U.S. patent application number 15/532124 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-22 for device and method for storage transportation and release of fragile insects and other fragile items.
The applicant listed for this patent is Senecio Ltd.. Invention is credited to Omer EINAV, Rom EISENBERG, Yoram FLEISCHIMANN, Hanan LEPEK, Arie LEVY, Doron SHABANOV.
Application Number | 20180332817 15/532124 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55069040 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180332817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEPEK; Hanan ; et
al. |
November 22, 2018 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR STORAGE TRANSPORTATION AND RELEASE OF FRAGILE
INSECTS AND OTHER FRAGILE ITEMS
Abstract
A fragile substance storage transportation and release device
comprises a frame for inserting cartridges to hold the fragile
substance; a propulsion unit for propelling the fragile substance
out of successive cartridges, cartridge by cartridge; and an
opening mechanism for opening each cartridge one by one in
coordination with a propulsion mechanism. The device is useful for
distribution of fragile insects such as mosquitoes and there is a
mechanism for automatic collection of insects from pupae.
Inventors: |
LEPEK; Hanan; (Kfar-Saba,
IL) ; EINAV; Omer; (Kfar-Monash, IL) ;
SHABANOV; Doron; (Tzur-Yigal, IL) ; LEVY; Arie;
(Herzlia, IL) ; EISENBERG; Rom; (Kfar-Saba,
IL) ; FLEISCHIMANN; Yoram; (Kibbutz Lehavot Haviva,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Senecio Ltd. |
Kfar-Saba |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
55069040 |
Appl. No.: |
15/532124 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 3, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL2015/051181 |
371 Date: |
June 1, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62087584 |
Dec 4, 2014 |
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|
62087590 |
Dec 4, 2014 |
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62087576 |
Dec 4, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 67/033 20130101;
B64D 1/16 20130101; B64D 1/12 20130101; B64D 1/10 20130101; A01K
1/03 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 1/03 20060101
A01K001/03 |
Claims
1-49. (canceled)
50. A fragile insect storage, transportation and release device for
release of insects, the insects being fragile insects, comprising:
a frame for inserting cartridges; a plurality of cartridges
carrying the fragile insects, each of said plurality being inserted
into said frame; a propulsion unit configured to propel said
fragile insects out of successive cartridges, cartridge by
cartridge for release; an opening mechanism for opening each
cartridge, the opening mechanism being coordinated with the
propulsion mechanism to open a respective one of said cartridges
when said propulsion unit is in operation on said respective
cartridge.
51. The device of claim 50, comprising cooling surfaces extending
along the frame for contacting the cartridges to cool the
cartridges and further comprising a warming mechanism for warming
the fragile insects upon propulsion from a respective
cartridge.
52. The device of claim 50, wherein said propulsion unit comprises
an air blowing unit for blowing air through respective
cartridges.
53. The device of claim 52, wherein said air blowing unit is
configured to blow air at a velocity selected for a predetermined
species of insect, said species of insect being a mosquito species
and the selected velocity being substantially 3 m/s.
54. The device of claim 50, wherein said device comprises an
intermediate storage area to warm said fragile insects.
55. The device of claim 54, wherein said intermediate storage area
comprises a series of horizontally placed storage containers
rotating between a fixed input location and a fixed output
location.
56. The device of claim 50, wherein said device comprises one or
more manifolds each respectively including an air pipe and an
insect outlet, each manifold being configured to travel along said
device over said cartridges to fix said pipe and said outlet over
said cartridges one by one.
57. The device of claim 56, wherein the opening mechanism is
connected to said manifold to reach each cartridge with said
manifold.
58. The device of claim 56, wherein respective cartridges have an
opening covered by a net and said opening mechanism comprises a
cutter to cut said net over said opening, or wherein respective
cartridges have an opening covered by a closure, said closure being
held to said cartridge by breakable elements, and said opening
mechanism comprises a cutter to cut said breakable elements over
said opening.
59. The device of claim 50, wherein said cartridges comprise
drainable liquid-holding compartments to hold pupae prior to
hatching.
60. The device of claim 59, wherein said cartridges comprise an
input port for connecting to pupa holding compartments, the input
port being to allow insects hatching from said pupae to enter a
respective cartridge.
61. The device of claim 50, wherein said opening mechanism
comprises shutters placed opposite openings of respective
cartridges, said shutters being openable by a manifold sliding
between respective cartridges.
62. The device of claim 50, wherein said propulsion unit comprises
a vibrator for vibrating the cartridge.
63. The device of claim 55, further comprising a receptacle for
receiving a predetermined amount of said fragile insects from said
containers and wherein said device is configured to carry out an
expulsion action upon being filled with said predetermined
amount.
64. The device of claim 50, further comprising a conveyor moving at
a preset rate to collect said fragile insects for expulsion.
65. The device of claim 50, wherein said propulsion unit comprises
a pressure source, and pressure produced by said pressure source is
controlled to provide a defined velocity for insects exiting said
aircraft.
66. The device of claim 50, comprising: a pupa hatching element;
and wherein said cartridge comprises a storage element; and an
outlet, the outlet being openable to release said insects upon
hatching from said pupae.
67. The device of claim 66, comprising a controllable port for
insects hatching from said pupae to pass into said storage
element.
68. The device of claim 66, comprising a movable plate to move
across said storage area to said outlet to expel said insects via
said outlet.
69. The device of claim 66, further comprising an air inlet to
connect to a source of air pressure of said propulsion unit and an
air passage to allow said connected source of air pressure to blow
air to propel said insects from said pupa hatching element towards
said storage area.
70. The device of claim 66, wherein said outlet is closed by an
openable shutter configured to be opened when connected to an
outlet pipe.
71. A method of distributing fragile insects comprising: storing
said fragile insects in an insect storage location in a plurality
of cartridges held together in a frame; attaching a source of air
pressure to said insect storage location; and using said air
pressure to carry said fragile insects from successive
cartridges.
72. The method of claim 71, further comprising hatching pupae into
said insects in proximity to said storage location and blowing said
insects into said storage location.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to a device and method for storage, transportation and release of
fragile insects and other fragile items and, more particularly, but
not exclusively to the case where the fragile insects are
mosquitoes and/or where the release is aerial release.
[0002] Today there are large regions in the Americas, Africa and
Asia that are highly susceptible to vector-born diseases
transferred by mosquitoes, such as Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya and
others. These are infectious disease carried and spread by a bite
from a female mosquito. There may be other diseases which are also
spread by other insects.
[0003] One method of dealing with the mosquito problem involves
producing modified laboratory produced mosquitoes and releasing
them into the wild. The laboratory produced mosquitoes are provided
with characteristics that help fight the spread of the disease. For
example they may be sterile male mosquitoes, say as a result of
being treated by radiation at some point in their life cycle.
Female mosquitoes tend to mate only once, so an environment of
sterile males can dramatically reduce the population. Another
possibility is to provide genetically modified male mosquitoes. The
genetic modification is to ensure that when mating with a wild
female, no adult mosquito successfully grows.
[0004] Mosquitoes are fragile insects, and a problem arises when
trying to store, transport and release the modified male adults in
the very large numbers and over very large areas that are needed to
make a significant difference to the wild population.
[0005] While research continues to explore methods for mass rearing
of the lab mosquitoes, there is currently no available product to
enable the storage and transport of large quantities of adult
mosquitoes and current distribution methods are mostly manual, and
limited in the numbers of mosquitoes that can be delivered and the
terrain they can be delivered to.
[0006] The problem is recognized in the literature. The Sterile
Insect Technique: can established technology beat malaria?
International Atomic Energy Agency, 2006, discloses as follows: " .
. . 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] A second document, Historical applications of induced
sterilisation in field populations of mosquitoes, David A Dame,
Christopher F Curtis2, Mark Q Benedict, Alan S Robinson and Bart G
J Knols, 2009 discloses: " . . . Production and release of millions
per day will demand expedited delivery mechanisms to prevent losses
in quality and competitiveness . . . ". The document explicitly
recommends aerial release technology as an important target for
active research.
How is it Done Today? Storage of Insects During and Prior to
Release:
[0008] The mosquito life cycle is shown in FIG. 1. 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.
[0009] In the laboratory the aquatic stages are accommodated and
when the mosquito emerges from the pupa stage, then the mosquitoes
are usually stored in small cages. The most common practice for
release of laboratory mosquitoes is to simply open the cage in
which they are currently stored and allow the mosquitoes to fly
out, see The Sterile-Male Technique for Control of Mosquitoes: A
Field Cage Study with Anopheles Quadrimaculatu, R. S. PATTERSON, C.
