A method and system for preparing a distribution program for insects comprises obtaining distribution data of a wild population of insects; obtaining distribution parameters including distribution resolution levels of at least one available distribution vehicle; generating a population density map at a resolution level consistent with the distribution resolution level of the vehicle; generating a release map by modifying the population density map in accordance with the distribution parameters; and generating a path using the release map, the path defining dosages of insects to be released at respective locations along the path.
Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.
A01K 67/033 - NÉCESSITÉS COURANTES DE LA VIE ÉLEVAGE; CHASSE; PIÉGEAGE; PÊCHE ÉLEVAGE; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; PÊCHE; OBTENTION D'ANIMAUX, NON PRÉVUE AILLEURS; NOUVELLES RACES D'ANIMAUX Élevage ou obtention d'animaux, non prévus ailleurs; Nouvelles races d'animaux Élevage ou obtention d'invertébrés; Nouvelles races d'invertébrés
A01K 1/03 - Logements pour animaux domestiques ou de laboratoire
A01M 1/02 - Systèmes fixes pour capturer ou détruire les insectes avec dispositifs pour attirer les insectes
A01M 1/22 - Systèmes fixes pour capturer ou détruire les insectes par des procédés électriques
G01N 35/00 - Analyse automatique non limitée à des procédés ou à des matériaux spécifiés dans un seul des groupes Manipulation de matériaux à cet effet
G06V 10/764 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant la classification, p. ex. des objets vidéo
G06V 10/82 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant les réseaux neuronaux
G06V 20/69 - Objets microscopiques, p. ex. cellules biologiques ou pièces cellulaires
3.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED COOLING STORAGE TRANSPORT AND RELEASE OF BENEFICIAL INSECTS
An insect distribution device to be carried by drone to distribute insects from the air, comprises a source of passive cooling; an insect chamber; one or more insect containers in said insect chamber; and a release point. The source of passive cooling is in thermal contact with the insect chamber to keep the insect container below a predetermined temperature to keep said insects passive during storage. The device is designed to feed the insect containers in turn to the release point for aerial release.
Apparatus for rearing of aquatic insects, comprises one or more water trays filled with water and larvae being reared, a water inlet leading to the water surface and a water outlet leading from the water surface, the water inlet closed with an inlet valve and the water outlet closed with an outlet valve. The tray has a mesh, and the insects reared in water in the tray are above the mesh. The tray has a water cleaning configuration in which the inlet and outlet valves are open to flush clean water through the tray while the mesh holds the insects so that they do not get flushed out as the water is changed.
A device for rearing and sorting insects comprises a shaft, storage compartments, each compartment with a first closable opening for insertion of a water tray to hold pupae, and a second opening into said shaft, the inserted water tray being enclosed in the respective compartment apart from those two openings. A conveyor belt is aligned with an exit from the shaft to catch insects emerging from the pupae via the shaft. A classifier classifies insects on the conveyor belt into at least two classes; and a sorter sorts the insects on the conveyor based on output of the classifier to provide a sorted group of one of the classes.
A01M 1/02 - Systèmes fixes pour capturer ou détruire les insectes avec dispositifs pour attirer les insectes
A01K 67/033 - NÉCESSITÉS COURANTES DE LA VIE ÉLEVAGE; CHASSE; PIÉGEAGE; PÊCHE ÉLEVAGE; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; PÊCHE; OBTENTION D'ANIMAUX, NON PRÉVUE AILLEURS; NOUVELLES RACES D'ANIMAUX Élevage ou obtention d'animaux, non prévus ailleurs; Nouvelles races d'animaux Élevage ou obtention d'invertébrés; Nouvelles races d'invertébrés
A01K 1/08 - Dispositions pour libérer simultanément plusieurs animaux
G06V 10/764 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant la classification, p. ex. des objets vidéo
A storage and release mechanism for aerial distribution and release of insects from an unmanned aerial vehicle, the release being aimed at controlling a wild insect population, the wild population having fluctuating local densities, the mechanism comprising a switch for switching between two or more different sustainable insect delivery rates for release of the insects. The method is particularly suitable for sterile male mosquitoes in programs to control wild mosquito populations.
