. In some implementations, the number of selectable settings may further include, but not limited to, a pulse mode, an inject mode, and/or an off/gravity mode.
In some implementations, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined pressure. For example, the level of intensity experienced by fluid 206 in the system may be dependent upon a particular pressure set by the user (e.g., embalmer), and/or a particular pressure defined based upon one or more parameters or criteria, or the like.
In some implementations, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined flow rate. For example, the level of intensity experienced by fluid 206 in the system may be dependent upon a particular flow rate set by the user (e.g., embalmer), and/or otherwise determined or selected.
In some implementations, and referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include reservoir 102. For example, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include reservoir lid 104 configured to at least partially enclose upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein reservoir lid 104 may include access hatch 106 providing fluid communication between an interior of reservoir 102 and an exterior of reservoir 102. As generally appreciated throughout the specification, access hatch 106 may contribute to the efficient mixing of fluids during an embalming process and provide efficient cleaning of the interior of reservoir 102. For example, access hatch 106 may enable a user to conveniently add various types of fluids (e.g., embalming fluid, cleaning solutions, and/or water, etc.) to reservoir 102 without requiring the user to remove reservoir lid 104. For example, instead of removing reservoir lid 104 to access the interior of reservoir 102, a user may pour fluids directly into access hatch 106 instead.
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include access hatch lid 108 removeably disposed relative to access hatch 106 to substantially close access hatch 106 to fluid communication with the interior of reservoir 102. For example, access hatch 106 may enable a user to conveniently add various types of fluids (and/or solids or powders) to reservoir 102 by pivotably raising access hatch lid 108 (e.g., a hinged lid), or by removing access hatch lid 108 from access hatch (e.g., disposed basket), to expose access hatch 106, and pouring the fluids through access hatch 106. After which, the user may close access hatch lid 108 over access hatch 106 and repeat the process as necessary.
In some implementations, access hatch lid 108 may be hinged relative to reservoir lid 104 for pivotal movement between an open position that may permit fluid communication between the interior of reservoir 102 and an exterior of reservoir 102, and closed position which may be configured to close access hatch 106 to fluid communication between the interior of reservoir 102 and the exterior of reservoir 102. For example, as generally discussed above and referring again at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, access hatch lid 108 may be removeably retained relative to access hatch 106 to permit fluid communication between the interior of reservoir 102 and the exterior of reservoir 102 and to close access hatch 106 to fluid communication between the interior of reservoir 102 and the exterior of reservoir 102. For example, as discussed above and again referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, and referring also to at least the example implementations of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include reservoir 102. For example, reservoir 102 may be cylindrical, and/or any other suitable shape or configuration. As discussed above, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, embalming machine 100 may include tube 200 vertically extending from lower portion 202 to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein tube 200 provides a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102. For example, and referring at least to the example implementation of
In some implementations, port 300 may be fluidly coupled to tube 200 adjacent to upper portion 204 of reservoir 102. For example, port 300 may be connected to an end of tube 200 positioned at, or near, a top of reservoir 102, but may not necessarily be positioned at an absolute top of reservoir.
In some implementations, reservoir lid 104 may be configured to at least partially enclose upper portion 204 of reservoir 102, wherein reservoir lid 104 may include access hatch 106 integrated into reservoir lid 104. For example, and referring at least to the example implementations of
In some implementations, access hatch lid 108 may be integrated into reservoir lid 104, wherein access hatch lid 108 may be shaped to overlie access hatch 106. For example, access hatch lid 108 may be configured to completely cover access hatch 106 such that access hatch lid 108 may be equal to or greater than the size of access hatch 106 so that access hatch lid 108 may cover access hatch 106 without falling into reservoir 102. For example, access hatch lid 108 may also have a tapered design, such that access hatch lid 108 may be retained by access hatch 106 and partially depend into reservoir 102. Other configurations are possible as well without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
In some implementations, the method may further include dispensing fluid 206 from port 300 and into an interior of reservoir 102. For example, tube 200 may provide a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102 such that fluid 206 may be pumped through tube 200 and dispensed from port 300 into reservoir 102.
In some implementations, the method may further include pouring at least a second fluid 700 through access hatch 106 and into the interior of reservoir 102. For example, and referring to at least the example implementation of
In some implementations, port 300 may be positioned to dispense fluid into the interior of reservoir 102 to flow in a generally centrifugal motion 302 around the interior of reservoir 102. For example, and as discussed above, tube 200 may provide a pathway for fluid 206 to travel to reservoir 102, such that fluid 206 may be pumped through tube 200 by embalming machine 100 and dispensed from port 300 into reservoir 102. Consistent with the foregoing, fluid 206 may travel through tube 200 and dispense tangent to an interior surface of reservoir 102 and flow in a generally centrifugal motion (i.e., “whirlpool” behavior) around the interior of reservoir 102.
In some implementations, fluid may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined pressure. For example, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 at a defined pressure rate that may be automatically set to a desired value (e.g., at a user selected value, or the like).
In some implementations, fluid may be dispensed from port 300 and into the interior of reservoir 102 at a defined flow rate. For example, fluid 206 may be dispensed from port 300 at a defined flow rate that may be automatically set to an desired value (e.g., at a user selected value, or the like).
