method for collecting volatile odor compounds emitted in a beehive

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for collecting volatile odor compounds emitted in a beehive housing a bee colony, comprising the steps of: - placing an absorbent composition (43) in contact with air carrying volatile odor compounds from inside the hive, such that the absorbent composition (43) absorbs the volatile odor compounds, and - collecting the absorbent composition laden with odor compounds. Figure for the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Method for collecting volatile odoriferous compounds emitted in a beehive. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a method for collecting volatile odoriferous compounds emitted in a beehive housing a colony of bees, and a beehive assembly adapted to collect such compounds. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Some bees, called honeybees, are able to collect nectar from flowers and store it in wax cells to transform it into honey, in order to build up food reserves for the winter.

[0003] The composition of nectar collected by honeybees varies depending on the flowers that produce it. Nectar is composed mainly of water, sugars, amino acids, and proteins. In addition, the nectar collected by honeybees generally contains fragrant compounds that serve to attract pollinating insects.

[0004] During the transformation process, a large amount of water evaporates from the nectar. Thus, when it is collected by the bees, the nectar can have a moisture content of about 80% by weight, while the honey obtained at the end of the transformation process generally has a moisture content of about 16% by weight.

[0005] A large part of the volatile odoriferous compounds escape from the nectar, along with the water, during this transformation process.

[0006] Furthermore, the bees themselves can produce odoriferous compounds, such as pheromones produced by the Nasonov gland for example, which serve the bees to orient themselves towards the colony.

[0007] These volatile odoriferous compounds, which escape from the hive, are lost. Summary of the invention

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide a solution for collecting volatile odoriferous compounds emitted in a beehive.

[0009] This objective is achieved within the framework of the present invention by means of a method for collecting volatile odoriferous compounds emitted in a beehive housing a colony of bees, comprising the steps of: - place an absorbent composition in contact with air carrying volatile odor compounds from inside the hive, so that the absorbent composition absorbs the volatile odor compounds, and - to collect the absorbent composition loaded with odoriferous compounds.

[0010] The absorbent composition allows for the collection of a large quantity of volatile odoriferous compounds, as these escape from the nectar or as they are emitted by the bees inside the hive.

[0011] The absorbent composition loaded with odoriferous compounds can then be collected and processed to recover these odoriferous compounds.

[0012] These odoriferous compounds, which have a characteristic odor of the beehive, can then be used to manufacture perfume compositions, cosmetic compositions, or aromatic compositions.

[0013] Alternatively, the absorbent composition loaded with odoriferous compounds can be used to manufacture perfume compositions, cosmetic compositions or aromatic compositions.

[0014] In one embodiment of the process, the absorbent composition can be a fatty substance.

[0015] The fat body may contain an ingredient chosen from: an oil of animal or vegetable origin, a mineral oil, a fat of animal or vegetable origin, or a mixture of these.

[0016] In one embodiment of the process, the air carrying the odoriferous compounds can be circulated and directed, by means of a fan, towards the absorbent composition.

[0017] In one embodiment of the process, the process may include a step of: - treat the absorbent composition loaded with odoriferous compounds with a solvent to extract the odoriferous compounds from the absorbent composition, - separate the absorbent composition from the solvent to recover the solvent in which the odoriferous compounds are dissolved.

[0018] The solvent may be an alcohol.

[0019] In one embodiment of the process, the process may include a step of: - evaporate the solvent to obtain an absolute concentrated in odoriferous compounds.

[0020] The invention also relates to a beehive assembly comprising: - a beehive comprising walls delimiting a cavity and frames suitable for being placed in the cavity to receive wax combs, and - a collection device suitable for placement in the cavity, comprising an absorbent composition suitable for absorbing volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by bees and / or emitted by nectar stored in the wax combs during the process of transforming nectar into honey.

[0021] In one embodiment of the hive assembly, the hive may include a hive body and a super, comprising walls of the super delimiting a super cavity and super frames suitable for being arranged in the super cavity to receive wax combs, the collection device being suitable for being arranged in the super cavity.

