U.S. patent application number 15/531750 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-21 for method for encapsulation and release of fragile insects.
The applicant listed for this patent is Senecio Ltd.. Invention is credited to Steve DAREN, Omer EINAV, Hanan LEPEK, Arie Asaf LEVY, Doron SHABANOV.
Application Number | 20170267344 15/531750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55069040 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170267344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEPEK; Hanan ; et
al. |
September 21, 2017 |
METHOD FOR ENCAPSULATION AND RELEASE OF FRAGILE INSECTS
Abstract
A method of distributing fragile insects in a distribution
involving a wind shear, comprises, encapsulating the insects into a
bubble and then releasing the bubble into the wind shear so that
the bubble protects the insect from the wind shear. The insect may
be inserted before or after formation of the bubble at any stage of
the insect life cycle and the bubble may be uniform or made of a
slow dissolving and a quick dissolving part. The bubbles are useful
for aerial distribution of sterile male mosquitoes.
Inventors: |
LEPEK; Hanan; (Kfar-Saba,
IL) ; EINAV; Omer; (Kfar-Monash, IL) ;
SHABANOV; Doron; (Tzur-Yigal, IL) ; LEVY; Arie
Asaf; (Herzlia, IL) ; DAREN; Steve; (Nes
Ziona, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Senecio Ltd. |
Kfar-Saba |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
55069040 |
Appl. No.: |
15/531750 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 3, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2015/051180 |
371 Date: |
May 31, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62087590 |
Dec 4, 2014 |
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|
62087576 |
Dec 4, 2014 |
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62087584 |
Dec 4, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 1/16 20130101; B64D
1/12 20130101; B64D 1/10 20130101; A01K 67/033 20130101; A01K 1/03
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64D 1/10 20060101
B64D001/10; B64D 1/12 20060101 B64D001/12; A01K 67/033 20060101
A01K067/033 |
Claims
1-42. (canceled)
43. A method for forming a bubble for transport and timed release
of material comprising: providing a first relatively slow
dissolving material; providing a second relatively fast dissolving
material; providing insect material to encapsulate in said bubble;
and forming said bubble from said relatively fast dissolving
material and said relatively slow dissolving material with said
insect material inside, such that dissolving of said relatively
fast dissolving material provides an exit from said bubble for said
insects.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the material comprises insect
material.
45. The method of claim 43, wherein the bubble is formed from a
water-soluble solution.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein said water soluble solution
gives a high viscosity at low concentrations.
47. The method of claim 43, comprising using a polymer for one of
said materials, said polymer having a molecular weight above 1
million.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein said polymer comprises 0.4% by
weight of hydroxyethyl cellulose (MW 1.3 million) and poly ethylene
oxide (MW 4 million).
49. The method of claim 45, wherein said solution comprises
n-propanol.
50. The method of claim 45, wherein said solution comprises 80 gr
of Dibromostearic acid mixed with 10 gr glycerol and 10 gr of
washing up liquid.
51. The method of claim 43, wherein said bubble comprises a
capsule.
52. The method of claim 43, wherein the relatively quick degrading
and relatively slow degrading parts both comprise polyvinyl
acetate, or wherein the relatively quick degrading part comprises
around 80% hydrolization of the acetate groups and the relatively
slow degrading part comprises over 90% hydrolization of the acetate
groups.
53. The method of claim 43, wherein said bubble is fully formed
from said quick dissolving material and then partly coated with
said slow dissolving material.
54. A method of distributing material in a distribution involving a
wind shear, comprising: forming a bubble; piercing said bubble;
inserting said material via said piercing into said bubble; and
releasing said bubble into said wind shear, said bubble protecting
said material from said wind shear.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein said bubble comprises a
relatively quick degrading part and a relatively slow degrading
part.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein the relatively quick degrading
and relatively slow degrading parts both comprise polyvinyl
acetate, or wherein the relatively quick degrading part comprises
around 80% hydrolization of the acetate groups and the relatively
slow degrading part comprises over 90% hydrolization of the acetate
groups.
57. The method of claim 55, wherein said bubble is fully formed
from said quick dissolving material and then partly coated with
said slow dissolving material.
58. The method of claim 55, comprising forming a plurality of
bubbles, each with relatively quick dissolving parts having
respectively different dissolving rates.
59. The method of claim 55, comprising inserting a mechanical
stopper into said bubble for release by a pressure wave caused by
landing.
60. The method of claim 55, comprising inserting a tube into said
bubble to leave an exit path.
61. The method of claim 55, comprising constructing said bubble
with a cap of relatively faster dissolving material, thereby to
leave an opening for insect escape.
62. A method of distributing fragile insects in a distribution
involving a wind shear, comprising: forming a bubble; piercing said
bubble; inserting said insect via said piercing into said bubble;
and releasing said bubble into said wind shear, said bubble
protecting said insect from said wind shear.
63. A method for forming a capsule for transport and timed release
of material comprising: providing a first relatively slow degrading
or dissolving material; providing a second relatively fast
degrading or dissolving material; providing insect material to
encapsulate in said capsule; and forming said capsule from said
relatively fast degrading or dissolving material and said
relatively slow degrading or dissolving material with said insect
material inside, such that degrading or dissolving of said
relatively fast degrading or dissolving material provides an exit
from said capsule for said insects.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] There are today large regions in the Americas, Africa and
Asia that suffer from vector-born diseases transferred by insects,
in particular, mosquitoes. The diseases include in particular
Dengue fever, and Malaria, which are infectious disease carried and
spread by bites from female mosquitoes.
[0002] There have been many attempts at a safe and effective means
to control vector-born disease, specifically Dengue and Malaria,
over sizeable regions, including urban areas by controlling the
mosquito population. One method is to release sterile males. The
sterile males mate with the females in place of fertile males and
in this way prevent reproduction.
[0003] A problem with the attempts has been effective distribution
of the sterile males. It is not possible to release the insects
from aircraft as is done with chemicals and crop dusting, as the
airspeeds and wind shear involved generally kill the insects. This
is particularly true of mosquitoes which are relatively fragile.
Land-based distribution on the other hand is very labour-intensive
and it is very difficult and costly to get a reasonable
distribution of males, into all of the kinds of places where the
mosquitoes congregate. One method that is used involves slow
release of sterile males from a cage on a slowly moving vehicle.
However this limits the release to areas that have vehicle access,
and mosquito distribution pays little regard to vehicle access.
