EP2217060A1

EP2217060A1 - Automated insect breeding system

Info

Publication number: EP2217060A1
Application number: EP08851278A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Erick Dollansky; Puvanesvary Alahakone
Original assignee: Dollansky Erich; Puvanesvary Alahakone; Wong Chin Sing
Current assignee: Dollansky Erich
Priority date: 2007-11-21
Filing date: 2008-11-20
Publication date: 2010-08-18
Also published as: SG152938A1; WO2009067089A1

Abstract

Modular system and its components to build and operate an apparatus to breed and release insects. The apparatus to breed insects is used to breed a large number of sterile male insects to be released to open nature. All individual steps from collecting the eggs up to the release are automated to allow the handling of a huge number of insects as needed by the sterile insect technique program. The release system is capable of releasing sterile males automatically in a constant density over large areas.

Description

Automated Insect Breeding System

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an method and apparatus to breed insects used for controlling insects using sterile insect technique.

Background of the Invention

The release of sterile male insects requires a huge number of sterile males to be produced in a controlled environment within a short period of time with reproducable results. The sterile males have then to be released to the wild with a known density.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a method and an apparatus to allow the breeding and the release of sterile male insects.

A number of insects is kept in a cage. Food, blood and breeding places are provided. The eggs or larvae laid by the female insects are then collected. A certain percentage of the harvest is used for breeding. The majority of the harvest is taken for release in the open nature. The insects are sorted according to their sex. The female insects are either killed or used for further breeding while the male insects are sterilised if they are not already sterile as a result of the gene used to breed them.

The sterile males are then transported in special transport devices to the release area from where they are released with a known density to be able to outnumber the male population living in open nature.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 illustrates an automated insect breeding system.

Figure 2 illustrates an automated breeding spot to be used as an ovitrap in an automated insect breeding system.

Figure 3 illustrates an automated sex separation system for adult insects used as a sex separation system in an automated insect breeding system.

Figure 4 illustrates an ovitrap to be used as the breeding spot in an automated insect breeding system.

Figure 5 illustrates an ovitrap to be used as the breeding spot in an automated insect breeding system.

Figure 6 illustrates a roof to be used in a breeding spot for an automated insect breeding system.

Figure 7 illustrates a an automated egg-water separation system to be used in an automated insect breeding system.

Figure 8 illustrates an alternate egg- water separation device.

Figure 9 illustrates an alternative water level regulator to be used in an automated insect breeding system.

Figure 10 illustrates an alternative egg- water separation system to be used in an automated insect breeding system.

Figure 11 illustrates breeding unit for water-breeding insects.

Figure 12 illustrates an alternative insect breeding unit for water-breeding insects.

Figure 13 illustrates a system for mass-release of sterile insects. Figure 14 illustrates a system for mass-release of sterile insects. Figure 15 illustrates a system for mass-release of sterile insects. Figure 16 illustrates a system for mass-release of sterile insects. Figure 17 illustrates a system for mass-release of sterile insects. Figure 18 illustrates a system for mass-release of sterile insects. Figure 19 illustrates an apparatus for sex separation of insects. Figure 20 illustrates the optical sensor used in Figure 19. Figure 21 illustrates the optical sensor used in Figure 19. Figure 22 illustrates the spectral response of an insect. Figure 23 illustrates an automated insect release system. Figure 24 illustrates an pupae release unit. Figure 25 illustrates an pupae / larvae separation unit.

Figure 1

Figure 1 describes a system for automated breeding of insects. Description

A cage 100 is designed so that it can contain a number of insects of a certain species. The cage 100 is equipped with food source 101. The cage 100 is equipped with a blood source 102. The cage 100 is equipped with a pupae source 103. The cage 100 is equipped with an ovitrap 104.

The cage 100 is supported by a larvae breeding unit 105. The cage 100 is supported by a breeding separator 106. The cage 100 is supported by a sex separation unit 107. The cage 100 is supported by a pupae breeding unit 108. The cage 100 is supported by a adult insect storage unit 109. The cage 100 is supported by a mosquito release unit 110. The cage 100 is supported by a sterilisation unit 111.

The cage 100 is designed so that the insects to be breed inside cannot escape but have access to fresh air and light. The cage 100 is held under environment conditions which reassemble the natural environment coditions as much as possible of the insects in open nature.

The food source 104 supplies food to the insects in the cage 100. The blood source 102 supplies blood to the insects in the cage 100. The pupae source 103 supplies fresh pupae to the cage 100.

A system controller 120 controls the sytem. The system controller is connected via a connection 130 with the food source 101. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 131 with the ovitrap 104. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 132 to the larvae breeding unto 105. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 133 with the blood blood source 102. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 134 with the pupae source 103. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 135 with a breeding separator 106. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 140 with the sterilisation unit 111. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 136 with a sex separation unit 107. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 137 with the pupae breeding unit 108. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 138 with the adult mosquito storage unit 109. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 139 with the mosquito release unit 110. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 140 with a sterilisation unit 111.

The pupae source 103 is connected via a connection 140 with the breeding separation unit 106. The ovitrap 104 is connected via a connection 150 with the laerve breeding unit 105. The larvae breeding unit 105 is connected via a connection 151 with the breeding separator 106. The breeding separator 106 is connected via a connection 152 with the sex separation unit 107. The sex separation unit 107 is connected via a connection 156 with the sterilisation unit 111. The serilisation unit 111 is connected via a connection 153 with the pupae breeding unit 108. The pupae breeding unit 108 is connected via a connection 154 with the adult insect storage unit 109. The adult insect storage unit 109 is connected via a connection 155 with the release unit 110.

Function

The food source 101 provides food for the insects contained in the cage 100. Liquid sugar can be used as food for many insect species. The availablitiy of food can be controlled by the system controller 120.

The blood source 102 provides blood for the insects contained in the cage 100. Human or animal blood can be used for many insect species. The availibility of the blood can be controlled by the system controller 120.

The pupae source 103 provides fresh pupae which will develop into adult mosquitoes to be contained in the cage 100.

The ovitrap 104 provides the breeding spot for the insects contained in the cage 100.

The larvae breeding unit 105 allows the eggs collected in the ovitrap 104 and moved to it to hatch and so develop into larvae.

The breeding separator unit 106 separates the larvae ment for breeding from the larvae for the release. The larvae ment for breeding are channeled to the pupae source 103 where they develop into pupae and later into adult insects.

The sex separation unit 107 separates larvae which will develop later into female insects from larvae which will develop later into male insects. Only the larvae developing later into male insects will be used. The larvae developing into female insects will be killed.

The storage unit 109 allows the pupae to develop into adult insects. The adult insects are then kept.

The release unit 110 is used to store the adult insects while they are transported into the release area and also for the release in the release area.

The sterilisation unit 111 treats all provided larvae or pupae at a given age so that all or at least a very high percentage of the emerging males will be sterile.

Operation The whole is system is empty. Electricity is supplied to the system controller 120. Water and electricity is supplied to the ovitrap 104. Blood and electricity is supplied to the blood source 102. Sugar, water and electricity is supplied to the food source 101.

A defined number of pupae of both sexes is brought into the pupae source

103. The pupae must be supplied with water sufficient to develop into adult insects. The pupae source 103 is then instructed by the system controller 120 via the connection 134 to release adult mosquitoes into the cage 100. The ovitrap 104 is instructed by the ststem controller 120 via the connection 131 to provide a breeding spot for adult insects.

The system controller 120 has a feeding schedule stored it its memory. The system controller 120 instruction the food source 101 according to the stored schedule to provide food food for the insects contained in the cage 100 via the connection 130. As a result, there will be times while no food will be available for the insects inside the cage 100 and there will be times while food will be available for the insects inside the cage 100.

The system controller 120 has a blood feeding schedule store in its memory. The system controller 120 instructs the blood source 102 accoding to the stored schedule to provide blood for the insects contained in the cage 100 via the connection 133.

The system controller 120 has a pupae supply schedule stored in its memory. The system controller 120 instructs the pupae source 103 via the connection 134 according to the stored schedule to provide fresh pupae to the cage 100.

The system controller 120 has a egg collection schedule stored in its memory. The system controller 120 instructs the ovitrap 104 via the connection 131 when to provide a breeding spot

The system controller 120 has a larvae breeding schedule stored in memory. The system controller 120 instructs the larvae breeding unit 105 via the connection when to start breeding with the eggs delivered from the ovitrap

104. The system controller 120 instructs the larvae breeding unit 105 when to move the larvae of a certain age via the connection 151 to the breeding separation unit 106.

The system controller 120 has a schedule for separating larvae for breeding and for sterile male production stored in its memory. The system controller 120 instructs the breeding separator via the connection 135 when to separate a given number of larvae for return onto the cage 100.

The system controller 120 has a schedule for separating the sexes stored in ite memory. The system controller 120 instructs the sex separation unit 107 when to perform sex separation on larvae of a given age. The system controller 120 has a schedule for sterilising the larvae respective pupae which will develop into male insects stored in its memory. The system controller 120 instructs the sterilisation unit 111 when to perform the sterilisation on larvae repective pupae of a given age.

The system controller 120 has a schedule for breeding the pupae into sterile males stored in its memory. The system controller 120 instructs the pupae breeding unit 108 when to take over larvae respective pupae from the sterilisation unit 111 via the connection 153 to be bred into adult insects. The system controller 120 instructs the pupae breeding unit 108 when to destroy the pupae of a given age via the connection 137.

The system controller 120 has a schedule for storing adult insects stored in its memory. The system controller 120 instructs via the connection 137 to move adult insects via the connection 154 to the storage unit 109. The storage unit 109 stores the adult insects separated by time of birth and source cage if more than one cage 100 is connected to the storage unit 109.

The system controller 120 has a schedule for releasing adult insects to open nature stored in its memory. The system controller 120 instructs the storage unit 109 to move a certain batch of adult insects via the connection 155 to the release unit 110. A release unit can contain insects of a single batch or a mix of batches.

The system controller 120 instructs the release unit 110 via the connection 139 when to release the adult insects.

The schedule for providing food can be synchronised with the schedule for providing blood. The schedule for providing food can be synchronised with the schedule for providing new pupae. The schedule for providing food can be synchronised with the schedule for providing a breeding spot. The schedule for providing blood can be synchronised with the schedule for providing new pupae. The schedule for providing blood can be synchronised with the schedule for providing a breeding spot. The schedule for providing new pupae can be synchronised with the schedule for providing a breeding spot.

The emerging adult insects will move away from the pupae source 103. Most propably insects of both sexes will engage in sex and feed at the food source 101 while food is available. The female insetcs will then start a cycle of feeding at the blood source 102, resting, feeding at the food source 101 and laying eggs at the breeding spot provided by the ovitrap 104.

The system controller 120 will instruct the ovitrap 104 according to a stored schedule to remove the eggs from the breeding spot and move them via the connection 150 to the larvae breeding unit 105. The collected eggs are given the ideal conditions to hatch into larvae in the larvae breeding unit 105. After the larvae have grown to a certain size, they are moved via the connection 151 to the breeding sperator 106.

The system controller 120 instructs the breeding separator 106 via the connection 135 to supply the pupae supply 103 via the connection 140 with a number of larvae respective pupae to keep the insect population inside the cage 100 at a predefined level.

The surplus larvae are handed over by the breeding separator 106 via the connection 152 to the sex separation unit 107.

The sex separation unit 107 separates the larvae by sex. The larvae expected to develop into female insects are killed. The larvae expected to develop into male insects are handed over to the sterilisation unit 111 for sterilisation. The larvae repsective pupae will then be handed over to the pupae breeding unit 108 via the connection 153.

The pupae breeding unit 108 will allow the laervae respective pupae to develop into adult insects. The adult insects are moved to the storage unit 109 via the connection 154.

The storage unit 109 stores the adult insects before they are moved via the connection 155 to the release unit 110.

The release unit 110 is then moved to the area from where the adult insects will be released.

Figure 2

Figure 2 describes an ovitrap to be used in an automated system to breed insects. The drawing shows the ovitrap in a sectional side view.

Description

A container 200 designed so that it can contain water with an opening on its top is supply water via a connection 201. The connection 201 is connected to a water supply system which is able to supply clean water with a volume as needed by the system.

