Beehive, beehive system and method for removing honeycomb frames from beehive chambers

Abstract

A beehive, a beehive system and a method for removing a honeycomb frame from a beehive cell are provided. The beehive comprises: a plurality of honeycomb frames in a beehive cell; a mechanism for removing the honeycomb frames from the beehive cell and inserting them therein; and removing the honeycomb frames from the beehive cell and passing through a baffle, a planar element, a fluid baffle or a combination thereof to drive bees away from the honeycomb frames and ensure that the bees remain in the beehive cell.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 904,699, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 904,695, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 904,701, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 904,703, all of which were filed on September 24, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] Technical Field and Background Art

[0004] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to beehives and beehive systems, and more particularly (but not exclusively) to efficient automated beehives, wherein the honeycombs of the beehives need to be inspected to maintain a healthy bee population.

[0005] Honey bees are vital to both the ecology and the economy of a region. Over the past 30 years or so, the growth rate of pollination-based agriculture has increased dramatically, outstripping the average increase in the number of beehives. This, combined with the recent bee colony loss crisis, has created a severe shortage of pollinating bees. Inappropriate beekeeping methods are partly responsible for this shortage.

[0006] As part of standard beekeeping practices, it is often necessary to remove honeycomb frames from beehives when there are no bees on them. Among the purposes of removal from the hive are optical monitoring of the cells on the honeycomb frames (either by eye or through optical electronic devices), honey collection, pest control, transfer of the honeycomb frames to another hive, and general monitoring of the hives (e.g., weight or chemical monitoring). Summary of the invention

[0007] In one aspect, according to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a beehive for facilitating hive inspection, comprising: a bee habitat portion including a hive cell; a drive; and a baffle mounted between the hive cell and an area outside the hive cell. The baffle is provided with an opening, the size and shape of which tightly surrounds a plurality of continuous sides of a hive frame when the drive moves the hive frame out of the hive cell along a linear path. When the hive frame is moved out of the hive cell, the gap between the inner surface of the opening and any side of the hive frame is of sufficient size and structure to accommodate the hive frame and drive the bees out of the hive frame.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the invention, the baffle further comprises a plurality of flexible protrusions mounted on the inner surface of the opening. According to some embodiments of the invention, the baffle further comprises parallel planar elements adapted to be inserted into the slots of the beehive cells on both sides of the honeycomb frames. A gap is formed between the parallel planar elements, which is sized and shaped to fit snugly against the sides of the bee habitat of each honeycomb frame. According to some embodiments of the invention, the parallel planar elements further comprise flexible protrusions mounted perpendicularly to the parallel planar elements. According to some embodiments of the invention, there is no gap between the plurality of flexible protrusions and the honeycomb frames.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible protrusion comprises one of the following: a brush, a scraper, a flap, a grate, a brush or any combination thereof. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flexible protrusion is a flap made of one of the following materials: 420 gr / m polyvinyl chloride canvas, a silicon sheet, a thermoplastic rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the baffle is mounted on the hive chamber or on the drive.

[0010] On the other hand, according to some embodiments of the present invention, a beehive for facilitating hive inspection is provided, comprising: a bee habitat including a beehive cell; a driver; and a fluid baffle installed between the beehive cell and a space outside the beehive cell. The fluid baffle is formed by a conduit, and when the driver removes the beehive frame from the beehive cell along a linear path, the fluid baffle tightly surrounds multiple continuous sides of the beehive frame. In some embodiments, the conduit contains multiple hoses. The conduit also includes multiple fluid release openings in fluid communication with a fluid source. When the fluid baffle is activated, the fluid flows to the beehive frame, and the fluid drives the bees away from the beehive frame and prevents the bees from leaving the beehive cell.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the invention, the fluid baffle is mounted on a beehive chamber or a drive. According to some embodiments of the invention, the fluid is one of: compressed air; water droplets; a liquid suspended in a gas; a liquid; a gas; or a chemical used to repel bees. According to some embodiments of the invention, the fluid is cooled to between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius or heated to between 35-45 degrees Celsius. According to some embodiments of the invention, the baffle is cooled to between 0 and 10 degrees Celsius or heated to between 35-45 degrees Celsius.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driver intermittently pauses the movement of the honeycomb frame when the driver moves the honeycomb frame out of the beehive cell. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the driver further comprises a connection device, which is releasably connected to the honeycomb frame, and can be releasably connected to the honeycomb frame and remove the honeycomb frame from the beehive cell, and can also reinsert and release the honeycomb frame into the beehive cell.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the invention, the beehive comprises a plurality of honeycomb frames. According to some embodiments of the invention, the actuator is driven by a motor, which may be a stepper motor. According to some embodiments of the invention, the actuator is capable of linear movement relative to at least one honeycomb frame aligned with it. According to some embodiments of the invention, the actuator further comprises at least one actuator track oriented to at least one honeycomb frame of a beehive cell; and a ball screw linear actuator capable of removing and inserting a honeycomb frame from a beehive cell.

