Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a rearing vessel for small organisms such as mites, the rearing vessel comprising a cylindrical case, an upper lid and a bottom stopper for closing the upper and lower openings of the case, a water supply tank on the bottom stopper, and a mite bed on the water supply tank.

Various aspects of the invention are set out in the appended claims.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more certain examples and, together with the description of the example, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the certain examples.

Examples are described herein in the context of storage of adult stage insects, and in particular adult stage mosquitoes. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. For example, the techniques described herein can be used to store mosquitoes in other stages of development and/or other insects. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like items.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the examples described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another.

As part of a sterile insect technique (SIT) program or otherwise, it is desirable to release known quantities of sterile insects into a target environment. The systems and devices described herein are used to load, store, and transport known quantities of such sterile insects in easy-to-use single-use or reusable containers. Each container may hold as few as one insect or can be scaled to hold hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, or even more insects. To increase density, in some applications, insects are compressed as they are loaded into containers.

Sheets or rolls of containers, which may include multiple containers, may be produced, loaded, and sent for distribution. Using sheets or rolls of containers enables "dosing" selection in which set numbers of containers can be opened and released. The containers described herein may be shipped to end users for release. For example, a homeowner participating in a SIT program may receive, in the mail or otherwise, a package of containers including a set number of insects and instructions for releasing the insects (e.g., release one container per day for a week). The homeowner may be responsible for opening the containers and releasing the insects. For example, for a typical yard, about two containers of <NUM> mosquitoes may be opened each week.

Turning now to a particular example, a single-use insect storage and release device includes a cup having a cylindrical shape, and a cap. The insect storage and release device is configured to hold a compressed quantity of insects within an interior volume of the cup. To load the insect storage and release device, the cup is placed into a retainer of a loading device with an opening of the cup facing up. A barrel of a syringe is loaded with a reticulated foam wafer that has a diameter about equal to a cross-sectional area of the opening. A quantity of insects is then loaded into the barrel. With the foam wafer and insects in the barrel, a structure supporting the barrel is used to align the barrel with the cup in the retainer. Once aligned, a plunger of the syringe is used to push the insects via the foam into the interior volume of the cup, thereby compressing the insects beneath the foam. Once foam has passed into the interior volume, loading concludes. The cap may then be placed on the cup to keep the insects and the foam from escaping the interior volume. The cap and/or the cup may include small perforations or slits to provide ventilation for the insects within the interior volume.

This illustrative example is given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed herein and the disclosure is not limited to this example. The following sections describe various additional non-limiting examples of insect storage and release systems.

Turning now to the Figures, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an insect storage and release device <NUM>, according to at least one example. The insect storage and release device <NUM> may be used to store various quantities of insects (e.g., adult mosquitoes) in a compressed or non-compressed state. The insect storage and release device <NUM> may be sufficiently rigid to enable transportation of the insects between various locations (e.g., from an insect factory to a field delivery location). The insect storage and release device <NUM> may be designed for single use. For example, after the insects have been loaded into the insect storage and release device <NUM>, as described elsewhere herein, and transported to a delivery location, a lid on the insect storage and release device <NUM> may be removed to free the insects from the insect storage and release device <NUM>. In some examples, the insect storage and release device <NUM> may be adapted for use in automated delivery systems. For example, the insect storage and release device <NUM> may be loaded into a blower system that, once the lid has been opened, removes the insects using an airstream.

The insect storage and release device <NUM>, which is illustrated with a top portion resting on a surface, includes a top flange <NUM>, a bottom <NUM>, and a side wall <NUM> that together define an interior volume <NUM>, which may be referred to as an insect compartment. The side wall <NUM> may be around <NUM> tall and the interior volume may have a diameter of around <NUM>. In some examples, the side wall may be greater than or less than <NUM> tall and the diameter may be greater than or less than <NUM>. The dimensions of the side wall and diameter may be selected based on a quantity of insects to store in the insect storage and release device <NUM> and a packing density for the insects (e.g., a quantity of insects per volume). In some examples, other factors, which may relate to packing density or otherwise, such as a mortality rate (e.g., a percentage of insects that die during packing and/or transport) may also be considered.

The insect storage and release device <NUM> has a cylindrical form factor, but other form factors such as rectangular, bulbous, and those corresponding to other shapes are also possible. The bottom <NUM> includes a perforated section <NUM>. The perforated section <NUM> includes small slits, cuts, holes, or other perforations to enable air flow into and out of the interior volume <NUM>. This allows air transfer between the interior volume <NUM> and outside the insect storage and release device <NUM>. A lid such as one described with reference to later figures is used to seal an opening formed where the top flange <NUM> and an upper edge of side wall <NUM> intersect.

