US20220282865A1

US20220282865A1 - Mobile disaster crematory

Info

Publication number: US20220282865A1
Application number: US17/249,482
Authority: US
Inventors: Steven John Looker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-03-03
Filing date: 2021-03-03
Publication date: 2022-09-08

Abstract

A mobile disaster crematory and method for cremating a body or other material are provided. The mobile disaster crematory comprises a housing, a front loading door in communication with an operator loading area, an exterior operator access door in communication with an equipment access room, and an exterior operator access control panel. An interior refractory lining defines a primary cremation chamber in fluid communication with a secondary environmental control chamber for oxidation of emissions to be conveyed from a crematory exhaust stack. An air intake system comprising valved air pipes delivers air into the chambers. Primary and secondary chamber burners are operably connected to temperature sensors, and to a valved fuel pipe and fuel supply, all operably connected to the exterior access control panel operably by a human operator. Power may be supplied by a local utility or a backup generator located in the crematory housing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to crematories, and, more particularly, to a mobile disaster crematory.
Pandemics, floods, hurricanes, earth quakes, and all manner of natural or man-made disasters cause multiple deaths.
Existing crematories are not capable of handling the additional bodies. Further, existing crematories may be miles from a needed location.
As can be seen, there is a need for a mobile disaster crematory capable of being deployed to any location, and to cremate the dead when and where needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a mobile disaster crematory. In another aspect, the present invention provides a mobile disaster crematory which is capable of being deployed to any location.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a mobile disaster crematory constructed and arranged to accommodate cremation of the dead in disaster areas. The mobile disaster crematory of the present invention solves the problems of providing a crematory in areas where pandemics, floods, hurricanes earth quakes and all other natural or man-made disasters cause multiple deaths. The crematory of the present invention may be used to cremate the dead in any location.
The present invention differs from and distinguishes over current crematories. The crematory of the present invention is constructed and arranged to provide a mobile crematory. Current crematories and processes require dead bodies to be loaded into trucks and transported to the location of the crematories. The present invention provides an unprecedented improvement over existing crematories and existing solutions for cremation. The mobile crematory of the present invention may be deployed to any location in order to cremate the dead when and where needed.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a mobile disaster crematory which may comprise one or more of the following elements or components and combinations thereof.

1. Transportation container
2. Refractory Lining
3. Burners
4. Control Panel
5. Air System
6. Exhaust System
7. Loading System
8. Air Inlet
9. Power supply
10. Fuel Supply
11. Maintenance Access