While various combinations of features, aspects, and concepts have been described in the context of an embalming machine, it should be appreciated that the various features, aspects, and concepts may be utilized alone, and/or in various additional combinations and/or sub-combinations with one another.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the language “at least one of A, B, and C” (and the like) should be interpreted as covering only A, only B, only C, or any combination of the three, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps (not necessarily in a particular order), operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps (not necessarily in a particular order), operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents (e.g., of all means or step plus function elements) that may be in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications, variations, substitutions, and any combinations thereof will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The implementation(s) were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various implementation(s) with various modifications and/or any combinations of implementation(s) as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
A number of implementations have been described. Having thus described the disclosure of the present application in detail and by reference to implementation(s) thereof, it will be apparent that modifications, variations, and any combinations of implementation(s) (including any modifications, variations, substitutions, and combinations thereof) are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. An embalming machine comprising:
- a reservoir;
- a reservoir lid configured to at least partially enclose an upper portion of the reservoir, wherein the reservoir lid includes an access hatch integrated into the reservoir lid; and
- an access hatch lid integrated into the reservoir lid, the access hatch lid being shaped to overlie the access hatch.
2. The embalming machine according to claim 1, wherein the access hatch lid is affixed to the reservoir lid by at least one hinge.
3. The embalming machine according to claim 2, wherein the at least one hinge is configured to pivotably raise and lower the access hatch lid respective to the reservoir lid.
4. The embalming machine according to claim 1, wherein the access hatch includes a filter configured to cover a surface area of the access hatch.
5. The embalming machine according to claim 1, wherein the access hatch lid includes a centrally disposed basket depending downwardly from the reservoir lid and into the reservoir.
6. The embalming machine according to claim 5, wherein the centrally disposed basket is dimensioned for insertion into the access hatch such that the access hatch lid is configured to be removeably retained to the reservoir lid.
7. The embalming machine according to claim 1 further comprising:
- a tube vertically extending from a lower portion to the upper portion of the reservoir, wherein the tube provides a pathway for fluid to travel to the reservoir.
8. The embalming machine according to claim 7 further comprising:
- a port connected to an end of the tube adjacent to the upper portion of the reservoir, wherein the port is configured to dispense the fluid traveling through the tube and into an interior of the reservoir.
9. The embalming machine according to claim 8, wherein the port is positioned to dispense fluid into the interior of the reservoir to flow in a generally centrifugal motion around the interior of the reservoir.
10. The embalming machine according to claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the interior of the reservoir includes a hydrophobic surface.
11. The embalming machine according to claim 1 further comprising a number of selectable settings, the selectable settings including, at least in part:
- a clean mode; and
- a mix mode.
12. The embalming machine according to claim 8, wherein the fluid is dispensed from the port and into the interior of the reservoir at a defined pressure.
13. The embalming machine according to claim 8, wherein the fluid is dispensed from the port and into the interior of the reservoir at a defined flow rate.
14. An embalming machine comprising:
- a reservoir;
- a reservoir lid configured to at least partially enclose an upper portion of the reservoir, the reservoir lid including an access hatch providing fluid communication between an interior of the reservoir and an exterior of the reservoir;
- an access hatch lid removeably disposed relative to the access hatch to substantially close the access hatch to fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir.
15. The embalming machine according to claim 14, wherein the access hatch lid is hinged relative to the reservoir lid for pivotal movement between:
- an open position permitting fluid communication between the interior of the reservoir and an exterior of the reservoir; and
- a closed position configured to close the access hatch to fluid communication between the interior of the reservoir and the exterior of the reservoir.
16. The embalming machine according to claim 14, wherein the access hatch lid is removeably retained relative to the access hatch to permit fluid communication between the interior of the reservoir and the exterior of the reservoir and to close the access hatch to fluid communication between the interior of the reservoir and the exterior of the reservoir.
17. A method for mixing of fluids in an embalming machine comprising:
- selecting a mix mode from a number of selectable settings on the embalming machine comprising: a reservoir; a tube vertically extending from a lower portion to an upper portion of the reservoir, wherein the tube provides a pathway for fluid to travel to the reservoir; a port connected to an end of the tube adjacent to the upper portion of the reservoir; a reservoir lid configured to at least partially enclose the upper portion of the reservoir, wherein the reservoir lid includes an access hatch integrated into the reservoir lid; and an access hatch lid integrated into the reservoir lid, the access hatch lid being shaped to overlie the access hatch;
- dispensing the fluid from the port and into an interior of the reservoir; and
- pouring at least a second fluid through the access hatch and into the interior of the reservoir.
18. The method for mixing of fluids in an embalming machine according to claim 15, wherein the port is positioned to dispense the fluid into the interior of the reservoir to flow in a generally centrifugal motion around the interior of the reservoir.
19. The method for mixing of fluids in an embalming machine according to claim 15 wherein the fluid is dispensed from the port and into the interior of the reservoir at a defined pressure.
20. The method for optimal mixing of fluids in an embalming machine according to claim 15 wherein the fluid is dispensed from the port and into the interior of the reservoir at a defined flow rate.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 15, 2020
Publication Date: Apr 15, 2021
Inventors: Brian Yeazel (River Forest, IL), Matt Smith (Oxford, MI)
Application Number: 17/071,516