The connection 201 is connected to a valve 202 in a way that water coming via the connection 201 from outside the container 200 will flow into the container 200 when the valve 202 is opened. The valve 202 is connected to a floater 203. The floater 203 floats on the water contained in the container 200. When the floater 203 floats above a predefined height 204 it closes the valve 202. When the floater 203 floats below a predefined height 204, it opens the valve 202.

A pump 205 is inserted into the container 200 so that it can pump water out of the container 200 when the water level is near the predefined height 204 or above.

A pump 206 is inserted into the container 200 so that it can pump water out of the container 200 when the water level is near the predefined height 204 or above. The pump 207 is connected to a pipe 207. The pipe 207 is connected to a check valve 270. The check valve 270 is connected to a pipe 271. The check valve 270 allows free flow of the water from the pipe 207 to the pipe 271. The check valve 270 blocks the flow of water from the pipe 271 to the pipe 207.

A container 210 designed so that it can contain water is placed so that water flowing out of the container 210 can flow into the container 200 without any support except support needed to channel the water flow. A pipe 214 is inserted into the container 210. The pipe 214 is connected to the pump 205. A pipe 214 is inserted into the container so that its end 212 inside the container 210 is at a predefined level 211. The pipe 213 is placed so that water flowing into the 212 will flow into the container 200 without the use of any other means. The container 210 has an opening at its top. A pipe 215 is connected to the container 210 at or near its lowest point so that the water contained in the container 210 can freely flow into the pipe 215. The pipe 215 is connected to a check valve 216. The check valve 216 is always open for water flowing from the container 210 into the pipe 215 but closes when the direction of flow is reversed. The check valve 216 is connected to a pipe 217. The pipe 217 is connected via a T junction to a pipe 320 and a pipe 233. The pipe 230 has a reduction 232 inserted so that its flow capacity is low compared to the flow capacity of the pipe 217. The pipe 233 is connected to a container 220 at an end 226. The container 220 is designed so that it can contain water and insects have access to the surface of the water contained in it. When the water stored in the container 210 reaches the predefined water level 211, the water stored in the container 220 will reach the predefined water level 221.

The end 226 is loacted near or at the highest point of the bottom of the container 220.

The container 220 is connected to a pipe 231. The end 225 of the pipe inside the container 220 is located at the lowest point of the container 220.

The pipe 271 is connected at an end 227 to the container 220 so that water pumped with the pump 206 will flow into the container above its bottom but below the predefined water level 221. The end 227 can be shaped so that water flowing into the container 220 will force the water already contained in the container 220 to swirl.

The container 220 is connected to a pipe 228. A end 224 of the pipe is located so that water contained in the container 220 below or at the predefined water level 221 will not enter it. A wall 223 separates the pipe 228 from the water stored inside the container 220 when the water level is at the predefined value 221. The top of the wall 223 is shaped round when viewed from the side. The walls of the container are high enough to enable the container 220 to contain water of a predefined water level 222. The predefined water leve 2221 is above the predefined water level 221 and above the height of the wall 223 but below the height of the outside walls of the container 220.

The pipe 231 is connected via a T junction with the pipe 230 and a pipe 234. The pipe 234 is connected via a T junction with a pipe 224 and a pipe 243. The pipe 243 has an end 242. The end 242 is connected to a container 240. The container 240 is designed so that it can contain water with an opening on its top. The end 242 is located at the lowest part of the container 242. When the water level inside the container 220 is at its predefined level 221, the water inside the container 240 will be at its predefined level 241.

The pipe 244 is connected to a valve 250. The valve 250 is connected to a pipe 251. When the valve 250 is opened, water can freely flow between the pipe 244 and the pipe 251.

The valve 250 is connected via a connection 252 to the system controller 120. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 214 with the pump 205. The system controller 120 is connected via a connection 219 with the pump 206.

Design The container 200 has an opening at its top so that air can freely flow between the surrounding atmosphere and the container 200. The side wall of the container 200 are high enough so that the container can contain the water which will flow back via the pump 205 when the pump stops operating. The container 200 is designed so that insects will not be able to access its content.

The container 210 has an opening on its top so that air can freely flow between the surrounding atmosphere and the container 210. The side walls of the container 210 are high enough to caontain water at the water level 222. The container 210 is designed so that insects cannot reach its content.

The container 220 has an opening on its top so that air can freely flow between the surrounding atmosphere and the container 220. The container is located so that insects have access to the surface of the water stored in the container 220.

The container 240 has an opening on its top so that air can freely flow between the sourrounding atmosphere and the container 240. The container 240 is designed so that insects cannot reach the water stored in it.

Operation

The system is free of water. An energy source will be applied to the system controller 120, the pump 205, the pump 206 and the valve 250.

Water will be supplied to the connection 201. As long the floater 203 is below the predefined water level 204, the valve 202 will be opened and water will flow into the container 200. When the water contained inside the container 200 reaches the predefined water level 204, the valve 202 is closed by the floater 203.

The system controller 120 instructs via the connection 214 the pump 205 to stop operating. The system controller 120 instructs via the connection 219 the pump 206 to stop operating. The system controller 120 instructs via the connection 252 the valve 250 to open.

The system controller 120 keeps the system in this state for a predefined time. The time should be long enough so that water can be collected in the container 200 and water remaining in the container 210, the container 230 and the container 240 can flow out of the system.

The system controller 120 instructs then via the connection 252 the valve 250 to close.

The system controller 120 instructs then via the connection 214 the pump 205 to start operating. Water will start to flow via the pipe 214 into the container 210. When the water reaches the end of the pipe 215 inside the container 210 it will start to flow out of the container 210 via the pipe 215. The water will flow then via the check valve 216, the pipe 217, the pipe 230, the reduction 232, the pipe 233 and the pipe 231 into the container 220. The water will also flow via the pipe 234 and the pipe 244 to the valve 250. The water will be stopped by the valve 250. The water will also flow via the pipe 242 into the container 240.

In parallel with the rise of the water level in the container 210, the water levels in the container 220 raise as well as the water level in the container 240.

When the water level in the container 210 reaches the predefined water level 211, water starts to flow out via the end 212 into the pipe 213 returning to the container 200. As the water level cannot rise any more, the water level in the container 210 stays contants as the water level in the container 220 and the container 240 do.

The system will stay now in this state.

Insects will access the water stored in the container 220 to deposite eggs on its surface. The eggs will float on its surface. Some of the eggs might stick to the side walls of the container 220.

The system controller 120 will wait until a low insect activity is expected. The system controller will then via the connection 219 instruct the pump 206 to start pumping. This will raise the water level inside the container 220 to the predefined level 222. The water contained in the container 220 will start to flow into the end 224 of the pipe 228 when the water level reaches the height of the wall 223. Eggs float on the water surface will be moved out of the container 220 into the pipe 228.

The system controller 120 will keep the system in this state for a predefined period of time.

The system controller 120 will then instruct via the connection 214 the pump 205 to stop pumping water into the container 210. The system controller 120 will also instruct via the connection 219 the pump 206 to stop pumping water into the container 220. The system controller 120 will then instruct via the connection 252 the valve 250 to open.

As a result, all the water contained in the container 210 which does not flow back via the pump 205 into the container 200, the water stored in the container 220 which does not flow into the pipe 228 and the water stored in the container 240 will flow into the pipe 251.

The water flowing into the pipe 228 will contain a higher percentage of eggs while the water flowing into the pipe 251 will contain a lower percentage of eggs. Both the pipes 228 and 251 will be connected to a laervae breeding unit where larvae will hatch out of the eggs.

To improve to egg harvest via the pipe 228, the system controller 120 can instruct the pump 206 to stop pumping for a period of time while the valve 250 stays closed and the pump 205 continues pumping. This will result in a drop of the water level in the container 220 to the height of the wall 223. When the system controller 120 instructs then the pump 206 to start pumping again, the water level in the container 220 will rise again and eggs still stucking to the side walls of the container 220 might be washed out.

To improve egg harvest, the system controller 120 can instruct the pumps 205 and 206 to pump while the valve 250 is opened to wash out addional eggs from the container 220.

To improve egg harvest, the system controller 120 can instruct the pump 205 to start pumping and instruct the valve 250 to close. Wait then a predefined period of time and instruct then the pump 106 to pump additional water into the container 220 to wash out additional eggs.

The system described in figure 2 can be used as the ovitrap 104 in figure 1.

Figure 3

Figure 3 describes a cage to separate male from female insects. Description

A cage 300 containes a certain number of male and female insects 320 of one or more species. A movable wall 301 inside the cage 300 can be moved from a position so that the insects can freely move inside the cage 300 to a position that the insects 320 cannot move freely between two sections anymore. When the movable wall 320 is closed one section will contain a food source 311 on which male and female insects 320 can feed. When the movable wall 301 is closed the other section will contain a blood source 310. Wen the movable wall 301 is closed, no insects 320 are able to move between the sections. The Insects 320 can be any species where the females feed on blood while the males do not.

Operation

Insects 320 of both sexes are inserted into the cage 300 with the movable wall 301 positioned so that the inserted insects 320 can freely move around in the cage. Food is supplied via the food source 311. Normally, both sexes will then move to the food source 311 and consume the provided food.

The insects are then given time to mate if the females of the species contained in the cage 300 feed on blood only after being inseminated.

The blood source 310 is then activated. Male insects will not be activated by this but female mosquito will start to move to the blood source 310. After enough time was given to the female insects to move towards the blood source 310, the moveable wall 301 is moved into the cage 300 so that the space around the blood source 310 is separated from the rest of the cage 300.

As a result, the majority of insects in the space containing the blood source 310 will be female and the majority of insects in the space containing the food source 311 will be male.

Variants

A better selection can be achieved by moving the separated mosquitoes to a new cage with the same design to run another separation. Figure 4

Figure 4 shows a container used as an ovitrap in. top view. Description

The container 220, the wall 223, the end 224, the end 225, the end 226 and the end 227 are already described with the description of Figure 2.

In this variant, the end 227 is located so that water flowing into the container 220 has to flow upward while flowing through the end 227.

A wall 400 is inserted into the container 220 so that it separates the water in the container 220 from the water flowing into the container via the end 227. The wall 400 has small openings so that a fraction of the water flowing into the container via the end 227 can pass through the wall 400.

The shape of the container 220 as seen from top is like the shape of a circle. The wall 400 as seen from the top is shaped so that it follows the walls of the container 220 in parallel. The length of the wall 400 is set so that it covers a maximim of 45 degrees of the outside wall of the container 220. The wall 400 is set so into the container 220 that the end 227 is near the center of the wall 400 when seen from the top.

Alternatively, the wall can be shaped so that that the distance between it and the outside wall of the container is a minimum near the end 227 and a maximum on both ends of the wall 400. This will reduce the water speed at the end points of the wall 400.

Alternatively, the wall can be shaped so that that the distance between it and the outside wall of the container is a maximum near the end 227 and a minimum on both ends of the wall 400. This will increase the water speed at the end point of the wall 400.

The water pressure of the water passing through the end 227 has to be high enough so the water can reach the predefined water level 222 but the water will not spill over the side walls of the container 220.

Figure 5

Figure 5 shows an alternative container used as an ovitrap in top view. Description

In this variant, the end 227 is located so that water flowing into the container 220 has to flow upward while flowing through the end 227. In this variant, the end 227 is located above the predefined water level 222.

A roof 500 is inserted into the container 220 above the end 227. Water flowing out of the end 227 at a higher pressure will hit the roof 500. The water hitting the roof 500 will then be deflected back into the container 220. The roof 500 is attached to the container 220.

The water pressure used in this variant can be higher than in the variant shown in Figure 4. Depending on the insect species, this variant can damage the eggs to be harvested.

The roof 500 can be combined with the wall 400 to channel the water to harvest the eggs.

Figure 6

Figure 6 shows the roof used to deflect the water used to wash out eggs. Description

The roof 500 is shown in a sectional side view. The roof 500 is shaped so its centre is also the highest point of the roof and the edges of the roof are the lowest points of the roof.

Water pumped from below to the centre at the bottom of the roof will be deflected to all sides.

Figure 7

Figure 7 shows en egg separation unit which is part of a larvae breeding unit in a sectional side view.

Description

The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 750 with a valve 721. The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 751 with a valve 705. The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 752 with a valve 704. The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 753 with a level sensor 711. The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 754 with a level sensor 712. The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 755 with a valve 720.