S. LOFGREN, AND M. D. BOSTON Entomology Research Division, Agr.
Res. Serv., USDA, 1968.
[0010] The pupa may be stored in small containers of water, and
prior to emergence, may be moved together with some water into a
cage. The adult emerges into the open air of the cage and the water
is then removed.
[0011] A Note About Fruit Flies Storage:
[0012] Storage of fruit flies may be also in cages or even in paper
bags, in which the adults emerge from the pupa directly into the
paper bag.
[0013] These paper bags may be later used for the release of the
fruit flies. The bags are torn open to enable the adult flies to
exit the paper bags.
[0014] Another option is to store the millions of fruit flies in
specialized containers and then to release them from an airplane
using elements such as auger system or based on the use of
vibrating conveyors to support forwarding the insects to their exit
point.
[0015] In order to enable a greater number of fruit flies to be
stored in the device, the container may be cooled to 4.degree. C.
The low temperature keeps the insects motionless during the release
period. The flies drop from the bottom of the chill-box into an
auger system, which moves them through a chute located on the
underside of the airplane fuselage. The release rate (insects per
unit area) can be controlled via the revolution speed of the auger
system. Insect mortality in this system is negligible and dispersal
is satisfactory. However, if this process were to be tried on the
much more fragile mosquitoes the mortality rate would be much
higher.
Challenges for Mass Rearing, Release and Transport of Lab
Mosquitoes
[0016] Today the process of mass rearing of mosquitoes is manually
managed. If the exact number of released mosquitoes is required,
then they need to be manually counted. The pupae are today manually
transferred from their storage containers to the release cages in a
process which is demanding of time and manpower. The number of pupa
stored in a few cubic centimeters can be very large, in the order
of hundreds--the limit is the need for them to breathe on the
surface, but then upon emergence, a large cage is required to
accommodate the large number of adult mosquitoes.
[0017] Releasing of the mosquitoes is done today by manually
opening the cage. Typically, in the manual system, there are large
numbers of dead insects in each cage, due to the fragility of the
mosquito. It is this fragility which makes automation of any part
of the process challenging.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A modular and scalable storage, transport and distribution
device for fragile content such as insects involves distributing
the insects by pushing them out of a storage area. Cartridges are
disclosed which are designed for gentle distribution and also for
integrated hatching and storage of the insects as well as for part
of the rearing process, for rearing from pupa to adult.
[0019] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present
invention there is provided a fragile substance storage
transportation and release device, comprising:
[0020] a frame for inserting cartridges, the cartridges carrying
the fragile substance;
[0021] a propulsion unit for propelling the fragile substance out
of successive cartridges, cartridge by cartridge;
[0022] an opening mechanism for opening each cartridge;
[0023] the opening mechanism being coordinated with the propulsion
mechanism to open the cartridge when the propulsion unit is in
operation on the cartridge.
[0024] An embodiment may comprise cooling surfaces extending along
the frame for contacting the cartridges to cool the cartridges.
[0025] An embodiment may comprise a warming mechanism for warming
the fragile substance upon propulsion from a respective
cartridge.
[0026] In an embodiment, the fragile substance comprises live
insects.
[0027] In an embodiment, the propulsion unit comprises an air
blowing unit for blowing air through respective cartridges.
[0028] In an embodiment, the air blowing unit is configured to blow
air at a velocity selected for a predetermined species of
insect.
[0029] In an embodiment, the species of insect is a mosquito
species and the selected velocity is substantially 3 m/s.
[0030] In an embodiment, the air blowing unit is configured to blow
warm air.
[0031] In an embodiment, the device comprises one or more manifolds
each respectively including an air pipe and a substance outlet,
each manifold being configured to travel along the device over the
cartridges to fix the pipe and the outlet over the cartridges one
by one.
[0032] In an embodiment, the opening mechanism is connected to the
manifold to reach each cartridge with the manifold.
[0033] In an embodiment, respective cartridges have an opening
covered by a net and the opening mechanism comprises a cutter to
cut the net over the opening.
[0034] In an embodiment, respective cartridges have an opening
covered by a closure, the closure being held to the cartridge by
breakable elements, and the opening mechanism comprises a cutter to
cut the breakable elements over the opening.
[0035] In an embodiment, the cartridges comprise drainable
liquid-holding compartments to hold pupae prior to hatching.
[0036] In an embodiment, the cartridges comprise an input port for
connecting to pupa holding compartments, the input port being to
allow insects hatching from the pupae to enter a respective
cartridge.
[0037] In an embodiment, the input port comprises a counter for
counting passing insects, thereby to control a number of insects in
the respective cartridge.
[0038] In an embodiment, the cartridges are weighable to determine
an approximate number of insects in a respective cartridge.
[0039] In an embodiment, the opening mechanism comprises a movable
curtain having an opening, the moving of the curtain placing the
opening against one of the cartridges to open the one
cartridge.
[0040] In an embodiment, the opening mechanism comprises shutters
placed opposite openings of respective cartridges, the shutters
being openable by a manifold sliding between respective
cartridges.
[0041] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a cartridge for storage of fragile insects for
distribution, the cartridge comprising:
[0042] a pupa hatching element;
[0043] a storage element; and
[0044] an outlet, the outlet being openable to release the
insects.
[0045] In an embodiment, the pupa hatching element comprises a
liquid container for holding pupae in water.
[0046] In an embodiment, the pupa hatching element comprises a
drain opening for draining the water after hatching of the
pupae.
[0047] An embodiment may comprise a controllable port for insects
hatching from the pupae to pass into the storage area.
[0048] An embodiment may comprise a counter to count a number of
insects entering the port.
[0049] An embodiment may comprise a movable plate to move across
the storage area to the outlet to expel the insects via the
outlet.
[0050] An embodiment may comprise an air inlet to connect to a
source of air pressure and an air passage to allow the connected
source of air pressure to blow air to propel the insects from the
storage area towards the outlet.
[0051] An embodiment may comprise an air inlet to connect to a
source of air pressure and an air passage to allow the connected
source of air pressure to blow air to propel the insects from the
pupa hatching element towards the storage area.
[0052] In an embodiment, the air inlet is closed by an openable
shutter configured to be opened only when connected to the source
of air pressure.
[0053] In an embodiment, the outlet is closed by an openable
shutter configured to be opened when connected to an outlet
pipe.
[0054] In an embodiment, the outlet is closed by netting.
[0055] In an embodiment, the drain is covered by netting.
[0056] In an embodiment, the netting covering the drain comprises
an outer removable layer and an inner fixed layer.
[0057] The cartridge may be of adjustable size to store the fragile
insects in an animated state and under cooling.
[0058] The cartridge may comprise internal surfaces to allow
insects to stand thereon.
[0059] In an embodiment, the internal surfaces comprise shelves
with openings therebetween to allow passage of insects.
[0060] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of distributing fragile content
comprising:
[0061] storing the fragile content in a storage location;
[0062] attaching a source of air pressure to the storage location;
and
[0063] blowing air from the source towards an outlet to carry the
fragile content to the outlet for distribution.
[0064] In an embodiment, the fragile content comprises fragile
insects, the method further comprising applying cooling to cool the
insects during storage and applying heating to warm the insects to
reanimate for the distribution.
[0065] In an embodiment, the fragile content comprises fragile
insects, the method further comprising hatching pupae into the
insects in proximity to the storage location and blowing the
insects into the storage location.
[0066] An embodiment may comprise placing a counter at an entrance
to the storage location to count insects entering and to reroute
further insects once a predetermined number of insects is
reached.
[0067] An embodiment may comprise placing a weighing unit at the
storage location to weigh the storage location and to reroute
further insects once a predetermined weight is reached.
[0068] 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
[0069] 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.
