Autonomous Funerary Capsule System for Efficient and Sanitized Funeral Services

Publication ID: 24-11857468_0010_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Future Evolutions & Paradigm Shifts

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Autonomous Funerary Capsule System for Efficient and Sanitized Funeral Services,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857468_0010_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857468_0010_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,468.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The invention relates to a next-generation funerary capsule system that integrates advanced technologies such as AI, blockchain, and autonomous navigation to revolutionize the funeral industry. The system enables efficient, sanitized, and dignified transportation and viewing of deceased bodies, while also providing a secure and transparent tracking process.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a funerary capsule for viewing and transporting dead bodies, but it had limitations in terms of sanitation, tracking, and customization. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a modular, self-contained, and autonomous system that prioritizes hygiene, efficiency, and flexibility.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a modular funerary capsule with integrated communication and navigation systems, allowing for real-time monitoring and autonomous navigation to cremation sites. The capsule is designed with interchangeable components and accessories, enabling customization and adaptation to diverse cultural, religious, and environmental requirements. Additionally, the system incorporates an AI-powered body tracking and identification system, ensuring accurate and efficient identification and processing of deceased bodies. The system also includes a decentralized, blockchain-based platform for secure and transparent tracking, storage, and exchange of deceased bodies.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept introduces a paradigm shift in the funeral industry by integrating autonomous navigation, AI-powered body tracking, and blockchain-based tracking, which are not anticipated by the original patent. The inventive concept's modular design, sanitation features, and decentralized platform also provide a novel solution to the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include the use of different materials, such as biodegradable or recycled materials, for the capsule's construction. Variations could also include the integration of additional features, such as environmental sensors or air purification systems, to further enhance the capsule's functionality and sustainability.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the funeral industry, particularly in regions with high demand for efficient and sanitized funeral services. The system's ability to provide a secure and transparent tracking process, combined with its modular design and customization options, make it an attractive solution for funeral homes, crematories, and other industry stakeholders.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61G17/001
A A61 A61G17/002
A A61 A61G17/007
A A61 A61G17/041

Field of Art

Funerary services and body transportation technologies, involving medical, logistics, and mortuary engineering disciplines. Requires understanding of materials science, transportation systems, sanitation protocols, and end-of-life service technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A professional with advanced technical training in mortuary engineering, biomedical logistics, or funeral service technologies. Possesses knowledge of materials engineering, autonomous systems, sanitization protocols, and interdisciplinary problem-solving skills

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's disclosed variations represent predictable technological extensions of the source patent's fundamental funerary capsule design. The proposed autonomous navigation, AI tracking, and blockchain integration represent logical technological progressions that address inherent limitations in the original capsule concept. These variations demonstrate standard engineering problem-solving approaches applied to an existing technological framework.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Casket with side wall, base, and closing lid made of synthetic materials suitable for sanitation treatments
PTD Variation
Modular funerary capsule with integrated communication and navigation systems
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to enhance the original capsule's design with communication and navigation technologies, as transportation optimization is a predictable improvement in logistics-oriented systems
Source Patent Element
Body containment bag made of natural fibers adaptable to cremation
PTD Variation
AI-powered body tracking and identification system with integrated database
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending body identification methods through digital technologies represents a known technique for improving tracking and management processes in transportation systems
Source Patent Element
Casket constructed with materials allowing sanitation treatments
PTD Variation
UV-C light sanitization method and reusable capsule design
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing advanced sanitization protocols is an obvious design choice for improving hygiene in medical and mortuary transportation contexts
Source Patent Element
Transparent closing lid for viewing deceased bodies
PTD Variation
Blockchain-based platform for secure body tracking and management
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating digital tracking technologies represents a predictable technological evolution for improving transparency and record-keeping in funeral service systems
Source Patent Element
Casket with hinge mechanisms allowing reversible lid movement
PTD Variation
Interchangeable components allowing cultural and environmental customization
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular design approaches are a standard engineering solution for creating adaptable technological systems with broad applicability
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857468 and the disclosed technological variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the proposed funerary capsule system variations obvious and non-patentable. The incremental technological improvements represent predictable extensions of existing mortuary transportation technologies, utilizing standard engineering problem-solving approaches to address known limitations in the original design.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,468
TitleFunerary capsule for viewing and transporting dead bodies
Assignee(s)SHUTTLE INNOVATION DI ERIO ZANON