Beehive with clamping mechanism

Abstract

A brood chamber which is suitable for receiving a plurality of frames, the brood chamber comprising, at least one support surface on which one or more frame members can rest when inserted into the brood chamber; and at least one clamping mechanism which has a jaw member, wherein the clamping mechanism is selectively configurable into an open configuration or a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration a portion of the frame member resting on the support surface is clamped between the jaw member and the support surface. There is further provided a beehive assembly comprising the brood chamber and one or more frames. (Fig. 1)

Description

Beehive with clamping mechanismField of the invention

[0001] The present invention concerns a beehive with a clamping mechanism; more specifically the beehive comprises a brood chamber which can receive a plurality of frame members, wherein each respective frame member defines an area and has a respective heating element which extends across said area, and one or more electrical contacts which are electrically connected to said heating elements. When one or more frame members are positioned into the brood chamber the clamping mechanism can be selectively closed to ensure a stable electrical connect to the electrical contacts of the one or more frame members, and to hold the one or more frame members in a stable position within the brood chamber.Background to the Invention

[0002] The varroa mite is a deadly bee parasite. The varroa mite negatively affects bees directly through feeding on the fat body tissue of adult bees and larvae in development stages, as well as being a multiplier of viruses and spreading them throughout a bee colony. Existing techniques for treating bees in a beehive against varroa mites involve the use of strong chemicals which kill the varroa mites; however, these chemicals have adverse effects on the bees in the beehive: in some cases the chemicals have been known to kill the queen bee; the chemicals also weaken or kill a large portion of the bees and brood in the beehive. Additionally, these existing techniques are becoming less effective because the varroa mites have, over time, developed a resistance to many of these chemicals.

[0003] As an alternative to chemical treatments, heat treatment can provide an effective control mechanism against varroa mites, as known from scientific research. Typically, beehives comprise a brood chamber anda plurality of removeable frames on which the bees build their honeycomb; each of said removeable frames have respective electrical contacts which are electrically connected to one more electrically conductive elements which extend across the frame and can be selectively heated by conducting current when performing the heat treatment. To most effectively treat bees in a beehive against varroa mites, said heat treatment should be carried out on selected frames in the beehive only - not on all the frames in said beehive simultaneously. Accordingly, for effective heat treatment, it is necessary to be able to heat each of said removeable frames (i.e. the electrically conductive elements of the respective removeable frames) independently of one another. To achieve most effective treatments against varroa mites, said removeable frames (i.e. the electrically conductive elements of the respective removeable frames) need to be treated repeatedly over the course of a season. Successful heat treat against varroa mites requires a consistently reliable and robust electrical connection to the respective electrical contacts of the removeable frames - without such a reliable and robust electrical connection to the respective electrical contacts of the removeable frame the one or more electrically conductive elements which extend across the frame will not conduct current and no heat treatment will occur. Given that beekeepers frequently remove and manipulate said removably frames in said brood chamber during a beehive inspection, often the electrical connection to the respective electrical contacts of a removeable frame is lost.

[0004] Furthermore, the bee colony inside a beehive produces organic materials such as wax, honey, propolis or dirt, which can often collect on electrical contacts of a removeable frame; this collection of organic material is usually electrically insulating, resulting in the loss of the electrical connection to the respective electrical contacts of that removeable frame.

[0005] Existing beehives do not have any satisfactory means to ensure a consistently reliable and robust electrical connection to the respective electrical contacts of the removeable frames, so as to ensure the success of heat treatment of the beehive against varroa mites.

[0006] It is an aim of the present invention to obviate, or mitigate, at least some of the inadequacies / disadvantages associated with the prior art.Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, this aim is achieved by providing a brood chamber having features recited claim 1. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a beehive assembly having the features recited in claim 25.

[0008] The dependent claims recite optional features of various embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that any of the subsequently described features may be optional features of any of embodiments described in the present disclosure. Even if a feature is described in the present disclosure as being a feature of an embodiment, it should be understood that that feature could be an optional feature of any of the other embodiments of the present disclosure. Any embodiment disclosed in the present disclosure may have any one or more of the features of any of the other embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0009] The following terms or expressions as used herein should normally be interpreted as outlined in this section, unless defined otherwise by the description or unless the specific context indicates or requires otherwise:

[0010] The words 'comprise', 'comprises' and 'comprising' and similar expressions are to be construed in an open and inclusive sense, as 'including, but not limited to' in this description and in the claims. In contrast to this, the terms "consist of", "consists of" and "consisting of" as used herein are so-called closed language meaning that only the mentioned components are present.

[0011] The terms 'a' or 'an' do not exclude a plurality; i.e. the singular forms 'a', 'an' and 'the' should be understood as to include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates or requires otherwise. In other words, all references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present disclosure shall include the corresponding plural characteristic or limitation, and vice versa, unless explicitly specified otherwise or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made. The terms 'a', 'an' and 'the' hence have the same meaning as 'at least one' or as 'one or more' unless defined otherwise.

[0012] The expressions, 'one embodiment', 'an embodiment', 'a specific embodiment', 'another embodiment' and the like mean that a particular feature, property or characteristic, or a particular group or combination of features, properties or characteristics, as referred to in combination with the respective expression, is present in at least one of the embodiments of the invention. The occurrence of these expressions in various places throughout this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, the particular features, properties or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a brood chamber for a beehive which is suitable for receiving a plurality of frames, the brood chamber comprising, at least one support surface on which one or more frame members can rest when inserted into the brood chamber; and at least one clamping mechanism which has a jaw member, wherein the clamping mechanism is selectively configurable into an open configuration or a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration a portion of the frame member resting on the support surface is clamped between the jaw member and the support surface.

[0014] In an embodiment the jaw member is electrically conducting; and when the clamping mechanism is in its closed configuration the jaw member contacts an electrical contact on the frame member.

[0015] In an embodiment the jaw member is configured to have a substantially L-shaped cross section, or, a substantially V-shaped cross section, at least when the clamping mechanism is in its open configuration.

[0016] In an embodiment a free edge of a jaw member comprises a wave profile, which abuts the frame member when the clamping mechanism is in its closed configuration.

[0017] In an embodiment the jaw member comprises a plurality of projection members, which abut the frame member when the clamping mechanism is in its closed configuration.

[0018] In an embodiment there is a respective gap between adjacent projection members.

[0019] In an embodiment free end of each projection comprises said wave profile, which abuts the frame member when the clamping mechanism is in its closed configuration.

[0020] In an embodiment the jaw member further comprises a means for fixing the position of the jaw member relative to the brood chamber.

[0021] In an embodiment the means for fixing the position of the jaw member comprises one or more flat-hook members which can hook onto a wall of the brood chamber.

[0022] In an embodiment the at least one support surface is electrically conducting.

[0023] In an embodiment the at least one support surface is defined by a rim of an electrically conducting plate member.

[0024] In an embodiment the support surface has a wave profile.

[0025] In an embodiment said brood chamber comprises at least one ledge having a first surface which is substantially perpendicular to an inner wall of the brood chamber; and wherein the electrically conducting plate member is attached to an inner surface of the brood chamber, and arranged so that a plane of the plate member is perpendicular to the first surface of the ledge, and the plate member extends above the level of the first surface of the ledge.

[0026] In an embodiment the brood chamber comprises at least one ledge having a first surface which is substantially perpendicular to an inner wall of the brood chamber; and wherein the first surface of the ledge defines the support surface.

[0027] In an embodiment the at least one clamping mechanism comprises, a first anchoring element which can be fixed to a wall of the brood chamber, and which comprises a first hinge joint; and a second anchoring element which can be fixed to a wall of the brood chamber and which comprises a first hinge joint.

[0028] In an embodiment the at least one clamping mechanism further comprises, a first hinge plate which comprises a second hinge joint at a first end thereof and a third hinge joint at a second end thereof, and wherein the second hinge joint of the first hinge plate is pivotally connected, along a first rotational axis, to the first hinge joint of the first anchoring element; and a second hinge plate which comprises a second hinge joint at a first end thereof and a third hinge joint at a second end thereof, and wherein the second hinge joint of the second hinge plate is pivotally connected, along said first rotational axis, to the first hinge joint of the second anchoring element.

[0029] In an embodiment the at least one clamping mechanism further comprises a latch member, wherein the latch member comprises, a handleportion; and a fourth hinge joint which is pivotally connected, along a second rotational axis, to the third hinge joint of the first hinge plate; a fifth hinge joint which is pivotally connected, along said second rotational axis, to the third hinge joint of the second hinge plate; at least one further hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the jaw member.

[0030] In an embodiment the clamping mechanism is configured such that when the clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration, the second rotational axis is closer to a surface of the brood chamber than the first rotational axis, so that the clamping mechanism is maintained in its closed configuration until a force sufficient to move the latch member so that the second rotational axis is further from the surface of the brood chamber than the first rotational axis.