[0022] In one embodiment of the hive assembly, the absorbent composition can be a fatty substance.

[0023] In one embodiment of the hive assembly, the collection device may include a support coated with a layer of grease.

[0024] In one embodiment of the hive assembly, the collection device may include a frame to which the support is attached, and the support includes a plate having a face coated with the layer of grease, surrounded by the frame.

[0025] In one embodiment of the hive assembly, the collection device may include a protection suitable for preventing bees from coming into contact with the absorbent composition.

[0026] In one embodiment of the hive assembly, the hive assembly may include a fan suitable for circulating air from the hive to transport volatile odoriferous compounds to the absorbent composition.

[0027] The invention further relates to an absorbent composition loaded with odoriferous compounds, which can be obtained by a collection process as defined above.

[0028] The invention also relates to a solution comprising a solvent in which the odoriferous compounds are dissolved, which can be obtained by a collection process as defined above.

[0029] The invention also relates to an absolute concentrated in odoriferous compounds, which can be obtained by a collection process as defined above.

[0030] The invention also relates to a perfume composition, a cosmetic composition or an aromatic composition, comprising an absorbent composition as defined above or a solution as defined above or an absolute as defined above. PRESENTATION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not exhaustive, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, among which:

[0032] - Fig. 1 schematically represents a set of beehives conforming to a first possible embodiment of the invention,

[0033] - Figures 2 and 3 schematically represent a rise forming part of the entire beehive assembly of [Fig.1],

[0034] - Figure 4 schematically represents a first example of a device collection to collect volatile odoriferous compounds, part of the hive assembly of [Fig.1],

[0035] - [Fig. 5] schematically represents the riser frames and devices collection according to a first possible configuration,

[0036] - Figure 6 schematically represents the riser frames and a device collection according to a second possible configuration,

[0037] - Figure 7 schematically represents a second example of a device collection systems for collecting volatile odor compounds,

[0038] - [Fig.8] schematically represents the riser frames and devices collection according to a third possible configuration,

[0039] - Figure 9 schematically represents the steps of a collection process of volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by a beehive, according to a possible embodiment of the invention,

[0040] - [Fig. 10] schematically represents a set of beehives conforming to a second possible embodiment of the invention.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0042] In [Fig.1], the hive assembly 1 shown includes a hive 2 and a device for collecting volatile odoriferous compounds emitted in the hive 3.

[0043] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 1], beehive 2 is of the Dadant type. However, the invention is not limited to a particular type of beehive, and applies to any type of beehive.

[0044] The hive 2 includes a floor 4, a hive body 5, body frames 6, a queen excluder 7, a super 8, super frames 9, an inner cover 10 and a roof 11.

[0045] By way of example, the hive may include ten brood frames 6 and eight or nine super frames 9, or twelve brood frames 6 and ten or eleven super frames 9.

[0046] In the example illustrated in [Fig.1], hive 2 comprises a single super 8. However, hive 2 may comprise several supers 8.

[0047] The hive 2 is assembled by stacking along a vertical direction Z the different components, namely: the floor 4, the hive body 5 containing the body frames 6, the queen excluder 7, the super(s) 8 containing the super frames 9 and the collection device 3, the inner cover 10 and the roof 11.

[0048] The brood box 5 is positioned above the floor 4. The honey super 8 is positioned above the brood box 5. The queen excluder 7 extends between the brood box 5 and the honey super 8. The roof 11 is positioned above the honey super 8. The inner cover 10 extends between the honey super 8 and the roof 11.

[0049] The hive body 5 comprises body walls 51 which delimit a first cavity 55 (or body cavity). The body frames 6 are arranged removably inside the body cavity 55.

[0050] The super 8 comprises super walls 81 which define a second cavity 85 (or super cavity). The super frames 9 are removably arranged inside the super cavity 85.

