U.S. patent application number 16/949692 was filed with the patent office on 2021-03-04 for sieving devices for pupae separation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Verily Life Sciences LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Verily Life Sciences LLC. Invention is credited to Charles Behling, Robert Sobecki.
Application Number | 20210060617 16/949692 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005209950 |
Filed Date | 2021-03-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210060617 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sobecki; Robert ; et
al. |
March 4, 2021 |
SIEVING DEVICES FOR PUPAE SEPARATION
Abstract
A sieving device is described. The sieving device includes an
adjustable sieve surface that includes a first sieve surface and a
second sieve surface. Openings are formed in each of the first
sieve surface and the second sieve surface so as to define a shared
pathways extending through the adjustable sieve surface. The shared
pathways are defined by a length dimension that is greater than a
width dimension. The width dimension can correspond to a
cephalothorax width of an insect.
Inventors: |
Sobecki; Robert; (Brisbane,
CA) ; Behling; Charles; (Brisbane, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Verily Life Sciences LLC |
South San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Verily Life Sciences LLC
South San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005209950 |
Appl. No.: |
16/949692 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16117758 |
Aug 30, 2018 |
10835925 |
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16949692 |
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15467145 |
Mar 23, 2017 |
10342222 |
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16117758 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B07B 2230/01 20130101;
B07B 1/46 20130101; B07B 13/16 20130101; A01K 67/033 20130101; B07B
1/06 20130101; B07B 1/12 20130101; B07B 1/469 20130101; B07B 1/4636
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B07B 1/46 20060101
B07B001/46; A01K 67/033 20060101 A01K067/033; B07B 1/06 20060101
B07B001/06; B07B 13/16 20060101 B07B013/16 |
Claims
1. A device, comprising: an adjustable sieve comprising: a first
sieve comprising a first set of openings and a first alignment
structure formed in the first sieve; and a second sieve comprising
a second set of openings and a second alignment structure formed in
the second sieve, the second alignment structure and the first
alignment structure each configured to align with each other to
enable rotary movement of the first sieve with respect to the
second sieve, wherein the first set of openings and the second set
of openings define a set of adjustable pathways extending between
the first sieve and the second sieve based on the relative
positioning of the first and second sieves, individual openings of
the first set of openings and the second set of openings defined
by: a length dimension measured along a longitudinal axis of a
respective opening; a width dimension measured along a transverse
axis of the respective opening, the length dimension greater than
the width dimension; and a space dimension measured between
longitudinal edges of the individual openings; and a sieve rim
defining an interior volume, the adjustable sieve attached to the
sieve rim with a first side of the adjustable sieve exposed to the
interior volume, wherein a value of the width dimension is less
than a cross-sectional cephalothorax width of a representative
insect pupa of a predetermined insect type.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein application of an agitating or
oscillating motion with respect to an aqueous solution pushes
smaller insect pupae through the adjustable sieve and separates
larger insect pupae that cannot pass through the adjustable
sieve.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein a value of the space dimension is
less than the cross-sectional cephalothorax width of the
representative insect pupa of the predetermined insect type.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a sieve frame by which
the adjustable sieve is attached to the sieve rim.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the representative insect pupa is
a mosquito and the predetermined insect type is a female.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the first alignment structure
comprises a first hole extending through the first sieve and the
second alignment structure comprises a second hole extending
through the second sieve.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein further comprising an pin
configured to extend through each of the first hole and the second
hole.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the rotary movement of the first
sieve with respective to the second sieve comprises rotary movement
about the pin.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein a value of the length dimension
is greater than an overall length of the representative insect pupa
of the predetermined insect type to be sieved using the device, and
wherein a value of the space dimension corresponds the
cross-sectional cephalothorax width of the representative insect
pupa.
10. A method, comprising: providing a sieving device comprising: an
adjustable sieve comprising: a first sieve comprising a first set
of openings and a first alignment structure formed in the first
sieve; and a second sieve comprising a second set of openings and a
second alignment structure formed in the second sieve, the second
alignment structure and the first alignment structure each
configured to align with each other to enable rotary movement of
the first sieve with respect to the second sieve; and a sieve rim
defining an interior volume, the adjustable sieve attached to the
sieve rim with a first side of the adjustable sieve exposed to the
interior volume; configuring the adjustable sieve by moving the
first sieve, via the pin and the first and second alignment
structures, with respect to the second sieve into an overlapping
position in which a first portion of the second set of openings is
occluded by a first portion of the first sieve; adding a population
of insects within the interior volume of the sieve rim; and with
the adjustable sieve in the overlapping position, performing a
first sieving action so as to separate the population of insects
into a first group of insects and a second group of insects.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: after performing
the first sieving action, configuring the adjustable sieve by
moving the first sieve, via the pin and the first and second
alignment structures, with respect to the second sieve into a
second overlapping position in which a second portion of the second
set of openings is occluded by a second portion of the first sieve;
with the adjustable sieve in the second overlapping position,
performing a second sieving action so as to separate the first
group of insects into a first subset of insects and a second subset
of insects; after performing the second sieving action, configuring
the adjustable sieve by moving the first sieve, via the pin and the
first and second alignment structures, with respect to the second
sieve into a third overlapping position in which a third portion of
the second set of openings is occluded by a third portion of the
first sieve; and with the adjustable sieve in the third overlapping
position, performing a third sieving action so as to separate the
first subset of insects into a first subset of insects and a second
subset of insects.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the first group of insects
comprises pupae and the second group of insects comprises larvae;
and the first subset of insects comprises male pupae and the second
subset of insects comprises female pupae.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein each the first sieving action,
the second sieving action, and the third sieving action comprises
at least one of oscillating the adjustable sieve, agitating the
adjustable sieve, shaking the adjustable sieve, or translating the
adjustable sieve.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein performing at least one of
oscillating the adjustable sieve, agitating the adjustable sieve,
shaking the adjustable sieve, or translating the adjustable sieve
pushes smaller insects through the adjustable sieve and separates
larger insects that cannot pass through the adjustable sieve.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein individual openings of the
first set of openings and the second set of openings defined by: a
length dimension measured along a longitudinal axis of a respective
opening; a width dimension measured along a transverse axis of the
respective opening, the length dimension greater than the width
dimension; and a space dimension measured between longitudinal
edges of the individual openings.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein a value of the width dimension
is less than a cross-sectional cephalothorax width of a
representative insect pupa of a predetermined insect type.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein a value of the space dimension
is less than the cross-sectional cephalothorax width of a
representative insect pupa of the predetermined insect type.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein a value of the length dimension
is greater than an overall length of a representative insect pupa
of a predetermined insect type to be sieved using the sieving
device, and wherein a value of the space dimension corresponds a
cross-sectional cephalothorax width of the representative insect
pupa.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein the first alignment structure
comprises a first hole extending through the first sieve and the
second alignment structure comprises a second hole extending
through the second sieve, wherein the adjustable sieve further
comprises a pin connecting the first sieve and the second sieve via
the first alignment structure and the second alignment
structure.
