Abstract: The instant invention describes a beehive constructed and arranged to contain one or more components which are assembled using minimal amounts of fastening devices. The beehive includes one or more hive bodies, such as deep hive bodies or honey super bodies preferably made of rot proof PVC board, which are designed to house or store a bee colony, bee brood, and honey. Each of the bodies is designed to contain one or more walls which are secured together to form the body structure. The bodies are constructed of a single unit structure having one or more integral hinged members that join two rigid members together, allowing the two rigid members to fold along the line of the hinge. By folding along the line of the hinge, a desired shape can be constructed and secured without the need for additional fastening devices, such as screws or nails.

Abstract: A wall, floor or ceiling mounted apparatus for housing or controlling creatures, the apparatus including a housing adapted to be built in to a wall floor or ceiling and a plurality of removable and exchangeable inserts which are adapted to fit into the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously monitoring the weight of an object. The apparatus does not obstruct a central portion of the bottom of the object being monitored, and is especially well-suited for monitoring the weight of a beehive. In the illustrative embodiment, a ring-shaped fluid-filled bladder is sandwiched between a ring-shaped top surface and a ring-shaped base, and a pressure hose connects the bladder to a pressure gauge. Beehive weight data can be obtained in a continuous fashion, without requiring any moving of the beehive or of the apparatus, and without any other type of disruption. Moreover, the apparatus provides a stable platform that keeps the beehive immobile during monitoring, which is beneficial for the health of the colony. Advantageously, the apparatus can be constructed from inexpensive, off-the-shelf components and materials, and is capable of obtaining accurate measurements over a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention features methods and compositions for controlling a honey bee parasitic mite or for the treatment or prevention of a parasitic mite infestation in a honey bee hive. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a miticidal delivery device, wherein the device is a strip comprising at least about 15% potassium salts of hop beta acids, solvent and an emulsifier.

Abstract: A polymer reinforced wooden hive can comprise a wooden hive box built with joints and having an exterior surface, and interior surface, and at least one rim for receiving a hive top or a hive bottom. A continuous polymeric coating applied to the exterior surface and the rim, but not to the interior surface. The continuous polymeric coating can provide mechanical reinforcement to the joints, strengthening the wooden hive box. Hive tops and hive bottoms can also be included as part of the polymer reinforced wooden hives, and can likewise be coated with a continuous polymeric coating.

Abstract: A hive for feeding bees includes features to provide multiple configurations based on the needs of the bees. The hive includes side ports that use glass plates and port covers to allow access to the interior of the hive without unnecessarily disturbing the bees. The hive also uses a top bar configuration to promote bee health and productivity. The hive also includes hive ends to receive feeding assemblies that provide materials to the bees without disturbing the interior of the hive.

Abstract: Demounted beehives wherein the air circulation is realized effectively and the heat isolation is enhanced. The beehive essentially comprises one or more body (5), a top cover (2) and also a lower cover (7).

Abstract: A plastic modular beehive construction including cover plates to enhance insulation from cold temperatures. The construction comprises opposing side and end walls. Outwardly protruding ribs are provided across areas of the outer face of each wall for reinforcement. Pin receivers are also included in selected locations on each outer face. An outwardly facing recess is preferably included in each wall, to define a hand grip. Pronged connectors are provided on the end walls. Recesses are provided on the side walls for receiving the pronged connectors of the end walls. The walls are snapped together, providing a rigid four-sided hive, having an open top and an open bottom. The cover plates, including pins on an inner wall that correspond with the locations of the pin receivers on the walls, are installed over each wall. The plates include a cutout corresponding with the size, configuration, and location of the hand grip recess.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously monitoring the weight of an object. The apparatus does not obstruct a central portion of the bottom of the object being monitored, and is especially well-suited for monitoring the weight of a beehive. In the illustrative embodiment, a ring-shaped fluid-filled bladder is sandwiched between a ring-shaped top surface and a ring-shaped base, and a pressure hose connects the bladder to a pressure gauge. Beehive weight data can be obtained in a continuous fashion, without requiring any moving of the beehive or of the apparatus, and without any other type of disruption. Moreover, the apparatus provides a stable platform that keeps the beehive immobile during monitoring, which is beneficial for the health of the colony. Advantageously, the apparatus can be constructed from inexpensive, off-the-shelf components and materials, and is capable of obtaining accurate measurements over a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method of and system for using sounds produced by bees flying near a beehive entrance enable a beekeeper to assess the operational productivity of the beehive. In a preferred embodiment, the method entails positioning an acoustic pickup device, such as a microphone, at a location to pick up and provide an audio signal representing sounds produced by bees flying around the beehive entrance. The flying bees produce the sounds either while hovering in the vicinity of the beehive or while launching from locations around the beehive entrance to forage for pollen and nectar. The audio signal is analyzed to distinguish the sound of launching flying bees from the sound of ambient background noise.

