Abstract: Memorialization structures, niches, and methods for manufacturing niches having a recess or cavity that is accessible after installation of the memorialization structures and/or post-burial or post-entombment of a deceased are generally described. In some embodiments, a memorialization niche may include a recess and a door configured to enclose the recess. The door may include a lock configured to prevent public access to the recess. A patron associated with the niche may unlock the door and access the recess. The patron may remove objects from and/or insert objects into the recess post-burial or -entombment of the deceased without disturbing the memorialization structure and/or adjacent memorialization structures and/or requiring a memorial operator to unseal the recess.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a multi-vault memorial facility with a memorial room and an interactive system for storing and providing memorial information of the deceased. The meeting room includes memorabilia and access to a secure personal biographical database which includes historical and personal information about the deceased. An interactive user interface for a visiting person is used when at the facility. The personal biography database security is provided by administration control for access and identifies who can modify the database. The interactive user interface utilizes visual and audio presentations, and a conversational user interface with a likeness and a digital memory of the deceased. A computer projection talks with a visitor and mimics responses of the deceased.

Abstract: Memorialization structures, niches, and methods for manufacturing niches having a recess or cavity that is accessible after installation of the memorialization structures and/or post-burial or post-entombment of a deceased are generally described. In some embodiments, a memorialization niche may include a recess and a door configured to enclose the recess. The door may include a lock configured to prevent public access to the recess. A patron associated with the niche may unlock the door and access the recess. The patron may remove objects from and/or insert objects into the recess post-burial or -entombment of the deceased without disturbing the memorialization structure and/or adjacent memorialization structures and/or requiring a memorial operator to unseal the recess.

Abstract: A hybrid mausolino system that includes a metal frame structure forming levels within which a crypt area and a niche area are defined. The metal frame structure forms an upper level that resides just below a roof and includes a plurality of inter-locking panels that partition this level into niche spaces. Some embodiments include a removable roof with a lintel structure having access ports positioned over the niche spaces and lids secured to each access port. The reconfigurable niche spaces allow for adjustment of niche spaces to provide for increased versatility and efficient use of mausolino space. The niche spaces are horizontally orientated and can be accessed via a side panel of the structure for interment or disinterment. With embodiments having a removable roof, the niche spaces can be accessed via a side panel, or the roof can be removed allowing for top access to the niche space.

Abstract: A combination cremation/burial system that is specially designed to allow multiple burials on small, single plots of land. Design intent is to provide a unique means in which families can be interned together while saving both space and money.

Abstract: An improved cemetery experience, whereby the cemetery and accompanying facilities may celebrate and demonstrate the passion and hobbies of the deceased individual, such as a love of special venues, e.g., amusement and entertainment venues. The contemplated themed cemetery may be a stand-alone cemetery that celebrates a common passion of a plurality of individuals, yet still maintains the traditional burial and memorialization process. The themed cemetery memorializes a specific event or a loved location and provides enjoyment to individuals having a common interest with an opportunity for burial and/or memorial with a common theme. The themed cemetery comprises a visual and physical replica of a venue, such as a entertainment facility, e.g., Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Bowl, The Hollywood Palladium, Disneyland, The Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Greek Theatre, Cesar's Palace, The MGM Grand Hotel, The Bellagio, and the like.

Abstract: An interment system (110) comprises a container arrangement (109) configured to hold the posthumous remains of a plurality of individuals arranged one above the other. The container arrangement defines a posthumous remains receiving chamber (156) in which the remains of the plurality of individuals can be held. The container arrangement (109) may comprise an outer interment container (112) and an inner interment container (150) which can be received within the outer interment container. The inner interment container (150) defines the aforesaid chamber (156).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a public cemetery complex, which comprises at least one main burial unit comprising an underground portion and an overground portion, wherein the underground portion is a vertical structure of multiple layers, and each two adjacent layers are separated by a barrier compartment; while each layer contains a number of burial subunits for placement of coffins, the burial subunit is filled up to a predetermined height with a burial material; and the overground portion is a cover portion of the main burial unit for forming an identification sign of the main burial unit; wherein a ground floor for use as a working area and several upper floors for storage of niches and materials are included in interior of the overground portion, while a management area and a worship area are arranged peripherally around the overground portion.