[0004] The need for aerial release systems is described in the
literature. The following are selected quotes:
[0005] The Sterile Insect Technique for Controlling Populations of
Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) on Reunion Island Mating
Vigour of Sterilized Males states that provided suitable aerial
release systems can be developed and the surface of the treated
area is large enough, aerial releases would ensure a cost-effective
area-wide coverage.
[0006] The Sterile Insect Technique: can established technology
beat malaria? International Atomic Energy Agency, 2006, stated,
"Aerial releases, although never tried with mosquitoes, have a
number of potential benefits over ground releases. The release
sites can be further away from the facilities, extending the
geographical scope of the operation greatly. The need for good
ground access to the field sites is no longer valid for daily
releases, although for monitoring purposes it would still be
desired. In addition, the number of staff required for aerial
releases is lower and aerial releases can benefit from existing
on-board navigation equipment to accurately release the mosquitoes
in the designated areas . . . . However, unlike the robust medfly,
mosquitoes are rather fragile creatures. Handling, packing and
release methods for mosquitoes need to be developed and tested to
assess the impact of aerial release on male behaviour and longevity
. . . ".
[0007] Historical applications of induced sterilisation in field
populations of mosquitoes, David A Dame, Christopher F Curtis, Mark
Q Benedict, Alan S Robinson and Bart G. J. Knols, 2009 states " . .
. Sterile mosquito releases conducted to date have relied on ground
release. Relatively simple packaging, transport methodology,
release containers and shelters have been devised for pupal and
adult releases, but no work has been initiated on methods of aerial
distribution. Certainly, in urban programmes ground release might
suffice, but the availability of satisfactory aerial release
methods could provide timelier and more effective distribution with
reduced opportunity for pre-release damage to the sterile males.
Production and release of millions per day will demand expedited
delivery mechanisms to prevent losses in quality and
competitiveness".
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] As mosquitoes are considered fragile, they may not survive
the impact of the violent wind shear when being release out of an
airplane.
[0009] The present embodiment provides a method and a device for
the creation of a protection layer between harmful (for the insect)
wind shear and the fragile insects, more specifically when being
released out of a vehicle moving at a high speed, above 50 km/hr
such as a car or above 100 km/hr such as agricultural airplane. The
present embodiment involves the creation of the protection layer
during the release of the insects from a storage container and
prior to being inserted into the outside air.
[0010] In some embodiments the protection provided is for insects
being released out of a release device such as the release device
presented in U.S. Provisional patent application 62/053,242 filed
Sep. 22, 2014, Method and Apparatus for Artificial Distribution of
Insects, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference
as if fully set out herein.
[0011] The protection layer involves the encapsulation of insects,
or more particular fragile insects,
[0012] A method and device for encapsulating insects by usage of
bubble like geometry elements is provided, so that insects are not
exposed to violent wind shears the moment they exit the
aircraft.
[0013] The bubble solution is insect friendly, meaning that it does
not harm the insect, in particular maintains the insect's ability
to fly and mate in the wild.
[0014] The protection layer may provide protection by absorbing the
violent wind shear and in some cases may even burst due to their
impact.
[0015] In another embodiment the bubble inner surface walls may be
of such material as to enable the insect, for example a mosquito,
to stand upon the bubble walls and rest without bursting the
bubble.
[0016] The surface walls may contain elements such as sugar, so
that upon bursting when touching the ground, the insect, or
specifically the mosquito, may have food and water it can eat
immediately after the release.
[0017] The encapsulation of the insect happens in real time during
the release mission, and uses bubble solution to create the desired
bubbles for the protection of the insects.
[0018] Encapsulation of the insects into bubbles in real time,
saves a lot of space, since the required storage space for bubble
solution liquid is considerably lower than the required storage
space for paper bags for the same amount of insects. Also the
bubble solution may be degradable, thus provide less left overs and
dirt on the ground as opposed to paper bags.
[0019] In one embodiment the insect is blown by an air pulse into a
bubble during its formation. A first bubble is started but is not
yet completed. An insect is blown into the bubble making it bigger
due to the increase in air volume and finally the bubble is
completely formed and blown away.
[0020] In another embodiment first a strong bubble is fully
created, and then an insect is inserted into the bubble using a
pipette like device, without bursting the bubble due to its
flexible surface.
[0021] In another embodiment first a strong bubble is fully
created, and then insect pupa are inserted into the bubble using a
pipette like device, without bursting the bubble due to its
flexible surface. More specifically if the insect is a mosquito
then the pupa is inserted into the bubble together with a
sufficient amount of liquid such as water. In the case of a pupa
which requires water for life support, the strong bubble is made
according to a formula which is designed to last from a few hours
up to a few days, typically a day. By contrast, in the case of a
bubble for an adult mosquito the bubble formula is typically
designed to on a time scale of a few seconds to a few minutes.
[0022] Upon emergence of the mosquito from the pupa, the mosquito
may rest inside the bubble and breathe the air within the bubble.
Upon bursting of the bubble the mosquito may then emerge out of the
bubble.
[0023] One structure for the bubble comprises a relatively quick
degrading part and a relatively slow degrading part. The relatively
quick degrading and relatively slow degrading parts may both
comprise polyvinyl acetate. The relatively quick degrading part may
comprise around 80% hydrolization of the acetate groups and the
relatively slow degrading part may comprise over 90% hydrolization
of the acetate groups.
[0024] In embodiments the bubble has a burst pressure of at least
three atmospheres. The bubble may have a burst pressure not
exceeding five atmospheres.
[0025] Bubbles may be released singly, in chains or in a sheet.
[0026] In one possible structure, the bubble is fully formed from
the quick dissolving material and then partly coated with the slow
dissolving material.
[0027] Different bubbles may have relatively quick dissolving parts
having respectively different rates. That is to say the different
bubbles release the insects at different rates, achieving a stagger
effect.
[0028] One bubble structure involves inserting a mechanical stopper
into the bubble for release by a pressure wave caused by landing.
The pressure wave forces the stopper out, allowing the insects to
be released. Another structure involves inserting a tube into the
bubble to keep an exit path open.
[0029] Another structure involves constructing the bubble with a
cap of a third material. The third material is a relatively faster
dissolving material than the quick dissolving material itself and
as it evaporates, it leaves an opening for insect escape.
