Entomological Culture Device Patents (Class 119/6.5)
  • Patent number: 12114647
    Abstract: An insect container for transportation of live insects including a first and second container portion. The first and second container portions are configured to be coupled together to enclose a volume. Each of the first and second container portions include a backing plate defining a set of vent holes. The backing plate is rotatable when the insect container is in an open configuration. Each of the first and second container portions include a wall defining a container perimeter and including a non-rotating coupling feature, in which the backing plate and the wall together define a cavity. The non-rotating coupling features of the first and second container portions enable the container portions to couple together to fully enclose a volume to prevent relative rotation of the first and second container portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Peter Massaro, Charles Behling, Brian Wasson
  • Patent number: 12108747
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for storing insect larvae by means of a storage means. The insect larvae are stored in a cooling medium, e.g. water, in the storage means. The amount of water in the larvae-water mixture in the storage means is controlled to be between 30% and 80%. The content of the storage means is maintained at a temperature below 15° C. The content of the storage means is agitated using agitating means included in the storage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Bühler AG
    Inventor: Petrus Maria Jansen Maurits
  • Patent number: 12065670
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: William T. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 12058983
    Abstract: An insect watering station includes a bowl, a stem, and an ultraviolet pattern. The bowl is configured to capture water for bees to drink. The stem is attached to an outside surface of a bowl and configured to support the bowl. The ultraviolet pattern is applied to an inside surface of the bowl. The ultraviolet pattern includes a center portion of a non-ultraviolet color, and alternating ultraviolet and non-ultraviolet concentric rings around the center portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Bee Cups, LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer J. Rose
  • Patent number: 12041919
    Abstract: A device comprises a dispenser assembly comprising a frame having a first surface and a second surface. The frame defines a pathway, an inlet opening in the first surface of the frame and a drain opening in the second surface of the frame. The inlet opening and the drain opening may provide access to the pathway. The device also includes a moveable member having at least one bore oriented perpendicular to the pathway. The moveable member may be is translatable within the pathway between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: Verily Life Sciences LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Metlitz, Peter Massaro
  • Patent number: 12022814
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Peter Massaro, Robert Sobecki, Charles Behling, Victor Criswell, Tiantian Zha, Roman Devengenzo
  • Patent number: 12016316
    Abstract: A modular system for breeding and harvesting flies, comprising: an egg-growth chamber configured to receive fertilised eggs and to permit the fertilised eggs to develop and hatch as larvae, the egg-growth chamber comprising at least one egg holder, the or each egg holder being adapted to retain the fertilized eggs and allow passage of the larvae from the egg-holder to a food source to provide larvae in the food source; a larval chamber configured to receive the larvae in the food source and to permit the larvae to feed on the food source and develop into pre-pupae to provide pre-pupae in the food source; a pupation chamber configured to receive the pre-pupae in the food source and to permit the pre-pupae to develop into pupae, the pupation chamber being configured to dry the food source and the pre-pupae to provide pupae in a dried food source; a release box configured to receive the pupae in the dried food source and to permit the pupae to develop into adult flies, the release box comprising one or more outl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Entocycle Ltd
    Inventors: Keiran Camilo Olivares Whitaker, Paul Samuel Hillmann
  • Patent number: 11985960
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in large-scale industrial insect farming. More in particular, the invention relates to an insects transport device for transporting live insects from a first location to a predetermined second location, the insects transport device comprising a gas guiding unit, a gas discharge member and a feeder arrangement, wherein the insects transport device is configured to receive live insects such as freshly hatched neonate larvae, for example of black soldier fly, or mites, wherein the live insects are directly taken up in a laminar flow of gas after exiting the feeder arrangement in a free fall under influence of gravitation such that the live insects do not contact any surface of the insects transport device, and while in said gas are transported to a predetermined location in the 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 or mites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Protix B.V.