20. A system, comprising: an adjustable sieve comprising: a first
sieve comprising a first set of openings and a first alignment
structure formed in the first sieve; and a second sieve comprising
a second set of openings and a second alignment structure formed in
the second sieve, the second alignment structure and the first
alignment structure each configured to align with each other to
enable rotary movement of the first sieve with respect to the
second sieve, wherein the first set of openings and the second set
of openings define a set of adjustable pathways extending between
the first sieve and the second sieve based on the relative
positioning of the first and second sieves, individual openings of
the first set of openings and the second set of openings defined
by: a length dimension measured along a longitudinal axis of a
respective opening; a width dimension measured along a transverse
axis of the respective opening, the length dimension greater than
the width dimension; and a space dimension measured between
longitudinal edges of the individual openings; and a sieve rim
defining an interior volume, the adjustable sieve attached to the
sieve rim with a first side of the adjustable sieve exposed to the
interior volume, wherein a value of the width dimension is less
than a cross-sectional cephalothorax width of a representative
insect pupa of a predetermined insect type; and a container sized
and configured to receive the sieve rim and hold a volume of
liquid.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein application of an agitating or
oscillating motion with respect to an aqueous solution pushes
smaller insect pupae through the adjustable sieve and separates
larger insect pupae that cannot pass through the adjustable
sieve.
22. The system of claim 20, wherein a value of the space dimension
is less than the cross-sectional cephalothorax width of the
representative insect pupa of the predetermined insect type.
23. The system of claim 20, wherein the adjustable sieve further
comprises a sieve frame by which the adjustable sieve is attached
to the sieve rim.
24. The system of claim 20, wherein the representative insect pupa
is a mosquito and the predetermined insect type is a female.
25. The system of claim 20, wherein the first alignment structure
comprises a first hole extending through the first sieve and the
second alignment structure comprises a second hole extending
through the second sieve.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the adjustable sieve further
comprises a pin configured to extend through each of the first hole
and the second hole.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the rotary movement of the
first sieve with respective to the second sieve comprises rotary
movement about the pin.
28. The system of claim 20, wherein a value of the length dimension
is greater than an overall length of the representative insect pupa
of the predetermined insect type to be sieved using the device, and
wherein a value of the space dimension corresponds the
cross-sectional cephalothorax width of the representative insect
pupa.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/117,758, entitled "Sieving Devices for
Pupae Separation," filed Aug. 30, 2018, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/467,145, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,342,222, entitled "Sieving Devices
For Pupae Separation," filed Mar. 23, 2017, which is incorporated
by reference in its entirety herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a sieve can be formed of a wire or plastic mesh
held in a frame. The sieve can be used for straining solids from
liquid or for separating coarser objects from finer objects.
[0003] Among those objects that can be separated are insects. Other
devices have been designed to separate insects such as a device
that includes parallel glass plates. The reasons for separating
insects are various. For example, as part of a Sterile Insect
Technique (SIT) program, male insects may be separated from female
insects. Depending on the program, separation may be performed at
one or more stages of insect development. For example, insects
having an aqueous pupal stage may be separated while in the pupal
stage.
[0004] Use of conventional mesh screens to separate pupae may
create challenges given the physiological structures of the pupae.
Additionally, use of devices including parallel glass plates may
create challenges given their difficulty to operate, high cost, and
lack of portability. These challenges may result in prohibitively
low throughput and similarly low yield.
SUMMARY
[0005] Various examples are described relating to sieving devices,
systems including the sieving devices, methods for using the
sieving devices, and methods for forming the sieving devices.
[0006] In an example, a device is described. The device includes an
adjustable sieve surface including a first side and a second side,
where a set of openings is formed in the adjustable sieve surface
so as to define a set of pathways extending between the first side
and the second side, individual openings of the set of openings
defined by: a length dimension measured along a longitudinal axis
of a respective opening, a width dimension measured along a
transverse axis of the respective opening, the length dimension
greater than the width dimension, and a space dimension measured
between longitudinal edges of the individual openings. The device
also includes a sieve rim defining an interior volume, the
adjustable sieve surface attached to the sieve rim with the first
side of the adjustable sieve surface exposed to the interior
volume. A value of the width dimension is less than a
cross-sectional cephalothorax width of a representative insect pupa
of a predetermined insect type.
[0007] In another example, a device is described. The device
includes a first sieve surface, where a first set of openings is
formed in the first sieve surface so as to define a first set of
pathways extending between a first side of the first sieve surface
and a second side of the first sieve surface. The device also
includes a second sieve surface, where a second set of openings is
formed in the second sieve surface so as to define a second set of
pathways extending between a third side of the second sieve surface
and a fourth side of the second sieve surface. The device also
includes an alignment structure configured to connect the second
side of the first sieve surface and the third side of the second
sieve surface and enable movement of at least one of the first
sieve surface or the second sieve surface with respect to the other
sieve surface. The movement expands and contracts a dimensional
value of a set of adjustable openings formed by the first set of
openings and the second set of openings.
[0008] In yet another example, a method is described. The method
includes providing a sieving device including: an adjustable sieve
surface including a first sieve surface and a second sieve surface,
the first sieve surface is moveably connected to the second sieve
surface, a first set of openings formed in the first sieve surface
and a second set of openings formed in the second sieve surface.
The sieving device also includes a sieve rim defining an interior
volume, the adjustable sieve surface attached to the sieve rim with
a first side of the adjustable sieve surface exposed to the
interior volume. The method also includes configuring the
adjustable sieve surface by moving the first sieve surface with
respect to the second sieve surface into an overlapping position in
which a first portion of the second set of openings is occluded by
a first portion of the first sieve surface. The method also
includes adding a population of insects within the interior volume
of the sieve rim. The method also includes, with the adjustable
sieve surface in the overlapping position, performing a first
sieving action so as to separate the population of insects into a
first group of insects and a second group of insects.
[0009] The illustrative examples are mentioned not to limit or
define the scope of this disclosure, but rather to provide examples
to aid understanding thereof. Illustrative examples are discussed
in the Detailed Description, which provides further description.
Advantages offered by various examples may be further understood by
examining this specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more
certain examples and, together with the description of the example,
serve to explain the principles and implementations of the certain
examples.