[0051] In use, beehive 2 can house a honeybee colony. The bee colony typically includes a queen, workers, and drones. The bee colony may, for example, include between 10,000 and 70,000 workers.

[0052] The bees can move between the outside of the hive 2 and the brood chamber cavity 55, by passing through an opening 12 provided between the floor 4 and one of the brood chamber walls 51. The queen excluder 7, located between the brood chamber 5 and the super(s) 9, prevents the queen from entering the super chamber cavity 85. Thus, only worker bees can enter the super chamber cavity 85.

[0053] The brood frames 6 provide supports that allow the bees to build networks of wax cells inside the brood cavity 55. The queen lays her eggs in these cells, and the worker bees care for the larvae. In addition, the cells also serve as receptacles for storing nectar and / or honey and / or pollen and / or bee bread (a mixture of pollen pellets, honey, and lactic acid bacteria that serves as the basic food for bee larvae).

[0054] The super frames 9 also provide supports that allow bees to build networks of wax cells to store nectar, which will be transformed into honey during a processing stage. However, in the presence of a queen excluder, the queen cannot enter the super cavity 85, and therefore cannot lay her eggs in the cells located in the super cavity 85.

[0055] In other words, the super 8, which is placed above the brood box 5 during honey flows, allows the bees to store surplus honey that can be harvested. One or more supers 8 can be stacked, depending on the expected harvest.

[0056] The frame cover 10 placed between the super 8 and the roof 11 allows the hive 2 to be closed.

[0057] The roof 11 protects the hive 2 from raiders, weathering and variations in temperature.

[0058] Hive 2 may also include a feeder (not shown), placed between the super 8 and the inner cover 10. The feeder is used to give honey back to the bees in the event that the bees do not have enough reserves for the winter.

[0059] The hive assembly 1 shown in [Fig.1] further includes a collection device 3 suitable for being placed in the cavity of the super 85.

[0060] In the example illustrated in [Fig.1], the collection device 3 is disposed in the super cavity 85. However, alternatively or in addition, the hive assembly 1 could include a collection device disposed in the body cavity 55.

[0061] As illustrated in more detail in Figures 2 and 3, the riser 8 comprises a first riser wall 81 and a second riser wall 82, located opposite the first riser wall 81.

[0062] The riser 8 further includes a first rack 86 fixed to the first riser wall 81, and a second rack 87 fixed to the second riser wall 82.

[0063] The first rack 86 and the second rack 87 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0064] Each rack 86, 87 has a series of notches. More specifically, the first rack 86 has first notches 88 and the second rack 87 has second notches 89. The notches 88, 89 of each rack 86, 87 are spaced from each other with a spacing between 1 and 3 centimeters, between two successive notches.

[0065] The first rack 86 and the second rack 87 are arranged opposite each other so that their notches 88, 89 are aligned with each other, along a direction X, perpendicular to the stacking direction Z.

[0066] The riser 8 further includes a first spacer 116 fixed to the first riser wall 81, and a second spacer 117 fixed to the second riser wall 82. More specifically, the first spacer 116 can be received in a groove formed in the first riser wall 81, and the second spacer 117 can be received in a second groove formed in the second riser wall 82.

[0067] The first spacer 116 and the second spacer 117 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0068] The first spacer 116 may for example include a first corrugated metal wire, forming meanders, that is to say an alternation of hollow loops 114 and protruding loops 118.

[0069] Similarly, the second spacer 117 may include a second corrugated metal wire, forming meanders, that is to say an alternation of hollow loops 115 and protruding loops 119.

[0070] The riser frame 9 illustrated in [Fig. 3] comprises a frame 99. The frame 99 comprises a first amount 91, a second amount 92, opposite the first upright 91, a first cross member 93 (or lower cross member) and a second cross member 94 (or upper cross member), opposite the first cross member 93. The second cross member 94 has a first end portion 96 and a second end portion 97, opposite the first end portion 96. The first end portion 96 extends beyond the first upright 91. Similarly, the second end portion 97 extends beyond the second upright 92. The first end portion 96 and the second end portion 97 form suspension arms for the riser frame 9.

