Abstract: Fluid control valves including single-opening, binary fluid control valves that are initially closed and can be opened one time only to allow a fluid transfer between two spaces separated by a fluid impermeable barrier. Applications of valves of this type include inflatable devices, including but not limited to medical device balloons, in particular gastric balloons for weight loss.

Abstract: A coffin, in particular for burial in the ground, includes a bottom, side walls, a lid, a mattress and collecting means capable of receiving vital fluids under the mattress. The coffin also has oxygen-storage means enabling oxygen to be introduced into the coffin, humidifying means and heating means so as to generate, over time, conditions which allow rapid decomposition of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for accessing a burial vault after burying the burial vault to place remains of a second individual within the burial vault.

Abstract: A columbarium for housing a plurality of cremation urns including a columbarium base and a plurality of vertical openings in the base interior, the vertical openings for the storage of cremation urns. The columbarium includes a plurality of slab members secured to the base side surfaces and a lid securable to the slab member upper portions. The columbarium includes a lock assembly for securing the lid to the columbarium base including a slide catch disposed on an interior portion of the lid and a latch assembly having a latch member. The latch assembly is secured to the columbarium base and is rotatingly engageable with the slide catch by rotation of a horizontal shaft having a free end with a male or female portion aligned with the side key opening. The lock assembly includes a key having a male or female portion for mating with the latch assembly shaft.

Abstract: A burial system and method includes a container with an outer shell surrounding an interior containment space where the container is configured to retain biological remains in the interior containment space. A pressure relief valve is connected with the container where the pressure relief valve is a one-way valve for release of pressure from the interior containment space. An input valve is connected with the container where the input valve is a one-way valve for the introduction of material to the interior containment space. At least one sensor device is connected with the container where the at least one sensor device monitors and obtains data from the interior containment space and the exterior of the container. A management information system is connected with the container where the management information system maintains real time and historical data of the container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preserving tissues in situ using critical point drying are disclosed. Such methods and systems are particularly applicable to the preservation of a deceased body, such as a deceased person or animal, with or without removal of internal tissues or organs. A fixative can be perfused through the vascular system of the body while blood is removed from the body. The exterior of the body can also be immersed in a bath of fixative. The fixative in the vascular system and the bath can be replaced by subsequent washes of buffer, de-ionized water, and/or alcohol. The alcohol-infused and fixated body can be disposed in a pressure chamber and subjected to a critical point drying process using carbon dioxide. After the critical point drying process, the body is in a preserved state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a closeable container for storing a cadaver where the container has a passthrough unit that may allow for filtration and includes an opeanable one-way flow valve that allows for fluids such as gas to travel only from inside the container to the exterior of the container. The passthrough unit includes a coupling for mating with an air purifying canister or cartridge.

Abstract: A burial capsule usable with an inert gas for replacing air in the burial capsule, the burial capsule comprising a sealable shell defining a chamber therein and a shell outer surface, the shell defining a shell inlet and a shell outlet both extending therethrough between the shell outer surface and the chamber for respectively receiving the inert gas and releasing the air contained in the chamber to allow replacement of the air by the inert gas when the inert gas flows in the chamber through the shell inlet. The burial capsule also includes a first valve handle anchor mountable to the shell and a first handle mountable the first valve handle anchor. The first valve handle anchor acts as a valve to selectively alternatively allow and prevent flow of the inert gas in the chamber through the shell inlet.

Abstract: A burial capsule usable with an inert gas for replacing air in the burial capsule, the burial capsule comprising a sealable shell defining a chamber therein and a shell outer surface, the shell defining a shell inlet and a shell outlet both extending therethrough between the shell outer surface and the chamber for respectively receiving the inert gas and releasing the air contained in the chamber to allow replacement of the air by the inert gas when the inert gas flows in the chamber through the shell inlet. The burial capsule also includes a first valve handle anchor mountable to the shell and a first handle mountable the first valve handle anchor. The first valve handle anchor acts as a valve to selectively alternatively allow and prevent flow of the inert gas in the chamber through the shell inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for preserving human or animal remains comprising a burial chamber further comprising a hermetically sealed interior containing gas or water vapor, wherein the gas creates a gas pressure within the hermetically sealed interior, and a vacuum pump, wherein the vacuum pump is in functional communication with the hermetically sealed interior, wherein the vacuum pump operates to evacuate the gas or the water vapor from the hermetically sealed interior, and wherein the vacuum pump is intermittently activated to reduce the gas pressure within the hermetically sealed interior for a desiccating duration.

Abstract: Process methods of interring remains non-horizontally into earth, sand, snow or other receiving materials on dry or wet land or under water in a much less labor intensive manner while using far less land area than currently practiced.

Abstract: A scalable and portable human remains cold storage system having a chiller unit providing a chilled fluid. A flow divider manifold is provided in fluid communication with said chiller unit dispersing said chilled fluid and channeling warmed fluid back to said chiller for re-chilling through a series of supply lines. At least one remains chilling bag is provided having an interior cooling pad in fluid communication with said flow divider manifold for circulating said chilled fluid through said cooling pad and returning warmed fluid to said flow divider manifold in a continuous cycle to maintain a desired temperature within said remains chilling bag.