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a sieving device,
according to at least one example.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a sieve surface, according
to at least one example.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of the sieve surface from
FIG. 2, according to at least one example.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example mosquito pupa
that can be separated using a sieving device as described herein,
according to at least one example.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates a profile view of an example mosquito
pupa that can be separated using a sieving device as described
herein, according to at least one example.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a profile view of an example mosquito
pupa that can be separated using a sieving device as described
herein, according to at least one example.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a mosquito pupa passing
through an opening of a sieve surface, according to at least one
example.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a mosquito pupa aligned in a first
orientation with respect an opening of a sieve surface, according
to at least one example.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a mosquito pupa aligned in a second
orientation with respect an opening of a sieve surface, according
to at least one example.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a mosquito pupa aligned in a first
orientation with respect an opening of a sieve surface, according
to at least one example.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates a mosquito pupa aligned in a second
orientation with respect an opening of a sieve surface, according
to at least one example.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a first state of an example system for
separating a population of pupae, according to at least one
example.
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates a second state of the example system of
FIG. 12, according to at least one example.
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates an example process for separating a
population of pupae based on size, according to at least one
example.
[0025] FIG. 15 illustrates an example process for separating a
population of pupae based on size, according to at least one
example.
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates an example process for manufacturing a
sieving device, according to at least one example.
[0027] FIG. 17A illustrates a top view of an example sieve surface,
according to at least one example.
[0028] FIG. 17B illustrates a first detailed view of the sieve
surface of FIG. 17A, according to at least example.
[0029] FIG. 17C illustrates a second detailed view of the sieve
surface of FIG. 17A, according to at least example.
[0030] FIG. 18A illustrates an adjustable sieve surface in a first
state, according to at least one example.
[0031] FIG. 18B illustrates the adjustable sieve surface of FIG.
18A in a second state, according at least one example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Examples are described herein in the context of sieving
devices for use in separation of mosquito pupae. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will realize that the following description is
illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.
For example, the sieving devices described herein can be used to
separate any insects having an aqueous pupal stage. Reference will
now be made in detail to implementations of examples as illustrated
in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be
used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer
to the same or like items.
[0033] In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features
of the examples described herein are shown and described. It will,
of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such
actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions
must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals,
such as compliance with application- and business-related
constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one
implementation to another and from one developer to another.
[0034] In an illustrative example, a sieving device for separation
of pupae is described. The sieving device includes a sieve held
within a rim. Together the sieve and the rim from a box-like
structure, with the sieve forming the bottom of the box-like
structure. The sieve can be a flat plate. A series of repeating
elongate openings is formed in the plate. The series of elongate
openings cover the entire area of the plate and constitute pathways
through which water and certain pupae move. Each elongate opening
is defined by a length corresponding to a longitudinal axis and a
width corresponding to a transverse axis. The length is greater
than the width which results in the openings being described as
elongate. A value of the width is selected to correspond to a
smallest dimension of a cephalothorax of a typical pupa to be
separated. For example, to separate male pupae from female pupae, a
value of the width can be selected that is smaller than the
cephalothoraxes of most females of a given population and larger
than the cephalothoraxes of most males of the same population. To
begin separation, the sieving device can be lowered into a
container of water at least until the sieve is submerged in the
water. The population including males and females can be added the
rim of the sieving device (e.g., within the box-like structure).
Water can be flushed through the sieve (e.g., by adjusting an
elevation of the water relative to the sieve or adjusting an
elevation of the sieve relative to the water). Such flushing may be
repeated, such as by oscillating or agitating movement of the sieve
or the water elevation, to perform a sieving action. Using this
action, most, if not all, of the male pupae can pass through any
one of the elongate openings, while the female pupae are prevented
from passing because of their larger cephalothoraxes. The elongate
shape of the openings closely corresponds to how the pupae
naturally orient in still water. When the water is flushed through
the elongate openings, those pupae already in this natural
orientation remain so and those that are not are oriented by the
flowing water. Sizing the elongate openings to correspond to the
size and natural orientation of the pupae forces the pupae to be on
a single axis of orientation to pass through the sieve. This sizing
also results in high separation rates. Additionally, high
separation rates are possible because, unlike mesh sieves, the
sieve surface is designed to include smooth transitions between the
elongate openings. This results in fewer pupae becoming entangled,
e.g., by their paddles or other physiological structures, with the
openings.
[0035] This illustrative example is given to introduce the reader
to the general subject matter discussed herein and the disclosure
is not limited to this example. The following sections describe
various additional non-limiting examples of sieving devices.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective
view of a sieving device 100, according to at least one example.
The sieving device 100 includes a sieve surface 102 held within a
sieve rim 104. The sieve rim 104 includes a plurality of walls
104a-104d that together define a volume having a rectangular cross
section. In some examples, the sieve rim 104 has a non-rectangular
perimeter (e.g., round, triangular, and any other suitable
non-rectangular shape). In some examples, the sieve rim 104 may be
formed from one or more pieces of material (e.g., may be formed
from a single continuous piece of material or from more than one
pieces that have been joined together). The height of the walls 104
can range between 2-5''. In some examples, the height of the walls
104 is greater than 5''. Irrespective of the cross section and the
wall height, the sieve rim 104 can function to funnel or otherwise
direct a liquid (e.g., water) through the sieve surface 102. As the
sieving device 100 can be sized for manual use (e.g., 6''.times.6''
square), the sieve rim 104 also provides an area whereby a human
operator can manually manipulate the sieving device 100 (e.g.,
applying an agitating or oscillating motion with respect to an
aqueous solution that pushes smaller pupae through the sieve
surface 102 and separates larger pupae and/or debris that cannot
pass through the sieve surface 102). For example, the operator can
use her hands to grasp the sieve rim 104 to manipulate the sieving
device 100 (e.g., dunking the sieve surface 102 into and out of a
water container to separate pupae or performing any other suitable
sieving action). In some examples, the sieving device 100 is
manipulated by an automated operator (e.g., an actuator that dunks
the sieve surface 102). The sieving device 100 also includes a set
of feet 105. The feet 105 are attached to the sieve rim 104 and can
function to space the sieve surface 102 of off a bottom of a
container or other surface. The sieve surface 102 also includes a
series of openings 106 which are described in detail with reference
to later figures.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the sieve surface 102,
according to at least one example. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the
sieve surface 102 can be held within a sieve frame 108. The sieve
frame 108 includes a plurality of members 108a-108d that together
define a rectangular cross section. In some examples, the sieve
frame 108 has a non-rectangular cross section. In any event, the
cross section of the sieve rim 104 and the cross section of the
sieve frame 108 can correspond to enable mounting of the sieve
frame 108 within the sieve rim 104. The sieve frame 108 also
provides rigidity to the sieve surface 102. In some examples, sieve
frames 108 having different sieve surfaces 102 (e.g., different
sized openings) can be detachably mounted to the same sieve rim
104, depending on the implementation. For example, a kit can
include multiple sieve surfaces 102 having different sized openings
106 that can be independently detachably mounted to the sieve rim
104. In some examples, more than one sieve surfaces 102 can be held
within the sieve frame 108 at any one time. For example, multiple
sieve surfaces 102 having different sized openings 106 can be
mounted in the sieve frame 104 so as to separate a population of
pupae into more than two groups.
