WO2019212365A1

WO2019212365A1 - Apparatus and method for initiating bumble bee colonies

Info

Publication number: WO2019212365A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2019/050048
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric James PINFOLD; Richard Oliver; Pieter Christiaan VISAGIE; David Errol PATTEMORE; Theo Johan VAN NOORT; Ashley Nicole MORTENSEN; Aran Mathew George SISLEY; Nelson POMEROY
Original assignee: The New Zealand Institute For Plant And Food Research Limited
Priority date: 2018-05-04
Filing date: 2019-05-03
Publication date: 2019-11-07

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus and method for initiating bumble bee colonies. The apparatus has a plurality of trays arranged above one another, each tray comprising a heater. The apparatus also has a plurality of containers received by at least one tray of the plurality of trays. Each container comprises a brood compartment having a directly heatable portion, and an outer compartment. The heater is configured to transfer heat to the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment. The apparatus also has a ventilation system comprising a plurality of vents associated with the plurality of trays. The ventilation system is configured to circulate air around the trays such that a temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment and the surrounding air in the brood compartment is substantially the same for each container within a given layer of trays.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INITIATING BUMBLE BEE COLONIES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for initiating bumble bee colonies.

BACKGROUND

Bumble bees are an important agricultural pollinator. Bumble bees can be more effective than honey bees at pollinating certain types of crops, such as kiwifruit. Bumble bees typically have smaller colonies than honey bees, so more colonies may be required than for honey bee pollination.

Known apparatuses for bumble bee colony initiation involve plastic containers with a bowl-shaped compartment. Several containers are placed in a tray with the compartment resting on an electrically heated strip. The heated strip warms a convex knob on which the queen lays her eggs. The optimum temperature at the knob surface is about 31°C. It is important for the knob to be warmer than the surrounding air to stimulate egg laying on the knob.

Known apparatuses for bumble bee colony initiation are used in a temperature controlled room. This creates a stable temperature gradient between the knob and the room, and allows optimum temperature at the knob surface to be achieved by measuring the temperature at the heated strip. For example, a thermostat keeps the temperature of the heated strip at about 33°C to give a knob temperature of about 31°C.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the present invention to provide a colony initiation apparatus that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of known apparatuses, and/or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for initiating bumble bee colonies, comprising : a rack; a plurality of trays received by the rack, the trays arranged above one another, each tray comprising a heater; a plurality of containers received by at least one tray of the plurality of trays, each container comprising : a brood compartment having a directly heatable portion, and an outer compartment; wherein the heater is configured to transfer heat to the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment; and a ventilation system configured to circulate air around the trays such that a temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment and the surrounding air in the brood compartment is substa ntially the same for each container within a given layer of trays.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for initiating bumble bee colonies, comprising : a plurality of trays arranged above one another, each tray comprising a heater; a plurality of containers received by at least one tray of the plurality of trays, each container comprising : a brood compartment having a directly heatable portion, and an outer compartment; wherein the heater is configured to transfer heat to the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment; and a ventilation system comprising a plurality of vents associated with the plurality of trays, wherein the ventilation system is configured to circulate air around the trays such that a temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment and the surrounding air in the brood compartment is substantially the same for each container within a given layer of trays.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a rack configured to receive the plurality of trays.

In an embodiment, the ventilation system is adapted to direct air towards a middle portion of each tray.

In an embodiment, the ventilation system comprises a ventilation unit in fluid

communication with the rack.

In an embodiment, the ventilation unit is located above the layers of trays.

In an embodiment, the ventilation unit comprises a fan.

In an embodiment, the fan is in fluid communication with air outside the rack.

In an embodiment, the rack comprises at least one hollow wall that extends between two adjacent trays in a layer, the hollow wall in fluid communication with the ventilation unit.

In an embodiment, the rack comprises hollow walls that extend between external walls of the rack and at least one tray, the hollow walls in fluid communication with the ventilation unit. In an embodiment, the rack comprises the plurality of vents associated with the plurality of trays.

In an embodiment, the hollow wall(s) comprise(s) ventilation holes adjacent each tray for directing air towards each tray.

In an embodiment, the hollow wall(s) comprise(s) a greater number of holes per layer of trays for a layer of trays further from the ventilation unit than a layer of trays closer to the ventilation unit.

In an embodiment, the rack comprises a g reater number of vents per layer of trays for a layer of trays further from the ventilation unit than a layer of trays closer to the ventilation unit.

In an embodiment, an exterior of the rack comprises an insulating material.

In an embodiment, the ventilation system is a passive ventilation system configured to circulate air by natural convection .

In an embodiment, the plurality of trays comprises the plurality of vents associated with the plurality of trays.

In an embodiment, each tray comprises at least one vent of the plurality of vents.

In an embodiment, each tray comprises two or more vents of the plurality of vents.

In an embodiment, the vents are selectively openable and/or closable.

In an embodiment, each layer of trays comprises a knob temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion of one of the containers in one of the trays.

In an embodiment, each layer of trays comprises two or more knob temperature sensors for sensing temperature of the directly heatable portion of two or more of the containers in one of the trays.

In an embodiment, an exterior of the rack comprises an insulating material.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of trays is formed in separate sections that can be assembled together to form a complete tray.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a control system for controlling heating and ventilation of the apparatus. In an embodiment, the control system uses measurements from the knob temperature sensor in each layer of trays to determine when to apply power to the heaters in each layer of trays.

In an embodiment, power is simultaneously applied to all of the heaters in a layer of trays.

In an embodiment, the heaters of one layer of trays are controlled separately to the heaters of another layer of trays.

In an embodiment, the rack further comprises a first air temperature sensor for sensing a temperature at or near a centre of a tray, and a second air temperature sensor for sensing a temperature at or nea r an edge of a tray.

In an embodiment, the control system uses measurements from the first and second air temperature sensors to determine when to operate the fan.

In an embodiment, the rack further comprises an ambient temperature sensor for sensing the ambient air temperature outside of the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the control system uses measurements from the first and second air temperature sensors and measurements from the ambient temperature sensor to determine when to operate the fan .

In an embodiment, each tray comprises insulation for insulating the brood compa rtments of the containers.

In an embodiment, the heaters comprise knobs that are received by corresponding inward projections in the containers.

In an embodiment, the heater comprises at least one heating element.

In an embodiment, the rack is adapted to receive seven layers of trays.

In an embodiment, each layer of trays comprises three trays.

In an embodiment, each tray is adapted to hold 24 containers.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of initiating a bumble bee colony, comprising : providing a rack; providing a plurality of trays in the rack, the trays arranged above one another, each tray comprising a heater;

providing a plurality of containers in at least one tray of the plurality of trays, each container comprising : a brood compartment having a directly heatable portion, and an outer compartment; wherein the heater transfers heat to the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment; providing a queen bumble bee in at least one of the containers of the plurality of containers; circulating air around the trays such that a temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment and the surrounding air in the brood compartment is substantially the same for each container within a given layer of trays.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of initiating a bumble bee colony, comprising : providing an apparatus for initiating bumble bee colonies, the apparatus comprising : a plurality of trays arranged above one another, each tray comprising a heater; and a ventilation system having a plurality of vents associated with the plurality of trays; providing a plurality of containers in at least one tray of the plurality of trays, each container comprising : a brood compartment having a directly heatable portion, and an outer compartment; wherein the heater transfers heat to the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment; providing a queen bumble bee in at least one of the containers of the plurality of containers; using the ventilation system to circulate air around the trays and/or allowing air to circulate around the trays such that a temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion of the brood compa rtment and the surrounding air in the brood compartment is substantially the same for each container within a given layer of trays.

In an embodiment, the step of circulating air around the trays comprises directing air towards a middle portion of each tray.