Abstract: According to the present invention, for a dead human body in which the blood contains a predetermined ratio or more of bilirubin, which causes discoloration of the body, before the primary embalmment processing employing the perfusion type antiseptic fixing method using a formalin solution, the body is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and the preliminary processing is performed. Specifically, a photo catalyst embalming solution containing a photo catalyst is injected into the vessels of the body, and after the photo catalyst embalming solution has been distributed to the capillaries in the dermis of portions of the body for which discoloration is to be prevented, the portions are irradiated by an electromagnetic wave (e.g., UV) to induce photo catalytic activity to locally, at the least, decompose bilirubin and reduce the amount in the body portions. As a result, the appearance of a body in a special state, wherein the amount of bilirubin is excessive, can be maintained so it is as natural as possible.

Abstract: A body bag is provided comprising a substantially planar, optically transparent envelope defining an interior and having an opening extending substantially along a length dimension thereof. A closure for sealing the opening is provided comprising a rib and groove structure and an adhesive flap for impermeably sealing the closure. Conveniently, the body bag envelope may be dimensioned to allow placement in an interior for a conventional body bag. At least one access means formed through the envelope material for accessing the interior of said envelope is provided, spaced along an opposite length dimension of the envelope from the opening. The access means may include unidirectional infusion or extraction ports, integral gloves for accessing the interior of the envelope, self-sealing injection ports, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A humidity responsive control device consists of a package having at least one face that is a permeable to liquid and gases and water vapor and is formed by mixing together a) 5 to 50% by weight of a hygroscopic polyacrylate and/or PVA polymer, b) 10 to 60% of porous silica minerals such as vermiculite and perlite, c) 5 to 50% of an absorbent such as zeolite or activated carbon for small molecules such as ammonia and d) 5 to 60% by weight of an aqueous emulsion of a mixture of an active ingredient of one or more of a bacteriocidal, fungicidal or odor masking compounds. The device is effective at eliminating and masking odors under varying humidity conditions.

Abstract: A columbarium suitable for indoor or outdoor placement includes a plurality of niche units carried by a supporting framework, the niche units being independently assembleable and disassembleable from the supporting framework as often as desired prior to activation but, upon activation, being permanently connected to the framework, each niche unit having means for creating a non-air atmosphere within the niche unit upon activation of the niche unit, each niche unit having four seals protecting the niche unit interior.

Abstract: A one-way valve is mounted on a wall of a casket for venting gas and vapor pressure build up interiorly of the casket incident to body decomposition.

Abstract: In the method, cadaver (50) is kept at low temperature and sterilized in casket (1, 2) or disaster pouch (51), which prevents cadaver (50) from putrefying and bacteria from propagating therein. In the apparatus, casket (1, 2) constructed of casket body (1) and lid (2). Disposed in casket (1, 2) is cooling means constructed of: cooling casing (3, 8); nozzle (20) for supplying a liquefied cooling gas to cooling casing (3, 8). One or a plurality of ventilation boards (4, 9) are incorporated in casing (3, 8) wherein cooling chamnber (6, 11) is formed between board (4, 9) and casing (3, 8) to permit the cooling gas to enter board (4, 9) and flow in a direction opposite to that of the gas flowing inside the cooling chamber (6, 11).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for preserving cadavers. The apparatus is preferably comprised of a container that receives a cadaver, which cadaver has first been placed into a multi-layered plastic bag of the type used in the vacuum-packing industry. The container has the ability to be sealed in a substantially air-tight manner. Located on or coupled to the container is a gas evacuation apparatus, which evacuates substantially all of the gases within the container, the bag, and the cadaver. The cadaver is then sealed using a sealing apparatus located within the cadaver. The cadaver, in the sealed bag, may then be removed.

Abstract: A formalin fluid recycler has a combination triple pipe nozzle for introducing dirty fluid into the recycler and for expelling concentrate and permeate fluid therefrom. Dirty fluid is pumped through a strainer, filtration module and charcoal filter to purify and clarify the dirty fluid. The formalin fluid can be recirculated in the system via the nozzle or be directed to a clean receptacle. Dirty formalin fluid is further cleansed by Ozone and ultraviolet light. Percent concentration and pH level of clean recycled formalin fluid is adjusted outside of the main recycling loop. Cleaning and preservative solutions are circulated through the recycler when necessary.

Abstract: A combination of a casket and a liquid retaining system for the casket comprises a casket shell, a body support structure mounted in the casket adapted to support a deceased thereon and a tray positioned atop the body support structure and adapted to be positioned beneath the deceased supported on the body support structure, and a tray for retaining liquids of decomposition of the deceased. The liquid retaining system may further include a liner supported atop the tray bottom wall and beneath the deceased and secured to the upper edges of the side and end walls of the casket shell.