The pipe 228 is connected with a container 700. The pipe 251 is connected with a container 701. The container 700 is connected via the pipe 702 with the valve 704. The container 701 is connected via the pipe 703 with the valve 705. The valve 704 is connected via a T junction with a pipe 707 and a pipe 708. The pipe 707 is connected to the valve 705. The pipe 708 is arranged so that its other end is located above a container 710. The container 710 is designed so that it can contain water and eggs of a specific insect species. The container 710 is equipped with the level meter 711. The container 710 is equipped with the level meter 712. The container 710 has an opening 713 at its lowest point. The opening 713 is connected to a pipe

714. The pipe 714 is connected via a T junction with a pipe 716 and a pipe

715. The pipe 716 is connected to the valve 721. The pipe 715 is connected to the valve 720. The valve 720 is connected to a pipe 730. The valve 721 is connected to a pipe 740.

The level sensor 711 sends a signal via the connection 753 to the system controller 260 when the container 710 is nearly full. The level sensor 712 sends a signal via the connection 754 to the system controller 260 when liquid level in the container 710 becomes so low that reducing the liquid level further would also remove eggs from the container 710.

The liquid flowing out of the pipe 730 will contain a very low concentration of eggs. The liquid flowing out of the pipe 740 will contain a very high concentration of eggs.

Arrangement

The pipe 228, the container 700, the pipe 702, the valve 704, the pipe 706 and the pipe 708 are arranged so that all the liquid supplied via the pipe 228 can flow through them into the container 710 when the valve 704 is opened with only gravity as the driving force.

The pipe 251, the container 701, the pipe 703, the valve 705, the pipe 707 and the pipe 708 are arranged so that all the liquid supplied via the pipe 251 can flow through them into the container 710 when the valve 705 is opened with only gravity as the driving force.

The container 710, the pipe 714, the pipe 715, the valve 720 and the pipe 730 are arranged so that all the liquid contained in the container 710 can flow out via the pipe 730 when the valve 720 is opened with only gravity as the driving force.

The container 710, the pipe 714, the pipe 716, the valve 721 and the pipe 740 are arranged so that all the liquid contained in the container 710 can flow out via the pope 740 when the valve 721 is opend with only gravity as the driving force.

The pipe 730 is connected to a drainage system. It must be made sure that the accidientally supplied eggs in the liquid flowing through the pipe 730 cannot develop into the insects after leaving the pipe 730.

Operation

The liquid supplied via the pipe 228 contains a concentration of eggs which is higher than the concentration of eggs in the liquid supplied via the pipe 251. The liquid supplied via the pipe 228 is stored in the container 700. The liquid supplied via the pipe 251 is stored in the container 701. When the system controller 260 instructs the valve 704 to open, the liquid stored in the container 700 is allowed to flow into the container 710. When the system controller 260 instructs the valve 705 to open, the liquid stored in the container 701 is allowed to flow into the container 710.

When the system controller 260 sends a signal via the connection 755 to open the valve 720 the liquid contained in the container 710 starts to flow out from the bottom of the container. As the eggs float on top of the water, no eggs should be contained in this water as long as the liquid level in the container 710 is above the level at which the level sensor 712 sends a signal via the connection 754 to the system controller 260.

When the system controller 260 sends a signal via the connection 755 to open the valve 721 the liquid contained in the container 710 starts to flow out from the bottom of the container. As the valve 721 should only be opened when the liquid level in the container 710 is below the level signaled to the system controller 260 by the level sensor 712 via the connection 754, the liquid flowing out via the pipe 740 will contain a high concentration of eggs.

Default State

The valves 704, 705 and 721 are closed. The valve 720 is opened. All eventually collecting liquid will so flow out via the pipe 730 into the drainage system. Separating eggs

As long as there is liquid available from the container 700, the system controller instructs the eggs separation unit to separate eggs from the liquid with the higher concentration of eggs. When no liquid is available anymore from the container 700, the system controller uses the liquid stored in the container 701. When no liquid is available anymore from the container 701, the system controller closes the valves 704, 705 and 721 and opens the valve 720 to empty the eggs separtion unit and waits for fresh liquid to arrive.

The system controller 260 instructs the valve 720 to close. The system controller 260 instructs the valve 704 to open. The system controller 260 waits for the signal from the level sensor 711. When the signal from the level sensor 711 arrives, the system controller 260 instructs the valve 704 to close. The system controller 260 waits now for a predefined period of time to allow the liquid contained in the container 710 to settle and the eggs which got drowned by the processing to float again on the water surface. The system controller 260 instructs then the valve 720 to open. The liquid contained in the container 710 starts to flow out at the bottom of the container 710. As the eggs float on the water surface, only damaged eggs will be washed out with the water via the pipe 730. When the system controller 260 receives the signal from the level sensor 712 that a predefined lower liquid level is reached, it instructs the valve 720 to close. The concentration of eggs in the lquid contained in the container 710 is higher than it was before the draining started as the surplus water has flown out via the pipe 730. The sytem controller 260 instructs now the valve 721 to open. The valve 721 stays open until all the liquid originally contained in the container 710 has flown out via the pipe 740.

If the signal from the level sensor 711 does not arrive within a predevined period of time, the system controller starts to separate eggs from the liquid with the lower concentration.

The differentiation of the concentration can be used to prioritise the processing of the liquid with the higher concentration of eggs.

If the concentration of eggs leaving the pipe 740 is to low several egg separation units can be cascaded until the desired concentration is achieved.

The larvae breeding unit can be used as the egg separation unit 105 in Figure 1. Figure 8

The Figure 8 illustrates an alternate egg-water separation unit in a sectional side view.

Description

The elements 260, 228 and 251 are described with the Figure 2. The elements 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707, 708, 751 and 752 are described with Figure 7. The elements 1050 and 1051 are describes with Figure 10.

A water supply pipe 800 is connected to a valve 801. The valve 801 is connected to a pipe 802.

A container 810 is shaped so that it can receive all the water flowing out of the pipe 708 without overflow. The container 810 has a floor 814 designed so that water can easliy flow out of the container into a funnel 813. The container 810 has a filter 811 inserted near or at its floor so that all the water flowing into the container 810 from the top will have to pass through the filter 811. The filter 811 is designed so that insect eggs contained in the arriving water will not be able to fit through its openings while the water can easily flow through. The funnel 813 has an opening 815 at its lowest point so that all the water flowing into the funnel will flow out of the opening 815. A pipe 816 is connected to the opening 815. The water flowing out of the pipe 816 can be drained as it does not contain a high concentration of the insect eggs anymore. Care has to be taken that eventually contained eggs might not develop into insects.

One side of the container 810 is connected to a shaft 820. The shaft 820 is connected via a connection 824 with the system controller 260. A funnel 821 is located next to the funnel 813 so that all of the content of the container 810 will fall into it when the shaft 820 rotates the container 810 so that the container is located above the funnel 821 but its position is upside-down. The funnel 821 has an opening 822 at its lowest point. The opening is connected to a pipe 823. The water flowing out of the pipe 823 will have a high concentration of insect eggs. The pipe 823 is connected to a larvae breeding unit to process the collected eggs further.

Design

The pipe 708 is arranged so that the water flowing through it will flow into the container 810. The flow speed of the water should be as low as possible to keep the impact onto the insect eggs as minimal as possible. This can be achieve by desiging the container 700 so that it is very shallow but covers a large area. The pipe 708 must be arranged so that it allowed the free rotation of the container 810 by the shaft 820. The optical sensor 1050 must be arranged so that it can reliably detect the eggs arriving in the container 810. Additional illumination might be needed to acieve this. The optical sensor 1050 must be arranged so that the container 810 is allowed to the free roation of the container 810 by the shaft 820.

The colour of the filter 811 should be chosen so that the insect eggs have a contrasting colour. I.e. a white filter should be used for black eggs.

The water pipe 802 is located above the funnel 821 so that it can wash out the eggs from the filter 811. The end of the pipe 802 has to be arranged so that it allows the free move of the container 810 by the shaft 820. The end of the pipe 802 can be designed like a shower head delivering a large number of very fine water sprays covering the full size of the filter 811.

Operation

Start of Operation

The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 751 the valve 705 to close. The system controller 260 instructs the valve 704 to close. Water with a higher concentration of insect eggs are delivered via the pipe 228 and stored in the container 700. Water with a lower concentration of insect eggs is delivered via the pipe 251 and stored in the container 701. The system controller 260 will priotise the processing of the liquid stored in the container 700 over the processing of the liquid stored in the container 701.

Filtering of Eggs

The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 752 the valve 704 to open. Alternatively, the system controller 260 instructs via the connection 751 the valve 705 to open. Liquid will flow from the container 700 via the pipe 706 and the pipe 708 into the container 810. Alternatively, liquid will flow from the container 701 via the pipe 707 and the pipe 708 into the container 810. The water arriving at the filter will flow through the filter into the funnel 813. The insect eggs contained in the liquid will not be able to pass through the filter 811. The insect eggs will then collect on the surface of the filter 811.

The system controller 260 monitors the signal send by the optical sensor 1050 via the connection 1051. When the contrast reaches a predefined level the system controller 260 instructs the valves 704 and 705 to close.

Egg Removal

The system controller 260 waits for a predefined period of time to allow the remaining water to flow out via the opening 815. The system controller 260 instructs then the shaft 820 to rotate so that the container 810 is moved over the funnel 821 with its opening turned downwards. The system controller 260 waits until the container 810 reached its position over the funnel 812. The system controller 260 instructs then via the connection 830 the valve 801 to open. Water will then flow out of the pipe 802 and wash the filter 811 from the back. As a result the eggs formerly collected at the surface of the filter 811 will fall down into the funnel 821 where they will reach the opening 822 and flow together with the water out via the pipe 823. After a preset period of time, the system controller 260 instructs via the connection 830 the valve 801 to close. The system controller 260 instructs then via the connection 824 the shaft to rotate backward to its original position. As a result the container 810 is moved into its position over the funnel 813. The system is now ready for a new cycle of egg- water separation.

Figure 9

Figure 9 describes in a sectional side view an alternative water level regulator.

Description

The elements 211, 212, 210, 214, 215, 205, 204, 200, 203, 202, 201, 214 and 260 are described with Figure 2. There function does not change here.

A pipe 902 is connected to a valve 903. The valve 903 is connected to a pipe 904. The pipe 904 is arranged so that all the water entering the pipe via the valve 903 will flow into the contaner 200. The end 212 of the pipe 902 is arranged so that all the liquid inside the container 210 which is above the predefined level 211 will flow into the pipe 902 via the end 212.

A pipe 910 is inserted into the bottom of the container 901. An end 901 of the pipe 910 is arranged so that all the liquid above a predefined level 900 will flow into the pipe 901. The pipe 910 is connected to a valve 911. The valve 911 is connected to a pipe 912. The pipe 912 is arranged so that all the liquid entering the pipe 912 via the valve 911 will flow into the container 200.

The system controller is connected via a connection 905 with the valve 903. The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 913 with the valve 911.

Operation

The system is empty. The valve 903 is open. The valve 911 is open. Energy is supplied to the system controller 260. Water is supplied via the connection 201. The system controller 260 waits for a predefined period of time to allow the container 200 to fill with water. The valve 202 opens as no water is contained in the container 200 and so the water level is below the predefined water level 204 at which the floater 203 closes the valve 202. The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 905 the valve 903 to close. The system controller 260 instructs the valve 911 via the connection 913 to open. The system controller 260 instructs the pump 205 via the connection 214 to start pumping. The pump 205 pumps then water up into the container 210. The water will flow out via the pipe 215 until the connected system is filled to the same level as the bottom of the container has is reached. The water level inside the container 210 and the connected system will then rise until the predefined water level 900 is reached. All surplus water will then start to flow out via the end 901 into the pipe 910, flow though the valve 911 and the pipe 912 back into the container 200. The water level in the connected system will stay constant at the same level as the predefined water level 900. When the system controller 260 instructs the valve 911 via the connection 913 to close, the water level inside the container 210 and the connected systems will start to rise. The system controller 260 will then instruct the valve 903 via the connection 905 to open. The water level inside the container 200 will rise until it reaches the predefined water level 211. The water will then start to flow into the end 212 of the pipe 902 and flow via the valve 903 and the pipe 904 back to the container 200.

As a result this water level regulator is able to provide water at different predefined water levels. Any number of water levels can be provided by a single water level regulator as long as for each water level to be provided a set of a pipe 910, a valve 911, a pipe 912 and a connection 913 is provided so that the system controller 260 is able to close all valves which are connected to an end 901 inside the container which is lower than the water level to be provided.