In an embodiment, the method further providing a rack configured to receive the plurality of trays and placing the plurality of trays in the rack.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion of one of the containers in one of the trays.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises determining when to apply power to the heaters in each layer of trays.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises simultaneously applying power to all of the heaters in a layer of trays.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises applying power to the heaters of one layer of trays separately to applying power to the heaters of another layer of trays.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises sensing an air temperature at or near a centre of a tray. In an embodiment, the method further comprises sensing an air temperature at or near an edge of a tray.

In an embodiment, the control system determines when to operate the fan based on data from first and second air temperature sensors.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises sensing the ambient air temperature outside of the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the control system determines when to operate the fan based on data from an ambient air temperature sensor.

The term 'comprising' as used in this specification and claims means 'consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term 'comprising', other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprised' are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting . Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known

equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

As used herein the term '(s)' following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun.

As used herein the term 'and/or' means 'and' or 'or', or where the context allows both.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for initiating insect colonies, with the cover removed to show the trays; Figure 2 is a perspective view of part of a tray holding containers for rearing bumble bees;

Figure 3A is a perspective view of a container for rearing bumble bees;

Figure 3B are exploded perspective and side views of an alternative embodiment of the container for rearing bumble bees;

Figure 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of two containers of figure 2 arranged in a tray;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of four containers of figure 2 arranged in a tray;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of part of a tray for holding containers;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the tray of figure 6 with a cover provided over a portion of the tray;

Figure 8 is a front view of a rack for holding trays, with a cover covering the trays;

Figure 9 is a front view of the rack of figure 8 with the cover removed;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus of figure 1 with various components removed to show the hollow walls of the rack;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the rack viewed from the front;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the rack viewed from the side;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a layer of trays in the rack viewed from the top;

Figure 14 is a top view of the apparatus;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the ventilation system at the front of the apparatus;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a portion of the ventilation system at the back of the apparatus;

Figure 17 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of a tray;

Figure 18 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of the hollow walls of the rack;

Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the control aspects of the apparatus; Figure 20A is a front view of various embodiments of racks and figure 20B is a perspective view of the racks of figure 20A;

Figures 21A and 21B a re perspective views of a lternative embodiments of an apparatus for initiating insect colonies;

Figure 22 is a top view of another embodiment of a tray before assembly;

Figure 23 is a lateral cross-sectional view of two containers arranged in a tray of figure 22 after assembly;

Figure 24 is a pa rtial perspective view of a tray and containers; and Figure 25 is an exploded perspective view of figure 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to figures 1, 2 and 3, an appa ratus 100 for initiating bumble bee colonies comprises a rack 106, a plurality of trays 104 received by the rack 106, the trays 104 arranged above one another, a plurality of containers 102 received by at least one tray 104 of the plurality of trays 104, and a ventilation system 118 for circulating air around the trays 104.

Figure 2 shows exemplary containers 102 arranged in a tray 104, with one of the containers 102 removed to show detail of the container 102 with a bumble bee colony being reared inside. Figures 3A and 3B show different embodiments of an empty container 102. The embodiment of the container shown in figure 3A is suitable for use with the apparatus of figures 1 and 2. The embodiment of the container shown in figure 3B is suitable for use with the apparatus of figure 21 and 22. The container shown in figure 3B has the same features and functions to the container shown in figure 3A, except as described herein. Like numbers are used to indicate like parts with the addition of 4000. Each container 102, 4102 comprises a brood compartment 110, 4110 having a directly heatable portion 112, 4112, and an outer compartment 114, 4114.

Referring to the embodiment of the tray shown in figures 2, 6 and 7, each tray 104 has a plurality of containers 102. Each tray 104 is preferably full of containers 102. In some embodiments, at least one tray 104 may have some containers 102, but may not be full of containers. In some embodiments, at least one tray 104 does not have any containers 102

Each tray 104 comprises a heater 116. The heater 116 transfers heat to the directly heatable portion 112 of the brood compartment 110. The embodiment of the tray 104 shown in figures 4 to 7 is suitable for use with the apparatus of figures 1 and 2. The embodiment of the tray shown in figures 22 to 25 is suitable for use with the apparatus 4100 and 5100 of figure 21A and 21B. The tray shown in figures 22 to 25 has the same features and functions as the tray shown in figures 4 to 7, except as described herein. Like numbers are used to indicate like parts with the addition of 4000.

The ventilation system 118 circulates air around the trays 104 such that a temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion 112 of the brood compartment 110 and the surrounding air in the brood compartment 110 is substantially the same for each container 102 within a given layer of trays 104.

The directly heatable portion 112 is heated to stimulate a bumble bee q ueen to lay eggs on the directly heatable portion 112. Because the directly heatable portion 112 is warmer than the surrounding air, heat will transfer from the directly heatable portion 112 to the surrounding air, reducing the temperature of the directly heatable portion 112 and increasing the temperature of the surrounding air. The temperature difference between the directly heatable portion 112 and the surrounding air determines the rate of heat transfer.

If the containers 102 are positioned as described above without being actively or passively ventilated, the air temperature near the centre of the rack may become higher than the air temperature towards the periphery of the rack. The higher air temperature at the centre of the rack would cause the temperature of the directly heatable portions 112 of the containers 102 near the centre of the rack to be higher than the temperature of the directly heatable portions 112 at the periphery of the rack. If the temperature of the directly heatable portions 112 falls outside the optimum range, the queen may not lay her eggs on the directly heatable portion 112, or eggs laid on the directly heatable portion may not develop properly, resulting in unsuccessful colony initiation.

If the temperature of the air surrounding the directly heatable portion 112 approaches the temperature of the directly heatable portion 112, the queen may not lay her eggs on the directly heatable portion 112, resulting in unsuccessful colony initiation.

Therefore, it is important that within a given layer of trays 104, the temperature g radient between the directly heatable portion 112 of the containers 102 and the air surrounding the directly heatable portion 112 is substantially the same for each container 104 in the layer.

Bumble bee lifecycle in the wild

In the wild, a fertilised bumble bee queen emerges from hibernation when the environment is favourable and finds a nest site, where she lays her eggs. The queen alternates between incubating the eggs and leaving the nest to forage so that she can generate enough heat to brood the eggs and later to find food for the larvae. The queen incubates at about 30°C. If the eggs are not incubated at about 30°C, the larvae will not develop properly. It ta kes about 3-4 weeks for the first worker bees (females) to emerge. The worker bees forage and bring food back to the nest, so the queen no longer needs to leave the nest.

The queen continues to lay eggs and the colony continues to g row. Towards the end of the life of the colony, the queen produces new queens and d rones (males). The drones leave the nest and mate with queens from other nests, and the cycle repeats.

It will be appreciated that during the initial stages of bumble bee colony initiation in the wild, there is a high risk that the colony will not succeed. The colony initiation apparatus 100 described herein provides a safe environment for the initial growth of the colony, and enables a large number of colonies to be initiated in a relatively compact apparatus 100.

Lifecycle in the colony initiation apparatus

Colony initiation in the colony initiation apparatus 100 can begin whenever fertile queens are available (for example early spring : about August or September in New Zealand for application to several horticultural crops). The queens are placed in containers 102 in the apparatus 100 and regularly provided with liquid food and pollen granules. The queens may be caught in the wild, or may be queens that have been artificially over-wintered .

After about ten workers have emerged, the containers 102 are transferred to a field hive. The field hive is placed outdoors in a location having forage plants that the bumble bees can exploit as the colony develops. Just prior to the start of a pollinating season

(November for kiwifruit in New Zealand, for example), the field hives are moved to the crop to be pollinated . The colony ideally has about 200 workers when the field hives are moved.