    Inventors: Jaap van Kilsdonk, Eric Holland Schmitt, Ralf Henricus Wilhelmina Jacobs, Henricus Petrus Johannes Simons, Maurits Petrus Maria Jansen, Ward Tollenaar
  • Patent number: 11832599
    Abstract: An insect breeding system (1) for the breeding of insect larvae, comprising a multitude of similar, stackable crates (20, 30, 40), a climate housing (2), and crate stacking equipment (3), wherein the multitude of similar, stackable crates each have a same width (D1), a same length (D2), a same corner structure (4) that comprises complementary lower elements (5) and upper elements (6), configured to allow stacking of the crates on top of each other by allowing the upper elements of a lower crate to interact with lower elements of an upper crate, and a containment area (7) defined by the width, the length, and a height of the crate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Ynsect NL R & D B.V.
    Inventors: Nico Rood, Johannes Ignatius Maria Calis
  • Patent number: 11825821
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus which houses and facilitate insect breeding, including but not limited to the breeding of black soldier flies (Hermetia Illucens). Embodiments of the invention house insects before, during, and after the mating process. Insects are inserted into the invention usually in a pre-sexually mature state (e.g. the larvae, prepupae, or pupae state). After a period of time, the insects become sexually mature and are able to mate. After mating, the insects are attracted to lay eggs (oviposit) onto egg collection substrates within the invention. Embodiments of the invention allow for the insect eggs to be collected periodically, and/or allows for the insect eggs to hatch in which case the newly emerged insects (e.g. larvae) are retrieved as frequently as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Inventors: Kristen Rebecca Cartier, Robert Benjamin Runyon
  • Patent number: 11771070
    Abstract: A two-tier in vitro growth apparatus and method for cultivating Oestridae larvae and maggots is provided. The growth apparatus includes a top tier container and a bottom tier container where the top tier container has a growth container residing within the volume of the top tier container. The growth container is constructed of a semipermeable material and facilitates cultivating Oestridae larvae and maggots within an interior space of the growth container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Mohammad Nafi Solaiman Al-Sabi, Ahmed Meligy Abdelghany Meligy, Abdullah Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al-Mubarak, Ahmad Mohammad Alnajjad, Abdullah Nasser Bu Qursayn, Saad Khalid Almuhaysin, Mahdi Mohammed Almatar
  • Patent number: 11738869
    Abstract: A device (10) for dropping fragile products (5) comprising:—a storage means (4) for storing said products, comprising a discharge means (4a) for discharging said products, —a means for distributing the fragile products comprising at least one cavity (1a, 1b) provided in the surface of a support (2), the support being capable of assuming at least two positions, a first position in which the at least one cavity is located opposite and at a distance from said discharge means and can be filled with fragile products, and a second position in which said cavity is spaced apart from said discharge means and can be emptied, said device further comprising a flexible means (3) for bringing the discharge means with the at least one cavity into communication in order to fill said cavity with fragile products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique Pour Le Developpement
    Inventors: Jérémy Bouyer, Momar Talla Seck, Geoffrey Gimonneau
  • Patent number: 11730153
    Abstract: A management and distribution device for insect breeding includes a main body, an upper cover, and a lower cover. The upper cover is clamped to a top portion of the main body, and the lower cover is clamped to a lower end of the main body. Three partition plates for insects to climb are clamped in an inner portion of the main body, and the three partition plates are wave-shaped. A notch is defined at a lower middle portion of each of the three partition plates, a plurality of through holes for insect faeces to pass through are defined on a bottom of the main body, an insertion opening is defined at a lower end of an outer wall of the main body, and a hinge door is rotatably disposed at the lower end of the outer wall of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: SHENZHEN WINDBELL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Feng Zhang, Neng Xiong
  • Patent number: 11716977
    Abstract: A continuous feeding device for predatory mites, including a feeding part and an isolation part to solve problems existing in the prior art of accurately controlling a feeding quantity of predatory mites, and reducing a number of the feeding devices required for feeding predatory mites, thereby reducing a feeding cost of predatory mites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: SHIHEZI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Jie Su, Jianping Zhang, Zhiping Cai
  • Patent number: 11647738
    Abstract: A device comprising a dispenser assembly comprising a frame having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the frame defines a pathway to enable movement of a moveable member within the frame, an inlet opening in the first surface of the frame and a drain opening in the second surface of the frame, the inlet opening and the drain opening providing access to the pathway, wherein the frame further comprises a filter overlaying the drain opening; and a moveable member translatable within the pathway between a first position and a second position, the moveable member defining at least one bore, wherein at least one of the at least one bore is aligned with the inlet opening at the first position; and a reservoir container coupled to the dispenser assembly, the reservoir container defining a dispensing opening, the dispensing opening aligned with the inlet opening of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: VERILY LIFE SCIENCES LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Metlitz, Peter Massaro