The water level regulator will need a certain time to adjust the water level depending on the parameters of the provided water volume by the pump 205 and the outflow capacity of the pipes 901.

The container 210 has to be arranged above the container 200. The combination out of the pipe 901, the valve 911 and the pipe 912 has to be arranged so that the water entering the pipe 910 inside the container can freely flow only driven by gravity to the container 200.

Figure 10

Figure 10 illustrates in a sectional side view an alternative system to separate the eggs of water-breeding insects from water.

Description

The functional elements 260, 751, 752, 228, 251, 700, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 706, 707 and 708 are already described with Figure 7.

A container 1000 is designed so that it can contain water with an opening on its top. The container 1000 has an opening 1006 at its lowest point. The container 1000 has a wall 1002 inserted. The container 1000 has a filter 1005 inserted at a predefined level. The top of the wall 1002 is rounded. The container 1000 has a predefined water level 1004. The container has a predefined water level 1003. The container 1000 as an opening 1001.

An optical sensor 1050 is installed so that it can monitor the surface of the water stored in the container 1000. The optical sensor 1050 is connected to the system controller 260 via a connection 1051.

The opening 1001 is connected to a pipe 1008. The opening 1006 is connection to a pipe 1020. The pipe 1020 is connected via a T junction with a pipe 1021 and a pipe 1022. The pipe 1021 is connected to a valve 1023. The valve 1023 is connected to a pipe 1024. The valve 1023 is connected via a connection 1025 with the system controller 260.

The container 1000 is connected to a pipe 1010. The pipe 1010 is connected to a check valve 1011. The check valve 1011 is connected to a pipe 1012. The pipe 1012 is connected to a water level regulator as described in Figure 9. The water level regulator is installed so that its water level 211 is the same as the water level 1003. The water level regulator is configured so that its water level 908 is the same as the water level 1004. The output of the water level regulator 215 is connected to the pipe 1012.

The pipe 1022 is connected to a valve 1051. The valve 1051 is connected to a pipe 1050. The valve 1051 is connected to the system controller 260 via a connection 1052. The pipe 1050 is connected to a container 1030. The container 1030 is designed so that it can hold water. The container 1030 as a predefined water level 1040. The container 1030 is arranged so that its predefined water level 1030 is the same as the predefined water level 1004 inside the container 1000. The container 1030 has a wall 1032 installed. The container 1031 has an opening 1031. The container 1030 has an opening 1033. The wall 1032 is designed with a round top. The height of the wall 1032 is set so that water at the predefined water level 1040 will not flow over it. The height of the wall 1032 is so that it is lower than the height of the wall 1002 inside the container 1000. The opening 1031 is connected to the pipe 1034. The container 1030 has an opening 1033 at its lowest point. The opening 1033 is connected to a pipe 1035. The pipe 1035 is connected to a valve 1036. The valve 1036 is connected to a pipe 1037. The valve 1036 is connected via a connection 1038 with the system controller 260.

Design

The pipe 228, the container 700, the pipe 702, the valve 704, the pipe 706 and the pipe 708 are arranged so that liquid entering via the pipe 228 will flow out of the pipe 708 when the valve 704 is open just with gravity as the driving force. The pipe 251, the container 701, the pipe 703, the valve 705, the pipe 707 and the pipe 708 are arranged to that liquid entering via the pipe 251 will flow out of the pipe 708 wen the valve 705 is open just with gravity as the driving force.

The optical sensor 1050 is arranged so that it can detect the eggs floating on the water surface inside the container 1000. The optical sensor 1050 can have an additional light source installed so that the surface of the water contained in the container 1000 is evenly illuminated.

The filter 1005 has opening large enough to allow water to pass through but does not allow the eggs of the targeted insect species to pass through. The colour of the filter is chosen so that there is a high contrast to the colour of the targeted insect species.

The predefined water level 1004 is set so that the filter 1005 is covered by water for normal operation.

The distance between the end of the pipe 708 from where the eggs will come out and the water surface inside the container 1000 should be small enough to keep the eggs intact.

The height of the wall 1002 and the amount of water flowing in via the pipe 708 have to be adjusted so that the rise in water level while the water flows in is low enough so that the water level does not rise above the wall 1002.

The bottom of the container 1000 is shaped so that objects passing through the filter will move into the opening 1006 when the container 1000 is emptied.

The pipes 1020, 1022 and 1050 and the valve 1051 are arranged so that the water can freely move between the container 1000 and the container 1030 when the valve 1051 is open with just gravity as the driving force.

The pipes 1020, 1021 and 1024 and the valve 1023 are arranged so that the water entering the pipe 1020 can flow out of the pipe 1024 when the pipe 1023 is opened with just gravity as the driving force.

The pipe 135, the valve 1036 and the pipe 1037 are arranged to that the water entering the pipe 1035 can freely flow out of the pipe 1037 when the valve 1036 is open with just gravity as the driving force.

The opening 1033 is arranged to that all water contained in the container 1030 can flow out when the valve 1036 is opened.

Operation

The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 751 the valve 705 to close. The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 752 the valve 704 to close. The system controller 260 instructs the water level regulator connected to the egg separation unit via the pipe 1012 to stop proving water. The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1025 the valve 1023 to open. The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1038 the valve 1036 to open. The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1052 the valve 1051 to open. The system controller 260 leaves the egg- separation unit in this state until all liquid eventually contained has left the system via the pipes 1024 and 1037.

Start of the Separation Process

The system controller 260 starts the egg separation process. The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1025 the valve 1023 to close. The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1038 the valve 1036 to close. The system controller 260 instructs via the conneciton 1052 the valve 1051 to open. The system controller 260 instructs the water level regulator to deliver water via the pipe 1012 with the predefined water level 1004.

The system controller 260 leaves then the egg- separation unit in this state until the water level inside the container 1000 has reached the predefined water level 1004. The arriving water will also flow via the pipe 1020, the pipe 1022, the valve 1051 and the pipe 1050 into the container 1030 until the predefined water level 1040 is reached.

When enough water is contained in the container 700, the system controller will instruct via the connection 752 the valve 704 to open. When the water in the container 700 is not enough to do a egg-water separation, the system controller will automatically use the water stored in the container 701 by instructing the valve 705 via the connection 751 to open. When both the containers 700 and 701 do not contain enough water, the eggs-water separation is stopped.

When the water flow through the pipe 708 starts, the water level in the container 1000 will rise. As a result, water will flow out of the container 1000 via the pipe 1020, the pipe 1022, the valve 1051 and the pipe 1050 into the container 1030 causing there a rise in water level. When the water level in the container 1030 rises above the height of the wall 1032, the water will reach the opening 1031 and start to flow out of the container 1030 into the pipe 1034. This water will contain only a very low percentage of insect eggs. It can be drained away. Precautions should be taken to make sure that eventually contained eggs will not develop into insects.

The system controller 260 monitors now the water surface inside the container 1000 via the optical sensor 1050. When the contrast caused by the eggs and the filter 1005 reaches a predefined level, the system controller 260 instructs the valves 704 and 705 to close.

Alternatively, the system controller 260 waits for a predefined period of time before it instructs the valves 704 and 705 to close.

Washing out the Eggs

The concentration of eggs above the filter 1005 is now very high. The eggs have now be moved away for further processing.

The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1052 the valve 1051 to close. The system controller 260 instructs the water level regulator to provide water with the predefined water level 1003. The water level inside the container 1000 will rise now. When the water level reaches the height of the wall 1002, water will start to flow out of the container 1000 into the opening 1001. As the water will flow from the point of entry into the container 1000 to the opening 1001, the eggs floating on the water surface will be washed away. The separated eggs will flow out via the pipe 1008 for further prcessing. Shaping the container 1000 like the ovitraps shown in the Figures 4 and 5 will improve the ability of the container 1000 to allow most eggs washed out by the inflowing water.

The optical sensor 1050 can be used to monitor the contrast of the insect eggs against the filter 1005 to stop the process of washing out the eggs when a certain contrast value is reached.

Preparation for a new Separation

The system controller 260 ends the step of washing out the eggs with instructing the water level regulator to stop the supply of water. The system controller 260 instructs the valves 1023 via the connection 1025 and the valve 1051 via the connection and the valve 1036 via the connection 1038 to open. As a result all the water contained in the containers 1000 and 1030 will be drained out via the pipe 1024 and 1037. The remaining eggs will be collected at the surface of the filter 1005. They will be washed out with the next cycle. Figure 11

Figure 11 illustrates a larve/pupae breeding unit for water breeding insects.

Description

The system controller 260 is desribed with Figure 2.

A container 1100 is shaped so that it can hold water. The container 1100 has an opening on its top. The bottom of the container 1100 is shaped so that all liquid can collect at a single spot when the container 1100 is its normal operating position. The liquid contained in the container 1100 will result in the predefined liquid level 1160. The container 1100 as an opening 1101. The container 1100 has an opening 1102 at the the highest point of the bottom. The container 1100 has an opening 1103 on its lowest point. The container 1100 has a temperature sensor 1150 installed. The container 1100 has an adjustable heat source 1151 installed. The opening 1101 is connected to a pipe 1114. The pipe 1114 is connected to a valve 1112. The valve 1112 is connected to a water supply 1113. The valve 1112 is connected via a connection 1137 with the system controller 260. The temperature sensor 1150 is connected via a connection 1152 with the system controller 260. The adjustable heat source 1151 is connected via a connection 1153 with the system controller 260. The opening 1102 is connected to a pipe 1104. The opening 1103 is connected to a pipe 1105. The pipe 1104 is connected via a T junction with a pipe 1127 and a pipe 1106. The pipe 1105 is connected via a T junction with the pipe 1106 and a pipe 1108. The pipe 1106 has a reduction 1107 inserted. The flow capacity of the reduction 1107 is low compared to the flow capacity of the pipe 1127. The flow capacity of the reduction 1107 is low compared to the flow capacity of the pipe 1104. The pipe 1127 is connected to a check valve 1126. The check valve 1126 is connection to a pipe 1125. The pipe 1108 is connected to a valve 1109. The valve 1109 is connected to a pipe 1110. The valve 1109 is connected via a connection 1111 with the system controller 260. A food source 1140 is arranged so that it can provide food for the larvae inside the container 1100 via a pipe 1141. The food source 1140 is connected via connection 1138 with the system controller 260. The pipe 1125 is connected to a container 1120 at or near its bottom. The container 1120 has a pipe 1123 connected. The container 1120 has a pipe 1124 inserted from the bottom so that its end 1122 ends at a predefined water level 1121. The predefined water level 1121 is the same as the predefined liquid level 1160. The pipe 1123 is connected to a pump 1134. The pump 1134 is located inside a container 1130. The container 1130 is shaped so that it can contain water with an opening on its top. The container 1130 is connected to a water supply 1131. The water supply 1131 is connected to a valve 1132. The water supply 1131 is outside the container 1131. The water supply 1131 is connected to the valve 1132 so that the water supplied by the water supply 1131 will flow into the container 1130 when the valve 1132 is opened. The valve 1132 is connected to a floater 1133. The water contained in the container 1130 has a predefined water level 1135.. The pump 1134 is connected to the system controller 260 via connection 1136. The container 1100 has a liquid level sensor 1170 installed. The liquid level sensor 1170 is connected via a connection 1171 with the system controller 260. The liquid level sensor 1170 detects the level of liquid contained in the container 1100.

Design

The containers 1120 and 1100 are arranged so that the water level 1121 is on the same level as the liquid level 1160. The containers 1120 are arranged so that the water flowing into the end 1122 can flow out of the pipe 1124 into the container 1130 with only gravity as the driving force. The pipe 1125, the check valve 1126, the pipe 1127 and the pipe 1104 are arranged so that the water can freely flow from the container 1120 to the container 1100 with just gravity as the driving force. The opening 1101 is arranged so that water flowing into the container 1100 through it is able to wash out the remaining larvae respective pupae left in the container 1100 after the container 1100 was drained. The pipe 1141 is arranged so that the food coming from the food supply 1140 will fall into the container 1100 with just gravity as the driving force. The container 1100, the pipe 1105, the pipe 1108, the valve 1109 and the pipe 1110 are arranged so that liquid stored in the container 1100 can flow out of the pipe 1110 when the valve 1109 is opened with just gravity as the driving force. The check valve 1126 allows the flow of water from the pipe 1125 to the pipe 1127. The check valve 1126 blocks the flow of water from the pipe 1127 to the pipe 1125.

