Leech breeding box

A can reduce the spartin of perinereis aibuhitensis riverbanks cultivation method

A kind of clam develop method

AQUATIC ORGANISM REARING SYSTEM AND AQUATIC ORGANISM REARING METHOD

Portable clam breeding fertilization equipment

Leech breeding device

A sandworm catching device

Apparatus and method for rearing and collection of aquatic organisms

The apparatus comprises a vessel 1 with means to maintain a predetermined level of water in the vessel, and a number of habitats below the water level each capable of receiving an organism. The habitats may be tubular structures 8 of metal or synthetic plastics material, and in a preferred embodiment the habitats 9 are formed between two substantially parallel plates by a number of dividing walls extending between the parallel plates. An installation (figs 2 and 8) comprising a number of vessels arranged in a vertical stack with a cascading flow of water passing down through the stack of vessels is also described. The apparatus may be used for the culture of king ragworms.

Rearing method of loaches

Indoor double-layer three-dimensional breeding mode of hirudo nipponia

Ecological breeding method for raising juvenile Portunus trituberculatus

Method for cultivating perinereis aibuhiteris on desolate beach and capable of reducing smooth cordgrass

Method for breeding perinereis aibuhitensis grube in ecological restoration type wasteland

MONOPTERUS ALBUS PROTECTION AND GROWTH APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a Monopterus albus protection and growth apparatus. More specifically, in the present invention, the domestic Monopterus albus is safely protected and cultured in each independent space to enhance the growth rate. The apparatus comprises: a protective passage in the form of a tube having a thread on a lower outer surface thereof and having a circular passage therein; a body having a spherical shape having an internal space and formed with a plurality of holes on an outer surface thereof, and integrally formed with a connecting portion protruding outward from a center of an upper surface and having a thread formed on an inner surface thereof. After the thread of the protective passage is fastened to the thread of the body, the body is inserted into the water and a part of the entrance of the protective passage is inclined out of the water. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2018 ...

Method for improving leech overwintering yield and quality

High-density stereoscopic breeding method for leeches

СПОСОБ СОВМЕСТНОГО ВЫРАЩИВАНИЯ ОБЪЕКТОВ АКВАБИОКУЛЬТУРЫ И РАСТЕНИЙ

Изобретение относится к сельскому хозяйству, а именно к совместному выращиванию объектов аквабиокультуры: рыбы, беспозвоночных и растительных культур на аквапонике. Способ предусматривает сначала подачу воды в бассейн с осетровыми рыбами, затем в бассейн с сомовыми рыбами, далее воду перемещают в отстойник для осаждения органических отходов, затем вода поступает в аквапонную установку для выращивания растений, потом в емкости для культивирования ракообразных, затем в емкость для выращиванию моллюсков, далее на очистку последовательно в механический фильтр и биологический фильтр и снова в бассейны для рыб. Выращиваемыми рыбами являются осетровые и африканский клариевый сом, растениями – салат, петрушка, перец, укроп, кориандр, базилик, беспозвоночными – брюхоногий моллюск ампуллярия и австралийский красноклешневый рак, а вермикультурой являются навозные черви, выращивание которых осуществляют в отдельном полипропиленовом ящике с отверстиями, заполненном биогумусом. Растения выращивают при ...

Culture method for promoting leech growth

Method for improving overwintering yield of leeches

Leech culture method

Ecological co-culture method for crops and aquatic products

The invention discloses an ecological co-cultivation method for crops and aquatic products, which comprises the following steps: step 1, preparing land, and selecting wind-sheltering, dry and non-drought and convenient-to-drain soil; step 2, sprinkling lime water on the flat ground and the breeding channel formed in the step 1, and exposing for 1-3 days for disinfection and sterilization; step 3, applying a fertilizer to the flat ground formed in the step 1 according to parts by weight; step 4, injecting water into the flat ground and the breeding channel formed in the step 1 through a water inlet; 5, digging holes in the flat ground at the beginning of April; step 6, in the initial growth stage of the lotus roots, applying the following fertilizers in parts by weight: 8-10 parts of straws, 10-16 parts of sheep manure, 9-13 parts of soybean meal and 11-20 parts of potassium persulfate, recovering the shallow water level to 20-29 cm after the fertilizers are applied, transplanting rice seedlings ...

Aquakulturanlage und Kultivierungsverfahren

Method for pond culture of sandworm

The utility model relates to a living body leech in-vivo dirt purification container for producing hirudin

Overwintering breeding method for artificially breeding leech

Breeding method for increasing survival rate of leeches

Medical leech high-density cultivation method

Winter low-temperature breed reservation method of whitmania pigra

Expanded letter gold thread leech device of surviving winter

Method for early propagation and cultivation of wide-body golden-line leech seedlings

Method for regulating alkalinity of soil pH value of leech spawning platform and removing beancurd odor in soil

Clamworm breeding method

Lotus root field leech adherance

High-density breeding method for intercropping leeches and lotus roots

Device convenient for observing leech forms

The utility model belongs to the field of breeding observation equipment, and particularly relates to a device convenient for observing the forms of leeches. The device comprises a leech breeding device and a leech observation device. The leech breeding equipment comprises a breeding box, a breeding cover plate, a water inlet, a purified water pipe, an aerator, a thermometer, an escape-proof net cover, a material placing plate and a water outlet. The leech observation equipment comprises a cubic placement box body with a groove and a hollow inner cavity, and a bracket for fixing the photographing and camera shooting equipment; wherein two through holes connected with an inner cavity of the placing box body are formed in the placing box body, the through holes are provided with through hole covers matched with the through holes, liquid stored in the inner cavity of the placing box body is prevented from flowing outwards, and the through holes are formed in the high position and the low position ...

Apparatus and method for rearing and collection of aquatic organisms

Leech cultivation method

Leech-specific nutritional induction solution, and method for extracting natural hirudin

Leech breeding method

WETLAND COMPOSITION FOR LUGWORMS AND LONG-TERM STORAGE METHOD OF LIVE LUGWORMS USING SAME

The present invention relates to a wetland composition for lugworms and a long-term storage method of live lugworms using the same, and more specifically relates to a wetland composition, comprising: pulp for toilet paper; vermiculite; and salty water. According to the present invention, the life span of the lugworms can be extended longer than three weeks such that retail stores or wholesale stores selling lugworms are able to stably secure a sufficient quantity of lugworms, and are able to minimize economic losses due to death of the lugworms. COPYRIGHT KIPO 2018 (AA) Form a wetland composition for lugworms (BB) Insert the wetland composition into a container for wetland (CC) Insert lugworms into the container for wetland (DD) Store at 12-14 °C ...

Indoor incubation tank for leech fries

Throw something and feed multilayer leech adherance of spiral shell

Culture method for increasing young leech survival rate

A leech cultivation method

Method for adjusting pH value of soil on leech spawning platform and eliminating rancidness in soil

Miniflow leech cultivation bed

A prevent the box body leech escape method

Hirudinaria manillensis aquaculture device and method for over-winter aquaculture of hirudinaria manillensis by using device

Pesticide application device for leech breeding pond

Operation method for ecological biogas slurry treatment aquaculture system

Method capable of quickly increasing leech antithrombase content

The whole of the leech soilless cultivation method

Floating leech egg laying box

Wide body gold leech breeding device

Method for artificially breeding grass

Anti-escape device of leech culture pool

Water passing breeding device for leeches

AQUACULTURE FACILITY AND CULTIVATION METHOD

Industrial aquaculture device for multi-layer three-dimensional wide-body wide-body leech fry

Breeding method of wild leeches

Clam worm farming systems

Expanded letter gold thread leech three -dimensional ecological breeding device

Symbiotic organic planting and cultivating device for vegetable, earthworm and fish characterized by providing a symbiotic organic planting and cultivating device for vegetable, earthworm and fish, which is in line with nature cultivation law and easy to plant without using any chemical fertilizers or pesticides

The invention provides a symbiotic organic planting and cultivating method and a device thereof for vegetable, earthworm and fish, which are in line with nature cultivation law and easy to plant without using any chemical fertilizers or pesticides. The technical means of the invention is to provide an organic planting and cultivating device comprising a cultivating unit for cultivating fish, a planting unit for planting vegetables, and a breeding unit for breeding earthworms. An irrigation unit and a water recovery unit are disposed between the cultivating unit and the planting unit. The breeding unit is provided with a compost area, a breeding area, a filtering area and an open area. The open area is located in the water of the cultivating unit to make the filtering area immersed in the water. The earthworms bred by the breeding unit are used to feed the fish. The organic fertilizer produced by the breeding unit is applied to the planting unit via the irrigation unit so as to be used to ...

SYSTEM FOR POLYCHAETE PRODUCTION COMPRISING A RETRIEVABLE TRAY, AND METHOD FOR POLYCHAETE PRODUCTION

System for polychaete production comprising at least one cultivation unit (100), the cultivation unit (100) comprising at least one inlet (120) and an outlet (130) for supply and discharge of water and feed, and at least one retrievable tray (300) for cultivation of polychaete. A method for polychaete production in a cultivation unit (100) is also disclosed.

Towing band outer pool for rotifer generator

Leech room of resting

The utility model provides a leech room of resting, including the box, set up in the inside soil horizon of box, with irrigation equipment that the soil horizon corresponds and the warm light who is connected with the box top. The utility model provides a leech room of resting uses warm light to heat for the leech, can change at the lower or temperature of temperature to guarantee the leech required temperature of growing in great, utilizes the temperature and humidity in the temperature sensor real -time supervision box simultaneously, and the convenient environment that in time changes in the box makes the environment in the box satisfy the demand that the leech rested all the time. And it has the plant to plant in the soil horizon, make the soil horizon have good gas permeability, through irrigating the plant, make soil moisture more even, avoid soil drying.

RENINGSSYSTEM FOR SLUTEN AQUAKULTURELL ODLING

Potted landscape type leech breeding system and method

Ecological method for planting rice and culturing leeches

MARINE BIOPRODUCTION FACILITY

A marine bioproduction facility for farming of sessile marine organisms in a body of water is disclosed. The facility comprises an array of at least two production modules in contiguous geometrical relationship to each other, where each of the at least two production modules is adapted to be arranged within a vertical column with a predefined horizontal cross section and extending downwards from the water surface, where at least one of the at least two production modules comprises at least one growth surface for sessile marine organisms, and an upper part comprising at least one opening adapted to allow access to the vertical column. Further, a method for growth and harvesting of marine sessile organisms using the marine bioproduction facility is presented.

Perinereis aibuhitensis mudflat aquaculture method

Metal element adding method for promoting leech growth

Use method of breeding pool for breeding young leeches from leech egg cocoons

Method for culturing high-density leeches

Temporary aquaculture method of urechis unicinctus

Device and method for culturing of whitman pipa seedlings by microflow water circulation type grid

Leech inhabitation frame

Water earthworm culture system by simulating ecological water cycling

Method for imitative-ecological breeding of Whitmania pigra through paddy field net cages

Artificial spawning and hatching method for

Artificial aquaculture method of leeches

Construction method of apostichopus japonicas culture pond mixed culture system

Method for culturing leech in paddy field

Be applicable to three -dimensional industrial aquaculture expanded letter gold thread leech device of multilayer

Urechis unicinctus farming method

Leech breeding method

Culture method capable of shortening hirudiniculture period

Ecological repair type areas to breed perinereis aibuhitensis, shellfish method

Clam worm breeding and harvesting mode

TRANSPORTABLE CONTAINER FOR THE BREEDING OF INVERTEBRATES WITH THREE-DIMENSIONAL PRISMATIC INTERIOR OF GYROID STRUCTURE

Transportable container for the breeding of invertebrates with a three-dimensional prismatic interior of gyroid structure of continuous development characterized by being made up of a container of straight rectangular parallelepiped shape (1) which has a top cover (2) in its upper part and two rings in the middle of its side faces (3), and where in the lower third of the container's (1) height there is a perimetral elastic element (4) to be able to help the assembly vibrate without causing breakage; bellow the perimetral elastic element (4) and in the lateral faces there are two couplings (5) to fix a hose; at the outer side of the container (6) there is a sliding profile (7), which is located on the inside of the container (1) and is positioned on the inner side of the container; there is a waste collection tray (8) that runs along the surface of the profile, which has two semi-circular tabs (9) to allow the removal of the tray; at the bottom of the container (1) there are four legs (10 ...

Water earthworm separation belt cleaning device

Method for culturing medicinal hirudo

Method for breeding leeches

Factory breeding device for Sipunculus nudus

Synergistic mode for whitmania pigra pond breeding

High-density leech feeding method and special micro-ecological preparation for high-density fed leeches

Greenhouse overwintering method for artificially breeding leeches

Triple drain apparatus for an aquaculture recirculation system

Triple drain apparatus for an aquaculture system tank for reducing water input requirements and minimizing breakdown of solids whereby the solids are larger and more concentrated when removed from a solids settling device. Water flow is split by the apparatus into a side box fluid stream which flows into a side box coupled to the tank, and both a clean fluid stream and a high solids fluid stream which flow into a center drain. The center drain comprises a central stand pipe coupled to a clean water outlet, a sump coupled to a high solids fluid outlet and a collection plate separating the tank and the sump. The center drain may include a mortality trap coupled to a mortality outlet and the sump, whereby the collection plate separates the mortality trap from the sump, to provide means for easily removing dead fishes and large debris from the tank.

Method for Breeding Musca Domestica

A method for breeding Musca Domestica includes placing imagoes of Musca Domestica in an environment having a temperature of 18-35° C. and having a humidity of 50-80%. A laying pan is provided to attract the imagoes of Musca Domestica to lay eggs in the laying pan. The laying pan includes substances capable of attracting the imagoes of Musca Domestica to lay eggs in the laying pan. The eggs are transferred into a cultivating material including at least one product of soybean and/or milk. The eggs of Musca Domestica are bred at a temperature of 20-35° C. until hatching into larvae. The larvae are placed on swine feces and bred at a temperature of 20-35° C. for 2-3 days. The yield and breeding speed of the larvae of Musca Domestica are increased by the method.

Aquarium detritus removal system

An aquarium detritus removal and filtration system of the present invention is different from the conventional aquarium filtration system which are not able to deliver detritus settle in an aquarium bottom right to a lift pump for removal. The present invention is mainly comprised of a flow generating device, a flow guiding structure, a screen plate and a lift pump. The flow generating device generate directed flows across the bottom of the aquarium and the flow guiding structure guide these directed flows right to the inlet of a lift pump, so that the lift pump can in take water containing all detritus in the aquarium and deliver these water to a filtering device for filtration

Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Cleaning an Aquarium

Apparatuses, systems and methods aid in the cleaning of an aquarium and provide clean water to an aquarium. In particular, the present invention relates to an efficient, self-contained and simplified solution for cleaning aquarium tanks and replenishing clean water to an aquarium.

Aquaponics System

The modular aquaponics assembly includes a frame, at least one tray adapted for retaining water and supporting at least one container for retaining a growing medium therein for support plants. A light fixture is disposed within the frame above the at least one tray, and an aquarium for supporting aquatic fauna is positioned near the bottom of the frame. A water circulating system is provided for circulating water from the aquarium through the at least one tray and back to the aquarium. In one embodiment, the frame is adapted to removably sit on top of the aquarium. In another embodiment, an outer skin encloses the frame, aquarium and other components to create an aesthetically pleasing structure that is both decorative and functional.

Wedge-Shaped Filter Cartridge

Disclosed herein are wedge-shaped filter cartridges having a maximized upstream surface area. The filter cartridges are modular and may be stacked in a filter cartridge system.

Electropharyngeogram arrays and methods of use

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for measuring an electropharyngeogram (EPG) in living organisms. In some embodiments, the devices and systems disclosed herein include an array for sorting and immobilizing an organism (such as a nematode) for measurement of an EPG and/or optical imaging. Also disclosed are methods for identifying therapeutic or toxic compounds utilizing the disclosed devices and systems. In some embodiments, the methods include screening for compounds with anthelmintic activity, toxicity (for example HERG channel blockers), or candidate drugs for treatment of a variety of human and/or animal diseases.

PROCESS AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING PRODUCTION OF FOOD AND FEED

A process includes microbially degrading harvested polyculture plant material to form a concentrated microbial biomass and providing the concentrated microbial biomass to an intermediary animal for consumption. The process may also be directed to producing a product animal which includes providing a growth area having an outlet for waste and providing a harvested plant material collection area having an outlet for degradation products. The process may also include providing a microbial growth system for producing a bacterial biomass and directing at least some waste from the outlet of the product animal growth area to the harvested plant material collection area. The process may also include directing at least some degradation products to the microbial growth system, directing some of the microbial biomass produced in the microbial growth system to an intermediary animal for consumption, and directing the intermediary animal to a product animal growth area. 1. A process , comprising the steps of:microbially degrading harvested polyculture plant material to form a concentrated microbial biomass; andproviding the concentrated microbial biomass to an intermediary animal for consumption by the intermediary animal.2. The process of claim 1 , further comprising harvesting the intermediary animal for use as a feed and/or food.3. The process of claim 1 , further comprising contacting the harvested polyculture plant material with a microbial inoculation and/or nutrients.4. The process of claim 3 , wherein the microbial inoculation and/or nutrients comprises organisms claim 3 , organism excreta claim 3 , microbial biomass and/or byproducts of the microbial biomass claim 3 , intermediary animals or byproducts of the intermediary animals claim 3 , and/or inorganic or organic fertilizers or other nutrient containing materials.5. The process of claim 1 , wherein the step of microbially degrading occurs in a harvested plant material degradation system.6. A process for producing a ...

Indoor artificial breeding method of termite

Provided is a method of collecting wild termites and rearing the termites indoors. The method can be used to observe physiological and ecological characteristics of termites that give serious damage to wooden cultural assets and buildings, and thus basic information can be obtained for controlling termites.