[0031] In an embodiment the jaw member comprises at least one hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the latch member.

[0032] In an embodiment the latch member comprises, a sixth hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the jaw member; and a seventh hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the jaw member.

[0033] In an embodiment the jaw member comprises an eight hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the sixth hinge joint of the latch member; and a ninth hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the seventh hinge joint of the latch member.

[0034] In an embodiment the at least one anchoring element is fixed to an outer wall of the brood box.

[0035] In an embodiment the brood chamber comprises a first support surface located at a first side of the brood chamber, and a second support surface located at a second, opposite, side of the brood chamber; and a first clamping mechanism which has a first jaw member located at the firstside of the brood chamber, and a second clamping mechanism which has a second jaw member located at the second, opposite, side of the brood chamber; and wherein the first and second clamping mechanisms are selectively configurable into an open configuration or a closed configuration, wherein when the first clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration a first portion of a frame member resting on the first support surface is clamped between the first jaw member and the first support surface, and, when the second clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration a second portion of said frame member resting on the second support surface is clamped between the second jaw member and the second support surface .

[0036] In an embodiment the first clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration respective first portions of a plurality of frame members resting on the first support surface are clamped between the first jaw member and the first support surface, and, when the second clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration respective second portions of said plurality of frame members resting on the second support surface are clamped between the second jaw member and the second support surface.

[0037] It should be understood that any embodiment of the brood chamber may have one or more of the features of any of the other brood chamber embodiments described in the present disclosure. In other words, any embodiment of the brood chamber may have any of the features described in the present disclosure.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a beehive assembly comprising, a brood chamber according to of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, and one or more frames, wherein each frame comprises, a frame member defining an area; at least one coil which is arranged to define a plurality of metallic elements which extend across the area defined by the frame, from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame; wherein said plurality of metallic elements are electrically connected; one or more electrical contactsmounted on the frame, wherein the electrical contact is electrically connected to the coil so that current can be supplied to each of the metallic element via the electrical contact.

[0039] In an embodiment each frame comprises a respective switch which can be selectively opened or closed, wherein, when the switch is in a closed position the at least one coil of that frame is electrically connected to the one or more electrical contacts mounted on the frame; when the switch is in an open position the at least one coil of that frame is electrically disconnected from the one or more electrical contacts mounted on the frame.

[0040] In an embodiment each frame further comprises a temperature sensor which is operable to measure the temperature of the at least one coil of that frame.

[0041] In an embodiment each frame further comprise a slave controller which can receive temperature measurements from the temperature sensor and to send said received temperature measurements to a master controller; and wherein the slave controller is further configured to receive commands from a master controller and to control the position of the switch based on said received commands.

[0042] In an embodiment the beehive assembly further comprises a master controller which is configured to selectively send commands to the respective slave controllers of each respective frame.

[0043] In an embodiment the distance between adjacent metallic elements is between 3mm-20mm.

[0044] In an embodiment the frame comprises between '10'-'80' metallic elements.

[0045] In an embodiment each frame comprises a first electrical contact mounted on the first projection and a second electrical contact mounted on the second projection.

[0046] In an embodiment the first electrical contact extends over a first surface of the first projection and over second, opposite, surface of the first projection; and the second electrical contact extends over a first surface of the second projection and over second, opposite, surface of the second projection.

[0047] In an embodiment the frame further comprises an RFID tag which defines a unique ID.

[0048] It should be understood that any embodiment of the beehive assembly may have one or more of the features of any of the other beehive assembly embodiments described in the present disclosure. In other words, any embodiment of the beehive assembly may have any of the features described in the present disclosure.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049] Embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of example only, will be described in the description, with reference to the following drawings in which:Figure 1 is a perspective view of a beehive assembly according to an embodiment of the present inventionFigures 2a and 2b each provide perspective views of a brood chamber with a clamping mechanism, according to an embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention, and which is used in the beehive assembly shown in Figure 1;Figure 3a is a perspective view of removeable frame which can be received into the brood chamber shown in Figures 2a,2b; Figure 3b is a front view of the removeable frame;Figure 4a is a magnified view of the clamping mechanism provided on the brood chamber shown in Figures 2a,2b in its closed configuration; Figure 4b is a magnified view of the clamping mechanism provided on the brood chamber shown in Figures 2a,2b in its open configuration;Figures 5a-5d provide a magnified view of the parts of the clamping mechanism shown in Figures 4a,4b;Figures 6a,6b provide perspective views of other exemplary implementations for the clamping mechanism that can be used in the present invention;Figure 7 provides a front view of an exemplary plate member which can be used in the brood chamber of Figures 2a and 2b to provide a support surface for the removeable frames;Figure 8a provides a perspective view of the beehive assembly of Figure 1 with the clamping mechanism in its open configuration, and a plurality of removeable frames of Figures 3a,3b positioned in the brood chamber and which can move freely within the brood chamber; Figure 8b provides a perspective view of the beehive assembly of Figure 1 with the clamping mechanism in its closed configuration to ensure a stable electrical connection to the plurality of removeable frames and to reduce the freedom of movement of the plurality of removeable frames within the brood chamber.Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a beehive assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. The beehive assembly 100 comprises a brood chamber 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of a further aspect of the present invention, and one or more frames 300 arranged inside the brood chamber 1.ln this exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the frames 300 may be selectively inserted and selectively removed from the brood chamber 1 accordingly the frames 300 are removeable frames 300; although in should be understood that it is not essential that the frames 300 be selectively insertable and selectively removeable from the brood chamber 1, for example, in another embodiment the frames 300 may be moveable within the brood chamber 1 but not removeable from brood chamber 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the beehive assembly 100 comprises a plurality of removeable frames 300 arranged inside the brood chamber 1. The brood chamber 1 comprises at least one clamping mechanism 2. In this example the brood chamber 1 comprises a first clamping mechanism 2a fixed to a first side 1a of the brood chamber 1, and a second clamping mechanism 2b fixed to a second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1. The clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b can be selectively used to clamp the one or more removeable frames 300 within the brood chamber. A power source 350 may be electrically connected to the beehive assembly 100; and is selectively operable to provide power to the beehive assembly 100.

[0051] It should be understood that the brood chamber 1 of the present invention is not limited to requiring two clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b; rather the brood chamber 1 of the present invention may comprise any number of clamping mechanism. For example, in another embodiment the brood chamber 1 comprises only one clamping mechanism; in yet another embodiment the brood chamber comprises more than two clamping mechanisms.

[0052] Figures 2a and 2b provide perspective views of the brood chamber 1 used in the beehive assembly 100 of Figure 1. As mentioned in this example the brood chamber 1 comprises a first clamping mechanism 2a fixed to a first side 1a of the brood chamber 1, and a second clamping mechanism 2b fixed to a second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1.

[0053] The brood chamber 1 comprises a first side 1a, second side 1b, third side 1c and fourth side 1d, which define a volume within which one or more removeable frames 300 can be positioned. Preferably each of the first, second, third, and fourth sides 1a-1d of the brood chamber 1 comprise wood. However, it should be understood that any of the first, second, third, and fourth sides 1a-1d of the brood chamber 1 may comprise any suitable material; for example, the first, second, third, and fourth sides 1 a-1 d of the brood chamber 1 may comprise PVC, PP, HDPE, Polystyrene, Plastic, metal, and / or rubber.

[0054] The brood chamber 1 comprises at least one support surface 3a, 3b on which one or more removeable frames 300 can rest when inserted into the brood chamber 1. In this example the brood chamber 1 comprises a first support surface 3a at the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1 and a corresponding second support surface 3b at the second, opposite, side 1 b of the brood chamber 1.

[0055] However, it should be understood that it is not essential for the brood chamber 1 to comprise a first support surface 3a and a second support surface 3b, rather the brood chamber 1 may comprise any number of support surfaces; in another exemplary embodiment the brood chamber 1 comprises one single support surface; in yet another exemplary embodiment the brood chamber 1 comprises more than two support surfaces (e.g. the brood chamber comprises four support surfaces).

[0056] In this exemplary embodiment each of the first support surface 3a and second support surface 3b is electrically conductive (i.e. comprises electrically conductive material). However, it should be understood that it isnot essential for the first support surface 3a and second support surface to be electrically conducting; in another embodiment none of the support surfaces are electrically conductive; in yet another embodiment only some (not all) of the support surfaces are electrically conductive (e.g. only the first support surface 3a of second support surface is electrically conductive).