Operation

The system is empty. When water is supplied via the water supply 1131 the water will flow via the valve 1132 into the container 1130 until the water level reaches the predefined water level 1135. The floater 1133 will then float so high that it will close the valve 1132. When the water level inside the container 1130 drops to below the predefined water level 1135, the floater

1133 will float at a lower level and so open the valve 1132. The valve 1109 is instructed by the system controller 260 to open.

Refilling

When a new batch of eggs is to be filled into the container 1100, the system controller 260 will instruct via the connection 1111 the valve 1109 to close.

The eggs can either come from an egg-water separation unit via a pipe i.e. 823 or can be placed in the container 1100 by hand.

After the eggs are filled into the container 1100, the system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1136 the pump 1134 to start pumping water into the container 1120. The water will flow via the pipe 1123 into the container 1120. As long as the water level in the container 1100 is below the level of the outflow inside the container 1120, all the water pumped into the container 1120 will flow via the pipe 112, the check valve 1126, the pipe 1127, the pipe 1106, into the pipe 1108 and via the pipe 1104 and 1105 into the container 1100. When the water level inside the container 1100 reaches the level of the outflow inside the container 1120, the water level also in the container 1120 starts to rise until it reaches the end 1122. The surplus water will now start to flow out via the pipe 1124 back into the container 1130. As a result, the water level inside the containers 1120 and 1100 stay constantly at the predefined water level 1121. When the liquid level sensor 1170 reports via the connection 1171 that the liquid level inside the container 1100 has reached the predefined liquid level 1160, the system controller 260 starts to monitor the temperature readings send by the temperature sensor 1150 via the connection 1152. The system controller 260 will then via the connection 1153 instruct the heat source 1151 to adjust so that the temperature inside the container 1100 stays within a predefined range. The heat source 1151 is designed so that it can heat and cool the liquid contained in the container 1100 when needed.

The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1138 the feeding unit 1140 at predefined times to release a predefined amount of food via the pipe 1141 into the container 1100.

The system stays in this state until the larvae or pupae reach a predefined age.

Draining

When the predefined age is reached, the larvae or pupae will be drained out via the pipe 1110 for further processing. To do so, the system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1136 the pump 1134 to stop pumping. The system controller 260 instructs then via te connection 1111 the valve 1109 to open. The content of the container including the laevae and/or pupae will flow out via the pipe 1110. The system controller 260 waits for a predefined time until it instructs via the connection 1137 the valve 1112 to open and deliver a water spray into the container 1100 to wash out the remaining larvae and /or pupae. Alternatively, the system controller reads the liquid level inside the container 1100 via the liquid level meter 1170 and instructs the valve 1112 to open after the liquid level dropped to a minimum.

The system controller 260 instructs after a predefined period of time via the connection 1137 the valve 1112 to close.

The system controller 260 instructs after a predefined period of time via the connection 1111 the valve 1109 to close.

The container 1100 is empty now and ready for breeding a new set of eggs, larvae or pupae.

The container 1100 can stay empty for a predefined period of time to make sure that all remaining eggs, larvae or pupae has died.

Variants

Multiple containers 1100 can be connected to a single water level regulator output at the pipe 1125.

The output of the pipe 1110 can be channeled to an egg-water separator to reduce the amount of water in the mixture.

Figure 12

Figure 12 illustrates in a sectional side view an alternative larvae/pupae breeding unit for water-breeding insects.

Description

The system controller 260 is described with Figure 2.

A container 1200 is designed so that it can hold water and has an opening on its top. The container 1200 as a pipe 1201 installed at or near its bottom. The container has a level sensor 1202 installed. The level sensor 1202 detects the liquid level inside the container 1200. The level sensor 1202 is connected via a connection 1205 with the system controller 260. The container 1200 has temperatur sensor 1203 installed. The temperatur sensor 1203 detects the temperature of the liquid stored inside the container 1200. The temperature sensor 1203 is connected via a connection 1206 with the system controller 260. The container 1200 has a heat source 1204 installed. The heat source can provide the heating or the cooling of the liquid stored inside the container 1200. The heat source 1204 is connected via a connection 1207 with the system controller 260. The container 1200 is attached to a shaft 1210 so that roating the shaft 1210 to one side will flip the container 1200 to the other side of the shaft 1210 and all the liquid stored in the container 1200 will flow out of it. The shaft 1210 is connected via a connection 1211 to the system controller 260. The pipe 1201 is connected to a flexible hose 1220. The flexible hose 1220 is connected via a T junction to a pipe 1226 and a pipe 1222. The pipe 1226 is connected to a check valve 1227. The check valve 1227 is connected to a pipe 1228. The check valve 1227 allows the free flow of water from the pipe 1228 to the pipe 1226. The check valve 1227 blocks the flow of water from the pipe 1226 to the pipe 1228. The pipe 1228 is connected to a container 1230 at or near its lowest point. The container 1230 has pipe 1233 inserted so that water can flow from the pipe 1233 into the container 1230. The container 1230 has a pipe 1234 inserted so into its bottom that a end 1231 of the pipe 1234 ends inside the container 1230 at a predefined level 1232. The pipe 1233 is connected to a pump 1245. The pump 1245 is inserted into a container 1240. The container 1240 is design so that it can contain water with an opening on its top. The container 1240 is connected to a water supply 1241. The water supply 1241 is connected to a valve 1242. The connection between the water supply 1241 and the valve 1242 is made so that water supplied by the water supply 1241 will flow via the valve 1242 into the container 1240 when then valve 1242 is opened. The valve 1242 is connected to a floater 1244. The floater 1244 floats on the water stored in the container 1240. The floater 1244 closes the valve 1242 when the water inside the container 1240 is at or above a predefined water level 1246. The floater 1244 opens the valve 1242 when the floater 1244 is below the predefined water level 1246. The pump 1245 is connection via a connection 1248 with the system controller 260. A funnel 1212 is located next to the container 1200 so that all the content of the container 1200 will flow into the funnel 1212 when the container 1200 is turned over by the shaft 1210. The funnel 1212 has a pipe 1213 installed at its lowest point so that all the lquid entering the funnel 1212 via its top will leave the funnel via the pipe 1213. An optical sensor 1250 is installed above the container 1200 so that it does not block the move of the container 1200 but allows to monitor the water surface of the water contained in the container 1200. The optical sensor 1250 has a connection 1251 to the system controller 260. A water supply 1270 is installed near the funnel. The water supply has a connection 1272 to the system controller 1200. The water supply 1270 is connected to a pipe 1271. The outflow of the pipe 1271 is shaped like a shower head so it can spray multiple small sprays onto the container 1200 when the container 1200 is moved over the funnel 1212 by the shaft 1210 to wash out all the remaining content. A food supply 1260 is installed near the container 1260. The food supply is connected via a connection 1262 to the system controller 260. A pipe 1261 is connected to the food supply 1260. The pipe is arranged so that it allows the food supplied by the food supply 1260 to flow into the container 1200 but does not block the free move of the container 1200 by the shaft 1210.

Design

The container 1200 is designed so that the eggs brought into it can develop into larvae. The container 1200 is designed so that the larvae brought into it or develop in it can develop into pupae. The normal position of the container 1200 is so that the liquid contained in it will not flow out. The container 1200 is designed so that if it is turned by the shaft 1210 to one side, all the liquid flows out to the side where the shaft 1210 is attached to the container 1200. The side wall of the container 1200 where the shaft 1210 is attached has to be shaped so that the liquid contained in the container 1200 will flow around the shaft 1210 without leaving the container befor the liquid flows into the funnel 1212 without any spill over. The containers 1230 and 1200 have to be arranged so that the water level 1232 in the container 1230 is identical to the water level 1208 in the container 1200. The pipe 1228, the check valve 1227, the pipe 1226 and the pipe 1221 and the flexible hose 1220 and the pipe 1201 have to be arranged so that water can flow freely from the container 1230 into the container 1200 with just gravity as the driving force when the water level inside the container is near the predefined water level 1232. The pipes 1201, the flexible hose 1220, the pipe 1221, the pipe 1222, the valve 1223 and the hose 1234 have to be arranged to that all the liquid contained in them can freely flow out of the pipe 1224 with just gravity as the driving force when the valve 1223 is open. The container 1230 and the container 1240 have to be arranged so that the water flowing out of the pipe 1234 will flow into the opening on top of the container 1240 with just gravity as the driving force. The optical sensor 1250 has to be arranged so that it does not block the free move of the container 1200 when moved by the shaft 1210. The optical sensor 1250 has to be arranged to that it has an undisturbed view onto the surface of the liquid stored in the container 1200. Additional illumination might be needed to get a better image of the eggs, larvae and pupae living in the water contained in the container 1200. The end of the pipe 1271 has to be arranged so that the sprays leaving the pipe 1271 are able to reach all parts of the container 1200 which are in touch with the liquid inside the container 1200 to be able to wash out all eggs, larvae and pupae which might gets stuck on the surface of the container 1200 while the water surrounding them already went into the funnel 1212.

Operation

The system is empty at the start. Water is supplied via the water supply 1241. As the valve 1242 will be open as this moment of time, water will start to flow from the water supply 1241 into via the valve 1242 into the container 1240. The inflowing water will result in a rising water level inside the container 1240. When the water level in the container reaches the predefined water level 1246, the floater 1244 floats high enough to close the valve 1242. When the floater 1244 floats below the predefined water level 1246, the valve 1242 will be opened.

Refilling

When insect eggs or larvae are supplied to the container 1200, either manually or autmatically, the system controller 260 instructs the valve 1223 via the connection 1225 to close. When all the eggs or larvae are supplied, the system controller 260 instructs via the connection 1248 the pump 1245 to start pumping. The water will move from the container 1240, via the pump 1245, via the pipe 1233 into the container 1230. The water will flow out of the container into the pipe 1228 and from there via the check valve 1227, via the pipe 1221, via the flexible hose 1220 and via the pipe 1201 into the container 1200 until the water level inside the container 1230 reaches the predifined water level 1232. The water will then start to flow out via the pipe 1234 back to the container 1240. Water vaporising from the container 1200 will automatically replaced by fresh water from the container 1230. The system stays now in this condition for a predefined period of time or until the system controller 260 gets information from the optical sensor 1250 to remove the larvae and or pupae from the container 1200.

The system controller 260 will instruct the food supply 1260 to supply food to the container 1200 via the pipe 1261 according to a predefined schedule.

The optical sensor 1250 can be used to determine the size of the larvae contained in the container 1200. The optical sensor 1250 can be used to determine the percentage of pupae developed in the container 1200. This information can be used to start the emptying cycle to remove the content from the breeding unit for further processing.

The system controller 260 monitors the temperature in the container via the temperature sensor 1203 and the signals sent to the system controller 260 by the temperature sensor 1203 via the conneciton 1206. The system controller 260 instructs the heat source 1204 via the connection 1207 to adjust accordingly.

Emptying

When the container 1200 should be emptied, the system controller 260 instructs the pump 1245 to stop pumping via the connection 1248. The system controller 260 instructs then the shaft 1210 to rotate so that one side of the container 1200 is lifted over the shaft 1210 and all the content of the container 1200 flows into the funnel 1212. The shaft 1210 stops when the container 1200 is rotated so far that all of the contant of the container 1200 can flow out. The system controller 260 instructs then the water supply 1270 to supply water to the water pipe 1271 and so to flush out all the remaining larvae and pupae from the container 1200. The system controller 260 waits for a predefined period of time before it instructs the water supply 1270 via the connection 1272 to stop supplying water. The system controller 260 instructs then the shaft 1210 to move the container back into its original position. After the container 1200 arrived at its original position, the system controller 1200 instructs the valve 1223 to open. All the remaining water in the pipe 1201, the flexible hose 1220, the pipe 1221, the pipe 1222, the pipe 1226, the check valve 1227, the pipe 1228 and the container 1230 will now flow out via the pipe 1224. The system controller 260 will then wait for a predfined period of time before it instructs the valve 1223 via the connection 1225 to close. This finishes the emptying cycle. The system is ready now for a fresh delivery of eggs or larvae to be bred.

Figure 13

Figure 13 illustrates a system for mass release of insects at a known density in a sectional side view.