In a further aspect, the present invention may comprise a mobile disaster crematory comprising one or more of the following elements or components, which may be assembled and may function in the following manner. A transportation container may be provided. Refractory materials may be provided and installed into the container to provide a refractory lining and to form a continuous multi-chamber design. The continuous multi-chamber design may comprise a primary chamber for cremation and a secondary chamber for environmental control. Heat may be supplied into each chamber by an auxiliary burner located in each chamber. Air may be supplied into each chamber, each burner and the exhaust by fans connected to each component by pipes. Air valves may control the flow. Fuel for the heating process may be supplied to the burners by pipes, and the flow may be controlled by valves. Temperature sensors may be located in each chamber to control the temperature, through modulation of the fuel and or air valves. The control panel may be an interface between the system and the human operator. The loader may be used to place the deceased remains into the primary chamber. The operator may remove the bone fragments through the main charging door after each cremation. A generator supplies the electrical power for the system. Powered air louvers open through the container wall to allow for fresh air to be supplied to the system. A maintenance door may be provided to allow access into the container for periodic maintenance of the burners and blowers.
In one aspect, the present invention may be made of any suitable components by any suitable fabrication process. Refractory Materials may be laid out to form chambers in a transportation container. The refractory materials may be installed in such a manner as not to move during transportation. Burners may be located in both the primary and secondary chambers to provide the required heat to both chambers necessary to cremate a body placed therein, and to oxidize resulting emissions prior to exit through the exhaust. Air fans (blowers) may be installed into the container to provide combustion air for the burners, and the chambers. Additional air may be directed into the exhaust to cause draft. Process controls may be provided in the control panel where the operator may set and monitor the system. Fuel and air may be supplied to the burners by pipes, the delivery being controlled by valves. Power for the system may be provided by local utilities or the backup generator located in the container. Holes may be cut into the container to allow maintenance access, fresh air intake, and exhaust exit.
In a further aspect, all of the elements are required to make the system function as designed. The only options may be the local fuel supply, local power supply and the manual loading of the bodies to be cremated.
In some embodiments, refractory materials may be reconfigured to form different chambers. Electrical elements may replace the burners, or another alternative heat source could be provided.
In one aspect, A mobile disaster crematory and mobile cremation method are provided. The mobile portable crematory comprises a housing having a front loading door, an exterior operator access door, and an exterior operator access control panel. An interior refractory lining defines a primary chamber for cremation of a body or other material, in fluid communication with a secondary chamber for environmental control and oxidation of emissions. An air intake system delivers air into the primary and secondary chambers, and an exhaust stack is provided in fluid communication with the primary and secondary chambers. First and second cremation burners are respectively located in the primary and secondary chambers. A fuel supply is operably connected to a valved fuel pipe constructed and arranged for delivery of fuel to the burners. A valved air pipe is constructed and arranged for delivery of air to the burners. An operator loading area is accessible by the front loading door to receive at least one body to be cremated. An equipment access room is accessible by the exterior operator access door. A power supply may be selected from electric power provided by a local utility, a backup generator located in the crematory housing, and combinations thereof. First and second temperature sensors are operably connected to the first and second burners, each also being operably connected to a fuel valve and an air valve. Each said temperature sensor, fuel valve and air valve are operably connected to the exterior access control panel, whereby during use of the mobile crematory each said fuel valve and each said air valve may be actuated by operation of the exterior operator access control panel by a human operator.
The present invention may be used in the following manner. The container may be deployed to an affected area. The fuel supply, power supply may be turned on, the exhaust stack put into place, and the machine preheated to start cremating dead bodies. The bodies that would be cremated by the mobile disaster crematory of the present invention would otherwise have to be loaded into refrigerated trucks and transported to a stationary crematory, where it may take weeks to cremate them.
The system of the present invention may have applicability to a number of other applications, including but not limited to being used for cremation of animals, for disposal of infectious waste and/or for any other type 4 material.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a mobile disaster cremator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of a mobile disaster crematory in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a mobile disaster crematory which provides an unprecedented solution capable of deployment to any location for cremation of the dead when and where needed.
Pandemics, floods, hurricanes earth quakes and all manner of natural or man-made disasters cause multiple deaths. Existing crematories cannot handle the additional bodies and are miles from the needed location. The mobile disaster crematory of the present invention provides a mobile solution which may be deployed to the disaster area to provide a mobile crematory for the dead bodies. Previous options have been limited to loading dead bodies into trucks to be transported to a crematory location. The mobile crematory of the present invention may be deployed to any location and cremate the dead when and where needed.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the mobile disaster crematory, referred to generally at 10 is shown. FIG. 1 provides a front perspective view and FIG. 2 provides a rear elevation view of the invention. Further details are shown in FIGS. 3-5, wherein FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1, FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