[0057] In this exemplary embodiment each of the first support surface 3a and second support surface 3b have a wave profile (such as, for example, a triangular-wave profile (or a substantially triangular-wave profile), or a sine-wave profile (or a substantially sine-wave profile), or a square-wave profile (or a substantially square-wave profile)). In this example each of the first support surface 3a and second support surface 3b have a substantially triangular-wave profile. However, it should be understood that it is not essential for each support surface to have a wave profile, rather each support surface may have any suitable profile. For example, in another embodiment, each support surface may have a flat profile, or an inverted V-shaped profile, or an undulating profile (preferably multi-undulating), or a corrugated profile, or a serrated profile, or a zig-zag profile, or a sawtooth profile. Preferably the profile will be homogeneous, although a heterogenous profile is also possible.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment of the brood chamber 1 shown in Figures 2a and 2b, it can be seen that the brood chamber 1 comprises, a first plate member 5a which is attached to an inner surface 1a' of the first side 1a of the brood chamber 1; and a second plate member 5b which is attached to an inner surface 1 b' of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1. In this example the plane of the first plate member 5a is substantially parallel to the inner surface 1 a' of the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1 ; and the plane of the second plate member 5b is substantially parallel to the inner surface 1 b' of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1.

[0059] A portion of a rim 6a of the first plate member 5a has a wave profile (such as, for example, a triangular-wave profile (or a substantiallytriangular-wave profile), or a sine-wave profile (or a substantially sine-wave profile), or a square-wave profile (or a substantially square-wave profile), and that portion of the rim 6a defines the first support surface 3a. Likewise a portion of a rim 6b of the second plate member 5b has a wave profile (such as, for example, a triangular-wave profile (or a substantially triangular-wave profile), or a sine-wave profile (or a substantially sine-wave profile), or a square-wave profile (or a substantially square-wave profile), and that portion of the rim 6b defines the second support surface 3b. In this exemplary embodiment each of the first and second plate members 5a, 5b comprise electrically conductive material. It should be understood that said portion of the rim 6a of the first plate member 5a that defines the first support surface 3a may have any suitable profile; for example, said portion of the rim 6a of the first plate member 5a that defines the first support surface 3a may have: a flat profile, or an inverted V-shaped profile, or an undulating profile (preferably multi-undulating), or a corrugated profile, or a serrated profile, or a zig-zag profile, or a saw-tooth profile. Preferably the profile of said portion of the rim 6a of the first plate member 5a that defines the first support surface 3a, will be homogeneous, although a heterogenous profile is also possible. Similarly, it should be understood that said portion of the rim 6b of the second plate member 5b that defines the second support surface 3b may have any suitable profile; for example, said portion of the rim 6b of the second plate member 5b that defines the second support surface 3b may have: a flat profile, or an inverted V-shaped profile, or an undulating profile (preferably multiundulating), or a corrugated profile, or a serrated profile, or a zig-zag profile, or a saw-tooth profile. Preferably the profile of said portion of the rim 6b of the second plate member 5b that defines the second support surface 3b, will be homogeneous, although a heterogenous profile is also possible.

[0060] Taking a closer look at Figures 2a and 2b it can be seen that the brood chamber comprises a first ledge 7a at the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1 ; and a second ledge 7b at the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1. The first ledge 7a is substantially orthogonal to the plane of the inner surface 1 a' of the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1 ; the secondledge 7b is substantially orthogonal to the plane of the inner surface 1 b' of the inner surface 1 b' of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1. The first plate member 5a which is attached to an inner surface 1a' of the first side 1a of the brood chamber 1, is positioned so that a portion of the first plate member 5a extends to above the level of the first ledge 7a; more specifically, the first plate member 5a is arranged so that the portion of the rim 6a which defines the first support surface 3a is located above the level of the first ledge 7a. Likewise, the second plate member 5b which is attached to an inner surface 1 b' of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1, is positioned so that a portion of the second plate member 5b extends to above the level of the second ledge 7b; more specifically the second plate member 5b is arranged so that the portion of the rim 6b which defines the second support surface 3b is located above the level of the second ledge 7b.

[0061] Figure 7 provides a front view of a plate member 5a, 5b. The first plate member 5a and the second plate member 5b, each have the same features as the plate member 5a, 5b shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 shows the support surface 3a, 3b; the portion of the rim 6a, 6b of the plate member 5a, 5b which has a wave profile is shown, and that portion of the rim 6a, 6b defines the first support surface 3a, 3b. The plate member 5a, 5b, optionally, further comprises holes 68 (e.g. screw holes 68) defined therein which can be used to attach the plate member 5a, 5b to the inner surface 1 a',1 b' of the brood chamber 1.

[0062] In another embodiment the brood chamber 1 is without the first plate member 5a and second plate member 5b; in this embodiment the first ledge 7a may define the first support surface 3a on which one or more removeable frames 300 can rest when inserted into the brood chamber 1, and the second ledge 7b may define the second support surface 3b on which one or more removeable frames 300 can rest when inserted into the brood chamber 1. In said other embodiment, the first ledge 7a and / or second ledge 7b may be electrically conductive (for example the first ledge 7a may have on its surface a metallic strip or metallic plat; and the secondledge 7b may have on its surface a metallic strip or metallic plate); or the first ledge 7a and / or second ledge 7b may be nonconductive.

[0063] As mentioned, with respect to Figure 1, the brood chamber 1 comprises a first clamping mechanism 2a and a second clamping mechanism 2b. As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the first clamping mechanism 2a is fixed to an outer surface 1 a" of the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1 , and a second clamping mechanism 2b is fixed to an outer surface 1 b" of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 2a, 2b the power source 350 is electrically connected to the first and second support surfaces 3a, 3b; more specifically the power source 350 is electrically connected to the first and second plate members 5a, 5b each of which are electrically conducting. Furthermore, in this example the power source 350 is electrically connected to the first clamping mechanism 2a and to the second clamping mechanism 2b. Accordingly the power source 350 can supply electricity to the first and second support surfaces 3a, 3b and to the first clamping mechanism 2a and to the second clamping mechanism 2b. In another embodiment the power source 350 is electrically connected to the first and second support surfaces 3a, 3b only, and not to the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b; in yet another embodiment the power source 350 is electrically connected to the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b only, and not to the first and second support surfaces 3a, 3b.

[0065] Figure 3a is a perspective view of a removeable frame 300 which can be selectively arranged inside the brood chamber 1 of Figures 2a,2b; Figure 3b is a front view of the removeable frame 300. As shown in Figure 1 a plurality of these removeable frames 300 can be arranged inside the brood chamber 1; most preferably each of the removeable frames 300 will have all the features of the removeable frame 300 shown in Figures 3a, 3b. Each of the removeable frames 300 may further comprise an RFID tag which defines a unique ID for that particular removeable frame 300.

[0066] Referring to the exemplary removeable frame 300 shown in Figures 3a, 3b, it can be seen that the removeable frame 300 comprises a frame member 301 which defines an area 302. In this example the frame member 301 is a rectangular shaped frame; however, it should be understood that the frame member 301 may have any suitable shape, for example the frame could be square shaped.

[0067] The removeable frame 300 comprises at least one coil 304 which is arranged to define a plurality of metallic elements 305 which extend across preferably the majority of the area 302 defined by the frame member 301 (in an embodiment the plurality of metallic elements 305 extend from a first side 300a of the frame to a second, opposite, side 300b of the frame member 301 ; in another embodiment the metallic elements 305 do not extend all the way to the first and second sides 300a, 300b). In the present embodiment said plurality of metallic elements 305 are electrically connected. In the exemplary removeable frame 300 shown in Figures 3a, 3b the removeable frame 300 comprises a single coil 304 which is embedded in a plastic sheet (or the single coil 304 is sandwiched between two plastic sheets each of which extend across preferably the majority of the area 302 defined by the frame member 301). The plastic sheet extends over preferably the majority of the area 302 defined by the frame member 301. The single coil 304 is arranged in a meandering arrangement within the plastic sheet, extending back and forth between opposite edges of the plastic sheet, to define the metallic elements 305 (the portions of the single coil that are substantially perpendicular to the first and second sides 300a, 300b of the frame member 301, define the metallic elements 305).Preferably, the distance between adjacent metallic elements 305 is between 3mm-20mm. In this embodiment the plastic sheet in which the single coil 304 is embedded, covers an area which is slightly less than the area 302 defined by the frame member 301; there is a gap of between 1 mm- 20mm between the plastic sheet and the first side 300a of the frame member 301, and a gap of between 1 mm- 20mm between the plastic sheet and the second side 300b of the frame member 301. In another embodiment the plastic sheet in which the single coil 304 is embedded, covers the whole of the area 302 defined by the frame member 301, in which case there is nogaps between the plastic sheet and the first and second sides 300a, 300b of the frame member 301. In this exemplary embodiment since all the metallic elements 305 are defined by a single coil 304 which meanders within the plastic sheet, the metallic elements 305 are connected in series.

[0068] In yet another possible example the removeable frame 300 may comprise a plurality of individual coils each individual coil defining a respective metallic element 305, which are embedded in the plastic sheet which extends over preferably the majority of the area 302 defined by the frame member 301 (or, in yet another embodiment, the plurality of individual coils each coil defining the respective metallic element 305, are sandwiched between two plastic sheets each of which extend across preferably the majority of the area 302 defined by the frame member 301 ). Each individual coil extends between opposite edges of the plastic sheet so that each respective individual coil defines a respective metallic element 305. The individual coils which define the metallic elements 305 maybe connected in series by respective intermediate electrical conductors that are arranged to electrically connect adjacent individual coils to one another.