Description

A chain 1300 is made out of a flexible material like silicone. The chain 1300 can have any length. Each element of the chain 1300 contains a space 1301 at its top, a small opening 1302 at the bottom of the space 1301 ending in a crater 1303 and several openings 1304 connecting the space 1301 with the surrounding atmosphere.

A cover is inserted later to separate the inseqcts inserted into the space 1301. The insects are release by removing the cover.

Design

The space 1301 is shaped with a round floor. The small opening 1302 at the bottom of the space 1301 is just big enough to insert a needle via the crater 1303.

Usage

The chain 1300 can be used to place individual insects in individual chambers. The chambers can then be opened in a controlled speed to release the insects in a known density to the open nature.

Releasing insects into open nature is especially important for the sterile insect technique when sterile male tsetse flies are released.

Figure 14

Figure 14 illustrates a system for mass release of insects at a known density in a top view.

Description

The chain 1300 is combined out of a high number of chambers 1310 with a small opening 1302 in its centre when seen from the top. A small gap separates individual chambers 1301.

Figure 15

Figure 15 illustrates a system for mass release of insects at a known density in a bottom view.

Description

The chain 1300 is combined out of a high number of spaces 1310 with a small opening 1302 in its centre surrounded by a small crater 1303 when seen from the bottom.

Figure 16

Figure 16 illustrates a system for mass release of insects at a known density in a front view.

Description

The chain 1300 has a hook 1320 on the left side of its top. The chain 1300 has a hook 1321 on the right side of its top. The hook 1320 on the left side of the chain 1300 is open to the right side. The hook 1321 on the right side of the chain 1300 is open to the left side. The hooks 1320 and 1321 are continous over the full length of the chain 1300.

A cover 1330 with a width and a height so that it fits into the hooks 1320 and 1321 is used to cover the chain 1300. The cover 1330 has a left side 1331. The cover 1330 has a right side 1332. The left side 1331 and the right side 1332 are shaped so that the cover 1330 will force the hooks 1320 and 1320 to the outside when pushed down onto the chain 1300.

The cover 1330 should be made out of a flexible material strong enough to survive insertion and removal without any damage. Preferebly, the material should be transperant. The material used for manufacturng plastic bottles or the material used as the carrier for photographical films can be used as the material for the cover 1330. The cover 1330 should have the length of the chain 1300. One cover 1330 will then cover one chain 1300.

The hooks 1320 and 1321 are shaped so that they will bend to the outside when the cover 1330 is pushed down onto the chain 1330. An additional tool can be used to force the hooks 1320 and 1321 to the outside of the chain 1300 before the cover 1330 is inserted.

Figure 17

Figure 17 illustrates a system to move individual insects into the individual chambers of a chain for mass release of insects at a known density.

Description

A reel 1700 contains the empty part of the chain 1300. The chain 1300 is led via a packing unit 1702 to a reel 1701. The reel 1701 contains the chain 1300 with the insects in its chambers and the chambers covered with the cover 1300.

A reel 1703 contains the cover 1330. The cover 1330 is led to the packing unit 1702. The packing unit 1702 inserts the cover 1330 so into the chain 1300 that the cover 1330 closes the individual chambers of the chain 1300.

A individualisation unit 1710 is connected to a pipe 1711. The pipe 1711 is connected to a gate 1712. The gate 1712 is connected to a pipe 1713. The individualisation unit 1710, the pipe 1711, the gate 1712 and the pipe 1713 are arranged so that a pupae or an insect delivered by the individualisation unit 1710 will move via the pipe 1711, the gate 1712 and the pipe 1713 into a single chamber of the chain 1300 with just gravity as the driving force when the gate 1712 is open. A single insect 1720 is placed into a single chamber 1301.

A food supply unit 1720 is connected to a pipe 1721. The lower end of the pipe is located so that food supplied via the pipe 1721 will drop into the chamber 1301 located underneath it.

Design

The individualisation unit 1710, the pipe 1711, the gate 1712 and the pipe 1713 are arranged so that insects entering the pipe 1711 will move via the pipe 1711 via the gate 1712 and via the pipe 1713 into the chamber 1301 with just gravity as the driving force. Alternatively, the insects 1720 can be moved by other means of transport from the individualisation unit 1710 to the chamber 1301.

The pipes 1721 and the pipe 1713 are arranged so that when an individual chamber 1301 is placed underneath the pipe 1713, the same chamber 1301 or a different chamber 1301 is placed underneath the pipe 1721.

Operation Preparation

The reel 1700 contains the chain 1300 with empty chambers. The empty beginning of the chain 1300 is led through the packaing unit 1702 to the reel 1701. The reel 1703 contains the cover 1330. The beginning of the cover 1330 is led to the packaging unit 1702. The gate 1712 is closed. A number of insects are supplied to the individualisation unit 1710.

Filling

An empty chamber is now placed below the pipe 1713. The movement of the chain 1300 is stopped. When a single insect arrives at the gate 1712, the gate 1712 opens to that the single insect can enter the pipe 1713. The gate 1712 will block a second insect from entering the pipe 1713. The insect falls then via the pipe 1713 into the empty chamber 1301 located just below the end of the pipe 1713. When the insect arrived at the chamber, the chain 1300 is moved from the reel 1700 to the reel 1701 so that then next empty chamber 1301 is located just below the end of the pipe 1713. The cycle restarts now with the chain 1300 being stopped.

Packing

When the chain 1300 reaches the packing unit 1702, the cover 1330 is inserted into the hooks 1320 and 1321 of the chain 1300. After leaving the packing unit 1702, individual insects 1720 are contained in individual chambers 1301. The cover 1330 does not allow them to leave the chamber 1301. The cover 1330 and also the chain 1300 does not allow them to get in touch with the insects 1720 stored in the other chambers 1301 of the chain 1300. The packed insects 1720 inside the chain 1300 are then wrapped around the reel 1701.

Remarks

When insects are chilled to a certain temperature, they behave like static objects. They can then be handled just like bolts are handled using even the same machines. The temperature depends on the insect species to be packed. The time for which the insects are chilled has to be as short as possible to avoid any damage to the insect.

The insects inside the chain can be stored at a lower temperature to slow down the insect's activity inside the chamber. The value of the temperature to store the insects depends on the insect species.

Alternatively, any number of insects can be placed inside a single chamber. The number is insects in an chamber and also in a chain has to be known for a mass release to get a known density of released insects in the release area. Figure 18

Figure 18 illustrates an apparatus to feed insects packed in individual chambers of a chain.

Description

The chain 1300, the chamber 1301, the opening 1302, the crater 1303 and the cover 1330 are described together with Figure 13. The insect 1720 is describes together with Figure 17.

A reel 1800 contains the chain 1300 in which a certain number of insects 1720 are packed into individual chambers 1301.

A food supply unit 1810 is located so that a movabel needle 1811 can connect the food supply unit 1810 with an individual chamber 1301 by inserting the movable needle 1811 first into the crate 1303 and then into the opening 1302 so deep that the tip of the movable needle 1811 reaches the chamber 1301 but does not damage the insect 1720 contained in the chamber 1301 in any way. A certain dose of food is then moved from the food supply unit 1810 via the movable needle 1811 into the chamber 1301. The dose is set so that the insect 1720 contained in the individual chamber 1301 has enough food supply until it is release or a new food supply is provided.

Operation Start

The beginning of the chain 1300 which consists only of empty chambers 1301 is brought the the empty reel 1801. The first chamber 1301 is placed so that the movable needle 1811 will be able to penetrate into the chamber 1301.

Operation

The movable needle 1811 is inserted into the chamber 1301 near it via the crater 1303 and the opening 1302. A fixed dose of food is supplied via the movable needle 1811 from the food supply unit 1810. The movable needle 1811 is then removed from the chamber 1301. The chain 1300 is advanced by the disctance between two adjacent chambers 1301 from the reel 1800 towards the reel 1801.

A new cycle of refilling one chamber with food starts here. Figure 19

Figure 19 illustrates an apparatus to separate insects in different development stages by their sex.

Description

A shaft 1901 is connected to a second shaft 1901 by a belt 1902. The belt has a small depression 1903 on its surface so that the depression 1903 keeps the insect in position while the belt is moved. The size of the depression 1903 is determined by the size of the insect to be processed.

An inidividualisation unit 1910 is filled with the insects to be processed. The individualisation unit 1910 is connected to a pipe 1911. The pipe 1911 is connected to a gate 1912. The gate 1912 is connected to a pipe 1913. The individualisation unit singles out individual insects and drops them one by one into the pipe 1911. The gate 1912 can either be open or close. An optical sensor 1921 is located above the belt 1902 so that it can observe an insect on a belt 1902 when the belt 1902 is stopped or while the belt 1902 is moving.

A container 1922 is located close to the belt 1902. A container 1923 is located close to the belt 1902. A container 1924 is located close to the belt 1902. A container 1925 is located close to the belt 1902. The container 1922 is able to pick up an object from the belt 1902 when instructed to do so. The container 1923 is able to pick up an object from the belt 1902 when instructed to do so. The container 1924 can pick up an object from the belt 1902 when instructed to do so. The container 1925 can pick up an object from the belt 1902 when instructed to do so. The container 1922 is able to store a certain number of objects. The container 1923 is able to store a certain number of objects. The container 1924 is able to store a certain number of objects. The container 1925 is able to store a certain number of objects.

A container 1904 with an opening on its top is placed so under the shaft 1901 that objects not picked up by any of the containers 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925 will drop into the container 1904 when the depression 1903 is moved around the shaft 1901. Additional means like brushes can be installed to clean the belt 1902 while being bend around the shaft 1901.

A system controller 1920 is connected via a connection 1930 with the shaft 1900. The system controller 1920 is connected via a connection 1931 with the shaft 1901. The system controller 1920 is connected via a connection 1932 with the gate 1912. The system controller 1920 is connected via a connection 1933 with the optical sensor 1921. The system controller 1920 is connected via a connection 1934 with the container 1922. The system controller 1920 is connected via a connection 1935 with the container 1923. The system controller 1920 is connected via a connection 1936 with the container 1924. The system controller 1920 is connected via a connection 1937 with the container 1925.

Design

The belt 1902 is preferably made out of a flexible material like rubber or silicone. The dimension of the belt 1902 depends mainly on the size of the insect to be processed. The belt 1902 as to give the insect placed into one of its depressions 1903 enough hold so that the insect will stay in the depression 1903 it once was placed in while the belt 1902 is moved. The depression 1903 should not be too deep as the removal of the insect by one of the containers 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925 becomes difficult. As insects are very delicate to handle, preferably a brush pushes the insect of the belt 1902 into one of the containers 1922, 1923, 1924 and 1925.

The location of the end of the pipe 1913 above the beld 1902, the area of focus of the optical sensor 1921, the pick-up area of the container 1922, the pick-up area of the container 1923, the pick-up area of the container 1924 and the pick-up area of the container 1925 are arranged so that when one of the depressions 1903 in the belt 1902 is stopped in front of the end of the pipe 1913 a different depression is in the focus area of the optical sensor 1933 and a different depression 1903 is in the pick-up area of the container

1922 and a different depression 1903 is in the pick-up area of the container

1923 and a different depression 1903 is in the pick-up area of the container

1924 and a different depression 1903 is in the pick-up area of the container 1925.

The belt 1902 can either be stopped for a short period of time for the processing of an insect or move continuously.

Background

Sex separation is an important step when sterile insect technology is used. Only sterile male insects should be release to the open nature. The sex separation process can be done in different life stages of an insect depening also on the insect species. When adult insects have to be processed, the insects are chilled down to a certain temperature. There is no damage to the insect if the temperature is not dropped below a specific temperature depending on the insect species. The duration of the chill should be kept as short as possible. The spectral response of a pupae of a known age of certain insect species is different depending on the future sex of the insect. The description does not differentiate between the different life stage the insect can be in while being processed.

The belt 1902 is considered to move forward when the depressions 1903 on the upper side of the shaft 1901 are moving from the shaft 1900 towards the shaft 1901. The movement of the belt 1902 so far that the following depression 1903 replaces the current depression in an individual position is considered a step.

Operation Preparation

The optical sensor 1921 has to be trained for the specific insect species to be processed. Individual insects of a known sex are placed in the depression 1903 in the focus area of the optical sensor 1921. The optical sensor 1921 records the optical response of the insect and sends it via the connection 1933 to the system controller 1920. The system controller 1920 is informed about the expected or real sex of the individual insect.

