Device for feeding insects

Abstract

There is provided a device (1) for culturing insects comprising a nozzle (6) for providing insect feed, said nozzle (6) being fixed in relation to the device (1), a feed source (2) for providing insect feed to the nozzle (6), translation means (9) arranged to support an insect culturing container (7) below the nozzle (6) and arranged to horizontally translate the insect culturing container (7), a control device (10) for controlling the feed source (2) and the translation means (9), wherein the device (1) is arranged to translate the insect culturing container (7) in any direction along the horizontal plane while the nozzle (6) provides feed into the container (7).

Description

[0001] Device for feeding insects

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] This invention relates to a device for feeding insects, in particular insect larvae, for example mealworms.

[0004] Large-scale culturing of insects will provide an important protein future source for humans and animals, such as household cats, dogs, pigs, and aquatic cultures. In particular, insect larvae, such as larvae from mealworm or black soldier fly, are suitable for culturing.

[0005] Larvae are typically cultured in tray-like containers. The containers are typically arranged in stacks in order to culture as much larvae in as little space as possible. This makes it difficult to spread feed into the individual containers.

[0006] One solution is to de-stack a stack of containers and feed each container individually from above. However, this is work intensive or needs machinery arranged to specifically de-stack and stack containers.

[0007] Hence there is a need for improved devices and methods for large-scale feeding of insects. of invention

[0008] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a device for culturing insects comprising a nozzle for providing insect feed, said nozzle being fixed in relation to the device, a feed source for providing insect feed to the nozzle, translation means arranged to support an insect culturing container below the nozzle and arranged to horizontally translate the insect culturing container, a control device for controlling the feed source and the translation means characterized in that the device is arranged to translate the insect culturing container in any direction along the horizontal plane while the nozzle provides feed into the insect culturing container.

[0009] An advantage with keeping the nozzle in a fixed position and moving the insect culturing container is that the tubes connected to the nozzle will last longer. The nozzle is connected to pressure tubes which are sensitive to being moved about and it is an advantage if they can be moved as little as possible. Also, it is an advantage to keep tubes short in order to prevent pressure fall over the length of the tube. Moreover, the amount of feed waste when washing the device is reduced.

[0010] An advantage with moving the insect culturing container in any horizontal directions during feeding is that feed can be distributed in a more exact manner. This provides even feeding across the culture in the insect culturing container. Moreover, exact feeding avoids leaving feed on the side walls of the insect culturing containers. Leving side feed on the side walls is a disadvantage because it enables the larvae to climb on the walls and escape the insect culturing container. The larvae do not climb on clean plastic.

[0011] It is also easy to switch between different feeding patterns which makes it possible to test different feeding patterns. Feeding patterns has a surprisingly large impact on the growth of the larvae and a feeding pattern may have to be optimized for each type of feed.

[0012] The device may be arranged to first translate the insect culturing container in a first horizontal direction during feeding and then translate the insect culturing container in a second horizontal direction during feeding, where the first and second directions are different.

[0013] This has the advantage of providing more complex feed patterns in a insect culturing container may be obtained. The translation means may comprise a conveyor arranged to support a culturing container, where the conveyor is arranged to translate a supported culturing container along a first horizontal axis, where the conveyor itself is simultaneously horizontally translatable along second horizontal axis which is perpendicular to the first horizontal axis.

[0014] This has the advantage of providing a good workflow where insect culturing containers can be handled after each other. Also, conveyors are low cost and reliable.

[0015] In various embodiments, the nozzle has a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis is parallel to the second horizontal axis.

[0016] In various embodiments, the device is arranged to translate a supported insect culturing container or a supported stack of insect culturing containers away from the nozzle along the second horizontal axis to such an extent that that the nozzle is not projected in the vertical direction on the footprint of the container or the stack of containers.

[0017] In various embodiments, the conveyor is arranged to receive an insect culturing container from a second conveyor before feeding or arranged to deliver the insect culturing container to a third conveyor after feeding.

[0018] The device may comprise at least two nozzles spaced vertically from each other. This has the advantage of simultaneous providing feed to stacked containers.

[0019] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a system comprising a device according to the first aspect of the invention and a plurality of insect culturing containers.