[0071] The sight frame 9 is designed to be inserted vertically into the sight cavity 85, so that the first end portion 96 is received in a first notch 88 and the second end portion 97 is received in a second notch 89, facing the first notch.

[0072] Thus, several super frames 9 can be received and suspended from the racks 86 and 87 in the super cavity 85.

[0073] In addition, the riser frame 9 is suitable for being inserted vertically into the riser cavity 85, so that the first upright 91 is received between two protruding loops 114 of the first spacer 116 and the second upright 92 is received between two protruding loops 115 of the second spacer 117.

[0074] The first notches 88 and the second notches 89 allow the super frames 9 to be held with a constant predefined spacing between two successive super frames.

[0075] In addition, the first protruding loops 114 and the second protruding loops 115, intercalated between the super frames 9, prevent the super frames 9 from colliding during the handling of the super 8.

[0076] In the example illustrated in [Fig.3], the riser frame 9 includes a armature 98. The armature 98 includes a wire attached to the uprights 91, 92 or to the crossbars 93, 94.

[0077] In the example illustrated in [Fig.3], the frame 98 includes a wire extending between the first crossbar 93 and the second crossbar 94. The wire is intended to support a sheet of embossed wax serving as a starter, from which the bees can build a network of cells perpendicular to the embossed wax sheet.

[0078] In the example illustrated in figures 4 to 6, the collection device 3 comprises a frame 39, of identical dimensions to a frame 99 of a riser frame 9. The frame 39 of the collection device 3 comprises a first upright 31, a second upright 32, opposite the first upright, a first cross member 33 (or lower cross member), and a second cross member 34 (or upper cross member), opposite the first cross member.

[0079] The frame 39 of the collection device 3 may have the same dimensions as the other frames 99 of the super frames 9 intended to support the wax cell networks.

[0080] Thus, the collection device 3 can be inserted into the riser cavity 85 in the same way as a riser frame 9.

[0081] More specifically, the collecting device 3 is suitable for being inserted into the rise cavity 85, so that the first end portion 36 of the second cross member 34 is received in a first notch 88 of the first rack 86, and the second end portion 37 of the second cross member 34 is received in a second notch 89 of the second rack 87, facing the first notch 88.

[0082] Furthermore, the collection device 3 includes a support 38 attached to the frame 39.

[0083] In the example illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the support 38 comprises a plate 40, having a first face 41 and a second face 42, opposite the first face. The plate 40 can be surrounded by the frame 39.

[0084] The plate 40 can, for example, be formed from glass or plastic. The plate can, for example, be formed from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), known under the trade name "Plexiglas", or from another suitable material.

[0085] The collection device 3 further includes an absorbent composition 43 suitable for absorbing volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by bees, such as pheromones, and / or volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by nectar stored in the wax combs during the process of transforming nectar into honey.

[0086] In the example illustrated in [Fig.4], the absorbent composition 43 is a fatty substance.

[0087] More specifically, in the example illustrated in [Fig. 4], the first face 41 of the plate 40 was coated with a layer of grease 43.

[0088] However, the layer of fat 41 can cover either the first face 41 of the plate 40, or the second face 42 of the plate 40.

[0089] Alternatively, the collection device may comprise two layers of fat 43, each layer of fat covering a respective face of the plate 40.

[0090] The layer of fatty substances 43 may have a thickness of between 1 and 30 millimeters, preferably between 1 and 5 millimeters.

[0091] The fatty substance 43 may contain one or more ingredients chosen from: an oil of animal or vegetable origin, a mineral oil, a fat of animal or vegetable origin, or a mixture of these.