Operation

A number of insects are filled into the individualisation unit 1910. The system controller 1920 instructs via the connection 1931 the shaft 1901 to position the belt 1902 so that a depression 1903 is below the pipe 1913 so that an insect can be dropped onto the belt 1902. The individualisation unit 1910 drops via the pipe 1911 individual insects to the gate 1912 whenever the gate 1912 is closed and no insect is waiting at the gate 1912. The gate 1912 is instructed via the connection 1932 by the system controller 1920 to release a single insect. The system controller instructs then via the connection 1931 the shaft 1901 to move the belt 1902 one step forward. The position of the individual insect just moved into the depression 1903 is broadcasted via the connection 1933 to the optical sensor 1921, via the connection 1934 to the container 1922, via the connection 1935 to the container 1923, via the connection 1936 to the container 1924 and via the connection 1937 to the container 1925.

When an insect arrives at the location of the optical sensor 1921, the optical sensor 1921 picks up the optical response of the insect and transmits the data of the optical response via the connection 1933 to the system controller 1920. The system controller 1920 calculates out of the data of the optical response a weighing schema for the potential sex of the insect. The weighing schema is then brocken into four ranges: the insect is female, the insect is male, the sex of the insect cannot be determined, an unknown object is in the depression 1903. When the sex of the insect is seen to be female, the system controller 1920 instructs via the connection 1934 the container 1922 to pick up the insect in the given depression 1903 which is currently in the focus-area of the optical sensor 1921 when it moves accross the container 1922. When the sex of the insect is seen to be male, the system controller 1920 instructs via the connection 1935 the container 1923 to pick up the insect in the given depression 1903 which is currently in the focus-area of the optical sensor 1921 when it moves accross the container 1923. When the sex of the insect cannot be determined, the system controller 1920 instructs via the connection 1936 the container 1924 to pick up the insect in the given depression 1903 which is currently in the focus-area of the optical sensor 1921 when it moves accross the container

1924. When it is an unknown object, the system controller 1920 instructs via the connection 1937 the container 1925 to pick up the insect in the given depression 1903 which is currently in the focus-area of the optical sensor 1921 when it moves accross the container 1925.

The belt 1902 is then moved one step forward and a new processing step begins.

The processing ends when the individualisation unit 1910 has no more insects left to individualise and all insect placed on the belt 1902 are taken off the belt by either one of the containers 1922, 1923, 1924 or 1925 or have fallen into the container 1904.

Figure 20

Figure 20 illustrates the optical sensor 1921 in more detail. Description

The optical sensor 1921 and the connection 1933 are described with the Figure 19.

A light source 2000 emits a light beam 2020. The light beam 2020 is targeted at an optical beam splitter 2001 The entrying beam 2020 is split into the beam 2021 and into the beam 2022. The beam 2021 is targeted onto an object 2010. The beam 2022 is targeted onto an optical detector

2002. An optical detector 2003 will be placed so that it can receive some of the scattered light 2023 of the original beam 2021. The optical detector 2003 is connected to the connection 1933. The light source 2000 is connected to the connection 1933. The optical detector 2002 is connected to the connection 1933.

The optical detectors 2002 and 2003 are identical.

The object 2010 shown here can be an insect located at the belt 1902.

Operation

The system controller 1920 instructs via the connection 1933 the light source 2000 to emit light. The emitted light beam 2020 hits the optical beam splitter 2001. The optical beam splitter 2001 splits the beam 2020 into the beams 2021 and 2022. The properties of the beams 2021 and 2022 are identical to the properties of the beam 2020 with the exception of energy content. Especially the colour of the beams 2021 and 2022 is not changed by the beam splitter 2001.

The beam 2022 hits the optical detector 2002 where it is converted into a signal. The signal is send over the connection 1933 to the system controller 1920.

The beam 2021 hits the object 2010. The object 2010 scatters the light beam 2021. A fraction of the scattered light will reach the optical detector

2003. The optical detector will convert the light beam into a signal. The signal is send over the connection 1933 to the system controller 1920.

The scattered light 2023 should be identical to the light beam 2022 with the exception of amplitude and the changes to the spectrum caused by the object 2010.

Function of the optical detecors 2002 Each of the optical detectors are designed so that they measure the intensity of three spectrum lines. The spectrum lines are the same for both optical detectors.

Figure 21

Figure 21 illustrates the optical detector 2003 in more detail. Description

The optical detector 2003 and the light beam 2023 are described with the Figure 20. The connection 1933 and the system controll 1920 are described with the Figure 19.

The light beam 2023 hits the optical unit 2100. The optical unit 2100 transforms the incoming light beam 2023 into an outgoing light beam 2101. The light beam 2101 hits an optical beam splitter 2102. The optical beam splitter 2102 splitts the imcoming light beam 2101 into three outgoing light beams 2102, 2104 and 2105. The light beams 2102, 2104 and 2105 are identical with the exception of their energy content. Especially, their spectrum is identical. Their spectrum is also identical to the spectrum of the light beam 2101. The light beam 2103 hits an opctical filter 2110. The optical filter 2110 allows only light of a predefined first wave length to pass through. The light beam 2111 leaving the optical filter 2110 will hit the converter 2112 which converts the light signal into an electrical signal which is send via the connection 1933 to the system controller 1920. The light beam 2104 hits an opctical filter 2120. The optical filter 2120 allows only light of a predefined second wave length to pass through. The light beam 2121 leaving the optical filter 2120 will hit the converter 2122 which converts the light signal into an electrical signal which is send via the connection 1933 to the system controller 1920. The light beam 2105 hits an opctical filter 2130. The optical filter 2130 allows only light of a predefined third wave length to pass through. The light beam 2131 leaving the optical filter 2130 will hit the converter 2132 which converts the light signal into an electrical signal which is send via the connection 1933 to the system controller 1920.

Operation

The optical filters 2110, 2120 and 2130 extract each a different wavelength out of the spectrum of the light beam 2023. The wave lengths of the three optical filters are chosen so, that each wave length is typical for the spectum of the light beam 2023. Figure 22

Figure 22 illustrates the spectral responses of an selected insect species. Description

The X axis 2201 of the graph represents the wavelength of the light scattered back by a pupa of a selected insect species. The Y axis 2200 of the graph represents the signal amplitude of the light scattered back by a pupa of a selected insect species. The line 2210 represents the amplitude over wavelength of one sex. The line 2211 represents the amplitude over wavelength of the other sex on a specific age of the pupa.

The line 2220 represents the first chosen wavelength. The line 2221 represents the second chosen wavelength. The line 2222 represents the third chosen wavelength.

Operation

The light of one and the same light source is split up and one light beam is led directly to a optical detector while the other light beam is targeted onto an insect and the scattered light is targeted at a second optical detector. The difference in the amplitude of both signals at the third wavelength 2222 is caused by the system. The same difference can be assumed for the wavelength 2220 and for the wavelength 2221. If there is an additional difference at both the wavelength 2220 and 2221, it is caused by the sex of the pupa under investigation. This additional difference can be used to differentiate between the sexes of several insect species.

Figure 23

Figure 23 illustrates a automated insect release system.

The mass release of sterile male insects needs for a low density population a system which is able to release at the high speed of a flying airplace a constant density of insects without doing any harm to them during the release. This system solves both the problem of the constant density and also avoids any damage to the released insects. Commonly used systems to release other sterile males do not work with tsetse flies as the damage caused by the release system leads to a high mortality. As a result the density of the surviving sterile males is unknown.

Description

The reel 1700, the reel 1701 and the reel 1702 are described with Figure 17. The chain 1300 and the cover 1330 are described with Figure 13.

Preparation

The reel 1701 contains the chain 1300 filled with insects. The empty beginning of the chain 1300 is wrapped around the reel 1700. The cover 1330 covering the empty chambers of the chain 1300 is wrapped around the reel 1702. A funnel like tube 1720 is inserted horizontally between the chain 1300 and the cover 1330 where the cover 1330 is separated from the chain 1300. The tube 1720 leads then in a gentle turn away from the chain to the exit of the tube 1720. The end of the tube 1720 inserted between the chain 1300 and the cover 1330 has an opening big enough so that the insects falling out of the chain 1300 fall into the tube 1720 and are moved down closer to lower end of the tube 1720. All turns necessary to move the insects away from the chain 1300 towards the end of the tube 1720 have to be very gentle turns so that the fast moving insects are gently directed without any high forces applied to their bodies.

Design

The automated insect release system can be used in an airplane. The lower end of the pipe 1720 has to be arranged so that the slipstream of the airplane sucks the insects out of the tube and moves them out into the open nature without any damage.

The reel 1702 can be keep at a lower temperature to slow down the activities of the insects inside the individual chambers of the chain 1300.

The speed used to move the chain 1300 from the reel 1702 towards the reel 1700 has to be adjusted to the desired release rate of the insects. The speed of the chain 1300 can be linked to the speed of the airplane to keep the release rate constant independent of changes in speed of the airplane. The insects release with this automated insect release system can be tsetse flies.

Figure 24

The Figure 24 illustrates an pupae release unit. Description

The system controller 260 is described with Figure 2.

A container 2400 shaped so that it can contain water with an opening on its top has an opening 2404 on its lowest point. The opening 2404 is connected to a pipe 2442. The pipe 2442 is connected to a valve 2442. The valve 2440 is connected to a pipe 2441. The valve 2440 is connected via a connection 2443 with the system controller 260. The container 2400 has an opening with a filter 2403 installed. The opening with a filter 2403 located above an opening 2404. The opening with a filter 2403 is connected to a pipe 2426. The pipe 2426 is connected to a container 2420. The container 2420 is designed so that it can hold water with an opening on its top. The container 2420 has a pipe 2423 installed so that its upper end 2422 is located inside the container 2420 and its lower end outside the container 2420. The upper end 2422 is located at a predefined water level 2421. The container 2420 has a pipe 2424 installed. The pipe 2424 is connected to a pump 2435. The pump 2435 is located inside a container 2430 so that it can pump water contained in the container 2430 out of the container 2430. The container 2430 is connected to a water supply 2431. The water supply 2431 is connected to a valve 2432. The valve 2432 is installed so that water supplied via the water supply 2431 will flow into the container 2430 when the valve 2432 is open. The valve 2432 is connected to a floater 2433. When the floater is above a predefined water level 2434 the valve 2432 will be closed. Then the floater is below the predefined water level 2434 the valve 2432 will be opened. The pump 2435 is connected via a connection 2436 to the system controller 260. An airduct 2451 is installed above the container 2400. The airduct 2451 is installed so that the insects developing out of the liquid stored in the container 2400 have no other way out of the container 2400 as passing through the airduct 2451. The airduct 2451 has an opening 2458 on its side near its bottom. The opening 2458 is located so that the insects developing out of the liquid inside the container 2400 have no other option leaving the container 2400 as to enter the airduct 2451 via the opening 2458. A wall 2455 of the airduct 2451 is installed so on top of the container 2400 that the insects developing out of hte liquid stored in the container 2400 are lead away from the container 2400 to an upward direction. The airduct 2451 has an opeing 2454. The opening 2454 is comparably small. The opening 2454 is so small that insects coming from outside the airduct 2451 will normally not enter it but it is large enough that insects arriving from inside the airduct 2451 are able to pass through. The airduct 2451 has a ventilator 2450 installed in it. The ventilator 2450 blows air into the direction of the opening 2454. A net 2452 is installed inside the airduct 2451 between the opening 2458 and the ventilator 2450 so that insects have to access to the ventilator 2450. A net 2453 is installed in the airduct 2451 near the ventilator 2450 on the other side of the ventilator 2450 as the net 2452. The net 2453 is designed so that insects cannot pass the net 2453. Both the nets 2452 and 2453 are designed so that air can flow through. The ventilator 2450 is connected via a connection 2457 with the system controller 260. A shield 2456 shields off some part of the container 2400 from the airflow inside the airduct 2451. A funnel 2410 has an opening 2411 at its lowest point. The opening 2411 is connected to a pipe 2412, The pipe 2412 is connected to the opening 2402.

Design

The container 2400, the pipe 2442, the valve 2440 and the pipe 2441 are arranged so that all the liquid content of the container 2400 can flow out via the pipe 2442, the valve 2440 and the pipe 2441 when the valve 2440 is open just with gravity as te driving force.

The container 2420 and the container 2400 are arranged so that the water level 2421 and the water level 2401 are on the same absolut height.