As seen in the Figures, the mobile disaster crematory 10 may comprise a shipping container 12 having a container front side 12 a, a container rear side 12 b, container front doors 12 c, an access panel 12 d, a louvered air intake system 12 e and an access door 12 f. The mobile disaster crematory 10 may further comprise an operator loading area 14 a, a remains pan access 14 b, a retort 16, a retort load door 14 c, an exhaust stack 18 and an equipment access room 20. As seen at FIG. 4, the mobile disaster crematory 10 may have a refractory lining comprising ceramic insulation blocks 22 a, and may further include a control panel 24 a, a cremation burner 24 b, an afterburner 24 c, and a hearth 26. In some embodiments, the refractory lining may be made of materials selected from ceramic insulation blocks, fire bricks and combinations thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may provide a mobile disaster crematory 10 comprising The Version of The Invention Discussed Here Includes:
1. Transportation container 12
2. Refractory Lining which may comprise ceramic insulation blocks 22 a
3. Burners which may comprise a cremation burner 24 b and an after burner 24 c
4. Control Panels 12 d, 24 a
5. Air Intake System 12 e
6. Exhaust System 18
7. Loading System 14 a
8. Air Inlet 12 e
9. Power supply (any suitable power supply from utilities or a generator)
10. Fuel Supply (any suitable fuel supplied to the system by valved pipes)
11. Maintenance Access 12 f
In an exemplary embodiment, a shipping container 12 may be provided. Refractory elements 22 a may be laid out to form chambers 16 in a transportation container. The refractory elements 22 a may be installed in such a manner as not to move during transportation. Burners 24 b and 24 c are located in both the primary and secondary chambers to provide the required heat to both cremate the body and oxidize the emissions prior to exit through the exhaust 18. Air fans (blowers) are installed into the container to provide combustion air for the burners, and the chambers. Additional air is directed into the exhaust 18 to cause draft. Process controls are provided in the control panels 12 d, 24 a where the operator can set and monitor the system. Fuel and air to the burners is supplied by pipes and controlled by valves. Power for the system is provided by local utilities or the backup generator located in the container. Holes are cut into the container to allow maintenance access, fresh air intake and exhaust exit.
In an exemplary embodiment the invention may be constructed and arranged in the following manner. The refractory materials 22 a may be installed into the container to from a continuous multi-chamber design 16, that may comprise a primary chamber for cremation and a secondary chamber for environmental control. Heat may be supplied into each chamber by an auxiliary burner located in each chamber 24 b, 24 c. Air is supplied into each chamber, each burner and the exhaust by fans connected to each component by pipes. Air valves control the flow. Fuel for the heating process is supplied to the burners by pipes and the flow is controlled by valves. Temperature sensors are located in each chamber to control the temperature, through modulation of the fuel and or air valves. The control panel 12 d, 24 a is an interface between the system and the human operator. The loader 14 c is used to place the deceased remains into the primary chamber 16. The operator removes the bone fragments through the main charging door after each cremation. A generator supplies the electrical power for the system. Powered air louvers 12 e open through the container wall to allow for fresh air to be supplied to the system. A maintenance door 12 f is provided to allow access into the container for periodic maintenance of the burners and blowers.
All of the elements are required to make the system function as designed. The only options are local fuel supply, local power supply and manual loading of the bodies.
Refractory materials could be reconfigured to form different chambers. Electrical elements could replace the burners or another heat source could be provided.
The present invention may be used in the following manner. The container may be deployed to the affected area. The fuel supply, power supply would be turned on the exhaust stack put into place and the machine preheated to start cremating dead bodies that would otherwise have to be loaded into refrigerated trucks and transported to a stationary crematory, where it may take weeks to cremate them.
In some embodiments, the system may have alternative applications. For example, without limitation, the system may be used for animals, infectious waste and any other type 4 material.
In summary, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the present invention may provide a mobile disaster crematory capable of being deployed to any location to cremate the dead when and where needed.
In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile portable crematory comprises a crematory housing having at least one front loading door, an exterior operator access door, and an exterior operator access control panel. An interior refractory lining defines a first interior chamber in fluid communication with a second interior chamber providing a primary chamber for cremation of the at least one body and a secondary chamber for environmental control and oxidation of emissions. An air intake system delivers air into the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber, and an exhaust stack is provided in fluid communication with the first and second interior chambers. First and second cremation burners are respectively located in the first and second interior chambers. A fuel supply comprises a valved fuel pipe constructed and arranged for delivery of fuel to the burners. A valved air pipe is constructed and arranged for delivery of air to the burners. An operator loading area is accessible by the at least one front loading door to receive at least one body to be cremated. An equipment access room is accessible by the exterior operator access door. A power supply may be selected from electric power provided by a local utility, a backup generator located in the crematory housing, and combinations thereof. A first temperature sensor located in the primary chamber and a second temperature sensor located in the secondary chamber, each said temperature sensor being operably connected to a fuel valve and an air valve, wherein each said temperature sensor, fuel valve and air valve are operably connected to the exterior access control panel, whereby during use of the mobile crematory each said fuel valve and each said air valve may be actuated by operation of the exterior operator access control panel by a human operator.
In an exemplary embodiment, a method of cremation comprises providing a mobile disaster crematory; deploying the mobile disaster crematory to an affected area; loading at least one body or other material to be cremated therein; and operating the mobile disaster crematory to cremate the body or other material. Operating the mobile disaster crematory further comprises powering on the mobile disaster crematory; and actuating at least one control on the control panel to operate a fuel control valve, an air valve, a first cremation burner, a second cremation burner and combinations thereof.
It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A mobile portable crematory comprising:

a crematory housing having a front side, a rear side, an exterior surface and an interior portion defined by the housing, the crematory housing further comprising at least one front loading door, an exterior operator access door, and an exterior operator access panel;

an interior refractory lining constructed and arranged to define a first interior chamber in fluid communication with a second interior chamber;

an air intake system operable to deliver air into the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber;

an exhaust stack in fluid communication with the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber;

a first cremation burner located in the first interior chamber and a second cremation burner or afterburner located in the second interior chamber;

an operator loading area accessible by the at least one front loading door constructed and arranged to receive at least one body to be cremated for delivery to the first interior chamber;

an equipment access room in communication with the exterior operator access door;

a power supply; and

a fuel supply.

2. The mobile portable crematory of claim 1, wherein the interior refractory lining comprises a plurality of ceramic insulation blocks.

3. The mobile portable crematory of claim 2, wherein the first interior chamber comprises a primary chamber for cremation of the at least one body and the second interior chamber comprises a secondary chamber for environmental control and oxidation of emissions prior to exhaust through the exhaust stack.

4. The mobile disaster crematory of claim 3 further comprising:

at least one fuel pipe constructed and arranged for delivery of fuel to the burners, the fuel pipes further comprising fuel control valves; and

at least one air pipe constructed and arranged for delivery of air to the burners, the air pipes further comprising air control valves.

5. The mobile disaster crematory of claim 4 wherein the power supply is selected from electric power provided by a local utility, a backup generator located in the crematory housing, and combinations thereof.

6. The mobile disaster crematory of claim 5 further comprising a first temperature sensor located in the primary chamber and a second temperature sensor located in the secondary chamber, each said temperature sensor being operably connected to a fuel valve and an air valve, wherein each said temperature sensor, fuel valve and air valve are operably connected to the exterior access control panel, whereby during use of the mobile crematory each said fuel valve and each said air valve may be actuated by operation of the exterior access control panel by a human operator.

7. A mobile portable crematory comprising:

a crematory housing having a front side, a rear side, an exterior surface and an interior portion defined by the housing, the crematory housing further comprising at least one front loading door, an exterior operator access door, and an exterior operator access control panel;

an interior refractory lining constructed and arranged to define a first interior chamber in fluid communication with a second interior chamber, the first interior chamber comprising a primary chamber for cremation of the at least one body and the second interior chamber comprising a secondary chamber for environmental control and oxidation of emissions, the interior refractory lining further comprising a plurality of ceramic insulation blocks;

an exhaust stack in fluid communication with the first interior chamber and the second interior chamber for exhaust of the oxidized emissions from the first and second interior chambers;

a fuel supply;

at least one fuel pipe constructed and arranged for delivery of fuel to the burners, the fuel pipes further comprising fuel control valves;

at least one air pipe constructed and arranged for delivery of air to the burners, the air pipes further comprising air control valves;

a power supply selected from electric power provided by a local utility, a backup generator located in the crematory housing, and combinations thereof; and

a first temperature sensor located in the primary chamber and a second temperature sensor located in the secondary chamber, each said temperature sensor being operably connected to a fuel valve and an air valve, wherein each said temperature sensor, fuel valve and air valve are operably connected to the exterior access control panel, whereby during use of the mobile crematory each said fuel valve and each said air valve may be actuated by operation of the exterior operator access control panel by a human operator.

8. A method of cremation comprising:

providing a mobile disaster crematory as in claim 7;

deploying the mobile disaster crematory to an affected area;

loading at least one body or other material to be cremated therein; and

operating the mobile disaster crematory to cremate the body or other material.

9. A method of cremation as in claim 8 wherein operating the mobile disaster crematory further comprises:

powering on the mobile disaster crematory; and

actuating at least one control on the control panel to operate a fuel control valve, an air valve, a first cremation burner, a second cremation burner and combinations thereof.