[0038] As illustrated in Figure. 2, the openings 106 can be
organized into a series of rows 110a-110N including a plurality of
openings 106. A few of the rows are labeled (e.g., 110a and 110b).
The openings 106 can be repeated within the rows 110 to form a row
pattern. The rows 110 can be repeated within the sieve surface 102
to form a sieve surface pattern. The number and dimensions of the
rows 110 can be a product of the dimensions of the openings 106,
spacing between the openings 106, and the material used to form the
sieve surface 102. In some examples, a single row 110 including a
plurality of openings 106 is provided. In this example, the single
row 110 can extend transversely between members 108b and 108d. The
openings 106 of this single row 110 can extend longitudinally
between members 108a and 108c.
[0039] In some examples, the sieve surface 102 is formed by a
plurality of elongate rods laid out between the members 110b and
110d. The ends of these rods can extend between the members 108a
and 108c and be held in place by these members 108a and 108c. In
this example, the openings 106 can be formed between individual
ones of the plurality of elongate rods.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of the sieve surface 102,
according to at least one example. The sieve surface 102 can be
defined as having the openings 106, a few of which are labeled.
Each opening 106 can have a generally elongate cross section. For
example, as illustrated with respect to opening 106a, the cross
section can be defined by a length dimension 111 measured along a
longitudinal axis 112a of the opening 106a and a width dimension
113 measured along a transverse axis 114a of the opening 106a. The
length dimension 111 can be greater than the width dimension 113.
As described in detail herein, a generally elongate cross section
can enable selection of a smaller width dimension 113 corresponding
to the smallest dimension of cephalothorax as compared to square
mesh sieves, which are generally sized to the largest dimension of
the cephalothorax.
[0041] A value of the width dimension 113 can be dependent on the
goals of a separation program and characteristics of pupae to be
separated. For example, populations of Aedes aegypti or Aedes
albopictus mosquitoes can be separated. Other species of mosquitoes
or other populations of insects having a pupae stage can be
separated using the sieving device 100 described herein. For
example, the sieving device 100, in particular the openings 106, a
space dimension 118, and a row dimension 116 may be tailored to the
specific insect species.
[0042] As described herein, the sieving device 100 can be used to
separate any species of insect that has an aquatic pupal phase. In
some examples, the value of the width dimension 113 may correspond
to a cross-sectional cephalothorax width of a representative insect
from a particular insect species. In some examples, the width
dimension 113 may range from 800 microns to 1500 microns, which may
be appropriate for separating some species of mosquitoes, such as
Aedes aegypti. Values larger than 1500 microns and smaller than 800
microns may be appropriate for other insect species. In a
particular example, the value of the width dimension 113 can be
about 1200 microns. In some examples, a value of the length
dimension 111 may correspond to a cross-sectional cephalothorax
length of a representative insect from the particular insect
species. In a particular example, the length dimension 111 may
range from 2500 microns to many millimeters (e.g., 12 millimeters),
which may be appropriate for separating some species of mosquitoes.
Values larger than 12 millimeters and smaller than 2500 may also be
appropriate for other insect species.
[0043] A value of the length dimension 111 can also be dependent on
the goals of the separation program and characteristics of the
pupae to be separated. For example, in the example illustrated in
FIG. 3, the value of the length dimension 111 is about 10 times
greater than the value of the width dimension 113. In some
examples, the value of the length dimension 111 can be arbitrarily
selected so long as it is greater than a largest cross-sectional
dimension (e.g., tip to tail) of a typical pupa which is expected
to pass through the opening 106a. Because the width dimension 113
is sized to correspond to a different smaller dimension of the
typical pupa, the length dimension 111 will be larger than the
width dimension 113.
[0044] The rows 110 can be spaced in accordance with the row
dimension 116. For example, row 110m including the openings 106a,
106b can be spaced apart from row 110n including the openings 106c,
106d by the row dimension 116. The openings 106 can be spaced in
accordance with the space dimension 118. For example, the opening
106a can be spaced apart from the opening 106b by the space
dimension 118.
[0045] A value of the row dimension 116 may correspond or otherwise
be proportional to a cross-sectional cephalothorax dimension of a
representative insect of a preselected insect type. For example,
the row dimension 116 may have a value that corresponds to a
cross-sectional cephalothorax width or length of the representative
insect. In this manner, the row dimension 116 may be selected to
avoid having material in the sieve surface 102 that could hook or
otherwise catch pupae and thereby prevent them from rolling off. In
some examples, the row dimension 116 may enable the pupae to roll
off the sieve surface 102 (e.g., through the openings 106). In a
particular example, the row dimension 116 may range from 1000
microns to 3000 microns. In some examples, the value of the row
dimension 116 is greater than 3000 microns or smaller than 1000
microns.
[0046] A value of the space dimension 118 may correspond or
otherwise be proportional to a cross-sectional cephalothorax
dimension of a representative insect of a preselected insect type.
For example, like the row dimension 116, the space dimension 118
may have a value that corresponds to a cross-sectional
cephalothorax width or length of the representative insect. In this
manner, the space dimension 118 may be selected to avoid having
material in the sieve surface 102 that could hook or otherwise
catch pupae and thereby prevent them from rolling off. In some
examples, the space dimension 118 may enable the pupae to roll off
the sieve surface 102 (e.g., through the openings 106). In a
particular example, the space dimension 118 may range from about
500 microns to 3000 microns. In some examples, the value of the
space dimension 118 is greater than 3000 microns or smaller than
500 microns. Depending on the value of the row dimension 116, the
value of the space dimension 118, the value of the length dimension
111, and the value of the width dimension 113, an example sieve
surface 102 may have between 5-30 openings 106 per square inch. In
some examples, the value of the row dimension 116, the value of the
space dimension 118, the value of the length dimension 111, and the
value of the width dimension 113 are selected to provide sufficient
rigidity to the sieving device 100 and a suitable fraction of open
area to solid structure (e.g., openings 106 compared to rigid
portion of the sieve surface 102), while still preventing
entanglement with the pupae.
[0047] In some examples, the values of the row dimension 116 and
the space dimension 118 are selected to minimize a ratio of solid
area to open area across the sieve surface 102. Thus, by placing
the openings 106 close together (e.g., a small value of the space
dimension 118) and placing the rows 110 close together (e.g., small
value of the row dimension 116), a greater quantity of openings 106
and rows 110 can be formed in the sieve surface 102. This can
provide for increased throughput and increased yield in a
separation program.