[0020] The containers may be rectangular trays and where the nozzle may be longer than the smallest width of the tray. This has the advantage of feeding trays arranged side-by side in a convenient manner.

[0021] When using long nozzles such as when feeding two or more stacks of insect culturing containers beside each other, the nozzle tends to vibrate during movement. This makes it difficult to insert the nozzle in the opening of the side wall of the container. Moving the stacks makes avoids this problem.

[0022] In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for feeding insects comprising arranging at least one culturing container in a device according to the first aspect of the invention and then translating the insect culturing container in any horizontal direction while providing feed from the nozzle.

[0023] The method may comprise the step of first translating the culturing container in a first horizontal direction and then translating the insect culturing container in at a second horizontal direction while providing feed from the nozzle, where the second horizontal direction is different from the first horizontal direction.

[0024] This makes it possible to create complex patterns of feed in the container.

[0025] In various embodiments, the device has at a first nozzle arranged above a second nozzle and a first insect culturing container is arranged above a second insect culturing container to form a stack and where at least the second insect culturing container has a side wall with an opening, and where the second nozzle is inserted through the opening of the side wall of the second insect culturing container by translating the stack along the second axis and where the nozzle is removed by translating the stack along the second axis ni the reverse direction.

[0026] In various embodiments, the nozzle of the device has a longitudinal axis and where a first and a second insect culturing containers are arranged along the longitudinal axis at the same vertical level, the method comprising a) simultaneously translating both insect culturing container so that that the nozzle is arranged to provide feed to the first insect culturing container, b) providing feed from nozzle to the first insect culturing container, c) simultaneously translating both insect culturing containers along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle so that the nozzle is arranged to provide feed to the second insect culturing container, d) providing feed from the nozzle to the second insect culturing container.

[0027] The first and second containers may be provided in separate container stacks and the nozzle may then be inserted trough an opening in the side walls of the first and second container.

[0028] In various embodiments, the conveyor is arranged to receive an insect culturing container from a second conveyor before feeding or arranged to deliver the insect culturing container to a third conveyor after feeding and the first conveyor receives an insect culturing container from a second conveyor before feeding or where the first conveyor provides the insect culturing container to a third conveyor after feeding.

[0029] In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for culturing insects comprising a nozzle for providing insect feed, said nozzle being fixed in relation to the device, a feed source for providing insect feed to the nozzle, translation means arranged to support an insect culturing container below the nozzle and arranged to horizontally translate the insect culturing container, a control device for controlling the feed source and the translation means characterized in that the system is arranged to translate the insect culturing container in any direction along the horizontal plane while the nozzle provides feed into the insect culturing container. The system may have all the features of the device according to the first aspect of the invention described herein.

[0030] The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification and schematically illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and serve to illustrate the principles of the invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing of a device and an insect culturing container seen from above Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of a device and an insect culturing container.

[0031] Fig. 3 are schematic drawings of insect culturing containers and distributed feed as seen from above.

[0032] Figs. 4a, 4b and 5 are drawings of arrangements of insect culturing containers.

[0033] Figs. 6 and 7 shows stacks of insect culturing containers and nozzles.

[0034] Figs. 8a and 8b are schematic drawings of a device seen from above.

[0035] Figs. 9-11 are drawings of an embodiment of a device, where Fig. 9 is a perspective view while Figs 10-11 show the device from above.

[0036] Figs. 12a and 12b are schematic drawings of an embodiment of a device seen from above.

[0037] Detailed description

[0038] With reference to Figs 1-2, the device 1 comprises a feed source 2 that may comprise a feed storage 3 and a pump 4 and conduits 5 which may comprise pipes or flexible tubes. The feed source 2 provides the feed to a nozzle 6.

[0039] In some embodiment the device may be adapted to feed solid i.e., non-pumpable feed, such as feed in pelleted form or grain form. However, the invention will be described to pumpable feed. The pumpable feed may for example be liquid or have porridge or slurry-like consistency.