  • Patent number: 11641814
    Abstract: Methods and platforms are provided for maintaining a population of natural enemies on plants, prior and/or parallel to an occurrence of respective prey pests, by associating with the plants platform(s) comprising mechanical support(s) with attached feeding elements for the natural enemies. The platform may be configured to keep the feeding elements close to but not on the plants, protecting them and enhancing the distribution efficiency and life time, while maintaining good availability of the feeding elements to the natural enemies. Various features may enhance supporting the natural enemies' population prior and/or parallel to the occurrence of the pest prey such as olfactory and/or visual cues to the feeding elements as well as sheltering elements such as artificial domatia on the surface of the mechanical support—to enhance biological pest control. Moreover, methods for preparing decapsulated Artemia cysts as feed for predatory arthropods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: BIO-BEE SDE ELIYAHU LTD
    Inventors: Amir Grosman, Shimon Steinberg, Michael Salinger Bubnov, Amit Sade, Yariv Dan, Efrat Gilboa
  • Patent number: 11570972
    Abstract: 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 (31, 32) are grouped together to form basic breeding units (UE) comprising a predefined number of containers (31, 32), a basic breeding unit (UE) comprising only insects of the same category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: YNSECT
    Inventors: Solène Comparat, Antoine Hubert, Fabrice Berro, Jean-Gabriel Levon
  • Patent number: 11470791
    Abstract: A system and method for converting food waste and other biologically-derived waste materials into nutrients for an algal growth system using worms to produce such nutrients is described. In one embodiment, a method for converting food waste into nutrients for an algal growth system using worms includes providing food waste to a container including a plurality of worms. The method also includes collecting castings from the food waste processed by the plurality of worms. The method further includes providing a wash to the container. The wash causes the castings to move to a bottom portion of the container adjacent to a moveable screen. The method includes actuating the moveable screen so that the castings pass through a plurality of holes in the moveable screen. The method also includes providing the passed castings to an algal growth system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Joel W. Agner
  • Patent number: 11445711
    Abstract: Disclosed are an intelligent separation and drying system for maggots and a method of operating the same. The intelligent separation and drying system includes an intelligent light control unit, an intelligent scraping unit, a separation unit, a drying unit, a travelling unit and a central control unit. The central control unit is connected to other units through signals. Multidisciplinary techniques, including spectrum analysis, machine learning algorithm and artificial neural network, are combined to automatically, systematically, intelligently and continuously separate maggots and maggot feed as well as dry the maggots with high efficiency in a clean manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Lishui Institute of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing University
    Inventors: Zengwei Yuan, Shiwen Zhang, Zumao Qin, Xinrong Zhou, Tianming Chen
  • Patent number: 11406091
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Protix B.V.
    Inventors: Jaco Jansen, Hendrikus Ant Schol, Bastiaan Frederik Jürgens
  • Patent number: 11357218
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Inventors: Walter Lambert Jansen, Pieter Jacobus Alexander Faas
  • Patent number: 11311003
    Abstract: A mobile culture assembly for feeding larvae of black soldier fly includes a mobile vehicle, a breeding device disposed in the mobile vehicle, and a turning device disposed on the breeding device. The breeding device includes spaced-apart breeding bodies, each of which defines a breeding space for accommodating feed materials and larvae. The turning device includes a base movably disposed on the breeding body, a feeding unit adapted to introduce the feed materials to the breeding space, a turning unit disposed under the base, a scrapping unit disposed at one end of the base, and a heat dissipating unit disposed on the base. The turning device serves to stir the feed materials and the larvae and also dissipate heat accumulated in the breeding space to thereby provide a preferable growing environment for the larvae, reduce feeding costs, and increase a reproductive rate and quality of the larvae effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Yu Land Biological Agriculture Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Chu Yeh, Wei-Hsuan Shen
  • Patent number: 11291193
    Abstract: In the invention the growing surface of an apparatus for growing invertebrates is increased by a body or bodies (202) located in a growing chamber (201). When food is added to the growing chamber it is spread over at least some of the surfaces of bodies and the inner wall (203) of the growing chamber. This means that the area where invertebrates can grow is increased. The body or bodies are movable with respect to the inner wall of the growing chamber. This allows mixing the added food and other compounds in the growing chamber and it keeps air routes between bodies open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Inventor: Ari Riihimaa
  • Patent number: 11278014
    Abstract: The present invention covers means and methods to increase the efficiency of recombinant protein expression, in particular to optimize the industrial production of recombinant proteins in insect pupae, particularly in Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) pupae. Moreover, the present invention is also directed to the pupae itself comprising baculovirus, pupae infected, transformed, transduced or transfected with baculoviruses or bacmids, as well as devices suitable for performing the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Alternative Gene Expression, S.L.