[0070] In the drawings:
[0071] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a mosquito life
cycle;
[0072] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a
cartridge according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 3A is a simplified block diagram illustrating a
transportation and release device according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0074] FIG. 3B is the same as FIG. 3A but emphasizing that some
cartridges may be left out or partially loaded so that the number
of insects released can be more carefully controlled;
[0075] FIGS. 4A and 4B are two views, with and without a cover, of
a container for hatching pupae directing into a storage unit
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0076] FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram of a telescoping storage unit
for fitting on to the hatching container of FIGS. 4A and 4B
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0077] FIG. 6 is a simplified diagram showing an alternative
arrangement for directly connecting a hatching container to a
storage unit according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0078] FIG. 7 is a simplified cross-sectional diagram of a hatching
container with water for hatching pupae according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0079] FIG. 8 is a simplified cross-sectional diagram of a hatching
container connected to an input port for transporting hatched
insects directly into a storage location according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0080] FIG. 9A is a simplified diagram illustrating a telescoping
storage location according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0081] FIG. 9B is a simplified illustration from two different
angles showing an array of cassettes in a frame of which one of the
cassettes is telescoped outwards to an enlarged position according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 10 is a simplified cross-sectional illustration of a
telescoping container similar to that shown in FIG. 9A and
illustrating use of an air jet to ensure that insects are not
trapped in the gap during telescoping, according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0083] FIGS. 11 and 12 are simplified cross-sectional diagrams
illustrating an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 9A in which a
container is made of flexible material and is able to maintain two
sizes due to device ends moving together and apart according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0084] FIG. 13 is a simplified schematic diagram of a
transportation and release device with a manifold according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0085] FIG. 14 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the
device of FIG. 13 filled with cartridges, and with the option to
have both the pushing inlet and the insect outlet on the same side
of the storage device;
[0086] FIG. 15 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the
device of FIG. 13 with a cooling mechanism;
[0087] FIG. 16A is a simplified flow chart illustrating a procedure
for rearing and loading insects into a cartridge at low density
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0088] FIG. 16B is a simplified flow chart illustrating a procedure
for high density loading of a cartridge according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0089] FIG. 16C is a simplified flow chart illustrating a procedure
for selecting high or low density packing according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0090] FIG. 16D is a simplified flow chart illustrating a procedure
for releasing insects from the cartridges, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0091] FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17E, 17F, 17G, 17H and 171 are
simplified diagrams showing various issues with the passage of
insects through the tubes, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0092] FIG. 18A is a simplified diagram illustrating a cartridge
with shelves for increased internal surface area to hold insects
and a net or filter on the end, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0093] FIG. 18B illustrates the cartridge of FIG. 17 with break
points to allow the opening mechanism to remove the filter for
distribution of the insects;
[0094] FIG. 19A is a simplified diagram with inset illustrating a
cutter or break point knife cutting the break points of FIG.
18;
[0095] FIG. 19B is a simplified diagram showing fully and partially
connected cartridges, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0096] FIG. 20 is a simplified diagram illustrating a sucking
mechanism for drawing insects from the hatching area into the
storage area, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0097] FIG. 21 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a procedure
for filling cartridges to a predetermined weight or number of
insects, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0098] FIG. 22 is a simplified diagram showing an alternative
embodiment of the cartridge in which pupae are injected directly
into a cartridge via a fill valve, according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0099] FIG. 23A is a simplified diagram showing a modification of
the cartridge to provide increased standing area for mosquitoes to
settle on, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0100] FIG. 23B is a simplified diagram showing how a moving plate
can be used as a propulsion mechanism in a cartridge modified to
increase standing surface, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0101] FIG. 24 is a simplified schematic diagram showing a manifold
passing over ends of cartridges with trapdoor openings, and a
roller system for lifting up netting, according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0102] FIG. 25 is a simplified diagram of a manifold passing over
the ends of cartridges with curtain or screen openings, and the
manifold lifting the screen, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0103] FIG. 26 is a simplified diagram showing two views of a
curtain on rollers, the curtain moving up and down with a window
traveling with the manifold, to open the cartridges when they are
opposite the manifold according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0104] FIG. 27 is a modification of the diagram of FIG. 26 with the
manifold moved down to show the open window against a cartridge,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0105] FIG. 28 is a simplified schematic diagram showing a modified
cassette in which the air inlet and the insect outlet are on the
same side, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0106] FIGS. 29 and 30 are simplified perspective and
cross-sectional diagrams respectively of an alternative to the
embodiment of FIG. 26 according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0107] FIGS. 31, 32 and 33 are perspective, cross sectional and
filled perspective views of an embodiment in which the manifold
includes a protrusion that opens shutters on the cartridges
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0108] FIG. 34 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a
further preferred embodiment of the present invention with an
alternative arrangement of shutters;
[0109] FIG. 35 is a simplified flow chart illustrating tasks
involved in expelling insects;
[0110] FIG. 36 is a simplified diagram showing an embodiment of a
mechanism for continuous or semi-continuous expulsion of insects
from a container;
[0111] FIG. 37 is a schematic view of an expulsion mechanism that
may be used for the embodiment of FIG. 36;
[0112] FIG. 38 is a schematic view of a container or cartridge that
opens from below to release the insects;
[0113] FIG. 39 is a schematic view of a variation of the container
of FIG. 38;
[0114] FIG. 40 is a simplified diagram of the container of FIG. 38
or 39 with a conveyor belt;
[0115] FIGS. 41 and 42 are simplified diagrams of a further
embodiment of the present invention with a continuous release
system based on a constant rate which is fixed by the pipe
size;
[0116] FIG. 43 is a simplified diagram showing multiple containers
of the embodiments of FIGS. 41 and 42 on a frame or rack;
[0117] FIG. 44 is a simplified diagram of containers according to
the present embodiments in a refrigerator or like cooling
container;
[0118] FIG. 45 is a simplified diagram showing containers according
to the present embodiments on a frame and where the containers are
coupled with the expulsion path;
[0119] FIG. 46 is a simplified diagram showing a moving shelf
measuring system for obtaining a fixed quantity of insects;
[0120] FIGS. 47 and 48 are simplified diagrams showing an
intermediate storage element for allowing the insects to be warmed
prior to expulsion according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0121] FIG. 49 is a simplified diagram illustrating a container
according to the present embodiments in which insects exit from the
top; and
[0122] FIGS. 50 to 54 are variations of an embodiment of the
present invention in which the container or cartridge contains ribs
to prevent lateral movement of the insects so that the insects fall
vertically onto an underlying conveyor;
[0123] FIG. 55 illustrates a mechanism for opening flaps on a
container according to embodiments of the present invention;
[0124] FIG. 56 is a simplified diagram of a double funnel for
connecting two containers according to the present embodiments;
[0125] FIG. 57 is a simplified diagram showing two containers
connected to the funnel of FIG. 56;
[0126] FIG. 58 is a simplified diagram showing a container and a
system for controlling pressure throughout the cartridge and
delivery pipes to the exit of the aircraft; and
[0127] FIG. 59 is a simplified diagram having multi-connection
funnel with a control to control the pressure into the funnel so
the suction can be increased and increase the acceleration of the
insects.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0128] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to a device and method for storage, transportation and release of
fragile insects and other fragile items and, more particularly, but
not exclusively to the case where the fragile insects are
mosquitoes and/or where the release is aerial release.
[0129] A fragile substance storage transportation and release
device comprises a frame for inserting cartridges to hold the
fragile substance; a propulsion unit for propelling the fragile
substance out of successive cartridges, cartridge by cartridge; and
an opening mechanism for opening each cartridge one by one in
coordination with a propulsion mechanism. The device is useful for
distribution of fragile insects such as mosquitoes and there is a
mechanism for automatic collection of insects from pupae.
[0130] The device can be cooled, say using cooling surfaces or
cooling pipes extending along the frame. The pipes contact and cool
the cartridges to make the insects more lethargic and thus easier
to store. At release however a warming mechanism may then warm the
fragile insects. Release may be due to propulsion by an air draught
which may be heated to reanimate the insects.
[0131] The cartridges may be designed to allow air to blow through
them from a source to propel the insects towards the outlet. The
air velocity may be selected for the particular species of insect
being distributed. For example mosquitoes typically fly at a
maximum speed of 1.5 m/s, so a velocity of 3 m/s is too strong for
them to resist being propelled along and yet is not so fast as to
cause them damage.
[0132] The device may comprise a manifold including an air pipe and
a substance outlet. The manifold may travel along the device over
the ends of the cartridges to fix the pipe and the outlet over each
cartridge one by one to distribute the insects from the cartridges
one by one. The opening mechanism may be connected to or be part of
the manifold to reach each cartridge and open the cartridge just as
needed. For example, the cartridges may have openings covered by a
net and the opening mechanism may include a roller to roll up the
net or a cutter to cut the net over the opening. Or the cartridges
may have an opening covered by a closure held to the cartridge by
breakable elements. The cutter may cut the breakable elements over
the opening.
[0133] In order to obtain the insects, cartridges may comprise
drainable liquid-holding compartments to hold pupae for hatching
directly into the cartridge. This way considerable labor can be
saved in obtaining the insects.