[0014] On the other hand, according to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for removing a honeycomb frame from a beehive cell, comprising the following steps: providing a beehive; moving the honeycomb frame along a linear path and passing through a baffle by a driver; removing the honeycomb frame from the beehive cell by the driver to inspect the honeycomb frame. The provided beehive comprises: a beehive cell of a bee habitat portion; and a driver. The baffle has an opening, and when the driver drives the honeycomb frame along the linear path into the bee inspection portion, the size and shape of the opening tightly surrounds a plurality of continuous sides of the honeycomb frame.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises the following steps: performing intermittent pauses by the driver during the removal of the honeycomb frame from the beehive chamber. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the intermittent pause pattern by the driver during the removal of the honeycomb is: moving the honeycomb at a speed of 5 millimeters (hereinafter referred to as "mm") per second, the honeycomb moves 3 millimeters, then pauses for 1 second, and repeats the pattern. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises a connecting step and a releasing step: before moving the honeycomb frame, connecting the honeycomb frame to the driver by the connecting device of the driver; after removing the honeycomb frame, releasing the honeycomb frame from the driver by the connecting device of the driver.

[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and / or scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to the methods and materials described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and / or materials are described below. If inconsistent, the patent specification (including definitions) shall prevail. In addition, materials, methods and examples are illustrative only and are not necessarily restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] With reference to the accompanying drawings, some embodiments of the present invention are described herein by way of example only. With specific reference now to the detailed drawings, it is emphasized that the details shown are for the purpose of example and for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, the description taken together with the drawings will make it clear to those skilled in the art how to implement the embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1A is an isometric view of a baffle surrounding a honeycomb frame according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 1B is a side view of a baffle surrounding a honeycomb frame according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 1C is a top view of a baffle surrounding a honeycomb frame according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 1D is an enlarged top view of a baffle surrounding a honeycomb frame according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 1E is a perspective view of a baffle according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 1F is a perspective view of a baffle according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2A is an isometric view of a fluid baffle surrounding a honeycomb frame according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2B is a side view of a fluid baffle surrounding a honeycomb frame according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2C is a view of a fluid baffle and a fluid release opening on a pipeline thereof according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an automatic beehive according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 is an isometric view of one unit of a plurality of beehive cells according to some embodiments of the present invention with a frame drive; and

[0029] Figure 5 is an enlarged isometric view of an actuator according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, it relates to beehives and beehive systems, more specifically (but not exclusively) efficient automatic beehives, in which the inspection of beehive honeycombs is necessary to maintain a healthy bee colony. Therefore, it has long been necessary to provide a technical solution to effectively separate bees from honeycomb frames and prevent bees from leaving the honeycomb when the honeycomb frames are extracted from the beehive.

[0031] In some embodiments of the beehive system, there is a side-slip structure of the beehive chamber and the frame. The term "frame" as used herein is a structural element in the beehive that supports the honeycomb, brood comb, or is a partition between beehives. These frames include, but are not limited to, honeycomb frames, feeding frames, queen isolation frames, and partition frames. In some embodiments of the beehive system, a driver moves the honeycomb frame through a baffle, and the baffle drives the bees to leave the honeycomb frame while the bees remain in the beehive chamber. In some embodiments of the beehive system, a driver drives the honeycomb frame through a fluid baffle, and the flow of the fluid drives the bees to leave the honeycomb frame while preventing the bees from leaving the beehive chamber. "Fluid" as described herein refers to a liquid, a gas, or any combination thereof.