[0069] In yet another possible example, the removeable frame member 300 is without any plastic sheet and the removeable frame 300 comprises a single coil which is arranged to meander over the area 302, extending back- and-forth between the first side 300a of the frame member 301 and the second side 300b, of the frame member 301, to define the plurality of metallic elements 305; the single coil may thread through through-holes defined in the first and second sides 300a, 300b.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment the removeable frame 300 comprises between '10'-'80' metallic elements 305. In the most preferred embodiment the removeable frame 300 comprises '19' metallic elements 305.

[0071] It should be understood that the metallic elements 305 may take any suitable form. For example, in another embodiment each of the metallic element 305 may be defined by a respective coil. In this case inorder to ensure a distance between 3mm-20mm between adjacent metallic elements 305 the respective coils are spaced a distance between 3mm- 20mm apart. Preferably the respective coils are connected in series using suitable electrical connecting means.

[0072] Preferably the thickness of each of the metallic elements 305 is between 0.2-0.8mm. So in the removeable frame 300 of Figures 3a, 3b the thickness (i.e. diameter) of the single coil 304 is between 0.2mm-0.8mm, this ensures that the thickness of each of the metallic element 305 (which are defined by the single coil 304) is between 0.2mm-0.8mm. In another embodiment in which each metallic element 305 is defined by a respective coil, each respective coil preferably has a thickness between 0.2mm-0.8mm.

[0073] The removeable frame 300 further comprises a temperature sensor 314 which is operable to measure the temperature of the metallic elements 305 (i.e. the temperature sensor 314 is operable to measure the temperature of the single coil 304 that defines the metallic elements 305).

[0074] Importantly, the removeable frame 300 further comprises a first electrical contact 310a and a second electrical contact 310b.

[0075] The removeable frame 300 further comprises a switch 311 which is electrically connected to the first electrical contact 310a and a second electrical contact 310b; most preferably the first electrical contact 310a and a second electrical contact 310b are connected, in parallel, to the switch 311.

[0076] The removeable frame 300 comprises a first ear member 307a which projects from the first side 300a of the frame member 301; and comprises a second ear member 307b which projects from the second, opposite, side 300b of the frame member 301. The first electrical contact 310a is defined by a first metallic strip 320a, which is substantially C-shaped, that wraps around a free end of the first ear member 307a; the second electrical contact 310b is defined by a second metallic strip 320b,substantially C-shaped, that wraps around a free end of the second ear member 307b. In this way the first metallic strip 320a extends over a top surface 317a (i.e. a first surface 317a which will face away from the brood chamber 1 when the removeable frame 300 is arranged within the brood chamber 1) and bottom surface 317b (i.e. a second surface 317b which is opposite to the first surface 317a, and which will face toward the brood chamber 1 when the removeable frame 300 is arranged within the brood chamber 1) of the first ear member 307a; and the second metallic strip 320b extends over an top surface 327a (i.e. a first surface 327a which will face away from the brood chamber 1 when the removeable frame 300 is arranged within the brood chamber 1) and bottom surface 327b (i.e. a second surface 327b which is opposite to the first surface 327a, and which will face toward the brood chamber 1 when the removeable frame 300 is arranged within the brood chamber 1) of the second ear member 307a.

[0077] It should be understood that it is not essential that the first and second electrical contacts 310a, 310b be substantially C-shaped metallic strips 320a, 320b; rather the first and second electrical contacts 310a, 310b may take any suitable form and may have any suitable configuration. For example, the first metallic strip 320a may be configured to extend only over the top surface 317a of the first ear member 307a (and not over the bottom surface 317b); and the second metallic strip 320b may be configured to extend only over the top surface 327a of the second ear member 307b (and not over the bottom surface 327b). In another example, the first metallic strip 320a may be configured to extend only over the bottom surface 317b of the first ear member 307a (and not over the top surface 317a); and the second metallic strip 320b may be configured to extend only over the bottom surface 327b of the second ear member 307b (and not over the top surface 327a). It should also be understood that the first and second electrical contacts 310a, 310b may be composed of any electrically conductive material.

[0078] The swich 311 is electrically connected between the metallic elements 305 and the first electrical contact 310a and a second electrical contact 310b. In other words, the switch 311 is electrically connectedbetween the first electrical contact 310a and a second electrical contact 310b and the single coil 304 that defines the metallic elements 305.

[0079] The removeable frame 300 further comprises a slave controller 312 which is configured to control the position of the switch 311.

[0080] The slave controller 312 is operably connected to a master controller so that the slave controller 312 can receive commands from the master controller. The slave controller 312 is further operably connected to the temperature sensor 314; the slave controller 312 can receive temperature measurements from the temperature sensor 314. Optionally, the slave controller 312 is configured to send said received temperature measurements to the master controller.

[0081] The slave controller 312 is configured to close the switch 311 when the slave controller 312 receives a command from the controller to heat the metallic elements 305 to a predefined temperature. When the switch 311 is closed the switch 311 will electrically connect both the first electrical contact 310a and the second electrical contact 310b to the metallic elements 305 of the removeable frame 300; accordingly current (e.g. current supplied by the power source 350) can flow from the first electrical contact 310a and the second electrical contact 310b, through the closed switch 311, and into the metallic elements 305 to heat the metallic elements 305. The slave controller 312 will open the switch 311 once a predefined condition has been fulfilled. The predefined condition maybe any one or more of, for example, the metallic elements 305 have reached the predefined temperature, and / or the metallic elements 305 have been at the predefined temperature for a predefined time period, and / or the slave controller received a command from the master controller to open the switch 311. When the switch 311 is open the switch 311 will electrically disconnect both the first electrical contact 310a and the second electrical contact 310b from the metallic elements 305 of the removeable frame 300; accordingly, when the switch 311 is open the open switch 311 forms an open circuit thereby preventing the flow of current (e.g. current suppliedby the power source 350) from the first electrical contact 310a and the second electrical contact 310b to the metallic elements 305; thus the metallic elements 305 will not be heated.

[0082] Selective heating of the metallic elements 305 in a removeable frame 300 will be done, for example, to carry out a treatment of a brood on that removeable frame 300, to protect that brood against varroa mites. In a preferred embodiment the treatment of the brood is done by applying an increasing level of current to the metallic elements 305 to increase the temperature of the metallic elements 305 to a temperature which is within a predefined temperature range or at a predefined temperature. In an embodiment the predefined temperature range is between 39 °C to 48 °C; in an embodiment the predefined temperature is 42 °C. By increasing the temperature of the metallic elements 305 to a temperature which is within a predefined temperature range, or, to a predefined temperature, the metallic elements 305 heats the brood. After the current is increased over a predefined period of time (e.g. for period of between 15 minutes-60 minutes) it is then maintained at a steady state for a predefined period of time (e.g. for period of between 60 minutes-300 minutes). The brood will be heated to the same temperature as the metallic elements 305; thus, the brood will be heated to between 39 °C to 48 °C; most preferably the brood will be heated to 42 °C.

[0083] In order to be able to reliably treat broods, to protect that brood against varroa mites for example, it's important that there is a stable, reliable and robust electrical connection to the removeable frame 300 so that metallic elements 305 can be heated. The at least one clamping mechanism 2a, 2b (which in this exemplary embodiment, is the first clamping mechanism 2a and a second clamping mechanism 2b) can help achieve a more stable, reliable and robust electrical connection to the removeable frame 300.

[0084] Figure 4a is a magnified view of the at least one clamping mechanism 2a, 2b provided on the brood chamber 1 shown in Figures 2a,2b,in its closed configuration; Figure 4b is a magnified view of the at least one clamping mechanism 2a, 2b provided on the brood chamber shown in Figures 2a,2b, in its open configuration. As described with respect to Figures 2a,2b the brood chamber 1 shown in Figures 2a,2b comprises a first clamping mechanism 2a and a second clamping mechanism 2b; in this example both the first clamping mechanism 2a and second clamping mechanism 2b have the same features and they each have features shown in Figures 4a,4b.

[0085] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, it can be seen that the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b comprises a first anchoring element 42a which can be fixed to a side 2a, 2b of the brood box 1, and which comprises a first hinge joint 43a; and a second anchoring element 42b which can be fixed to a side 2a, 2b of the brood box 1 and which comprises a first hinge joint 43b. Most preferably, and as is the case in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 2a, 2b, the first anchoring element 42a and second anchoring element 42b will be fixed to the outer surface 1 a",1 b" of the side 1 a,1 b of the brood chamber 1.