[0030] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of distributing fragile insects in a
distribution involving a wind shear, comprising:
[0031] delivering the fragile insects with a pulse of air through a
delivery pipe;
[0032] inserting bubble-forming liquid into a bubble forming head
to partly form a bubble;
[0033] controlling simultaneous arrival of the insect and the pulse
of air at the bubble forming head with the partly formed bubble to
complete formation of the bubble with the insect inside; and
[0034] releasing the bubble into the wind shear, the bubble
protecting the insect from the wind shear.
[0035] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of distributing fragile insects in a
distribution involving a wind shear, comprising:
[0036] forming a bubble;
[0037] piercing the bubble;
[0038] inserting the insect via the piercing into the bubble;
and
[0039] releasing the bubble into the wind shear, the bubble
protecting the insect from the wind shear.
[0040] An embodiment may comprise inserting the insect into a
pipette; and piercing the bubble with the pipette to insert the
insect.
[0041] In an embodiment, the bubble is formed from a water-soluble
solution.
[0042] In an embodiment, the water soluble solution gives a high
viscosity at low concentrations.
[0043] An embodiment may comprise a polymer with molecular weights
above 1 million.
[0044] In an embodiment, the polymer comprises 0.4% by weight of
hydroxyethyl cellulose (MW 1.3 million) and poly ethylene oxide (MW
4 million).
[0045] In an embodiment, the solution comprises n-propanol.
[0046] In an embodiment, the solution comprises 80 gr of
Dibromostearic acid mixed with 10 gr glycerol and 10 gr of washing
up liquid.
[0047] In an embodiment, the bubble comprises a relatively quick
degrading part and a relatively slow degrading part.
[0048] In an embodiment, the relatively quick degrading and
relatively slow degrading parts both comprise polyvinyl
acetate.
[0049] In an embodiment, the relatively quick degrading part
comprises around 80% hydrolization of the acetate groups and the
relatively slow degrading part comprises over 90% hydrolization of
the acetate groups.
[0050] In an embodiment, the bubble has a burst pressure of at
least three atmospheres.
[0051] In an embodiment, the bubble has a burst pressure not
exceeding five atmospheres.
[0052] An embodiment may comprise assembling a plurality of bubbles
into a chain or a sheet prior to release.
[0053] In an embodiment, the bubble is fully formed from the quick
dissolving material and then partly coated with the slow dissolving
material.
[0054] An embodiment may comprise forming a plurality of bubbles,
each with relatively quick dissolving parts having respectively
different dissolving rates. According to a third aspect of the
present invention there is provided a method of distributing
fragile insects in a distribution involving a wind shear,
comprising:
[0055] standing the fragile insects;
[0056] forming a froth around the fragile insects using a neutral
froth-forming solution;
[0057] releasing the froth into the wind shear, the froth
protecting the insect from the wind shear.
[0058] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there
is a method of distributing material in a distribution involving a
wind shear, comprising:
[0059] delivering the material with a pulse of air through a
delivery pipe;
[0060] inserting bubble-forming liquid into a bubble forming head
to partly form a bubble;
[0061] controlling simultaneous arrival of the material and the
pulse of air at the bubble forming head with the partly formed
bubble to complete formation of the bubble with the material
inside; and
[0062] releasing the bubble into the wind shear, the bubble
protecting the material from the wind shear.
[0063] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method of distributing material in a distribution
involving a wind shear, comprising:
[0064] forming a bubble;
[0065] piercing the bubble;
[0066] inserting the material via the piercing into the bubble;
and
[0067] releasing the bubble into the wind shear, the bubble
protecting the material from the wind shear.
[0068] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method for forming a capsule for transport and timed
release of insects comprising:
[0069] providing a first relatively slow dissolving material;
[0070] providing a second relatively fast dissolving material;
[0071] providing insect material to encapsulate in the capsule;
and
[0072] forming the capsule from the relatively fast dissolving
material and the relatively slow dissolving material with the
insect material inside, such that dissolving of the relatively fast
dissolving material provides an exit from the capsule for the
insects.
[0073] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials
are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification,
including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials,
methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to
be necessarily limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0074] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by
way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is
stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the
invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings
makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the
invention may be practiced.
[0075] In the drawings:
[0076] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a mosquito life
cycle. Eggs 10 are laid and can be stored on paper.
[0077] FIG. 2 is an illustration for mosquito and pupa within a
bubble.
[0078] FIG. 3 illustrates a device for encapsulation of insects
within bubbles.
[0079] FIG. 4 is a close up view of one of the elements of the
encapsulation device from FIG. 3.
[0080] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment for encapsulation of
insects within bubbles.
[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment for encapsulation of
insects within bubbles.
[0082] FIGS. 7.1-7.4 illustrate the process and principles for
encapsulation of insects in real time.
[0083] FIGS. 8.1-8.5 illustrate another process and the principles
for encapsulation of insects in real time.
[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0085] FIG. 10 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0086] FIG. 11 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0087] FIG. 12 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0088] FIG. 13 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0089] FIG. 14 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0090] FIG. 15 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0091] FIG. 16 illustrates an integrated system for delivering
stored insects towards encapsulation device and then moving the
bubbles through the distribution pipes towards a release point.
[0092] FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment and a step during the
encapsulation process for the device from FIG. 3.
[0093] FIG. 18 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0094] FIG. 19 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0095] FIG. 20 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 3.
[0096] FIGS. 21.1-21.2 illustrate an integrated system for
delivering stored insects towards encapsulation device located
within an aerial release device.
[0097] FIG. 22 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 5.
[0098] FIG. 23 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 5.
[0099] FIG. 24 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 5.
[0100] FIG. 25 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 5.
[0101] FIG. 26 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 6.
[0102] FIG. 27 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 6.
[0103] FIG. 28 illustrates a step during the encapsulation process
for the device from FIG. 6.
[0104] FIGS. 29.1-29.7 illustrate a process for generating a bubble
and using another device to puncture the bubble and insert insects
without bursting the bubble.
[0105] FIG. 30 illustrates a bubble structure based on two
materials according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0106] FIG. 31 illustrates another bubble structure based on two
materials according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0107] FIG. 32 illustrates a bubble structure having a quick and a
very quick dissolving part that forms a small hole in the ceiling
of the bubble according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0108] FIG. 33 illustrates a bubble structure for delayed release
of material, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0109] FIGS. 34A-34C illustrate embedding of material into a bubble
during formation of the bubble at three different stages of the
insect lifecycle according to embodiments of the present
invention.