[0032] In some embodiments of the beehive system, the side-sliding structure is a box-type frame system that includes various types of frames in a unified system that facilitates automated operation. In some embodiments, the beehive and its different parts use materials such as but not limited to silicone, soft plastic, polymer foam, and any combination thereof.

[0033] In some embodiments of the beehive system, an XYZ Cartesian robot is located at the bottom of the beehive system for manipulating different honeycomb frames and / or frames in the hive cells. In some embodiments of the beehive system, a combination of electric linear modules (belt and ball screw drives) and pneumatic linear cylinders, clamps, grippers and spears are used to manipulate different honeycomb frames.

[0034] In some embodiments of the beehive system, various sensors are used to collect data related to the honeycomb frame. In some embodiments of the beehive system, a non-temporary memory is included, which stores a code executed by at least one hardware processor of a computer device, and when the code is executed, the selected task in the embodiment of the present invention can be implemented. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware for performing the selected task can be implemented by a chip or a circuit. As for the software part, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the selected task can be implemented by executing multiple software instructions by a computer using a suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more tasks of the exemplary embodiments of the method and / or system described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing multiple instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a non-permanent memory and / or non-volatile memory for storing instructions and / or data, such as a magnetic hard disk and / or a removable medium. Network connection, display and / or user input devices such as a keyboard or mouse can be provided simultaneously.

[0035] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the structural details, component structures and / or methods set forth in the following description, drawings and / or examples. The present invention is capable of other embodiments or implementation in different ways.

[0036] refer to Figure 1A -D, shows the structure of some embodiments of the beehive system. The structure 10 has a honeycomb frame 11, on which bees 14 are placed, and a baffle 12 is provided. The "baffle" described herein refers to an obstacle that prevents bees, especially between the spaces, from moving or entering between different spaces. In some embodiments, the structure 10 is in a beehive, and the baffle 12 is located in the beehive cell (see Figure 3 The area outside the hive chamber is the bee inspection area. In some embodiments, there are multiple honeycomb frames 11 in a beehive chamber, and at least one drive (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments, the at least one actuator is movable. As used herein, a "removable actuator" refers to an actuator that is capable of moving or is freely or easily moved.

[0037] In some embodiments, the baffle 12 is mounted on a movable drive and moves with the drive. In some embodiments, the baffle is mounted as part of a rectangular coordinate robot system and moves with the rectangular coordinate robot. In some embodiments, the baffle 12 has an opening, and the size and shape of the opening can tightly surround multiple continuous sides of the honeycomb frame 11 when the honeycomb frame 11 is moved out of the beehive chamber. The "drive" described herein refers to a component of a machine or system that is responsible for moving and controlling a part of the system.

[0038] In some embodiments, the gap between the inner surface of the baffle 12 opening and any side of the honeycomb frame is of sufficient size and structure to receive the honeycomb frame and drive the bees away from the honeycomb frame. For example, the gap between the inner surface of the baffle and any side of the honeycomb frame ranges from 0.5 to 10 mm. As an example, Figure 1B The honeycomb frames 11 are shown without bees on the outer portion 15 of the beehive cell, and with bees 14 on the inner portion 16 of the honeycomb frames 11. In some embodiments, the baffles are of sufficient size and structure to accommodate both the bees and the honeycomb frames, for use in situations where the bees 14 and the honeycomb frames 11 need to leave the beehive cell at the same time.

[0039] In some embodiments, the baffle 12 further comprises a plurality of protrusions 13 for physically removing bees 14 from the honeycomb frame 11. In some embodiments, the protrusions 13 are mounted on the inner surface of the opening of the baffle 12 so that when the honeycomb frame passes through the baffle, the protrusions 13 are perpendicular to any side of the honeycomb frame. In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions are flexible protrusions and there are no gaps between the flexible protrusions. The flexible protrusions are suitable for moving and bending to receive the honeycomb frame while still maintaining close flexible contact with the honeycomb frame's cells. The types of flexible protrusions 13 may include but are not limited to scrapers, combs, brushes, covers, brushes, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the protrusions are made of soft and durable materials. The protrusions may be, but are not limited to, the following materials, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone, nylon, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thin layers of polyvinyl chloride, thin silicon sheets, or any combination thereof. The material and thickness of the protrusions 13 are hard enough to push bees off the hive frames, yet soft enough not to damage the beeswax surface of the hive frames when the hive frames brush against the protrusions.