After the crop has been pollinated (in December, for example), the colonies may be transferred to shade houses for mating. After mating, the queens may be artificially over wintered (from about January to July, for example) . Towa rds the end of winter (August, for example), artificially over-wintered queens and/or queens caught in the wild are placed in containers 102 in the apparatus 100, and colony initiation begins again.

Containers

Referring to figures 3A, 4 and 5, features of the containers 102 will now be described . As mentioned earlier in this specification, the container shown in figure 3B has similar features and functions to the container shown in figure 3A. The features of the containers 102 described below also apply to the containers 4102, except as described herein .

Figure 4 shows a lateral cross-sectional view of two containers 102 arranged in a tray 104. Figure 5 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of two containers 102 arranged in a tray 104. The dashed arrows indicate the direction of heat transfer, with the arrows pointing from a warmer region to a cooler region. The brood compartment 110 and the outer compartment 114 are joined by a passageway 120. The passageway 120 is large enough to accommodate a queen.

The brood compartment 110 simulates a nest, a nd the outer compartment 114 simulates the environment outside the nest. Bumble bees forage for food in the outer compartment 114, and bring the food back to the brood compartment 110. The ventilation system 118 enables the containers 102 to be arranged in a compact configuration, while maintaining an environment that approximates the bumble bees' natural environment.

In the embodiment shown, the brood compa rtment 110 and the outer compartment 114 are integrally formed. In alternative embodiments, the brood compartment 110 and the outer compartment 114 may be constructed as separate pieces and either placed next to each other, or joined together. The containers may be injection moulded or vacuum formed from a suitable polymeric material, such as PETG, PVC or styrene.

In the embodiment shown, the directly heatable portion 112 has an inward projection 122. The inward projection 122 forms a knob at the base of the brood compartment 110 on which the queen lays her eggs. In alternative embodiments, the directly heatable portion 112 may be a substantially flat base of the brood compartment 110, and a sepa rately formed knob may be provided on the base of the brood compartment 110 inside the brood compa rtment 110.

The container 102 has a storage reservoir 124 for liquid food. The queen can access the storage reservoir 124 from the directly heatable portion 112 of the brood compartment 110

The brood compartment has a removable lid 126 formed from a substantially solid material, such as a polymeric material. The lid 126 has a slot 128 that forms a flap in the lid 126 for allowing pollen granules to be provided to the brood chamber 110. When the colony is sufficiently developed (approximately ten workers have emerged), the colony is moved outdoors and the removable lid 126 is removed so that the bees can forage outside the container.

The outer compartment 114 has a mesh cover 130. In an embodiment, the mesh cover 130 is permanently secured to the outer compartment 114, for example by melting the material of the outer compartment 114 to the mesh cover 130. In an alternative embodiment, the mesh cover 130 is removeably secured to the outer compartment 114. In the embodiment shown, a feed jar 132 is provided on top of the mesh cover 130. The feed jar 132 is filled with a food such as honey, a mixture of honey and water, or a mixture of sugar and water. A small hole at the bottom of the feed jar 132 provides a gravity feed into the outer compartment 114. This means of providing feed is

advantageously compact. In alternative embodiments, other means of supplying feed may be used, for example a feed reservoir provided with a wick.

In the embodiment shown, the outer compartment 114 contains a porous material for absorbing body waste from the bumble bees. The porous material may be pumice. In an alternative embodiment, the base of the outer compartment 114 is provided with mesh that body waste can pass through.

Due to the watery nature of bumble bee faeces, the container 102 has an area of several squa re centimetres for ventilation . The mesh cover 130 can provide this. In the alternative embodiment where the outer compartment 114 has a mesh base, then the mesh cover 130 is not necessary and a solid lid can be provided on the outer

compa rtment 114. In an embodiment, the lid 126 covers the brood compartment 110 and the outer compa rtment 114. In embodiments where the outer compartment 114 has a solid lid, a foot-hold for the bees may be provided to enable the bees to reach the feed jar opening .

Referring to figure 3B, the container 4102 has a brood compartment 4110 and an outer compa rtment 4114 with a passageway 4120 between the compartments. The container has a removable lid 4126. Rather than a section of mesh, the lid 4126 has a plurality of apertures near a feed jar 4132. The lid 4126 also has a triangular shaped hole or aperture 4128 for allowing pollen granules to be provided to the brood chamber 4110. This container also has a storage reservoir 4124 for liquid food .

Tray

Referring to figures 4-7, in the embodiment shown, each tray 104 is a box-like structure adapted to hold two rows of containers 102. The brood compartments 110 of the containers 102 sit in a channel 134. In the embodiment shown, the channel 134 is located in the centre of the tray 104, and the brood compartments 110 of both rows of containers 102 sit in the same channel 134. In alternative embodiments, each row of containers 102 sits in a separate channel.

An exemplary tray 104 is adapted to hold 24 containers 102 (two rows, each row having 12 containers 102) . In a lternative embodiments, the trays may be adapted to hold any suitable number of containers 102. To minimise the risk of injury to a person servicing the trays 104, the trays 104 are preferably a length that can be comfortably carried, such as about 1.3 m. It is also preferable for the trays 104 to be formed from a lightweight material, such as corflute. In some embodiments, the trays 104 may be formed from other suitable materials, such as wood, cardboard, aluminium, acrylic, or a combination of materials thereof.

In the embodiment shown, the trays 104 are formed from a stiff, lightweight material such as corflute. In an a lternative embodiment especially suitable for large scale production, the trays are vacuum formed or rotationally moulded . A moulded tray 104 may have a curved base that matches the curve of the containers 102, with sufficient space between the tray floor and brood compartment 110 for insulation. The insulation may be a foam insert. Alternatively, a second vacuum formed shell could be applied and the intervening space injected with polyurethane foam. Vacuum formed structures are necessarily manufactured with a flat flange, which could rest on the rack runners (described later). This embodiment is illustrated in figure 17.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in figures 22 to 25 the trays 4104 may be modular or in a 'flat pack' format. The tray 4104 may be formed in sepa rate pieces that can be assembled to form the tray 4104. Referring to figure 22, a sheet of material such as cardboard is cut into two-dimensional tray pieces 4104a and 4104b, each piece corresponding to a different part of a completed tray. The tray pieces 4104a and 4104b may include pre-cut holes and fold lines to assist in the folding and assembly process.

The tray pieces 4104a and 4104b are then folded into three-dimensional shapes and assembled to form the complete tray 4104. Figure 25 shows a partly assembled tray 4104 with tray pieces 4104a and 4104b in the folded state.

Advantageously, worn or damaged sections of the tray 4104 can be easily replaced without replacing the entire tray 4104. Modular trays may also be disassembled for shipping or storage.

Each tray 104 comprises insulation for insulating the brood compartments 110 of the containers 102. A cover 136 is positioned above the brood compartments 110 in the cha nnel 134. The channel 134 and cover 136 are formed from an insulating material. A front panel 138 and back panel (not illustrated) of the tray 104 are also formed from an insulating material . Suitable insulating materials include rigid insulating foams such as polystyrene or polyurethane foam. Other suitable insulating materials include materials used to form tray 104 such as corflute, wood or cardboard . In an embodiment, at least one side of the insulating material is coated in a metallic foil.

In some embodiments, such as those shown in figures 21 to 25 each tray 4104 may comprise vents or ports 4141, which are part of the ventilation system 4118. Referring to figure 24, vents or ports 4141 are provided to the side walls of each tray 4104 to allow air to flow into and out the tray 4104. In an alternative embodiment, the vents or ports 4141 are adjustable and can be opened or closed to control the amount of air flowing into or out of the tray 4104. For example, the adjustable vents or ports 4141 may be opened fully to maximise air circulation when the ambient air temperature is high . The vents or ports 4141 on some of the trays 4104 may be opened to a g reater extent to the vents or ports 4141 on other trays 4104. For example, the trays 4104 at or nea r the centre of the apparatus may be warmer than trays 4104 at or near the outer surfaces of the apparatus. To increase ventilation of the warmer trays 4104 (the trays 4104 at or near the centre of the apparatus) the vents or ports 4141 can be opened more than the vents of the other trays. The vents or ports 4141 of these trays may be opened fully or close to fully opened, for example. The cooler trays 4104 (the trays 4104 at or near the outer surfaces of the apparatus) may have the vents or ports 4141 only slightly open.