Aquarium with a Self-Contained Cleaning Apparatus

The present invention relates to an aquarium cleaning apparatus, systems and methods for removing debris from the aquarium, and in particular, a self-contained cleaning apparatus that utilizes a siphon effect created by pouring water in an aquarium tank and/or pulling water out of an aquarium tank, such as via a vacuum. In a preferred embodiment, the siphon operation occurs because of the difference between the water level of the aquarium tank and the vertical height of a spout attached to the top of a vertical tube. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to immerse their hands in the aquarium water to operate the cleaning device. 1. An aquarium comprising:an aquarium tank having a top, a bottom and at least one side forming a space for holding water therein;a tube having a first end and a second end, the first end disposed proximate the bottom of the aquarium tank, the tube running vertically to a point proximate the top of the aquarium tank, wherein the second end of the tube opens at a location outside of the aquarium tank for draining water from the aquarium tank.2. The aquarium of wherein the tube has a bend near the point proximate the top of the aquarium tank.3. The aquarium of wherein the second end of the tube is disposed downwardly for draining water from the aquarium tank.4. The aquarium of wherein the tube exits the aquarium tank through the side of the aquarium tank.5. The aquarium of wherein the tube exits the aquarium tank through the side of the aquarium tank at a point proximate the top of the aquarium tank.6. The aquarium of wherein the tube exits the aquarium tank through the top of the aquarium tank.7. The aquarium of wherein the tube exits the aquarium tank through the side of the aquarium tank at a point proximate the bottom of the aquarium tank.8. The aquarium of further comprising:a reservoir disposed at the bottom of the aquarium tank, the reservoir for collecting debris falling to the bottom of the aquarium tank.9. The aquarium of ...

MITE COMPOSITION, METHOD FOR REARING A PHYTOSEIID PREDATORY MITE SPECIES, AND USE OF THE COMPOSITION FOR CONTROLLING CROP PESTS

The present invention relates to a mite composition, the rearing thereof and to the use of the composition for controlling crop pests. The invention provides a mite composition comprising: a rearing population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species, a population of at least one species from the order Astigmata, and optionally a carrier, wherein the population of the species from the order Astigmata is not alive. In particular the population of the species from the order Astigmata is in fast frozen form. The composition is used for controlling crop pests, such as thrip species. The crops may be greenhouse grown crops and open field crops. 2. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein the population of the species from the order Astigmata is in fast frozen form.3NeoseiulusTyphlodromalusTyphlodromipsEuseius. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein the phytoseiid predatory species is selected from the subfamily Amblyseiinae claim 1 , the genus the genus and the genus4. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein the species from the order Astigmata is selected from the:members of the family Acaridae,from the family Carpoglyphidae, from the family Glycyphagidae; andfrom the family Chortoglyphagidae,5. Composition according to claim 1 , comprising a further nutritional source for the phytoseiid population such as pollen.6. A method for rearing a phytoseiid predatory mite comprising:{'claim-ref': {'@idref': 'CLM-00001', 'claim 1'}, 'providing a composition according to , allowing individuals of the phytoseiid predatory mite to prey on the population of the species from the order Astigmata.'}7. Method according to claim 6 , wherein the rearing population is maintained at 20-30° C. and 70-90% relative humidity.8. A method of pest control which comprises applying to a location in need thereof of a pesticidaly effective amount of the composition according to for controlling a crop pest.9. A method according to claim 8 , wherein the crop pest is selected from a range of ...

PLANT AND METHOD FOR ORGANIC WASTE BIOCONVERSION AND MUNICIPAL WASTE BIOSTABILIZATION

System for the bio-treatment of organic waste by means of insect larvae comprising a tank provided with removable cover and means for ventilation and temperature control able to induce migration of the larvae outside the waste mass when in a desired larval development stadium, means for distributing in many times the various waste layers and for removing the same at the end of the treatment and means for distributing the larvae inside the tank and for collecting and storing the larvae at the end of the treatment. Method for the bio-treatment of organic waste by means of larval stadium insects provided with the step of placing a first waste layer inside a tank (), placing insect larvae or eggs on said layer and adding other waste layers at prefixed and shorter time intervals than the larvae development time, inducing the spontaneous migration of the larvae towards suitable collecting areas by means of temperature and humidity control and removing the treated waste from the tank 2. System according to claim 1 , further comprising a controlled temperature storage system for larvae or eggs conservation.317. System according to claim 1 , wherein said container is a tank () provided on the upper surface with a removable cover () and is preferably shaped approximately as a parallelepiped claim 1 , with between 1 and 2 meters width claim 1 , and between 5 and 20 meters length.47. System according to claims 3 , wherein said cover () is made up of a sliding cloth with reduced heat transmission coefficient.58113. System according to any one of claims 1 , wherein said ventilation control means () comprises a fan sucking air from the tank () by means of a suitable air inlet () and conveys it to a filtering and smell removing system.6118. System according to claim 1 , wherein said container () has walls with openings provided for air container () has walls of the container with openings are provided for air admission from outside claim 1 , wherein the air being possibly pre- ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RESEARCH AND TESTING OF SMALL AQUATIC SPECIES

An apparatus for testing and researching aquatic species is provided. The apparatus includes a housing rack for housing a tank. The apparatus further includes one or more dividers for dividing the at least one tank into one or more compartments. The apparatus further includes a collection channel and a downspout in each compartment for draining of water from each compartment. The apparatus further includes one or more lids for covering the one or more compartments. 1. An apparatus for testing and researching aquatic species , comprising:a housing rack for housing at least one tank;one or more dividers for dividing the at least one tank into one or more compartments;a collection channel in each of the one or more compartments for draining water from the one or more compartments; andone or more lids for covering the one or more compartments.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising one or more rails at bottom surface of the at least one tank for locking the at least one tank onto the housing rack.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one tank further comprising a spawning insert for spawning the aquatic species.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one tank further comprising sub-compartments within the one or more compartments.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more dividers further comprising a gap for allowing water claim 1 , food claim 1 , and waste to flow from one compartment to another compartment.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more dividers further comprising one or more holes for allowing water to flow from one compartment to another compartment.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the one or more dividers further comprisingan opening covered by a mesh.8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one tank further comprising one or more removable basket into the one or more compartments for allowing removal of aquatic species from the tank.9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the one or ...

Means to Culture Cochineal Insects in an Artificial Medium

A method is provided for culturing cochineal insects. In accordance with the method, a medium is created ( 101 - 109 ) from a mixture comprising a plant or cactus additive and a polymeric material. The medium is then inoculated ( 111 ) with a species selected from the group consisting of the genus Dactylopius.

Method and Device for Attracting and Collecting Earthworms

An earthworm collecting device that is highly effective in causing earthworms to surface from their holes during the day time or at night and come to the surface. The device generates a rasping noise and a series of vibrations that resonate through the ground. These resonating vibrations cause the earthworms to surface which then allows for easy and rapid collection.

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ALGAL BLOOMS AND KILLING PATHOGENS IN FISH TANK

Provided are a killing apparatus for use in a fish tank. The killing apparatus includes a first conductive mesh, a second conductive mesh, and a spacer which is disposed between the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh and insulates the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh. Accordingly, in the fish tank, algal blooms are prevented and reduced, fish disease is prevented, and the growth of water plants is expedited. 1. A killing apparatus for use in a fish tank , the killing apparatus comprising:a first conductive mesh;a second conductive mesh; anda spacer which is disposed between the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh and insulates the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh.2. The killing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first conductive mesh and the second conductive mesh are made of titanium and have surfaces coated with platinum group metals.3. The killing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the spacer comprises:a ring which forms a looped curve; anda stick which connects one portion of the looped curve of the ring to another portion of the looped curve of the ring.4. The killing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising:a first case which supports the first conductive mesh; anda second case which supports the second conductive mesh,wherein the first case, the first conductive mesh, the spacer, the second conductive mesh, and the second case are connected to one another in sequence.5. The killing apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , further comprising a connection portion which has an annular shape and comprises a first region and a second region along a circumferential direction claim 4 ,wherein the first region has a height lower than that of the second region and a guide line is formed on an outer edge of the connection portion to divide the connection portion into an upper portion and a lower portion,wherein the first case comprises a first body having an annular shape, ...

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROCESS FOR REMOVAL OF NITROGEN SPECIES FROM RECIRCULATED AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS

The present invention provides processes for removing nitrogen species from fresh water or high salinity water recirculated aquaculture systems. The processes are based on physico-chemical treatments which are performed at ambient temperatures and at low p H values thus keeping the total ammonia nitrogen concentrations below a value which is considered detrimental for the growth or survival rate of cultured fish/shrimp. 124-. (canceled)25. A process for removing nitrogen species from a fresh water recirculated aquaculture system (RAS) so as to maintain the total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration in the water in said system no higher than 50 mgN/L , the process comprising the steps of:a. maintaining the pH of the water in the RAS below pH 7.5;b. extracting a portion of the water from the RAS;{'sub': '4', 'sup': '+', 'c. passing the portion of the water from the RAS through an ion-exchange resin so as to remove NH ions;'}{'sub': '4', 'sup': '+', 'd. regenerating the NH enriched ion-exchange resin obtained in step (c) using a solution comprising high concentrations of exchange cation and chloride as the counter anion at concentrations higher than 50 g Cl/L;'}{'sub': 4', '2, 'sup': '+', 'e. converting NH ions accumulated in the brine obtained during step (d) to gaseous nitrogen (N) by electrochemically generating active chlorine species capable of ammonia-to-nitrogen gas oxidation; and'}f. optionally, repeating steps (a) to (e) in a continuous manner, as needed.26. The process of further comprising the step of recycling at least some of the portion of the water obtained after step (c) back to the RAS.27. The process of claim 25 , wherein the exchange cation in step (d) is selected from the group consisting of Ca claim 25 , Mg claim 25 , Na claim 25 , and K.28. The process of claim 27 , wherein the exchange cation in step (d) is Ca claim 27 , and wherein the process further comprises removing phosphorus species by precipitation with calcium ions released into the ...

Biological control

The invention relates to a non-human multicellular organism carrying a dominant lethal genetic system, the lethal effect of which is conditional, wherein the lethal effect of the lethal system occurs in the natural environment of the organism.

Recirculating fish brooding and filtration system

Embodiments disclosed herein disclose a fish brooding and filtration system. The system includes a brooding tank configured to contain water and fish for breeding. The brooding tank is in fluid communication a filtration tank, which is configured to extract nitrites from the water circulating through the system. A pump circulates the water through at least one conduit and an injector that receives a flow of water generated by the pump and draws air into the injector. The injector is further operable to inject a mixture of the drawn air and the water into the brooding tank.

Combined Illuminator/Light Collectors For Optical Readers

Combined illuminator/light collectors (I/LCs) that provide measurement and/or reference light to a target and collect light from the target. One example of a use for a combined I/LC of the present disclosure is for an optic of an optical reader used to read one or more chemical indicators that undergo physical changes that can be optically detected. The combined I/LC includes a spot lensing designed and configured in conjunction with the target to provide spot illumination on the target from one or more light sources. A light collector collects light from the target resulting from the spot illumination. Some embodiments further include dispersive lensing to direct a portion of the light from each light source away from the spot illumination to keep that light from interfering with the spot illumination.

INSECT TRAY WITH COVER, RACK FOR SAID TRAY, USE OF AN ASSEMBLY OF SAID RACK WITH AT LEAST ONE TRAY

The invention relates to a tray for use in large-scale industrial insect farming. More in particular, the invention relates to a live insects tray for incubating insects prepupae and pupae, the tray having a space limited by walls, for housing insect prepupae and pupae, wherein the walls are impenetrable by an insect, and that at least one of the walls is at least partly permeable for gases, such as the top wall. Furthermore, the invention relates to a rack for holding at least one tray and relates to an assembly having said rack and at least one of said trays. The invention also relates to the use of said rack with at least one tray or said assembly for incubating insect prepupae. In addition the invention relates to a method for incubating insect prepupae and/or insect pupae, preferably of black soldier fly. 1. A tray for incubating pupae , comprising a space limited by walls , for housing insect prepupae and pupae , wherein the walls are impenetrable by an insect , and wherein at least one of the walls is at least partly permeable for gases.2. The tray according to . wherein the walls limiting the space of the tray comprise side walls claim 1 , a bottom wall and a top wall claim 1 , and wherein the at least one wall of the tray that is at least partly permeable for gases claim 1 , is the top wall of the tray and/or is at least one of the side walls of the tray.3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. The tray according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one wall of the tray that is at least partly permeable for gases is made of a material selected from one of: a metal such as aluminum claim 1 , an alloy such as stainless steel claim 1 , a polymer claim 1 , a polymer blend claim 1 , and a plastic such as a blow-molded polymer claim 1 , a blow-molded polymer blend or a blow-molded plastic claim 1 , or a combination thereof.6. (canceled)7. The tray according to claim 1 , wherein the surface of the wall that is at least partly permeable for gases claim 1 , is a smooth surface ...

Mite composition, carrier, method for rearing mites and uses related thereto

The present invention in general relates to the field of rearing of commercially relevant mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a mite composition, suitable for the commercial rearing of mites, a method for rearing mites and a rearing device using the composition of the invention, a method for crop protection using the composition according to the invention wherein the mite is selected as a predatory mite, and the use of a carrier material for rearing a mite species. 2. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein the shelters comprise areas where the material of the carrier element shields a mite individual claim 1 , when located in this area claim 1 , from its surroundings in at least 3 directions having orthogonal or reversed relations claim 1 , preferably in at least 4 of such directions claim 1 , most preferably in at least 5 of such directions.32. Composition according to any of the - claims 1 , wherein the shelters comprise voids claims 1 , such as voids formed by coves claims 1 , recesses claims 1 , pores claims 1 , chambers claims 1 , cavities claims 1 , niches claims 1 , pits claims 1 , pockets claims 1 , tubes and alike structures.43. Composition according to any of the - claims 1 , wherein carrier elements are derived from chaff claims 1 , preferably chaff from a grass species (Poaceae) claims 1 , most preferably chaff from a cereal species claims 1 , such as chaff from wheat claims 1 , an oryza species claims 1 , rye claims 1 , oats or millet claims 1 , in particular chaff from millet.5. Composition according to any of the previous claims claims 1 , wherein the mite species is selected from: [ [{'i': Amblyseius', 'Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius aerialis, Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius herbicolus', 'Amblyseius largoensis', 'Euseius', 'Euseius finlandicus, Euseius hibisci, Euseius ovalis, Euseius victoriensis, Euseius stipulatus, Euseius scutalis, Euseius tularensis, Euseius addoensis, Euseius concordis, Euseius ho', 'Euseius citri', ...

AQUARIUM WITH AN INTEGRATED CLEANING SYSTEM

Various embodiments of an aquarium and its method of use are disclosed. In some embodiments the aquarium includes a first container including a waste collection area, an outlet, and a conduit fluidly connecting the waste collection area and the outlet. Depending upon the particular embodiment, the aquarium may also include features such as a second container adapted and configured to mate with the first container and receive the outlet such that fluid flows from the waste collection area through the outlet and into the second container when fluid is added above a preselected fluid level. In other related embodiments, the conduit may be formed by first and second portions of the conduit formed in the first container and a separate component. 1. An aquarium comprising:a first container adapted to hold a fluid, wherein the first container includes a waste collection area, an outlet, and a conduit fluidly connecting the waste collection area and the outlet, and wherein fluid flows from the waste collection area to the outlet when fluid is added above a preselected fluid level; anda second container adapted to hold a fluid, wherein the second container is adapted and configured to mate with the first container and receive the outlet, and wherein fluid flows from the waste collection area through the outlet and into the second container when fluid is added above the preselected fluid level.2. The aquarium of claim 1 , wherein the outlet is a spout.3. The aquarium of claim 1 , wherein the outlet is a siphon.4. The aquarium of claim 1 , further comprising a base configured and adapted to retain both the first container and the second container in a desired position and orientation claim 1 , and wherein the second container is removably retained in the base.5. The aquarium of claim 1 , wherein the preselected fluid level corresponds to a height of the outlet relative to a bottom surface of the first container.6. The aquarium of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the ...

Multi-Parameter Water Analysis System with Analysis Application Updateable via a Cloud-Based Data Resource

Multi-parameter water analysis system with a water parameter sensing device configured to wirelessly provide detector data and a smart phone displayable indicator of water analysis test results that are calculated by an analysis application that is updateable via a cloud-based data resource to account for a manufacturing change in indicator chemistry and/or an improvement in test result display. The water parameter sensing device includes an optical sensing apparatus configured to detect light from each of a plurality of indicators for different parameters when the indicator and a chemical parameter are exposed to each other, a processor to process information of the detected light, and wireless communication circuitry for communicating detector data based on the information about the detected light to a remote device. Social networking of water quality data allows sharing to other users. 1. A multi-parameter water analysis system comprising: an optical sensing apparatus configured to detect light produced by an interaction of a chemical parameter in the water and an indicator when the indicator and the chemical parameter are exposed to each other, the indicator selected by a user, the optical sensing apparatus capable of detecting light from a plurality of different user selectable indicators for different chemical parameters in water;', 'a processor in communication with the optical sensing apparatus for receiving information about the detected light, the processor configured to process information about the detected light for a plurality of different indicators; and', 'a wireless communication circuitry in electrical connectivity with the processor for wirelessly communicating detector data based on the information about the detected light from the water parameter sensing device to a remote device; and, 'a water parameter sensing device includinga mobile smart phone device configured to display test results for the chemical parameter to the user, the test results ...