[0040] Reference Figure 1EIn some embodiments, a baffle body 24 mounted on a drive system has two parallel planar elements 18, a gap is formed between the two parallel planar elements, and the size and shape are sufficient to allow the honeycomb frame to be extracted between the two parallel planar elements. The gap between the two planar elements can range from 15 to 31 mm. In some embodiments, the drive system also includes a planar drive 20 and linear axes 22 and 26 to drive the baffle body. In some embodiments, the planar drive inserts the planar element into the hive chamber. The parallel planar elements have a suitable size and shape to fit each bee habitat on the side of the honeycomb frame 11. The inserted parallel planar elements are suitable for receiving the honeycomb frame and driving the bees away from the honeycomb frame, while preventing the bees from leaving the beehive chamber. The "bee habitat" described herein refers to the natural residence or environment where the bees live.

[0041] The beehive chamber also includes frame openings for honeycomb frames to exit and enter the beehive chamber. Figure 1E If the baffle body is moved out of the honeycomb frame, it is also necessary to surround the surrounding of the frame opening on the beehive chamber to stop honey bees 14 from leaving the beehive chamber.

[0042] In some embodiments, the planar element 18 is installed in the slots 27 of the driver system, and the distances between the slots are different. Different arrangements of the slots 27 facilitate control and adjustment of the gap between the planar elements.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1F As shown, a parallel planar element 18 with a flange 19 is mounted on a drive system or a beehive cell. The parallel planar element also includes a flexible protrusion 30, which in some embodiments is a flexible flap. In some embodiments, the planar element is inserted into the beehive cell, and the flexible protrusion 30 is perpendicular to the side of each bee habitat on the honeycomb frame 11. The flexible protrusion 30 is flexible enough to receive the honeycomb frame and remove the bees from the honeycomb frame. When the drive extracts the honeycomb frame from the beehive cell through the flexible protrusion 30, the flexible protrusion bends and closes the side of each bee habitat on the honeycomb frame.

[0044] In some embodiments, the flexible protrusion 30 flaps are made of PVC canvas sheets, and their weight is between 415 and 425 grams per square meter. In some embodiments, the flexible protrusion 30 flaps are made of silicon wafers, TPR or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the flaps 30 are made of TPE, and the Shure value is in the range of 40 to 80 and / or the width is between 0.6 and 1.2 mm.

[0045] In some embodiments, the flexible protrusion 30 flaps are cut perpendicular to the long sides of the flaps, thereby forming multiple flap segments between the cuts of the flexible protrusions, and each flap segment has the ability to bend individually. The flexibility of the flexible protrusions is important because the surface of the honeycomb frame or any frame is usually uneven, with grooves and protrusions. Therefore, the flexible protrusions bend and cling to the sides of the honeycomb frame, thereby maintaining good closure when the frame passes through the baffle.

[0046] In some embodiments, each cover sheet segment of the flexible protrusion is wider than the bee cell to ensure that each cover sheet segment does not enter an empty bee cell. In some embodiments, spring-loaded blocking blocks 28 are mounted on adjacent honeycomb frames; when the drive extracts the desired honeycomb frame from the beehive cell, these blocking blocks can be operated to prevent the adjacent honeycomb frames in the beehive cell from being extracted together with the desired honeycomb frame.