Referring back to figures 4 to 7, the containers 102 are positioned over walls 140 of the cha nnel 134 such that the brood compartment 110 is located in the channel 134, and the outer compartment 114 is located outside the channel 134. The insulation around the brood compartment 110 reduces heat loss from the brood compa rtment 110 and improves the efficiency of the apparatus 100. The outer compartment 114 simulates the outside, so can be at a cooler temperature than the brood compartment 110. The insulated exterior of the rack 106 (described in more detail below) limits heat loss from the outer compartments 110.

The wa lls 140 of the channel 134 support the passageways 120 of the containers 102. In the embodiment shown, the walls 140 have recesses 142 for receiving the passageways 120. The recesses 142 also help to locate the containers 102 in the correct positions in the trays 104.

In an embodiment, the outer compartment 114 rests on a support 143, 4143 (for example, see figures 2 and 23) .

The base 144 of the channel 134 includes the heater 116. The heater 116 comprises one or more heating elements. In the embodiments shown, the heating elements are formed from a heating cable 146 and a metal strip 148. The heating cable 146 may be secured to the metal strip 148 with an adhesive aluminium tape having a similar width to the metal strip 148. Thermally conductive knobs 150 are positioned along the length of the metal strip 148. The knobs 150 may be formed from any material with suitable thermal conductivity. An exemplary material is aluminium-filled epoxy resin . The knobs 150 are received by the inward projections 122 of the containers. At least one knob 150 in one tray 104 in each layer of trays 104 has a sensor 152 for sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion 112 of one of the containers 102 in one of the trays 104. In the embodiment shown, the sensor 152 is embedded in the top of the knob 150. The sensor 152 may be located in any tray 104 in a given layer of trays 104. In the embodiment shown, a sensor 152 is located in the left hand tray 104 in each layer of trays 104, for convenience of wiring. Alternatively, the sensor 152 may be located in the right hand tray 104 in each layer of trays 104. The sensor is located at a knob 150 located about a third of the way along the tray 104, when viewed from the front of the appa ratus 100. This location provides a representative knob temperature for the layer of trays 104. In alternative embodiments, the temperature sensor may be located at other knobs 150 and/or at knobs 150 located in other trays 104.

In an alternative embodiment, a layer of trays 104 may have more than one temperature sensor 152. For example, each tray 104 in a layer of trays 104 may have a knob temperature sensor 152. In another example, one tray 104 may have two or more knob temperature sensors 152.

In the embodiments shown in figures 23 and 25, the heater comprises one or more thermally conductive knobs 4150 and/or sensors 4152 positioned along the length of an electronic strip 4116 such as a printed circuit board (PCB) - in such embodiments, the strip component itself is not a heater as described earlier. In addition, each thermally conductive knob 4150 is independent from the other thermally conductive knobs 4150 positioned on the same electronic strip 4116. Each knob 4150 on a layer of tray 4104 is self-regulating and able regulate temperature independently of the other knobs on a layer of tray. Each self-regulating knob 4150 may comprise all necessary components to regulate temperature including a temperature control sensor 4152. For example, if one thermally conductive knob 4150 increases its temperature based on a signal from its sensor 4152, an adjacent thermally conductive knob 4150 on the same electronic strip 4116 will not increase its temperature unless it receives a signal from its own sensor 4152. Further, it can be seen that each tray has two electronic strips 4116. Each electronic strip 4116 can be independent from the other electronic strip 4116.

Alternatively, each electronic strip 4116 can be powered and/or operated in combination with the other electronic strip 4116. As illustrated in figure 25, one end of the electronic strip 4116 may comprise an indicator 4157, such as a light emitting diode (LED) configured to indicate power supply status or other errors, for example, by blinking or changing colours.

Referring back to the embodiment of the apparatus of figures 1 to 3A and 4 to 18, an empty container 102 is placed at the sensor 152 location to ensure that the sensor 152 provides representative temperature information for the layer. No bees are provided in the container 102 at the sensor 152 location because the presence of bees could influence the temperature measured by the sensor 152.

The sensor 152, 4152 a nd heaters 116, or electronic strips 4116 are electrically connected to a control system 108, 4108 and a power supply. In an embodiment, the sensor 152 and heaters 116 are connected to the control system 108 via plugs that can be connected/disconnected when a tray 104 is placed in or removed from the rack 106.

In another embodiment, sensors 152 and heaters 116 of each tray 104 are connected to the control system 108 via a single plug. In an alternative embodiment, electrical contacts are positioned so the sensor 152 and heaters 116 automatically connect to the control system 108 and power supply when the tray 104 is fully received by the rack 106.

In an alternative embodiment, the heater 116, or electronic strips 4116 does not include knobs, and the knobs are instead internal to the brood compartments 110, 4110 of the containers 102, 4102.

In alternative embodiments, other suitable heaters may be used .

An exemplary metal strip 148 is made from aluminium. An exemplary heating cable 146 has a resistance of about 2 W/m, dissipating 6 watts/m from 12vDC supply.

In alternative embodiments, the trays 104 are adapted to hold a single row of containers 102, or more than two rows of containers 102, such as three, four, or five rows of containers 102. In an embodiment, the brood compartment 110 of at least one container 102 is positioned towards an outer edge of the tray 102.

In the alternative embodiment shown in figures 21A to 25, the trays 4104 are self- contained and comprise all components required for heating and ventilation of containers 102, 4102. For example, each tray 4104 may comprise a heater (either a heated strip 116 or independently heatable knobs), a control system and a ventilation system 4118 (described in more detail below) . In this embodiment, each self-contained tray only requires a power supply that may be provided by an external source such as rack 4106.

In alternative embodiments, the trays 104, 4104 are adapted to be stacked directly above other trays without being physically supported by a rack. Each tray 104, 4104 may be provided with structures for aligning and retaining trays stacked on top of one another. In one embodiment the aligning structures are tabs 4145 that extend above the wa ll of tray 4104. In the embodiment shown, tabs 4145 provided to the upper side of a first tray engages corresponding recesses on the underside of a second tray to retain the trays 4104 in alignment. Referring to figures 21A and 21B, a cover 4136 is provided to the top most layer of trays 4104. The cover 4136 may comprise any suitable material but typically comprises the same material as tray 4104, such as cardboard. Where the material for cover 4136 is non-insulating or insufficiently insulated, additional insulating material may be provided to the cover 4136, for example, insulating foams such as polystyrene or polyurethane foam.

Figure 8 and figure 9 show an exemplary rack 106. The rack 106 is adapted to support a plurality of layers of trays 104. The layers of trays 104 a re arranged above one another, such that each tray 104 in a layer forms part of a column of trays 104. Any number of layers/columns of trays may be used . Because the trays 104 are serviced regularly, it is preferable for the number of layers to be selected to provide good ergonomics. For example, a minimum bend-down height of 0.65 m and a maximum reach-up height of 1.4 m. In the embodiment shown, the rack 106 is about 1.3m high and supports seven layers of trays. The rack 106 is held at a suitable height above the g round by a suitable stand 153.

In the embodiment shown, each layer of trays 104 comprises three trays 104, forming three columns of trays 104. In alternative embodiments, each layer of trays 104 may have other numbers of trays 104, such as one, two, four, five or six trays.