The illustrated insect storage and release device <NUM> is formed from a thermoformable plastic. However, other materials may be employed such as foil, paper, compostable products, rubbers, silicone/urethane, foam, 3D printed resin and filament, insect food (e.g., sucrose, bread, etc.). In some examples, the material used may be color coded to signify a characteristic such as volume of the container or quantity of insects held therein. The material may also be tinted (e.g., tinted plastic), UV protected (e.g., UV protected plastic), and have color-changing properties.

The insect storage and release device <NUM> may also be loaded with food (e.g., sugar water, sugar capsule, etc.). In some examples, the sugar water mixture is placed on the opposite side of the perforated section <NUM> and/or included in a foam wafer placed in the insect storage and release device <NUM>.

In some examples, the insect storage and release device <NUM> is loaded directly from an insect sortation system. The insect sortation system may be configured to singulate and sort insects based on predefined characteristic (e.g., sex, species, size, etc.). Once singulated, the insects can be blown, driven, or otherwise loaded into the insect storage and release devices <NUM> from a singulation pathway of the insect sortation system. In some examples, insects from the singulation pathway are loaded into a holding chamber, and the insects are loaded from the holding chamber into the insect storage and release device <NUM>. Whether using a singulation system or otherwise, the insect storage and release device <NUM> may be used to store insects of a particular characteristic (e.g., all male insects, all female insects, etc.).

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an insect storage and release device <NUM>, according to at least one example. The insect storage and release device <NUM> is an example of the insect storage and release device <NUM>. The insect storage and release device <NUM> includes a foam section <NUM>. A cylindrical portion of the foam section <NUM> extends into the interior volume <NUM>, while a rectangular portion of the foam section <NUM> extends along the a top flange <NUM> of the insect storage and release device <NUM>. The foam section <NUM>, in this example, may form a lid for enclosing the interior volume <NUM>. Unlike the insect storage and release device <NUM>, the insect storage and release device <NUM> does not include a perforated section within bottom <NUM> or side wall <NUM>. Instead, air flow is introduced into and out of the interior volume <NUM> via the foam section <NUM>. In some examples, a lid is also used to seal the opening to the interior volume <NUM> (e.g., along the top flange <NUM>). For example, the lid may be provided and formed of aluminum foil, plastic, or other material. In some examples, the lid may include a perforate section to enable airflow via the lid and the foam section <NUM>. In some examples, the insect storage and release device <NUM> also includes a perforated section (e.g., when the lid forms an airtight seal).

The illustrated foam section <NUM> is a reticulated foam. However, any other open cell foam, silicone, plastic, or other material capable of being compressed similarly to such open-cell foams, etc. may be employed in place of the reticulated foam. The foam section <NUM> may be soaked in food, such as sugar water, for insects within the interior volume <NUM>. In some examples, the interior volume <NUM> of the insect storage and release device <NUM> (and any other insect storage and release device described herein) is loaded with insect food such as a piece of fruit, sugar water, and any other such food. In other examples, food is supplied to insects within the insect storage and release device <NUM> (or within any other insect storage and release device) through openings in the bottom <NUM>, the side wall <NUM>, and/or the lid when these openings contact the food. For example, the insect storage and release device <NUM> (or any of the other insect storage and release devices described herein) may be placed on a towel, sponge, foam, or other absorbent object that has absorbed a liquid food (e.g., sugar water).

In some examples, a pressure-maintaining item is installed in between the foam section <NUM> and the lid. The pressure-maintaining item, which may include a variable force spring, a rigid pieces of material, such as a rigid plastic or metallic disk, a constant force spring, or other such item, may function to apply and/or maintain a constant pressure within the interior volume <NUM>. For example, after the foam section <NUM> has been added to the interior volume <NUM>, the pressure-maintaining item can be added, followed by the lid. The pressure-maintaining item may exert a force on the foam section <NUM> to ensure a constant pressure is maintained inside the interior volume <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a first perspective view and a second perspective view of an insect storage and release device <NUM>, according to a few examples. In the insect storage and release device 300a of <FIG>, insects are stored in a compressed state. In the insect storage and release device 300b of <FIG>, insects are stored in an uncompressed state. The insect storage and release device <NUM> is an example of the insect storage and release devices <NUM> and <NUM>.