Abstract: A concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like. The mounting system includes a top clip and bottom hangers secured to a back side of the shutter. Vertically spaced upper and lower tracks are disposed behind the shutter at its upper end and a lower end. Each track includes a forwardly extending channel and a downwardly extending channel. A locking screw is received within apertures disposed substantially perpendicular to the forwardly extending channel. A nut threadably receives the locking screw and is disposed in the forwardly extending channel, whereby upon rotation of the nut, the locking screw is caused to move vertically with respect to a bottom edge of the upper track for engagement and disengagement with the top clip. The bottom hangers are operably supported by the lower track.

Abstract: Provided herewith is an apparatus and means for interning a plurality of cremated remains and their accompanying urns in a columbarium placed in the ground above a pre-existing coffin style burial such that the ashes and urns are inaccessible once they are interned. The apparatus comprises an “L” shaped columbarium that is placed above a pre-existing coffin with the longer side of the “L” shape being laid horizontally. A telescoping cylinder is utilized to hold the urn for viewing during the ceremony and to deposit the urn in storage. As the telescoping cylinder is lowered back into the columbarium, a push arm forces the pivotal plate to pivot causing the urn to roll off the pivotal plate and onto a ramp that allows the urn to continue by gravitational force to the base of the ramp for permanent storage.

Abstract: A concealed mounting system for columbarium shutters and the like. The mounting system includes a top clip and bottom hangers secured to a back side of the shutter. Vertically spaced upper and lower tracks are disposed behind the shutter at its upper end and a lower end. Each track includes a forwardly extending channel and a downwardly extending channel. A locking screw is received within apertures disposed substantially perpendicular to the forwardly extending channel. A nut threadably receives the locking screw and is disposed in the forwardly extending channel, whereby upon rotation of the nut, the locking screw is caused to move vertically with respect to a bottom edge of the upper track for engagement and disengagement with the top clip. The bottom hangers are operably supported by the lower track.

Abstract: A cinerary urn cabinet is provided, which displays a complete view of a picture to provide an additional function of serving as a museum of fine art to a cinerarium and thus eliminate the poor impression of being dull and gloomy and hindering a visitor from willingly entering a traditional cinerarium. The cinerary urn cabinet includes a plurality of urn storage cells arranged in both horizontal rows and vertical columns to form a continuous wall. Each cell has a front panel on which a portion of a complete view of a picture is formed, so that the front panels of the cells collectively form a wall surface of the cabinet that shows the complete view of the picture, making visitors feel as if they were staying in a museum of fine art and enjoying the master pieces of artists.

Abstract: Provided herewith is an apparatus and means for interning a plurality of cremated remains and their accompanying urns in a single columbarium such that the ashes and urns are inaccessible once they are interned. The apparatus comprises a plurality of vertically stacked slanted trays for retaining the urns and a telescoping cylinder with built in ramps. The telescoping cylinder is raised in the columbarium, the urn placed in a ramp in the cylinder and the cylinder lowered back into the columbarium. The cylinder is then rotated and the urn rolls by gravitational force onto the tray for permanent storage. A storage container is available to store DNA or other memorabilia of the deceased that is accessible at a future date. There is a ring binder type structure on the top of the columbarium to inscribe or attached the deceased individual's particulars.

Abstract: A vault having a rectangular cover, and a rectangular enclosure assembly having a rectangular bottom and a vertical side wall attached to the bottom essentially around the periphery thereof, a curved support base adapted to hold a heart shaped coffin, and four curved support members attached to the bottom and being adapted to support the curved support base vertically above the bottom.