Figure 8 shows a front view of an exemplary rack 106. The rack 106 has a cover 154 for providing access to the trays 104. In the embodiment shown, the cover 154 has an upper part 154a, and a lower part 154b. In alternative embodiments, the cover 154 may comprises a single part, or three or more pa rts. In the embodiment shown, the cover 154 is removable from the rack 106. In alternative embodiments, the cover 154 may be hingedly connected to the rack 106.

In the embodiment shown, the cover is held in place by latches 155. In alternative embodiments, other suitable retaining means may be used .

The cover 154 is formed from an insulating material . Suitable insulating materials include rigid insulating foams such as polystyrene or polyurethane foam. In an embodiment, at least one side of the insulating material is coated in a metallic foil.

The ventilation system 118 may comprise a ventilation unit 156 in fluid communication with the rack 106. In the embodiment shown, the ventilation unit 156 is located above the layers of trays 104. In alternative embodiments, the ventilation unit 156 may be located at any suitable location relative to the rack 106. For example, air could be ducted into the rack 106 from a remotely located ventilation unit 156. Although the source of air flow (the ventilation unit 156) can be anywhere, the air should be directed into the rack 106 such that there is a symmetrical pressure distribution. A fan 158 is provided in the ventilation unit 156. The ventilation unit is in communication with air outside the rack 106.

Figure 9 shows the exemplary rack 106 of figure 8 with the cover 154 removed to provide access to the trays 104. In the embodiment shown, the rack 106 is adapted to receive seven layers of trays 104. Each layer of trays 104 comprises three trays 104. When the exemplary trays 104 described above are provided in the exemplary rack 104, up to 497 bumble bee colonies can be simultaneously initiated in the apparatus 100. (24 containers per tray x 3 trays per layer - 1 empty container per layer at the sensor location = 71 colonies per layer. 71 colonies per layer x 7 layers = 497 colonies.)

Figure 10 shows the exemplary rack 106 with the trays 104 and ventilation unit 156 removed. The rack 106 has external walls 160, a back panel 162 and a base 164. An exterior of the rack 106, including the external walls 160, back panel 162 and base 164, comprises an insulating material. Suitable insulating materials include rigid insulating foams such as polystyrene or polyurethane foam. In an embodiment, at least one side of the insulating material is coated in a metallic foil. In an embodiment, the insulating material is clad in a structural material such as plywood or a sheet metal such as steel .

Figures 20A and 20B shows additional embodiments of racks. The various embodiments of the racks shown in figures 20A and 20B a re each suitable for use with the trays of figures 4 to 7. Each of the racks shown in figures 20A and 20B has the same features and functions to the rack shown in figures 1 and 8 to 16, except as described herein. Like numbers are used to indicate like parts with the addition of 1000, 2000, and 3000.

The rack 1106 on the left of figures 20A and 20B will have a shape and features similar to a refrigerator - a metal housing 1160 with two glass front doors 1154. The housing 1160 and glass doors 1154 will be suitably insulated. The housing 2160 of the rack 2106 in the middle of figures 20A and 20B is constructed from plywood and is mounted on a set of castors. This rack has an internal wall 2166, which may be solid or hollow, and runners 2172. The plywood provides some inherent insulation. The rack 3106 on the right of figures 20A and 20B will have a plywood frame 3161 with a glass or plastic front door and walls 3160.

Figures 21A and 21B show alternative embodiments of rack 4106 comprising a vertical ladder-like structure. The rack 4106 may be secured to a permanent or movable base 4164 as shown in figure 21B respectively. In the embodiment shown in figure 21A, the power supply and/or control system 4108 is provided to the rack 4106. In the embodiment shown in figure 21B, the power supply and/or control system 4108 may be provided to the movable base 4164 instead of the rack 4106. In embodiments where the power supply and/or control system is not provided on the rack 4106, the rack is configured as hub to distribute electrical connections (such as wiring) to each layer of trays 4104. In both embodiments, each rack 4106 provides electrical connections to a stack of trays 4104 but does not physically support the layer of trays. Each stack of trays may comprise any suitable number of trays, for example, two or more trays 4104. In other embodiments, each rack 4106 may provide electrical connections to two or more stacks of trays.

The structural parts of the rack are formed from a suitably strong material, such as plywood or a metallic material such as steel.

The rack 106 comprises hollow walls 166a, 166b that are in communication with the ventilation unit 156. At least one inner hollow wall 166a extends between two adjacent trays 104 in a layer. In the embodiment shown, the rack 106 has two inner hollow walls 166a extending between adjacent trays 104 in a layer. The rack 106 also has outer hollow walls 166b that extend between an external wall 160 of the rack 106 and at least one tray 104.

In the embodiment shown, the hollow walls 166a, 166b are each formed from two spaced apart thin sheets 168 of a suitably rigid material, such as corflute, plywood, or a polymeric material . The sheets 168 are held in a spaced-apart arrangement by an underlying frame 170. The frame 170 is made from a suitable structural material such as plywood .

Runners 172 on which the trays 104 can rest extend from the hollow walls 166a, 166b.

In the embodiment shown, the runners 172 are a separate part that is secured to the hollow walls 166a, 166b via the frame 170.

In an alternative embodiment, the hollow walls 166a, 166b are vacuum formed or rotationally formed from a suitable polymeric material such as LDPE or ABS. In an embodiment, the runners 172 are integrally formed with the hollow walls 166a, 166b. An example vacuum formed inner hollow wall 166a is illustrated in figure 18. It will be appreciated that an outer hollow wall 166b could have a similar form with the runners 172 only extending in one direction.

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the rack 106 viewed from the front. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the rack 106 viewed from the side. Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional schematic view of a layer of trays 104 in the rack 106 viewed from the top. Arrows in figures 11- 13 indicate the direction of a irflow.

Referring to figures 11- 13, the ventilation system 118 is adapted to direct air towards a middle portion of each tray 104. The hollow walls 166a, 166b have ventilation holes 174 adjacent each tray 104 for directing air towards each tray 104. The ventilation holes 174 are located near the middle portion of each tray 104. The hollow walls 166a, 166b have a greater number of ventilation holes 174 per layer of trays 104 for a layer of trays 104 further from the ventilation unit 156 than a layer of trays 104 closer to the ventilation unit 156. This ensures that the airflow at layers of trays 104 further from the ventilation unit 156 is substantially the same as the airflow at layers of trays 104 closer to the ventilation unit 156, providing sufficient air circulation throughout the apparatus 100.

Air is drawn into the ventilation unit 156 by the fan 158 and passes into the hollow walls 166a, 166b via holes 176 in the ventilation unit 156. The air passes out of the ventilation holes 174 in the hollow walls 166a, 166b and flows over the trays 104. The air flows from at or nea r the middle portion of the trays 104 to the front and back of the trays. The air at the front of the trays passes into a space 178 between the front of the trays 104 and the rack cover 154. The air at the back of the trays passes into a space 180 between the back of the trays 104 and the back panel 162 of the rack 106. The air then leaves the rack 106 via exit holes 182, 184.

In the embodiment shown, the rack 106 has a top panel 186 that covers the top of the rack 106 and forms the floor of the ventilation unit 156. The top panel 186 is made from a material that substantially impermeable to air, such that air is forced to pass through the holes 176 in order to exit the ventilation unit 156. Exemplary materials for the top pa nel 186 include plywood, corflute, or a sheet metal such as steel. The top panel 186 may also comprise an insulating material such as metallic foil, polystyrene or

polyurethane foam.

Figure 14 shows a top view of the apparatus 100. In the embodiment shown, the ventilation unit 156 is positioned above the top panel 186. The ventilation panel is shorter than the top panel 186 in a front to back direction, such that portions 188, 190 of the top panel 186 are not covered by the ventilation unit 156 at the front and back of the rack 106.