    Inventors: José Ángel Martínez Escribano, Carmen Alvarado Fradua, Edel Reytor Saavedra, Miguel Cid Fernandez
  • Patent number: 11089766
    Abstract: Lipid-depleted insect compositions are described and include protein, chitin, bacteria, fungi, and various ranges of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, ash, manganese, iron, zinc, water, bulk density, carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and protein, wherein the composition is derived from Orthoptera order of insects, or the composition is not derived from Orthoptera order of insects. Lipid extraction methods are described which include use of a use of a first immiscible liquid and a second immiscible liquid. Compositions including insect eggs, feedstocks, and breeding materials are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: INSECTERGY, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Michael Leo
  • Patent number: 11058093
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling activities of Drosophila organisms are provided. In one aspect, a method includes acquiring, using a first activity detector, imaging data tracking movements of the Drosophila organisms, and acquiring, using a second activity detector, bioluminescence data corresponding to a neural activity of the Drosophila organisms. The method also includes correlating, using the acquired data, a behavioral activity and neural activity of the Drosophila organisms, and determining, using the correlation, an activity profile for the Drosophila organisms. The method further includes providing, based on the activity profile, a stimulation to the Drosophila organisms to control at least one of the behavior activity or the neural activity over a time period extendible to a nominal life cycle of the Drosophila organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Fang Guo, Hyung-jae Jung, Michael Rosbash
  • Patent number: 10948398
    Abstract: An assay system for a repellent includes transparent tubing having end chambers; a central testing area positioned between the end chambers; small openings between the central testing area and end chambers; absorbent material positioned adjacent to the openings and being soaked in either a control substance or a repellent; and fruit flies are introduced into the central testing area and allowed to migrate through the openings and into either end chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Peng Xu
  • Patent number: 10874086
    Abstract: A robotic injection system is herein described for delivering vaccines, reproductive hormones, and liquid materials to domestic herd animals. The robotic injection system includes a cooling-unit for storage of the liquid materials to be injected, a series of automatic gates to control the movement of herd animals, an RFID and camera ID reading system utilized for tracking identification numbers and medical history, a robotic arm to position and apply force in the injection process, and an injection mechanism for delivering injections to the patient. A streamlined system is described in delivering necessary injections to a mass number of domestic herd animals. A robotic injection system for injecting an accurate dosage of more than one fluid is described. For this description, bovines will be used as the primary example but this described invention also applies to other domestic herd animals such as sus, equus caballus, ovis aries, and capra aegagrus hircus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventors: Marinus Dijkstra, Alexander Mika'ele Chuck
  • Patent number: 10863737
    Abstract: A culture container includes a tube having a first and a second opening respectively provided at two opposite ends thereof, and a cover attachable to and removable from the first opening of the tube, the cover including an inlet port for passage of a fluid substance and a receptacle for holding a substance consumable by an organism of interest, the receptacle being enclosed inside the tube and the inlet port communicating with a hollow interior of the tube when the cover is attached to the first opening of the tube. Moreover, a system and a method of transferring a cultured organism of interest include switching the covers between two culture containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: DROBOT BIOTECHNOLOGY LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventor: Chia-Kang Tsao
  • Patent number: 10750733
    Abstract: Unmanned autonomous vehicles UAV (e.g., drones) are described that include an insect carrier for transporting and/or capturing mosquitoes or other insects and/or their larvae. The insect carrier may include a programmable opening for delivering the insects/larvae to a select location and/or capture the insects from the select location. Target locations include underground sewers, and the UAV includes sonar sensors to assess spatial surroundings and adjust positioning to avoid any collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Inventor: Espen Garner
  • Patent number: 10701912
    Abstract: 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, and lipid extraction. An IPSS may be configured to be constructed out of a plurality of containerized modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: INSECTERGY, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Michael Leo
  • Patent number: 10667502