[0086] The clamping mechanism 2a, 2b comprises a first hinge plate 44a which comprises a second hinge joint 45a at a first end thereof and a third hinge joint 46a at a second, opposite, end thereof. The second hinge joint 45a of the first hinge plate 44a is pivotally connected, along a first rotational axis 51, to the first hinge joint 43a of the first anchoring element 42a. The clamping mechanism 2a, 2b comprises a second hinge plate 44b which comprises a second hinge joint 45b at a first end thereof and a third hinge joint 46b at a second, opposite, end thereof. The second hinge joint 45b of the second hinge plate 44b is pivotally connected, along said first rotational axis 51, to the first hinge joint 43b of the second anchoring element 42b.

[0087] The clamping mechanism 2a, 2b further comprises a latch member 55. The latch member 55 comprises, a handle portion 56. The latch member 55 further comprises: a fourth hinge joint 55a which is pivotally connected,along a second rotational axis 61, to the third hinge joint 46a of the first hinge plate 44a; a fifth hinge joint 55b which is pivotally connected, along said second rotational axis 61, to the third hinge joint 46b of the second hinge plate 44b.

[0088] The clamping mechanism 2a, 2b further comprises a jaw member 41. The latch member 55 further comprises at least one further hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the jaw member 41. In the example illustrated in Figure 4a, 4b the latch member 55 comprises a sixth hinge joint 55c which is pivotally connected to the jaw member 41 along a third rotational axis 71; and a seventh hinge joint 55d which is pivotally connected to the jaw member 41 along said third rotational axis 71.

[0089] The jaw member 41 comprises at least one hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the latch member 55. In the example illustrated in Figure 4a, 4b the jaw member 41 comprises an eight hinge joint 41a which is pivotally connected to the sixth hinge joint 55c of the latch member 55, along said third rotational axis 71; and a ninth hinge joint 41 b which is pivotally connected to the seventh hinge joint 55d of the latch member 55 along said third rotational axis 71.

[0090] Wherein the clamping mechanism is configured such that when the clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration, the second rotational axis 61 is closer to the outer surface 1 a",1 b" of the brood chamber 1 than the first rotational axis 51, so that the clamping mechanism is maintained in its closed configuration until a force is applied to the latch member which is sufficient to move the latch member 55 so that the second rotational axis 61 is further from the outer surface 1 a",1 b" of the brood chamber 1 than the first rotational axis 51.

[0091] In this example the jaw member 41 is electrically conductive (i.e. the jaw member 41 comprises electrically conductive material). However, it should be understood that the jaw member 41 can be made of any suitable material; it is not essential for the jaw member 41 to be electricallyconductive (for example, in the case that the first and second support surfaces 3a, 3b are electrically conductive (and can be electrically connected to the power source 350), then there is no need for the jaw member 41 (or any other part of the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b) to be electrically conductive). In an embodiment all parts of the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b shown in Figures 4a,4ba comprise electrically conductive material (e.g. all parts of the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b shown in Figures 4a,4ba are metallic). The power source 350 is preferably electrically connected to the conductive jaw member 41. In another embodiment, the latch member 55 comprises electrically nonconductive material. The power source 350 is preferably electrically connected to the conductive jaw member 41; while a user can grip the electrically nonconductive latch member 55 to selectively configure the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b to be in its open or closed configuration.

[0092] In the present embodiment of the brood chamber 1 shown in the figures, the jaw member 41 of the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b is electrically conductive and the at least one support surface (i.e. the first support surface 3a and second support surface 3b) are also electrically conductive. However, in another embodiment of the brood chamber the at least one support surface (e.g. first support surface 3a and second support surface 3b) is configured to be electrically conductive (i.e. comprises electrically conductive material) and the jaw member 41 is configured to be electrically nonconductive (comprises electrically insulative material); in yet another embodiment of the brood chamber the at least one support surface (e.g. first support surface 3a and second support surface 3b) is configured to be electrically nonconductive and the jaw member 41 is configured to be electrically conductive.

[0093] During use, when the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b is in its closed configuration, the jaw member 41 physically contacts and electrically contacts the electrical contacts 310a,310b of each removeable frame 300 that has been positioned inside the brood chamber 1. More specifically, referring to the brood chamber 1 embodiment shown in Figures 2a, 2b which has a first clamping mechanism 2a fixed to a first side 1a of thebrood chamber 1, and a second clamping mechanism 2b fixed to a second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1 : When the first clamping mechanism 2a is in its closed configuration, the jaw member 41 of the first clamping mechanism 2a will physically contact and electrically contact all of the respective first electrical contacts 310a of all of the respective removeable frames 300 that are positioned inside the brood chamber 1 ; more specifically, the first ear member 307a of each removeable frame 300 and the corresponding portions of the first metallic strip 320a which extend over the top surface 317a and bottom surface 317b of that first ear member 307a, will be clamped between the first support surface 3a and the jaw member 41 of the first clamping mechanism 2a. Likewise, when the second clamping mechanism 2b is in its closed configuration, the jaw member 41 of the second clamping mechanism 2b will physically contact and electrically contact all of the respective second electrical contacts 310b of all of the respective removeable frames 300 that are positioned inside the brood chamber 1; more specifically, the second ear member 307b of each removeable frame 300 and the corresponding portions of the second metallic strip 320b which extend over the top surface 327a and bottom surface 327b of that second ear member 307a, will be clamped between the second support surface 3b and the jaw member 41 of the second clamping mechanism 2b.

[0094] In the example shown in Figures 4a, 4b the jaw member 41 is configured to have a substantially L-shaped cross section; this includes, but is not limited to, the jaw member 41 being configured to have a substantially V-shaped cross section (e.g. wherein the cross section of the jaw member 41 forms less, preferably slightly less, than a 90° degree angle. The cross section of the jaw member 41 may form an acute angle). For example, the jaw member 41 may be configured to have a substantially V- shaped cross section, and when the clamping mechanism is in its closed position the jaw member 41 may elastically deform to have a more L- shaped cross section. It should be understood that the jaw member 41 may be configured to have any suitable shaped cross section; it is not essential that the jaw member 41 be configured to have a substantially L-shaped, or substantially V-shaped, cross section.

[0095] The jaw member 41 further comprises a plurality of projection members 49. There is a gap 52 between adjacent projection members 49; preferably said gap 52 is in the range between 0.1 mm-10mm. Having the jaw member 41 comprises a plurality of projection members 49 with a gap 52 between adjacent projection members 49, allows for easier flexion of the jaw member 41. In this example, a free end 49a of each projection 49 comprises a wave profile (such as, for example, a triangular-wave profile (or a substantially triangular-wave profile), or a sine-wave profile (or a substantially sine-wave profile), or a square-wave profile (or a substantially square-wave profile). More specifically, in the example shown in Figures 4a, 4b the free end 49a of each projection 49 comprises a substantially triangular-wave profile. It should be understood that the free end 49a of each projection 49 may have any suitable profile; for example the free end 49a of each projection 49 may have a flat profile, a V-shaped profile; a tapered profile (such as a sharpened edge profile), or an undulating profile (preferably multi-undulating), or a wave profile, or a corrugated profile, or a serrated profile, or a zig-zag profile, or a saw-tooth profile. Preferably the free end 49a of each projection 49 will have a homogeneous profile, although a heterogenous profile is also possible.

[0096] During use, when the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b is in its closed configuration, these projection members 49 (more specifically the free end 49a of each projection 49 which has the wave profile) physically and electrically contact the electrical contacts 310a, 310b of the removeable frames 300 that are positioned inside the brood chamber 1.

[0097] The jaw member further comprises a fixation means 48 which is operable to fix the position of the jaw member 41 relative to the brood box 1. In the present example the fixation means 48 comprises one or more flathook members 48 which can hook onto the side 1 a,1 b of the brood chamber 1. More specifically the jaw member 41 comprises a respective flathook member 48 located at opposite ends of the jaw member. The flathook members 48 of the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a will hook onto the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1 ; the flat-hook members 48 of the jaw member 41 belonging to the secondclamping mechanism 2b will hook onto the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1.

[0098] It should be understood that the fixation means 48 may take any suitable form - any fixation means 48 which is operable to fix the position of the jaw member 41 relative to the brood box 1 could be used. For example, in another embodiment fixation means 48 may comprise one or more projections provided on the brood box and corresponding one or more holes defined in the jaw member 41 - and during use the jaw member 41 is arranged so that the one or more projections provided on the brood box are inserted into the corresponding one or more holes defined in the jaw member 41. In yet another example the fixation means 48 may comprises a latch, or other locking mechanism, which is selectively operable to lock the position of the jaw member 41 relative to the brood box 1. In another example the fixation means 48 may comprise any type of hook members which can hook onto the side 1 a,1 b of the brood chamber 1.

[0099] Figures 5a-5d provide a magnified view of the parts of the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b shown in Figures 4a,4b and like features are awarded the same reference numbers. Specifically, Figure 5a provides a perspective view of the first anchoring element 42a and the second anchoring element 42b of the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b; Figure 5b provides a perspective view of the first hinge plate 44a and the second hinge plate 44b of the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b; Figure 5c provides a perspective view of the latch member 55 of the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b; and Figure 5d provides a front view of the jaw member 41 of the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b.