Abstract: An interment method and facility for interment and automated retrieval and visitation of interred subjects. The facility includes an interment area for holding the interred subjects, at least one visitation area for visitor access to a selected one of the interred subjects, a system retrieval mechanism for transporting the selected interred subject between the interment area and the visitation area, and a facility management system providing automated control of interment, visitation, and transport therebetween. Identification information for, and a location of, the interred subjects held in the interment area are recorded. A sensory system reads identification information associated with each interred subject, monitoring location and orientation. A request is received by a visitor, as programmed into a facility management system, for visitation of a selected interred subject.

Abstract: A columbarium, particularly for accommodating cinerary urns, comprising: a frame in which containment niches for the cinerary urns are formed in a honeycomb arrangement, a panel for covering at least one portion of a face of the columbarium, onto which a plurality of openings for accessing the niches opens. Elements for moving the panel are also provided which can be actuated for passing: from a first configuration, in which the panel covers the portion of the face, concealing the access openings, to a second configuration, in which the panel is spaced from the portion of the face, to expose the access openings, and vice versa.

Abstract: A structure for connecting cremation ashes comprising a first vessel, a second vessel, first cremated remains, second cremated remains and a link. The first vessel holds the first cremated remains. The second vessel holds the second cremated remains. The link connects the first and second cremated remains. The link further connects the cremated remains to a living being when contact is made by the living being to the link. The structure is meant to provide a way for living beings to connect physically and spiritually with deceased loved ones.

Abstract: A device used in conjunction with a grave marker or headstone for illuminating a grave site during the night. An enclosure unit is directly affixed to the grave marker or provided in a stand alone unit associated with the grave marker. The enclosure also includes audio material, such as an obituary which can be played by depressing or engaging a switch associated with the enclosure. Both the illumination device as well as the audio material are powered by a rechargeable battery connected to a solar panel provided directly on the enclosure.

Abstract: A single grave site has upper and lower regions with a divider between the regions. A biodegradable primary container encompasses a primary remains in the lower region in closely spaced proximity to the divider. An electronic information assembly in the grave site is adjacent to the divider. The upper region is adapted to receive at least one additional biodegradable container.

Abstract: A self-aligning columbarium niche door system has an array of viewing niches. Each niche has a vertical slot on one side wall and a vertical notch with a door receiving face at an outer end of the other side wall. The transparent niche door slides on the niche floor to install and remove. One side edge of the door slides into a the vertical notch and the other side edge against the door receiving face. A single fastener removably secures the door to a bracket or threaded insert on the second side wall. The niche door rests on the niche floor to self-align the door.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods of burial using a columbarium pod are disclosed. In one embodiment, a burial system includes a water ballast control system, a stabilizing system, an identification system, a position registration system, and a mapping system. The system may include a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to store a plurality of containers, each container retrievable after burial. The plurality of containers may include, for example, a cremation urn container, and one or more additional containers that store DNA-based biological material of the decreased, memorial materials or the like.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments comprise a device comprising: a first wooden portion comprising a substantially rectangular and substantially planar face interlocked to an opposing pair of substantially rectangular and substantially planar sides and to an opposing pair of substantially rectangular and substantially planar ends, the sides interlocked to said ends, said first wooden portion defining a cremains cavity; and a substantially planar wooden lid adapted to be attached to the first wooden portion and to permanently close said cremains cavity to form an airtight cremains space, the wooden lid comprising a plurality of vents adapted to vent the cremains cavity upon attachment of the wooden lid to the first wooden portion and to be sealed upon permanently closing of the cremains cavity.

Abstract: A method for establishing underwater burial garden comprises drilling one or more holes into an underwater floor surface to a predetermined depth. Each hole in the underwater burial garden may be located at a predetermined location, or plot, respective to any other hole, which may be in an adjacent or nearby plot. A sealed container containing ashes of a cremated individual may be positioned into a hole. The sealed container may be constructed of a material to withstand the underwater environment. A cap may be placed over the hole, thereby containing the sealed container within the hole. The cap may have a plate positioned thereon with text pertaining to the cremated individual, which may be viewable by swimmers and/or boaters.