In the embodiment shown, the exit holes 182, 184 are located in the portions 188, 190 of the top panel 186 that are not covered by the ventilation unit 156. Figure 15 shows exemplary front exit holes 182 and figure 16 shows exemplary back exit holes 184. In alternative embodiments, the exit holes 182, 184 may be located at other locations, such as the bottom or sides of the rack.

The rack 106 comprises a first air temperature sensor 192 for sensing a temperature at or near a centre of a tray 104, and a second air temperature sensor 194 for sensing a temperature at or near an edge of a tray 104. In the embodiment shown (see figure 10), the first air temperature sensor 192 is located above the second layer of trays 104 from the top. The first air temperature sensor 192 may be attached to the underside of a runner 172 for the top layer of trays 104, at or near the centre of the right hand tray 104 of the second layer of trays 104. The second air temperature sensor 194 may be attached to the underside of a runner 172 for the top layer of trays 104, at or near the rear of the right hand tray 104 of the second layer of trays 104. Alternatively, the second air temperature sensor 194 may be attached to the underside of a runner 172 for the top layer of trays 104, at or near the front of the right hand tray 104 of the second layer of trays 104.

In alternative embodiments, the first and second air temperature sensors 192, 194 are positioned above other layers of trays 104, and/or at other locations within a layer of trays 104. Preferably, the first and second air temperature sensors 192, 194 are positioned above a layer of trays 104 that is not the top layer of trays 104, because these trays 104 are more likely to experience heating towards the centre of the trays due to the insulating effects of the layer above.

The rack 106 also comprises an ambient air temperature sensor 196 for sensing the ambient air temperature outside of the apparatus 100. The ambient air temperature sensor 196 is preferably located away from the exit holes 182, 184, and shaded from direct sunlight. An exemplary location is shown in figure 9 (with optional sun cover not illustrated). Other locations may be substantially any location on the exterior of the apparatus that is away from the exit holes 182, 184.

The fan 158 and sensors 192, 194, 196 a re electrically connected to the control system 108 and the power supply.

In alternative embodiments, the ventilation system 4118 may be a passive system. The ventilation system 4118 comprise one or more vent(s) or port(s) 4141 associated with trays 4104. In a passive ventilation system, air is circulated throughout apparatus 100, 4100, 5100 by natural convection without the need for forced ventilation. Natural convection occurs due to temperature differences in the air parcel in different locations (temperature gradient). In a passive system, a heat source transfers heat into the surrounding air causing it to become less dense and rise. As the warm air rises, cool air moves to replace it causing a continuous circulation of air.

Referring to figures 21A and 21B, ventilation system 4118 is shown as a series of vents or ports 4141 with arrows indicating air flow into and out of the appa ratus. The air flow may flow in the direction shown, or may flow at least partially vertically, or fully vertically after exiting the vents. In the embodiments shown, thermally conductive knob 150, 4150 transfers heat directly to the heatable portion 112, 4112 which in turn transfers heat to the surrounding air in the brood compartment 110, 4110. The warm air in the brood compartment 110, 4110 rises to towards removable lid 126, 4126 and passes into the unheated outer

compa rtment 114, 4114 via passageway 120, 4120. The warm air then rises through mesh cover 130 or plurality of apertures 4130 into the space between the trays 104 or out of trays 104 via the vents or ports 4141 described above. Cool air is drawn into brood compa rtment 4110 to replace the warm air to complete the air circulation and passively ventilate the apparatus 100, 4100, 5100.

In other embodiments, the passive ventilation system may be supplemented with active ventilation means, such as fans or other suitable air circulating device. The supplemental active ventilation means may be provided to each tray 4104. For example, each tray 4104 may comprise a fan . Alternatively, the fan may be independent of the apparatus 4100, 5100. For example, an off-the-shelf pedestal fan may be used to direct air into the trays 4104 via vents or ports 4141. Supplemental ventilation may be a lso be provided by air-conditioners in temperature-controlled rooms.

Figure 19 shows a schematic diagram of the control aspects of the apparatus 100.

The control system 108 controls the fan 158 to provide forced ventilation to the apparatus 100. In an embodiment the fan is 120mm fan rated at 1 - 2 m³/min . in the absence of correction-requiring inputs from the temperature sensors 192, 194, 196, the fan 158 cycles on for about 5 seconds every minute to provide base line air flow to disperse respiratory and evaporative moisture and CO2.

The control system 108 uses measurements from the first air temperature sensor 192 (air temperature at or near the centre of a tray 104) and the second air temperature sensor 194 (air temperature at or near the edge of the same tray 104) to determine when to operate the fan 158. In an embodiment, the control system 108 also uses measurements from the ambient temperature sensor 196 to determine when to operate the fan 158.

For example, the control system 108 increases the proportion of time that the fan 158 is switched on for when the temperature measured by the first air temperature sensor 192 is more than 1.5°C higher than the temperature measured by the second air temperature sensor 194. The proportion of time that the fan 158 is switched on for may be proportional to the difference in temperature measured by the first air temperature sensor 192 and the second air temperature sensor 194. The control system 108 also increases the proportion of time that the fan 158 is switched on for when the

temperature measured by the first air temperature sensor is greater than 25°C, unless the temperature measured by the ambient air temperature sensor 196 is also greater than 25°C.

The layers of trays received in the rack are shown at 104i, 1042, ..., 104n respectively. A plurality of heaters 116i, 1162, ..., 116n are associated to respective layers of trays 104i, 104₂, ..., 104n. At least one knob sensor 152i, 152₂, ..., 152_n is associated to respective layers of trays 104i, 104₂, ..., 104_n.

The control system 108 uses measurements from the knob temperature sensors 152i, 152₂, ..., 152_n to determine when to apply power to the heaters 116i, 116₂, ..., 116n in the layers of trays 104i, 104₂, ..., 104_n. The control system 108 simultaneously applies power to all of the heaters 116i, 116₂, ..., 116_n in a layer of trays 104i, 104₂, ..., 104n.

The heaters 116i, I I62, ..., 116n of one layer of trays 104i, 1042, ..., 104_n are controlled separately to the heaters II61, 116₂, ..., 116n of another layer of trays 104i, 104₂, ..., 104n.

The temperature of individual layers of trays 104i, 1042, ..., 104_n is controlled separately because although the brood compartments are insulated, it is possible that the temperature in a layer of trays will be affected by the layer(s) above and/or below, so some layers may require more or less heating than others. In addition, when a layer of trays is removed for servicing, the temperature of that layer will cool down relative to the other layers.

For example, the knob temperature sensor 152i, 152₂, ..., 152_n measures the knob surface temperature in a layer of trays 104i, 1042, ..., 104_n at regular intervals (100s, for example). The control system 108 is programmed to respond to the difference between the current temperature measurement and the set point (31°C, for example). The control system is also programmed to respond to the difference between the current temperature measurement and the previous temperature measurement. This

measurement indicates the rate of change of temperature.

If the current temperature measurement exceeds a tolerance above the set point (31.9°C, for example), the control system 108 turns off the heaters I I61, I I62, ..., 116n in the respective layer of trays 104i, 1042, ..., 104_n . If the current temperature is less than or equal to the set point, power is applied in a pulsed duty cycle (lasting Is, for example) to the heaters II61, 116₂, ..., 116n of the respective layer of trays 104i, 1042, ..., 104n. The portion of the duty cycle in which power is applied to the heaters I I61,

II62, ..., 116n is proportional to the difference between the current temperature measurement and the previous temperature measurement measured by the knob temperature sensor 152i, 152₂, ..., 152_n. For example, power is applied for a longer duration in the next cycle if the difference between the current temperature measurement and the previous temperature measurement indicates that the

temperature has not increased by a sufficient amount over the previous cycle.

