Abstract: A storage facility for objects of paying of respects includes a partition wall located to partition off the support position from a respects-paying position for a person visiting to pay respects, a window member including a variable-light-transmittance member whose light transmittance is adjustable, an illuminating device for which an amount of light emitted thereby is adjustable, and a controller. A window for allowing the person visiting to pay respects to view an object of paying of respects is formed in an area, of the partition wall, toward which the object of paying of respects faces when supported in the support position. The window is provided with a window member. And the illuminating device is so positioned that light therefrom reaches the object of paying of respects supported in the support position.

Abstract: A floor standing lectern includes a single, unitary, continuous shell formed of a plastic material and having an integral and continuous exterior wall comprised of top, front, side, rear and bottom walls which collectively enclose a hollow interior cavity. The top wall has a support surface to support a lecturer's notes, and a perimeter which substantially comprises a rounded edge joining the top wall to the side, front and rear walls. The front wall faces an audience, and has a height sized to extend substantially from the floor to at least the top wall. The front wall has a perimeter which substantially comprises a rounded edge joining the front wall to the opposite side walls.

Abstract: A durable one-piece portable podium that is lightweight, yet a full size executive type podium, of the type that is easily manufactured and recyclable. The lower portion of the podium has a toe kick (10) and a side connection indentation (12). The back of the podium contains a knee indentation (14) a middle shelf (16) and a top receptacle (18). The top desk (20) contains a pen trough (22) a front rise (24) a light visor (26) and side holds (28). The front of the podium contains an indented, front receptacle (30) that facilitates inserts of various materials, signs, speakers, etc., to customize the looks and or the performance of the podium.

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 protective telephone stand includes an upwardly extending tubular base member having a horizontal shelf member secured to the upper end thereof. A pipe section is secured atop the shelf member co-axially with the support member, and is provided with a large opening in the side wall thereof. A fixed support frame is secured within the pipe section to support a telephone unit, and a curved door having approximately the same radius of curvature as the pipe section is pivotally supported in the pipe section. A rod extends through the fixed frame, the support for the pivotting door, the shelf member, and the tubular support member to join the entire assembly together. The telephone is displayed in the opening in the pipe section, and the door may be pivoted shut and locked to protect the telephone unit.

Abstract: A concealed ventilating system for votive stands constantly draws decor damaging candle emissions into the interior of the stand and through a filter box contained therein. Substantially clean air is exhausted at the bottom of the stand gently and silently. The system does not detract from the traditional appearance and functioning of votive stands on which it is installed.

Abstract: A table having a broad, multi-sided top forming a regular octagon supported by a column mounted on a broad base at a height above the floor convenient for kneeling therearound is disclosed. A rotatable lectern is mounted on the table top so that the same can be aligned for use by a person kneeling at any one of the eight sides. The table top may be constructed to form a stationary central portion with four drop leafs attached to the central portion as a space saving feature.

Abstract: A pulpit, altar or other platform may be retracted into an opening in the floor of a building such as a church. In one form of the invention, the pulpit assembly is connected to means for moving it vertically into and out of the opening. In another form, the pulpit is foldable and can be stored in the opening after folding the retable of the pulpit assembly and contains two flanking side tables swingably hinged thereto.