SORTING APPARATUS FOR ARTHROPODS AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

There is provided an apparatus for sorting arthropod larvae and pupae and in particular, although not necessarily, to sorting arthropod pupae on the basis of size, especially in mosquitoes. The apparatus comprises two parallel bars () pivotally mounted in a frame such that the distance between the bars is adjustable. Insect larvae and pupae may be inserted into a chamber with one side formed by the grid of bars and inserted into water to separate the different forms. 1. Apparatus to sort arthropod larvae and/or pupae comprising a first and second bar and two parallel bars , each of the parallel bars having a first pivotal attachment to the first bar and a second pivotal attachment to the second bar , such that rotating the parallel bars relative to the first bar changes the distance between adjacent parallel bars.2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the apparatus further comprises a closed frame comprising two pairs of opposing sides claim 1 , one pair of opposing sides being formed by the parallel bars and the second pair of opposing sides being formed by the first bar and the second bar claim 1 , each one of the bars being pivotally attached to each of the bars forming the other pair of opposing sides.3. Apparatus as claimed in or claim 1 , further comprising a third parallel bar claim 1 , the third parallel bar having a first pivotal attachment to the first bar and a second pivotal attachment to the second bar.4. Apparatus as claimed in or claim 1 , further comprising a third parallel bar and third and fourth bars claim 1 , the third and fourth bars having a pivotal attachment to both of the third parallel bar and one of the two parallel bars.5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first and second bars each comprise at least two hingeable portions claim 1 ,the first hingeable portion having a pivotal attachment to the one of the parallel bars and a pivotal attachment to another hingeable portion, andthe second hingeable portion having a pivotal ...

Insect breeding device

The invention relates to an insect breeding device. The insect breeding device comprising at least one insect cage; a bin for holding a cleaning liquid; a first pipe connected to the bin for receiving the cleaning liquid, wherein the pipe is entering the at least one insect cage through a first opening; a nozzle, coupled to the first pipe, positioned inside the at least one insect cage configured to deliver the cleaning liquid to the interior of the at least one insect cage; and a second pipe, coupled to a second opening, different from the first opening, in the at least one insect cage, configured to drain the cleaning liquid and the debris from the at least one insect cage.

Composition Comprising Arthropods and Astigmatid Mite Eggs

The present invention relates to a biological control composition comprising at least arthropod biological control agents and astigmatid mite eggs. The invention also relates to the use of astigmatid mite eggs as a nutrient source for arthropod biological control agents. The invention also relates to a biological control composition comprising at least one population of arthropod biological control agents, a nutrient source comprising astigmatid mite eggs, and optionally, a support and/or dissemination substrate. Finally, the present invention further relates to a method for rearing arthropods from astigmatid mite eggs as a nutrient source.

HYDROCULTURE SYSTEM

Provided is a planting cup for hosting growing plants, for use in conjunction with hydroculture systems, and a development for producing same. The planting cup may be configured with a side wall formed with a plurality of openings and extending between an open bottom base and an open top base. The planting cup may also be constructed out of a sheet of pliable material. 1. A planting cup for hosting growing plants , for use in conjunction with hydroculture systems , said planting cup configured with a side wall formed with a plurality of openings and extending between an open bottom base and an open top base , wherein the planting cup is constructed out of a sheet of pliable material.2. A planting cup according to claim 1 , made of a liquid impermeable material.3. A planting cup according to claim 1 , having a frustum cone or frustum pyramid shape.4. A planting cup according to claim 3 , wherein the bottom base is smaller then the top base claim 3 , wherein the side wall tapers towards the bottom base.5. A planting cup according to claim 1 , wherein having a cylindrical or polyhedron shape.6. A planting cup according to claim 1 , further comprising a fastening mechanism for retaining a three dimensional shape of the constructed planting cup.7. A planting cup according to claim 6 , wherein the fastening mechanism comprises one or more fastener flaps extending from one side of a development of the cup claim 6 , and configured for arresting within one or more slits adjacent an opposite side of the development.8. A planting cup according to claim 7 , wherein the fastener flap and the slit are disposed parallel to respective side edges of the development of which the planting cup is made of.9. A planting cup according to claim 7 , wherein the length of the fastener flap is be greater than the length of the respective slit claim 7 , with a projection at a bottom portion of the flap.10. A planting cup according to claim 1 , wherein an outside face thereof comprises a ...

PRECISION WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR INSECTS

A water delivery system for supplying water to an insect habitat. The water delivery system including a water tray equipped with a sensor to monitor an amount of water within a water tray. The sensor to cause water to be delivered to the water tray when the amount of water within the tray falls below a predefined threshold amount. 1. A system for distributing water to an insect having a high risk of self-drowning , the system comprising:a water tray positioned within an insect habitat, the water tray configured to provide moisture to the insect, wherein the water tray includes a porous material to absorb the moisture;a water retention area configured to receive additional moisture from a water delivery tube via a first opening along a top surface of the water retention area, the water retention area positioned within the water tray and including a sensor to collect data related to a level of moisture associated with the water retention area; and, receive the data from the sensor;', 'determine that a minimum moisture threshold has been met based at least in part on the data; and', 'in response to determining that the minimum moisture threshold has been met, to cause the additional moisture to be provided to the water retention area., 'a water delivery system, the water delivery system configured to2. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein a bottom surface of the water retention area includes a number of perforations that allow the water to be absorbed by the porous material.3. The system as recited claim 1 , wherein the porous material is coconut fiber.4. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the water retention area includes a number of perforations that are sized to prevent the insect from burrowing through the porous material and into the water retention area.5. The system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is at least one of:a moisture sensor;temperature sensor;pH monitor;a contact or pressure sensor positioned on a top surface of a base of the ...

PRECISION WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR INSECTS

A water delivery system for supplying water to an insect habitat. The water delivery system including a water tray equipped with a sensor to monitor an amount of water within a water tray. The sensor to cause water to be delivered to the water tray when the amount of water within the tray falls below a predefined threshold amount. 1. (canceled)2. A water tray positioned within an insect habitat to provide moisture to an insect comprising:a sensor to collect data related to a level of the moisture associated with the water tray;a float having perforations sized to allow insects access to the moisture and to prevent the insects from drowning;at least one wall having a coefficient of friction below a threshold, the threshold selected to allow the float to move vertically within the water tray while in contact with the at least one wall; anda communication interface to send the data to a water delivery system.3. The water tray as recited in claim 2 , wherein the data includes an indication that the level of moisture falls below a first threshold.4. The water tray as recited in claim 2 , wherein the data also includes an indication that the level of moisture has exceed a second threshold claim 2 , the first threshold less than the second threshold.5. The water tray as recited in claim 2 , further comprising an image device claim 2 , the image device to collect data associated with the state of the water tray.6. The water tray as recited in claim 2 , further comprising a monitoring device claim 2 , the monitoring device to collect data associated with the state of the water tray.7. The water tray as recited in claim 6 , wherein the state of the water tray is associated with a location and a health of the insect.8. A water tray positioned within an insect habitat to provide moisture to an insect comprising:a sensor to collect data related to a level of moisture associated with the water tray;a float configured to move vertically based at least in part on the level of ...

Breeding system for crawling insects

The present invention relates to a breeding system for the breeding of crawling insects, comprising a drum, a shuffling device and a feeding device. The drum comprises at least one wall, defining a drum interior, to house the insects, and the shuffling device is arranged at least partially in the drum interior, to shuffle the insects. The feeding device id configured to feed nutrients into the drum interior. The system comprises a cooling device having a cooling fluid circuit that is, by means of a flow of coolant in the circuit, configured to withdraw heat from the drum interior. The invention further relates to a protein production system, for the on-site production of protein-rich insect larvae as animal feed, and to a method for the breeding of crawling insects, comprising the step of cooling the insects in the interior of the drum with a cooling device.

PUPAE SINGULATOR AND SEX SORTER

Devices, systems, and methods for isolating an insect pupa from an aqueous solution including a plurality of insect pupae. An isolation device may include a primary channel through which the aqueous solution and insect pupae travel, an outlet, and a secondary channel that intersects the primary channel. The secondary channel may transport a fluid to add it to the primary channel between an inlet and the outlet. When the sealable outlet is closed, an insect pupa located downstream of the intersection of the primary and secondary channels remains stationary while any insect pupae upstream of the intersection are pushed towards the inlet. The systems and methods described herein may also provide for identifying and sorting insect pupae. 1. An insect pupae sorting system , comprising: a first channel to deliver a first flow of liquid including insect pupae, the first channel comprising an inlet and an outlet; and', 'a second channel that intersects the first channel between the inlet and the outlet to deliver a second flow of liquid into the first channel to generate a third flow of liquid and to separate adjacent insect pupae being transported through the first channel;, 'an isolation device comprisingan optical sensor positioned proximate the outlet of the isolation device to capture images of pupae from the third flow of liquid; anda storage unit system coupled to the outlet that includes a container into which insect pupae of a first type are directed based at least in part on the captured images.2. The insect pupae sorting system of claim 1 , wherein the storage unit system comprises:at least one container to support a volume of liquid and insect pupae; anda valve positioned on a conduit between the isolation device and the at least one container, wherein the single insect pupa is directed into the at least one container by opening the valve.3. The insect pupae sorting system of claim 1 , wherein:the first channel has a first cross-sectional dimension corresponding ...

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CAUSING, ENHANCING, AND/OR EXPEDITING BIODEGRADATION OF ARTICLES

Kits and assemblies for causing, enhancing, and/or expediting consumption of an article by at least one living organism are disclosed. Methods of producing and using same are also provided. 1. A kit , comprising:an article formed of a material, wherein at least a portion of the material is consumable by at least one living organism; andat least one living organism capable of consuming the consumable portion of the material.2. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the consumable portion of the material is formed of at least one of paper and cardboard.3. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one living organism is at least one of a worm claim 1 , a termite claim 1 , an ant claim 1 , a microorganism claim 1 , and combinations thereof.4. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one living organism is provided in an encapsulated and/or cocooned form.5. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one living organism is attached to and/or contained within the article.6. The kit of claim 5 , wherein the at least one living organism is encapsulated and/or cocooned claim 5 , and the encapsulated and/or cocooned living organism is present in a coating disposed on a surface of the article.7. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one living organism is not attached to the article within the kit.8. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of a floral packaging material claim 1 , a decorative grass claim 1 , a packaging material claim 1 , a cup claim 1 , a bag claim 1 , a food wrapper claim 1 , a food container claim 1 , a plate claim 1 , a bowl claim 1 , toilet paper claim 1 , a paper towel claim 1 , and combinations thereof.9. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the article is at least one of a floral packaging material claim 1 , a decorative grass claim 1 , a packaging material claim 1 , and combinations thereof.10. The kit of claim 1 , wherein a composition has been applied to at least a portion of the article to enhance and/or expedite its ...

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR CAUSING, ENHANCING, AND/OR EXPEDITING BIODEGRADATION OF ARTICLES

Kits and assemblies for causing, enhancing, and/or expediting consumption of an article by at least one living organism are disclosed. Methods of producing and using same are also provided. 1. An assembly , comprising:an article formed of a material, wherein at least a portion of the material is consumable by at least one living organism; anda composition disposed on and/or in at least a portion of the material to enhance and/or expedite consumption of the treated material by the at least one living organism.2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the composition is at least one of a nutrient claim 1 , a stimulant claim 1 , an attractant claim 1 , a hormone claim 1 , and combinations thereof.3. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the composition enhances and/or expedites consumption of the treated material by the at least one living organism by at least one of the following:(a) attracting the at least one living organism to the article;(b) increasing the speed of consumption of the article by the at least one living organism;(c) increasing activity of the at least one living organism; and(d) enhancing the health of the at least one living organism.4. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the composition comprises at least one of a metal claim 1 , a metal salt claim 1 , a metal stearate claim 1 , theobromine claim 1 , theophylline claim 1 , mildronate claim 1 , 3-(2 claim 1 ,2 claim 1 ,2-trimethylhydraziniumyl)propionate claim 1 , caffeine claim 1 , starch claim 1 , sugar claim 1 , tea claim 1 , tea leaves claim 1 , chocolate claim 1 , cocoa claim 1 , coffee claim 1 , coffee grounds claim 1 , ground coffee beans claim 1 , a short chain saturated fat claim 1 , a grain claim 1 , a thyroid hormone claim 1 , a pheromone claim 1 , dichloroacetic acid (DCA) claim 1 , sodium dichloroacetate claim 1 , an enzyme claim 1 , and combinations thereof.5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the composition is disposed on a surface of the material.6. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ...

COMPOSITIONS AND KITS COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO ORGANISMS AND METHODS FOR CAUSING, ENHANCING, AND/OR EXPEDITING BIODEGRADATION OF ARTICLES USING SAME

Kits and assemblies for causing, enhancing, and/or expediting consumption of an article by at least one biodegradative living organism are disclosed. The kits and assemblies include at least one additional living organism that enhances and/or expedites consumption of the article by the at least one biodegradative living organism. Methods of producing and using same are also provided. 1. A kit , comprising:an article formed of a material, wherein at least a portion of the material is consumable by at least one living organism;at least one biodegradative living organism capable of consuming the consumable portion of the material; andat least one additional living organism that enhances and/or expedites consumption of the article by the at least one biodegradative living organism.2. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the consumable portion of the material is formed of at least one of paper and cardboard.3. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one biodegradative living organism is selected from the group consisting of a worm claim 1 , a termite claim 1 , an ant claim 1 , a microorganism claim 1 , and combinations thereof.4. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one biodegradative living organism is provided in an encapsulated and/or cocooned form.5. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one biodegradative living organism is attached to and/or contained within the article.6. The kit of claim 5 , wherein the at least one biodegradative living organism is encapsulated and/or cocooned claim 5 , and the encapsulated and/or cocooned biodegradative living organism is present in a coating disposed on a surface of the article.7. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one biodegradative living organism is not attached to the article within the kit.8. The kit of claim 1 , wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of a floral packaging material claim 1 , a decorative grass claim 1 , a packaging material claim 1 , a cup claim 1 , a bag claim 1 , a food ...

Aquarium undergravel filter

A surface filter for aquarium water purification is placed on the bottom of the aquarium that sucks the waste out of the tank to the canister filter. Small plastic pieces make and connect the main stream channels. Each plastic piece is composed of a couple of inverted pyramids that acts like a funnel. Water flows through the main channels sucked by an external filter. In the base of each inverted pyramid a small hole opens to the drainage channel, which has a hollow inverted V shape. Water, particles and fish waste are passed through the channels to the external filter. At the end of the assembly a cross channel collects the drained water. Collected water is transferred to the external filter outside the aquarium. A hose connects the external filter with the collector. Another hose is connected to the same filter to return the filtered water back to the aquarium.

APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING A SIMULATED SKIN SUBSTRATE FOR TESTING INSECT REPELLANTS

An apparatus and method for testing the efficacy of an insect repellent is disclosed. The apparatus according to one embodiment includes a housing having an aperture extending through a wall of the housing, a carbon dioxide delivery device coupled to the housing through the aperture, a skin substitute substrate, and a heater coupled to the substrate. The method includes the steps of providing a skin substitute substrate, treating the skin substitute substrate with an insect repellent, exposing a plurality of insects to the treated skin substitute substrate for a first period of time, blocking the treated skin substitute substrate from the plurality of insects for a second period of time, and recording the insect repellent's complete protection time. 1. A method for testing the efficacy of a skin-applied insect repellent , comprising the steps of:providing a non-biological skin substitute substrate;treating the non-biological skin substitute substrate with an insect repellent;exposing a plurality of insects to the treated skin substitute substrate for a first period of time;blocking the treated skin substitute substrate from the plurality of insects for a second period of time;repeating the exposing step and the blocking step for (n) times until at least one insect lands on the treated skin substitute substrate for greater than a third period of time during the (n)th exposure step and during a subsequent (n+1)th exposure step; andrecording a fourth period of time needed to reach the (n)th exposure.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:enclosing the treated non-biological skin substitute substrate and the plurality of insects in a housing.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-biological skin substitute substrate is synthetic.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-biological skin substitute substrate has an Rvalue of about 0.01 to about 0.2 μm.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-biological skin substitute substrate has specular reflectance peak ...

System for Releasing Beneficial Mites and Uses Thereof

This invention relates to a system for releasing beneficial mites and the use of such a system. Mite species that can be used beneficially for human purposes may for example be employed in the control of pests, such as in the field of agriculture, including agricultural production systems for plant products, agricultural production systems for animal products, and animal husbandry, or in the field of storage of food products. The system of the invention may fmd use in any of these fields. 1. System for releasing beneficial mites comprising a compartment , the mite compartment , holding a population of a beneficial mite species , preferably in association with a carrier , and a food source for the beneficial mites wherein said mite compartment is enclosed by material , gas barrier material , having a water vapour transmission rate of ≤5 g/m*24 hours , said mite compartment having a volume of x mm , wherein x is between 3*10to 600*10mmand wherein the system further comprises a number of connections that connect the mite compartment with the space outside the mite compartment , said number of connections each having an area y , wherein y is between 0.1 and 4.0 mm , wherein the sum of the areas of the number of connections is Σy and wherein 5*10mm≤x/Σy≤70*10mm , preferably 6*10mm≤x/Σy≤60*10mm , more preferably 7*10mm≤x/Σy≤50*10mm.2. System according to claim 1 , wherein selected gas barrier material comprises a polymer-metal laminate claim 1 , preferably a polymer-metal laminate film claim 1 , such as a laminate film comprising a metalized polymer film.3. System according to any of the - claim 1 , wherein the beneficial mite species is selected from a predatory mite species claim 1 , such as a predatory mite species selected from: [ [{'i': Amblyseius', 'Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius aerialis, Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius herbicolus', 'Amblyseius largoensis', 'Euseius', 'Euseius finlandicus, Euseius hibisci, Euseius ovalis, Euseius victoriensis, Euseius stipulatus, ...