[0092] The vegetable oil may, for example, be chosen from: camelina oil, calendula oil, macadamia oil, evening primrose oil, pumpkin seed oil, macassar oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, hemp oil, sweet almond oil, black cumin oil, hazelnut oil, palm oil, oil avocado oil, moringa oil, pongamia oil, copra oil, argan oil or Luffa Cylindrica oil.

[0093] Mineral oil can, for example, be ethyl oleate.

[0094] The vegetable-based fat can, for example, be chosen from: shea butter or mango butter.

[0095] The animal-derived fat can, for example, be chosen from: glycerin, pork fat (or lard), beef fat (tallow).

[0096] The composition of the fat body 43 can be chosen such that the fat body has a melting point above 36 degrees Celsius, preferably within a range of 36 to 60 degrees Celsius, more preferably within a range of 38 to 42 degrees Celsius, so that the absorbent composition does not melt in the hive where the temperature is generally between 33 and 36°C, while having a soft texture promoting migration of the odoriferous compounds inside the fat body.

[0097] By way of example, the fatty substance may include: - approximately 70% by weight of fully hydrogenated coconut oil, and - approximately 30% paraffin by weight. This mixture has a melting point of approximately 42 degrees Celsius.

[0098] The collection device 3 may further include a protection 45 suitable for preventing bees from coming into contact with the fatty body 43, while allowing air circulation through the protection 45.

[0099] In the example illustrated in figures 4 and 5, the protection 45 includes a grid suitable for being fixed to the frame 39, so that the layer of fat 43 is located between the support 38 and the protection 45. The grid has openings whose dimensions are less than the size of a bee, preferably between 1 and 3.5 millimeters.

[0100] Alternatively, the protection 45 may include an air-permeable membrane.

[0101] In the first configuration illustrated in [Fig.5], the hive assembly 1 comprises a series of super frames 9, a first collection device 3A and a second collection device 3B.

[0102] The riser frames 9 are positioned next to each other in the riser cavity 55. The riser frames 9 are kept apart from each other by the racks 86 and 87 and the spacers 116 and 117.

[0103] The first collection device 3A and the second collection device 3B are positioned on either side of the series of super frames 9. In other words, the first collection device 3A and the second collection device 3B are arranged in place of the super frames 9 located at the ends of the series.

[0104] In addition, each collection device 3 is oriented such that the face of the support 38 coated with the layer of grease 43 faces the wax combs supported by an adjacent super frame 9.

[0105] For example, the support 38 of the first collection device 3A has its first face 41 coated with a layer of grease 43. This first face 41 is positioned opposite the wax combs supported by a super frame 9 located at one end of the series of super frames. The support 38 of the second collection device 3B has its second face 42 coated with a layer of grease 43. This second face 42 is positioned opposite the wax combs supported by a super frame 9 located at the other end of the series of super frames.

[0106] In this way, the layers of fatty bodies 43 can absorb the volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by the bees and / or emitted by the nectar stored in the wax combs during the process of transforming nectar into honey.

[0107] In the second configuration illustrated in [Fig.6], the collection device 3 is identical to that of Figures 4 and 5, except that it comprises a first layer of fat 43 covering the first face 41 of the support 38 and a second layer of fat covering the second face of the support 38.

[0108] Furthermore, the collection device 3 includes a first protection 45 and a second protection 46. The first protection 45 is designed to prevent bees from coming into contact with the first layer of grease 43, while allowing air circulation through the first protection 45. The second protection 46 is designed to prevent bees from coming into contact with the second layer of grease 44, while allowing air circulation through the second protection 46.

[0109] In the example illustrated in [Fig.6], the first protector 45 is suitable for being fixed to the frame 39, so that the first layer of grease 43 is located between the support 38 and the first protector 45. Similarly, the second protector 46 is suitable for being fixed to the frame 39, so that the second layer of grease 44 is located between the support 38 and the second protector 46.

[0110] The first protection 45 may include a first grid and the second protection 46 may include a second grid.

[0111] The hive assembly 1 comprises a series of super frames 9 and one or more collection devices 3.