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a large-scale and multi-span breeding greenhouse for adult black soldier flies, comprising greenhouse bodies. Each greenhouse body comprises a pupae room and a mating and oviposition room; a partition wall is provided between the pupae room and the mating and oviposition room, the partition wall is provided with a door hole communicating the pupae room and the mating and oviposition room; the pupae room is opaque; the greenhouse body further comprises a light guiding device which introduces sunlight into the mating and oviposition room. The present invention provides a suitable growth and breeding environment, ensures a high reproduction rate, and can achieve large-scale captive breeding of black soldier flies. The greenhouse has a high level of automation and can be easily cleaned and maintained. Little human interference takes place in the breeding process, no random oviposition is observed, and the egg collection rate is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Guangzhou Unique Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan Wu, Wenfeng Hu, Xu Pang, Chujun Li, Dou Hu
  • Patent number: 10617115
    Abstract: The use of Pyemotes zhonghuajia for preparing biological control agents of Diaphorina citri. The use of Pyemotes zhonghuajia for preparing agents for controlling Diaphorina citri. By employing Pyemotes zhonghuajia to control Diaphorina citri, it is a biological control method which can avoid the problems caused by chemical pesticides such as environmental pollution, health risk and increased pest resistance to the pesticides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignees: GUANGDONG INSTITUTE OF APPLIED BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES, CHANGLI INSTITUTE OF POMOLOGY, HEBEI ACADEMY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY SCIENCES
    Inventors: Gecheng Ouyang, Lichen Yu, Huilin Lu, Xiang Meng, Limin He, Xiaoduan Fang, Bohua Hou, Litao Li
  • Patent number: 10448623
    Abstract: An insert for use in an insect habitat. The insert usable to increase the overall surface space within a habitat available to cultivate the insects. The insert formed from including a plurality of members formed to mate or otherwise couple together to form a gird.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Aspire Food Group USA Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Duncan Selby, Michael Todd Hall, Gabriel Mott, Paul T. Williams, Redza Shah, Anna D. Cardinal
  • Patent number: 10412941
    Abstract: An artificial feeding method at low altitude for a host insect ghost moth of Ophiocordyceps sinensis including selecting an appropriate disinfectant for performing surface disinfection on ghost moth eggs, and then placing the disinfected eggs in sterile humus; feeding ghost moth larvae with carrots, disinfecting and detecting the fed carrots, and culturing the larvae till male and female pupae are obtained; identifying male and female pupae of the ghost moths, placing them at different culture temperatures, wherein the culture temperature for the male pupae is 2-6° C. lower than that of the female pupae, resulting synchronously emerged male and female adults; placing the emerged male and female adults in an adult cage with simulated plants for mating and staying of the adults, maintaining a humidity over 80%, and employing 50-100 Lux shimmer for facilitating activity and mating of the adults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: GUANGDONG INSTITUTE OF APPLIED BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Li Cao, Richou Han
  • Patent number: 10405528
    Abstract: The invention relates to a farm for rearing insects, comprising a first zone (Z1) in which the insects being reared are stored in containers while they grow and a second zone (Z2) 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 (Z1) in sets of palletized containers referred to as basic units. The first zone (Z1) comprises pallet racks in which the basic units are disposed. The first zone (Z1) is furthermore equipped with an automated device configured to move the basic units between the first zone (Z1) and an interface (1) with the second zone (Z2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: YNSECT
    Inventors: Solène Comparat, Antoine Hubert, Fabrice Berro, Jean-Gabriel Levon, Frank Launay, Thibault Sarton Du Jonchay
  • Patent number: 10362772
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Bühler Insect Technology Solutions AG
    Inventors: Tarique Arsiwalla, Kees Wilhelmus Petrus Aarts
  • Patent number: 10264769
    Abstract: 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, and lipid extraction. An IPSS may be configured to be constructed out of a plurality of containerized modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel Michael Leo
  • Patent number: 10253288
    Abstract: Disclosed is a receptacle for accepting nutrient media, especially for bacterial cultures. Said receptacle comprises a dish and a lid that covers the dish. The dish and the lid each have a circular bottom (dish bottom and lid bottom) and an annular wall (dish wall and lid wall) that projects from the bottom. One of the walls, preferably the lid wall, has an at least slightly larger internal diameter than the external diameter of the other wall, preferably the dish wall, such that one wall can be slid onto the other wall to close the dish. In order to be able to safely handle the receptacle, engaging means which prevent the dish and the lid from being accidentally released when the same are mutually engaged, are associated with the dish and the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: MERCK PATENT GMBH
    Inventor: Rolf Müller
  • Patent number: 10212949
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel Michael Leo
  • Patent number: 10188085
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SciConsult, Inc.