[0040] The feed may be pumpable. The feed may for example have a water content of from 60- 95% (weight / weight). Suitable feeds include various plant-based materials such as for example cereal grain or parts thereof, for example cereal flour, bran or cereal husks such as for example wheat bran or oat bran. Other suitable plant-based materials include rice, rice bran, rice flour, corn or other parts of the corn cob, oil seed husk, psyllium husk, bread or brewer's spent grain (BSG, draff). The plant-based material may be mixed with water to obtain a suitable consistency or texture. The pump 4 pumps the feed from the storage 3 to the nozzle 6. An insect culturing container 7 is arranged below the nozzle 6 during feeding such that feed can drop from the nozzle 6 into the tray 7. The nozzle comprises an elongated pipe 26 and an opening at the tip 24 of the pipe 26 for releasing feed. Nozzle 6 may be substantially stiff. Feed may for example be provided as a stream or flow 8 from nozzle 6 (Fig 2). The nozzle 6 may have elongated shape and hence have longitudinal axis 25. The longitudinal axis 25 of the nozzle 6 is preferably arranged horizontally.

[0041] The feed source 2 may be switched on and off for example by controlling pump 4 or one or more valves to stop and start the flow 8 of feed. The pump 4 or the valve may be controlled by a control signal from control device 10.

[0042] The insect culturing container 7 has at least one opening for access for nozzle 6. The insect culturing container 7 may be an insect culturing tray 7 such as a standard insect culturing tray 7 that may for example have the dimensions: length 0.3 -1.2m, width 0.2-0.8 m, height 0.1 m-0.3 m. For simplicity the insect culturing container 7 will be referred to as "tray 7" herein.

[0043] The trays 7 may be stackable. The trays 7 may be stackable to form a self-supporting stack 20, as seen in Fig. 4a. Hence, the stack 20 may have the shape of a rectangular block. The trays 7 may be interlockable. The trays 7 may be made from a polymer material. Examples of suitable feeding trays include Beekenkamp insect culturing trays.

[0044] Typically, the tray 7 is open at the top. A tray 7 may, in addition, have an opening 21 in the side wall 23 of the tray 7. Opening 21 in side wall 23 is preferably so that opening 21 is accessible by the nozzle 6 from the side of the tray 7. By inserting nozzle 6 trough opening 21 the space between trays 7 in a stack 20 can be accessed for feeding. An example is shown in Figs 4a and 7. Hence opening 21 may be an opening that is accessible from the side of the tray 7. When trays 7 are stacked, openings 21 may be at least partially aligned as seen in Fig. 4b and 7. For example, the interlocking mechanism of trays 7 may ensure that openings 21 are aligned.

[0045] Translation means 9 is arranged to support at least one tray 7. In various embodiments the trays 7 are stacked meaning that a certain tray 7 may be supported by the tray 7 below. The tray 7 is supported below the nozzle 6 at least during feeding.

[0046] The translation means 9 is arranged to translate the tray 7 horizontally, in any direction along the horizontal plane. The translation means is controlled by a control signal from control device 10.

[0047] The translation means 9 may for example comprise a powered conveyer which is arranged to support at least one tray 7 where the conveyor itself is able to translate, where the conveyor is arranged to translate a tray 7 along a first horizontal axis and where the conveyor itself is translatable along a second horizontal axis. This enables translation in two directions along the first horizontal axis and two directions along the second horizontal axis. It is preferred that the first and second axis are perpendicular to each other. The conveyor may be any type of suitable conveyor such as a rolling conveyor, a belt conveyor, or a chain conveyor. Translation of the conveyor itself is carried out by a second translation means which may be any suitable type of linear actuator, such as a servo motor, a rack and pinon or a stepper motor, or a powered screw or a hydraulic or pneumatic linear actuator. An example of such a translation means 9 is first conveyor 14 of Figs. 8-11, described below. Translation in any horizontal direction is obtained by activating the conveyor and the second translation means simultaneously.

[0048] Using a conveyor has the advantage of providing a useful workflow when a plurality of trays 7are fed one after the other as seen in Fig. 8a and 8b. The translation means 9 is then easily integrated in to a work flow since the conveyor may be used to transport the tray 7 in the work flow. In a different embodiment, the translation means 9 comprises a moving table on which a tray 7 or a stack 20 of trays can be placed. The moving table may be translated by electric or hydraulic actuators, along first and second horizontal axis respectively.