[0112] The riser frames 9 are positioned next to each other in the riser cavity 85. The riser frames 9 are kept apart from each other by the racks 86 and 87 and the spacers 116 and 117.

[0113] Each collection device 3 is positioned between two riser frames 9.

[0114] Thus, the first face 41 of the support 38 coated with the first layer of body frame 43 faces wax combs supported by an adjacent super frame located on one side of the collection device 3, while the second face 42 of the support 38 coated with the second layer of fat 44 faces wax combs supported by another adjacent super frame 6 located on the other side of the collection device 3.

[0115] In this way, the layers of fatty bodies 43, 44 can absorb the volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by the bees and / or emitted by the nectar stored in the wax combs during the process of transforming nectar into honey.

[0116] The configurations illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 can be combined with each other.

[0117] In another example illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the collection device 3 includes a support 38. The support 38 includes a plate 40, having a first face 41 and a second face 42, opposite to the first face.

[0118] The plate 40 can, for example, be formed from glass or plastic. The plate 40 can be formed from a single piece of material, for example from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), known under the trade name "Plexiglas", or from another material.

[0119] The plate 40 comprises a main portion 405, a first suspension lug 406, a second suspension lug 407, and a locking lug 408.

[0120] The main portion 405 has a general rectangular shape. The main portion 405 has a first transverse edge 401, a second transverse edge 402, opposite the first transverse edge 401, a first longitudinal edge 403, and a second longitudinal edge 404, opposite the first longitudinal edge 403.

[0121] The first suspension lug 406 projects from the first transverse edge 401, parallel to the second longitudinal edge 404, in line with the second longitudinal edge 404. The second suspension lug 407 projects from the second transverse edge 402, parallel to the second longitudinal edge 404, in line with the second longitudinal edge 404. The first suspension lug 406 and the second suspension lug 407 are adapted to bear against the first rack 86 and the second rack 87 respectively when the collection device 3 is inserted into the riser 3. More specifically, the first suspension lug 406 is adapted to bear against the first rack 86, between two successive first notches 88 of the first rack 86.The second suspension leg 407 is designed to bear against the second rack 87, between two successive second notches 89 of the second rack 87.

[0122] The locking tab 408 extends outward from the first transverse edge 401. The locking tab 408 forms a hook suitable for engaging in a projecting loop 118 of the first spacer 116 as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0123] The collection device 3 further includes a fatty body 43 suitable for absorbing volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by bees, such as pheromones, and / or volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by nectar stored in the wax combs during the process of transforming nectar into honey.

[0124] In the example illustrated in [Fig.7], the first face 41 of the plate 40 has been coated with a layer of grease 43.

[0125] However, the layer of fat 41 can cover either the first face 41 of the plate 40, or the second face 42 of the plate 40.

[0126] Alternatively, the collection device 3 may comprise two layers of fat 43, each layer of fat covering a respective face of the plate 40.

[0127] In the configuration illustrated in [Fig.8], several collection devices 3 are arranged inside the riser cavity 85.

[0128] Each collection device 3 is intercalated between two successive riser frames 9.

[0129] Steps of a process for collecting odoriferous compounds 100 are schematically illustrated in [Fig.9].

[0130] According to a first step 101, one or more collection devices 3 is / are placed inside the hive 2.

[0131] In the case where the collection device(s) 3 is / are placed inside the riser cavity 85, the collection device(s) 3 can / can be placed in the configuration illustrated in [Fig.4] or in the configuration illustrated in [Fig.5] or a combination of these configurations.

[0132] Alternatively, the collection device(s) 3 can be placed in the configuration illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0133] The collection device(s) 3 remain(s) in the super cavity 3 for a period of 10 to 150 days, for example 10 to 30 days, so that the fatty body 43, 44 absorbs volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by the nectar stored in the wax combs during the process of transforming the nectar into honey.

[0134] In the case where the collection device(s) 3 is / are placed inside the body cavity 55, the collection device(s) 3 may remain in the body cavity for a longer period.