The insect storage and release device <NUM> includes a lid <NUM> attached to a top flange <NUM> that encloses an interior volume <NUM>. The insect storage and release device <NUM> also includes a foam section <NUM> located within the interior volume <NUM> between the lid <NUM> and a population of insects <NUM>. The lid <NUM> includes an adhesive backing that is used to seal the lid to a top surface of the top flange <NUM>. For example, the lid <NUM> may be formed from drywall tape (e.g., Tyvek (R) brand tape), peelable foil, perforated plastic, any other similar materials. In some examples, the lid <NUM> is formed from the foam section <NUM> or a second foam section. This example insect storage and release device <NUM> relies on air flow via the lid <NUM>, i.e., the bottom <NUM> and the wall <NUM> are not perforated. As such, the lid <NUM> includes perforations and/or is formed from a material that allows breathability (e.g., air flow in and out of the interior volume <NUM>). However, in some examples one or more of the lid, <NUM>, the bottom <NUM>, or the wall <NUM> may be perforated.

The insect storage and release device <NUM> in <FIG> includes a population of insects 316a and 316b within the interior volume <NUM> of the insect storage and release device <NUM>. The population of insects 316a in the insect storage and release device 300a have been compressed into the interior volume <NUM> using a compression device such as the one described with later figures. In some examples, the insects are compressed to between substantially <NUM>-<NUM> insects per milliliter, less than <NUM> insects per milliliter, or greater than <NUM> insects per milliliter. For example, the insect population 316a may include around <NUM> adult insects (e.g., mosquitoes). In some examples, the insect population may be packed at a pressure of between substantially <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa) and <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa). As described in more detail with respect to <FIG>, this pressure may be measured based on a force applied to a packing actuator (e.g., at a handle <NUM> of a compression apparatus <NUM>) given the surface area of a piston (e.g., a plunger <NUM>) pushing against the population of insects (e.g., insects <NUM>). In some examples, the pressure may be lower than <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa) and may be higher than <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa). The population of insects 316b in the insect storage and release device 300b have not been compressed. As such, far fewer (e.g., around <NUM>-<NUM>) insects make up the population of insects 316b. In some examples, as described elsewhere herein, a device is configured to store a single insect. In some examples, the insects <NUM> are compressed at least until some predefined packing pressure of the interior volume <NUM> is reached. To enable loading of the insects <NUM>, the insects may be suppressed using a reduced temperature, a gas, or other such method to reduce physical activity and movement. In some examples, compressing of the interior volume <NUM> is performed at some predefined temperature (e.g., between substantially <NUM> degrees C and <NUM> degrees C) and/or while or after exposing the insects to a gas such as CO2 or Nitrogen to immobilize them. In some examples, the predefined temperature is less than <NUM> degrees C and greater than <NUM> degrees C. The insect storage and release device <NUM> (or any other insect storage and release device described herein) may be shipped, transported, stored, or otherwise held at a constant holding temperature (e.g., between substantially <NUM> degrees C and <NUM> degrees C). In some examples, the constant holding temperature is less than <NUM> degrees C and greater than <NUM> degrees C.

<FIG> respectively illustrate perspective views of an insect storage and release device <NUM> including various lid configurations 414a-414c, according to various examples. The insect storage and release device <NUM> is an example of the insect storage and release devices <NUM>-<NUM>. The lids <NUM> may be reusable or disposable. In some examples, the lids <NUM> may be customized per application. The lids <NUM> may also include locking features and/or tamper-resistant features (e.g., foil that breaks when opened). For example, the lid <NUM> may include a locking feature that prevents children from unlocking the insect storage and release device <NUM> (e.g., child proof lock). In some examples, the locking feature may be unlocked only by one who has a key or by one who has a combination. This may be desirable to control the release of the insects only by those who are authorized as evidenced by key ownership. In some examples, the locking feature is a detent mechanism that includes a first portion connected to the lid and a second portion connected to the body. The detent mechanism may be configured to arrest rotation of the lid relative to the body. In some examples, the detent mechanism is mechanically manipulated in order to remove the lid from the body.

The insect storage and release device 400a illustrated in <FIG> includes the lid 414a. The lid 414a includes a planar piece <NUM> (e.g., a thin membrane of material) and an adhesive ring <NUM>. The adhesive ring <NUM> seals the planar piece <NUM> to a top surface <NUM> of the top flange <NUM>. The planar piece <NUM> also includes a tab <NUM> that corresponds to a similar shaped structure on the top flange <NUM>. In some examples, the tab <NUM> is gripped by a user when opening the container to reveal the interior volume <NUM>. In some examples, the adhesive ring <NUM> is formed as a planar sheet. In this example, a perimeter portion may adhere to the top surface <NUM> and the planar piece <NUM> and an inner portion may adhere to a foam section or other object disposed within the interior volume <NUM> and the planar piece <NUM>. In this manner, removal of the planar piece <NUM> may also include removal of the foam section.