Abstract: A collapsible, disposable body container is disclosed for safely and sanitarily transporting, storing or disposing heavy, dense, fluid-containing contents such as a dead body. The container comprises a container base and a container lid which are foldable for transportation or storage. The container base is lined with a leak-proof, puncture-resistant, high-density polymer liner which prevents contact with or escape of the contents of the container when a user lifts the container via hand grips provided in the container. A container insert is placed over the lining to add strength to the container and to prevent the container from collapsing.

Abstract: A drip pan is at the bottom of the casket for trapping and collecting body liquids during decomposition.

Abstract: Body container and processes for use with the bodies of the deceased. The body container comprises an enclosure. The enclosure is sealable to form a seal, and is effective to prevent gases from being transmitted freely into or out of the body container. The body container includes one or more valves for facilitating transmission of gases through the enclosure at the valve. The valve can permissively be a one-way valve, a pair of one-way valves, or a two-way valve. The body container can be sealed by an adhesive between the lid and receptacle. Those embodiments having a lid and a receptacle can have a hinge joining the lid, the hinge desirably being laterally supported but vertically floating.

Abstract: A mortuary display platform is provided with a transparent dome and refrigeration for viewing and for temporary preservation of a corpse prior to burial. A wheeled housing base containing a refrigeration unit, a dehumidifier, and a conditioned air control system supports the display platform. Electrical connections are included for electrical outlet operation. A rechargeable battery pack in the wheeled housing allows portable operation. The deceased can be viewed during services through the transparent dome, and conditioned air passed through vents inside the transparent dome from the conditioned air control system in the wheeled housing maintains the corpse in a cooled environment. An opaque burial cover fitting over the display platform encompassing the transparent dome is provided. The display platform can be detached from the wheeled housing base and, with the burial cover in place, the covered display platform can be use as a burial unit.

Abstract: A mobile mortuary comprising an elongated container defining an interior compartment for cadavers. Cadaver trays are supported in the compartment for movement through an opening in the front wall of the container to an extended position. An evaporator is mounted on the container within the compartment, and a compressor-condenser unit and generator are mounted on the container outside the compartment. The mortuary is mounted on wheels for movement upon a supporting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hibernator suitable for keeping under permanent refrigeration a cadaver placed in a desired position and constantly visible from the outside. The hibernator consists essentially of a structure whose refrigerated and fluid-tight upper part (1) serves as a resting place for the being to be preserved, with at least a double-glazed wall; and whose lower part (2) or base is intended to house the refrigerating unit (3) and various technical elements including pipes (22 to 24) to assure partial vacuum in determined sectors of the structure of the resting place. Also disclosed is a process for preservation and showing of cadavers which have previously been frozen or imprisoned in blocks of translucid ice.

Abstract: A coating composition to be applied to a metal casket to prevent corrosion thereof. The coating comprises a film forming matrix containing dispersed particles of an alkaline material capable of neutralizing the finite amount of organic acids contained in the casket to thereby prevent acidic corrosion of the casket. The coating can also contain an anti-oxidant to prevent oxidative corrosion of the metal casket, and a bacteriacide to prevent microbial growth within the casket. Through use of the coating, a stable, substantially neutral condition is produced in the casket.

Abstract: A coffin has at its bottom two parellel corrugated sheets which are spaced apart from each other and also spaced above and parallel to the bottom of the coffin. Cellulose wool or sawdust is disposed between the sheets, which are perforated for the passage of body fluids therethrough and may also contain activated charcoal or silica gel between them. In the space below the sheets there is disposed a solid bactericidal material such as permanganate- or formaldehyde-containing material or material releasing bromine, chlorine or iodine. A drain may also be provided at the level of the bottom of the the coffin.

Abstract: An improved system for the inhumation of corpses which comprehends the use in combination of a group of drawers, honeycomb shaped, prefereably of reinforced concrete, waterproof, with calculated foundations and with inclination to unload; a drainage through a plastic tube, or of any other material, connecting to a bag of the same material or any other of another choice, destined to contain hermetically, cadaveric residuals; an access valve to the tube permiting the introduction into same of chemical dissolvent products, with the fundamental purpose of avoiding air contamination; a septic pit acting as final recipient of the drainage tube; an injection valve with direct access to the coffin, that permits the introduction into it of products or chemical elements, disinfectants, disintegrators or dissolvents, in case of premature exhumation or with any other purpose; and a valve or connecting faucet to the tube serving as drainage to isolate every connection with the other drawers, and exterior lids, also on rei

Abstract: A mausoleum comprises a plurality of prefabricated concrete modules each comprising a plurality of niches for individual coffins, each niche having a closed end and an open end and being defined between horizontal and vertical walls. Tubing is embedded in the horizontal and vertical walls, the tubing having risers at the open ends of the niches for connection to individual coffins. The horizontal tubes are inclined at one end where they connect to vertical tubes for removal of gases, the horizontal tubes connecting with other vertical tubes at their other ends for the removal of liquids. The liquids and gases thus collected and removed are treated prior to discharge.