SEPARATOR FOR FEMALE AND MALE MOSQUITO PUPAE

The present disclosure discloses a separator of male and female mosquito pupae, comprising a fixed plate () configured on an inclined baseplate (), an adjusting plate () spaced from the fixed plate (), and a guide plate (), wherein an interval between the adjusting plate () and the fixed plate () tapers from top to bottom, to a interval exit, and interval adjustments are configured go through the adjusting plate () from upper part and lower part of the fixed plate (). The guide plate () is configured below the interval exit. The structure of the present disclosure is simple and reasonable, the mosquito larva, male pupae and female pupae can be separated and collected in sequence according to their different chest width. The operation is simple, the separation speed is fast, and the ratio of separating male pupae can reach over 99%, being a good separation effect. 1. A separator of male and female mosquito pupae , comprising a fixed plate configured on an inclined baseplate , an adjusting plate spaced from the fixed plate , and a guide plate , wherein an interval between the adjusting plate and the fixed plate tapers from top to bottom , to an interval exit , and interval adjustments configured on upper part and lower part , of the fixed plate and the adjusting plate; the guide plate is configured below the interval exit.2. The separator of male and female mosquito pupae of claim 1 , further comprising a holder claim 1 , a movable bracket provided on the top of the holder and fixed on the baseplate claim 1 , a fixed bracket provided on the lower part of the baseplate claim 1 , and an adjusting lever provided on the fixed bracket claim 1 , the adjusting lever is movably connected to the holder in order to adjust the angle between the baseplate and the holder.3. The separator of male and female mosquito pupae of claim 2 , wherein the interval adjustment may be bolts through the adjusting plate from the fixed plate claim 2 , a compression spring is sleeved on the bolt ...

Outlet Basin for a Fish Pen

An outlet basin for a fish pen is provided with at least one outlet hose extending from the outlet basin to a surface. The outlet basin includes a cylinder-shaped housing which is provided, at its upper portion, with a mounting collar arranged to be attached to a bottom portion of the fish pen, and which is provided, at its lower portion, with a through opening. The outlet basin further includes a cylinder-shaped outlet channel which, in a portion, is housed in the housing, the outlet channel is provided, at its upper portion, with a strainer covering the cross section of the outlet channel, an elongated annular space between the housing and the outlet channel, a slanted grating covering the entire annular space, the lowermost portion of the slanted grating being positioned just below the opening of the housing, a slanted bottom plate sealingly covering the entire annular space, and a lower through opening at the lowermost portion of the bottom plate. 1. A strainer regulator for a strainer in a closed fish pen , the strainer covering the cross section of an outlet channel in an outlet basin at the bottom portion of the fish pen , wherein the strainer regulator comprises:a regulator sleeve displaceably positioned on the outside of the strainer; anda control mechanism displacing the regulator sleeve, where the control mechanism comprises an actuator which is attached to the regulator sleeve or a wire.2. A strainer regulator according to claim 1 , where the actuator extending from the regulator sleeve through the strainer claim 1 , through the outlet channel to a water surface on the outside of the fish pen.3. A strainer regulator according to claim 2 , where the actuator includes a pipe or a rod within a guide pipe.4. A strainer regulator according to claim 3 , where the guide pipe is attached to the inside of the outlet channel.5. A strainer regulator according to claim 1 , where the wire extends from the regulator sleeve to a first pulley and over this to a first ...

PUPAE TRANSFER DEVICE

Devices, systems, and methods for transporting or transferring insect pupae in an aqueous solution are described. The system includes a tank containing a solution with insect pupae, a transfer chamber having an outlet at a bottom portion of the chamber, a solution inlet, an evacuation channel, and a depth measurement system. A tube fluidly connects to tank and the transfer chamber. An evacuation device connected to the evacuation channel removes air from the transfer chamber and generates a vacuum therein to draw the solution through the tube into the transfer chamber. 1. An insect pupae transfer system , comprising:a holding tank to hold a solution comprising insect pupae; a liquid outlet at a bottom of the transfer chamber;', 'a liquid inlet positioned above the bottom of the transfer chamber;', 'an air passage providing a conduit between an inside of the transfer chamber and an exterior of the transfer chamber; and', 'a depth measurement system to output a liquid depth within the transfer chamber;, 'a transfer chamber comprisinga delivery tube having a first end coupled to the liquid inlet and a second end of the delivery tube in fluid communication with the holding tank; andan evacuation device connected to the air passage to reduce an air pressure within the transfer chamber by removing air from the transfer chamber to cause at least a portion of the solution comprising the insect pupae to move, via the delivery tube, from the holding tank to the transfer chamber.2. The insect pupae transfer system of claim 1 , wherein the delivery tube extends into the holding tank and is coupled to a float to maintain an end of the portion of the delivery tube near a surface of a liquid within the holding tank.3. The insect pupae transfer system of claim 1 , wherein the evacuation device comprises a Venturi pump or a vacuum pump.4. The insect pupae transfer system of claim 1 , wherein the liquid outlet comprises a valve.5. The insect pupae transfer system of claim 1 , wherein ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVAL OF SEA LICE FROM LIVE FISH

A fish delousing installation includes a warm water source, and a fish slide for fish to slide down. The fish slide has a fish inlet, a fish outlet, and a slide length defined therebetween. A plurality of shower nozzles are in communication with the warm water source and are positioned to shower the fish with warm water as the fish slide from the fish inlet to the fish outlet. 136-. (canceled)37. A fish delousing installation , the fish delousing installation comprising:a fish slide for fish to slide down, the fish slide having a fish inlet, a fish outlet, and a slide length defined therebetween, the fish slide having a negative slope along the entirety of the slide length;a plurality of shower nozzles positioned to shower the fish with warm water as the fish slide from the fish inlet to the fish outlet;a seawater separator upstream of the fish inlet for separating sea water from the fish prior to the fish entering the fish slide;a used warm water separator downstream of the fish outlet for separating used warm water from the fish exiting the fish slide; anda recycle line downstream of the used warm water separator for feeding used warm water back towards the shower nozzles.38. The fish delousing installation of claim 37 , further comprising a warm water source in communication with the plurality of shower nozzles.39. The fish delousing installation of claim 37 , further comprising a sea lice separator downstream of the used warm water separator for removing sea lice from the used warm water.40. The fish delousing installation of claim 37 , wherein the fish slide has a negative slope along the entirety of the slide length.41. The fish delousing installation of claim 37 , wherein the slide is tubular.42. The fish delousing installation of claim 37 , wherein: the shower nozzles are positioned at a plurality of spaced apart positions along the slide length claim 37 , and the shower nozzles span a majority of the slide length.43. The fish delousing installation of claim ...

Process for treating with a chemical compound a body of water used in aquaculture

A process for treating with at least one chemical compound a body of water comprising at least one living organism selected from fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants, such process comprising adding the chemical compound to the body of water and agitating the water with an agitation system comprising a pump and at least one submerged outlet equipped with an eductor nozzle. 2331ab. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the induced liquid (B) is drawn in the educator part () and then in the diffuser part () of the educator nozzle due to the high velocity of the pumped liquid (A) exiting from the nozzle part () of the educator nozzle.3. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the agitation system comprises more than one submerged outlet equipped with an eductor nozzle claim 1 , per square meter of the upper surface area of the body of water to be treated.4. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the agitation system is land-based claim 1 , connected to a trailer claim 1 , mounted on a boat claim 1 , or connected to a boat.5. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the pump is a submersible electric pump submersed in the body of water to be treated claim 1 , and wherein the pumped liquid (A) comprises at least part of the water to be treated.6. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the pump is located out of the body of water to be treated claim 1 , and wherein the pumped liquid (A) is withdrawn from a liquid contained in a storage container or in a dosing chamber claim 1 , or combinations thereof.7. The process according to claim 1 , being applied to a body of water having a volume from 0.5 m3 to 10000 m3.8. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one chemical compound is selected from the group consisting of microbicides claim 1 , bactericides claim 1 , viricides claim 1 , parasiticides claim 1 , fungicides claim 1 , algicides claim 1 , and combinations thereof.9. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one ...

MODULE FOR STORING AND TRANSPORTING LIVE SEA PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR LOBSTERS, AND DEVICE INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE SUCH MODULE

A module for storing and transporting live products, in particular sea products, characterised in that it includes a box-shaped unit which is made from a light material, which has a length L and a width I defining a front surface FF and a rear surface RF, as well as a thickness E, and which is provided with at least one recess, the size of which is equal to the overall length of a crustacean to be inserted, the recess opening onto both the front surface FF and the rear surface RF. The invention also relates to the complete device, including a plurality of juxtaposed modules, and a system for treating water with an adapted composition. 111-. (canceled)121. A module for storing and transporting live sea products , wherein it comprises a block of lightweight material in the form of a parallelepiped with a length L and a width defining a front face FF and a rear face RF as well as a thickness E , including several housings having a dimension equal to the overall length of the sea product or of the container of sea products to be introduced , these housings being oriented parallel to the thickness E and opening onto both the front face FF and the rear face RF.13. The module as claimed in for storing and transporting living sea products claim 12 , wherein the block of lightweight material in the form of a parallelepiped is molded.14. The module as claimed in for storing and transporting living sea products claim 12 , wherein it comprises means for partially blocking one of the openings of said housings.15. The module as claimed in for storing and transporting living sea products claim 14 , wherein the partial blocking means are disposed on the rear face RF.16. The module as claimed in for storing and transporting living sea products claim 14 , wherein the partial blocking means comprise at least one bar.17. The module as claimed in for storing and transporting living sea products claim 16 , wherein the partial blocking means comprise at least one bar molded with the block ...

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING LASIODERMA SERRICORNE USING ANISOPTEROMALUS APIOVORUS

A method for the biological control of and a method for the mass rearing of are disclosed. The method for the biological control of includes introducing , which is a natural enemy of , to a source of . The method for the mass rearing of includes inducing to lay eggs on larvae of , and allowing the eggs laid by the to emerge into adult insects. 1Lasioderma serricorneAnisopteromalus apiovorusLasioderma serricorneLasioderma serricorne.. A method for biological control of , the method comprising introducing , which is a natural enemy of , to a source of2Lasioderma serricorne. The method of claim 1 , wherein the source of is selected from the group consisting of grains claim 1 , processed grain products claim 1 , stored tobacco claim 1 , processed tobacco products claim 1 , zoological/botanical specimens claim 1 , herbal medicines claim 1 , herbs claim 1 , spice claim 1 , dried fishes claim 1 , wood claim 1 , paper claim 1 , a facility for storing the items claim 1 , and a facility for processing the items.3Anisopteromalus apiovorusLasioderma serricorneLasioderma serricorne.. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lays eggs on larvae of the claim 1 , and the laid eggs hatch and are parasitic on the4Anisopteromalus apiovorusLasioderma serricorne. The method of claim 1 , wherein a number of introduced per individual of the is 0.03 to 0.05.5Anisopteromalus apiovorus. A method for mass rearing of claim 1 , the method comprising:{'i': Anisopteromalus apiovorus', 'Lasioderma serricorne, 'inducing to lay eggs on larvae of ; and'}{'i': 'Anisopteromalus apiovorus', 'allowing the eggs laid by the to emerge into adult insects.'}6Anisopteromalus apiovorus. The method of claim 5 , wherein inducing the to lay the eggs and allowing the eggs to emerge into the adult insects are both performed at a temperature ranging from 28° C. to 38° C. The present application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0096180, filed Jul. 29, 2014 in the Korean Intellectual Property ...

Phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system and method for production

The present invention in general relates to the field of biological crop protection by use of phytoseiid predatory mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a system for releasing a phytoseiid predatory mite in a crop and novel uses of host mites in such phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system. The phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system according to the invention and the uses according to the invention are characterised by the selection a host mite species having an intrinsic growth rate (r) of <0.28. 1. A phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system comprising:a population of the phytoseiid predatory mite;a food source for the individuals of the phytoseiid predatory mite population, comprising a population of a host mite;a carrier comprising a food source for the host mite;{'sub': 'm', 'wherein a mite species having an intrinsic growth rate (r) of <0.28 is selected as the host mite.'}2. A phytoseiid predatory mite releasing system according to claim 1 , wherein the phytoseiid predatory mite is selected from:{'i': Amblyseius,', 'Amblyseius andersoni, Amblysieus aerialis, Amblyseius swirskii', 'Amblyseius largoensis,', 'Euseius', 'Euseius finlandicus, Euseius hibisci, Euseius ovalis, Euseius victoriensis, Euseius stipulatus, Euseius scutalis, Euseius tularensis, Euseius addoensis, Euseius concordis, Euseius ho', 'Euseius citri,', 'Neoseiulus', 'Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus cucumeris, Neoseiulus longispinosus, Neoseiulus womersleyi, Neoseiulus idaeus, Neoseiulus anonymus', 'Neoseiulus fallacis,', 'Typhlodromalus', 'Typhlodromalus limonicus, Typhlodromalus aripo', 'Typhlodromalus peregrinus', 'Typhlodromips', 'Typhlodromips montdorensis;, 'the subfamily of the Amblyseiinae, such as from the Genus e.g. or from the genus e.g. or from the genus e.g. or from the genus e.g. or from the genus e.g.'}{'i': Galendromus', 'Galendromus occidentalis,', 'Typhlodromus', 'Typhlodromus pyri, Typhlodromus doreenae', 'Typhlodromus athiasae ...

Decorative Ant Farm

An ant farm with an internal light source to front or backlight a decorative background image within a frame to maximize the easthetic beauty of the ant farm.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTINUOUS INSECT PUPAE SENSING

Systems and methods for continuous insect pupae sensing are described. One example method includes receiving a flow at a singulator, the flow comprising one or more insect pupae; singulating the insect pupae into a single-file flow of insect pupae; sensing, using a sensor, insect pupae within the single-file flow of insect pupae; and incrementing a counter based on each sensed insect pupae in the single-file flow of insect pupae. One example system includes a channel defining a flow path for a flow of insect pupae; a singulator positioned within the flow path and arranged to receive the flow of insect pupae within the channel, the singulator configured to singulate the insect pupae into a single-file flow of insect pupae; a sensor positioned and arranged to sense insect pupae in the single-file flow; and a processor in communication with the sensor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the processor configured to execute processor-executable instructions stored in the non-transitory computer-readable medium to receive sensor signals from the sensor; and count a number of insect pupae based on the received sensor signals. 1. A method comprising:receiving a flow at a singulator, the flow comprising one or more insect pupae;singulating the insect pupae into a single-file flow of insect pupae;sensing, using a sensor, insect pupae within the single-file flow of insect pupae; andincrementing a counter based on each sensed insect pupae in the single-file flow of insect pupae.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the flow comprises water and the one or more insect pupae.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the flow is carried by a conveyor belt.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a camera.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising capturing an image of an insect pupa claim 4 , and determining a characteristic of the insect pupa based on the image.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the characteristic comprises a sex claim 5 , a size claim 5 , or an ...

BLOOD-FREE DIET FOR REARING MALARIA MOSQUITO VECTORS

The present invention relates to blood-free-diets for malaria mosquito vectors that support ovarian development, egg maturation and fertility, as well as low progeny larval mortality, and normal development of offspring into adult mosquitoes. 1. A liquid artificial blood-free diet composition for rearing mosquitoes having an adequate amount of amino acids , vitamins and carbohydrates comprising:one or more peptides selected from the group of Glucagon-like peptide 1 (P1), Glucagon-like peptide 2 (P2), Parathyroid hormone (P3), Salmon calcitonin (P4), Human calcitonin (P5), γ-aminobutyric acid (P6), Salmon Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (P7), Human Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (P8), Galanin (P9), Vasoactive intestinal peptide (P10), Glutamate (P11), Oxytocin (P12), Kisspeptin (P13), Neuropeptide Y (P14), Melatonin (P15) and Corticotropin-releasing factor (P16); and/ora phagostimulant, a protein source and cholesterol.2. A liquid artificial blood-free diet composition according to claim 1 , wherein the selected peptides are present in the composition in several different concentrations varying in a range of 0.1-100 μM in the final concentration of the diet composition claim 1 , preferably from 0.5 to 50 μM claim 1 , more preferably 1.0 to 25 μM claim 1 , even more preferably 2.5 to 12.5 μM claim 1 , more advantageously 5 to 10 μM.3. A liquid artificial blood-free diet composition according to claim 1 , wherein the selected peptides present in the composition are Human Glucagon-like peptide 1 (P1) claim 1 , Human Glucagon-like peptide 2 (P2) claim 1 , Human Parathyroid hormone (P3) claim 1 , Salmon calcitonin (P4) claim 1 , Human calcitonin (P5) and/or γ-aminobutyric acid (P6).4. A liquid artificial blood-free diet composition according to claim 1 , wherein:the protein source is bovine serum albumin (BSA), ovalbumin or lactalbumin in a concentration of 50-500 g/L of the final diet composition, preferably in a concentration of 100-300 g/L of the final ...

SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR CULTURING COCHINEAL INSECTS ON AN ARTIFICIAL MEDIUM

A method is provided for culturing cochineal insects. In accordance with the method, a medium is created (101-109) from a mixture comprising a plant or cactus additive and a polymeric material. The medium is then inoculated (111) with a species selected from the group consisting of the genus 2. The self-supporting mass of claim 1 , wherein said plant additive is selected from the group consisting of cactus pulp claim 1 , cactus powder and cactus nectar.3Opuntia, Musaceae, Scleranthus, Hieracium, Silene, Agrostis, Caragana, Herniaria, Potentilla, Fragaria, CerastiumCucurbita.. The self-supporting mass of claim 2 , wherein said plant additive is obtained from a genus selected from the group consisting of claim 2 , and4Opuntia.. The self-supporting mass of claim 3 , wherein said plant additive is obtained from the genus5Opuntia ficusindica.. The self-supporting mass of claim 3 , wherein said plant additive is obtained from the species -6Musaceae.. The self-supporting mass of claim 3 , wherein said plant additive is obtained from the genus7. The self-supporting mass of claim 1 , wherein said artificial culture medium comprises a liquid that has been cured or hardened.8. The self-supporting mass of claim 1 , wherein said medium further comprises glucose.9. The self-supporting mass of claim 8 , wherein said medium further comprises a carbohydrate and a polysaccharide.10. The self-supporting mass of claim 9 , wherein said carbohydrate is a monosaccharide.11. The self-supporting mass of claim 9 , wherein said carbohydrate is glucose.12. The self-supporting mass of claim 9 , wherein said polysaccharide is selected from the group consisting of Agar claim 9 , agarose claim 9 , agaropectin and carrageenan.13. The self-supporting mass of claim 1 , wherein said medium is dehydrated.14. The self-supporting mass of claim 1 , wherein said medium comprises an antifungal agent.15. The self-supporting mass of claim 14 , wherein said antifungal agent is selected from the group ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SOLAR GREENHOUSE AQUAPONICS AND BLACK SOLDIER FLY COMPOSTER AND AUTO FISH FEEDER

A system, method, and computer program product for an aquaponics, and greenhouse system, includes a solar greenhouse with north, east and west sides insulted and with glazing on a south side angled to maximize winter sunlight, and housing a fish tank with grow beds, and a hard filter filtering water from the fish tank coupled thereto, and including a stilling well inside of a solids collection chamber receiving water from a hard filter geyser pump, and with filter media sections of varying coarseness for providing mechanical filtration therearound, including coarser and finer media section from a bottom to a top of the solids collection chamber, a with air stones on top, and with aquatic plants including algae, and/or Duckweed, providing biological filtration growing on a water surface thereabove. A sponge filter receives overflow water from the aquatic plants and with an output thereof provided to the fish tank. 1. An aquaponics , and greenhouse system comprising:a solar greenhouse insulated on north, east and west sides and with glazing on a south side at an angle to maximize winter sunlight, and housing:a fish tank housed within the solar greenhouse; anda plurality of grow beds coupled to the fish tank and also housed within the solar greenhouse;a hard filter coupled to the fish tank through a hard filter geyser pump filters water from the fish tank, and including:a stilling well receiving water from the fish tank pumped by the hard filter geyser pump;a solids collection chamber with the stilling well disposed therewithin;a plurality of filter media sections of varying coarseness for providing mechanical filtration disposed around the stilling well, including a coarser media section near a bottom of the solids collection chamber, and finer media section near a top of the solids collection chamber;one or more air stones disposed on top portion of the finer media section;aquatic plants including one or more of algae, and Duckweed, providing biological filtration ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOSQUITO PUPAE SORTING, COUNTING AND PACKAGING

A device for sorting insects into two or more classes based on size, the device comprising a drum with openings along the circumference. The insects are introduced to the drum at a first end, and the openings are sized to allow a first class of the insects to exit the drum through the circumference and the openings while the second class is retained to travel to far end of the drum, thereby sorting the insects into the classes. The drum may be held at a tilt to enable flow within the drum. The drum may rotate and a built in helix or helical screw may assist with flow. Water may be poured from above or from inside to flush insects through the openings or flush stuck insects back into the interior. 1. The device of claim 2 , the drum being at a tilt such that said first end is higher than said second end to enable flow from said first end to said second end claim 2 , wherein said openings comprise gaps between discs claim 2 , a size of each opening being defined between respective discs claim 2 , the discs having inner and outer edges on either side of an interior respectively claim 2 , and wherein at least some of said discs have a longitudinal cross section of which at least one side is convex at said inner and outer edges and flat along said interior.2. A device for sorting insects into two or more classes based on size claim 2 , the device comprising a drum claim 2 , the drum having an interior being closed circumferentially and openings defined along said circumference claim 2 , and said insects being introduced to said drum at a first end claim 2 , the openings being sized to allow a first class of said insects to exit said drum through said circumference while said second class is retained to travel to a second end claim 2 , thereby sorting said insects into said at least two classes claim 2 , the drum further comprising a helix shape in said interior to cause flow through said interior as said helix is rotated claim 2 , wherein said openings comprise gaps ...

METHODS OF INHIBITING MICROORGANISM GROWTH USING MOSS

The invention provides a method of inhibiting microorganism growth comprising contacting a substance susceptible to microorganism growth with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to inhibit microorganism growth, wherein the moss is selected from the group consisting of , and mixtures thereof. 1sphagnum papillosum, sphagnum cristatum. A method of treating water comprising contacting water with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to remove cations other than hydrogen ions from the water , wherein the moss is selected from the group consisting of , and mixtures thereof , and wherein the water is water in a spa , pool , or aquarium.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cations are calcium ions.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the cations are iron ions.4sphagnum papillosum.. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moss is5sphagnum cristatum.. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moss is6sphagnum papillosum. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moss comprises only.7sphagnum cristatum. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moss comprises only.8sphagnum papillosumsphagnum cristatum. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moss comprises a mixture of and only.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moss is compressed.10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the moss is in the form of strips.11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moss has been sterilized.12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the moss has been washed with an acidic solution.13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the moss has been washed with a solution of acetic acid.14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the moss has been washed with an acidic solution and then washed with a salt solution.15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the water is water in a spa.16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the water is water in a pool.17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the water is water in an aquarium. This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/220,537, filed Mar. 20, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/ ...

SIEVING APPARATUSES FOR PUPAE SEPARATION

A sieving apparatus for separating insect pupa is described. In an example, the sieving apparatus includes a sieving device attached to an actuation system. The sieving device includes a set of openings sized to correspond to a cross-sectional cephalothorax width of a representative pupa of a population of insect pupae to be separated. The actuation system is configured to move the sieving device in a manner that causes smaller insect pupae to pass through the set of openings. Larger insect pupae remain within the sieving device. Such movement can include moving the sieving device with respect to a liquid held in a basin of the sieving apparatus. 1. An apparatus , comprising:a frame; [ a length dimension measured along a longitudinal axis of a respective opening; and', 'a width dimension measured along a transverse axis of the respective opening, the length dimension greater than the width dimension; and, 'an adjustable sieve surface comprising a first side and a second side, wherein a set of openings is formed in the adjustable sieve surface to define a set of pathways extending between the first side and the second side, individual openings of the set of openings defined by, 'a sieve rim defining an interior volume, the adjustable sieve surface attached to the sieve rim with the first side of the adjustable sieve surface exposed to the interior volume;, 'a sieving device comprisinga basin attached to the frame and sized to receive the sieving device and to retain a liquid; andan actuation system attached to the frame and the sieving device, the actuation system configured to move the sieving device between a first position within the basin and a second position within the basin, the second position different than the first position,wherein moving the sieving device between the first and second position separates a population of pupae within the liquid based on cephalothorax size.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein application of an agitating or oscillating ...

METHODS OF VENTRAL RECEPTACLE COMPRESSION TECHNIQUE FOR SCORING MATED STATUS IN INSECTS INCLUDING FRUIT FLIES

A method for determining the mated status of female fruit flies, focusing on determining the presence of spermatozoa in a sample fly's ventral receptacle (VR). The ventral receptacle is the organ where eggs become fertilized. The VR is the first and last organ in a mated female fly to contain spermatozoa. The VR is thus the most accurate organ for determining whether a female fruit fly has recently mated. The method is a squash method. The fly's ventral receptacle is isolated, and then squeezed so as to cause spermatozoa stored in the ventral receptacle to be released into the lumen of the VR. This permits use of a microscope to determine the presence or absence of spermatozoa in the female fruit fly, and thus the mated status of the female fruit fly. 1. A method of determining mated status of a female fruit fly , comprising detecting for the presence or absence of spermatozoa in the female fruit fly's ventral receptacle ,wherein if the spermatozoa is present in the female fruit fly's ventral receptacle, the female fruit fly has a positive mated status.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:isolating the female fruit fly's ventral receptacle; andapplying pressure to force spermatozoa, if present, to spill into a lumen of the ventral receptacle.3. The method of claim 2 , comprising the steps of:(a) cutting open the female fruit fly's ovipositor sheath along a dorsal midline to expose a bursa copulatrix,(b) locating the ventral receptacle within a portion of the bursa copulatrix,(c) removing from the female fruit fly the portion of the bursa copulatrix containing the ventral receptacle,(d) applying pressure to the portion of the bursa copulatrix containing the ventral receptacle, rupturing alveoli in the ventral receptacle and causing spermatozoa, if present, to spill in to the lumen of the ventral receptacle, and(e) magnifying the lumen of the ventral receptacle to evaluate whether spermatozoa are present or absent.4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the ...

Method and Apparatus for Breeding and Collecting Insect Larvae

The invention relates to a method for the breeding and collection of neonate larvae, in particular of the black soldier fly, containing the placing of insects in a cage, provided with means for depositing eggs, guiding larvae, hatched from the deposited eggs, by means of a guiding device, placed under the cage, under the influence of gravity to a conveyor belt placed under the guiding means, moving the larvae by means of the conveyor belt to a recipient placed at the end of the conveyor belt, counting the number of larvae on the conveyor belt before collection in the recipient, and collecting the larvae of the conveyor belt in the recipient until a predetermined number of larvae has been reached. 1. Method for breeding and collecting larvae , comprising:a) placing insects in a cage, provided with material for the female insects to deposit eggs;b) ushering larvae, hatched from the deposited eggs, by means of a guiding device, placed under the cage, under the influence of gravity to a conveyor belt placed under the guiding device;c) moving the larvae by means of the conveyor belt to a recipient placed at the end of the conveyor belt;d) counting the number of larvae on the conveyor belt before collection in the recipient; ande) collecting the larvae of the conveyor belt in the recipient until a predetermined number of larvae has been reached.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein once the predetermined number of larvae has been reached claim 1 , the recipient is removed and the method is repeated.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the insects belong to the species of the black soldier fly.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the removal of the larvae of the conveyor belt is facilitated by exerting a vibrating action on the end of the conveyor belt.5. The method according to one of the preceding claim 1 , wherein it is applied to one-day larvae.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the counting of the number of the larvae on the conveyor ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BREEDING AND HARVESTING INSECTS

In an aspect, a system for breeding and harvesting insects is provided and includes an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insect pupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate and oviposit insect eggs, at least one oviposition region in the egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggs and apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to pass therethrough, at least one larvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least one oviposition region so as to be configured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material for the larvae, a harvesting receptacle positioned to hold larvae, and an inclined surface positioned to receive larvae from the at least one larvae-growth chamber, and to provide a passageway for the larvae to travel to the harvesting receptacle. 1. A system for breeding and harvesting insects , comprising:an egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive insect pupae for pupation and to permit emerged adult insects to mate and oviposit insect eggs;at least one oviposition region in the egg-producing chamber structure configured to receive the insect eggs and apertured to permit at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to pass therethrough;at least one larvae-growth chamber in communication with the at least one oviposition region so as to be configured to receive the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs, wherein the larvae-growth chamber is further configured to permit the at least one of the insect eggs and neonates of the insect eggs to transition into larvae and to hold feed material for the larvae;a harvesting receptacle positioned to hold larvae; andan inclined surface positioned ...

GROWING SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A growing system is described where living organisms are grown within containers in stacks. Above the stacks run load handling devices. The load handling devices take containers from the stacks and deposit them at service area stations where goods may be picked out. The containers may be provided with one or more of the following services: power, power control, heating, lighting, cooling, sensing, and data logging. The provision of these services within individual containers rather than across the system as a whole, allows for flexibility in storage whilst reducing cost and inefficiency.

Artificially Simulating Emissions of a Chemical Compound

An apparatus is provided for causing a behavioral response in an insect species. The apparatus may include a housing, a radiating emitter, a directing apparatus, and a power source coupled to the radiating emitter. The radiating emitter may be configured to emit radiation at one or more wavelengths simulating an emission spectrum of a chemical compound of interest that may cause a behavioral response in the insect species. The directing apparatus disposed within the housing may be configured to control a direction of the emitted radiation and the power source may be configured to control an intensity of the emitted radiation. 1. An apparatus for causing a behavioral response in an insect species , comprising:a housing;a radiating emitter disposed within the housing, the radiating emitter configured to emit radiation at one or more wavelengths simulating an emission spectrum of a chemical compound of interest, the chemical compound of interest causing a behavioral response in the insect species;a directing apparatus configured to direct the emitted radiation; anda power source coupled to the radiating emitter and configured to control an intensity of the emitted radiation.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the emitted radiation includes infrared radiation.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the emitted radiation includes visible radiation.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the emitted radiation includes ultraviolet radiation.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the radiating emitter comprises:at least one optical filter; anda blackbody radiator configured to transmit radiation at the one or more wavelengths simulating an emission spectrum through the at least one optical filter.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the radiating emitter comprises:at least one optical filter; anda plurality of light emitting diodes configured to transmit radiation at the one or more wavelengths simulating an emission spectrum through the at least one optical filter.7. The ...

METHOD FOR TAGGING INSECTS AND ARTHROPODS

Disclosed is an apparatus and associated method for tagging insects and arthropods. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, an electrosprayer is provided including a nozzle cartridge, a spray chamber removably attached to the nozzle cartridge and a power supply operatively connected to the nozzle cartridge and a grounding plate within the spray chamber to electrically charge droplets expelled from the nozzle which coat one or more insects contained in the spray chamber. 1. A method for tagging a subject , comprising:adding a tagging agent into a reservoir of a nozzle cartridge, wherein the nozzle cartridge also comprises a high voltage connector and at least one nozzle;adding the subject into a spray chamber, wherein the nozzle is directed into the spray chamber;connecting a high voltage source to the high voltage connector; andspraying the subject with the tagging agent.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tagging agent is added to the liquid reservoir through a syringe connector.3. The method of claim 1 , additionally comprising lighting an area of the spray chamber below the nozzle cartridge.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising viewing the light through an opening in the spray chamber.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the area of the spray chamber below the nozzle cartridge is lit by a laser.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the laser propagates through the spray chamber through two diametrically opposed openings in the spray chamber.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the high voltage source is configured to apply ten kilovolts or less of voltage.8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the high voltage source charges the tagging agent in the reservoir claim 1 , expelling the tagging agent from the at least one nozzle toward a grounding plate provided in the spray chamber.9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tagging agent comprises a fluorescent dye claim 1 , quantum dots claim 1 , molecular beacons claim 1 , aptamers claim 1 , proteins ...

BIOGAS PRODUCTION FROM EXCREMENT

A method for producing biogas includes: anaerobically digesting excrement with an additive, the additive including a pre-pupal stage of an insect from the scientific classification superfamily of Stratiomyoidea; and collecting the biogas. A method for producing an additive for anaerobic digestion of excrement includes: hatching eggs of an insect from the scientific classification superfamily of Stratiomyoidea in excrement; growing insect larvae by feeding with additional excrement; harvesting pre-pupal insect larvae; and grinding the pre-pupal larvae. An apparatus for producing an additive for anaerobic digestion of excrement includes: a tray having pivot along one lateral side and an upwardly sloping wall terminating with a lip along a lateral side opposite the pivot; a flume adjacent the lip; and a conveyor adjacent the pivot. 1. A method for producing biogas comprising the steps of:anaerobically digesting excrement with an additive, the additive including a pre-pupal stage of an insect from the scientific classification superfamily of Stratiomyoidea, andcollecting the biogas.2. The method of wherein the insect larvae are ground.3. The method of wherein the insect larvae are pureed.4. The method of wherein the insect is from the scientific classification family of Stratiomyoidea.5. The method of wherein the scientific classification subfamily of Hermetiinae.6Hermetia illucens.. The method of wherein the scientific classification species is7. The method of wherein the excrement is swine excrement.8. The method of wherein the additive further comprises frass.9. The method of further comprising purifying the biogas to produce methane.10. A method for producing an additive for anaerobic digestion of excrement comprising the steps of:hatching eggs of an insect from the scientific classification superfamily of Stratiomyoidea in excrement;growing larvae of the insect from the scientific classification superfamily of Stratiomyoidea by feeding with additional excrement; ...

Insect breeding control device and method

A control device for breeding insects includes a database storing a combination of environmental factors relating to the growth of a feed insect and the nutrient after feed processing. Sensors detect an environmental factor relating to a breeding farm and a growth and development state of the insect. A processing unit receives input on expected demand and shipment time of feed produced from the feed insect, calculates a growth rate of the feed insect, required from the current farm according to input expected demand and shipment time and the detected growth and development state, and reads a combination of environmental factors from the database in consideration of the detected environmental factor and the calculated growth rate. A control unit controls growth of the feed insect by adjusting a growth and development control factor corresponding to each environmental factor according to the combination of environmental factors from the processing unit.

METHOD AND FACILITY FOR BREEDING INSECTS

The present invention relates to a method and facility for breeding insects. According to the invention, the insect breeding facility comprises a spawning area comprising spawning containers which are adapted to receive adult insects and insect food, wherein at least one spawn structure is provided in each spawning container, in which spawn structures the mother insects will spawn their eggs. The plurality of spawning containers are stacked in one or more stacks of containers. Furthermore a hatch area is provided in which the eggs will hatch and which allows periodical harvesting of baby larvae from the hatch area. 1. Insect breeding facility comprising:a spawning area in which a plurality of spawning containers are present which are adapted to receive or have received adult insects including mother insects and insect food, wherein the plurality of spawning containers is stacked in one or more stacks of spawning containers;a plurality of spawn structures, wherein at least one spawn structure is adapted to be provided or is provided in each spawning container in the spawning area, in which spawn structures the mother insects will spawn their eggs such that the spawn structure or part of the spawn structure holds the eggs, wherein said spawn structure or said part thereof is removable from the spawning container, leaving the adult insects in the spawning container;a hatch area which the eggs will hatch, which hatch area is adapted to receive said spawn structure or said part thereof holding the eggs and removed from the spawning containers, allowing harvesting of baby larvae;a food delivery system to deliver food to the spawning containers;a spawn structures handling area comprising a spawn structure handling system, adapted to remove said spawn structure or said part thereof holding the eggs from the spawning container and transport said spawn structure or said part to the hatch area, and to provide an empty spawn structure or part thereof in each spawning container; ...