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.
A method of separating a batch of insects from a trap into individual insects comprises pouring the batch into a container having at least one hole, the hole being sized for a single insect; and moving the container to shake the insects within so that individual insects are caused to exit via the hole onto a collecting surface, thereby providing separated insects onto the collecting surface. The insects from the trap may then be counted and image recognition may be used to identify the genus, species or gender. The process may be carried out for multiple traps and location data may be stored with the insect identifications to give a map of insect distribution.
G06V 10/764 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant la classification, p. ex. des objets vidéo
9.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED COOLING STORAGE TRANSPORT AND RELEASE OF BENEFICIAL INSECTS
An insect distribution device to be carried by drone to distribute insects from the air, comprises a source of passive cooling; an insect chamber; one or more insect containers in said insect chamber; and a release point. The source of passive cooling is in thermal contact with the insect chamber to keep the insect container below a predetermined temperature to keep said insects passive during storage. The device is designed to feed the insect containers in turn to the release point for aerial release.
Apparatus for rearing of aquatic insects, comprises one or more water trays filled with water and larvae being reared, a water inlet leading to the water surface and a water outlet leading from the water surface, the water inlet closed with an inlet valve and the water outlet closed with an outlet valve. The tray has a mesh, and the insects reared in water in the tray are above the mesh. The tray has a water cleaning configuration in which the inlet and outlet valves are open to flush clean water through the tray while the mesh holds the insects so that they do not get flushed out as the water is changed.
A method of applying an operation to an individually separated and immobile insect comprises directing a mass of insects onto a permeable surface, and applying a pressure gradient through the permeable surface to apply suction of the insects down into the surface, to immobilize the insects. The operation, whether it be counting, classification, sorting or sterilization, is then carried out on the immobilized insects.
A method and system for preparing a distribution program for insects comprises obtaining distribution data of a wild population of insects; obtaining distribution parameters including distribution resolution levels of at least one available distribution vehicle; generating a population density map at a resolution level consistent with the distribution resolution level of the vehicle; generating a release map by modifying the population density map in accordance with the distribution parameters; and generating a path using the release map, the path defining dosages of insects to be released at respective locations along the path.
A method of separating a batch of insects from a trap into individual insects comprises pouring the batch into a container having at least one hole, the hole being sized for a single insect; and moving the container to shake the insects within so that individual insects are caused to exit via the hole onto a collecting surface, thereby providing separated insects onto the collecting surface. The insects from the trap may then be counted and image recognition may be used to identify the genus, species or gender. The process may be carried out for multiple traps and location data may be stored with the insect identifications to give a map of insect distribution.
Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.
A01K 67/033 - NÉCESSITÉS COURANTES DE LA VIE ÉLEVAGE; CHASSE; PIÉGEAGE; PÊCHE ÉLEVAGE; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; PÊCHE; OBTENTION D'ANIMAUX, NON PRÉVUE AILLEURS; NOUVELLES RACES D'ANIMAUX Élevage ou obtention d'animaux, non prévus ailleurs; Nouvelles races d'animaux Élevage ou obtention d'invertébrés; Nouvelles races d'invertébrés
A01K 1/03 - Logements pour animaux domestiques ou de laboratoire
A01M 1/02 - Systèmes fixes pour capturer ou détruire les insectes avec dispositifs pour attirer les insectes
A01M 1/22 - Systèmes fixes pour capturer ou détruire les insectes par des procédés électriques
G01N 35/00 - Analyse automatique non limitée à des procédés ou à des matériaux spécifiés dans un seul des groupes Manipulation de matériaux à cet effet
G05B 17/00 - Systèmes impliquant l'usage de modèles ou de simulateurs desdits systèmes
G06T 1/20 - Architectures de processeursConfiguration de processeurs p. ex. configuration en pipeline
G06V 10/764 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant la classification, p. ex. des objets vidéo
G06V 10/82 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant les réseaux neuronaux
G06V 20/69 - Objets microscopiques, p. ex. cellules biologiques ou pièces cellulaires
G06V 40/10 - Corps d’êtres humains ou d’animaux, p. ex. occupants de véhicules automobiles ou piétonsParties du corps, p. ex. mains
Method of providing insects for sorting into classes or for quality control of sorted insects comprises providing the insects in a container having a closable opening, opening the closable opening, releasing the insects through the closable opening onto a funneled air flow, the air flow carrying the insects to a collection location, the collection location being conveyable, and applying immobilizing agent to the insects on the collection location, thereby to provide stationary insects for said sorting or quality control.