[0110] FIGS. 35A-35C likewise illustrate embedding of material into
a bubble after bubble formation, at three different stages of the
insect lifecycle according to embodiments of the present
invention
[0111] FIGS. 36A-36C illustrate slow release of insects from a
bubble crossing over different stages of the insect lifecycle
according to embodiments of the present invention
[0112] FIG. 37 illustrates a structure of the bubble in which the
slow dissolving material is applied as a partial coating on a
complete bubble of the quick dissolving material according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0113] FIGS. 38A-38C are a simplified diagram showing the bubbles
prepared for release singly, in chains or in sheets, according to
embodiments of the present invention.
[0114] FIG. 39 illustrates a bubble with a stopper as a release
mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention;
and
[0115] FIG. 40 illustrates a bubble with a release pipe according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0116] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to a method and apparatus for inserting insects into bubbles, and,
more particularly, but not exclusively, to the distribution of
insects within these bubbles as part of disease control programs,
pollination programs and the like. The present invention also
relates to formation of the bubbles and suitable chemical
formulations and processes therefor.
[0117] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
necessarily limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods
set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the
drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other
embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various
ways.
[0118] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified
diagram illustrating the mosquito life cycle. Eggs 10 are laid and
can be stored on paper. Larvae 12 emerge and live underwater, float
upside down to the surface of the water and breathe through a
breathing tube emerging from the water surface. A pupa is formed
14, also under water, but needs to breathe so comes to the surface.
The adult 16 emerges from the pupa and is terrestrial.
[0119] FIG. 2 is an illustration showing mosquito and pupa within a
bubble.
[0120] FIG. 3 illustrates a device for encapsulation of insects
within bubbles.
[0121] FIG. 4 is a close up view of one of the elements of the
encapsulation device of FIG. 3.
[0122] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of encapsulation of
insects within bubbles.
[0123] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of encapsulation of
insects within bubbles.
[0124] An operational method for encapsulation of insects with
reference to FIGS. 7.1-7.4, and FIGS. 8.1-8.5 is now described.
[0125] In FIGS. 7.1-7.4 insects, together with the existing air in
the tank, are pushed forward simultaneously towards a bubble ring
704. A solution chamber 720 is connected directly or via solution
delivery tube and provides bubble solution to cover the ring
continuously during the creation of the bubbles due to the flow of
air coming from air flow source 700. As the bubbles are forming and
insects move forward, they are encapsulated as can be seen in 712
and 716, within the bubble. The bubble is sufficiently strong as
not to burst from the impact of the mosquito. The velocity of the
air flowing within the pipe is calibrated to ensure the energy of
the insect is also low enough to prevent bursting of the
bubble.
[0126] Referring now to FIGS. 8.1-8.5, insects wait to be
encapsulated inside an insect launching cell 802. First a bubble
starts to generate due to flow of air coming from bubble air flow
810, and the bubble ring 804 is covered with bubble solution from
solution chamber 808.
[0127] The amount of time the bubble air flow 810 pushes air, and
the associated air velocity can be calibrated in such a way that
the process can be controlled to enable creation of a single bubble
not yet fully completed, as seen in forming bubble 804.
[0128] Once the bubble has a bubble forming shape 816, the insect
air flow source 800 may push air forwards together with insects,
delivering the insects through port 812, which serves as a
connector towards the bubble, and the bubble continues to grow due
to the flow of air approaching it. The bubble is then measured
before disconnecting from the device.
[0129] Once the insect has entered into the bubble, or into the
stream of air flow coming from bubble air flow 810, then insect air
flow 800 may turn off until the next operation.
[0130] After the insect has entered into the bubble the bubble air
flow 810 will generate a strong pulse of air to disconnect the
bubble and complete its creation, resulting in the bubble seen as
820 insect inside bubble.
[0131] Returning now to a consideration of FIGS. 3 and 4, and
mosquitoes arrive at the device through delivery pipe 300. The
mosquitoes may arrive from an outlet of an insect storage device
such as 306, being pushed forward in the pipe by blower 314. The
storage device 306 may keep the temperature within it low in order
to reduce mobility of the insects, using a cooling system 302 for
example. When delivering the insects they may pass through a pipe
which is heated by a 334 heating source, long enough to raise their
temperature once again.
[0132] The mosquitoes arriving at block wheel 332 and may be
stopped by a wheel net being aligned with the inner side of the
pipe.
[0133] The block wheel 332 gradually rotates to a position in which
it does not interfere with the passage of the mosquitoes through
it. FIG. 10 illustrates such a wheel having different positions for
allowing and blocking passage. Spinning wheel 402 inside bubble
chamber 400 starts to rotate, moving ring position so that a ring
covered with bubble solution faces the pipe. During the transition
the block wheel 332 and the step wheel 1002 may be in sync being
connected by the same motor as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, as the step
wheel 1002 rotates to its next position, as shown in FIG. 11,
fixing the next ring facing the pipe, at the same time the block
wheel 332 blocks the delivery of additional insects using block
wheel net 1100.
[0134] Moving now to FIG. 12, the shutter serving as port opens and
enables transfer of insects to the launching cell 1300 as shown in
FIG. 13.
[0135] Once inside the launching cell 1300, the shutter 1400 is
closed, and then as seen in FIG. 15, a pulse of air coming from
compressor 308, see FIG. 3, travels through secondary pipe 318,
causing the bubble to disconnect, forming the final encapsulation
stage, and producing disconnected bubble 1500 with encapsulated
insects.
[0136] In yet another embodiment, described in FIGS. 17-20, a
process for encapsulation of mosquitoes without a shutter or a
launching cell is described.
[0137] Referring now to FIG. 17, insects 1700 arrive and are
stopped by wheel net 1702. As seen in FIG. 18, step wheel 1804
rotates spinning wheel 1806, placing the next bubble ring covered
with bubble solution in position. The step wheel and the blocking
wheel are in sync. Mechanical synchronization may for example be
achieved by connecting the motor which drives 1804 step wheel also
to the blocking wheel, as seen in FIG. 18. During the transition
the blocking wheel net 1802 opens, enabling passage of the insects
towards the exit point, the insects being pushed by air inside the
pipe coming from blower 314. Reference is now made to FIG. 19,
which shows the blocking wheel in the next position. When the step
wheel positions the next bubble ring 1906, then the blocking wheel
has completed a rotary move and now the blocking wheel net 1902
blocks the way for further insects.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 20, the insects are now blown towards the
exit using air flow coming from a secondary air pipe 2002. The air
moving though the ring is covered with bubble solution and creates
the bubble while the mosquitoes enter the bubble as it is being
created. The bubble does not burst due to the bubble
characteristics.