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TESTING INSECT REPELLENCY

In a housing (), an internal space capable of housing an insect is formed, an opening () through which the internal space and an outside communicate with each other is formed, and a portion other than the opening () is closed so that the insect is incapable of passing through the portion. Rails () in a pair are disposed in parallel with each other on both sides of the opening () across the opening () on an outer surface of the housing (), maintain a gap between a face, on which the opening () is formed, of the housing () and a cover () to have a size preventing the insect from passing through the gap, and slidably retain the cover () on the external side of the housing (). A sample holder retains a sample, is slidably retained by the rails (), and enables the sample to be exposed from the opening () to the internal space when being slidably retained by the rails () in the state of retaining the sample. The cover () and the sample holder retaining the sample can be slid between the rails () in the pair in a state in which one side of the cover () and one side of the sample holder come into contact with each other, whereby the cover () and the sample holder can be moved between a position at which the cover () covers the opening () and a position at which the sample covers the opening (). 1. An apparatus for testing insect repellency , the apparatus comprising:a housing in which an internal space capable of housing an insect is formed, an opening through which the internal space and an outside communicate with each other is formed, and a portion other than the opening is closed so that the insect is incapable of passing through the portion;a plate-shaped cover that is capable of covering the opening from an external side of the housing;rails in a pair, which are disposed in parallel with each other on both sides of the opening across the opening on an outer surface of the housing, which maintain a gap between a face, on which the opening is formed, of the housing and ...

LIGHTING SYSTEM INCLUDING NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION CONTROLLER

An environmental control system such as an illumination system includes one or more LED lighting devices or other environmental factor control devices and a control device for controlling one or a combination of the LED lighting devices or other environmental factor control devices. A remote controller for remotely setting control content, control parameters and the like can be communicatively coupled (e.g., wirelessly) to the control device. The remote controller can be a smartphone or other device that includes an LED lighting control or other environmental control module or unit for setting one or more properties or parameters of a control target lighting/environmental device using near field communications. Properties and functions controlled by the remote controller can include timers, spectral content, intensity, etc. that are programmed by a user employing a simple application (e.g., featuring a GUI or other user-friendly interface). 1. A lighting unit comprising:a plurality of light emitting devices; anda near field communication unit communicatively coupled with the light emitting devices,wherein the near field communication unit is operable to receive lighting unit information from a remote control unit via near field communication, and to transmit lighting unit information to the remote control unit via near field communication.2. The lighting unit according to claim 1 , wherein the light emitting devices are light emitting diodes.3. The lighting unit according to claim 1 , wherein the lighting unit information includes control parameters for controlling the operation of at least one of the light emitting devices.4. The lighting unit according to claim 1 , wherein the lighting unit information includes at least one selected from the group consisting of:lighting unit production data including at least one of a serial number, a manufacturing date, inspection information, and a production batch number;lighting unit distribution data including at least one of ...

Bristle worm trap for use in aquariums

A bristle worm trap for catching bristle worms in an aquarium, includes a trap body, including a trap enclosure, a cap, a bait container, worm access points, each optionally with attached inner and outer access lines that can be funnels or tubes; and an elongated handle used for positioning the bristle worm trap in the aquarium; such that bristle worms crawl through the outer access line, the worm access point, and the inner access line, guided by a scent from a bait positioned in the bait container, and become trapped in the trap enclosure. 1. A bristle worm trap for catching bristle worms in an aquarium , comprising: a trap enclosure, which comprises an enclosure cavity;', 'an inner access line, which is hollow and connected to an inner side of the entry aperture, such that the bristle worms crawl through the inner access line into the trap enclosure, such that the inner access line prevents the bristle worms from escaping the trap enclosure.', 'at least one worm access point, which comprises an entry aperture in the trap enclosure, wherein the at least one worm access point is configured to provide access from an external environment to the enclosure cavity, such that the bristle worms crawl through the at least one worm access point, guided by a scent from a bait positioned in the trap body, and become trapped in the trap enclosure; wherein the at least one worm access point further comprises], 'a trap body, comprising2. The bristle worm trap of claim 1 , wherein the trap enclosure is configured with an upper aperture that leads into the enclosure cavity; wherein the trap enclosure further comprises:a cap, which is removably positioned on an upper part of the trap enclosure, such that the cap covers the upper aperture, and closes the enclosure cavity.3. The bristle worm trap of claim 1 , wherein the trap enclosure further comprises: a bait that is positioned in the inside of the bait container, and', 'a plurality of container apertures, which are apertures in ...

DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR TRANSPORTING LIVE INSECTS

Systems and methods for transporting live insects in a secure and environmentally controlled manner. The systems include containers and packaging for transporting the live insects at a controlled temperature and pressure. 1. An insect container , comprising: [ the respective backing plate defines a plurality of vent holes providing a conduit for air to travel through the backing plate to provide air to insects when the insects are stored in the insect container; and', 'the respective backing plate is rotatable about a respective axis of rotation perpendicular to the backing plate when the insect container is in an open configuration; and, 'a backing plate, wherein, 'a wall extending from a first surface of the respective backing plate in a direction parallel to the respective axis of rotation, the wall defining a container perimeter and including a non-rotating coupling feature at a distal end of the wall from the backing plate, wherein the backing plate and the wall together define a cavity, and wherein the non-rotating coupling feature of the first container portion and the non-rotating coupling feature of the second container portion enable the first and second container portions to couple together to fully enclose a volume comprising the cavity and prevent relative rotation of the first and second container portions., 'a first container portion and a second container portion, the first container portion configured to be coupled to the second container portion to enclose a volume, each of the first and second container portions comprising2. The insect container of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of vent holes have a cross-sectional dimension less than a size of representative insect to be stored inside the insect container.3. The insect container of claim 1 , wherein each backing plate comprises an engaging surface at a perimeter of the respective backing plate claim 1 , and wherein the respective engaging surface defines a set of protrusions extending in ...

Method and System for Breeding Insects, Using a Plurality of Individual Crates

A method and system for breeding insects, using a plurality of individual crates, wherein at least a portion of each crate is filled with a substrate, containing feed stock, and immature phases of insects. Also provided is a climate area housing the crates that has an aeration system. A conveyor system is included in the system for retrieving crates from the climate area and for returning same thereto. An observation system for obtaining observations, including data and measurements, and downstream thereof a feedstock supply station are arranged along the conveyor system. The method includes steps of aerating the substrate and the immature phases of insects with the aeration system, when in the climate area; periodically retrieving at least one individual crate of the plurality of crates by the conveyor system from the climate area and passing it to the observation system; obtaining an observation of the substrate and the immature phases of insects in the at least one retrieved crate; and interpreting the observation of a retrieved individual crate and determining one of a requirement for adding an amount of supplementary feed stock, and a reason to withdraw the insects from further breeding for harvesting or discarding from further breeding. The method and system are further arranged for returning the retrieved individual crate to the climate area via the feedstock supply station, when a required amount of supplementary feedstock has been determined, and transferring the retrieved individual crate to one of an area for harvesting and an area for discarding, when a reason for withdrawal has been determined. The steps of the method are repeated for as long as at least one of the plurality of crates remains in the climate area. 139.-. (canceled)40. Method for breeding insects , including the steps of:(a) providing a plurality of crates;(b) filling at least a portion of each crate of the plurality of crates with a substrate, containing feed stock, and immature phases ...

REARING POD FOR REARING INSECTS

A rearing pod () for rearing insects includes a bottom part (), a wall part (), a rearing space () for insects, and an opening (). The bottom and wall parts are foldable material. The bottom part is connected to a lower portion () of the wall part so that the bottom and wall parts define the space. An upper portion () of the wall part defines the opening and an inner surface () of the wall part faces the space. The upper portion includes a plastic strip () in order to prevent the insects to climb along the wall part. The strip is on the inner surface of the wall part and the strip covers continuously an inner surface () of the opening. 1100. A rearing pod () for rearing insects comprising{'b': '110', 'a bottom part (),'}{'b': '112', 'a wall part (),'}{'b': '115', 'a rearing space () for insects, and'}{'b': '117', 'an opening (),'}wherein the bottom and wall parts are foldable material,{'b': '113', 'wherein the bottom part is connected to a lower portion () of the wall part so that the bottom and wall parts define the space,'}{'b': '114', 'wherein an upper portion () of the wall part defines the opening, and'}{'b': '116', 'wherein an inner surface () of the wall part faces the space,'}wherein{'b': '130', 'the upper portion comprises a plastic strip () in order to prevent the insects to climb along the wall part,'}wherein the strip is on the inner surface of the wall part and{'b': '119', 'wherein the strip covers continuously an inner surface () of the opening.'}2120122. The pod of claim 1 , which comprises loop parts () in the upper portion of the wall part in order to attach suspension rods () to the pod.3124126. The pod of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the wall part comprises at least two slots () for external support struts () claim 1 , which rigidify a bag-like geometry of the pod.4. The pod of claim 1 , wherein the bottom and wall parts are polypropylene plastic and the strip is polyethene plastic.5240110. A shelving frame () for rearing pods () of ...

SEPARATING DEVICE FOR SEPARATING INSECTS FROM A REARING-BASED MATERIAL

A separating device () for separating insects () from a rearing-based material () includes a sieve part () and a moving part () for moving the sieve part in order to sieve an unseparated material (). The unseparated material includes the insects and the rearing-based material. The sieve part includes an cylindrical sieve rotor () and the moving part is adapted to rotate the rotor in order to separate the insects from the rearing-based material. The rotor is inclined so that its lower end () is lower than its upper end (). 1. A separating device for separating insects from a rearing-based material , comprising:a sieve part; anda moving part for moving the sieve part in order to sieve an unseparated material, comprising the insects and the rearing-based material, wherein,the sieve part comprises a cylindrical sieve rotor,the moving part is adapted to rotate the rotor in order to separate the insects from the rearing-based material,the rotor is inclined so that its lower end is lower than its upper end,the rotor comprises an inclined cylindrical coarse sieve and an inclined cylindrical fine sieve,the fine sieve is mounted so as to surround the coarse sieve and rotates together with the coarse sieve,the fine sieve is shorter than the coarse sieve,the coarse sieve is adapted to sieve the insects through the coarse sieve, andthe fine sieve is adapted to separate the insects from a fine residue and waste material.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the coarse sieve is a coarse mesh sieve.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the rotor comprises an axis for allowing the coarse sieve to rotate around the axis claim 2 , and the axis is mounted to the coarse sieve so as to run through the coarse sieve.4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a feeder funnel part for feeding the unseparated material into the device claim 1 , and the feeder funnel part is mounted to the upper end of the rotor so as to extend partially inside the rotor.5. The device of claim 1 , further ...

CLEANING WATER USING CHITOSAN

A method for cleaning water is disclosed. The method includes adding chitosan into an solution of acetic acid; adding thiosemicarbazide into the solution having the added chitosan; and stirring the solution having the added chitosan and thiosemicarbazide. The stirred solution is then neutralized with aqueous sodium hydroxide to form precipitates. The precipitates are then filtered and washed a plurality of times with deionized water and ethanol. The washed precipitates are then dried under vacuum to produce a modified chitosan. The modified chitosan is added to the water to remove chemicals from the water. 1. A method for cleaning water , the method comprising:adding chitosan into an solution of acetic acid;adding thiosemicarbazide into the solution having the added chitosan;stirring the solution having the added chitosan and thiosemicarbazide;neutralizing the stirred solution with aqueous sodium hydroxide to form precipitates;filtering the precipitates and washing the filtered precipitates a plurality of times with deionized water and ethanol;drying the washed precipitates under vacuum to produce a modified chitosan; andadding the modified chitosan to the water to remove chemicals from the water.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the modified chitosan has a selective adsorption capacity higher than adsorption capacity of the chitosan prior to modification.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein modifying the chitosan includes using formaldehyde as coupling link reagent.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein adding the modified chitosan to the water includes placing the modified chitosan in a reticulated chamber in a container containing the water.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the chemicals include nitrate claim 1 , ammonia claim 1 , solids claim 1 , minerals claim 1 , heavy metals claim 1 , paints claim 1 , amino acids claim 1 , proteins claim 1 , oil claim 1 , grease claim 1 , or a combination thereof.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the modified chitosan is ...

BLOOD FEEDING SYSTEM USING NONWOVEN FABRIC MATERIALS

Systems and methods for a blood feeding system using nonwoven fabric materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, a feeding pouch includes: a first surface comprising an impermeable material; a second surface comprising a nonwoven fabric material, the first surface bonded to the second surface to form a pouch; and blood deposited within the pouch. 1. A feeding pouch comprising:a first surface comprising an impermeable material;a second surface comprising a nonwoven fabric material, the first surface bonded to the second surface to form a pouch; andblood deposited within the pouch.2. The feeding pouch of claim 1 , wherein the pouch comprises one or more access points.3. The feeding pouch of claim 2 , wherein the one or more access points further comprise a valve.4. The feeding pouch of claim 1 , wherein the impermeable material comprises a substantially clear plastic material.5. The feeding pouch of claim 1 , wherein the second surface provides a surface through which one or more insects can extract blood.6. The feeding pouch of claim 1 , wherein the insects comprise one or more species of mosquitoes.7. The feeding pouch of claim 1 , wherein the second surface comprises one or more seams or scores defining a flow path for the blood.8. The feeding pouch of claim 1 , wherein the first surface and the second surface are bonded in a shape approximating one of: a cube claim 1 , a rectangular shape claim 1 , a tube claim 1 , or a circular shape.9. The feeding pouch of claim 1 , wherein the first surface is bonded to the second surface using one or more of: heat sealing claim 1 , ultrasonic sealing claim 1 , or an adhesive.10. The feeding pouch of claim 1 , wherein the nonwoven fabric material comprises one or more of: a hydrophobic material or a spunbond material.11. The feeding pouch of claim 1 , wherein the nonwoven fabric material comprises one or more of: a spun-melt-spun (SMS) material claim 1 , a melt-blown material claim 1 , or a flashspun material.12. The feeding ...

Farm for Rearing Insects

The invention relates to a farm for rearing insects, comprising a first zone (Z) in which the insects being reared are stored in containers while they grow and a second zone (Z) comprising at least one station configured for effecting a rearing-related task on the insects in a container or on said container. The containers are grouped in the first zone (Z) in sets of palletized containers referred to as basic units. The first zone (Z) comprises pallet racks in which the basic units are disposed. The first zone (Z) is furthermore equipped with an automated device configured to move the basic units between the first zone (Z) and an interface () with the second zone (Z). 1131322. A farm for rearing insects , comprising a first zone (Z) in which the insects being reared are stored in containers ( , ) while they grow and a second zone (Z) comprising at least one station configured in order to carry out a rearing operation on the insects of a container or on said container;{'b': 31', '32', '1', '31', '32', '1', '1', '8, 'characterized in that the containers (, ) are grouped together in the first zone (Z) into sets of palletized containers (, ) called basic units (BU), the first zone (Z) comprising pallet racks (R . . . R) in which the basic units (BU) can be arranged;'}{'b': 1', '1', '1', '2, 'the first zone (Z) also being equipped with an automated device configured in order to move the basic units (BU) between the first zone (Z) and an interface () with the second zone (Z).'}212318. The farm for rearing insects according to claim 1 , in which the automated device comprises a storage/retrieval machine (T claim 1 , T claim 1 , T) capable of moving along or between the racks (R . . . R).3. The farm for rearing insects according to claim 1 , in which the automated device is suitable for moving inside the racks.4313233. The farm for rearing insects according to claim 1 , in which the containers ( claim 1 , ) are stackable crates claim 1 , basic units (BU) comprising a ...

Insect singulating device

Systems, methods, and devices for singulating or separating insects from a collection of insects are described. In some embodiments, an insect singulating device includes a funnel having a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening and is configured to receive one or more organisms of the collection of organisms, and a roller assembly positioned proximate to the second opening of the funnel, wherein the roller assembly includes a first roller and second roller that are spaced apart to define an organism movement path between the first roller and the second roller.

NATURE NET

Various indoor/outdoor nature net configurations are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an indoor/outdoor nature net enclosure may include an upper section, a lower section, and a middle section. The middle section may extend between the upper section and the lower section to define an interior space. The middle section may include a two-way zipper that extends from the upper section to the lower section. Some net enclosures disclosed herein may be used in connection with a wire frame. The wire frame may be configured to be positioned in the interior space and to support the net enclosure. In some embodiments, the wire frame may include a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members. 1. An indoor/outdoor nature net enclosure comprising:an upper section;a lower section; anda middle section extending between the upper section and the lower section to define an interior space, the middle section including a two-way zipper that extends from the upper section to the lower section, the two-way zipper having an upper part and a lower part, the two-way zipper being configured to permit access to the interior space from the upper section while the lower part of the two-way zipper remains closed and from the lower section while the upper part of the two-way zipper remains closed.2. The indoor/outdoor nature net enclosure of claim 1 , wherein the upper section claim 1 , the lower section claim 1 , and the middle section are configured to be supported by a wire frame in the interior space that includes a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of horizontal members.3. The indoor/outdoor nature net enclosure of claim 2 , wherein the middle section is made of a first material claim 2 , and the upper section is made of a second material that is thicker than the first material claim 2 , the upper section extending (a) down along a side of the wire frame below an uppermost horizontal member of the plurality of horizontal members of the wire frame and ...