A device for sorting insects into two or more classes based on size, the device comprising a drum with openings along the circumference. The insects are introduced to the drum at a first end, and the openings are sized to allow a first class of the insects to exit the drum through the circumference and the openings while the second class is retained to travel to far end of the drum, thereby sorting the insects into the classes. The drum may be held at a tilt to enable flow within the drum. The drum may rotate and a built in helix or helical screw may assist with flow. Water may be poured from above or from inside to flush insects through the openings or flush stuck insects back into the interior.
A01K 67/033 - NÉCESSITÉS COURANTES DE LA VIE ÉLEVAGE; CHASSE; PIÉGEAGE; PÊCHE ÉLEVAGE; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; PÊCHE; OBTENTION D'ANIMAUX, NON PRÉVUE AILLEURS; NOUVELLES RACES D'ANIMAUX Élevage ou obtention d'animaux, non prévus ailleurs; Nouvelles races d'animaux Élevage ou obtention d'invertébrés; Nouvelles races d'invertébrés
B07B 13/04 - Classement ou triage des matériaux solides par voie sèche non prévu ailleursTriage autrement que par des dispositifs commandés indirectement selon la taille
17.
Method for sex sorting of mosquitoes and apparatus therefor
Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.
A01K 67/033 - NÉCESSITÉS COURANTES DE LA VIE ÉLEVAGE; CHASSE; PIÉGEAGE; PÊCHE ÉLEVAGE; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; PÊCHE; OBTENTION D'ANIMAUX, NON PRÉVUE AILLEURS; NOUVELLES RACES D'ANIMAUX Élevage ou obtention d'animaux, non prévus ailleurs; Nouvelles races d'animaux Élevage ou obtention d'invertébrés; Nouvelles races d'invertébrés
A01K 1/03 - Logements pour animaux domestiques ou de laboratoire
A01M 1/02 - Systèmes fixes pour capturer ou détruire les insectes avec dispositifs pour attirer les insectes
A01M 1/22 - Systèmes fixes pour capturer ou détruire les insectes par des procédés électriques
G01N 35/00 - Analyse automatique non limitée à des procédés ou à des matériaux spécifiés dans un seul des groupes Manipulation de matériaux à cet effet
G05B 17/00 - Systèmes impliquant l'usage de modèles ou de simulateurs desdits systèmes
G06T 1/20 - Architectures de processeursConfiguration de processeurs p. ex. configuration en pipeline
G06V 10/764 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant la classification, p. ex. des objets vidéo
G06V 10/82 - Dispositions pour la reconnaissance ou la compréhension d’images ou de vidéos utilisant la reconnaissance de formes ou l’apprentissage automatique utilisant les réseaux neuronaux
G06V 20/69 - Objets microscopiques, p. ex. cellules biologiques ou pièces cellulaires
G06V 40/10 - Corps d’êtres humains ou d’animaux, p. ex. occupants de véhicules automobiles ou piétonsParties du corps, p. ex. mains
18.
MOSQUITO CLASSIFICATION, SORTING, AND STERILIZATION
A method of applying an operation to an individually separated and immobile insect comprises directing a mass of insects onto a permeable surface, and applying a pressure gradient through the permeable surface to apply suction of the insects down into the surface, to immobilize the insects. The operation, whether it be counting, classification, sorting or sterilization, is then carried out on the immobilized insects.