[0100] It should be understood that the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b shown in Figures 4a, 4b is one example of a clamping mechanism 2a, 2b which can be used in the brood chamber 1 of the present invention. It should be understood that the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b is not limited to have the features shown in Figures 4a, 4b. For example: The clamping mechanism 2a, 2b is not limited to having a first and second anchoringelements 42a, 42b, rather the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b could have any number of anchoring elements; for example, the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b may have a single anchoring element; in yet another example the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b may have more than two anchoring elements. The clamping mechanism 2a, 2b is not limited to having a first hinge plate 44a and second hinge plate 44b, rather the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b could have any number of hinge plates; for example, the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b may have a single hinge plate; in yet another example the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b may have more than two hinge plates. In yet another example the latch member 55 is fixedly attached to the jaw member 41; in other words, the latch member 55 is without the sixth hinge joint 55c and seventh hinge joint 55d, and the jaw member 41 is without the eight hinge joint 41a and ninth hinge joint 41b (in this variation there clamping mechanism is without the third rotational axis 71).

[0101] Figures 6a and 6b show some other exemplary implementations for the clamping mechanism which can be used in the present invention.

[0102] Figures 6a provides a perspective view of a clamping mechanism 2a', 2b'. The clamping mechanism 2a', 2b' has many of the same features as the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b shown in Figures 4a,4b and like features are awarded the same reference numbers. Notably, unlike the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b shown in Figures 4a,4b, in the clamping mechanism 2a', 2b' shown in Figure 6a the latch member 55 is fixedly attached to the jaw member 41. In other words, unlike the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b shown in Figures 4a, 4b, in the clamping mechanism 2a', 2b' shown in Figure 6a the latch member 55 is without the sixth hinge joint 55c and seventh hinge joint 55d, and the jaw member 41 is without the eight hinge joint 41a and ninth hinge joint 41 b; in the clamping mechanism 2a', 2b' shown in Figure 6a the clamping mechanism 2a', 2b' is without the third rotational axis 71.

[0103] Figures 6b provides a perspective view of a clamping mechanism 2a", 2b". The clamping mechanism 2a", 2b" has many of the same featuresas the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b shown in Figures 4a,4b and like features are awarded the same reference numbers. Notably, unlike the clamping mechanism 2a, 2b shown in Figures 4a,4b, in the clamping mechanism 2a", 2b" shown in Figure 6b the clamping mechanism 2a", 2b" comprise, a single anchoring element 42 only; a single hinge plate 44 only which is pivotally attached to the single anchoring element 42 at one end of the single hinge plate 44, and pivotally attached to the latch member 55 the other end of the single hinge plate 44,.

[0104] Figure 8a provides a perspective view of the beehive assembly 100 of Figure 1, having the brood chamber 1 of Figures 2a,2b with the respective first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b in their open configuration, and a plurality of removeable frames 300 of Figures 3a,3b positioned in the brood chamber 1; since the respective first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b in their open configuration, the plurality of removeable frames 300 can move freely within the brood chamber 1. Figure 8b provides a perspective view of said beehive assembly 1 with the respective first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b in their closed configuration; in their closed configuration the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b ensure a stable electrical connection to the plurality of removeable frames 300 and reduce the freedom of movement of the plurality of removeable frames 300 within the brood chamber 1.

[0105] Referring to Figure 8a when the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b in their open configuration a user can insert one or more removeable frames 300 into the brood chamber 1. In the example illustrated in Figure 8a, a user has inserted '7' removeable frames 300 into the brood chamber 1 ; however, it should be understood that the brood chamber 1 may be configured to receive any numbers of removeable frames 300. Also, it should be understood that even if a brood chamber has capacity to receive a predefined number of removeable frames 300, a user may choose to insert less than that predefined number of removeable frames 300 into the brood chamber 1.

[0106] The first ear member 307a of each removeable frame 300 rests on the first support surface 3a; and the second ear member 307b of each removeable frame 300 rests on the second support surface 3b. More specifically, for each removeable frame 300, the portion of the first metallic strip 320a which extends over the bottom surface 317b of the first ear member 307a will abut / rest on the a portion of the rim 6a of the first plate member 5a which has the wave profile (i.e. the portion of the rim 6a which defines the first support surface 3a); the portion of the second metallic strip 320b which extends over the bottom surface 327b of the second ear member 307b will abut / rest on the a portion of the rim 6b of the second plate member 5b which has the wave profile (i.e. the portion of the rim 6b which defines the second support surface 3b).

[0107] In this particular embodiment, since the first and second metallic strips 320a, 320b on each frame 300 are electrically conductive, and the first and second plate members 5a, 5b on the brood chamber 1 are electrically conductive; and since the first and second metallic strips 320a, 320b of each frame, rest on / abut the respective first and second plate members 5a, 5b, the removeable frame 300 will be electrically connected to the brood chamber 1 once the removeable frames 300 are inserted into the brood chamber 1. However, with the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b in their open configuration the removeable frames 300 can move within the brood chamber 1; furthermore, wax (and / or other organic material) may come between the metallic strips 320a, 320b and the plate members 5a, 5b, thereby creating unreliability in the electrical connection.

[0108] As shown in Figure 8a, in the open configuration, the flat-hook members 48 are unhooked from the sides 1a, 1 b of the brood chamber 1. Furthermore, the second rotational axis 61 is positioned further from the outer surface 1 a",1 b" of the brood chamber 1 than the first rotational axis 51.

[0109] A user will typically configure the clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b into their closed configurations, as shown in Figure 8b, after they have finished inserting the removeable frames 300 into the brood chamber 1.

[0110] Referring to Figure 8b, in order to configure the clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b into their closed configurations, for each clamping mechanism 2a, 2b, the user will first hook the flat-hook members 48 onto the sides 1 a,1 b of the brood chamber 1. More specifically, the flat-hook members 48 of the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a will be hooked onto the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1 ; and the flat-hook members 48 of the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b will be hooked onto the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1.The flat-hook members 48 will serve to fix the position of the respective jaw members 41 relative to the brood box 1.

[0111] In this position the projection members 49 (more specifically the free end 49a of each projection 49 which has the wave profile) of the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a, will abut the first electrical contact 310a of each respective removeable frame 300 that is inside the brood chamber 1. More specifically, the projection members 49 (more specifically the free end 49a of each projection 49 which has the wave profile) of the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a, will abut the portion of the first metallic strip 320a which extends over the top surface 317a of the first ear member 307a, of each respective removeable frame 300 that is inside the brood chamber 1. Accordingly, the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a will physically and electrically contact all of the first electrical contacts 310a of all of the respective removeable frames 300 that are positioned inside the brood chamber 1.

[0112] Likewise, the projection members 49 (more specifically the free end 49a of each projection 49 which has the wave profile) of the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b, will abut the second electrical contact 310b of each respective removeable frame 300that is inside the brood chamber 1. More specifically, the projection members 49 (more specifically the free end 49a of each projection 49 which has the wave profile) of the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b, will abut the portion of the second metallic strip 320b which extends over the top surface 327a of the second ear member 307b, of each respective removeable frame 300 that is inside the brood chamber 1. Accordingly, the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b will physically and electrically contact all of the second electrical contacts 310b of all of the respective removeable frames 300 that are positioned inside the brood chamber 1.

[0113] Accordingly, at this point the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a will physically and electrically contact all of the first electrical contacts 310a of all of the respective removeable frames 300, by abutting the portion of the first metallic strip 320a which extends over the top surface 317a of the first ear member 307a, of each respective removeable frame 300; the first support surface 3a (defined by the portion of the rim 6a of the first plate member 5a which has a wave profile) will physically and electrically contact all of the first electrical contacts 310a of all of the respective removeable frames 300, by abutting the portion of the first metallic strip 320a which extends over the bottom surface 317b of the first ear member 307a, of each respective removeable frame 300. Likewise, the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b will physically and electrically contact all of the second electrical contacts 310b of all of the respective removeable frames 300, by abutting the portion of the second metallic strip 320b which extends over the top surface 327a of the second ear member 307b, of each respective removeable frame 300; the second support surface 3b (defined by the portion of the rim 6b of the second plate member 5b which has a wave profile) will physically and electrically contact all of the second electrical contacts 310b of all of the respective removeable frames 300, by abutting the portion of the second metallic strip 320b which extends over the bottom surface 327b of the second ear member 307b, of each respective removeable frame 300.