[0134] The cartridges may use an input port for connecting to the
liquid-holding compartments, and a counter can count passing
insects, thereby to control the numbers of insects getting into
each cartridge. For example it may be desirable to have equal
numbers of insects in the different cartridges and it is always
advisable to avoid overcrowding and the resulting insect mortality.
Instead of counting, weighing of the cartridge can be used.
[0135] The cartridges provide a storage location. A storage
location is not just somewhere where the insect is ad hoc because
it has to be somewhere, but is a location where insects are kept
and maintained for a duration after hatching and prior to
distribution, and which location is designed so that the duration
may be arbitrarily long.
[0136] Returning to the opening mechanism, and one embodiment uses
a movable screen or curtain having an opening. Moving of the
curtain places the opening against the cartridges one at a time to
controllably release the insects. Alternatively, the opening
mechanism may use shutters. The shutters may be part of the
cartridge or part of the frame but in either case open the
cartridges one by one to controllably release the insects. The
manifold may include a mechanism to open the shutters. For example
the manifold may run a projecting member between the shutters to
lever the shutters open as the manifold reaches the particular
cartridge.
[0137] The cartridge itself may include a pupa hatching element, a
storage element and an outlet. The pupa hatching element may
comprise a drain opening for draining water after hatching of the
pupae. The drain may be covered by netting to prevent escape of the
insects during draining while still enabling air to move through
the net in order to push away the insects towards the opening on
the other side. In an embodiment, the netting covering the drain
may include an outer fixed layer and an inner removable layer. The
outer fixed layer stays in position to prevent escape and the inner
removable layer can be taken out to remove any detritus that may
have landed on it That is to say, the inner is fixed and water can
go through and mosquitoes do not. The outer is a removable layer,
before removing, it prevents water from spilling so the pupa can
live. After hatching, the layer is removed, the water is cleared
and the net above it prevent the mosquitoes from escaping.
Irrespective of whether there are one or two layers of netting, a
removable outer waterproof layer allows for draining.
[0138] Instead of an air stream to expel the insects as discussed
above, a movable plate may be used to expel insects via the outlet.
The moving plate has the advantage that it does not limit the
length of the cartridge. The cartridge may be of adjustable size to
have enough room to store the fragile insects in an animated state
when they are flying around to take up less space when the insects
are cooled.
[0139] A method of distributing fragile content may involve storing
the fragile content in a storage location, attaching a source of
air pressure to the storage location; and blowing air from the
source towards an outlet to carry the fragile content to the outlet
for distribution.
[0140] 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.
[0141] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified
schematic block diagram showing elements of a cartridge device 200
used for storage and release of fragile insects according to an
embodiment of the present invention. One part of the automation
process is to eliminate the stage of manually collecting the pupae.
In order to do this a pupa hatching or release element 201 is
provided. Connectivity may be provided between the release device
200 and insect storage element 202, using shutter A 204 which is
open during hatching to allow hatched insects into the storage
element or location 202. Shutter B 206 allows for the insects to be
released to the outside world as will be discussed in greater
detail below. As an alternative to the cartridge device of FIG. 2,
a combined pupa release and adult storage cartridge can be
provided, and again, this is discussed in greater detail below.
[0142] Reference is now made to FIG. 3A, which is a simplified
schematic diagram of a transportation and release device 220
according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cartridges
can be of varying sizes depending on the application and the
numbers of insects needed. A pushing device 222 may be used to push
the fragile insects out of storage cartridges 224, for example
using an air stream. The cartridges 224 may be those shown in FIG.
1 or alternatively may be combined pupa release and adult storage
cartridges. As shown in FIG. 3, multiple cartridges 224.1 . . .
224n may be used in the delivery system and a selectivity option
may be provided to control the rate of release and alternate
between the cartridges. The selectivity option may be provided by
control and synchronization module 226, operating on shutter B 228
as will be discussed in greater detail below. The control and
synchronization module may ensure that Shutter B 228 is opened in
full sync with the operation of the pushing device 222.
[0143] A cooling mechanism 230 may be provided to keep the adult
insects at low temperature prior to release. The low temperature
reduces their activity and thus allows for more insects to be
packaged in the same space and reduces energy expended.
[0144] Reference is now made to FIG. 3B, which is the same as FIG.
3A but emphasizing schematically that some of the cartridges can be
removed or can be partially loaded so as to provide more precise
control over the number of insects released. The storage is divided
into sub-units for improved control and in fact different insects
or substances can be released from the different cartridges.
[0145] In accordance with the present embodiments, a modified
rearing process for rearing the modified mosquitoes may be provided
along with the cartridges and the transportation release devices.
The size of the cartridge or the number of insects contained
therein allows for releasing of insects in pre-defined batch
sizes.
[0146] Reference is now made to FIG. 4A, which is a simplified
diagram illustrating a detachable container for allowing hatching
of pupae. The container 240 allows for pupae to be kept beneath a
water surface until they hatch to release an adult insect into the
body of the container. The container can then be plugged into a
separate cartridge for storage of the hatched mosquitoes. The back
of the container contains netting 241, which allows the water used
to hold the pupae to be drained away afterwards without allowing
for the insects to escape.
[0147] Reference is now made to FIG. 4B, which shows the detachable
container with waterproof cover 242 covering the netting 241. The
pupa box 240 may be supplied with a net 241 covering one face. Over
the net there may be a cork or other easily removable waterproof
element 242, for example a removable sticker, so that the box can
be partly filled with water to provide the water surface needed by
the pupae. Removal of the cork allows for the water to drain away
and the net prevents the adults from escaping.
[0148] Referring now to FIG. 5, once the pupae have begun to hatch
and box 240 begins to fill with adult insects, the box may be
connected to storage element 244. A surface of the box includes a
net 241 and a waterproof cover 242. Mosquito adults emerge from the
pupa box and are stored in the storage box. The box stands on the
surface having the net 241 and waterproof cover 242 and the
waterproof cover is removed to expose the net and drain the box.
The net 241 ensures that mosquitoes do not exit from the bottom as
the cork or other waterproof covering is removed to allow the water
out.
[0149] In some embodiments, there is more than one layer of
netting. If necessary, the inner net may be removed while the
second outer net remains attached. Elements such as dead mosquitoes
and other detritus can thus simply be removed, again without giving
an opportunity for the live insects to escape.
[0150] The opposite side of the storage box 244 may comprise an
opening, and the opening may be sealed with a net. Sugar may be
placed above the net (top), or the net itself may be soaked with
sugar, as a way of feeding the insects. The box may have a
telescoping section 245 to provide room for the insects while
animated and prior to cooling, as will be discussed in greater
detail below.
[0151] The trays of pupa and their matching cartridges may be
arranged as a matrix of multiple storage elements, thereby
increasing the quantity of the mosquitoes in a modular fashion.
[0152] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified
diagram showing a variation of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5, where pupa tray
232 is placed at the bottom of cartridge 234. The pupa hatch and
the insects rise into the space in the cartridge, for example on a
current of air indicated by arrows 236. In this arrangement,
shelves 233 provide additional standing room for the insects, and
each shelf 233 has an opening underneath to allow the insects to
enter. The insects enter the cartridge directly from below and
there is no need to reorient the cartridge after filling, unlike
the embodiment of FIGS. 4A-5 where the hatching element has to
rotated to drain. In this case there are openings on either side of
the cartridge as before and also an opening underneath to allow
water to drain once the pupae have all hatched. The opening
underneath may comprise a waterproof covering which is removed and
a net which is not removed, to prevent escape by the insects, as
with the previous embodiment.
[0153] Entry of the insects into the cartridge is thus vertical, on
a vertical draught of air. The cartridge can be inserted
horizontally into the storage and transport device and remains in
the horizontal orientation.
[0154] Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a simplified
schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment showing multiple
containers of pupae being arranged together.
[0155] In FIG. 7 pupa box 250 is a matrix which comprises three
compartments or cups 252, 254 and 256. Each compartment is partly
filled with water 258 and the water contains pupae which hatch.
[0156] FIG. 8 shows the arrangement of FIG. 7 being connected to a
single storage cartridge. Parts that are the same as in FIG. 7 are
given the same reference numerals and are not described again
except as needed for an understanding of the present embodiment. An
open region 260 above the compartments leads to storage device 262
which is meant for storing the adult mosquitoes. An air flow,
typically constant, may blow across the open region 260 towards
storage area 262 and may thus take away every emerging adult from
the pupa hatching element to the corresponding storage element or
cartridge. Sensors such as IR sensors 264 may be placed at the
passage ways to 266 to identify movement of insects in the tubes
towards the storage 262. The flow of air may provide a gradually
decreasing temperature so that when the mosquitos arrive at storage
area 262 they are knocked down. Knocked out insects require
considerably less storage space and space is at a premium inside an
aircraft. Mosquitoes can be grouped together and they barely move
at temperatures below around degree Celsius. Thus tank 258 may be
at room temperature so that the pupa may evolve and grow as needed,
and then there may be a transition along the way until reaching 4
degrees Celsius at storage tank 262.