[0139] FIGS. 21.1-21.2 illustrate an insect storage unit being
connected to an aerial release system as described in applicant's
copending U.S. Provisional patent application 62/053,242 filed Sep.
22, 2014, Method and Apparatus for Artificial Distribution of
Insects ("U.S. 62/053,242"), and a device for encapsulation of
insects in real time is mounted on and will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 22-25.
[0140] In FIG. 22, insects 2204 travel through insect delivery pipe
2202 and stop before lower block net 2214 preventing them from
exiting the exit point 2210.
[0141] In FIG. 23, the delivery pipe 2302 has been shifted sideways
by the air piston 2310, and thus the insects can now enter the 2304
launching cell, as the 2306 lower block net does not block the
insects for long.
[0142] The insects cannot at this point exit the pipe since the
pipe exit is now blocked by the upper block net 2300.
[0143] The insects are transferred into the launching cell
2304.
[0144] The launching cell now returns to its original position as
the air piston 2410 also returns to its original position. During
the transition between FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the solution wiper 2308
wipes the launching cell surface edges with bubble solution.
[0145] The launching cell is in its original position in FIG. 24,
in which the lower block net 2402 prevents additional insects
entering the already full launching cell.
[0146] Once launching cell 2412 is in position, then air pulse 2408
shoots through the pipe, causing the formation of bubbles and
pushing the insects through the exit point 2500 into the bubbles
being formed, causing a real time encapsulation of insects in the
bubble 2502.
[0147] Another embodiment for a device for encapsulation of insects
is now described with reference to FIGS. 26-28.
[0148] Reference is now made to FIG. 26 which shows insects
travelling along a delivery pipe directly into launching cell 2604
and being blocked by upper block net 2602. Air piston 2600 then
moves only the launching cell, to the other side, in contrast with
the previous embodiment, preventing the entrance of additional
insects towards the launching cell due to the position of the cell
in parallel with the lower block net 2700, as shown in FIG. 27.
During the movement of the launching cell, the exit area gets
covered with solution from the solution wiper 2702.
[0149] Referring to FIG. 28, now, ready for launch, air pulse 2806
is shot through the pipe, causing air to exit through the exit
point 2802 while carrying bubble solution, thus forming a bubble.
While forming the bubble, insects from the launching cell are
pushed out and enter the bubble during its formation, and hence
being encapsulated as seen in bubble 2800.
[0150] The air piston 2808 then moves back the 2804 launching cell
for the next release of insects inside a bubble.
[0151] Returning now to FIG. 16, and a process is shown according
to another embodiment, in which an insect encapsulation device
receives mosquitoes from one end. The output bubbles may be
sufficiently strong to be delivered into the distribution pipes,
and they travel through the pipes using the encapsulation device
outlet air flow, until reaching the release exit point. The exit
point may be that located at the tube cover seen on FIG. 16, or
part of the aerial release device described in U.S. Provisional
patent application U.S. 62/053,242 filed Sep. 22, 2014, Method and
Apparatus for Artificial Distribution of Insects.
[0152] Another embodiment for encapsulation of insects is described
in FIGS. 29.1-29.7.
[0153] In the embodiment of FIG. 29, bubble 2900 is formed and then
delivered to the encapsulation device. Subsequently, puncturing
device 2902 punctures the bubble 2908 by moving to puncturing
position 2904. A structure for the bubble may be that of the solid
bubble described herein. The bubble is flexible such that upon
puncturing and retrieving the puncturing device the bubble does not
burst. Once inside, insects 2910 are pushed within the puncturing
device 2906 and therethrough into already existing bubble 2912.
Puncturing device 2914 is then moved out of the bubble without the
bubble bursting. The bubble then travels towards the exit point of
the device and is released as bubble 2916 with encapsulated
insects.
[0154] Discussed now in greater detail are possible bubble
solutions for the creation of the proposed protection layer as a
life support system. Existing known bubble solutions from the
literature are discussed as well as why these solutions may not be
adequate for the present purposes. They are followed by bubble
solutions which are adequate for a life support system and a
protection layer for the release process.
Polymer Requirements to be used as part of Bubble Solution
Formula:
[0155] There are two main requirements for the polymers to be good
bubble-formers. Firstly, they should be water-soluble and secondly
they should give a water solution with a high viscosity at low
concentrations. Polymers with molecular weights above 1 million are
particularly advantageous in strengthening the bubbles. e.g. 0.4%
by weight of hydroxyethyl cellulose (MW 1.3 million) and poly
ethylene oxide (MW 4 million) gave strong bubbles when mixed with
Fairy as surfactant.
1. Fairy/Dawn Formulations:
[0156] Fairy.TM. and Dawn.TM. are similar, widely-used dish-washing
detergents sold in Europe and the USA respectively. Most
bubble-making formulations that appear in popular internet
web-sites contain at least 10% of one of these. One of their major
components (15-30%) are anionic surfactants from the families of
alkyl sulfates (ROSO.sub.3).sup.- and alkyl sulfonates
(RSO.sub.3).sup.- such as sodium lauryl ethyl sulfate and lauryl
sulfonate. Unfortunately these anionic surfactants are considered
to be skin irritants and ecologically damaging due to their slow
biodegradation. Therefore they are not adequate for release over
vast areas, specifically populated areas.
[0157] Much research is being carried out in the world to find
alternatives to the alkyl sulfates and sulfonates. One of the ideas
is to replace the polar head groups (sulfate and sulfonate) with
polar groups from natural sources such as sugars and amino acids In
addition weak links such as ester and amide bonds are built into
the surfactant to aid in biodegradation. e.g. alkyl polyglucosides,
alkyl glucamides, and alkyl glucose esters, are characterized by
high rates of biodegradation. For natural hydrophobic chains, fatty
acids are the first choice for surfactants e.g. fatty acid
ethoxylates and sorbitan esters of fatty acids.
Additional Bubble Strengtheners from the Literature:
[0158] According to "The chemistry and physics of Soap bubbles" by
David Katz, Sodium 9,10-Dibromostearate Solution" can be used to
strengthen soap bubbles in aqueous solutions. Oleic acid also
proved useful in this respect.