In an alternative embodiment, each tray 104 in a layer of trays 104i, 1042, ..., 104_n has a knob temperature sensor 152. In an embodiment, each sensor 152 is associated with independent temperature control for each tray 104.

Ventilation is controlled by the control system 108 so that the air temperature measured by the first air temperature sensor 192 at the centre of the rack 106 is not substantially higher than the air temperature measured by the second air temperature sensor 194 at the periphery of the rack 106. An acceptable air temperature difference is less than about 2°C. The first and second air temperature sensors 192, 194 measure of the temperature of the air outside of the insulated brood compartments 110. It is expected that the difference between the temperature at any given location in a brood compartment 110 at the centre of a tray and the temperature at a respective location a brood compartment 110 at the periphery of a tray 104 will be less than the difference in the air temperature, due to the insulation around the brood compartments 110.

The controlled heating and ventilation causes the temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion 112 of the brood compartment 110 and the surrounding air in the brood compartment 110 to be substantially the same for each container 102 within a given layer of trays 104. Therefore, only one knob temperature sensor 152 per layer is necessary and all of the heaters 116 in a given layer can be powered simultaneously, greatly simplifying the control system 108.

The apparatus 100 is relatively compact and portable. The ventilation system 118 and associated control system 108 enable the containers 102 to be placed in a compact configuration without adverse temperature effects. The apparatus 100 can be used to initiate a large number of bumble bee colonies while taking up a relatively small footprint. This allows a large number of colonies to be initiated without requiring a large amount of dedicated floor space. The small footprint also means that the apparatus can readily be used in existing buildings that concurrently serve other purposes, such as warehouses or sheds.

The apparatus 100 and control system 108 described above can be used to rear bumble bees in environments where ambient temperatures range from about 0°C to about 25°C. This enables the apparatus 100 to be used in rooms that do not have controlled temperature, such as warehouses or sheds. It is envisaged that in New Zealand, most environments in which the apparatus 100 would be used would not exceed the above temperature range in early spring when the system is most likely to be utilised for horticultural pollination. Use of the apparatus 100 in ambient temperatures below about 25°C ensures that there is a n inadequate temperature gradient between the knob 150 and the surrounding air, and ensures that the queen lays her eggs on the knob 150. However, once the queen has laid her eggs, the brood can be successfully reared in ambient temperatures of up to about 31°C.

If necessa ry, the apparatus 100 may be modified to operate in higher temperature environments. In an embodiment, a cooling unit (not shown) is included in the ventilation system 118 and associated controls a re included in the control system 108. The cooling unit would enable air that is cooler than the ambient temperature to be circulated through the apparatus 100 via the ventilation system 118.

Method of initiating bumble bee colonies

A method of initiating a bumble bee colony will now be described. This method relates to the embodiments shown and described in relation to figures 1 to 3A, and 4 to 19. A similar method applies to the other embodiments of the appa ratus described herein. The method comprises providing components of the apparatus 100 described above. In pa rticular, the method comprises providing a rack 106, and providing a plurality of trays 104 in the rack 106 so that, the trays 104 are arranged above one another. Each tray 104 comprises a heater 116. In some embodiments, the step of providing the rack is optional and the plurality of trays 104 may be arranged on top of each other.

The method further comprises providing a plurality of containers 102 in at least one tray 104 of the plurality of trays 104. As described above, each container 102 comprises a brood compartment 110 having a directly heatable portion 112, and an outer

compa rtment 114. A queen bumble bee is placed in at least one of the containers 102 of the plurality of containers 102. The container 102 is placed in one of the trays 104.

In the preferred embodiment, this process is repeated with all the other containers 102 so that each container 102 has a queen bumble bee and each tray 104 is full of containers 102. In an alternative embodiment, some containers 102 may have queen bees placed in them and some containers 102 may not have queen bees. In another alternative embodiment, one or more of the trays 104 may have some containers 102 and not be full of containers 102.

In the preferred embodiment, the tray 104 containing the sensor 152 in the top layer of trays 104 is filled with containers 102 first, then the remaining trays 104 in the top layer of trays 104 a re filled with containers 102. The trays 104 of the next layer down are then filled with containers 102, again starting with the tray 104 containing the sensor 152.

This process is repeated for subsequent layers of trays 104, until either all of the trays 104 are full of containers 102, or until there are no more queen bees to place in the containers 102. If the a pparatus has self-regulating knobs, this part of the method will not apply because each knob has a sensor.

Even heat distribution is most effective if a tray 104 is full of containers 102, even if some contain no bees. However, heat distribution is not significantly affected if a tray 104 has some containers 102, but is not full of containers 102. In an embodiment, if there are not enough queen bees to place in containers 102 to completely fill the apparatus 100, gaps in the trays 104 are filled with empty containers 102. In an embodiment, if there are not enough queen bees to place in conta iners 102 to completely fill the apparatus 100, gaps in the trays 104 are not filled with empty containers 102.

In an embodiment, one or more trays 104 in a layer contain bumble bees and one or more trays 104 in the same layer do no not contain bumble bees. In this embodiment, all of the trays 104 in that layer may be connected to the control system 108, such that heating occurs in the tray(s) 104 containing bumble bees and the tray(s) 104 that do not contain bumble bees. The temperature throughout the apparatus 100 is likely to be more even if all trays 104 in any layer containing bees are heated, even if one or more trays 104 does not contain bumble bees.

In an embodiment, one or more layers of trays 104 do not contain any bumble bees. In this embodiment, the one or more layers of trays 104 may be disconnected from the control system 108, such that heating does not occur in the one or more layers of trays 104.

In an embodiment, the top two layers of trays 104 are always connected to the control system 108, regardless of whether both layers contain bees.

The brood compartments 110 of the containers 102 are positioned above the heater 116 in the tray 104. If the trays have an electronic strip 4116 and self-regulating knobs 4150, the brood compartments 4110 of the containers 4102 are positioned above the electronic strip 4116. The trays 104 are placed into the rack 106. The knob temperature sensors 152 and heater 116, or electronic strip 4116, are connected to the control system 108 and power supply. The cover 154 is secured to the rack 106.

In operation, the heater 116 transfers heat to the directly heatable portion 112 of the brood compartment 110. If the trays have an electronic strip 4116 and self-regulating knobs 4150, the knobs 4150 transfers heat to the directly heatable portion 4112 of the brood compa rtment 4110. Either at the same time, or after the heat is applied, the ventilation system circulates air around the trays 102 such that a temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion 112 of the brood compartment 110 and the surrounding air in the brood compartment 110 is substantially the same for each container 102 within a given layer of trays 104. The air is preferably directed towards a middle portion of each tray 104. The air may circulate actively, by the fan 158 operating, or may circulate passively, as described earlier in this specification.

The method further comprises sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion 112 of one of the containers 102 in one of the trays 104. In the preferred embodiment, the method further comprises sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion 112 of one of the containers 102 in one of the trays 104 in each layer of trays 104. If the trays have an electronic strip 4116 and self-regulating knobs 4150, the method comprises each self-regulating knob 4150 sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion 4112.

In an alternative embodiment, the method may further comprise sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion 112 of two more containers 102 in one of the trays 104. In an alternative embodiment, the method may further comprise sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion 112 of one of the containers 102 in two or more of the trays 104 in a layer of trays 104.

The method further comprises determining when to apply power to the heaters 116 in each layer of trays 104. The method may comprise simultaneously applying power to all of the heaters 116 in a layer of trays 104. The method may comprise controlling the heaters 116 of one layer of trays 104 separately to the heaters 116 of another layer of trays 104.

If the trays have an electronic strip 4116 and self-regulating knobs 4150, the method further comprises determining when to apply power to each self-regulating knob 4150 in each layer of trays 104. The method may comprise simultaneously applying power to all of the each self-regulating knob 4150. The method may comprise controlling each self regulating knob 4150 separately to other self-regulating knobs 4150.