[0049] In yet a different embodiment a tray 7 is supported by an automated guided vehicle (AGV), which translates the tray 7. The AGV may be arranged to navigate a floor, for example using wheels or a continuous track while supporting a tray 7 or a stack 20 of trays 7.

[0050] In yet a different embodiment a tray 7 or a stack 20 of trays 7 is held by an articulated industrial robot that is arranged to translate the tray 7 or stack 20 of trays 7 in any horizontal direction.

[0051] In various embodiments, it may be more appropriate to refer to a system for culturing insects comprising a nozzle for providing insect feed, said nozzle being fixed in relation to the device, a feed source for providing insect feed to the nozzle, translation means arranged to support an insect culturing container below the nozzle and arranged to horizontally translate the insect culturing container, a control device for controlling the feed source and the translation means characterized in that the system is arranged to translate the insect culturing container in any direction along the horizontal plane while the nozzle provides feed into the insect culturing container.

[0052] The nozzle 6 is preferably arranged with its longitudinal axis 25 aligned along the second horizontal axis. This has the advantage of providing a good workflow when feeding a plurality of trays one after the other, because after feeding a tray 7, the conveyor can translate the tray 7 forward in the workflow without the need to back the conveyor or backing the work flow.

[0053] The device may comprise a plurality of nozzles 6. The plurality of nozzles 6 may be arranged with their longitudinal axis parallel and aligned along a first vertical plane. The tips 24 of the nozzles 6 may be arranged along a second vertical plane which is perpendicular to the first horizontal plane, as seen in Fig. 6 and 9. The plurality of nozzles may be evenly spaced vertically.

[0054] The device 1 further comprise a control device 10 that is arranged to control the feed source 2 and to control the translation means 9. The control device 10 may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and software. The control device 10 may comprise a bus, a processor and a memory and an output means arranged to provide control signals to the feed source 2 and the translation means 9. The control device 10 may comprise control circuitry. The control signal may be provided by wire or wirelessly. The control device 10 may be a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).

[0055] The control device 10 may provide an input means that enables a user to provide input to the control device 10. A user may be able to make input using for example a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch screen. The memory of the control device 10 may comprise instructions that switches on and off the feed source 2 and that makes the translation means 9 translates the tray 7 horizontally in a predetermined manner. The predetermined manner may be configured to spread the feed in a certain pattern. Examples of some patterns of feed that has been distributed to a tray 7 are seen in Fig. 3. The control device 10 may define, for example in the software, feeding times, feeding flows, opening and closing of valves, or translation of the tray. For example, these parameters may be selected such that the feeding patterns of Fig, 3, or any other suitable feeding patters are obtained. A user may be able to select a feeding pattern from a plurality of feeding patterns stored in the memory of the control device. The methods herein can be implemented with any suitable combination of software and hardware. Any suitable programming language may be used for the software units and methods described.

[0056] The control device 10 may be arranged to receive signals, such as digital signals from various sensors of the device 1, and to use the input from the sensors to control the translation of one or more trays 7 or stacks 20 of trays 7, or to control the flow of feed from the nozzle 6, such as switch on and off the flow of feed. A sensor may for example detect the position or presence of a tray 7, or the flow of feed. Sensor may use for example IR, ultrasound, radar or laser to detect the presence or position of a tray 7. For example, a sensor may detect the position of a tray 7 in relation to translation means 9. Such a signal may be used by control device to correctly position the tray 7 before feeding starts.

[0057] The device 1 is powered by a power source, to power the pump 4 and the translation means 9 and the control device 10.

[0058] The device 1 is preferably placed on a floor, such as a floor in a building. The device 1 may be arranged to stand on a floor. The device 1 may thus have feet or other types of support arranged to rest on a floor. The device 1 is preferably stationary in particular in relation to the floor, in particular during feeding. The nozzle 6 is fixed in relation to the device 1, at least during feeding or during operation. Hence the tray 7 is translated in relation to the room or floor, while the nozzle 6 is kept stationary during operation or during feeding.