    Inventors: Constance M. Hendrickson, Denise Lynn Merkle
  • Patent number: 10188087
    Abstract: 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, feedstock splitting, insect feeding, insect breeding, insect collection, insect grinding, pathogen removal, multifunctional flour mixing, and lipid extraction. An IPSS may be configured to be constructed out of a plurality of containerized modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel Michael Leo
  • Patent number: 10159229
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for culturing Dipteran insects, particularly Hermetia illucens. The apparatus include a mating chamber that contains adult insects, and adaptations for the scheduled and/or metered introduction of inputs, such as: empty egg laying substrate, prepupae, bedding, carbohydrate (sugar) and/or water); and, the scheduled and/or metered collection of outputs, such as: egg laying substrate containing eggs, exuvia and bedding, and/or dead adults. The systems may also include adaptations to optimize the use of space, including the use of controlled environmental conditions within a confined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Enterra Feed Corporation
    Inventors: Brad Marchant, Andrew Vickerson, Oliver Kaulfuss, Reed Radley
  • Patent number: 10010060
    Abstract: 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 pass
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: LIVIN FARMS LTD.
    Inventors: Katharina Unger, Julia Kaisinger
  • Patent number: 9994354
    Abstract: A multicompartment ventilated box is shaped by folding and attaching one or more blanks of a material. One or more attachment portions enable forming at least one compartment. The box may comprise an upper and a lower compartment and perforations that permit air flow between the compartments and to the exterior of the box. The compartments may be separated by a tray portion which transitions between an elevated and a collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Paolo Volpis
  • Patent number: 9992982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for rearing, storing or shipping predatory mites. The methods comprise contacting a rearing population of predatory mites with a succulent plant or one or more parts thereof; and optionally a nutritional source for said predatory mites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Biobest Belgium N.V.
    Inventors: Felix Wäckers, Arijs Yves
  • Patent number: 9693540
    Abstract: 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 (rm) of <0.28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Koppert B.V.
    Inventors: Karel Jozef Florent Bolckmans, Yvonne Maria Van Houten, Adelmar Emmanuel Van Baal, Arno Theodoor Stam
  • Patent number: 9642344
    Abstract: 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 pass
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: LIVIN FARMS LTD.
    Inventor: Katharina Unger
  • Patent number: 9635840
    Abstract: Method for supporting the preservation of the insect population, having the following steps of: determining the lethal effect of a product unit on an insect population, determining a difference in the insect population on the basis of the effect of a particular quantity of product units, determining the actual insect population in a predetermined area, determining a desired insect population in the predetermined area, which desired insect population is derived from the actual insect population in the predetermined area and the difference in the insect population, and creating a basis of life for the desired insect population in the predetermined area by adapting the biological nature of the predetermined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: RECKHAUS AG
    Inventor: Hans-Dietrich Reckhaus
  • Patent number: 9210916
    Abstract: A method of altering the nutrient composition of a feeder insect during a growth phase of the feeder insect includes preparing a diet by mixing feed material with nutrients and feeding the diet to the feeder insect during the growth phase so as to allow tissues of the feeder insect to absorb the nutrients during growth of the feeder insect. The nutrients include vitamin E, carotenoids, vitamin A, and essential fatty acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Mark D. Finke