Abstract: A continuous sieving apparatus is described. The continuous sieving apparatus includes an inclined sieve surface attached to a wall. The inclined sieve surface is inclined with respect to a horizontal axis for pupae to continuously flow across down the incline. A set of openings is formed in the sieve surface so as to define a set of pathways extending through the sieve surface. The set of opening are defined by a length dimension that is greater than a width dimension. When the inclined sieve surface is submerged in a liquid, a first pupa having a first cephalothorax width that is less than the width dimension is free to move through any one of the set of openings, and a second pupa having a second cephalothorax width that is greater than the width dimension is prevented from moving through the set of openings.

Abstract: A thermodynamic terminator and a method of eliminating mites and parasites within a bee box. The thermodynamic terminator includes a housing having a lower panel with a fan aperture, an air intake, and an interior wall for supporting a divider panel. The divider panel extends from a sidewall of the housing to form a first compartment and a second compartment. A heating element is positioned within the first compartment and can regulate heat within the first compartment and the bee box. When the thermodynamic terminator is mounted to the bee box and activated, air is heated by the heating element and forced into the bee box by a system fan. The heated air is circulated within the bee box and forced to return to the first compartment via the air intake. A controller regulates the heating temperature and period of activation.

Abstract: The present application includes a system configured to monitor and track the health and productivity of a beehive. Information associated with environmental conditions around the beehive are monitored along with conditions inside the beehive. This information is processed through a control system and compared to baseline expected values. Communication data is transmitted by the control system to a remote device to notify the beekeeper of the present and past health and productivity of the beehive. The beekeeper may remotely operate one or more functions to affect the beehive. Additionally, an electronic monitoring device is used to track the number of bees that leave and enter the beehive. A dual-gate design is used to determine the direction of travel of each bee so as to determine a more accurate reflection of the health of the beehive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for combating the varroa mite in a bee brood, comprising at least one middle wall that can be inserted in particular into a beehive and that is provided with brood cells for female bees, the device having an electrical heating device that has a resistance heating element embedded in the middle wall and a control device connected to the latter which is designed such that an automatically running heating process can be initiated with a temporally pre-determined heat-up phase that lasts until a temperature of 39° C. to 45° C., preferably 39° C. to 42° C., is reached at the bottom of the brood cells in the region of the resistance heating element and then with a subsequent phase of maintaining this temperature for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A frame and comb foundation and method for controlling Varroa mites in a honeybee hive. In a first embodiment the invention is comprised of half portions of the frame and comb foundation in combination with a power supply, heating element, electronic control unit (ECU), temperature sensor and an optional diagnostic system. The ECU which may be mounted on the frame and comb foundation or, in a separate enclosure is comprised of a micro-controller and other circuitry. The temperature sensor is mounted adjacent to the heating unit. The power supply may mobile or stationary, such as a battery or line current. In a second embodiment, the frame and comb foundation is interconnected with similar frame and comb foundations in multiple hives that include individual ECU's and temperature sensors and individual wireless electronic communication systems, a single power source and individual heating elements. The multiple temperature sensors are mounted adjacent to the heating elements.

Abstract: A frame and comb foundation and method for controlling Varroa mites in a honeybee hive. In a first embodiment the invention is comprised of half portions of the frame and comb foundation in combination with a power supply, heating element, electronic control unit (ECU), temperature sensor and an optional diagnostic system. The ECU which may be mounted on the frame and comb foundation or, in a separate enclosure is comprised of a micro-controller and other circuitry. The temperature sensor is mounted adjacent to the heating unit. The power supply may mobile or stationary, such as a battery or line current. In a second embodiment, the frame and comb foundation is interconnected with similar frame and comb foundations in multiple hives that include individual ECU's and temperature sensors and individual wireless electronic communication systems, a single power source and individual heating elements. The multiple temperature sensors are mounted adjacent to the heating elements.