[0048] In some examples, the values of the row dimension 116 and
the space dimension 118 depends on the material selected for the
sieve surface 102 and the forming method. The sieve surface 102 can
be formed from any suitable material such as metal, plastic, glass,
ceramic, acrylic, and other materials having similar properties.
The forming technique used to form the sieve surface 102 will
depend on the material selected. Example forming techniques
include, but are not limited to, laser cutting, water jet cutting,
photochemical etching, punching, die cutting, milling, additive
manufacturing (e.g., three-dimensional printing), molding, casting,
stamping, and other similar techniques.
[0049] FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 respectively illustrate a side view, a
first profile view, and a second profile view of an example
mosquito pupa 400 that can be separated using the sieving device
100, according to various examples. The mosquito pupa 400 includes
a cephalothorax 402 and an abdomen 404. When in the pupal stage,
the mosquito pupa 400 uses its abdomen 404, including a distal
portion 404a, as a flipper to move through water 408. The
cephalothorax 402 also includes eyes 406, one of which is
illustrated and labeled. In the profile view illustrated in FIG. 5,
the mosquito pupa 400 can be defined by a cephalothorax width 410
and an overall length 412. In the profile view illustrated in FIG.
6, the mosquito pupa 400 can also be defined by the cephalothorax
height 414. Based on the physiological structures of the pupae
(e.g., the mosquito pupa 400), the cephalothorax width 410 will be
less than the overall length 412. In some examples, the
cephalothorax height 414 is greater than the cephalothorax width
410. Thus, the cephalothorax width 410 can represent the narrowest
dimension of the largest part (e.g., the cephalothorax 402) of the
mosquito pupa 400.
[0050] As introduced herein, the value of the length dimension 111
of the openings 106 can be selected based on the overall length
412. For a given pupal population, a minimum value for the length
dimension 111 should be greater than the overall length 412 of the
largest pupa in the population. In some examples, a value of the
length dimension 111 is much greater the overall length 412 of the
largest pupa (e.g., an order of magnitude of 10 to 100 times
greater).
[0051] As introduced herein, the value of the width dimension 113
of the openings 106 can be selected based on the cephalothorax
width 410. For example, assume for a moment that a goal of a
separation program is to separate male mosquito pupae from female
mosquito pupae. In this example, if an example male population has
an average cephalothorax width 410 of 1100 microns and an example
female population has an average cephalothorax width 410 of 1400
microns. Given this difference of 300 microns between the average
cephalothorax widths and given a difference of about 50 microns
between a female mosquito with the smallest cephalothorax width 410
(e.g., 1250 microns) in the female population and a male mosquito
pupa with the largest cephalothorax width 410 (e.g., 1200 microns)
in the male population, a value for the width dimension 113 can be
selected to give a high probability of separation. In this example,
a value of 1200-1225 microns for the width dimension 113 can be
suitable. Of course, other values would be appropriate for other
populations of insects having cephalothoraxes of different
sizes.
[0052] In the view illustrated in FIG. 4, the mosquito pupa 400 is
oriented in a natural orientation, one in which the mosquito pupa
400 will naturally orient when located within the water 408. In
this orientation, the mosquito pupa 400 is able to obtain oxygen at
the surface of the water 408 via respiratory trumpets (not shown)
that extend from an upper portion of the cephalothorax 402 (e.g.,
near the upper surface of the water 408). This orientation may be
referred to as a "tail-down orientation" because the distal portion
404a of the abdomen 404 (e.g., a tail) points down.
[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the mosquito pupa 400
passing through the opening 106 in the sieve surface 102, according
to at least one example. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the
mosquito pupa 400 is oriented in the tail-down orientation as the
mosquito pupa 400 passes through the opening 106.
[0054] FIGS. 8 and 9 respectively illustrate a first mosquito pupa
400a in a first orientation and a second orientation with respect
an opening 106, according to various examples. In particular, the
first mosquito pupa 400a is shown passing through the opening 106.
This is because the cephalothorax width 410 of a first
cephalothorax 402a is less than a value of the width dimension 113.
The first orientation of the first mosquito pupa 400a illustrated
in FIG. 8 is an example of the tail-down orientation illustrated in
FIGS. 4 and 7. The second orientation of the first mosquito pupa
400a illustrated in FIG. 9 is an example of a tail-up orientation.
This may constitute a rotation of about 180 degrees.
[0055] FIGS. 10 and 11 respectively illustrate a second mosquito
pupa 400b in a first orientation and a second orientation with
respect an opening 106, according to various examples. In
particular, the second mosquito pupa 400b is shown as being
prevented from passing the opening 106. This is because the
cephalothorax width 410 of a second cephalothorax 402b is greater
than a value of the width dimension 113. The first orientation of
the second mosquito pupa 400b illustrated in FIG. 10 is an example
of the tail-down orientation illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7. The
second orientation of the second mosquito pupa 400b illustrated in
FIG. 11 is an example of the tail-up orientation. This may
constitute a rotation of about 180 degrees.
[0056] In some examples, the openings 106 of the sieve surface 102
are sized such that the first mosquito pupae 400a can pass through
the openings 106 and the second mosquito pupae 400b are prevented
from passing through the openings 106. For example, the first
mosquito pupae 400a may be male pupae and the second mosquito pupae
400b may be female pupae. In some examples, the first mosquito
pupae 400a is a first set of male (or female) pupae and the second
mosquito pupae 400b is a second set of male (or female) pupae.
[0057] In some examples, the openings 106 of the sieve surface 102
are sized such that the first mosquito pupae 400a can pass through
the openings 106 in any one of the tail-down or tail-up
orientations and the second mosquito pupae 400b are prevented from
passing through in any orientation. In some examples, the openings
106 are sized such that the first mosquito pupae 400a may pass
through in other orientations as well (e.g., head down or abdomen
down).
[0058] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate states of an example system 1200
for separating a population of pupae into a first group and a
second group, according various examples. The system 1200 includes
the sieving device 100 and a container 1202. The container 1202 can
be any suitable container capable of holding a liquid 1204 and
sized to receive the sieving device 100. The container 1202 can
have any suitable cross-sectional shape such as rectangular,
circular, and any other non-rectangular shape. The liquid 1204 can
be water or some other similar liquid.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the sieving device 100 has been
placed inside the container 1202 and the liquid 1204 has been added
to the container 1202. In some examples, the liquid 1204 is added
after the sieving device 100 has been placed in the container 1202.