The insect storage and release device 400b illustrated in <FIG> includes the lid 414b. The lid 414b includes a lid bottom <NUM> and a lid wall <NUM> surrounding the lid bottom <NUM>. To seal up the interior volume <NUM>, the lid 414b is installed into the interior volume <NUM> via the opening located within the top flange <NUM>. The lid 414b is held within the interior volume <NUM> by an interference fit between an exterior surface of the lid wall <NUM> and an interior surface of the side wall <NUM>.

The insect storage and release device 400c illustrated in <FIG> includes the lid 414c. The lid 414c includes the lid bottom <NUM> and the lid wall <NUM> surrounding the lid bottom <NUM>. The lid 414c also includes a connecting portion <NUM> that connects the top flange <NUM> and the lid bottom <NUM>. The lid 414c functions similarly as described with reference to the lid 414b.

<FIG> illustrate side sectional views of an example insect compression device <NUM> for loading insects into one of the insect storage and release devices described herein, according at least one example. The insect compression device <NUM> is used to load insects into insect storage and release devices <NUM> (e.g., the insect storage and release devices <NUM>-<NUM>), and, in some examples, this may include compressing the insects into the insect storage and release devices <NUM>. For example, at least some of the insect populations <NUM> were loaded into their respective insect storage and release devices <NUM> using an insect compression device such as the insect compression device <NUM>. The insect compression device <NUM> is used to load a single insect storage and release device, but it should be understood that multiple insect compression devices <NUM> may be held in any suitable combination and used to simultaneously load multiple insect storage and release devices with insects. For example, plurality of insect compression devices <NUM> may be arranged into a two-dimensional array of devices, which may be individually operated or may be aligned and actuated as a single system.

The insect compression device <NUM> includes a retainer block <NUM> and a compression apparatus <NUM>. The retainer block <NUM> is configured to receive and retain an insect storage and release device <NUM> while the insect storage and release device <NUM> is being loaded with insects. The compression apparatus <NUM> is used to compress the insects into the insect storage and release device as it is retained by the retainer block <NUM>.

Beginning with the retainer block <NUM>, the retainer block <NUM> includes a set of alignment holes 536a-d surrounding a concave depression <NUM>. The alignment holes <NUM> correspond to a set of alignment posts 540a-d of the compression apparatus <NUM>, and are used to align the compression apparatus <NUM> with the retainer block <NUM>. In the view depicted in <FIG>, only two of the alignment holes <NUM> and two of the alignment posts <NUM> are illustrated. The other two may be located on opposite sides of their respective parts. In some examples, other alignment features may be employed or none may be used.

The concave depression <NUM> is configured to receive and retain the insect storage and release device <NUM>. As such, the size and shape of the concave depression <NUM> may correspond to an exterior form factor of the insect storage and release device <NUM>. In this example, the concave depression <NUM> may more or less has a cylindrical shape that corresponds to the cylindrical shape of the insect storage and release device <NUM> (e.g., such as the insect storage and release devices <NUM>-<NUM> described with respect to <FIG>). In other examples, the concave depression <NUM> may have a different size and shape. For example, the concave depression <NUM> may be bulbous to correspond to the insect storage containers described with respect to <FIG>.

Turning now to the compression apparatus <NUM>, the compression apparatus <NUM> includes a chamber <NUM> including a distal opening 544a and a proximate opening 544b, a plunger <NUM> including a distal end <NUM> and a handle <NUM>, along with the alignment posts <NUM> introduced previously. The chamber <NUM> defines an interior volume extending between the two openings, 544a and 544b. The plunger <NUM> is configured to travel longitudinally (e.g., translate) within the interior volume of the chamber <NUM>. To move the plunger <NUM>, a user or a robotic device may exert a force on the handle <NUM> (e.g., either pushes to move the distal end <NUM> toward the distal opening 544a or pulls to move the distal end <NUM> toward the proximate opening 544b).