[0135] The collection device(s) 3 remain(s) in the body cavity 55 for a period of 3 to 11 months, for example during the winter months (December to March), so that the fatty body 43, 44 absorbs the volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by the bees, such as pheromones.

[0136] According to a second step 102, once the fat body 43, 44 has absorbed the volatile odoriferous compounds, the collection device(s) 3 is(s) removed from the hive assembly 1 and the fat body loaded with odoriferous compounds is harvested.

[0137] For this purpose, the fat can be scraped off with a spatula and placed in a container.

[0138] According to a third step 103, the fat charged with odoriferous compounds is treated with a solvent to extract the odoriferous compounds from the fat.

[0139] For this purpose, the fatty substance loaded with odoriferous compounds can be mixed with the solvent.

[0140] The solvent may be an alcohol, such as for example ethanol.

[0141] Alternatively, the fatty body loaded with odoriferous compounds can be heated to be melted, then mixed with the solvent.

[0142] When heating the fat, care should be taken not to exceed 60 degrees Celsius, and preferably not to exceed 45 degrees Celsius, in order not to damage the odoriferous compounds.

[0143] During this third step 103, the odoriferous compounds present in the fat are solubilized in the solvent. In other words, the odoriferous compounds migrate from the fat to the solvent in which they dissolve.

[0144] According to a fourth step 104, the fat is separated from the solvent to recover the solvent in which the odoriferous compounds are dissolved.

[0145] For this purpose, the mixture consisting of the fat and the solvent can be cooled and then filtered to extract the solidified fat.

[0146] According to a fifth step 105, the solvent is evaporated to obtain an absolute, that is to say a composition concentrated in odoriferous compounds.

[0147] For this purpose, the solvent in which the odoriferous compounds are dissolved can be evaporated at atmospheric pressure by heating, or by evaporating the solvent under vacuum to avoid heating.

[0148] The absolute obtained has a characteristic odor of the beehive and can be used for example to manufacture perfume compositions or cosmetic product compositions or aromatic compositions.

[0149] Alternatively, it is possible to carry out only steps 101 and 102 of the process in order to obtain the fat body loaded with odoriferous compounds, and to use this fat body directly to manufacture perfume compositions or cosmetic product compositions or aromatic compositions.

[0150] Alternatively, it is also possible to carry out only steps 101 to 104 of the process in order to obtain a solution comprising the solvent in which the odoriferous compounds are dissolved, and to use this solution directly to manufacture perfume compositions or cosmetic product compositions or aromatic compositions.

[0151] In the examples described in relation to Figures 1 to 9, the absorbent composition is a fatty substance. However, it would be possible to use a composition non-greasy absorbent, such as a composition selected from a solvent, such as an aliphatic alcohol (e.g. ethanol) or water, or activated charcoal.

[0152] In the examples described in relation to Figures 1 to 9, the absorbent composition is placed inside a super, accessible to the bees. However, it would also be possible to place the absorbent composition inside a super, inaccessible to the bees. For example, it would be possible to stack an additional super to form the hive assembly, the additional super containing the absorbent composition, the hive assembly further comprising a bee screen or a perforated board, allowing air circulation between the cavity of the additional super and the other cavities of the hive, but preventing bees from entering the cavity of the additional super.

[0153] In order to promote air circulation towards the super cavity containing the absorbent composition, the hive assembly may include a mechanical fan suitable for generating an airflow directed towards the super cavity containing the absorbent composition.

[0154] Alternatively, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the hive assembly 1 may include a collection chamber 13, separate from the hive 2, in which the absorbent composition 43 is placed. In this case, the hive assembly 1 may include a first air circulation duct 14 connecting the hive 2 to the chamber 13 containing the absorbent composition 43. More specifically, the first air circulation duct 14 is adapted to connect an internal cavity of the hive 2 (for example, the brood chamber 55 and / or the super cavity(ies) 85) with a cavity 135 of the chamber 13, containing the absorbent composition 43. The hive assembly 1 includes a mechanical fan 15 arranged to circulate air from the hive cavity to the cavity 135 of the chamber 13, via the first air circulation duct. 14.The hive assembly 1 may also include a second air circulation duct 16, arranged to allow a return of air from the cavity 135 of the enclosure 13 to the hive cavity.