In any event, the sieve surface 102 can be submerged in the liquid
1204. As also illustrated in FIG. 12, a population of pupae 1206 is
being added to the liquid 1204. In particular, the population of
pupae 1206 is being poured from a pupae container 1208 and into a
portion of the liquid 1204 that is inside the sieve rim 104. In
this manner, the population of pupae 1206 land on the surface of
the liquid 1204 as opposed to landing on the sieve surface 102.
[0060] In some examples, the population of pupae 1206 have been
previously raised within a lab, captured in the wild, or otherwise
acquired. The population of pupae 1206 can include pupae having
varied characteristics. For example, the population of pupae 1206
can include pupae of various sexes, of various sizes, of various
species, and the like.
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the sieving device 100 can be
raised vertically so as to remove the sieve surface 102 from the
liquid 1204. In some examples, this action constitutes a sieving
action that causes separation of the population of pupae 1206. For
example, this action may cause the population of pupae 1206 to be
drawn down towards the sieve surface 102 as the liquid 1204 drains
through openings (e.g., the openings 106) of the sieve surface 102
(e.g., out of the sieve rim 104) and back into the container 1202.
Repeating this sieving action one or more times may cause the
population of pupae 1206 to separate into a first group of pupae
1206a and a second group of pupae 1206b. The first group of pupae
1206a may be those pupae of the population 1206 that are small
enough to pass through the openings 106 of the sieve surface 102.
For example, the first group of pupae 1206a may include male pupae.
The second group of pupae 1206b may be those pupae of the
population 1206 that are too large to pass through the openings 106
of the sieve surface 102. For example, the second group of pupae
1206b may include female pupae.
[0062] In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the sieving action
includes changing an elevation of the sieve surface 102 with
respect to the liquid 1204 (e.g., dunking the sieving device 100
into and out of the liquid 1204 or performing any other suitable
action). In some examples, the sieving action includes changing a
level of the liquid 1204 with respect to the sieve surface 102. For
example, the liquid 1204 can be drained from the container 1202 and
recirculated into the container 1202. In some examples, the liquid
1204 is drained from the container 1202 and new liquid is added to
the container 1202.
[0063] In some examples, the sieving action that causes separation
of the population of pupae 1206 may include oscillating, agitating,
shaking, and/or otherwise moving the sieving device 100 (e.g.,
rolling). Such movements may include raising and lowering an
elevation of the sieving device 100, translating the sieving device
100 forward and backward, translating the sieving device
side-to-side, rotating on one or more ends of the sieving device
100 with respect to other ends, rolling the sieving device 100,
performing any combination of the foregoing, and performing any
other change to orientation and position of the sieving device 100.
One or more of these actions can be performed simultaneously, in a
predefined order, or in any other manner that causes separation of
the population of pupae 1206.
[0064] The sieving device 100 can be oscillated, agitated, and/or
shaken when at least some liquid is present within the sieve rim
104. In some examples, the sieving device 100 is oscillated,
agitated, and/or shaken when little to no liquid is present in the
sieve rim 104. For example, when the population of pupae 1206 is
suspended in an aqueous solution in the pupae container 1208, the
sieving action may be performed as the population of pupae 1206 is
transferred from the pupae container 1208 to the sieving device
100. In this example, the sieving device 100 may be oscillated,
agitated, shaken, and/or otherwise moved in a manner that causes
the population of pupae 1206 to move within the sieving device 100
and/or causes the aqueous solution in which the pupae are
originally suspended or other aqueous solution to move. In this
manner, the sieving action may cause separation of the population
of pupae.
[0065] Once the sieving action has been performed a suitable number
of times, the sieving device 100 can be removed from the container
1202 and the second group of pupae 1206b can be captured from the
sieving device 100 or otherwise disposed of. For example, the
sieving device 100 can be inverted and the second group of pupae
can be collected from the sieving device 100. The liquid 1204 can
be poured out of the container 1202 along with the first group of
pupae 1206a so as to capture the first group of pupae 1206a. In
some examples, the liquid 1204 is poured through a finer sieve or
filter usable to capture the first group of pupae 1206a. Once
separated, the two groups of pupae 1206a, 1206b can be processed
and used for any suitable purpose.
[0066] In some examples, use of the system 1200 enables quick
separation of pupae with high yield rates as compared to
conventional techniques. For example, 5000 mosquito pupae can be
separated based on size in about thirty seconds.
[0067] In some examples, the system 1200 can be used for separating
the first group of pupae 1206a and the second group of pupae 1206b
into one or more subgroups. For example, sieving devices 100 having
sieve surfaces 102 with differently sized openings 106 can be used
in sequence to further refine the separation of the pupae. For
example, the second group of pupae 1206b which did not pass through
the first sieve surface 102 can be sieved again using a sieve
surface with larger openings than the first surface 102. The
sieving process can be repeated to sort precisely by size
differential. This process can also be performed in reverse, where
the largest sieve surface 102 is used first, and sequentially
moving to smaller and smaller sieve surfaces 102. In some examples,
an additional sieve surface 102 can be used to separate out other
materials, e.g., debris that might be present with the pupae. Any
suitable number of sieving surfaces 102 can be used to separate a
set of insects into any suitable number of groups.
[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, in some examples, a
single sieving device 100 can include an adjustable sieve surface
1702 and 1802. As shown in FIG. 17, the adjustable sieve surface
1702 can include two or more sieve surfaces 1702a and 1702b
positioned on top of each other (e.g., a top sieve surface 1702a
and a bottom sieve surface 1702b). The two or more sieve surfaces
1702 may be held adjacent to each other via an alignment structure
1712 (e.g., a set of tongue and groove structures, a tab and
channel, a pair of parallel walls configured to retain the sieve
surfaces 1702, and any other suitable structure configured to align
two or more planar surfaces (e.g., two or more sieve surfaces 1702)
and enabling slidable movement of the two or more sieve surfaces
1702). At least one of the sieve surfaces 1702 (e.g., the sieve
surface 1702a) is configured to slide with respect to the other
sieve surface(s) 1702 (e.g., the sieve surface 1702b) so as to
expand and contract a value of the width dimension 1713 of the
openings 106. When openings 106 of the sieve surfaces 1702 are
aligned with each other, the value of the width dimension 1713 is
the greatest. When one of the sieve surfaces 1702 is moved with
respect to the other sieve surface(s) 1702, the value of the width
dimension 1713 may get smaller. For example, as illustrated in
FIGS. 17B and 17C, a first sieve surface 1702a may be configured to
slide along the transverse axis 1714 with respect to a second sieve
surface 1702b at least until a value of the width dimension
1713--measured between openings in the first sieve surface 1702a
and openings in the second sieve surface 1702b--is about half the
value of the width dimension 1713 measured when the openings 106 of
the first and second sieve surfaces 1702a, 1702b are aligned. In
some examples, the first sieve surface 1702a may be transversely
moveable with respect to the second sieve surface 1702b within some
range that is less than the value of the width dimension 1713
measured when the openings 106 of the first and second sieve
surfaces 1702a, 1702b are aligned. In this manner, movement (e.g.,
sliding) of the first sieve surface 1702a may contract the openings
106. In some examples, the adjustable sieve surface 1702 may
include a knob 1704 or other structure configured to control the
slidable movement of the sieve surfaces 1702a, 1702b. In some
examples, the knob 1704 can gripped by a user to slide at least one
of the first sieve surface 1702a or the second sieve surface 1702b.