Method for Improving Quality of Aquaculture Pond Water Using a Nutrient Germinant Composition and Spore Incubation Method

A method for improving the quality of pond water used in aquaculture applications by adding to the pond water active bacteria that are preferably germinated from spores on site using a nutrient-germinant composition and an incubation method for increased spore germination efficiency, in combination with a nitrification enhancement agent such as calcium carbonate or calcified seaweed, and an optional reaction surface area modifier such as calcified seaweed or plastic or metal particles or fragments. The nutrient-germinant composition comprises L-amino acids, D-glucose and/or D-fructose, a phosphate buffer, an industrial preservative, and may include bacteria spores (preferably of one or more species) or they may be separately combined for germination. The incubation method comprises heating a nutrient germinant composition and bacteria spores, to a temperature range of 35° C. to 60° C. for around 2 to 60 minutes to produce an incubated bacteria solution that is discharged to the aquaculture application. 1. A method of adding bacteria to water used in an aquaculture application , the method comprising:providing a volume of nutrient germinant composition and a volume of a bacteria spores, which may be premixed together as a nutrient spore composition or separate;optionally mixing a portion of the nutrient germinant composition and a portion of the bacteria spores if separate to form the nutrient spore composition;heating a portion of the nutrient spore composition to a temperature in a range of around 35° C. to 60° C. at or near a site of the aquaculture application;maintaining the temperature in the range for an incubation period of around 2 minutes to around 6 hours to form a batch of germinated bacteria solution;periodically repeating the heating and maintaining steps to form additional batches of germinated bacteria solution over the course of a treatment cycle;dispersing each batch of germinated bacteria solution into the water used in the aquaculture application; ...

LIVE INSECTS TRANSPORT DEVICE

The invention relates to a device for use in large-scale industrial insect farming. More in particular, the invention relates to a live insects transport device for transporting live insects from a first location to a predetermined second location, the live insects transport device comprising a fluid guiding unit, a fluid discharge member and a feeder arrangement, wherein the live insects transport device is configured to receive live insects such as freshly hatched neonate larvae, for example of black soldier fly, wherein the live insects are taken up in a laminar flow of fluid and while in said fluid are transported to a predetermined location in the live insects transport device. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the device in industrial insect farming, such as large-scale farming of black soldier flies, and the invention relates to a method of dosing live insects, wherein preferably live insects are doses which are essentially of the same age, such as freshly hatched neonate larvae. 1. A live insect larvae transport device comprising:a fluid guiding unit comprising a distal end and a proximal end, and at least one longitudinal fluid guiding member comprising a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the fluid guiding member is arranged at the distal end of the fluid guiding unit and wherein the proximal end of the fluid guiding member is directed toward the proximal end of the fluid guiding unit,wherein the at least one fluid guiding member further comprises a smooth top surface extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the fluid guiding member, the top surface comprising a live insect larvae receiving portion between the distal end and proximal end of the at least one fluid guiding member, and wherein the fluid guiding member is tilted at an angle (α) relative to the horizontal;a first fluid discharge member located at the distal end of the fluid guiding unit and being configured to connect to a source of fluid, ...

AUTOMATIC WATER QUALITY SURVEILLANCE APPARATUS

Provided is a small and simple automatic water quality surveillance apparatus that can automatically sense toxic substances, oil, mold, or the like contained in raw water. The apparatus includes an odor-sensing water tank through which the raw water circulates. The tank further includes an odor sensor sensing an odor, such as an oily odor, a mold odor, and so on. Upon having sensed the toxic substances, oil, mold, or the like, an alarm is automatically issued thereby. 1. An automatic water quality surveillance apparatus , comprising:a water tank for fish always and continuously receiving raw water so as to rear a plurality of cyprinodonts therein, the raw water including: river flowing water; lake water; and ground water; anda CCD video camera photographing abnormal behavior when the raw water contains toxic substances therein, the abnormal behavior including:a first case where the plurality of cyprinodonts form a fixed group that does not move;a second case where the plurality of cyprinodonts take at least one of repelling action and madly-rushing action; anda third case where the plurality of cyprinodonts die,wherein:the automatic water quality surveillance apparatus performs digital conversion on image signals from the CCD video camera, and judges an abnormality according to image processing to automatically output an alarm;the automatic water quality surveillance apparatus further comprising:an odor-sensing water tank through which the raw water circulates;an odor sensor sensing a mold odor of the odor-sensing water tank; anda heater warming the raw water circulating within the odor-sensing water tank;the odor sensor includes: an odor sensor sensing element; and an odor sensor control unit;the odor sensor sensing element and the odor sensor control unit are separately arranged and are connected to each other by means of a cable;the odor sensor sensing element is arranged within the odor-sensing water tank;the odor sensor control unit includes:a sensitivity- ...

BREEDING COMB FOR SOLITAIRE BEES

A breeding comb for solitary bees, comprised of single modules in the form of a sheet containing grooves and locks characterised in that, the grooves of the sheet are separated from one another with side walls, while in the lower part the base of the sheet contains lugs that make blocking locks and rabbets in which the side walls of the particular module are inserted, thus forming nesting tunnels with a cross-section with a shape close to a polyhedron, while in the front part the base of the sheet contains a lug and in the rear part the sheet is limited with a rear wall containing a clasp, wherein the external side walls of the sheet are fitted with clasps of the sheet and of the sheet that make side locks, right and left respectively. 1213145316178. A breeding comb for solitary bees , comprised of single modules in the form of a sheet containing grooves and locks characterised in that , the grooves () of the sheet () are separated from one another with side walls () , while in the lower part the base of the sheet () contains lugs () that make blocking locks and rabbets () in which the side walls () of the particular module are inserted , thus forming nesting tunnels with a cross-section with a shape close to a polyhedron , while in the front part the base of the sheet () contains a lug () and in the rear part the sheet () is limited with a rear wall () containing a clasp ().23199ab. The breeding comb according to characterized in that claim 1 , the external side walls () of the sheet () are fitted with clasps of the sheet () and of the sheet () that make side locks claim 1 , right and left respectively. This utility model relates to a breeding comb for solitary bees for application in the field of beekeeping.In the general opinion, bees are above all producers of honey and wax as well as the other bee products. Nevertheless, the most essential role of bees for man is pollination of wild and cultivated plants.The progressive specialisation in fruit growing, the ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATMENT AND FILTRATION OF WATER

A water treatment system for a water reservoir comprises a collection box; a rotary drum filter arranged to receive gravity flow from the collection box through a receiving line; a primary bio-filter; a secondary bio-filter; one or more connecting lines originating at the rotary drum filter and comprising at least a first outlet line connected to the primary bio-filter and a second outlet line connected to the secondary bio-filter, the second outlet line comprising a pump; and a return line originating at the primary bio-filter and terminating at the water reservoir. The collection box has a bottom and sides defining an interior volume, and comprises a first water intake having a first riser; a second water intake having a second riser; and a third water intake having a third riser, each riser being disposed inside the interior volume and extend upwardly from the bottom of the collection box. 1. A water treatment system for a water reservoir , the system comprising: a first water intake having a first riser connected to a first pipe in fluid communication with a skimmer on the water reservoir;', 'a second water intake having a second riser connected to a second pipe in fluid communication with an outlet positioned in a mid-section of the water reservoir; and', 'a third water intake having a third riser connected to a third pipe in fluid communication with an outlet positioned at a bottom of the water reservoir,', 'wherein the first, second, and third risers are disposed inside the interior volume and extend upwardly from the bottom of the collection box;, 'a collection box having a bottom and sides defining an interior volume, the collection box comprisinga rotary drum filter arranged to receive gravity flow from the collection box through a receiving line;a primary bio-filter;one or more connecting lines originating at the rotary drum filter and comprising at least a first outlet line connected to the primary bio-filter; anda return line originating at the primary ...

INSECT EGG CONVEYOR

Example insect egg conveyors are disclosed. One example insect egg conveyor device includes multiple rollers positioned along a path and a drive unit that includes a motor connected to a roller of the multiple rollers to drive the roller and rotate the roller. The device also includes a substrate positioned on the roller and a fluid source positioned along the path. The rollers are arranged to move the substrate along the path and toward the fluid source in response to the motor rotating the roller. 1. A system comprising:a roller positioned along a conveyor path;a hydrophilic substrate positioned on the roller;a fluid source positioned on the conveyor path to apply a fluid to the hydrophilic substrate; anda drive unit comprising a motor coupled to the roller to drive the roller and rotate the roller and move the hydrophilic substrate along the conveyor path and past the fluid source.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a remote computing device claim 1 , wherein the drive unit is communicatively coupled to the remote device and the remote device comprises a processor and a memory claim 1 , the memory comprising processor-executable program code configured to cause the processor to transmit a drive signal to the drive unit to control a speed of the hydrophilic substrate along the conveyor path.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the memory comprises processor-executable program code configured to cause the processor to:transmit the drive signal to the drive unit to cause the drive unit to rotate at a first speed to move the hydrophilic substrate along the conveyor path.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophilic substrate comprises at least one of paper claim 1 , felt claim 1 , or nylon cloth.5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:a housing positioned on the conveyor path; anda population of insects located within the housing, and wherein rotating the roller causes the roller to move the hydrophilic substrate along the conveyor path and through ...

PROCESS FOR REARING INSECTS

The invention relates to a method for breeding insects, comprising growth phases during which the insects are stored in a controlled environment, said growth phases alternating with operating sequences during which at least one specific breeding operation is performed. The method comprises a sequence, referred to as synchronization sequence, during which a batch of insects is sorted and divided into a plurality of size or maturity categories in separate containers, then said containers () are grouped together to form basic breeding units (UE) comprising a predefined number of containers (), a basic breeding unit (UE) comprising only insects of the same category. 131323132. A process for rearing insects , comprising growth phases during which the insects are stored in a controlled environment , said growth phases alternating with operating sequences during which at least one specific rearing operation is carried out , characterized in that it comprises a sequence called a synchronization sequence () during which a batch of insects is sorted and distributed into several categories of size or maturity in different containers , then said containers ( , ) are grouped together in order to constitute basic rearing units (BU) comprising a predefined number of containers ( , ) , a basic unit (BU) comprising only insects of the same category.2. The rearing process according to claim 1 , in which the synchronization sequence () is conducted several times on each insect during said process.331323132. The rearing process according to claim 1 , comprising at least one sequence called concentration/dilution sequence () of the insects claim 1 , in which the density of insects in each container ( claim 1 , ) of a rearing unit is brought to a target density by the addition of insects claim 1 , the removal of insects claim 1 , or the distribution of the insects in containers ( claim 1 , ) claim 1 , the target density corresponding to a desired predetermined density at the start of the ...

Circulation apparatus for agricultural and fishery production and irrigation

A circulation apparatus for agricultural and fishery production and irrigation is provided with a water supply device; a production device; a filter device; an irrigation device; a water storage device; and pipes for connecting the water supply device, the production device, the filter device, the irrigation device, and the water storage device together. The water filter device is filtered and sterilized, and outputs to the irrigation device to supply an irrigation water source for agricultural uses. Excess of the irrigation water source outputs to the water storage device for storage, and flows into the water supply device again or the irrigation device so as to make the irrigation water source to be continuously re-circulated and reused among the water supply device, the production device, the filter device, the irrigation device, and the water storage device.

Screening for agents that target the actin cytoskeleton using c. elegans exposed to heat shock

Provided herein are screening methods that utilize transgenic nematodes exposed to heat shock conditions, such as agents that increase stability of F-actin. The transgenic nematodes used can be in a wild-type background, functionally deleted for OSG-1, or express human ARHGEF10 in an OSG-1 background. Such transgenic nematodes also express a fluorescent protein, such as GFP. Such methods are in some examples high throughput and automated. Also provided are recombinant nematodes and kits that can be used with such methods.

AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT MONITORING AND DOSING SYSTEMS AND APPARATUSES, AND METHODS AND SOFTWARE RELATING THERETO

Multi-parameter water analysis system with a water parameter sensing device configured to wirelessly provide detector data and a smart phone displayable indicator of water analysis test results that are calculated by an analysis application that is updateable via a cloud-based data resource to account for a manufacturing change in indicator chemistry and/or an improvement in test result display. The water parameter sensing device includes an optical sensing apparatus configured to detect light from each of a plurality of indicators for different parameters when the indicator and a chemical parameter are exposed to each other, a processor to process information of the detected light, and wireless communication circuitry for communicating detector data based on the information about the detected light to a remote device. Social networking of water quality data allows sharing to other users. 1. A multi-parameter water analysis system comprising: an optical sensing apparatus configured to detect light produced by an interaction of a chemical parameter in the water and an indicator when the indicator and the chemical parameter are exposed to each other, the indicator selected by a user, the optical sensing apparatus capable of detecting light from a plurality of different user selectable indicators for different chemical parameters in water;', 'a processor in communication with the optical sensing apparatus for receiving information about the detected light, the processor configured to process information about the detected light for a plurality of different indicators; and', 'a wireless communication circuitry in electrical connectivity with the processor for wirelessly communicating detector data based on the information about the detected light from the water parameter sensing device to a remote device; and, 'a water parameter sensing device includinga mobile smart phone device configured to display test results for the chemical parameter to the user, the test results ...

METHOD FOR PREPARATION OF RESEARCH ORGANISMS

There is provided a method or improving the surface sterility of an invertebrate organism having an external cuticle, comprising contacting an outer surface of the organism, or a portion thereof, with an aqueous alcohol solution of less than about 70% v/v for a period of less than 60 seconds. The method is especially useful to provide research-grade organisms which can be utilised in research involving injection of compositions through the external cuticle, by reducing phenotype changes resulting from introduction of surface contaminants into the interior of the organism. 1. A method for improving the surface sterility of an invertebrate organism having an external cuticle , comprising contacting an outer surface of the organism , or a portion thereof , with an aqueous alcohol solution of up to about 70% v/v for a period of less than about 60 seconds.2. The method according to wherein the aqueous alcohol solution is a 40-65% v/v solution.3. The method according to wherein the alcohol is ethanol claim 1 , methanol or isopropanol.4. The method according to wherein the aqueous alcohol solution is a 40-60% v/v ethanol solution.5. The method according to wherein the aqueous alcohol solution is an about 50% v/v ethanol solution.6EndopterygotaLepidopteraGalleriaGalleria mellonella. The method according to wherein the organism is one or more insect larva selected from the group consisting of a larva of the superorder claim 1 , a larva of the order claim 1 , a larva of the genus and a larva.79-. (canceled)10. The method according to wherein the contacting comprises immersing the organism in the aqueous alcohol solution.11. The method according to wherein the immersing comprises rolling claim 10 , agitating or otherwise moving the organism in the aqueous alcohol solution.12. The method according to wherein the contacting extends for a period of time selected from the group consisting of at least 5 seconds claim 1 , at least 10 seconds claim 1 , about 20 seconds claim 1 , ...

Mite Composition, Carrier, Method for Rearing Mites and Uses Related Thereto

The present invention in general relates to the field of rearing of commercially relevant mites. More particularly the present invention relates to a mite composition, suitable for the commercial rearing of mites, a method for rearing mites and a rearing device using the composition of the invention, a method for crop protection using the composition according to the invention wherein the mite is selected as a predatory mite, and the use of a carrier material for rearing a mite species. 1. Mite composition comprising:{'i': Mesostigmatid', 'Prostigmatid, 'a population of individuals of a mite species, preferably a mite species selected from mite species or mite species;'}a food source for the mite individuals;and a carrier for the individuals of the mite species comprising carrier elements, preferably carrier elements having a longest axis of about 1.0-15.0 mm, such as 3.0-9.0 mm;wherein the stacking of the carrier elements comprises shelters for mite individuals.2. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein the shelters comprise areas where the material of the carrier element shields a mite individual claim 1 , when located in this area claim 1 , from its surroundings in at least 3 directions having orthogonal or reversed relations claim 1 , preferably in at least 4 of such directions claim 1 , most preferably in at least 5 of such directions.3. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein the shelters comprise voids claim 1 , such as voids formed by coves claim 1 , recesses claim 1 , pores claim 1 , chambers claim 1 , cavities claim 1 , niches claim 1 , pits claim 1 , pockets claim 1 , tubes and alike structures.4Poaceae. Composition according to claim 1 , wherein carrier elements are derived from chaff claim 1 , preferably chaff from a grass species () claim 1 , most preferably chaff from a cereal species claim 1 , such as chaff from wheat claim 1 , an oryza species claim 1 , rye claim 1 , oats or millet claim 1 , in particular chaff from millet.5. Composition ...

AQUAPONICS SYSTEM, AND FISH AND SHELLFISH REARING AND PLANT CULTIVATION METHOD USING THE AQUAPONICS SYSTEM

An aquaponics system including a rearing tank of a rearing system and cultivation beds of a cultivation system, wherein the cultivation beds are arranged vertically in two or more stages. The system includes a rearing and cultivation circulating system in which liquid in the rearing tank is supplied to each of the cultivation beds, and the liquid in each bed is returned to the tank, to thereby circulate through the tank, beds, and tank. Fish and shellfish can be reared in the rearing tank and a plant can be cultivated in the cultivation beds, with the liquid circulating through the circulating path. Both a cultivation circulating system in which the liquid circulates through the water storage tank, the cultivation beds, and the water storage tank, and a rearing circulating system in which the liquid circulates through the rearing tank, the water storage tank, and the rearing tank may be arranged. 1. An aquaponics system including a rearing system and a cultivation system integrated with each other ,the aquaponics system comprising: a rearing tank of the rearing system; and cultivation beds of the cultivation system, wherein:the cultivation beds are arranged in two or more stages in a vertical direction;the rearing tank has a size and a depth capable of storing a liquid supplied to the cultivation beds in two or more stages;the aquaponics system further comprises a water supply pipe arranged between the rearing tank and the cultivation beds,the aquaponics system further comprises distribution pipes each arranged so as to extend from the water supply pipe to the cultivation bed in each of the stages;the water supply pipe is connected to a pump, and the pump enables the liquid supplied from the rearing tank to the water supply pipe to be supplied to the cultivation bed in each of the stages through each of the distribution pipes;each of the cultivation beds includes a bell siphon;the bell siphon of each of the cultivation beds has an outlet connected to a water ...