To operate the insect compression device <NUM>, the compression apparatus <NUM> is separated from the retainer block <NUM>. An insect storage and release device <NUM> is loaded into the concave depression <NUM> of the retainer block <NUM>. The plunger <NUM> is pulled back within the chamber <NUM> to define a loading volume extending within the chamber <NUM> between the distal opening 544a and the distal end <NUM> (e.g., the distal end <NUM> is moved adjacent to the proximate opening 544b). Once the plunger <NUM> is in this position, a foam section <NUM> (e.g., the foam section <NUM> and/or a lid) is loaded into the chamber <NUM> via the distal opening 544a until it wrests against the distal end <NUM>. A population of insects <NUM> may then be loaded into the chamber <NUM> via the distal opening 544a. In other examples, the distal end <NUM> is removed entirely from the chamber <NUM> and the population of insects <NUM> and the foam section <NUM> are loaded via the proximate opening 544b. Following these actions, the compression apparatus <NUM> and the retainer block <NUM> are brought into alignment via the alignment posts <NUM> and the alignment holes <NUM>. Finally, the plunger <NUM> is moved through the interior volume of the chamber <NUM> such that the distal end <NUM> pushes the foam section <NUM> and the insects <NUM> toward the retainer block <NUM>, which includes the insect storage and release device <NUM> loaded into the concave depression <NUM>. In some examples, a packing pressure of substantially <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa) and <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa) may be applied to the insects <NUM> during packing. This pressure may depend on the force applied at the handle <NUM> given an area of the plunger <NUM>. Once the insects <NUM> and the foam section <NUM> are within the insect storage and release device <NUM>, the insect compression device <NUM> may be separated from the retainer block <NUM> and the loaded insect storage and release device <NUM> may be removed from the concave depression <NUM>. In some examples, a lid may be loaded into the chamber <NUM> and translated within the interior volume as part of compressing the insects <NUM>.

During loading of the insect storage and release device <NUM> using the insect compression device <NUM>, the foam section <NUM> may be added to provide compliance during compression as well as to reduce damage to the insects <NUM> (e.g., the foam section <NUM> provides pressure on the insects <NUM>, but does so without crushing the insects <NUM>). The foam section <NUM> also allows the insects <NUM> to breathe.

In some examples, the insect compression device <NUM> includes any suitable compression cylinder/piston arrangement, cam shaft compression arrangement, or other suitable compression arrangement. This may enable automated loading. As described elsewhere herein, multiple insect compression devices <NUM> may be held together in an array of insect compression devices <NUM> to enable loading of multiple insect storage and release devices <NUM> simultaneously.

<FIG> illustrates various views of an insect storage and release device <NUM>, according to at least one example. The insect storage and release device <NUM> (e.g., the insect storage and release devices <NUM>-<NUM>) is configured to retain a single adult insect <NUM> such as a mosquito. The insect storage and release device <NUM> is shown as having a different form factor from the insect storage and release devices of <FIG>. However, the function and structure are similar. In particular, the insect storage and release device <NUM> includes a top flange <NUM> and a side wall <NUM>. The side wall <NUM> has the form of a bulbous depression.

In some examples, the insect storage and release device <NUM> (or any other insect storage and release device) may take the form factor of single-dispense blister packs such as those used to package medicine. For example, <FIG> illustrates an insect storage system <NUM> that includes a sheet <NUM> of the insect storage and release devices <NUM>. The sheet <NUM> may include perforation lines <NUM> extending between the individual insect storage and release devices <NUM> (e.g., to define insect sections) such that each insect storage and release device <NUM> may be detached from the remaining insect storage and release devices <NUM> of the sheet <NUM>. In some examples, the sheet <NUM> includes an adhesive back that can be removed to reveal the interior volume <NUM> of each insect storage and release device <NUM>. In some examples, the sheet <NUM> includes a foil back that can be punctured to reveal the interior volume <NUM>.

In some examples, the number of insects within each of the insect storage and release devices <NUM> on the sheet <NUM> may vary (e.g., <NUM> insect in one and <NUM> insects in another) or may be consistent (e.g., a full sheet of insect storage and release devices <NUM> each including <NUM> insect). In some examples, the sheet <NUM> is manufactured and loaded based on an order for a particular number of insects to be released at some dosage interval (e.g., <NUM> insect on a first day, <NUM> insects on a second day, <NUM> insects on a third day, etc.). The number of insect storage and release devices <NUM> in the sheet <NUM> may be defined as an array having any suitable number of rows and columns (e.g., <NUM> x <NUM>, <NUM> × <NUM>, <NUM> x <NUM>, etc.).

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an example insect storage system <NUM>, according to at least on example. The insect storage system <NUM> is an example of the insect storage system <NUM>. For example, the insect storage system <NUM> may be used store one or more insects. In some examples, the insect storage system <NUM> may include a bottom section <NUM> (e.g., a microplate) that includes a plurality of wells <NUM>. In some examples, the bottom section <NUM> may be enclosed by a lid with flexible protrusions sized and configured to extend into the interior volumes of the wells <NUM> of the insect storage system <NUM>. The insect storage system <NUM> may also be used to compress insects into the wells <NUM>. In some examples, the insect storage system <NUM> may include perforations to allow air exchange and/or feeding.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an example insect rearing and storage device <NUM>, according to at least one example. The insect rearing and storage device <NUM> is configured to house insects as they develop from a larva stage through the pupa stage and onto full adulthood. In some examples, the insect rearing and storage devices <NUM> are formed in a sheet such that many such devices <NUM> are included as part of one structure (e.g., a sheet of insect rearing and storage devices <NUM>).