[0114] Finally, after the flat-hook members 48 of the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a has been hooked onto the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1 , the user will then then press the latch member 55 of the first clamping mechanism 2a towards the outer surface 1 a" of the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1. The latch member 55 will pivot about the third rotational axis 71; the user will preferably press the latch member 55 of the first clamping mechanism 2a towards the outer surface 1 a" of the first side 1a of the brood chamber 1, until the second rotational axis 61 is moved closer to the outer surface 1 a" of the first side 1a of the brood chamber 1 than the first rotational axis 51. The first clamping mechanism 2a will then be in its closed configuration. When the clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration, since a force is needed to move the latch member 55 away from the outer surface 1a", 1 b" over the zenith point (i.e. the first rotational axis 51 and the second rotational axis 61 share the same distance from the outer surface 1 a",1 b") into a position, in which the clamping mechanism is in the open configuration, this serves to prevent the clamping mechanism from opening passively (e.g. serves to prevent the clamping mechanism from opening inadvertently without user applying a force to the latch member 55).

[0115] In its closed configuration, the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a (more specifically the free end 49a of each projection member 49 which has the wave profile, of the jaw member 41), will apply a force to the first electrical contact 310a (more specifically, to the portion of the first metallic strip 320a which extends over the top surface 317a of the first ear member 307a), of each respective removeable frame 300 that is inside the brood chamber 1. Said force is preferably, substantially perpendicular to the portion of the first metallic strip 320a which extends over the top surface 317a of the first ear member 307a. This force that is applied by the jaw member 41 to the first electrical contact 310a of each respective removeable frame 300, will also press the portion of the first metallic strip 320a which extends over the bottom surface 317b of that first ear member 307a, toward the first support surface 3a (i.e. towards the portion of the rim 6a of the first plate member 5a which has a wave profile). In summary, when the first clamping mechanism 2a is in itsclosed configuration, the first ear member 307a of each removeable frame 300 and the corresponding respective portions of the first metallic strip 320a which extend over the top surface 317a and bottom surface 317b of that first ear member 307a, will be clamped between the first support surface 3a and the jaw member 41 of the first clamping mechanism 2a. This ensures a more reliable electrical connection between the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a and the first electrical contact 310a of each removeable frame 300; and also a more reliable electrical connection between the first support surface 3a and the first electrical contact 310a of each removeable frame 300.

[0116] The force applied by the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a to a first electrical contact 310a will result in a reactive force on the jaw member 41. However, the flat-hook members 48 will prevent the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a from moving in response to the reactive force. It should be understood, that the projection member 49 may flex when applying a force, thereby deforming (preferably elastically deforming) the cross-sectional profile of the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a; for example the jaw member 41 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a may have a V-shaped cross-sectional profile, but when applying a force to the first electrical contacts 310a the projection members 49 may flex deforming (preferably elastically deforming) the cross-sectional profile of the jaw member 41 from the V-shaped cross-sectional profile towards a more L-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0117] Similarly, after the flat-hook members 48 of the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b will be hooked onto the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1 , the user will then then press the latch member 55 of the second clamping mechanism 2b towards the outer surface 1 b" of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1. The latch member 55 will pivot about the third rotational axis 71; the user will preferably press the latch member 55 of the second clamping mechanism 2b towards the outer surface 1 b" of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1, until the second rotational axis 61 is moved closer to the outersurface 1 b" of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1 than the first rotational axis 51. The second clamping mechanism 2b will then be in its closed configuration.

[0118] In its closed configuration, the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b (more specifically the free end 49a of each projection member 49 which has the wave profile, of the jaw member 41), will apply a force to the second electrical contact 310b (more specifically, to the portion of the second metallic strip 320b which extends over the top surface 327a of the second ear member 307b), of each respective removeable frame 300 that is inside the brood chamber 1. Said force is preferably, substantially perpendicular to the portion of the second metallic strip 320b which extends over the top surface 327a of the second ear member 307b. This force that is applied by the jaw member 41 to the second electrical contact 310b of each respective removeable frame 300, will also press the portion of the second metallic strip 320b which extends over the bottom surface 327b of that second ear member 307b, toward the second support surface 3b (i.e. towards the portion of the rim 6b of the second plate member 5b which has a wave profile). In summary, when the second clamping mechanism 2b is in its closed configuration, the second ear member 307b of each removeable frame 300 and the corresponding respective portions of the second metallic strip 320b which extend over the top surface 327a and bottom surface 327b of that second ear member 307b, will be clamped between the second support surface 3b and the jaw member 41 of the second clamping mechanism 2b. This ensures a more reliable electrical connection between the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b and the second electrical contact 310b of each removeable frame 300; and also a more reliable electrical connection between the second support surface 3b and the second electrical contact 310b of each removeable frame 300.

[0119] The force applied by the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b to the second electrical contact 310b will result in a reactive force on the jaw member 41. However, the flat-hook members 48 will prevent the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clampingmechanism 2b from moving in response to said reactive force. It should be understood, that the projection member 49 may flex when applying a force, thereby deforming (preferably elastically deforming) the cross- sectional profile of the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b; for example the jaw member 41 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b may have a V-shaped cross-sectional profile, but when applying a force to the first electrical contacts 310a the projection members 49 may flex deforming (preferably elastically deforming) the cross-sectional profile of the jaw member 41 from the V-shaped cross- sectional profile towards a more L-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0120] In order for a user to adjust the first clamping mechanism 2a from its closed configuration to its open configuration, the user will apply a force to the latch member 55 belonging to the first clamping mechanism 2a, to pivot the latch member 55 about the third rotational axis 71. Specifically, the user will applying a force to the latch member 55 (preferably a force which lifts the latch member 55) which pivots the latch member 55 of the first clamping mechanism 2a about the third rotational axis 71 in a direction which is away from the outer surface 1a" of the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1. The user will preferably apply a force to the latch member 55 (preferably a force which lifts the latch member 55) which pivots the latch member 55 of the first clamping mechanism 2a about the third rotational axis 71 in a direction which is away from the outer surface 1a" of the first side 1a of the brood chamber 1, at least until the second rotational axis 61 is moved further from the outer surface 1a" of the first side 1 a of the brood chamber 1 than the first rotational axis 51. The first clamping mechanism 2a will then be in its open configuration.

[0121] Likewise, in order for a user to adjust the second clamping mechanism 2b from its closed configuration to its open configuration, the user will apply a force to the latch member 55 belonging to the second clamping mechanism 2b to pivot the latch member 55 about the third rotational axis 71. Specifically, the user will apply a force to the latch member 55 (preferably a force which lifts the latch member 55) which pivots the latch member 55 of the second clamping mechanism 2b aboutthe third rotational axis 71 in a direction which is away from the outer surface 1 b" of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1. The user will preferably apply a force to the latch member 55 (preferably a force which lifts the latch member 55) which pivots the latch member 55 of the second clamping mechanism 2b about the third rotational axis 71 in a direction which is away from the outer surface 1 b" of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1, at least until the second rotational axis 61 is moved further from the outer surface 1 b" of the second side 1 b of the brood chamber 1 than the first rotational axis 51 . The second clamping mechanism 2b will then be in its open configuration.

[0122] In this embodiment since both the jaw members 41 of the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b are electrically connected to the power source 350, and also the first and second plate members 5a, 5b are electrically connected to the power source 350 (i.e. the first and second support surfaces 3a, 3b are electrically connected to the power source 350), optionally current (or power) could be supplied to the removeable frames 300 in the brood chamber 1 via the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b (when the clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b are in their closed configuration) and / or via the first and second plate members 5a, 5b. In another embodiment only the jaw members 41, or, the plate members 5a, 5b, are electrically conductive, in which case current (or power) could be supplied to the removeable frames 300 only via the jaw members 41 or the plate members 5a, 5b (i.e. via the component that is electrically conductive).

[0123] When the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b are in their closed position, power (or current), can be selectively supplied from the power source 350 to the metallic elements 305 any one or more of the removeable frames 300 in the brood chamber 1, to heat the metallic elements 305 (e.g. to implement a heat treatment which protects against varroa mite). The respective slave controller 312 and switch 311 of each removeable frame 300 enables to heat a selection of the removeable frames 300 that are inside the brood chamber 1.

[0124] When the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b are in their closed configurations, and when the slave controller 312 of a selected removeable frame 300 (one or more selected removeable frames 300) receives a command from the master controller to heat the metallic elements 305 to a predefined temperature, then the slave controller 312 of that selected removeable frame 300 will close the switch 311 on that selected removeable frame 300. When the switch 311 is closed the switch 311 will electrically connect both the first electrical contact 310a and the second electrical contact 310b to the metallic elements 305 of said selected removeable frame 300; the first and second electrical contacts 310a, 310b are, in turn, electrically connected to the power source 350 via the respective jaw members 41 of the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b and also via the respective first and second support surfaces 3a, 3b (defined respectively be the first and second plate members 5a, 5b). Accordingly current (e.g. current supplied by the power source 350) can flow from the power source 350 into the respective jaw members 41 of the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b and first and second support surfaces 3a, 3b (defined respectively by the first and second plate members 5a, 5b); and from the respective jaw members 41 of the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b and first and second support surfaces 3a, 3b, into the first and second electrical contacts 310a, 310b of the selected removeable frame 300; through the closed switch 311 and into the metallic elements 305 of said selected removeable frame 300. As the current passes through the metallic elements 305 of said selected removeable frame 300 the metallic element 305 will heat. Preferably, the slave controller 312 will open the switch 311 once a predefined condition has been fulfilled.