[0047] In some embodiments, the baffle 12 is heated or cooled to encourage bees to leave the hive. Temperatures in the range of 0 to 10 degrees Celsius are cool for the bees 14, while temperatures in the range of 35 to 45 degrees Celsius are hot for the bees. For this purpose, the parallel planar elements 18 can be heated or cooled. Multiple systems can be used for heating and cooling an element such as a baffle, but this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0048] Figure 2A -C shows the structure of some embodiments of the beehive system. In this structure, a fluid baffle 21 is arranged between the beehive chamber and the outer area of ​​the beehive chamber. The term "fluid" herein refers to a liquid, a gas or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the fluid baffle 21 is a conduit 22 and is in fluid communication with a flowing fluid source, and has a fluid release opening 23 to circulate the fluid to the honeycomb frame. "Flow communication" herein refers to a fluid that can flow back and forth between two chambers. When a steady stream of fluid is introduced, the fluid flows to the honeycomb frame, drives the bees 14 away from the honeycomb frame, and prevents the bees from leaving the beehive chamber. The flow of the fluid can be activated by inputting or by a processor that is suitable for processing code.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fluid baffles and / or ducts form openings around multiple continuous sides of the honeycomb frame; the size and shape of the formed openings can tightly surround multiple continuous sides of the honeycomb frame 11 when the honeycomb frame is moved out of the beehive cell along the linear path.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fluid flowing to the honeycomb frame is effective, and bees can be driven away from the honeycomb frame and prevented from leaving the beehive chamber by manipulating it. In some embodiments, the fluid flowing to the honeycomb frame is a liquid suspended in a gas, such as mist and / or fog. In some embodiments, the fluid flowing to the honeycomb frame is a gas. This gas can be any chemical that drives honeybees away. In some embodiments, the fluid is a water droplet, and the water drives the honeybees 14 away from the water source. In some embodiments, the fluid is a liquid. This liquid can be a chemical that drives honeybees away. In some embodiments, the fluid (liquid, gas or any combination) can be heated or cooled. The temperature is cold for the honeybees 14 between the range of 0 to 10 degrees Celsius, and the temperature is hot for the honeybees between the range of 35 to 45 degrees Celsius. These temperatures can drive honeybees away. The heated or cooled fluid can be air. In some embodiments, the chemical used to drive honeybees away is (but not limited to) butyric acid, benzaldehyde, bitter almond oil or any combination thereof, and they can be gas, liquid or droplets. In some embodiments, the fluid is flowed to the honeycomb frame by pneumatic properties.

[0051] In some embodiments, the driver further comprises a connection device, which can be operated to releasably connect the driver to the honeycomb frame, so that the driver can drive the honeycomb frame. The connection device can be a cylinder, a clamp, a gripper, a spear, or any combination thereof. For example, the connection device can be a spear, which is pushed into the frame by the driver to connect and move the honeycomb frame. In order to disconnect the spear from the honeycomb frame, the driver pulls the spear out of the honeycomb frame. Any connection device that can releasably connect the driver to the honeycomb frame can be used on the driver of the present invention.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, a method of moving a honeycomb frame through an element is provided to dislodge bees from the honeycomb frame so that the bees remain in the hive cells. A driver is controlled by manual input or a processor adapted to execute code, and the driver moves the honeycomb frame through an element. The element may be a baffle, a planar element, a fluid baffle, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the driver intermittently pauses the movement of the honeycomb frame through the element. As used herein, "pause" refers to a temporary interruption of operation or cessation of movement.

[0053] This stop and start method (also referred to as intermittent pause) is advantageous because bees 14 will naturally exhibit group behavior. "Group behavior" as described herein refers to a group moving collectively without centralized command. Therefore, when bees are repeatedly contacted by elements or fluids (gas, liquid or any combination thereof), bees are more likely to exhibit group behavior and stay away from the honeycomb frame. In some embodiments, the speed, distance or time before stopping, and the duration of stopping are used in the form of combinations and patterns to prompt bees to leave the honeycomb frame. An example of this method is to move the honeycomb frame toward the direction of the beehive chamber exit by about 5 mm, and then stop for about 1 second. Afterwards, continue to move the honeycomb frame by about 5 mm, and then stop for about 2 seconds. Then continue to move the honeycomb frame by about 7 mm, and stop for about 0.5 seconds. Another example of this method is to pause intermittently during the extraction of the honeycomb as follows: move the honeycomb at a speed of 5 mm per second, pause for about 2 seconds, then move the honeycomb by 3 mm, and then pause for 1 second. Repeat this pattern.