Abstract: A polymeric frame enclosing a rectangular aperture sized to receive in conforming fit a rectangular foundation panel on which a bee honeycomb is formed. The frame is formed by injection molding as an integral unitary piece with the interior volumes thereof foamed in the course of the molding process so that the exterior surfaces thereof remain smooth and impervious, allowing for easy cleaning and re-use. A plurality of alternatively sloped wedge projections are formed in spaced rows on each interior surface of the foundation panel receiving aperture between which the edges of the panel are captured by flexure relief.

Abstract: A system to detect the presence of a queen bee in a hive. The first system includes an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag (secured to the queen) and a RFID detection device secured adjacent the hive opening that sends an output that indicates the presence or absence of the queen bee. In a second embodiment, a bit of metal (thin foil) can be secured to the queen by means of an adhesive, and a metal detector can be positioned by the hive opening to detect the metal, and send an output that indicates the presence or absence of the queen bee. In a third embodiment, one or more infrared cameras can be positioned adjacent the hive entrance, coupled with detection scanning software that can detect the difference between a drone, a worker and a queen bee, and indicate the presence or absence of the queen bee.

Abstract: A selectively attachable, mass-produced component for reinforcing to man-made wooden bee habitats to counteract the effects of climates and prevent entry of invasive animals and insects components to extend the life and structural integrity of a bee habitat.

Abstract: A hardware system for recording honey bee acoustics coupled with software for filtering, summarizing and analyzing acoustic data detects and identifies airborne toxics. Summary data is analyzed using routine statistical procedures to associate sound spectra with acoustic variations produced by specific airborne compounds. Honey bees produce unique acoustics upon exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of various airborne toxicants, as well as to other stressors such as predatory mites. The system profiles acoustic signatures of free-flying honey bee colonies, analyzes the resulting sounds, and identifies compounds based on specific properties of the acoustic recording, providing a solution to the problem of wide-area, atmospheric monitoring.

Abstract: An insect trap 300 includes a container 301 adapted to be supported between a pair of racks in a bee hive, the trap cover having one or more apertures 312 adapted to permit beetles to crawl into the trap. The cover can project beyond the edges of the container to support the trap between the racks or the trap can include attachment means 101, 107, or 103, 105, to permit the trap to be removably attached at the hive entrance. The trap can contain oil to help prevent the beetle from escaping from the trap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions to prevent or treat a honey bee pathogen infection (e.g., Melissococcus plutonis, Paenibacillus larvae, Ascosphaera apis). Specifically, the invention provides for the treatment or prevention of European or American foulbrood or chalkbrood. In addition, the invention provides methods for controlling Varroa mites that can weaken a hive or act as vectors for bacterial diseases. In further embodiments, the invention provides for the treatment or prevention of hive infestations with Lepidopteran pests, such as the wax moth (Galleria mellonella).

Abstract: An assembly 10 for capturing bees comprises a bee hive defining a hive chamber 14 housing a plurality of comb frames 16, and a bee access opening 18 to the bee hive. The assembly includes a collection enclosure 30 defining a collection chamber 32 in fluid communication with the hive chamber, and one or more dividers 38 separating the collection chamber from a restricted chamber. Each of the dividers 38 include a plurality of fluid passageways 40. The assembly further includes a powered vacuum unit 44 for drawing air and bees through the suction opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing of Varroa Mites from Honeybees as the Honeybee enter and exit the hive entrance.

Abstract: The lid of the beehive has a split open top (10) held by a mechanism to the one side of the body (99) of the lid. By opening the top (10) of the lid a surface is revealed which has containers (8) on the one side and an easily open cover (48) on the other, which enables immediate access into the internal of the hive. On the top (10) of the lid there are shutters (11) that open and close the air intake holes (12). The hive has a folding take off board (85) on its bottom reducing space during transportation. It uses dovetail (15,16) joints to withhold the sidewalls (94). This makes it very durable.

Abstract: The present invention is a system to detect the presence of a queen bee, in a hive. The first system includes an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag (secured to the queen) and a RFID detection device secured adjacent the hive opening that sends an output that indicates the presence or absence of the queen bee. In a second embodiment, a bit of metal (thin foil) can be secured to the queen by means of an adhesive, and a metal detector can be positioned by the hive opening to detect the metal, and send an output that indicates the presence or absence of the queen bee. In a third embodiment, one or more infrared cameras can be positioned adjacent the hive entrance, coupled with detection scanning software that can detect the difference between a drone, a worker and a queen bee, and indicate the presence or absence of the queen bee.