[0155] Furthermore, in the example schematically illustrated in [Fig. 10], the absorbent composition 43 can be a liquid composition, and the first air circulation duct 14 can be arranged so that air from the hive cavity is injected into the liquid composition. Thus, the air captured inside the hive, containing the odoriferous compounds, bubbles through the liquid composition, creating a large contact surface between the air bubbles and the absorbent composition 43. The transfer of the odoriferous compounds from the air to the absorbent composition is then rapid and efficient.

Claims

Demands

1. A method (100) for collecting volatile odoriferous compounds emitted in a beehive housing a colony of bees, comprising the steps of: - placing an absorbent composition (43, 44) in contact with air carrying volatile odoriferous compounds from inside the beehive (2), so that the absorbent composition (43, 44) absorbs the volatile odoriferous compounds, and - harvesting the absorbent composition loaded with odoriferous compounds.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent composition (43, 44) is a fatty substance.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the fat (43, 44) contains an ingredient selected from: an oil of animal or vegetable origin, a mineral oil, a fat of animal or vegetable origin, or a mixture of these.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air carrying the odoriferous compounds is circulated and directed, by means of a fan (15), towards the absorbent composition.

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a step of: - treating the absorbent composition loaded with odoriferous compounds, with a solvent to extract the odoriferous compounds from the absorbent composition, - separating the absorbent composition from the solvent to recover the solvent in which the odoriferous compounds are dissolved.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the solvent is an alcohol.

7. A process according to any one of claims 5 and 6, comprising a step of: - evaporating the solvent to obtain an absolute concentrated in odoriferous compounds.

8. A beehive assembly (1), comprising: - a beehive (2) comprising walls (51, 81) delimiting a cavity (55, 85) and frames (6, 9) suitable for being placed in the cavity (55, 85) to receive wax combs, and - a collection device (3) suitable for being placed in the cavity (55, 85), comprising an absorbent composition (43, 44) suitable for absorbing volatile odoriferous compounds emitted by bees and / or emitted by nectar stored in the wax combs during the process of transforming nectar into honey.

9. A beehive assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the beehive (2) comprises a hive body (5) and a super (8), comprising walls of the super (81) delimiting a super cavity (85) and super frames (9) adapted to be arranged in the super cavity (55) to receive wax combs, the collection device (3) being adapted to be arranged in the super cavity (85).

10. Beehive assembly according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the absorbent composition is a fatty substance.

11. Beehive assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the collection device (3) comprises a support (38) coated with a layer of grease (43, 44).

12. Assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the collection device (3) comprises a frame (39) to which the support (38) is attached, and the support (38) comprises a plate (40) having a face (41, 42) coated with the layer of grease (43, 44), surrounded by the frame (39).

13. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the collection device (3) includes a protection (45, 46) suitable for preventing bees from coming into contact with the absorbent composition (43, 44).

14. Assembly (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, comprising a fan (15) adapted to circulate air from the hive (2) to transport volatile odoriferous compounds to the absorbent composition (43, 44).

15. Absorbent composition loaded with odoriferous compounds, capable of being obtained by a collection process (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

16. Solution comprising a solvent in which the odoriferous compounds are dissolved, capable of being obtained by a collection process (100) according to any one of claims 5 and 6.

17. Absolute concentrated in odoriferous compounds, capable of being obtained by a collection process (100) according to claim 7.

18. Perfume composition, cosmetic composition or aromatic composition, comprising an absorbent composition according to claim 15 or a solution according to claim 16 or an absolute according to claim 17.

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