For example, the knob 1704 may be connected to the second sieve
surface 1702b and, as such, may be configured to slide the second
sieve surface 1702b with respect to the first sieve surface
1702a.
[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 18, in some examples, a single
sieving device 100 can include an adjustable sieve surface 1802
that includes two or more sieve surfaces 1802a, 1802b stacked on
top of each other and held in a rotary relationship. Thus, instead
of a first sieve surface (e.g., 1702a) being configured to
translate with respect to a second sieve surface (e.g., 1702b), the
first sieve surface 1802a can be configured to rotate with respect
to the second sieve surface 1802b so as to adjust values of the
width dimension 1813 of the openings 106. For example, such
rotation may be achieved by connecting the two or more sieve
surfaces 1802a, 1802b via a shaft 1812 or other alignment structure
that extends through a center point of the sieve surfaces 1802a,
1802b.
[0070] A pattern of the openings 106 in the first sieve surface
1802a can be the same as a pattern of the openings 106 in the
second sieve surface 1802b. In some examples, the patterns on the
two sieve surfaces 1802a, 1802b are different.
[0071] In some examples, the sieving device 100, including the
adjustable sieve surface (e.g., 1702 or 1802), may be used in a
process for separating artifacts of various sizes (e.g., insects in
various stages, insects of various species, random debris, any
combination of the foregoing, etc.). For example, with reference to
FIGS. 17, the process may begin by translating a first sieve
surface 1702a with respect to a second sieve surface 1702b into a
first overlapping position. In the first overlapping position,
values of the openings 106 may be the smallest and allow debris to
pass through the openings 106, but prevent larvae and pupae from
passing therethrough. From the first overlapping position, the
first sieve surface 1702a can be translated with respect to the
second sieve surface 1702b so as to widen the openings to a second
overlapping position. In the second overlapping position, values of
the openings 106 may be suitably sized to allow larvae to pass
through the openings 106, but prevent pupae from passing
therethrough. From the second overlapping position, the first sieve
surface 1702a can be translated with respect to the second sieve
surface 1702b so as to widen the openings 106 to a third
overlapping position. In the third overlapping position, values of
the openings 106 may be suitably sized to allow male pupae to pass
through the openings 106, but prevent female pupae from passing
therethrough. From the third overlapping position, the first sieve
surface 1702a can be translated with respect to the second sieve
surface 1702b so as to widen the openings 106 to a fourth
overlapping position. In the fourth overlapping position, values of
the openings 106 may be suitably sized to allow female pupae to
pass through the openings 106. In this manner, the openings 106 may
be gradually widened so as to split up an initial population into
any suitable number of sub-samples (e.g., debris, larvae, male
pupae, and female pupae).
[0072] In some examples, the sieve surface 102 is used in a mostly
passive process of separating a population of pupae based on size
(e.g., without performing a sieving action). For example, in the
sieve surface 102, within the sieve frame 108 or otherwise, can be
sized to index within a container. For example, an exterior surface
of the sieve surface 102 can be sized to engage with an interior
surface of the container. The sieve surface 102 can be placed
within the container so as to define two chambers. This may create
a seal between the between the sieve surface 102 and the container
such that, to pass between the two chambers, pupae must pass
through the sieve surface 102.
[0073] In this example, the container can have a bottom, sides, and
an opening opposite the bottom. The sieve surface 102 can be placed
to have a vertical orientation within the container. For example,
if the sieve surface 102 and the container have square cross
sections, in the vertical orientation, a first edge of the sieve
surface 102 can contact the bottom of the container and two edges
of the sieve surface 102 can contact two opposing walls of the
container. The sieve surface 102 can also be placed to have a
horizontal orientation within the container. For example, if the
sieve surface 102 and the container have square cross sections, in
the horizontal orientation, a two opposite edges of the sieve
surface 102 can contact two opposing walls of the container and the
other two opposite edges of the sieve surface 102 can contact the
other two opposing walls of the container.
[0074] Continuing with this example, pupae can be added to one of
the two chambers. For example, in the horizontal orientation, the
pupae can be added along with a first volume of water before the
sieve surface 102 is mounted in the container. Afterwards, a second
volume of water can be added that submerges the sieve surface and
provides an aqueous path for the pupae to pass between the two
chambers. Thus, in the horizontal orientation, the pupae can be
placed in the lower chamber. In this manner, in order to reach air
at the surface, the pupae are required to pass through the sieve
surface 102. The instinct to reach the air can cause the pupae to
attempt to pass through the sieve surface 102. In some examples, in
any orientation, a stimulus can be directed to the pupae that
stimulates their movement across the sieve surface 102. For
example, sounds, lights, food, and the like may be used to
stimulate the pupae.
[0075] In some examples, multiple sieve surfaces 102 with different
sized openings 106 are installed in series in a single container to
create three or more chambers. For example, the sizes of the
openings 106 in the respective sieve surfaces 102 can decrease from
a first end of the container to a second end. As a population of
pupae move from a first chamber nearest the first end toward the
second end, the population can be separated into two or more groups
based on size, with the size of the pupae decreasing in size from
the first chamber toward the second end.
[0076] FIG. 14 illustrates an example process 1400 for separating a
population of pupae based on size, according to at least one
example. The process 1400 can be performed using the system 1200 or
any other comparable system.
[0077] The process 1400 begins at 1402 by providing a sieving
device within a container. The sieving device can include a sieve
surface and a sieve rim. In the sieve surface can be formed a
plurality of elongate openings. The sieve surface can be attached
to the sieve rim. In some examples, the plurality of elongate
openings define a plurality of pathways extending between a first
side of the sieve surface and a second side of the surface. The
elongate openings of the plurality of elongate openings can be
defined by a length dimension and a width dimension. The length
dimension can be measured along a longitudinal axis of each
elongate opening. The width dimension can be measured along a
transverse axis of each elongate opening. In some examples, the
length dimension is larger than the width dimension. In some
examples, a value of the width dimension corresponds to a
cross-sectional cephalothorax width of a typical pupa of the first
group of pupae.