[0054] Reference now Figure 3 , which is a perspective cutaway view of the structure in some embodiments of the present invention. The beehive chamber 300 includes a plurality of honeycomb frames 304, which are arranged vertically in a row one next to another in the beehive chamber. In some embodiments, the driver extracts a specified honeycomb frame 308 from the beehive chamber 300 through the baffle 12. In some embodiments, the driver 306 can extract the honeycomb frame and put it back to its original position. In some embodiments, the driver is connected in a line with the specified honeycomb frame, such as 308, and drives the honeycomb frame linearly from the beehive chamber. In some embodiments, at least one driver is movable, and the driver can be operated to align it with the specified honeycomb and drive the honeycomb frame 304 or 308 through the baffle 12 along a linear path.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the driver also includes one or more motors and push rods. In certain embodiments, the driver also includes a ball screw linear drive, which can take out and put back the honeycomb frame from the beehive chamber. In some embodiments of the driver, the driver is driven by a motor, which can be a stepper motor. The present invention is not limited to specific drivers and drive systems, and other drivers and drive systems can also be used. In certain embodiments, a processor that can execute code is electrically connected to the driver, which controls the driver. In certain embodiments, the processor can be placed anywhere, including the outside of the beehive. In certain embodiments, there is a wireless connection between the processor and the driver.

[0056] Reference now Figure 4, shown is an isometric view of the interior of the system in some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, there are multiple beehive chambers 110. In some embodiments, the driver 140 can be moved along a main axis 142, which is parallel to the front of the beehive chamber 110 (not shown). The vent 136 is used for airflow in and out of the beehive system. It is also possible to capture images of the honeycomb frame by a camera 138 and transmit the obtained images to a processor for analysis. In some embodiments, a camera or sensor is mounted on a drive system for extracting the honeycomb frame. In some embodiments, the opening 105 facilitates the entry and exit of bees in the beehive.

[0057] Figure 5 1 is an enlarged isometric view of the drive in some embodiments. The honeycomb frame (not shown) is placed in the drive 140, which can be moved along the spindle guide 158 by a stepper motor 164. In some embodiments, the stepper motor engages the drag chain and the linear drive belt 160 and 162 respectively. In some embodiments, the drive 140 is connected to the guide 158 through the rotary table 146. The honeycomb frame is grasped by the gripper 156 and can be moved along the loading guide 152 to pass the stopper 154. The linear movement of the honeycomb frame along the guide 152 is achieved by the ball screw linear drive 150.

[0058] It is anticipated that during the life of the patent expiring on this application, many related elements will be developed which are suitable for moving the frames through and dislodging the bees from the frames, preventing the bees from leaving the hive, and the scope of these terms is intended a priori to include all such new technologies.

[0059] As used herein, the term "about" refers to ±30%.

[0060] The terms "including", "comprising", "having" and similar terms mean "including but not limited to".

[0061] The term "comprising" means "including and limited to."

[0062] As used herein, the singular includes the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

[0063] Throughout this application, various embodiments of the present invention may be presented in the form of ranges. It should be understood that the description in the form of ranges is only for convenience and brevity and should not be interpreted as an undue limitation on the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the description of a range should be deemed to have clearly disclosed all possible sub-ranges and single values ​​within the range. Range is also meant to include the upper and lower numerical values ​​given and all fractions and integers therebetween. For example, the description of a range from 1 to 6 should be deemed to clearly disclose sub-ranges, such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., and single values ​​within the range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Regardless of the amplitude of the range, it is applicable.

[0064] It should be understood that certain features of the invention described in different embodiments for the sake of clarity may also be combined in one embodiment. Conversely, different combinations of features of the invention described in a single embodiment for the sake of brevity may also be performed individually or in any suitable secondary combination, or in any other suitable embodiment described in accordance with the invention. Certain features described in various embodiments should not be considered key features of those embodiments, unless those embodiments would not work without those elements.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications and variations are apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, all such alternatives, modifications and variations are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0066] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated by reference in their entirety, just as each individual publication, patent or patent application is specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference in this specification. In addition, the citation or identification of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that the reference belongs to the prior art of the present invention. The section headings used should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document of this application is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A beehive, characterized in that: the beehive comprises: bee habitats including hive chambers; Driver; as well as a baffle mounted on the drive, the baffle having two parallel planar elements sized and shaped to closely contact each of a plurality of sides of a plurality of bee cells of the comb frame when the drive drives a comb frame from the hive cell along a linear path, wherein when the actuator drives the honeycomb frame from the beehive chamber, the two parallel planar elements contain the honeycomb frame and drive the bees to leave the honeycomb frame; wherein the baffle further comprises a plurality of flexible protrusions; The multiple flexible protrusions are multiple cover sheets, which are cut along a long side perpendicular to the multiple cover sheets, wherein multiple cover sheet segments are defined between the cuts of the multiple flexible protrusions, and each cover sheet segment has the ability to bend individually to fit tightly against the multiple side surfaces of the honeycomb frame.

2. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The baffle includes multiple release openings, and Wherein when a substance is activated to flow from the plurality of release openings, the substance drives bees away from the honeycomb frames and prevents bees from leaving the hive cells.

3. The beehive according to claim 2, characterized in that: The substance is cooled or heated.

4. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive drives the honeycomb frames from the hive chambers, and the drive intermittently pauses the movement of the honeycomb frames.

5. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive comprises a connecting device which is both releasably connected to the honeycomb frame for pulling the honeycomb frame out of the hive cell and also releases the honeycomb frame after the honeycomb frame is inserted into the hive cell.

6. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of flexible protrusions maintain close flexible contact with the plurality of bee cells of the honeycomb frame.

7. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of cover sheet segments is wider than the bee cell to ensure that each cover sheet segment does not enter an empty bee cell.

8. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The baffle includes two parallel planar elements; the two parallel planar elements define a gap therebetween, and the two parallel planar elements are movable so that the size of the gap is adjustable.

9. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The baffle is cooled.

10. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes installing a blocking block with a spring on an adjacent honeycomb frame, and when the driver extracts the honeycomb frame from the beehive chamber, the blocking block is operated to prevent another honeycomb frame adjacent to the honeycomb frame in the beehive chamber from being extracted together.

11. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of parallel planar elements are provided with flanges for mounting the baffle on the driver.

12. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of parallel planar elements are mounted in slots in the driver.

13. The beehive according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drive drives the honeycomb frame in a side-sliding configuration in the longitudinal direction of the side along the linear path.

14. A method for removing a honeycomb frame from a beehive cell, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: A beehive is provided, the beehive comprising: The portion of the bee habitat that includes the cells of the hive; Drivers; and a baffle mounted on the drive, the baffle comprising two parallel planar elements sized and shaped to closely contact each of a plurality of sides of a plurality of bee cells of the comb frame when the drive drives the comb frame from the hive cell along a linear path; Moving the honeycomb frame along the linear path and passing through the baffle by the drive; and removing the honeycomb frame from the beehive chamber by the drive; allowing a substance to flow from a plurality of release openings in the baffle to drive away bees; wherein the baffle further comprises a plurality of flexible protrusions; The multiple flexible protrusions are multiple cover sheets, which are cut along a long side perpendicular to the multiple cover sheets, wherein multiple cover sheet segments are defined between the cuts of the multiple flexible protrusions, and each cover sheet segment has the ability to bend individually to fit tightly against the multiple side surfaces of the honeycomb frame.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The method further comprises the step of intermittently pausing by the drive during removal of the honeycomb frames from the hive chamber.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that: This includes cooling or heating at least one of the substance and the baffle.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The method further comprises: releasably connecting a connection device of the drive to the honeycomb frame to facilitate pulling the honeycomb frame out of the hive cell, and The honeycomb frames are released after they have been inserted into the cells of the beehive.

18. A beehive system, characterized in that: The system comprises: multiple honeycomb frames within the chamber; an actuator to remove one of the plurality of honeycomb frames from the chamber; and a baffle mounted on the actuator and having a plurality of release openings communicating fluid to the honeycomb frame and located on two parallel planar members of the baffle that are sized and shaped to abut against each of a plurality of sides of a plurality of honey bee cells of the honeycomb frame when the actuator drives the honeycomb frame from the chamber along a linear path; When the honeycomb frame is removed, the plurality of release openings communicate a flow of a substance that causes bees to leave the honeycomb frame; wherein the baffle further comprises a plurality of flexible protrusions; The multiple flexible protrusions are multiple cover sheets, which are cut along a long side perpendicular to the multiple cover sheets, wherein multiple cover sheet segments are defined between the cuts of the multiple flexible protrusions, and each cover sheet segment has the ability to bend individually to fit tightly against the multiple side surfaces of the honeycomb frame.

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