The container 2420, the pipe 2426 and the container 2400 are arranged so that the water can free flow between the container 2420 and the container 2400.

The pipe 2423 and the container 2430 are arranged so that the water entering the pipe at the end 2422 will flow through the pipe 2423 into the container 2420 with just graivity as the driving force. The flow capacity of the pipe 2423 has to high enough to drain all surplus water out of the container 2420.

The predefined water level 2434 has to be set so that the pump 2435 can always pump water out of the container 2430.

The funnel 2410 has to be arranged so that all the liquid together with the pupae or larvae filled into it will flow out into the container 2400 via the pipe 2412 with just gravity as the driving force.

The airduct 2451 has to be arranged so that it creates an airflow above the container 2400 so that the insects emerging on top of the water surface of the container 2400 have enough space without airflow but get sucked into the airduct 2451 via the opening 2458 and are then blown up the airduct 2541 towards the opening 2454 from where they escape into the environment. The side wall 2455 has to be designed so that the insects are gently led upwards towards the opening 2454.

The ventilator 2450 has to blow air towards the opening 2454. The nets 2452 and 2453 have to be designed so that the insects emerging from the container 2400 are not able to penetrate them. The airflow at the opening 2454 has to be adjusted so that insects trying to enter the opening 2454 from outside of the airduct 2451 are not able to do so.

An additional water pipe can be arranged over the container 2400 so that the container can be washed out and cleaned when needed.

Usage

A number of eggs, larvae or pupae are moved into the funnel 2410 together with a certain amount of water and food. The pump 2435 is then activated. Water will then flow via the pipe 2426 into the container 2400 until it reaches the predefined water level 2400. The water level inside the container 2400 is kept constant then until the insects have all emerged and left the container 2400 and the room above via the airduct 2451. The liquid inside the container 2400 is then removed.

The pupae release unit can either be used as part of a breeding cage or directly in the field. If used as part of a breeding cage, normal insect eggs, larvae or pupae are used. If used in the field for the release of sterile male insects, only the eggs, larvae or pupae which are expected to develop into sterile male insects are filled into the pupae release unit.

The container 2420 and the container 2430 are arranged so that insects do not have access to the water stored in them. The liquid leaving the pipe 2441 can still contain eggs, larvae or pupae which might develop into adult insects. The liquid leaving the pipe 2441 can be drained away.

The liquid in the container 2400 can be temperature controlled if the pupae release unit is not operated in the natural environment of the insect being bred inside the container 2400.

Operation Preparation

The system is empty. The valve 2432 is open. The valve 2440 is open.

Water is supplied via the water supply 2431. The water will flow into the container 2430 via the valve 2432 until the water level inside the container 2430 reaches the predefined water level 2434 when the floater 2433 will close the valve 2432.

The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 2443 the valve 2440 to close. The system controller 260 instructs via the connection 2457 the fan 2450 to blow. This will remove insects which eventually collected inside the funnel while the ventilator 2450 was not operating.

Operation Egss, larvae and/or pupae and eventually food with water are filled into the funnel 2410. The liquid will flow into the container 2400 and from there into the pipe 2442 where it is blocked at the valve 2440. The water, but not the larvae or pupae, will also flow into the pipe 2426.

The system controller 260 will then instruct via the connection 2436 the pump 2435 to start pumping. As a result, water will flow into the container 2420 and flow out of it via the pipe 2426 into the container 2400 and into the pipe 2442. The water level in both the container 2420 and the container 2400 will rise until it reaches the predefined water levels 2421 and 2401. Water will then overflow into the end 2422 of the pipe 2423 and flow back into the container 2430.

The valve 2432 will open and close during this process as instructed by the floater 2433.

The system is left now in this state until all eggs, larvae and pupae are expected to have developed into adult insects and so have left the system via the opening 2454.

When all eggs, larvae or pupae are expected to have developed into adult insects, the system controller instructs via the connection 2436 the pump 2435 to stop pumping. The system controller instructs via the connection 2443 the valve 2440 to open. All the liquid contained in the container 2400 and the pipe 2442 will flow out via the valve 2440 and the pipe 2441. Some water will stay in the container 2420 and the pipe 2426. This can be avoided by adding a small bypass between the pipe 2426 and the pipe 2442 with a low flow capacity.

Figure 25

The figure 25 illustrates an automated system to select pupa or larva out of a large number of larvae and/or pupae.

Description

To separate larvae and pupae of a certain age is important for the success of a sterile insect technique program.

The apparatus and method shown here selects individual larvae and/ or pupae out of a large number of larvae and/ or pupae.

The system controller 260 is described with Figure 2.

A container 2500 is designed so that it can hold water. The container 2500 has a vibrator 2501 attached so that vibration can be induced into the water contained in the container 2500. The container 2500 is shaped so that the bottom of it is V shaped. On the lowest point of the bottom of the container 2500 a pipe 2502 is connected to the container. The pipe 2502 is sized so that only a very low number of larvae or pupae fits into it while entering it from the top. The pipe 2502 has a side inlet which is connected to a pipe 2504. The pipe 2504 is connected to a jet generator 2510. The pipe 2502 joins a pipe 2503, a pipe 2505, a pipe 2506 and a pipe 2507 at a single point. The point where the pipes 2502, 2506, 2505 and 2507 are joined are in a view 2531 of an optical sensor 2530. At least the section of the pipes 2502, 2505, 2506 and 2507 which in in the view 2531 of the optical sensor 2530 is transparent so that the optical sensor 2530 is capable to detect what is inside the pipes. The pipe 2505 is connected to a jet generator 2511. The pipe 2507 has a side inlet which is connected to a pipe 2508. The pipe 2508 is connected to a jet generator 2512. The pipe 2507 is connected to a valve 2521. The Pipe 2506 is connected to a valve 2520. The valve 2520 is connected at a T junction with a pipe 2547 and a pipe 2543. The pipe 2547 is connected to a container 2541. The valve 2521 is connected to a pipe 2544. The pipe 2544 is connected via a T junction with a pipe 2545 and a pipe 2542. The pipe 2545 is connected with a container 2540. The other end of the pipe 2542 is left open and so connectes the piping system with the atmosphere. The other end of the pipe 2543 is left open and so connects the piping system with the atmosphere. The system controller is connected via a connection 2560 with the valve 2520. The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 2561 with the jet generator 2510. The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 2562 with the vibrator 2501. The system controller 260 is connection via a connection 2563 with an optical sensor 2530. The system controller 260 is connected via a connection 2564 with the jet generator 2511. The system controller 2565 is connected via a connection 2565 with the jet generator 2512. Design

The container 2500 is arranged so that its upper side walls are at the same level as the upper side walls of the container 2541 and the open end of the pipe 2543 and the open end of the pipe 2542 and the upper side walls of the container 2540. With other words, the containers 2500, 2540 and 2541 will overflow at the same moment of time when the pipes 2542 and 2543 will overflow.

The pipe 2504 is connected to the pipe 2502 in a way that a jet introduced from the pipe 2504 will press the liquid contained below the entry point inside the pipe 2502 downward. The pipes 2508 and 2507 are connected in a way that the jet introduce from the pipe 2508 will move the liquid inside the pipe 2507 upward.

The container 2500, the pipe 2502, the pipe 2507, the valve 2521, the pipe 2544 and the pipe 2545 are arranged so that the liquid placed into the container 2500 will flow into the container 2540 when the valve 2521 is open just with gravity as the moving force.

The bottom of the container 2540 is arranged so low that all the possible content of the container 2500 will fit into the container 2540 while the content does not reach the height of the pipe 2505. The bottom of the container 2541 is arranged so low that all the possible content of the container 2500 will fit into the container 2540 while the content does not reach the height of the pipe 2505.

When a larvae or piupa moves down the pipe 2502 it will get into the view 2531 of the optical sensor 2530. The optical sensor 2530 will send the image of the view via the connection 2564 to the system controller 260. While the system controller 260 computes what the object which image was sent, it can keep the object floating by instructing the jet generator 2510 to introduce a jet to move the object a bit down and by instructing the jet generator 2512 to introduce a jet to move the object up.

When the system controller 260 has decided if the object is the object which should be moved to the container 2541, it instructs the jet generator 2511 to introduce a jet and it instructs the valve 2520 to open. The jet will force the object into the pipe 2506 flowing via the valve 2520 into the pipe 2546 and from there via the pipe 2547 into the container 2541. If the system controller 260 decides that the object does not belong into the container 2541, it will keep the valve 2520 closed and instructs the valve 2521 to open. As a result the object will move down towards the container 2540 and the next object will move into the view 2531 of the optical sensor.

At the end, the container 2540 will contain all other objects while the container 2541 will contain the targeted objects. Targeted objects could be larvae of a given size or pupae.

The diameter of the pipe 2502 will be crucial. The diameter has to be small enough so only individual larvae or pupae will enter it.

Cascading several systems to select a certain object will improve the results be removing misses and false detections.

The system controller 260 can have the images of several potential targets stored to compare them with the images delivered by the optical sensor 2530. The system controller 260 can also use the spectral response of the object for detection The system controller 260 can also use only individual spectral lines to detect the targeted object.

The system controller 260 will instruct the vibrator 2501 to introduce a short burst of vibration to make the larvae or pupae start to dive.

The water level in the container 2500 will fall over time increasing the density of the larvae or pupae near the pipe and so forcing finally all the larvae or pupae from the container 2500 out into the pipe 2502.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method to breed insects with a minimum of human intervention in an automated insect breeding system comprising the steps of providing according to a schedule a food source; providing according to a schedule a blood source; providing according to a schedule a larvae / pupae source and providing according to a schedule a breeding spot.

2. A method to operate an ovitrap to collect as many as possible of the deposited eggs without human intervention comprising the steps of maintaining a constant first water level for a period of time inside the ovitrap; rising the water level temporary to a second water level so that eggs deposited at the walls of said ovitrap start floating in the water contained in said ovitrap and start flowing out of said ovitrap via an provided outflow located at a height so that water at said first water level will now flow out via said outflow but water at said second water level will flow out via said outflow.

3. A method to distribute insects with a known density over a wide area comprising the steps of store the insects individually in chambers; connect the chambers to a chain; close all chambers of a chain with a removable cover; move the chain to the release area and open said chambers of said chain at a rate proportional to the moving speed of said chain over said release area.

4. A method to separate insects by sex comprising the steps of individualising the insects; determine the spectral repsonse of an individual insect at three typical wavelengths and moving said insect into a container assigned to a specific spectral response of said insect.

5. A method to supply fresh insects to an automated insect breeding system comprising the steps of supplying water to a breeding spot at a constant water level; supplying a number of fresh larvae / pupae to a breeding spot; keeping the water stagnant for a period of time long enough to allow the supplied larvae / pupae to develop into adult insects and forcing all emerging insects away from the breeding spot by channeling air over the breeding spot so that the speed of said air is high enough that insects from outside are not able to enter the breeding spot but low enough not to damage the newly emerged insects.

6. An apparatus to breed insects with a minimum of human intervention consisting of a container able to hold the insects while air and light can pass through the walls of said container as required by said insects; a food source inside said container giving said insects acces to the food according to a schedule; a blood source inside said container giving said insects access to the food according to a schedule; a larvae / pupae source allowing new insects to emerge according to a schedule and a breeding spot allowing insects to deposit their eggs according a schedule;

7. An apparatus to allow water breeding-insects to deposit their eggs consisting of a container with side walls; an opening on its top so that insects can reach the water stored in said container; an outflow located at a height that water at a first water level will not flow out via said outflow and water at a second water level will flow out via said outflow.

8. An apparatus to distribute insects with a known density over a wide area consisting of a chain of chambers; each said chamber sized so that an insect fits into said chamber; a cover which closes all said chambers contained in said chain.

9. An apparatus to separate insects depending on their sex consisting of an individualisation unit which delivers individual insects; a light source with a known spectrum; a light sensor determining the spectral response of said insects at three different wavelengths; at least one container for each sex plus extra containers for unknown objects and a transport apparatus to move the insect from said individualisation unit, via a place where said insect is exposed to said light source and said light sensor determines said spectral response of said insect to said container specificly assigned to the result of the determination of said spectral response.

10. An apparatus to supply fresh insects to an automated insect breeding system consisting of a larvae / pupae supply unit; a breeding spot; a escape channel for the emerged insects and a fan which forces air into the escape channel from one side.