Abstract: A device and associated process for hygienizing and warming beehives aiming at the improvement of the production of organic bee produce, the device being installed in a beebox including an entrance for bees and frames for accommodating bees and bee products, and between the frames, a spacing making available one empty frame for installing the device. The device comprises a ceramic block inserted in the one empty frame provided with at least one row containing from 8 to 32 channels being in the vertical position and where the lower end and the upper end of the channels are opened towards the inner portion of the beehive, the channels being: i) thermally insulated from the rest of the one frame with the aid of wings and ii) traversed by conducting filaments connected to an energy source by a flat wire, whereby the electrical current crossing the filaments makes it possible to attain temperatures inside the channeles between 300-350° C.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing parasites from bees within a hive. The apparatus has a housing that extends from a first end to a second end and has a hollow interior. An air moving device is attached to the first end and a spout is connected to the second end. A container is located within the hollow interior of the housing and contains a parasite killing solution therein. The spout is then connected to a bee hive such that a heating system in communication with the housing can cause the parasite killing solution to boil allowing the air moving device to take the steam from the parasite killing solution to the interior of the hive to kill parasites.

Abstract: A device 30 and associated process are described for hygienizing and warming beehives aiming at the improvement of the production of organic bee produce, said device comprising providing a bee box 1 containing frames 5 for honey production and bee housing, one frame 5a being left for inserting a ceramic block 11 provided with at least one row containing from 8 to 32 channels 11a and where the lower and upper ends of these channels 11a are opened towards the interior of the beehive, channels 11a being thermally insulated from the remaining of frame 5a with the aid of wings 15a, 15b and traversed by conducting filaments 14a, 14b connected to an energy source 20 through wire 7, whereby whenever electrical current traverses said filaments 14a, 14b the temperature inside said channels attains from 300-350° C.

Abstract: An evaporator which provides formic acid vapour at a consistent and repeatable rate for effective treatment of varroatosis in honey bees. The evaporation chamber is heated by an electrical element(s) and maintained at a constant temperature by a mechanical thermostat or electronic control circuit. The amount of vaporised material is controlled by adjusting the temperature setting and metering apertures of the evaporation chamber. A continuous flow of formic acid vapour has been demonstrated to kill tracheal and varroa mites much more effectively than other methods and systems, now in use, which depend primarily on the amount of heat generated within the hive as well as solar radiation and ambient temperatures for their operation. The evaporator is made using materials which are largely unaffected by corrosive chemicals, such as formic acid. All electrical components are protected from moisture and corrosion with a protective coating.

Abstract: A modified comb (10, 10A, 10B or 10C) for heating drone bee larvae and pupae in a hive (100) is described. The comb includes wires (11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D) for treat the drone larvae and pupae(P) to kill the mites (M) on the larvae and pupae. By this method, the mites are prevented from infesting the hive.

Abstract: A method of achieving year-round utilization of pollinating insects such as bumble bees and a constant temperature box to be employed for this purpose. In order for this to be achieved, the temperature inside the nest box for housing pollinating insects such as bumble bees is maintained within an optimal habitat environment temperature range throughout the year. In the constant temperature box for maintaining the temperature within the optimal habitat environment temperature range, the temperature in the space where the nest box for housing pollinating insects such as bumble bees is placed is maintained within the optimal habitat environment temperature range for pollinating insects such as bumble bees through a device for temperature control. In addition, the constant temperature box is provided with a communication passage for access to allow the pollinating insects in the nest box to come and go between the nest box and the outside.

Abstract: A device for removing parasites from honey bees within a hive comprises a frame adapted to be fitted over the top of the hive in the place of the lid normally kept on the hive. The frame includes a passageway which is connected to a conduit extending down to the bottom opening of the hive. A spout fits over the bottom opening of the hive. A heating element heats the air which is drawn through the apparatus by a fan located therein. The air is circulated from the top of the hive through the apparatus where it is heated and then is forced into the bottom of the hive through the inlet opening. The temperature is raised to a level which will rid the bees of the parasites, but which can be tolerated by the bees.