The method further comprises sensing various temperatures. The method comprises sensing an air temperature at or near a centre of a tray 104. In some embodiments, the method further comprises sensing an air temperature at or near an edge of a tray 104.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises sensing the ambient air temperature outside of the apparatus 100.

If the trays have an electronic strip 4116 and self-regulating knobs 4150, the method comprises each self-regulating knob 4150 sensing the temperature. If the method has active ventilation, the control system 108 controls forced ventilation to the trays 104 such that the temperature g radient between the directly heatable portion 112 of the brood compartment 110 and the surrounding air in the brood compa rtment 110 is substantially the same for each container 102 within a given layer of trays 104.

The method further comprises determining when to operate the fan 158. The operation of the fan 158 is preferably determined by the data provided by the temperature sensors.

The control system 108 controls heating of each layer of trays 104 such that the directly heatable portion 112 of the brood compartment 110 of each container 102 is kept at an optimum temperature (such as 31°C ± 0.5°C) .

If the trays have an electronic strip 4116 and self-regulating knobs 4150, the method comprises heating each self-regulating knobs 4150 such that the directly heatable portion 4112 of the brood compartment 4110 of each container 4102 is kept at an optimum temperature (such as 31°C ± 0.5°C)

Trays 104 are periodically removed from the rack for servicing of the containers 102, every one or two days for example. Trays 104 in a layer are serviced as a g roup. All trays 104 in a layer of trays 104 are removed and replaced at the same time to ensure that the trays 104 all cool by a similar amount when disconnected from the control system 108. Otherwise, if for example the tray 104 with the sensor 152 cools down for longer than other trays 104 in the same layer, then on re-powering the less-cooled trays 104 may overheat.

The trays 104 are serviced by providing pollen granules to the brood compartment 110 through the slot 128, and resupplying the feed jars 132 with a honey, honey/water solution or sugar/water solution as required.

The containers 102 continue to be periodically serviced until the colony is large enough to be transferred to a field hive. The containers 102 are transferred to the field hive and the lid 126 is removed . The colony in the field hive may be covered with fibrous insulation material . The colony continues to grow in the field hive. Just prior to the start of a pollinating season, the field hive is moved to the crop to be pollinated.

Each of the embodiments of the racks, the trays, and the containers described herein may have the features described in relation to the other embodiments of the racks, the trays, and the containers. For example, the containers of figure 3B may have some of the features of the container of figure 3A. While some of the racks, the trays, and/or the containers have been described as being suitable for use with certain components of the apparatus, the racks, the trays, and/or the containers can be used with other

components of the apparatus. For example, the containers of figure 3B may be used with the tray of figures 6 and 7. In another example, the trays of figures 22 to 25 may be used with the rack shown in figure 1 or any one of the racks shown in figures 20A and 20B.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for initiating bumble bee colonies, comprising :

a plurality of trays arranged above one another, each tray comprising a heater; a plurality of containers received by at least one tray of the plurality of trays, each container comprising :

a brood compa rtment having a directly heatable portion, and an outer compartment;

wherein the heater is configured to transfer heat to the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment; and

a ventilation system comprising a plurality of vents associated with the plurality of trays, wherein the ventilation system is configured to circulate air a round the trays such that a temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment and the surrounding air in the brood compartment is substantially the same for each container within a given layer of trays.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ventilation system is adapted to direct air towards a middle portion of each tray.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a rack configured to receive the plurality of trays.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the ventilation system comprises a ventilation unit in fluid communication with the rack.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the ventilation unit is located above the layers of trays.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the ventilation unit comprises a fan .

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the fan is in fluid communication with air outside the rack.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the rack comprises at least one hollow wall that extends between two adjacent trays in a layer, the hollow wall in fluid communication with the ventilation unit.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the rack comprises hollow walls that extend between external walls of the rack and at least one tray, the hollow walls in fluid communication with the ventilation unit.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the rack comprises the plurality of vents associated with the plurality of trays.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the rack comprises a greater number of vents per layer of trays for a layer of trays further from the ventilation unit than a layer of trays closer to the ventilation unit.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein an exterior of the rack comprises an insulating material.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ventilation system is a passive ventilation system configured to circulate air by natural convection.

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of trays comprises the plurality of vents associated with the plurality of trays.

15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each tray comprises at least one vent of the plurality of vents.

16. The apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein each tray comprises two or more vents of the plurality of vents.

17. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vents are selectively openable and/or closable.

18. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each layer of trays comprises a knob temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion of one of the containers in one of the trays.

19. The apparatus according to claims 1 to 17, wherein each layer of trays comprises two or more knob temperature sensors for sensing temperature of the directly heatable portion of two or more of the containers in one of the trays.

20. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of trays is formed in separate sections that can be assembled together to form a complete tray.

21. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control system for controlling heating and ventilation of the apparatus.

22. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the control system uses

measurements from the knob temperature sensor in each layer of trays to determine when to apply power to the heaters in each layer of trays.

23. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein power is simultaneously applied to all of the heaters in a layer of trays.

24. The apparatus according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the heaters of one layer of trays are controlled separately to the heaters of another layer of trays.

25. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first air temperature sensor for sensing a temperature at or near a centre of a tray, and a second air temperature sensor for sensing a temperature at or near an edge of a tray.

26. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the control system uses

measurements from the first and second air temperature sensors to determine when to operate the fan.

27. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an ambient temperature sensor for sensing the ambient air temperature outside of the apparatus.

28. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the control system uses

measurements from the first and second air temperature sensors and measurements from the ambient temperature sensor to determine when to operate the fan.

29. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each tray comprises insulation for insulating the brood compartments of the containers.

30. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heaters comprise knobs that are received by corresponding inward projections in the containers.

31. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heater comprises at least one heating element.

32. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rack is adapted to receive seven layers of trays.

33. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each layer of trays comprises three trays.

34. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each tray is adapted to hold 24 containers.

35. A method of initiating a bumble bee colony, comprising :

providing an apparatus for initiating bumble bee colonies, the apparatus comprising :

a plurality of trays arranged above one another, each tray comprising a heater; and

a ventilation system having a plurality of vents associated with the plurality of trays;

providing a plurality of containers in at least one tray of the plurality of trays, each container comprising :

a brood compartment having a directly heatable portion, and an outer compartment;

wherein the heater transfers heat to the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment;

providing a queen bumble bee in at least one of the containers of the plurality of containers;

using the ventilation system to circulate air around the trays and/or allowing air to circulate around the trays such that a temperature gradient between the directly heatable portion of the brood compartment and the surrounding air in the brood compartment is substantially the same for each container within a given layer of trays.

36. The method according to claim 36, further providing a rack configured to receive the plurality of trays and placing the plurality of trays in the rack.

37. The method according to claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the step of circulating air around the trays comprises directing air towards a middle portion of each tray.

38. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, further comprising sensing a temperature of the directly heatable portion of one of the containers in one of the trays.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39, further comprising determining when to apply power to the heaters in each layer of trays.

40. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, further comprising simultaneously applying power to all of the heaters in a layer of trays.

41. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 41, further comprising applying power to the heaters of one layer of trays separately to applying power to the heaters of another layer of trays.

42. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, further comprising sensing an air temperature at or near a centre of a tray.

43. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 43, further comprising sensing an air temperature at or near an edge of a tray.

44. The method according to claim 44, wherein the control system determines when to operate the fan based on data from first and second air temperature sensors.

45. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 45, further comprising sensing the ambient air temperature outside of the appa ratus.

46. The method according to claim 46, wherein the control system determines when to operate the fan based on data from an ambient air temperature sensor.