The insect rearing and storage device <NUM> includes a pouch <NUM> in which is formed a pocket <NUM>. The pocket <NUM> forms a main chamber of the insect rearing and storage device <NUM>. The insect rearing and storage device <NUM> also includes a first duct <NUM> connected to a first side of the pocket <NUM> and extending in a first direction and a second duct <NUM> connected to a second side of the pocket <NUM> and extending in a second direction. The first duct <NUM> is configured to retain an aqueous solution, larvae insect food <NUM>, and one or more insect larvae. The second duct <NUM> is configured to retain adult insect food <NUM>. The first duct <NUM> includes a proximate end that terminates at the pocket <NUM> and a distal end that terminates radially from the pocket <NUM>. The second duct <NUM> includes a proximate end that terminates at the pocket <NUM> and a distal end that terminates laterally from the pocket <NUM>.

In operation, one or more larvae and water are added to the first duct <NUM> while the insect rearing and storage device <NUM> is in the illustrated orientation. The larvae feed on the larvae insect food <NUM> and develop into pupae. Once this has occurred, the device <NUM> is rotated <NUM> degrees to the left. This causes the pupae to move through the first duct <NUM> and into the pocket <NUM>, e.g., by gravity. Within the pocket <NUM>, the pupae are suspended in water that drained from first duct <NUM> or other water while the develop into adults. Once adults, the insects can access the adult insect food <NUM> in the second duct <NUM>. To provide air exchange for the insects, the insect rearing and storage device <NUM> includes a perforated section disposed at a suitable location of the pocket <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates side section views of insect loading and storage systems 974a-c, according to various examples. The insect loading and storage system <NUM> is used to compress insects into a balloon <NUM> using three different approaches. The system 974a includes the balloon <NUM> having an opening <NUM>. The insects are loaded into the balloon <NUM> via the opening <NUM> with the balloon in an inflated state. Once within the balloon <NUM>, the air can be evacuated from the balloon <NUM> to compress the insects.

The system 974b includes the balloon <NUM> with the opening <NUM> stretched over a container <NUM>. The insects are loaded into the balloon <NUM> with the opening <NUM> stretched in this manner. Once within the balloon <NUM>, the air can be evacuated from the balloon <NUM> to compress the insects.

The system 974c includes the balloon <NUM> and a loading straw <NUM>. The loading straw <NUM> is inserted into an opening of the balloon <NUM>. The insects are loaded into the balloon <NUM> via the loading straw <NUM>. Once the insects have been loaded, the loading straw <NUM> may be removed from the balloon <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates perspective views of an insect loading and storage system <NUM>, according to at least one example. The insect loading and storage system <NUM> is used to compress insects into a storage container <NUM>. The storage container <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> through which insects are loaded into an interior volume <NUM>. Once the insects have been loaded into the interior volume <NUM>, moveable walls 1090a and 1090b are moved to compress the interior volume <NUM> and the insects found therein. Following this action, the moveable walls 1090a and 1090b may be moved relative to the opening <NUM> to enable other insects to be loaded into other portions of the storage container <NUM> formed by different moveable walls <NUM>.

In some examples, loading insects, whether using the insect loading and storage system <NUM>, the insect compression device <NUM>, or any other loading device suitable for loading insects, may be include cooling, gassing using CO2 or other suitable gas, or other suitable techniques to immobilize the insects. For example, the temperature may be held between <NUM> degrees C and <NUM> degrees C. In some examples, the insects are stored at this temperature, whether under compression or otherwise.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an example insect release system <NUM>, according to at least one example. The insect release system <NUM> includes a plurality of insect storage and release devices <NUM> arranged into a top strip <NUM>, a bottom strip <NUM>, and a series of sprocket holes <NUM>. The insect release system <NUM> takes the form factor of a film strip and can be loaded into an insect release device that is configured to open the insect storage and release devices <NUM> release insects disposed therein. For example, the insect release device may include one or more sprockets of other structure for indexing the insect release system <NUM> between the insect storage and release devices <NUM>. For example, such indexing can be achieved by the one or more sprockets engaging the sprocket holes <NUM>.