2. Prior Art: US Patent 2008/0176977 A1:
[0159] This patent describes the production of strong, long-lasting
bubbles (half-lives of hours and days) by mixing a solution of a
water soluble polymer, preferably partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA), with one or two surfactants and one or more quick
drying solvents. Unfortunately most of the solvents used, with the
exception of water, are toxic or at least narcotic and are
therefore not suitable for life support systems.
[0160] However, volatile alcohol n-propanol is at least twenty
times less toxic to humans than others. Thus as long as there is
air inside the formed bubble, n-propanol may not kill the
mosquitoes.
4. Alternative to US Patent 2008/0176977 A1:
[0161] The bubble may be hardened by causing the PVA to cross-link
due to a chemical reaction. Well-known cross-linking reagents are
acid catalyzed glutaraldyde and derivatives of triazine such as
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,541 (melamine triisocyanate,
tricarbamoyl triazine and their oligomers) and in WO 1993010117
(tris pyrrolidonyl triazine). The reactions with the triazine
derivatives are relatively faster than that of glutaraldehyde and
progress rapidly at room temperature.
5. Solid Bubbles
[0162] This is a somewhat different concept in which, as the bubble
loses water and dries, it may turn into a solid sphere. In order to
achieve this, one can take advantage of the fact that polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA) cross-links and strengthens in the presence of
glutaraldehyde plus glycolic acid. The formula includes preparation
of bubbles from a 10% solution of PVA in water to which may be
added 8% glutaraldehyde and 10% glycolic acid relative to the
PVA.
[0163] Additional surfactant such as the Nonidet P40 substitute may
be added.
6. Frothing:
[0164] The following is an alternative approach--instead of blowing
regular bubbles, the present embodiment makes use of the concept of
frothing. In the mining industry, water and surfactants are used to
separate useful ores from rocks etc. Frothing and its building
blocks are discussed in Hamid Khoshdast & Abbas Sam. The Open
Mineral Processing Journal. 2011, 4,25-44.
[0165] Froths are three phase systems of air, water and solid
particles. The appearance of a froth is different from bubbles in
that a froth somewhat resembles a foam i.e. has multiple rather
than individual bubbles. However poor froths can consist of
agglomerations of a few bubbles only and may therefore be relevant
for housing the mosquitoes.
[0166] Frothers have been categorized by whether they are active in
acidic, basic or neutral media. For contact with living mosquitoes,
clearly the neutral frothers are to be preferred.
[0167] Neutral frothers include:
[0168] aliphatic alcohols such as methyl isobutyl carbinol;
[0169] cyclic alcohols and natural oils such as alpha terpineol
with borneol (natural or synthetic);
[0170] alkoxy paraffins such as 1,1,3 triethoxy butane;
[0171] polypropylene glycol ethers;
[0172] polyglycol ethers;
[0173] polyglycol glycerol ethers.
7. Solid Islands and Food for the Mosquito:
[0174] Instead of particles of minerals, one can generate light
froths using particles of clays and foods as the solid phase. The
clays may provide a dry spot for the mosquito to stand on, and the
food could support the mosquito once the bubble has landed and
burst. Such food particles could include sugars, starch, protein
etc. Furthermore, the surfactants used for generating froths can be
different from those used in detergents like Fairy. The most widely
used neutral material is methyl-isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) but there
are many others (see para 6 above). It should be noted that froths
have a longer life-time than the typical single bubble since the
froth bubbles are continually coalescing and reforming.
Discussed below are a Number of Specific Bubble Solution
Formulas:
EXAMPLE 1
[0175] Bubble strengthening solutions may be prepared with
Polyvinyl pyrrolidone in Deionized Water (DW), Poly(styrene
sulfonic acid co-Maleic acid) Na salt in DW and 2-hydroxy ethyl
cellulose in DW. After mixing with Fairy.RTM. dishwashing liquid
(5-10%) bubbles may readily form but only those from 2-hydroxy
ethyl cellulose solution survive. Maximum bubble lifetime may be
expected to be about 30 sec.
EXAMPLE 2
[0176] Glycerol may be added to the formulation with 2-hydroxy
ethyl cellulose in example 1 thus prolonging bubble life to
.about.60 sec.
EXAMPLE 3
[0177] In accordance with "The preparation of Sodium
9,10-Dibromostearate Solution" by A. L. Kuehrer (J. Chem. Edu., 35,
337, 1958) and "The chemistry and physics of Soap bubbles" by David
Katz, a Sodium Oleate formulation may be prepared: 0.4 gr of NaOH
may be dissolved in 96.8 gr of DW; 2.8 gr of Oleic Acid (Sigma) may
be added and then stirred.
[0178] The resulting solution, .about.100 gr of 3% Sodium Oleate
may be mixed with 100 gr of Glycerol until a homogeneous solution
is obtained.
[0179] No bubbles form as result, but after mixing with Fairy (10%)
stronger bubbles are formed. While this solution produces less
bubbles upon blowing, when mixed with 2-hydroxy ethyl cellulose
formulation (from example 1), it, produced bubbles with lifetimes
of .about.70-80 sec.
EXAMPLE 4
[0180] 9-10 Dibromostearic Acid synthesis
[0181] Bromine (.about.1 mol =163.5 gr) may be gradually added
through a dropping funnel onto lmole of Oleic Acid (.about.283.2
gr) with stirring. The end point is when the brown color just fails
to disappear. Excess Bromine may be removed by drying overnight in
a vacuum. 4% of Dibromostearic acid solution is prepared and
adjusted to pH=10 with 1N NaOH.
[0182] The resulting solution may be mixed with glycerol at 1:1
ratio and stirred until homogeneity is obtained.
[0183] The surfactant alone may not foam and no bubbles are
produced. After mixing with Fairy (.about.10% w/w), bubbles are
produced that are stronger than those produced with polymers and a
lot less water was lost due to dripping in air. Life-times in
excess of one minute are achieved.
EXAMPLE 5
[0184] 2 gr HEC (M.W. .about.1,300,000) is mixed for 3 days with
500 ml tap water. 80 gr of the resulting solution is mixed with 10
gr glycerol and 10 gr Fairy for .about.30 min. Stable bubbles are
obtained.
EXAMPLE 6
[0185] 80 gr of Dibromostearic acid is mixed with 10 gr glycerol
and 10 gr of Fairy.
[0186] Elimination of Fairy from the Formulation.
[0187] 2.5 gr of Polyethylene Oxide, PEO (M.W. .about.4,000,000) is
mixed for 3 days with 1 L tap water.