[0157] Once full, tank 262 may be disconnected and passed on to the
next station--either loaded into a release system or poured into a
smaller size storage for release or for awakening in small dosages
for providing food.
[0158] The use of the IR sensors may provide information regarding
how many insects are stored in each storage box or cartridge. In an
embodiment the count may set an indicator when a preset number of
insects is reached to allow for manual change of the cartridges. In
this way, homogenous filling of multiple cartridges may be
provided.
[0159] In an alternative embodiment the count may operate an
automatic switch to open and close different cartridges, again
enabling homogeneous filing.
[0160] Reference is now made to FIG. 9A, which illustrates an
adjustable cartridge. In an embodiment, the cartridges can be
adjustable, say by having telescoping side walls. Numeral 270
indicates a telescoping cartridge at maximum size. Numeral 272
illustrates a cutaway view of the open position. Numeral 274 shows
a cutaway view of the cartridge in a minimal size position and
numeral 276 illustrates the adjustable cartridge in the minimal
size position.
[0161] The cartridges can thus be reduced in size after filling, in
particular as the temperature is reduced so that insect activity is
reduced prior to the release, as will be discussed in greater
detail below.
[0162] FIG. 9B illustrates storage and transport device 277 in
which one of the cartridges 278 has been telescoped outwards to
provide room for the insects escaping from the pupae. Once the
insects have escaped, the device is cooled so that the insects stop
flying around and then the cartridge 278 can be slid shut into the
minimal size position. The embodiment of FIG. 9B is particularly
suitable for the pupa hatching arrangement of FIG. 6 above. The
device 277 is shown with the telescoped cartridge side on in a) and
end on in b).
[0163] Reference is now made to FIG. 10, which illustrates a
telescoping cartridge 280. During the telescoping or size changing
operation, air may be streamed along gaps 282 between the
telescoping wall segments to ensure no mosquito is caught in the
gaps during the process.
[0164] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11 and 12 which show the
large and small states of a variable size storage body or tank
according to an alternative embodiment. In the present embodiment,
the changing the size of a storage device may also be achieved with
a flexible or balloon-like material. Rigid walls 284 and 286 are
disposed between flexible material 288 and the distance between the
walls is adjusted to change the internal volume.
[0165] Reference is now made to FIG. 13, which illustrates a
transportation and release device 290, which comprises a frame 292
designed to hold a stack of cartridges. An adjustable manifold 294
is raised and lowered over the frame to be applied to one cartridge
at a time. The manifold 294 includes an outlet 296 (FIG. 14) at one
end through which the insects leave the cartridge, and an intake
298 at the other end to connect an air pressure source to blow the
insects in the exit direction.
[0166] FIG. 14 illustrates the frame 292 filled with cartridges.
The cartridges are held in the frame both for storage and
transportation, including transportation for release, and release
is from the cartridges, cartridge by cartridge.
[0167] Reference is now made to FIG. 15, which illustrates a
cooling system applied to the frame. A refrigeration source, not
shown, is connected to cooling pipes 299 which extend vertically
along the frame to contact each of the cartridges held in the
frame. Each cartridge is in contact with a cooling pipe or cooling
fin and thus is refrigerated, and the frame forms a refrigerating
frame.
[0168] Reference is now made to FIG. 16A which is a simplified flow
chart illustrating a procedure for rearing mosquitoes, usually male
mosquitoes, and placing them in a cartridge according to the
present embodiments. Mosquitoes are initially hatched and reared in
water to the pupa stage 500. The pupae are then transferred to
hatching chambers which may be parts of cartridges or may be
connected to cartridges, 502. The hatching chambers are connected
as necessary 504 and the outlet side of the cartridge is sealed
506. The adults emerge 508 and make their way to the storage area
of the cartridge 510, helped as necessary by air currents.
[0169] Reference is now made to FIG. 16B which is a simplified flow
chart illustrating a cartridge loading procedure. The cartridge is
initially set to large (telescoped) size 512 and loading begins as
insects start to arrive 514. Once loaded the cartridge is set to
small size 516 as cooling is switched on 518.
[0170] Reference is now made to FIG. 16C which is a simplified flow
chart illustrating the loading process in more detail. Rearing as
in FIG. 16A produces pupae --520. The user can choose between high
or low density cartridge packing 522, depending on the
requirements. For high density, the telescoping procedure of FIG.
16B is used--524. For low density the cartridge is used as is 526.
The cartridge is loaded into the storage device 528 and then
insects are released 530 using the procedure outlined in FIG.
16D.
[0171] Reference is now made to FIG. 16D, which is a simplified
flow chart illustrating a release process for releasing the insects
from the cartridges. Once all the cartridges are stored inside the
storage device, and the cooling system is operational as needed,
the frame with the cartridges may be taken to the release location.
At the release location the pipe arrangement is lined up with the
first cartridge whose content is to be released 300. The seal on
the cartridge is broken or the cartridge is otherwise opened into
the exit pipe. Air is streamed through the air intake to provide an
air stream to blow the insects into the exit pipe, 304. Heat may be
applied along the exit route to warm up and reactivate the insects
after cooling 306 and finally the insects are blown out into the
outside world 308.
[0172] Thus, instead of using vibrating plates or an auger system,
the present embodiments blow the insects out using an air stream,
which is far more gentle than the augur system and thus more
suitable for fragile insects such as mosquitoes.
[0173] Returning again to FIGS. 13, 14 and 15, and manifold 296
moves between each cartridge and may blow air at a typically
constant speed of 3 meters per second. The speed may be changed
according to the type of insect. The flight speed of mosquitoes is
around 1.5 meters per second, thus 3 meters per second is too fast
for them to resist but not so fast as to cause them injury.
[0174] On the other hand, the faster the individual cartridges are
emptied and the higher the velocity of the air stream or the number
of manifolds working in parallel, the greater is the release rate
of the insects. The release device may move during release and the
release rate divided by the distance covered may give a release
density.
[0175] Now returning again to FIG. 16D, the airstream may be heated
(.about.25 degree for mosquitoes) in order to awaken the
cooled-down mosquitoes 304. Alternatively a heating element may
heat parts of the exit pipes through which the exiting mosquitoes
travel, to wake the mosquitoes traveling in the pipe before
release.
[0176] The cartridges may remain sealed to contain the insects
prior to release and may then be opened one by one as they are
connected to the manifold. One side of the cartridge may have been
unsealed prior to mounting into the device, say by removing a cork
or a sealant tape as shown in earlier figures--to leave netting,
and allows the air supply to be connected as needed.
[0177] Reference is now made to FIGS. 17A to 17H which are
simplified schematic diagrams illustrating the passage of insects
through the pipes. FIGS. 17A to 17C illustrate various ways in
which insects can get stuck in the pipes. As the air moves, the
insects are pushed against each other--FIG. 17A. This in itself is
problematic for the insects but they may also be pushed against
each other to form into lumps FIG. 17B and even completely block
the pipes, FIG. 17C.
[0178] The air stream may be continuous, or pulses of air or a
combination FIGS. 17D and 17E. The speed may vary during the
continuous air stream or between the continuous air stream and the
pulses which may be of higher speed. The reason may be to prevent
insects from clinging to the side walls. Prevention is by means of
pulses or continuous momentary high speed, for example a speed of
5-7 meter per second for a mosquito, other speeds as suitable for
other insects, and then returning to a continuous low speed. As
mosquitoes may try to cling once again to the side ways, additional
pulses may be provided. As shown in FIGS. 17F and 17G, as the
pulses get under way they push apart the lumps and thus prevent
blockages from being formed.
[0179] The period the air steam is active is calibrated in advance,
depending on the type of insect/material, density and length of the
device and pipes to the final release point. In one embodiment,
after enough time has been allowed for all material or insects to
be expelled, a final strong air pulse, say 10-15 meter per second
for mosquitoes, is then applied for a final flushing out, to ensure
that nothing remains within the storage element. A high speed flush
may also be used for cleaning purposes, and pulses at an even
higher rate may be used to clean the entire storage system and
distribution pipes.
