Corpse Preserving Patents (Class 27/11)
  • Patent number: 11988005
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a crypt system having a frame used as a skeleton structure upon which a façade is secured. The frame includes vertical and horizontal supports, each equipped with a mechanical interconnecting arrangement that allows the frame to be assembled easily and with close tolerances. The interconnecting arrangement also provides the structural stability and integrity desired for a mausoleum or columbarium, even when the system is free-standing. Each horizontal support has a fluid channel that collects fluid (e.g., gas and/or liquid) and directs it to the vertical support in connection with the horizontal support. Each vertical support has a fluid channel to direct the gas up to a conduit that leads to outside the building that houses the crypt system. The vertical fluid channel also directs liquid down to a drain that captures the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Inventor: Raymond Conrad, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11828377
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Allurion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11701284
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventor: Mansour Hasnaoui
  • Patent number: 11135115
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Eagle Funeral Products Inc.
    Inventor: David Long
  • Patent number: 10941584
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Bruce Lockhart
  • Patent number: 9480617
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Byron M. Cook
  • Patent number: 9426980
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Anastasios J. Tousimis
  • Patent number: 9216128
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: TRAILERLOGIC, LLC
    Inventor: Michael P Richardson
  • Patent number: 8955205
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Pierre Beliveau
  • Publication number: 20140359983
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Pierre Beliveau
  • Patent number: 8695184
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Kurt Mikat
  • Patent number: 8104153
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Donald E. Scruggs
  • Publication number: 20080307822
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael P. Richardson
  • Patent number: 7257871
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Sunseal, Asukatec Co., Ltd., Yoshinobu Sato, San Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Kohei Aoyagi, Yoshinobu Sato, Shinichiro Ishida
  • Patent number: 7228603
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Bluegrass Bio, Inc.
    Inventor: Emily A. Craig
  • Patent number: 6693148
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Puro-Systems PTY LTD
    Inventors: David John Tomlinson, Wayne John Linklater
  • Patent number: 6578323
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Ronald Richard Zartman, Donald F. Morgan, Russell O Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5926929
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Casket Shells, Incorporated
    Inventor: William T. MacKirdy
  • Patent number: 5924181
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Colpo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuo Takasugi
  • Patent number: 5715583
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Juan Sandoval
  • Patent number: 5685987
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignees: Tresco, LLC, Vision Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard Lee Hixon, Jr., Joe Edward Taylor, John Joseph Matthews Rees, Michael Robert Lafriniere
  • Patent number: 5615464
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Batesville Casket Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Ilija Rojdev
  • Patent number: 5586679
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Group-J, Inc.
    Inventor: Betty M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 4949439
    Abstract: A drip pan is at the bottom of the casket for trapping and collecting body liquids during decomposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Casket Shells, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Semon
  • Patent number: 4924565
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Fordyce Rathjen
  • Patent number: 4879789
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1989
    Inventor: Donnell E. Bak
  • Patent number: 4773230
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Lipshaw Corporation
    Inventor: Roger L. Garrett
  • Patent number: 4584841
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1986
    Inventors: Gerard Guillaume, Lola Guillaume nee Henry
  • Patent number: 4448826
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Ameritek, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Davidian
  • Patent number: 3964140
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1974
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1976
    Inventor: Fernand Gauchard
  • Patent number: 3945094
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1974
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1976
    Inventors: Jose Luis Davila Daran, Mario C. Zamorano Sanchez, Antonio Ovando Hernandez
  • Patent number: 3938287
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1974
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1976
    Inventor: Fernand Gauchard