[0125] In order to stop heating of the metallic elements 305 of said selected removeable frame 300, and / or if the metallic elements 305 of a selected removeable frame 300 is not to be heated, the slave controller 312 of a selected removeable frame 300 will open the switch 311 of said selected removeable frame 300.

[0126] It may be desired to stop heating of the metallic elements 305 of a selected removeable frame 300, once a predefined condition has beenreached. The predefined condition maybe any one or more of, for example, the metallic elements 305 have reached the predefined temperature, and / or the metallic elements 305 have been at the predefined temperature for a predefined time period, and / or the slave controller received a command from the master controller to open the switch 311.

[0127] When the switch 311 of said selected removeable frame 300 is open the switch 311 will electrically disconnect both the first and second electrical contacts 310a, 310b from the metallic elements 305 of the selected removeable frame 300; accordingly, when the switch 311 is open the open switch 311 forms an open circuit thereby preventing the flow of current (e.g. current supplied by the power source 350) from the first electrical contact 310a and the second electrical contact 310b to the metallic elements 305; thus the metallic elements 305 of the selected removeable frame 300 will not be heated. In this fashion, when the first and second clamping mechanisms 2a, 2b are in their closed configurations, it can be selected which removeable frames 300 inside the brood chamber 1 are to be heated and which are not to be heated.

[0128] Various modifications and variations to the described embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiment.

Claims

Claims1. A brood chamber for a beehive which is suitable for receiving a plurality of frames, the brood chamber comprising, at least one support surface on which one or more frame members can rest when inserted into the brood chamber; and at least one clamping mechanism which has a jaw member, wherein the clamping mechanism is selectively configurable into an open configuration or a closed configuration, wherein in the closed configuration a portion of the frame member resting on the support surface is clamped between the jaw member and the support surface.

2. A brood chamber according to claim 1, wherein the jaw member is electrically conducting; and when the clamping mechanism is in its closed configuration the jaw member contacts an electrical contact on the frame member.

3. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the jaw member is configured to have a substantially L-shaped cross section, or, a substantially V-shaped cross section, at least when the clamping mechanism is in its open configuration.

4. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a free edge of a jaw member comprises a wave profile, which abuts the frame member when the clamping mechanism is in its closed configuration.

5. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the jaw member comprises a plurality of projection members, which abut the frame member when the clamping mechanism is in its closed configuration.

6. A brood chamber according to claim 5 wherein there is a respective gap between adjacent projection members.

7. A brood chamber according to claim 5 or 6 wherein a free end of each projection comprises said wave profile, which abuts the frame member when the clamping mechanism is in its closed configuration.

8. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the jaw member further comprises a means for fixing the position of the jaw member relative to the brood chamber.

9. A brood chamber according to claim 8 wherein the means for fixing the position of the jaw member comprises one or more flat-hook members which can hook onto a wall of the brood chamber.

10. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one support surface is electrically conducting.

11. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one support surface is defined by a rim of an electrically conducting plate member.

12. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support surface has a wave profile.

13. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said brood chamber comprises at least one ledge having a first surface which is substantially perpendicular to an inner wall of the brood chamber; and wherein the electrically conducting plate member is attached to an inner surface of the brood chamber, and arranged so that a plane of the plate member is perpendicular to the first surface of the ledge, and the plate member extends above the level of the first surface of the ledge.

14. A brood chamber according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the brood chamber comprises at least one ledge having a first surface which is substantiallyperpendicular to an inner wall of the brood chamber; and wherein the first surface of the ledge defines the support surface.

15. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one clamping mechanism comprises, a first anchoring element which can be fixed to a wall of the brood chamber, and which comprises a first hinge joint; and a second anchoring element which can be fixed to a wall of the brood chamber and which comprises a first hinge joint.

16. A brood chamber according to claim 1 1 wherein the at least one clamping mechanism further comprises, a first hinge plate which comprises a second hinge joint at a first end thereof and a third hinge joint at a second end thereof, and wherein the second hinge joint of the first hinge plate is pivotally connected, along a first rotational axis, to the first hinge joint of the first anchoring element; and a second hinge plate which comprises a second hinge joint at a first end thereof and a third hinge joint at a second end thereof, and wherein the second hinge joint of the second hinge plate is pivotally connected, along said first rotational axis, to the first hinge joint of the second anchoring element.

17. A brood chamber according to claim 12 wherein the at least one clamping mechanism further comprises a latch member, wherein the latch member comprises, a handle portion; and a fourth hinge joint which is pivotally connected, along a second rotational axis, to the third hinge joint of the first hinge plate; a fifth hinge joint which is pivotally connected, along said second rotational axis, to the third hinge joint of the second hinge plate; at least one further hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the jaw member.

18. A brood chamber according to claim 13 wherein the clamping mechanism is configured such that when the clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration, the second rotational axis is closer to a surface of the brood chamber than the first rotational axis, so that the clamping mechanism is maintained in its closed configuration until a force sufficient to move the latch member so that the second rotational axis is further from the surface of the brood chamber than the first rotational axis.

19. A brood chamber according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the jaw member comprises at least one hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the latch member.

20. A brood chamber according to claim 19 wherein the latch member comprises, a sixth hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the jaw member; and a seventh hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the jaw member.

21. A brood chamber according to claim 20 wherein the jaw member comprises an eight hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the sixth hinge joint of the latch member; and a ninth hinge joint which is pivotally connected to the seventh hinge joint of the latch member.

22. A brood chamber according to any one of claims 15-21 wherein the at least one anchoring element is fixed to an outer wall of the brood box.

23. A brood chamber according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the brood chamber comprises a first support surface located at a first side of the brood chamber, and a second support surface located at a second, opposite, side of the brood chamber; and a first clamping mechanism which has a first jaw member located at the first side of the brood chamber, and a second clamping mechanism which has a second jaw member located at the second, opposite, side of the brood chamber; and wherein the first and second clamping mechanisms are selectivelyconfigurable into an open configuration or a closed configuration, wherein when the first clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration a first portion of a frame member resting on the first support surface is clamped between the first jaw member and the first support surface, and, when the second clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration a second portion of said frame member resting on the second support surface is clamped between the second jaw member and the second support surface .

24. A brood chamber according to claim 23 wherein when the first clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration respective first portions of a plurality of frame members resting on the first support surface are clamped between the first jaw member and the first support surface, and, when the second clamping mechanism is in the closed configuration respective second portions of said plurality of frame members resting on the second support surface are clamped between the second jaw member and the second support surface.

25. A beehive assembly comprising, a brood chamber according to any one of claims 1-14, and one or more frames, wherein each frame comprises, a frame member defining an area; at least one coil which is arranged to define a plurality of metallic elements which extend across the area defined by the frame, from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame; wherein said plurality of metallic elements are electrically connected; one or more electrical contacts mounted on the frame, wherein the electrical contact is electrically connected to the coil so that current can be supplied to each of the metallic element via the electrical contact.

26. A beehive assembly according to claim 25 wherein each frame comprises a respective switch which can be selectively opened or closed, wherein, when the switch is in a closed position the at least one coil of that frame is electrically connected to the one or more electrical contacts mounted on the frame; when the switch is in an open position the at least one coil ofthat frame is electrically disconnected from the one or more electrical contacts mounted on the frame.

27. A beehive assembly according to any one of claims 25-26 wherein each frame further comprises a temperature sensor which is operable to measure the temperature of the at least one coil of that frame.

28. A beehive assembly according to any one of claims 25-26 wherein each frame further comprise a slave controller which can receive temperature measurements from the temperature sensor and to send said received temperature measurements to a master controller; and wherein the slave controller is further configured to receive commands from a master controller and to control the position of the switch based on said received commands.

29. A beehive assembly according to claim 28 wherein the beehive assembly further comprises a master controller which is configured to selectively send commands to the respective slave controllers of each respective frame.

30. A beehive assembly according to any one of claims 25-29 wherein the distance between adjacent metallic elements is between 3mm-20mm.31.A beehive assembly according to any one of claims 25-30 wherein the frame comprises between '10'-'80' metallic elements.

32. A beehive assembly according to any one of claims 25-31 wherein each frame comprises a first electrical contact mounted on the first projection and a second electrical contact mounted on the second projection.

33. A beehive assembly according to claim 32 wherein the first electrical contact extends over a first surface of the first projection and over second, opposite, surface of the first projection; and the second electrical contactextends over a first surface of the second projection and over second, opposite, surface of the second projection.

34. A frame according to any one of claims 25-33 wherein the frame further comprises an RFID tag which defines a unique ID.

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