[0180] To insure the flow of the mosquitoes through the system when
using air to push the mosquitoes out of storage and then along the
distribution pipes, then as above air pulses can be used to prevent
lumping. However, it is also possible to use a linear pipe system
that provides air jets in critical positions. Nozzles can be
provided at the critical positions at angles that ensure that the
mosquitoes are moved forward.
[0181] FIG. 17H is a simplified diagram illustrating the provision
of holes 309 in flow pipe 311, to provide air pressure to smooth
the flow of the insects.
[0182] Reference is now made to FIG. 17I, which is a simplified
diagram showing air pipes extending along cartridge 310 and along
the insect outlet pipe 312. The pipe terminals may meet to provide
air pressure to blow air along the air outlet pipe 312. Referring
now to FIG. 18A and the release end--Shutter B in the earlier
figures, has a net filter 320 on the exit opening of the cartridge
which is removed in sync with the operation of the manifold in
order to enable the exit of the mosquitoes in accordance with the
timing of the manifold.
[0183] In the embodiment of FIG. 18A, the way the net 320 is
mounted on the end of the cartridge is correlated with the
structure of the manifold, so that the net is automatically
mechanically removed by the arrival of the manifold. The netting
may be rolled up in one embodiment or cut in another
embodiment.
[0184] FIG. 18B shows a variation in which break points 322 are
provided on the netting, which are broken as the manifold fits over
the cartridge.
[0185] FIG. 19A shows corresponding structure on the manifold to
cut the netting at the break points. A break point knife 324 on the
manifold 326 engages the break points 322 as the manifold fits over
the cartridge and ruptures the break points. As a result the
netting falls away. The insert shows how the break point knife gets
behind the netting and cuts the break point.
[0186] Once the manifold has removed the net, the air stream pushes
away the mosquitoes from the current cartridge out of the storage
device and to the outside world through a set of pipes, either for
direct release or towards other release devices, such as the
aircraft distribution device disclosed in applicant's copending
U.S. Provisional patent application U.S. 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
written herein in their entirety.
[0187] The two elements and actions--streaming the mosquitoes using
an air stream and opening the exit may be controlled to occur
simultaneously by a controller 226 (see FIG. 3), which may be
calibrated and adjusted depending on the mission.
[0188] Reference is now made to FIG. 19B, which is a simplified
diagram illustrating two different cassettes, one 332 partially
connected to the outlet 326 and one 330 not connected at all to the
outlet 326. The cartridges are loaded into storage, but the
cartridges may only be partially loaded--depending on the quantity
required to be released.
[0189] The ability to partly load different cartridges and the
ability to control each cartridge separately allows one to decide
on the quantity to be released at particular locations, something
which is currently not possible with the auger and vibrating
systems. An embodiment may even be able to release different
materials at different locations over a single flight.
[0190] The transportation and release device may be mounted on a
vehicle, airplane or even a UAV as best suits the availability of
resources and the intended release locations.
[0191] Reference is now made to FIG. 20, which illustrates a
variation in which, instead of letting the mosquitoes emerge from
the pupa and remain inside the storage element, adult mosquitoes
can be sucked into the cartridge using the same or a similar
manifold system as that used to extract them for distribution. In
FIG. 20 a net 340 is removed from the face of empty cartridge 342.
Cartridge 342 is within cartridge storage device 344, and manifold
346 sucks insects in on a current of air.
[0192] Reference is now made to FIG. 21, which is a simplified flow
chart illustrating a procedure for filling cartridges based on
weight, in order to fill the cartridges to optimal density as well
as filling different cartridges equally.
[0193] In stage 350, the cartridge weight or counter indicator is
set, or reset. The weight or counter indicator, which may be built
into the cartridge, is used to determine how many mosquitoes have
entered. A sufficient resolution may be in quantities of 100 or
1,000 mosquitoes. Initially, in stage 352, the cage hatch is opened
to allow transfer of mosquitoes. In stage 354, the air flow is
initiated. In stage 356, the cell is moved backwards and sealed
358, and the air flow is stopped 360, so that the cell can be
weighed in stage 362. If the weight is right then the flow moves to
the next cell. If the weight is too high then the seal is
temporarily opened 364 to release some of the mosquitoes. If the
cell is too light then flow returns to stage 354 to continue
filling.
[0194] Reference is now made to FIG. 22, which is a simplified
diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the cartridge in which
pupae are injected directly into cartridge 370 via a fill valve
372. The pupae fall to water in the bottom of the cartridge and
hatch directly into the air space 374 of the tank. The fill valve
372 may be sealed after use, and is used instead of the attachable
pupa box described above.
[0195] A further embodiment is shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B. The idea
is to increase the surface area on which mosquitoes are able to
stand. FIG. 23A illustrates a rectangular design in which a
cartridge 380 comprises inner plates 382. FIG. 23B shows a cell 390
containing circular pipes 392. The mosquitoes are able to stand on
the pipe walls. A rectangular construction may include inner pipe
like elements so that the mosquitoes stand on them instead of
inside them.
[0196] In a further development, instead of pushing the mosquitoes
away by blowing air inside the rectangular or circular element they
are in, they can be pushed away by physically reducing their
available space. This is less preferred because it may harm the
mosquitoes. Moving plate 394 moves over the pipe elements and
pushes the mosquitoes out. An advantage of the embodiment of FIG.
23B is that there is no limitation on the length of cartridge 390,
unlike the blowing or sucking mechanisms which have to be powered
according to the length needed.
[0197] Reference is now made to FIG. 24, which is a simplified
diagram showing a multiple cartridge storage element 400 having a
manifold 402 on a slideable mounting to ascend between the
cartridges. A gate 404 is manually or automatically pushed up along
the cartridges. The gate 404 includes rollers 406 which may roll
the net up as it moves long, thus opening the cartridge without
tearing the net, and allowing the net to be reused. The net serves
as a means to control which cartridge to use to push the mosquitoes
out. Thus opening the cartridge using the manifold may be achieved
in various ways apart from tearing the net element at the end as
was described above.
[0198] Reference is now made to FIG. 25 which illustrates a
simplified embodiment in which a curtain or screen type gate 420 is
mechanically pushed up over cartridge 422 by manifold 424. In a)
the gate 422 is fully closed. In b) and c) the manifold steadily
pushes the gate 422 upwards. Finally in d) the gate 422 is fully
open.
[0199] Reference is now made to FIG. 26, which is a simplified
diagram illustrating a further option for opening individual
cartridges in turn to release the mosquitoes. In FIG. 26 the net on
each individual cartridge is replaced with a sliding element on the
overall storage device. A two-way moving curtain 428 on the frame
of the storage device is rolled up and down driven between upper
roller 430 and lower roller 431 with an opening that travels with
the manifold 432 to open the cartridges one by one.
[0200] In the embodiment of FIG. 26, the moving curtain is driven
by drive elements centered on the roller 430 on top of the storage
device, and the curtain has a window which is raised and lowered to
correlate with the location of the opening of the desired
cartridge. Thus at given positions, different cartridges may be
opened, and at any position of the curtain only one cartridge is
opened. Separate curtains and rollers and provided for the air
intake and the mosquito exit sides of the manifold.
[0201] Referring now to FIG. 27, and the curtain 428 and its
corresponding rollers 430 and 431 are shown to be semi-tranparent,
revealing middle row cartridge 434 as the cartridge uncovered by
the curtain 428 in the current position. Normally the open row
would be covered by the manifold 432, but the manifold is here
shown elsewhere for illustrative purposes. It will be seen that as
the curtain is rolled up or down, different cartridges are
exposed.
[0202] Referring now to FIG. 28, and a variation 440 of the
manifold is shown in which the air inlet 442 and the mosquito exit
pipes 444 are shown to be on the same side. Such a construction may
be advantageous if space is scarce. In such a case curtain 428 and
associated rollers 430 and 431 need be provided only on one of the
sides, the opening in the curtain being able to cater for both the
air inlet and the mosquito exit pipes at the same time.
[0203] In the above embodiments, the two elements of the manifold
and the gate are synchronized so that they both open the same
cartridge.
[0204] Reference is now made to FIGS. 29 and 30, which are
simplified schematic diagrams that illustrate a further embodiment
of a storage and transportation device according to the present
embodiments. FIG. 29 is a perspective view and FIG. 30 is a
cross-sectional view of device 448. In the device of FIGS. 29 and
30 the manifold 450 on the one hand and curtains 452 and 454 are
arranged to be perpendicular. The manifold 450 travels across the
ends of the cartridges as before, across the top of the device 448
along rails 456 and 458. The moving curtains 452 and 454 with their
respective drive rollers 460 and 462 are seen on both sides.