A01K 67/033 - NÉCESSITÉS COURANTES DE LA VIE ÉLEVAGE; CHASSE; PIÉGEAGE; PÊCHE ÉLEVAGE; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; PÊCHE; OBTENTION D'ANIMAUX, NON PRÉVUE AILLEURS; NOUVELLES RACES D'ANIMAUX Élevage ou obtention d'animaux, non prévus ailleurs; Nouvelles races d'animaux Élevage ou obtention d'invertébrés; Nouvelles races d'invertébrés
G06K 9/00 - Méthodes ou dispositions pour la lecture ou la reconnaissance de caractères imprimés ou écrits ou pour la reconnaissance de formes, p.ex. d'empreintes digitales
A storage and release mechanism for aerial distribution and release of insects from an unmanned aerial vehicle, the release being aimed at controlling a wild insect population, the wild population having fluctuating local densities, the mechanism comprising a switch for switching between two or more different sustainable insect delivery rates for release of the insects. The method is particularly suitable for sterile male mosquitoes in programs to control wild mosquito populations.
A method and system for preparing a distribution program for insects comprises obtaining distribution data of a wild population of insects; obtaining distribution parameters including distribution resolution levels of at least one available distribution vehicle; generating a population density map at a resolution level consistent with the distribution resolution level of the vehicle; generating a release map by modifying the population density map in accordance with the distribution parameters; and generating a path using the release map, the path defining dosages of insects to be released at respective locations along the path.
Method of providing insects for sorting into classes or for quality control of sorted insects comprises providing the insects in a container (30) having a closable opening, opening the closable opening, releasing the insects through the closable opening onto a funneled air flow, the air flow carrying the insects to a collection location (32), the collection location (32) being conveyable, and applying immobilizing agent to the insects on the collection location (32), thereby to provide stationary insects for said sorting or quality control.
Method and apparatus for mechanical sex-sorting of mosquitoes by extracting a class of mosquitoes from unsorted mosquitoes comprises obtaining unsorted mosquitoes, obtaining images of individual mosquitoes in a stationary phase, electronically classifying the individuals from the images into male mosquitoes and/or female mosquitoes, and possibly also unclassified objects; obtaining co-ordinates of individuals of at least one of the male mosquito and female mosquito classifications, and using a robot arm to reach an individual identified by the obtained coordinates to store or remove the individuals, thereby to provide sex-sorted mosquitoes.
A01K 67/033 - NÉCESSITÉS COURANTES DE LA VIE ÉLEVAGE; CHASSE; PIÉGEAGE; PÊCHE ÉLEVAGE; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; PÊCHE; OBTENTION D'ANIMAUX, NON PRÉVUE AILLEURS; NOUVELLES RACES D'ANIMAUX Élevage ou obtention d'animaux, non prévus ailleurs; Nouvelles races d'animaux Élevage ou obtention d'invertébrés; Nouvelles races d'invertébrés
G01N 35/00 - Analyse automatique non limitée à des procédés ou à des matériaux spécifiés dans un seul des groupes Manipulation de matériaux à cet effet
23.
AUTOMATIC HANDLING AND SORTING OF INSECTS FOR GROWTH AND RELEASE
Apparatus for automatic loading of pupae into cartridges for growing, hatching into adults and dispersal of the adults, comprises: a pupa tray of pupae in liquid. A cartridge hatches the pupae into adults and may be placed in a dispersal machine for dispersal of the adults. The cartridge has a drainage hole covered in netting at a lower end, and when filled with pupae and needing water, may be placed in a water tray to retain water in the cartridge. Then, following hatching of the pupae, the cartridge is lifted from the water tray to drain via the drainage hole to provide a dry environment for the adults.