In some examples, the top strip <NUM> includes an adhesive backing that connects the top strip <NUM> to the bottom strip <NUM>. As the insect release system <NUM> is indexed on an insect release device, the top strip <NUM> may be separated from the bottom strip <NUM> to release the insects held within the insect storage and release devices <NUM>. Once opened, the insect release device may include a blower to blow the insects from the insect storage and release devices <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the insect release system <NUM> that is embodied in a film strip on a reel <NUM>. The insect release system <NUM> includes the bottom strip <NUM> and the top strip <NUM>. In some examples, to release the insects from the insect storage and release devices <NUM>, the reel <NUM> is loaded into an insect release device and the top strip <NUM> is fed to a second reel and the bottom strip is fed to a third reel. In this manner, as the second and third reels are turned, the top strip <NUM> will be removed from the bottom strip <NUM> thereby exposing the insects.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of insect storage and release systems 1400a and 1400b, according to at least one example. The insect storage and release systems 1400a and 1400b may be referred singularly as the insect storage and release system <NUM>. In some examples, a single insect storage and release system <NUM> may constitute an insect storage and release system. The insect storage and release system <NUM> may be configured to store insects in between planar layers of material. For example, a single layer of insects one-insect thick may be loaded into a bottom container of the insect storage and release system <NUM>. Next, a lid may be placed on top of the bottom container to enclose the insects within the bottom container. Another layer of insects may be formed on top of the earlier-formed layer in a similar manner (e.g., a bottom container filled with insects and enclosed with a lid). To release the insects, the lid may be removed from the respective bottom container to reveal the interior volume. The insect storage and release systems <NUM> may enable dense storage, transportation, and release of insects such as adult mosquitoes.

Turning now to the details of the insect storage and release system <NUM>, the insect storage and release system <NUM> includes a bottom container <NUM> and a lid <NUM>. The bottom container <NUM> includes a floor <NUM> and a wall <NUM> that encircles the wall <NUM> to define an interior volume. The lid <NUM> is sized to seal with a perimeter edge of the wall <NUM> to enclose the interior volume of the bottom container <NUM>. When assembled, the lid <NUM> may be brought towards the floor <NUM> at least until a perimeter edge of the lid <NUM> engages with the perimeter edge of the wall <NUM> and/or interior surfaces of the wall <NUM>. The insect storage and release system <NUM> may hold insects in a compressed state by pressing the lid <NUM> against the bottom container <NUM> to a predetermined pressure level while the insects are held in place between the lid and the bottom container. For example, the insects may be loaded in accordance with a packing pressure, as described herein. For example, the packing pressure may be measured given a force applied to the lid <NUM> as it is brought into contact with the bottom container <NUM> and a surface area of the bottom container <NUM>. In some examples, the packing pressure may be substantially between <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa) to <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa). In some examples, the pressure may be lower than <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa) and may be higher than <NUM> PSI (<NUM>,<NUM> kPa). In some examples, one or more pressure-maintaining items such as pneumatic cylinders or other resilient devices (e.g., spring) may be interposed between one or more layers of bottom containers <NUM> and/or lids <NUM> to maintain a constant compressive force between layers. The packing pressure may be used for packing insects in other insect storage and release systems described herein.

In some examples, combinations of bottom containers <NUM> and lids <NUM> may be stacked on top of each other to create a stacked arrangement of insect storage and release systems <NUM>. In some examples, the stacked arrangement of insect storage and release systems <NUM> may be placed within a cylindrical tube or tube having a different cross section for bottom containers <NUM> and lids <NUM> having different cross sections (e.g., rectangular, etc.). The tube may function to retain the stacked insect storage and release systems <NUM> and provide rigidity when the insect storage and release systems <NUM> are transported. To release insects from one of the insect storage and release systems <NUM>, all insect storage and release systems <NUM> within the tube (e.g., all "layers" of storage and release systems <NUM>) may be translated within the tube until a top insect storage and release system <NUM> is adjacent a top opening of the tube. At this point, the lid <NUM> of the top insect storage and release system <NUM> may be removed and the insects within the corresponding bottom container <NUM> may be free to exit the bottom container <NUM> and/or the tube. Releasing insects from one bottom container <NUM> may constitute a metered "dose" of insects, where a dose includes a quantity of insects from a discrete layer of the insect storage and release system (or from the entire system if only a single layer is employed). In some examples, the number of insects loaded into the bottom container <NUM> may be metered such that each bottom container <NUM> holds roughly the same quantity of insects. It should be appreciated that different sized doses of insects may be stored in different layers. For example, a first layer may include <NUM> insects, a second layer may include <NUM> insects, and a third layer may include <NUM> insects.