[0205] Reference is now made to FIGS. 31, 32, and 33 which are
simplified schematic diagrams that illustrate a further embodiment
of a storage and transportation device according to the present
embodiments. FIG. 31 is a perspective view with a single row of
cartridges, and FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of device 470.
FIG. 33 is the same perspective view as FIG. 31 but showing the
case of the device being filled with cartridges.
[0206] In device 470, shutters or doors 472 are mounted at the end
positions of the cartridges. The shutters are opened as the
manifold 474 passes over the row of cartridges.
[0207] In an optional mechanism for opening the shutters, the
shutters 472 are mounted on hinges 476 and each shutter has a small
protrusion 478 on the far side of the hinge away from the shutter.
An extension 480 from the manifold travels up the line between
opposing hinges and as it arrives at each row, the extension 480
pushes the protrusions of the shutters to force the shutters
open.
[0208] FIG. 33 shows how the extensions 480 travel along the line
between the shutters. All the shutters are shown open for
illustrative purposes but it will be appreciated that in use only
the shutters whose protrusions 478 are being pressed by extensions
480 are actually opened.
[0209] Reference is now made to FIG. 34, which is a simplified
perspective view of device 490, which is a variation of the device
470 in which the cartridge ends are located on the side, and the
shutters 492 are on one side of each cartridge. As manifold 494
passes each row of cartridges, the shutters 492 are opened.
[0210] In an embodiment, the cartridge can be pre-pressurized. In
such a case all closures must be air-sealed. A pressurized
cartridge may do without a separate air pressure source and may be
useful for handheld insect distribution devices or for use in other
cases where weight is critical. The pressurized cartridge then
scatters the insects automatically simply by removing a cover from
the outlet, and continues to scatter until the air pressure
equalizes.
[0211] The present embodiments can be used for any delicate or
fragile material that needs to be delivered or sprayed over a large
area, for example materials that comprise nano-particles, sprays of
various kinds, lures for various purposes, typically biological
purposes, that need to be distributed over a large area, and other
delicate insects such as moths, flies, and the like. Various
parameters of the device, such as air blowing speeds, temperatures,
including both the temperature at distribution and the storage
temperature, storage density, distribution densities, etc, may be
altered according to the needs of the species or material being
distributed and the distribution requirements. The general geometry
of the device, tightness of corners, numbers and distribution of
shelves, arrangement for hatching of pupae, shapes of cartridges
etc. may need to be different.
[0212] In embodiments, there may be separate shelves or tubes or
other sub-containers within each cartridge. In such cases there may
be connecting tubes between the sub-containers or between the
shelves to keep air or insect densities constant within the
cartridge.
[0213] The storage and transport devices are scalable. The system
can be designed so that cartridges are standard size, but different
size storage and transport devices store more cartridges as needed.
Alternatively, the cartridges themselves may vary in size, say
being made longer or shorter, and thus fitting in to different
storage and transport devices. The overall size is selected for the
particular distribution means. Thus at one extreme, distribution
via a relatively large aircraft may use a single large storage and
transport device connected to outlet pipes on the aircraft, and at
the other extreme, smaller devices may be used say for hand
distribution or distribution from the back of a motorcycle.
[0214] As discussed above, the present embodiments relate to
storing mosquitoes or other insects, in particular fragile insects
and then effectively releasing the insects using an ejection means
such as air, to the outside world.
[0215] Ejection of the mosquitoes can be from an ejection
cartridge. A switching element may be provided for quick switching
between cassettes or storage elements--providing the option for
continuous release in the case that release is from a different
cartridge each time.
[0216] There are a number of ways of obtaining the material, such
as the mosquitoes, from the storage element, as discussed
herein.
[0217] In the case of a single storage unit, ejection may be from
the bottom, from the top or from the sides of the cartridge.
Multiple storage units may work the same way.
[0218] In the following embodiments a number of methods are shown
for obtaining predetermined measured quantities of the material,
insects etc during release from the storage units.
[0219] One method is to store a measured quantity of the material
in advance per each cartridge/storage unit.
[0220] Another method involves measuring out quantities in real
time from a larger storage. Thus an automatic system may retrieve a
measured quantity of insects each time for their release.
[0221] The measuring stage may be used to separate between storage
and ejection of the material.
[0222] An option is to move the material through indexed cells,
providing the insects with time to warm up and awaken from cold
storage while being measured.
[0223] The number of cells, that is the index number, may be set as
appropriate to allow the insects sufficient time to awaken.
[0224] Reference is now made to FIG. 35, which is a simplified flow
chart showing the options for awakening and providing a
predetermined dosage, that is amount of material or insects. In
some cases the stored insects are already in the correct dosage,
thus in box 500 the answer is yes and the process moves to stage
504, where it is determined whether awakening is required.
Alternatively, measurement has to be carried out to produce the
correct quantity, box 502, and box 504 is reached following
measurement of a quantity.
[0225] In box 506 the insects are awakened, typically by being
warmed after cold storage. Finally in box 508 the awakened and
measured insects are ejected.
[0226] FIG. 35 relates to the design process of the system, and in
some cases, awakening and measuring, if both required, would take
place at the same time.
[0227] Reference is now made to FIG. 36, which is a simplified
diagram showing views from the side and from above of multiple
cartridges 510 one underneath the other in a container 512, each
having a predetermined quantity of insects and designed for release
from the side. Each cartridge is connected to an air pressure
source 514, and shutters 516 at the entrance to each cartridge open
in sequence to expel the insects from the cartridge away from the
air pressure source, thus expelling a predetermined quantity of
insects for each shutter opening event.
[0228] Reference is now made to FIG. 37, which is a schematic
diagram showing one way in which two of the cartridges of FIG. 36
may work. Two cartridges, 517 and 518 are connected to air blowers
520 and 522 respectively. Each cartridge has shutters at each end,
524, 526, 527, and 528. At the end opposite to the air blowers,
hereinafter the receiving ends, 530 and 532 the cartridges are
connected to ejection device 534 to eject the insects. The
receiving end may comprise a funnel or hopper.
[0229] Control 536 may operate the shutters at the air blower end
or at the receiving end as preferred in order to provide a
continuous stream of insects at a steady rate or to provide
intermittent measured doses.
[0230] The embodiment of FIG. 37 may allow expelling each time of a
pre measured dosage, as per each cartridge. An advantage is that
there is no need to sort, count or separate insects in real time,
there are no moving parts moving the insects for sorting, and hence
there is less chance of doing damage to the fragile insects.
[0231] Controller 536 controls timing and duration for each element
in the system. The controller determines when each of the blowers
520 and 522 are blowing air, how strong (air velocity) and for how
much time, when input shutters 524, 527, 529 are open and closed,
and when receiving elements 530 and 532 are connected to shutter
526 and 528 for receiving insects.
[0232] Reference is made to FIG. 38, which shows top and
perspective views respectively of a storage unit for release from
below. Storage unit 540 funnels downwards to shutter 542 which is
arranged alongside air pipes 544, 546, that are arranged on either
side of the shutter in the funnelled part of the storage unit. The
pipes open into nozzles 548 and air is driven from the nozzles to
push the insects downwards to the opening when the shutter is
opened. The shutter can be default open or default closed, and
controlled to be other position as needed.
[0233] Reference is briefly made to FIG. 39, which is a simplified
diagram of another container 550 that opens below, in which shutter
552 can be controllably closed when a predetermined amount of
insect material has been released, using lever 554, which is
typically mechanically operated.
[0234] Reference is now made to FIG. 40, which is a simplified
diagram showing the bottom release containers of either of FIGS. 38
and 39, in which a conveyer is used to catch the falling insects
and transport them to the expulsion mechanism. The insects in
container 560 fall from the shutter 562 onto conveyer 564, as
conveyer 564 passes underneath.
[0235] Reference is now made to FIGS. 41 and 42, which show
different angles of an embodiment of a container and extraction
mechanism designed to give a continuous dose of insect material.
The vibrator continuously expels mosquitoes into the funnel. The
release is approximately at constant rate due to the mechanism.
[0236] Container 570 is vibrated by vibration mechanism 572 to
expel insects into a funnel 574 fixed at the front of container
570. The funnel allows the insects to fall at a steady rate into
release tube 576. A sensor detects when the release tube is full
and then closes the funnel 574. Blower 578 then expels the insects
and the process is repeated until the container 570 is empty, thus
providing a measured amount each time. Arrow 580 shows the
direction of moving material.