Abstract: A method for establishing underwater burial garden comprises drilling one or more holes into an underwater floor surface to a predetermined depth. Each hole in the underwater burial garden may be located at a predetermined location, or plot, respective to any other hole, which may be in an adjacent or nearby plot. A sealed container containing ashes of a cremated individual may be positioned into a hole. The sealed container may be constructed of a material to withstand the underwater environment. A cap may be placed over the hole, thereby containing the sealed container within the hole. The cap may have a plate positioned thereon with text pertaining to the cremated individual, which may be viewable by swimmers and/or boaters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of burial using a columbarium pod are disclosed. In one embodiment, a burial system includes a water ballast control system, a stabilizing system, an identification system, a position registration system, and a mapping system. The system may include a plurality of tubes, each tube configured to store a plurality of containers, each container retrievable after burial. The plurality of containers may include, for example, a cremation urn container, and one or more additional containers that store DNA-based biological material of the deceased, memorial materials or the like.

Abstract: An interment container includes upper and lower members that define an internal cavity. The remains of a deceased are placed within a liner adapted to be positioned within the internal cavity. The liner is peripherally sealed about the remains of the deceased, to prevent leakage of fluids from within the liner and infiltration of fluids into the liner. The liner includes lower and upper sections that define facing peripheral flanges which are sealed together by positioning a heating member between facing surfaces of the flanges, and imparting heat to the heating member so as to liquefy the adjacent material of the flanges. The liquefied material flows together about the heating member and the heating member is then cooled, such that the liquefied portions of the flanges solidify to integrally seal the flanges together.

Abstract: A lawn crypt system and method in which at least one lawn crypt is buried at a burial site and covered with a covering layer of artificial material such as artificial turf. In a cemetery, an array of crypts are buried in a single hole and an artificial turf layer extends over all of the crypts, and is bonded to the array at least around its periphery. At each interment, a cut is made in the artificial turf around the lid of the lawn crypt at the burial site, the lid and cut section of turf is lifted off the crypt, the casket is placed into the crypt, and the lid and cut section of turf are replaced over the crypt.

Abstract: A burial structures providing space for multiple human remains has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of individual units. The interlocking prohibits access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the forming of the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes. Each unit is an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is scaled with a cover that has grooves formed therein. This structure gives lasting, beautiful and reverent surroundings for the deceased, and is kept safe from vandals and other intrudes.

Abstract: A columbarium apparatus comprises a columbarium structure defining a plurality of niches. Each niche has an open end, and a horizontal ledge extends from the structure near the bottom wall of each niche. An inside door is configured to cover the open end of the niche and is attached by a first set of tamper resistant hardware, and an outside door is configured to cover the inside door and conceal the first set of tamper proof hardware, and is attached by a second set of tamper resistant hardware such that an inner face of the outer door is supported by an outer face of the inside door, and such that a lower edge of the outside door is supported by the ledge. A vertical channel is provided to facilitate attachment of the outside doors.

Abstract: A reusable coffin has a casket and a vault. The casket has a headwall, a footwall, a left and a right sidewall, a first and a second lid, and a bottom. The right sidewall, and first and second lids have hinges. The headwall and the footwall have a latching means to secure the right sidewall. The vault fits closely within the casket to form a reusable coffin. The vault has a headwall, a footwall, a left and a right sidewall, a first and a second lid with hinges, and a bottom. The vault displays a deceased person with dignity.

Abstract: A grave marker and lighting apparatus and method of use having an interchangeable illuminated form which may take the form of a lighted candle, a lighted Christmas tree, a lighted floral arrangement, a lighted flag, or any other illuminated form to commemorate an occasion or season. The apparatus having a photovoltaic cell to charge internal batteries and a photoconductive cell to signal electronic circuitry to turn on the illuminated form during nighttime hours. The apparatus further includes a unique plate extension mounting portion for attachment to a tombstone and base extending anchors for ground securing.