[0078] At 1404, the process 1400 includes adding a liquid to the
container such that at least the sieve surface is submerged in the
liquid. In some examples, the liquid is water.
[0079] At 1406, the process 1400 includes adding a population of
pupae to a portion of the liquid that is within the sieve rim of
the sieving device. In some examples, the pupae are be disposed
within water that is poured into the portion of the liquid. In some
examples, the population of pupae are treated with a larvicide
prior to being added to the sieving device. This ensures any larvae
still present in the population are dead prior to going through the
sieving process.
[0080] At 1408, the process 1400 includes performing a sieving
action so as to separate the population of pupae into a first group
of pupae and a second group of pupae.
[0081] In some examples, the sieving action includes raising and
lowering the sieving device relative to the liquid between: a first
elevation at which the sieve surface is submerged in the liquid,
and a second elevation at which the sieve surface is removed from
the liquid. In some examples, the sieving action is performed as
quickly as one cycle per every two seconds (e.g., one second down
and one second up). In some examples, the cycle time is determined
based on the time it takes for the liquid to drain through the
sieve surface and fill the sieve rim. Thus, the cycle time may
depend on the open area of the sieve surface and the volume of the
sieve rim. In some examples, the cycle time decreases as the sieve
surface becomes clogged with pupae (e.g., towards the end of the
sieving action).
[0082] In some examples, the sieving action includes raising and
lowering a level of the liquid relative to the sieve surface
between: a first liquid level defined at a first vertical elevation
above the sieve surface, and a second liquid level defined at a
second vertical elevation below the sieve surface. In some
examples, raising and lowering the level of the liquid relative to
the sieve surface includes recirculating the liquid between the
container and a secondary container. In some examples, raising and
lowering the level of the liquid relative to the sieve surface
includes removing the liquid from the container and replacing the
liquid in the container with different liquid.
[0083] In some examples, the process 1400 can further include,
after performing the sieving action, removing the sieving device
from the container and removing the liquid from the container. The
sieving device can contain the second group of pupae. The liquid
can contain the first group of pupae. In some examples, the
population of pupae includes male pupae and female pupae. The first
group of pupae can include a first portion of the male pupae. The
second group of pupae can include a second portion of the female
pupae.
[0084] In some examples, the process 1400 can further include
allowing the population of pupae to migrate from the first chamber
to the second chamber. As noted, this can include passively
allowing the pupae to migrate and/or stimulating the pupae.
[0085] FIG. 15 illustrates an example process 1500 for separating a
population of pupae based on size, according to at least one
example. The process 1500 can be performed using the sieving device
100, with or without the sieve rim 104, disposed within a container
such as the container 1202.
[0086] The process 1500 begins at 1502 by providing a sieving
device within a container so as to define a first chamber of the
container and a second chamber of the container. In some examples,
the sieving device includes a sieve frame and a sieve surface
attached to the sieve frame. An exterior surface of the sieve frame
can engage with an interior surface of the container when the
sieving device is provided within the container. The sieve surface
can be attached to the sieve frame and can include a first side and
a second side. A set of elongate openings can be formed in the
sieve surface so as to define a set of pathways extending between
the first side and the second side.
[0087] In some examples, the container includes at least one wall
and a bottom. The at least one wall can be attached to the bottom
so as to define an opening opposite the bottom. The first chamber
can be disposed proximate to the bottom of the container. The
second chamber can be disposed proximate to the opening of the
container.
[0088] In some examples, at least some elongate openings of the set
of elongate openings of the sieve surface are defined by a length
dimension and a width dimension. The length dimension can be
measured along a longitudinal axis of the elongate opening. The
width dimension can be measured along a transverse axis of the
elongate opening. In some examples, the length dimension is larger
than the width dimension.
[0089] At 1504, the process 1500 includes adding a liquid to the
container such that at least the sieve surface is submerged in the
liquid. In some examples, adding the liquid includes adding a first
portion of the liquid to the container, and, after adding the
population of pupae, adding a second portion of the liquid such
that at least the sieve surface is submerged in the second portion
liquid.
[0090] At 1506, the process 1500 includes adding a population of
pupae to a portion of the liquid that is within the first chamber.
In some examples, a first group of pupae of the population is free
to move between the first chamber and the second chamber via any
one of the elongate openings of the sieve surface. In some
examples, a second group of pupae of the population is prevented,
by sieve surface, from moving from the first chamber to the second
chamber.
[0091] In some examples, the process 1500 further includes
providing a stimulus that stimulates movement of the population of
pupae toward the second chamber.
[0092] FIG. 16 illustrates an example process 1600 for
manufacturing a sieving device such as the sieving device 100,
according to at least one example.
[0093] The process 1600 begins at 1602 by providing a piece of
planar material including a first side and a second side. For
example, the piece of planar material can be a sheet of stainless
steel, aluminum, steel, titanium, or any other material having
planar properties.
[0094] At 1604, the process 1600 includes forming a plurality of
elongate openings in the piece of planar material to create a
sieve. In some examples, each elongate opening of the plurality of
elongate openings is defined by a length dimension and a width
dimension. The length dimension can be measured along a
longitudinal axis of the elongate opening. The width dimension can
be measured along a transverse axis of the elongate opening. In
some examples, the width dimension is less than the length
dimension and is selected to correspond to a cross-sectional
cephalothorax width of a pupa.
[0095] In some examples, forming the plurality of elongate openings
includes forming by at least one of laser cutting, water jet
cutting, photochemical etching, or milling.
[0096] At 1606, the process 1600 includes attaching the sieve to a
sieve rim. In some examples, this includes attaching the sieve to a
sieve frame and attaching the sieve frame to the sieve rim. In some
examples, attaching the sieve to the sieve rim includes attaching
using fasteners, welding, a press-fit, a snap-fit, and any other
suitable means for attaching.
[0097] The foregoing description of some examples has been
presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and
is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the
precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications and adaptations
thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
[0098] Reference herein to an example or implementation means that
a particular feature, structure, operation, or other characteristic
described in connection with the example may be included in at
least one implementation of the disclosure. The disclosure is not
restricted to the particular examples or implementations described
as such. The appearance of the phrases "in one example," "in an
example," "in one implementation," or "in an implementation," or
variations of the same in various places in the specification does
not necessarily refer to the same example or implementation. Any
particular feature, structure, operation, or other characteristic
described in this specification in relation to one example or
implementation may be combined with other features, structures,
operations, or other characteristics described in respect of any
other example or implementation.
[0099] Use herein of the word "or" is intended to cover inclusive
and exclusive OR conditions. In other words, A or B or C includes
any or all of the following alternative combinations as appropriate
for a particular usage: A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B only; A
and C only; B and C only; and all three of A and B and C.
* * * * *