Abstract: An integrated bee monitoring system for monitoring bee colonies in a hive has a central microprocessor, at least two input transducers and at least two output signals. Input transducers include sensors which report the status of the colonies including colony weight, temperature, and relative humidity. A bee counter can also be included in the system to indicate colony activity. A bee counter is disclosed which uses an amplifying, multiplexer hysteresis and debounce circuitry to enable rapid and accurate polling of a single passageway. Information collected can be retrieved by read-out or liquid crystal display. Alternatively, information ca be retrieved by telephone line or wireless communications. The bee monitoring system also can remotely control peripheral devices such as feeders or chemical samplers.

Abstract: A treatment fluid dispenser pad includes a phenolic foam core encased in a fluid impervious skin or sheath. The fluid impervious skin or sheath is sealed about the phenolic foam core. The pad is cut in one or more sections and soaked in formic acid fluid. Each section of pad is vertically hung in a bee space so as to downwardly dispose an exposed surface of the phenolic foam core to thereby evaporate acid at a uniform rate.

Abstract: An integrated bee monitoring system for monitoring bee colonies in a hive is described. The system has a central microprocessor, at least two input transducers and at least two output signals. Input transducer include sensors which report the status of the colonies including colony weight, temperature, and relative humidity. A bee counter can also be included in the system to indicate colony activity. A bee counter is disclosed which uses an amplifying, multiplexer hysteresis an debounce circuitry to enable rapid and accurate polling of a single passageway. Information collected can be retrieved by read-out or liquid crystal display. Alternatively, information can be retrieved by telephone line or wireless communications. The bee monitoring system also can remotely control peripheral devices such as feeders or chemical samplers.

Abstract: A vented beehive cover is provided for keeping a beehive cooler in hot climates in order to increase honey production. The beehive cover includes a bottom board which has a lower hive body stacked there atop. An upper hive body is stacked atop the lower hive body, and a venting cover encloses the upper hive body. The venting cover shifts with respect to the upper hive body in order to utilize wind direction and maximize cooling of the beehive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a royal jelly collection frame which enables to cultivate the queen bees easily and to collect royal jelly productively.

Abstract: A beehive having a bottom board for separating mites from bees working in the beehive. A permanently installed screen in the bottom board separates mites from the bees, and a sticky sub-board below the screen traps the mites to prevent re-infestation. Notched members around the perimeter of the sticky sub-board prevent bees from climbing up into the beehive and prevent re-attachment. The sticky sub-board is accessible from the rear of the beehive so that the entry and exit of the bees into and out of the beehive are not disturbed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for disinfecting bee colonies for preventing or treating diseases in honey bees, honey bee larvae and honey bee hives are disclosed. Such diseases may arise from a variety of sources, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and parasites in the hive. Representative diseases preventable or treatable by this invention include Foulbrood and Chalkbrood. The compositions of the present invention include a protic acid and a chlorite ion, and may further include other optional components such as a gelling agent, colorant and/or preservative. Methods disclosed herein include applying the composition to a surface of a bee-hive. Honey produced by bees administered a composition of this invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container for shipping and utilizing stinging insects for therapeutic purposes includes an elongated sidewall portion having uniform cross-sectional configuration along a center axis of elongation, and end closures disposed at front and rear extremities of the sidewall. One of the end closures is a mesh panel which prevents passage of insects but permits stinging therethrough. A wafer, slideably positionable within the container permits isolation of one insect and advancement of the insect to the mesh panel which may be held against the patient's skin.

Abstract: A method for treating honeybees for mite or parasite infestation by exposing the hive to a magnetic field which is limited but which is still greater than two orders of magnitude stronger than the magnetic field of the earth. Such a magnetic field combats the mite or parasite infestation, but the magnetic field is not so strong as to affect the viability of the bees themselves.

Abstract: An enclosure for the controlled breeding of honey bees has a diffusely illuminated upper dome section. The dome is illuminated either by upwardly directed light reflected or emitted from a lower portion of the enclosure, or by an external source diffused through the dome. A queen bee is tethered in the center of the enclosure below the dome.

Abstract: The active-substance support consists of a rectangular film or sheet (1) of a thermoplastic material which, at its upper end, comprises a T-shaped head piece (2) of which the symmetrically arranged hook-like side arms (3,4) can be bent downwards at a right angle along folding lines (5,6) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction. When needed, the initially flat side arms (3,4) are bent downwards at a right angle and hung on the honeycomb frame so that the active-substance strip (1) is kept centrally suspended in a honeycomb passage.