Abstract: A burial structures providing space for multiple human remains, whether in form of a body or in the form of cremens, has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of the individual units. Unlike previous units, this interlocking occurs to prohibit access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus, with the exception of a main level accessway, where some cremens are located within the walls, no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the heretofore unknown ability to form the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes, from an obelisk shape, like the pyramids of Egypt, to religious symbolisms or aesthetic shapes, thus not solely relying on landscaping for giving beauty and reverence to the mausoleum and its surroundings. Each unit comprises an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is sealed with a cover that has grooves formed therein.

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 burial structure (10) providing space for multiple human remains in the form of a body or cremens that has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of the individual units (12). This building feature allows the heretofore unknown ability to form the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes, from an obelisk shape, like the pyramids of Egypt, to religious symbolisms or aesthetic shapes, thus not solely relying on landscaping for giving beauty and reverence to the mausoleum and its surroundings. Each unit (12) comprises an area (52) for the remains, and alternately an area (50) for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit (12) is sealed with a cover (34) that has grooves (64) formed therein. The bottom of the unit (12) has corresponding tongues (62), which effect an interlocking relationship. The sides are designed to complement and complete this arrangement.

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 burial structures providing space for multiple human remains, whether in form of a body or in the form of cremens, has the additional feature of allowing interlocking of the individual units. Unlike previous units, this interlocking occurs to prohibit access to the individual cremens or bodily remains. Thus, with the exception of a main level accessway, where some cremens are located within the walls, no individual remains are directly accessible. This building feature allows the heretofore unknown ability to form the mausoleum into innovative designs and shapes, from an obelisk shape, like the pyramids of Egypt, to religious symbolisms or aesthetic shapes, thus not solely relying on landscaping for giving beauty and reverence to the mausoleum and its surroundings. Each unit comprises an area for the remains, and alternately an area for any memorabilia to be placed with the remains. Formed of a high-strength synthetic material, the unit is sealed with a cover that has grooves formed therein.

Abstract: Electronic lighting devices that simulate a realistic flame are disclosed. The preferred embodiment has a plurality of lighting elements in a plurality of colors which are modulated in intensity by a control circuit with a stored program. The control program includes stored amplitude waveforms for the generation of a realistic flame simulation. The program further contains random elements to keep the flame constantly changing. The control circuit has built in power management functions that can control the mean intensity of the simulated flame based on some power management budget with the ability to measure the charge/discharge duration of the power source, when used with a rechargeable power source. The currents to the individual lighting elements are selectable from a set of discrete quantization values. Tables of amplitude modulated time waveforms are stored in the microprocessor memory, from which the real time control data streams for the individual lighting elements are synthesized.

Abstract: A recessed light fixture for a burial casket that provides a source of illumination to light decorative art work installed in the lid; at the same time it provides softly diffused light for a more pleasing illumination of the interior of the casket. The unit fits inside the concave area of the lid of the standard burial casket and requires no design changes. It is constructed of light weight rigid insulation. The housing is described in two forms; a modular unit with alternate methods of joining the walls; novel corner fittings (24), (26), (28) (30) and brackets (20) (22) attached by clips (32); self retaining "single half-blind dovetail" joints (76) or adhesive surfaces (74). It is also described as a single molded unit (78) formed of insulating material. The fixture has a powered light source (36), a reflector (84) and integral reflective surfaces (82).

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: The construction and method of constructing a burial field involves forming one or more tiers of burial chambers from commonly shared wall sections placed on a concrete slab or floor. The wall sections form natural drainage for the field and cover sections not only accommodate for earth fill and grass but also natural drainage into a water reservoir. The reservoir provides irrigation for the fill and the construction is at least partially above ground.

Abstract: Transparent tubular caskets are closed at one end by a shouldered plug-type cover. Pegs are driven laterally through the transparent wall into aligned holes in the cover. A central evacuating and inert gas filling hole is threaded to receive a pad-eye for lowering the tubular casket into a glass lined vertical concrete vault. The upper edge of the vault is rabbeted to receive a rabbeted concrete cover with centrally recessed decorative identification plate, which covers a threaded pad-eye receiver hole. A plurality of vaults in a honeycomb arrangement have interspaces to receive ashes and pets.