[0059] Figs 4-7 shows arrangements of multiple trays 7 which can be used with device 1. Fig 4a shows four stacks 20 of trays 7 arranged on an optional pallet 22. Each tray 7 is accessible for feeding via the opening 21 by inserting the nozzle 6 through the opening 21. Preferably a stack 20 of trays 7 is arranged in the device 1 so that an opening 21 faces the nozzle 6 or nozzles 6 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 6 or nozzles 6.

[0060] This arrangement makes it easy to feed two stacks 20 of trays 7 that are arranged next to each other using the same nozzle 6. At least two trays 7 or two stacks 20 of trays 7 may be arranged with their openings 21 at least partially aligned. For example, identical trays 7 may be arranged at the same vertical level. In some embodiments the openings 21 are aligned along the second horizontal axis or the first horizontal axis. An example is shown in Fig. 5 where openings 21a and 21b of a first tray 7a are aligned with an opening 21c of a second tray 7b. This enables a nozzle 6 with sufficient length to first feed a first tray 7a and then feed a second tray 7b (or vice versa) by moving the tray 7 or stack of trays 20 along the second horizontal axis or the first horizontal axis. The length of the nozzle 6 may be at least the width of the smallest width of the tray, more preferably 1.25 times the smallest width of the tray and most preferably at least 1.5 times the smallest width of the tray. For example, the nozzle may be from 30 cmto 120 cm, more preferably from 50 cm to 120 cm. The length of the nozzle 6 may be defined as the length of the pipe 26, including fittings at the tip 24. The nozzle 6 may access second tray 7b trough openings 21abc. It is also referred to Fig. 7 which shows how nozzle 6 accesses a stack 20 of trays trough openings 21.

[0061] Fig. 8a and 8b shows an embodiment of a device 1 seen from above. The operation will be described in relation to a tray 7 but will also apply to a stack 20 of trays 7. The device 1 comprises three separate and cooperating conveyors 13, 14, 15. First conveyor 14 is the translation means 9.

[0062] The conveyors 13, 14, 15 are arranged such that trays 7 may be delivered from second conveyor 13 to first conveyor 14 where feeding takes place and then on towards third conveyor 15. In some embodiments the device 1 comprises first conveyor 14 and second conveyor 13. In some embodiments the device comprises first conveyor 14 and third conveyor 15. In general, second 13 and third conveyors 15 are optional and may be excluded from device. Hence a tray 7 may then be delivered to first conveyor 14 in a different manner, for example by hand.

[0063] The conveyors 13, 14, 15 may be rolling conveyors. Second conveyor 13 may transport a tray 7a along the first horizontal axis (X-axis) towards the first conveyor 14, so that the tray 7a reaches the first conveyor 14 as seen in Fig. 8a. The first conveyor 14 receives the tray 7a from the second conveyor 15 and may optionally translate the tray 7a further so that the tray 7a completely rests on first conveyor 14 (Fig 8a). Tray 7b is a second tray that awaits feeding. The entire first conveyor 14 then translates, with the aid of second translation means, along the second horizontal axis (Y-axis) in the direction towards the nozzles 6 so that the tray 7a is placed below the nozzle 6 (Fig. 8b). Feeding then takes place by expelling feed from nozzle 6 while the first conveyor 14 translates the tray 7a along the first axis by conveying the tray 7a and along the second axis by itself translating along the second axis. Translation is carried out in a predetermined manner. Translation is controlled by control device 10, in order to carry out the desired feeding pattern. After feeding has been completed, first conveyor 14 translates back to the initial position along the second axis. First conveyor 14 may then transport the tray to a third conveyor 15. The third conveyor 15 res’ ceives the tray 7. Third conveyor 15 may for example transport tray 7a to an unloading area.

[0064] A new tray 7b may then be provided to first conveyor 14 by second conveyor 13. Conveyors 13, 14, 15, may be used to transport a tray in the reverse direction if needed, for example if an error occurs.