A diffuser for distributing spray or insects from an aircraft is mounted on an aircraft and comprises a distribution tube connected to an insect source at a first end and open to the outside at a second end for distribution of the insects. A nozzle surrounds the second end and a tube cover surrounds the second end within the nozzle. The tube cover has an aerofoil, or wing-shaped, cross section. The nozzle shape sets up an air transition volume between the aircraft and ambient air designed for a maximum wind shear over any cubic centimeter volume within the air transition volume to be less than 60 km/h, and therefore allowing distribution of insects such as mosquitoes from the aircraft without damage, or allowing aerosols to be spread as large droplets.
B64D 1/18 - Largage en vol d'une matière poudreuse, liquide ou gazeuse, p. ex. pour la lutte contre l'incendie par pulvérisation, p. ex. d'insecticides
B05B 7/14 - Appareillages de pulvérisation pour débiter des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides provenant de plusieurs sources, p. ex. un liquide et de l'air, une poudre et un gaz agencés pour projeter des matériaux en particules
A diffuser for distributing insects such as mosquitoes from an aircraft, comprises a distribution tube connected to an insect source at a first end and open to the outside at a second end in a direction away from that of travel of the aircraft, for distribution of the insects; and a profile surrounding the second end, the profile being shaped to define a steadily changing airspeed. The pipe may be aligned with airflow at the point of exit of the pipe and protection may be provided around or just upstream of the exit to provide a point of minimal air velocity at the exit, the exit being the point of release of the insects.
A method and system for preparing a distribution program for insects comprises obtaining distribution data of a wild population of insects; obtaining distribution parameters including distribution resolution levels of at least one available distribution vehicle; generating a population density map at a resolution level consistent with the distribution resolution level of the vehicle; generating a release map by modifying the population density map in accordance with the distribution parameters; and generating a path using the release map, the path defining dosages of insects to be released at respective locations along the path.
A storage and release mechanism for aerial distribution and release of insects from an unmanned aerial vehicle, the release being aimed at controlling a wild insect population, the wild population having fluctuating local densities, the mechanism comprising a switch for switching between two or more different sustainable insect delivery rates for release of the insects. The method is particularly suitable for sterile male mosquitoes in programs to control wild mosquito populations.
A diffuser for distributing insects such as mosquitoes from an aircraft, comprises a distribution tube connected to an insect source at a first end and open to the outside at a second end in a direction away from that of travel of the aircraft, for distribution of the insects; and a profile surrounding the second end, the profile being shaped to define a steadily changing airspeed. The pipe may be aligned with airflow at the point of exit of the pipe and protection may be provided around or just upstream of the exit to provide a point of minimal air velocity at the exit, the exit being the point of release of the insects.
A method of distributing fragile insects in a distribution involving a wind shear, comprises, encapsulating the insects into a bubble and then releasing the bubble into the wind shear so that the bubble protects the insect from the wind shear. The insect may be inserted before or after formation of the bubble at any stage of the insect life cycle and the bubble may be uniform or made of a slow dissolving and a quick dissolving part. The bubbles are useful for aerial distribution of sterile male mosquitoes.
A fragile substance storage transportation and release device (220) comprises a frame for inserting cartridges (224) to hold the fragile substance; a propulsion unit (222) for propelling the fragile substance out of successive cartridges, cartridge by cartridge; and an opening mechanism (228) 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.
A diffuser (10) for distributing spray or insects from an aircraft is mounted on an aircraft and comprises a distribution tube (12) connected to an insect source at a first end and open to the outside at a second end (14) for distribution of the insects. A nozzle (100) surrounds the second end (14) and a tube cover (102) surrounds the second end (14) within the nozzle (100). The tube cover (102) has an aerofoil, or wing-shaped, cross section. The nozzle (100) shape sets up an air transition volume between the aircraft and ambient air designed for a maximum wind shear over any cubic centimeter volume within the air transition volume to be less than 60km/h, and therefore allowing distribution of insects such as mosquitoes from the aircraft without damage, or allowing aerosols to be spread as large droplets.
B64D 1/18 - Largage en vol d'une matière poudreuse, liquide ou gazeuse, p. ex. pour la lutte contre l'incendie par pulvérisation, p. ex. d'insecticides
brevets