[0188] 1*10.sup.-5M NaCl solution in 1 L tap water was prepared. 10
mls (1%) of Nonidet P40 substitute (Octylphenyl Polyethylene
Glycol, Fluka) nonionic surfactant may gradually be added to the
NaCl solution. Some foaming is observed even after 5 ml (0.5%).
Some weak bubbles are obtained from this solution upon blowing.
[0189] The surfactant solution is mixed at 1:1 ratio with the PEO
solution. The resulting formulations may produce strong and stable
bubbles. Reference is now made to FIGS. 30 and 31, which show two
different structures of a capsule made of at least two dissolvent
materials with different dissolvent rates, so called for reference
only--DM (dissolvent material), QDM, MDM and SDM corresponding to
Quick, Medium and Slow DMs.
[0190] The easily soluble film--QDM--may dissolve if water vapor
condenses on it in the night-time for example (vapors from the
inside and perhaps dew from the outside). The QDM may be made from
a water-soluble polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), or
hydroxyl methyl or hydroxyl propyl cellulose which will slowly
dissolve in water and open a window through which the mosquito may
emerge, while the bottom of the capsule remains. The PVA film may
be 10-50 microns thick (PVA of the type 80% hydrolyzed and 20%
vinyl acetate (PVA should be below .about.90% in order to dissolve.
The film may dissolve within hours whereas PVA 100% hydrolyzed is
hardly soluble in water. By mixing the two, the time to dissolution
may be regulated from a few fours to several days, providing the
option to encapsulate eggs which need to remain in water a few days
until the mosquitoes emerge, through encapsulation of pupa, up to
encapsulation of adult mosquitoes (or other insects such as
flies).
[0191] In more detail, it is noted that the comonomer of vinyl
alcohol is usually vinyl acetate since polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is
made from polyvinyl acetate (PVAc). The acetate groups are
hydrolyzed by base to the alcohol. When about 80% of the acetate
groups have been hydrolyzed to alcohol, the copolymer is at its
most water-soluble composition. Further hydrolysis >90%, reduces
the solubility due to crystallization of the polymer but it can
still be made into a film.
[0192] The slowly soluble film SDM may be a water-insoluble or
relatively slowly dissolving polymer may be selected from
polyolefins or polyvinyl acetate which may produce transparent
films of 10-50 micron thickness.
[0193] If using for the water-soluble polymer the 80%PVA, then it
is preferred to choose for the water-insoluble polymer a 100% PVA,
because this will ease the connecting process between the two
polymers.
[0194] Thus a capsule made of the two kinds of PVA could be a
useful combination to make the capsules of FIGS. 30 and 31. The two
types of film may be joined together by thermal welding or glued
with a viscous water solution of polyvinyl alcohol (10-20% by
weight).
[0195] In more detail, the slowly dissolving polymer film --SDM--
is an optimization between conflicting requirements. On the one
hand it has to be relatively inert to water but on the other hand,
plastics that are inert to water do not biodegrade easily and will
remain on the land until they degrade slowly by a combination of
oxygen and/or sunlight.
[0196] So the slowly soluble plastic has to be sufficiently polar
to slowly absorb water so that bacteria and fungi may digest it.
There are also grades of polyolefins known as OXO grade that
contain metal salts that cause them to photodegrade relatively
quickly, that is over weeks to months, despite the fact that they
are hydrophobic.
[0197] The thickness of the films is also a compromise. Thicker
films may better resist the impact on hitting the ground but on the
other hand will dissolve more slowly. Plastic films are available
in general from about 10-50 microns thickness.
[0198] In order to connect the two films, any suitable technique
for gluing or adhering plastics may be used. A common solvent or
mixture of solvents may be applied to the plastics which are then
pressed together until the solvent evaporates. There are quick
adhesives such as the cyanoacrylates. They tend to hydrolyze which
is an advantage in the present embodiments. There is a wide range
of epoxy adhesives which harden in 5-30 minutes. These are stronger
and more stable than the cyanoacrylates but will stay as longer
lasting residues on the ground. In addition, there are various
processes that generate heat such as microwaves, infrared and arcs
all of which can melt thermoplastics and cause them to adhere to
each other. The bond between different plastic may not be
long-lasting which may be an advantage in this application.
[0199] A further option is to make the different walls with
different thicknesses of the same material. In such a case, no
bonding is required.
[0200] Within the capsules of FIGS. 30 and 31, a mosquito at any
stage of the life cycle can be injected, either during or after the
creation of the capsule as will be discussed below. In the case of
eggs, pupae or larvae, after a few days on the ground mature
mosquitoes will emerge from the water and will then be enabled to
escape from the container.
[0201] An advantage of using capsules is reducing the drift--given
that the capsule weight (together with water) is higher than the
single mosquito, the release is expected to fall closer to the
release point with less scatter.
[0202] The packaging may be sufficiently strong and flexible to
absorb the impact of falling from a typical height of 100-350
m.
[0203] In an embodiment, capsule geometric structure may be such
that when thrown, that is when for example released from an
aircraft, an orientation is preserved such that the SDM remains
below and QDM remains above.
[0204] Construction of the capsules of FIGS. 30 and 31, can be
based upon well-known packaging solutions. Just to name two
examples: [0205] 1. Blister Package--is a thermoplastic cavity
typically with an aluminum or paper backing. In the present
embodiments the transparent blister may be water-insoluble
polylactic acid while the backing material may be a water-soluble
polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol and the other materials mentioned
above. [0206] 2. Bubble Packaging--these are air-filled
thermoplastic bubbles. They are available as sheets or rolls of all
sizes.
[0207] For the purpose of the present embodiments, thermoplastic
bubbles may be made of biodegradable polylactic acid.
[0208] Referring now to FIG. 32, there is shown formation of and
embedding insects within a capsule with different DMs and different
dissolvent rates. In bubble 3200, the QDM comprises a standard QDM
3201-medium, and a faster QDM 3202. As the faster QDM 3202
evaporates, an opening on the ceiling may be created, enabling the
mosquitoes to emerge through the hole, while preventing the water
on the bottom from evaporating too quickly.
[0209] Referring now to FIG. 33, another embodiment describes the
option to encapsulate material that is released more slowly, and
the encapsulation provides it some protection. The material may be
insect, fragile insect, gas etc. In this embodiment, the material
does not need water.