[0237] Reference is now made to FIG. 43, which is a simplified
diagram showing four of the containers of FIG. 41 mounted together
in a frame. As shown, four containers 590 are held together in
frame 592.
[0238] Reference is now made to FIG. 44 which shows the four
containers of FIG. 41 mounted, not in a frame, but in a
temperature-maintaining cabinet 594. The temperature maintaining
cabinet may be a refrigerator, or simply a cooler or may be
attached by a pipe or the like to a cold source.
[0239] Reference is now made to FIG. 45, which is a simplified
diagram showing an embodiment in which multiple containers are
mounted together and each container is directly connected to an
ejection pipe. Frame 596 holds multiple containers 600. Insects
from container 600 fall into release pipe 602 which receives air
from air source 604 at a speed of around 2-15 m/s. The insects are
then blown towards the release point.
[0240] Reference is now made to FIG. 46, which is a simplified
diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of a way of
providing a controlled dosage of insect material. Two funnels 610
and 612 are attached to two containers (not shown here but see
previous figures) and lead to a moving shelf 614 held in housing
616. Air source 618 is attached to the housing 616 and exit pipe
620 leads to the point at which insects are expelled from the
plane.
[0241] Insects fall from the containers into the respective funnel
610, 612 and into pipes 622, 624 inside the moving shelf 614.
[0242] A laser or like sensor measures the height of the insects
inside the cartridge, and when a predetermined height is reached or
after a predetermined time duration, the moving shelf 614 moves
horizontally to align the pipe 622, 624 with the exit pipe 620. The
air source then blows along the aligned pipes to expel the
insects.
[0243] The shelf moves across to service the second pipe while the
first pipe refills.
[0244] Reference is now made to FIGS. 47 and 48 which are
perspective and plan views respectively of an embodiment for
providing a measured amount of insect material and also to allow
for awakening of the insects.
[0245] Containers 630 are vibrated by vibrators 632 and connected
to funnels or hoppers 634. Insects enter from the hoppers 634 to
the moving shelf arrangement 636 described in respect of the
previous two figures. The exit pipe 638 is connected to air
pressure source 639 (FIG. 48) and leads to a carousel 640 of
horizontal pipes 642 which serve as temporary storage cartridges
and warm the insects before release. Air pressure source 644
connects to the pipe that is at any given time aligned with output
pipe 646 (FIG. 48). The carousel thus has a fixed input position,
aligned with pipe 638 and a fixed output position, aligned with
pipe 646. The insects remain in the pipes as they rotate and can be
warmed to revive them.
[0246] With the embodiment of FIG. 47, instead of directly
releasing the insects from the moving shelf arrangement 636, it is
possible to store them inside the horizontal pipes or temporary
storage cartridges 642.
[0247] The temporary storage pipes can be warmed if needed, and
thus enable chilled insects to awaken. The air pressure source 644
pushes the insects from their cartridges to the release point.
[0248] It is noted that the temporary storage tubes 642 are
horizontal. The awakening insects, being spread along the
horizontal tube, area able to move sideways during awakening, which
they would be unable to do if they are stored in vertical
configuration.
[0249] Reference is now made to FIG. 49, which is a simplified
diagram showing perspective and plan views of a further embodiment
of the present invention for providing a measured amount of insect
material.
[0250] In FIG. 49 storage containers 650 are designed for the
insects to be removed from the top. The containers are vibrated and
the insects move up spiral pathway 652 to exit pipe 654. The
insects are fed into hoppers 656 and moving shelf arrangement 658
provides a measured amount of insect material each time to exit
pipe 660.
[0251] Reference is now made to FIGS. 50 to 54, which show another
embodiment for obtaining a measured amount of insect material. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 50, frame 660 holds multiple
horizontally extending cartridges 700. The mosquitoes are stored in
the cartridges 700 and the cartridges have ribs or dividers 702.
The cooled mosquitoes are poured into the cartridge in comatose
state in preparation for distribution. Full of comatose mosquitoes,
sliders 704 that are underneath can be removed, and the mosquitoes
fall out into conveyors 710 which underlie each container. The
conveyors empty into hoppers 662 which in turn empty into sliding
shelf arrangement 664, to produce a measured dose as discussed
above. A single cartridge can be separated into more than one part
by introducing separate sliders 704, which all operate separately.
The use of separate compartments and separate sliders can give
greater control to the number of insects being expelled at any
given movement and also to the height as per which the mosquitoes
are piled up one on top of the other is smaller. A typical height
may be about 4 cm per each floor.
[0252] The ribs inside the cartridge ensure that upon opening the
slider, the mosquitoes fall down directly from the closest hole
onto the conveyor 710 beneath, and are not dragged lengthways
first.
[0253] The slider 704, which may be a door on the bottom or a
sliding element opens the opening on the bottom and the mosquitoes
fall down. As an alternative to sliding. the door may be turned on
an axis.
[0254] As shown in FIG. 50, air pressure sources 706 may blow the
mosquitoes to their next station, for example the outlet. The
conveyor pushes the insects to the sliding shelf to ensure (a) the
dosage is correct and/or (b) there is no interference due to air
turbulence.
[0255] As shown in FIG. 51, cartridge 700 may lie over a conveyer
710. The insects fall from the cartridge 700 onto conveyor 710,
which moves in the direction of arrow 712. The insects then fall
onto receiving funnel 714 and are pushed, typically by air
pressure, to the outside. In the embodiment of FIG. 51, the speed
of the conveyor actually determines the dosage/quantity of insects.
In an example a height of 40 mm of knocked out mosquitoes inside
the cartridge, are extracted by a conveyor with a speed of 8 mm per
second. The cartridge thus releases some 2,000 mosquitoes per
second.
[0256] Greater heights are possible but then more mosquitoes are
released per second and control is less exact.
[0257] The funnel 714 can be combined with the moving shelf of
earlier embodiments to provide a more accurately measured dose.
[0258] FIG. 52 shows two cartridges 700 connected via two conveyors
710 to a single output hopper 720. The connection of two cartridges
in this way combines a controlled height of insects with a faster
output rate.
[0259] Reference is now made to FIG. 53, which is a simplified
diagram showing details of the cartridge 700 with sliders 704,
conveyors 710 and output hoppers 720. Detail of the ribs 702 is
shown.
[0260] As shown in FIG. 54, instead of falling down and being
released while knocked down, mosquitoes can be transferred to
awakening cells 722, in which the temperature is raised, allowing
the mosquitoes to awaken from their comatose state prior to being
ejected to the outside via exit pipe 724 using air pressure source
726.
[0261] Reference is now made to FIG. 55, which shows a flap opening
mechanism for opening multiple flaps in a storage container having
multiple compartments, to allow the insects to exit. Container 750
has flaps 752 underneath each compartment that are opened with
levers 754.
[0262] FIG. 56 shows a funnel construction for a single funnel 760
with openings to be connected to two containers. Exit pipe 761
conveys the insects for expulsion.
[0263] Exit pipe 761 may be constructed to provide a vacuum in the
rear part of the pipe upon having air pressure brought to the
middle part, and thus provide suction from the rear part towards
the front part. The result is to push the insects away, instead of
blowing from behind with a risk of turbulence inside the
funnel.
[0264] FIG. 57 shows the funnel 760 with two containers 762 and 764
connected via containers 710.
[0265] FIG. 58 is a simplified diagram showing a container and a
system for controlling pressure throughout the cartridge and
delivery pipes to the exit of the aircraft. More particularly
interior of aircraft 800 has a different pressure and airspeed from
exterior of aircraft 802 and the present embodiments are to manage
the insects' transition between the two. Pressure control 804
applies pressure to cartridge 806 and interface 808--where the
interface is any of the cartridge emptying and delivery systems
discussed above. Delivery pipe 810 leads to the exterior, and the
controlled pressure is provided to the delivery pipe.
[0266] Likewise, FIG. 59 shows the option in which the cartridge
806 is held at pressure. As the mosquitoes pass interface 808 on
the way to the exit, pressure control 808 controls the pressure and
may increase the pressure, hence increasing the air speed inside
the pipes and thus accelerating the mosquitoes to the exit point.
The pressure increase creates a situation in which the mosquitoes
are delivered outside of the moving vehicle/aircraft at a speed
closer to the air speed of the outside and reducing the wind shear
impact.
[0267] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not
limited to".
[0268] The term "consisting of" means "including and limited
to".
[0269] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise.
[0270] 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.
[0271] 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.
[0272] 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.
* * * * *