[0065] It is preferred that the device 1 is arranged to be able to translate a supported tray 7 or a supported stack 20 of trays 7 away from the nozzle 6 along the second horizontal axis to such an extent that that the nozzle 6 is not projected in the vertical direction on the footprint of the tray 7 or the stack 20 of trays 7. An example of such a position is shown in Fig. 8a. The tray 7 may be in this position after feeding (hence after being in the position of Fig 8b). Hence, a tray 7 may be a translated away from the tip 24 of the nozzle 6 with the distance D. Hence it is preferred that a tray 7 may be translated along the second axis in the direction away from the nozzle so that so that D > 0. An example is shown in Fig 6. An advantage with this is that a stack 20 of trays 7 can subsequently be transported, in an efficient manner away from the nozzles 6 along the first axis by the first conveyor 15, in particular when nozzles 6 are inserted into openings 21. In particular a stack 20 may be translated in the direction from the nozzle 6 along the second axis so that nozzles 6 do not protrude into openings 21. This enables translation of the stack 20 along the first axis. For example, the stack 20 may be moved from the device 1 for further downstream processing, for example the stack can be moved to an insect culturing room. w

[0066] Figs. 9- 11 shows an example of a device 1 according to the embodiment of Figs. 8a and 8b. Device 1 may comprise feed source 2 comprising a feed storage 3, pump 4 and various conduits 5.

[0067] 15 According to various embodiments, of which Fig 9-11 is an example only, device 1 may comprise a plurality of nozzles 6 arranged vertically in order to provide feed to stack 20 of trays 7 simultaneously as shown in Fig. 7. Feed is provided to the nozzles 6 from the feed source 2, optionally via a flow divider or product divider that ensures that the flow is approximately the same in each nozzle 6.

[0068] Device 1 of Figs 9-11 comprises a second rolling conveyor 13 which is able to translate a stack 20 of trays 7 along the first horizontal axis (X-axis) (two directions). A first rolling conveyor 14, which corresponds to translation means 9, is, in addition, able to translate in along the second horizontal axis (Y-axis) (two directions) with the aid of a second translation means. The device 1 of Fig. 9 has two vertical rows of nozzles 6 and is able to feed two stacks 20 simultaneously. The device is able to serve four stacks 20 arranged as seen in Figs. 4a and 4b by first serving two stacks 20ab an then two more stacks 20cd (or vice versa) after translating the stacks 20 along the second axis (Y-axis).

[0069] The rollers of the rolling conveyor 13, 14, 15 are powered by one or more motors. The rollers may have a rubber surface which provides suitable friction so that the trays do not move in an unpredictable manner.

[0070] Yet a different embodiment is shown in Figs 12a and 12b. Here, the longitudinal axis of the nozzle is parallel to the first horizontal axis. The conveyor 14 translates the tray 7 along the first horizontal axis so that it is below the nozzle 6 and then the conveyor is able to translate in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Fig 12 a shows how the tray 7 is placed below the nozzle and Fig. 12 b shows feeding.

[0071] Various methods related to device 1 will now be described.

[0072] A method for feeding insects may comprise arranging at least one tray 7 in a device 1 then translating the tray 7 horizontally while providing feed from the nozzle 6. Preferably the tray 7 is translated in at least a first horizontal direction and then a second, different, horizontal direction during feeding. Various feeding patterns may be obtained. In various embodiments, the device 1 has a first nozzle 6 arranged above a second nozzle 6 and a first tray 7 is arranged above a second tray 7, for example in a stack 20, and where at least the second tray 7 has a side wall 23 with an opening 21, and where the second nozzle 6 is inserted through the opening 21 of the side wall 23 of the second tray 7. Insertion of nozzles 6 (and also removal of nozzles 6) may be carried out by activating the second translation means which translates the first conveyor 14 along the second axis. Alternatively, the second nozzle 6 may be inserted by translating a stack 20 of trays 7 along the first axis (Fig 12ab).

[0073] In various embodiments, the nozzle 6 of the device 1 has a longitudinal axis and where a first and a second trays 7ab are provided arranged along the longitudinal axis at the same vertical level, for example as seen in Fig. 6. The first and second trays 7ab are preferably provided in separate stacks 20 and arranged on a conveyor 14. The nozzle 6 may be inserted through an opening 21 in the side wall 23 of the first and second trays 7. The nozzle 6 may be inserted through opening 21 by translating the stack 20 along the second axis. Feed is then provided from the nozzle 6 to the first tray 7a. Both trays 7ab are then translated along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle 6 so that the nozzle is above the second tray 7b. It is preferred to stop feeding during this translation step, order to prevent spillage of feed between containers 7ab. The longitudinal axis of the nozzle 6 is preferably parallel to the second axis. Feed is then provided from the nozzle 6 to the tray 7b. The trays may be fed in the reverse order. An example of how nozzles 6 reaches the stack 20 furthest away is seen in Fig. 7.