[0210] Reference is now made to FIGS. 34A-C, which illustrate
possible injection scenarios before a capsule is closed. FIG. 34A
shows larvae 3401 with water 3402 in the rearing unit 3403, where
injection may be by means of a pipette or a needle 3. FIG. 34B
shows a rearing unit with water, and eggs 3404. FIG. 34C shows the
rearing unit without water and with adult mosquitoes 3405. Knocked
down mosquitoes are obtained by cooling--typically to around 4
degree Celsius, or by using chloroform, and remain in the knocked
out state until the chloroform evaporates or the temperature
rises--typically to above 8 degree Celsius. The material is
inserted into the half capsule 3406 formed by the SDM and then the
capsule is capped with the QDM 3407.
[0211] Reference is now made to FIGS. 35A, 35B and 35C, which show
possible injection scenarios, after the capsule is already formed.
Injection may be by means of a pipette or a needle into one of the
package cells. When picking the material from the left hand side
storage compartments, the pipette may also suck a certain volume of
water together with the material. In FIG. 35A, larva 3501 are
sucked from storage unit 3502 and injected together with water 3503
into a closed capsule 3504. In FIG. 35B, eggs 3505 are sucked from
the storage unit, and in FIG. 35C eggs 3505 are injected with water
into the capsule.
[0212] Reference is now made to FIGS. 36A, 36B and 36C, which show
three different release scenarios for mosquitoes from the capsule
of FIG. 30. As explained above, the QDM may be adjusted to dissolve
at different timings for different capsules, increasing the
likelihood for the success of the release--for some, the cover may
dissolve before all mosquitoes emerge and the water may evaporate
quicker, for others, the cover may dissolve more slowly and may
retain the mosquitoes that emerge, for a certain amount of
time.
[0213] Another benefit is that the mosquitoes that are retained
remain until later, producing a staggered release, increasing the
likelihood that a wild female will meet and mate with one of the
sterile males.
[0214] FIG. 36A shows a capsule 3600, in which mosquito 3601 has
hatched before the QDM dissolves. The mosquito clings to the SDM
wall. That is to say, FIG. 36A represents a situation in which the
mosquito emerges before the ceiling has been dissolved and can
cling in the meantime to either wall of material type slow or to
wall of material type quick.
[0215] FIG. 36B shows the QDM having dissolved before all pupa 3602
have hatched. Mosquitoes that have already hatched 3601 can fly
away directly and the water is left to evaporate. That is to say,
FIG. 36B shows a situation in which the ceiling dissolves first and
only then some of the mosquitoes start to emerge, while others
remain in the pupa stage.
[0216] FIG. 36C shows a mosquito 3601 that has hatched before the
QDM has dissolved. The mosquito clings to the QDM wall. In the
latter case the wall is tougher and takes longer to dissolve, and
there is more water. That is to say, FIG. 36C represents a
situation in which the mosquitoes have already emerged but the
ceiling has not dissolved yet, and mosquitoes can cling to the
material of the slow type.
[0217] Reference is now made to FIG. 37, which is a simplified
diagram showing another option for staggered release functionality.
The entire capsule 3700 is first created using a QDM. Then the part
that is required to dissolve slower is coated with an SDM 3701. The
injected material to be released may be injected after the capsule
is created. The structure may thus be flexible so as not to
collapse in on itself during the injection process.
[0218] In the embodiment of FIG. 37, the slow-dissolving material
3701 may be a different polymer film or even a layer of epoxy
adhesive painted on the initial polymer film 3700. For example 80%
hydrolyzed PVA may be used for the QDM and >90% hydrolyzed PVA
may be used for the SDM on the outside.
[0219] Reference is now made to FIGS. 38A, 38B and 38C, which
illustrate three structures for releasing the capsules. FIG. 38A
illustrates release of single capsules, FIG. 38B illustrates a way
of packaging the capsules as chains. Chains of capsules may be
created and released at once. Capsules may be loosely connected to
each other in the chains so that upon release in mid air, they may
separate to cover a larger area.
[0220] FIG. 38C illustrates packaging the capsules as sheets.
Capsules may be loosely connected to each other such that upon
release in mid air, they may separate to cover a larger area, or
being stored in sheets, and disconnected before loading capsules
into release device inside air vehicle, vehicle etc.
[0221] Reference is now made to FIG. 39, which illustrates a
capsule 3900 which may be closed by a loose-fitting stopper 3901. A
shock wave developed inside the container as it hits the ground may
cause the stopper 3901 to pop out. The capsule 3900 may be closed
by the stopper 3901 after the capsule contents, water 3903 and
insect material 3902, have been added. The stopper may be made of
cork or wood so as to be biodegradable.
[0222] Reference is now made to FIG. 40, which illustrates an
additional way of allowing the mosquito to escape. Bubble 4003
containing water 4002 and insect material 4001 has a narrow tube
4000 fixed in which keeps a hole open in the bubble wall. Insect
4004 simply escapes through the opening. Construction of the
embodiment of FIG. 40 is simplified if both the bubble and the tube
are made from the same polymer. For example, the container and the
tube could be biodegradable poly lactic acid or water-soluble PVA.
It is noted that having at least a small vent, irrespective of
whether it is intended for the insect to escape thereby, may be
useful for managing impact pressure waves and the like.
[0223] It is further noted that the closed capsules or bubbles may
have a burst pressure of 3-5 atmospheres to ensure that they remain
intact between release and landing.
[0224] It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing
from this application many relevant chemical formulae for bubbles
and bubble solutions will be developed and the scope of the
corresponding terms are intended to include all such new
technologies a priori.
[0225] As used herein the term "about" refers to .+-.10%.
[0226] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not
limited to".
[0227] The term "consisting of" means "including and limited
to".
[0228] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0229] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this
invention may be presented in a range format. It should be
understood that the description in range format is merely for
convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the description of a range should be considered to have
specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example,
description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to
have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1
to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as
well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the
range.
[0230] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant
to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the
indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first
indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges
from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are
used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and
second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral
numerals therebetween.
[0231] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment, and the above description is to be construed as if this
combination were explicitly written. Conversely, various features
of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context
of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any
suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described
embodiment of the invention, and the above description is to be
construed as if these separate embodiments were explicitly written.
Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments,
unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
[0232] Although the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall
within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
[0233] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned
in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by
reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein
by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any
reference in this application shall not be construed as an
admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present invention. To the extent that section headings are used,
they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
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