AUTOMATED MASS REARING SYSTEM FOR INSECT LARVAE

Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an automated mass rearing system for insect larvae. The automated mass rearing system can facilitate hatching, feeding, monitoring the growth and emergence of insect larvae and pupae. In some embodiments, the automated mass rearing system can include a production unit, a transportation unit, a storage unit, a dispensing unit, and a monitoring unit. In some embodiments, this automated mass rearing system can facilitate mass mosquito growth from egg hatching all the way through to full adults or certain stages in between such as the larvae rearing process (i.e., from larvae to pupae) with little or no human intervention. By automating the rearing and transportation of insect eggs, larvae, and pupae, deaths or developmental issues can be minimized. Various techniques and apparatuses are used in this automation that causes minimal disturbance to the insects during development, and thereby maximizing survival rate and fitness of the insects. 1. An automated insect rearing system comprising:an insect dispensing station having a first horizontal surface;an insect dispenser comprising an insect container and an insect dispensing vessel, a first end of the insect dispensing vessel coupled to a first orifice defined in the insect container and a second end of the insect dispensing vessel movable to be proximate to the first horizontal surface to dispense one or more insects from the insect container at the first horizontal surface;a food dispensing station having a second horizontal surface;a food dispenser comprising a food container and a food dispensing vessel, a first end of the food dispensing vessel coupled to a second orifice defined in the food container and a second end of the food dispensing vessel movable to be proximate to the second horizontal surface to dispense food from the food container at the second horizontal surface; anda robotic storage system comprising at least one robotic arm and a shelf, the robotic ...

Compositions and Kits Comprising At Least Two Organisms and Methods for Causing, Enhancing, and/or Expediting Biodegradation or Articles Using Same

Methods for causing, enhancing, and/or expediting consumption of an article by at least one biodegradative living organism are disclosed. The methods include the use of at least one additional living organism that enhances and/or expedites consumption of the article by the at least one biodegradative living organism. 1. A method of degrading an article , comprising the steps of:combining an article with at least two living organisms, wherein at least a first of the at least two living organisms is a multicellular biodegradative organism that is capable of consuming at least a portion of a material from which the article is formed; andexposing the article to the at least two living organisms under conditions whereby the at least one biodegradative living organism consumes the consumable portion of the article, and wherein under said conditions at least a second of the at least two living organisms enhances and/or expedites consumption of the article by the at least one biodegradative living organism.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one biodegradative living organism is selected from the group consisting of a worm claim 1 , a termite claim 1 , an ant claim 1 , an algae claim 1 , a fungus claim 1 , and combinations thereof.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one biodegradative living organism is provided in an encapsulated and/or cocooned form claim 1 , and the encapsulated and/or cocooned biodegradative living organism is present in a coating disposed on a surface of the article.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of a floral packaging material claim 1 , a decorative grass claim 1 , a packaging material claim 1 , a cup claim 1 , a bag claim 1 , a food wrapper claim 1 , a food container claim 1 , a plate claim 1 , a bowl claim 1 , toilet paper claim 1 , a paper towel claim 1 , and combinations thereof claim 1 , and wherein the consumable portion of the material is formed of at least one of ...

Drosophila Stock Maintenance

An insect culture maintenance system includes a sequence of open-ended cylindrical tubes [ joined pairwise alternately at their tops and bottoms using multiple dual-cap connectors. Each dual-capped connector has a channel from an inside of a first cap to an inside of a second cap. In use, connectors that cap the bottoms of the tubes [ are filled with insect food media [ while connectors that cap the tops of the tubes [ are open. As a result of this design, adults pass from one tube to the next through the top dual-cap connectors, while larvae pass from one tube to the next through the bottom dual-cap connectors, resulting in propagation of subsequent generations of insects through the sequence of tubes. 1. An insect culture maintenance kit comprising:four open-ended cylindrical tubes: a first tube, second tube, third tube, and fourth tube;three dual-cap connectors: a first dual cap, a second dual cap, and a third dual cap; wherein each of the three dual-capped connectors has a channel connecting an inside of a first cap and an inside of a second cap to form a single connected space;wherein the four open-ended cylindrical tubes and the three dual-capped connectors are sized such each cap of each of the three dual-capped connectors fits on each end of each of the four open-ended cylindrical tubes, allowing the four open-ended cylindrical tubes to be connected in sequence using the three dual-capped connectors.2. The kit of further comprising a first terminal cap claim 1 , wherein the terminal cap closes the opening of a single tube.3. The kit of where the terminal cap comprises a cotton ball or a single cap. This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/159596 filed Oct. 12, 2018, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/577457 filed Oct. 26, 2017, which are both incorporated herein by reference.The present invention relates generally to techniques for maintaining cultures of insects. More specifically, it relates to ...

SHELLFISH DEPURATION

A method of depurating shellfish, by taking decontaminated seawater, uncontaminated seawater, brackish water or water with sufficient salinity to support shellfish, holding the shellfish and the water in a container (), lagoon or other body of water separate from the sea, and allowing the shellfish to feed, for a sufficient time for the any viruses and bacteria to be expelled or deactivated. Shellfish feed in the form of active or inactive phytoplankton or other substance on which shellfish may feed may be added to the water. 1. A method of depurating shellfish , comprising the steps of:taking decontaminated seawater, uncontaminated seawater, brackish water or water with sufficient salinity to support shellfish; andholding the shellfish and the water in a container, lagoon or other body of water separate from the sea, and allowing the shellfish to feed, for a sufficient time for any viruses and bacteria to be expelled or deactivated.2. A method according to claim 1 , further comprising:adding shellfish feed in the form of active or inactive phytoplankton or other substance on which shellfish may feed to the water.3. A method according to claim 2 , further comprising:holding contaminated seawater in a container, lagoon or other body of water separate from the sea for a sufficient time for viruses and bacteria derived from sewage contamination to be removed by natural processes to produce decontaminated seawater.4. A method according to claim 3 , further comprising:holding seawater in a first container, lagoon or other body of water separate from the sea while decontamination takes place, and holding the shellfish in a second container, lagoon or other body of water separate from the sea, the decontaminated water being transferred to the second container.5. A method according to wherein the decontaminated seawater temperature in raised to or held between 15-20° C.6. A method according to claim 5 , further comprising:adding salt to raise the salinity of the water.7. A ...

STABLE TRANSFORMATION OF A POPULATION AND A METHOD OF BIOCONTAINMENT USING HAPLOINSUFFICIENCY AND UNDERDOMINANCE PRINCIPLES

The present invention relates to a method for reducing the competitive fitness of an organism hemizygous for a transgenic locus compared to the organism homozygous for the transgenic locus comprising the steps of: (a) reducing the expression of a haploinsufficient gene in the organism, wherein said reduction is conveyed by a transgenic locus in the organism; and (b) rescuing the reduced expression in the organism, wherein said rescue is conveyed by the same transgenic locus in the organism, yielding an organism which is less competitively fit if hemizygous for the transgenic locus than if homozygous for the transgenic locus. The present invention also relates to a method for decreasing the introgression of a transgenic locus in an organism into a population of otherwise interfertile sexually reproducing organisms comprising the steps of: (a) reducing the expression of a haploinsufficient gene in the organism, wherein said reduction is conveyed by a transgenic locus in the organism; (b) rescuing the reduced expression in the organism, wherein said rescue is conveyed by the same transgenic locus in the organism, and (c) using a transgenic organism obtained in step (b) in an environment comprising otherwise interfertile sexually reproducing wildtype individuals of the organism, wherein the competitive fitness of hemizygous progeny is reduced, thereby decreasing the rate of sexually reproduction and/or viability and/or the competitive fitness of hemizygous progeny. Further envisaged are corresponding genetic systems and genetically modified organisms. 1. Method for reducing the competitive fitness of an animal hemizygous for a transgenic locus compared to the animal homozygous for the transgenic locus , with the proviso that the animal is not a human being , comprising the steps of:(a) reducing the expression of a haploinsufficient gene in the animal, wherein said reduction is conveyed by a transgenic locus in the animal; and(b) rescuing the reduced expression in the ...

Water cleaning system, water cleaning method, startup method for water cleaning system, and water cleaning unit

A water cleaning system 1 includes an aerobic region 90 including breeding water 9 containing organic matter and oxygen, an aerobic layer 6 linking with the aerobic region 90 and inhabited by aerobic bacteria, a facultative anaerobic layer 5 provided adjacent to the aerobic layer 6 and inhabited by facultative anaerobic bacteria, an obligatory anaerobic layer 4 provided adjacent to the facultative anaerobic layer 5 , inhabited by obligatory anaerobic bacteria, and made of andosol 40 , an anaerobic space 3 having an anaerobic environment, allowing the obligatory anaerobic bacteria inhabiting the obligatory anaerobic layer 4 and products therefrom to flow therein, and a tube 18 as linking means linking the anaerobic space 3 and the aerobic region 90.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATED AQUATIC INSECT REARING

An example system for automated aquatic insect rearing includes a frame; at least one trough having a drain, the trough supported by the frame; a drain valve coupled to the drain; a lid coupleable to the at least one trough to cover the trough, the lid defining at least one opening; a fluid supply tube connectable to a fluid supply, the fluid supply tube routed to provide fluid to the at least one trough; a fill valve coupled to the fluid supply tube, the fill valve positioned and configured to regulate a flow of fluid into the at least one trough; a fill pump coupled to the at least one fluid supply tube and coupleable to the fluid supply to pump fluid from the fluid supply through the at least one supply tube; at least one feeding mechanism to dispense food into the at least one trough; and at least one fluid level sensor positioned to detect a fluid level within the at least one trough. 1. A system comprising:a frame;at least one trough having a drain, the trough supported by the frame;a drain valve coupled to the drain;a lid coupleable to the at least one trough to cover the trough, the lid defining at least one opening;a fluid supply tube connectable to a fluid supply, the fluid supply tube routed to provide fluid to the at least one trough;a fill valve coupled to the fluid supply tube, the fill valve positioned and configured to regulate a flow of fluid into the at least one trough;a fill pump coupled to the at least one fluid supply tube and coupleable to the fluid supply to pump fluid from the fluid supply through the at least one supply tube;at least one feeding mechanism to dispense food into the at least one trough; andat least one fluid level sensor positioned to detect a fluid level within the at least one trough.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising one or more computing devices in communication with the heating element claim 1 , the fill pump claim 1 , the at least one feed mechanism claim 1 , and the at least one sensor claim 1 , the one or ...

Infusion reservoir for live wells

According to the present invention an infusion pump is provided within an angler's live well. The infusion pump readily dispenses additives into the water that fills the live well, counteracting the debilitating effects of ammonia released by the live fish. Upon activation by the angler the pump dispenses a controlled volume of liquid additive quickly and conveniently into the live well. In one embodiment a hemispherical bulb pump dispenses fluid additive. A second embodiment utilizing an electric pump is also disclosed. In a third embodiment a gravity fed infusion pump is described.

MOLLUSK-KILLING BIOPESTICIDE

A composition and methods of using the composition for the control of mollusks are provided, which include an effective amount of one or more isolated nematodes, wherein at least one of the isolated nematodes is or , and wherein the does not comprise 1. (canceled)2PhasmarhabditisP. californica.. A method of preventing a mollusk infestation in soil by using a composition comprising an effective amount of one or more isolated nematodes , wherein at least one of the isolated nematodes is3P. papillosaP. hermaphrodita.. The method of wherein the composition further comprises or4P. hermaphroditaMoraxella osloensis.. The method of wherein the does not comprise5Phasmarhabditis. The method of wherein the one or more isolated nematodes have been cultured with a nematode growth promoting bacterium.6PhasmarhabditisAlcaligenes faecalis, Bacillus pumilus, B. safensisOchrobactrum. The method of wherein the one or more isolated nematodes have been cultured with claim 2 , and/or sp.7. The method of wherein the composition further comprises a carrier.8. The composition of wherein the carrier is a clay.9. The method of wherein the composition is in the form of a water-dispersable powder.10. The method of wherein the carrier is calcium montmorillonite clay.11. The method of wherein the nematode concentration is from about 0.1×10to about 2.0×10per gram of total composition (wet weight).12. The method of wherein the nematode concentration is from about 0.3×10to about 1.6×10per gram of the total composition (wet weight).13. The method of wherein the composition is applied to the soil.14C. aspersum, D. reticulatum, L. flavus, L. valentianaL. fulica.. The method of wherein the mollusk is or This application is a continuation of and claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/765,456, filed on Apr. 2, 2018, which is a U.S. National Stage Filing under 35 U.S.C. 371 from International Application No. PCT/US2016/054969, filed on Sep. 30, 2016, and ...

In-situ passive sampling device based on physical and chemical and bio-coupling monitoring and application

The invention discloses an in-situ passive sampling device based on physical and chemical and bio-coupling monitoring and use thereof, the device comprises a foam plastic tray on the water surface, a supporting connection device under the water surface, a fish farming device and a sampling device. The invention comprises three passive samplers and a fish fat ling device, wherein the fish farming device can ensure the survival environment of the fish in the long-term test, maintain the fish survival rate, and apply the device to the safety evaluation of water quality of the centralized drinking water source. 1. An in-situ passive sampling device based on physical and chemical and bio-coupling monitoring , comprising an upper unit and a lower unit ,{'b': 1', '2', '1', '3', '2', '4', '5', '6', '3', '5', '6', '4', '5', '6, 'the upper unit comprises a foam plastic tray () floating on the water surface, a bracket () on the foam plastic tray (), and a power supply device () on the bracket (), a microcontroller (), a suction pump () and an automatic feeding box (), the power supply device () supplies power to the suction pump () and the automatic feeding box () respectively, the microcontroller () is configured for timing switch control of the suction pump () and the automatic feeding box ();'}{'b': 7', '8', '9', '7', '71', '72', '73', '74', '71', '1', '10', '71', '710', '74', '710', '74', '1', '5', '6', '11', '73', '710', '73', '72', '72', '71, 'the lower unit comprises a support connecting device (), a fish farming device (), a sampling device (), and the support connecting device () comprises a central post (), a connecting rod (), a feed pipe (), a plastic hose (), an upper surface of the central post () is connected to a lower bottom surface of the foam plastic tray () by a plurality of cables (), and the central post () is internally provided with a longitudinal through passage (), a lower end of the plastic hose () is screwed to an upper end of the through passage ...

PARASITIC ARTHROPOD MITIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

A method and apparatus for the collection of parasitic arthropods. In one specific example, the parasitic arthropod is a tick, which prefers to cling to the tops of foliage, while waiting for a passing host. The apparatus collects the tick. In one example the apparatus uses a suction force to collect the tick. In other examples, cloth designed to have a tick attach itself thereto is passed over a surface where ticks are believed to be present. In some cases the apparatus further comprises an irradiation apparatus. The irradiation apparatus exposes the ticks to a UVC radiation source, designed to disrupt both the life-cycle of the parasites, as well as to eliminate potential blood-borne pathogens that the ticks may be carrying. In one example, the blood-borne illness is Lyme disease. 1. A device configured to collect and irradiate a harmful parasitic arthropod , comprising:a mechanical suction module configured to collect an arthropod by sucking in said arthropod entrained in a stream of air;at least one collection module configured to collect and localize said arthropod from said stream of air; andan irradiation source configured to irradiate said arthropod when collected and localized within said at least one collection module.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the irradiation source comprises a UVC or germicidal irradiation source.3. The device of claim 1 , wherein said irradiation source is configured to render said arthropod harmless.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein said irradiation source is configured to kill said arthropod.5. The device of claim 3 , wherein said irradiation source is configured to render an infectious substance carried by said arthropod harmless.6. The device of claim 1 , wherein said arthropod is one of a tick a mosquito claim 1 , and a flea.7. A device configured to collect a harmful parasitic arthropod claim 1 , comprising:at least one of a mechanical roller and a drag mat;said mechanical roller configured to roll over a region, said ...

INSECT COMPOSITIONS

Variable-scale, modular, easily manufacturable, energy efficient, reliable, and computer operated Insect Production Superstructure Systems (IPSS) may be used to produce insects for human and animal consumption, and for the extraction and use of lipids for applications involving medicine, nanotechnology, consumer products, and chemical production with minimal water, feedstock, and environmental impact. An IPSS may comprise modules including feedstock mixing, enhanced feedstock splitting, insect feeding, insect breeding, insect collection, insect grinding, pathogen removal, multifunctional flour mixing, liquid mixing, shaping, cooking, flavoring, biocatalyst mixing, exoskeleton separation, liquid separation, and lipid extraction. An IPSS may be configured to be constructed out of a plurality of containerized modules. 142.-. (canceled)43. A foodstuff composition comprised of:(a) dehydrated crickets;(b) an oil;(c) an acid;(d) a flavoring; and(e) water;wherein:the dehydrated crickets are dehydrated at a temperature ranging from between 125 degrees Fahrenheit to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to produce the dehydrated crickets;the oil includes one or more oils selected from the group consisting of almond oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, brazil nut oil, butter, canola oil, cashew oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, fish oil, grapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, hemp oil, lard, lard oil, macadamia nut oil, mustard oil, olive oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, rice oil, rice bran oil, safflower oil, semi-refined sesame oil, semi-refined sunflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, tallow of beef, tallow of mutton, vegetable oil, and walnut oil;the acid includes one or more acids selected from the group consisting of abscic acid, acetic acid, ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, hydrochloric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, potassium hydroxide, propionic acid, salicylic acid, sulfamic ...