[0074] In various embodiments the first conveyor 14 receives a tray 7 from a second conveyor 13 before feeding and where the first conveyor provides 14 the tray to a third conveyor 15 after feeding.

[0075] It is realized that everything which has been described in connection to one embodiment is fully applicable to other embodiments, as compatible. Hence, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be varied within the scope of the enclosed claims. While the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, the description is in general only intended to illustrate the inventive concept and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. The invention is generally defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for culturing insects comprising a nozzle for providing insect feed, said nozzle being fixed in relation to the device, a feed source for providing insect feed to the nozzle, translation means arranged to support an insect culturing container below the nozzle and arranged to horizontally translate the insect culturing container, a control device for controlling the feed source and the translation means characterized in that the device is arranged to translate the insect culturing container in any direction along the horizontal plane while the nozzle provides feed into the insect culturing container.

2. The device according to claim 1 where the device is arranged to first translate the insect culturing container in a first horizontal direction during feeding and then translate the insect culturing container in a second horizontal direction during feeding, where the first and second directions are different.

3. The device according to claims 1 or 2 where the translation means comprises a conveyor arranged to support a culturing container, where the conveyor is arranged to translate a supported culturing container along a first horizontal axis, where the conveyor itself is simultaneously horizontally translatable along second horizontal axis which is perpendicular to the first horizontal axis.

4. The device according to claim 3 where the nozzle has a longitudinal axis and the longitudinal axis is parallel to the second horizontal axis.

5. The device according to claim 4 where the device is arranged to translate a supported insect culturing container or a supported stack of insect culturing containers away from the nozzle along the second horizontal axis to such an extentthat that the nozzle is not projected in the vertical direction on the footprint of the container or the stack of containers.

6. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 5 where the conveyor is arranged to receive an insect culturing container from a second conveyor before feeding or arranged to deliver the insect culturing container to a third conveyor after feeding.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 comprising at least two nozzles spaced vertically from each other.

8. A system comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a plurality of insect culturing containers.

9. The system according to claim 8 where the insect culturing containers are rectangular trays and where the nozzle is longer than the smallest width of the tray.

10. A method for feeding insects comprising arranging at least one culturing container in a device according to anyone claims 1 to 7 and then translating the insect culturing container in any horizontal direction while providing feed from the nozzle.

11. The method of claim 10 comprising first translating the culturing container in a first horizontal direction and then translating the insect culturing container in at a second horizontal direction while providing feed from the nozzle, where the second horizontal direction is different from the first horizontal direction.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11 where the device has at a first nozzle arranged above a second nozzle and a first insect culturing container is arranged above a second insect culturing container to form a stack and where at least the secondinsect culturing container has a side wall with an opening, and where the second nozzle is inserted through the opening of the side wall of the second insect culturing container by translating the stack along the second axis and where the nozzle is removed by translating the stack along the second axis ni the reverse direction.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12 where the nozzle of the device has a longitudinal axis and where a first and a second insect culturing containers are arranged along the longitudinal axis at the same vertical level, the method comprising a) simultaneously translating both insect culturing container so that that the nozzle is arranged to provide feed to the first insect culturing container, b) providing feed from nozzle to the first insect culturing container, c) simultaneously translating both insect culturing containers along the longitudinal axis of the nozzle so that the nozzle is arranged to provide feed to the second insect culturing container, d) providing feed from the nozzle to the second insect culturing container.

14. The method of claim 13 where the first and second containers are provided in separate container stacks and the nozzle is inserted trough an opening in the side walls of the first and second container.

15. The method of any one of claims 10 to 14 where a device according to claim 6 is used and the first conveyor receives an insect culturing container from a second conveyor before feeding or where the first conveyor provides the insect culturing container to a third conveyor after feeding.

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