To store adult insects in the insect storage and release system <NUM>, the insects, such as mosquitoes, are first loaded into the bottom container <NUM>. This may include suppressing (e.g., sedating or otherwise reducing the energy level) the insects before placing them in the bottom container <NUM>. After the insects have been loaded into the bottom container <NUM>, the lid <NUM> is releasably coupled with the wall <NUM>. In this manner, the insects may be retained within the volume bounded by the floor <NUM>, the wall <NUM>, and the lid <NUM>. In some examples, the lid <NUM> may be releasably coupled with the wall <NUM> using any suitable coupling such as a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro ® brand hook and loop fastener), adhesive, or other coupling disposed at the perimeter edges. To release insects from one layer (e.g., one bottom container <NUM> and one lid <NUM>), the lid <NUM> for that layer may be removed from the respective bottom container <NUM> to reveal the interior volume. At this point, the insects may be free to fly from the bottom container <NUM>. In some examples, a blower, heater, and/or any other revival device may be arranged to encourage evacuation of the insects from the bottom container <NUM>.

In some examples, at least some bottom containers <NUM> in a stack of insect storage and release systems <NUM> may hold different quantities of insects. For example, a dosing requirement for a particular application may require a first insect quantity to be released on a first day, a second insect quantity to be released on a second day, and a third insect quantity to be released on a third day. Given this requirement, a stack of insect storage and release systems <NUM> may be formed in which a top insect storage and release system <NUM> may include the first insect quantity, a middle insect storage and release system <NUM> may include the second insect quantity, and a bottom insect storage and release system <NUM> may include the third insect quantity. The stack of insect storage and release systems <NUM>, whether in a tube or not, may be shipped with instructions for release. The instructions may inform a user that on a first day remove the lid <NUM> of the top insect storage and release system <NUM>, on the second day remove the bottom container <NUM> of the top insect storage and release system <NUM> and the lid <NUM> of the middle insect storage and release system <NUM> and, and on the third day remove the bottom container <NUM> of the middle insect storage and release system <NUM> and the lid <NUM> of the bottom insect storage and release system <NUM>.

As illustrated, the insect storage and release systems 1400a and 1400b are structurally similar, with the exception that the insect storage and release system 1400b also includes a floor opening <NUM> in the floor 1414b of the bottom container 1410b and a lid opening <NUM> in the lid 1412b. As illustrated in <FIG>, the floor opening <NUM> and the lid opening <NUM> may be sized to slide onto a mounting axle or other elongate member of a mounting structure <NUM>. For example, the mounting structure <NUM> may include a bottom platform <NUM> (e.g., a support foot) and an elongate cylindrical axle <NUM> that extends vertically from the bottom platform <NUM>. The insect storage and release systems 1400b may be loaded onto the elongate cylindrical axle <NUM> one by one, e.g.,, by placing a first bottom container <NUM> on the elongate cylindrical axle <NUM>, loading insects into the first bottom container <NUM>, installing a first lid <NUM>, installing a second bottom container <NUM>, loading second insects into the second bottom container <NUM>, installing a second lid <NUM>, and repeating for subsequent layers. The bottom platform <NUM> may function to support the insect storage and release systems 1400b and the axle <NUM> may function to align the insect storage and release systems 1400b with each other. The diameter of the floor opening <NUM> and the diameter of the lid opening <NUM> may be sized to be slightly larger than an outside diameter of the elongate cylindrical axle <NUM>. In this manner, the insect storage and release systems 1400b may be slideably mounted on the axle <NUM>. The mounting structure <NUM> may also include a removable lid <NUM>. The removable lid <NUM> may be removed from the axle <NUM> when the insect storage and release systems <NUM> are being loaded and when insects are being released from an insect storage and release system <NUM>. In some examples, the mounting structure <NUM> may be sized to be received by a cylindrical container.

The mounting structure <NUM> is illustrated as including sections of foam <NUM> (e.g., reticulated foam) arranged into layers. In this example, the mounting structure <NUM> may be placed within a cylindrical container with the insects being placed between layers of the insect storage and release systems <NUM> and the reticulated foam sections <NUM>. In some examples, the reticulated foam sections <NUM> may be any other open cell foam, silicone, plastic, or other material capable of being compressed may be employed in place of the reticulated foam. The reticulated foam sections <NUM> may occupy any excess volume within the interior volume and enable compression of the insects within the interior volume. The reticulated foam sections <NUM> may be soaked in sugar water to provide food for insects within the interior volume.

The insect storage and release system <NUM> has a cylindrical form factor (i.e., the bottom container <NUM> and the lid <NUM> have circular cross or ovoid sections), but other form factors such as rectangular, triangular, spherical, bulbous, and other shapes are also possible.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of an insect storage and release system <NUM>, according to at least one example. The insect storage and release system <NUM> includes a central axle <NUM> and a plurality of insect retaining structures 1604a-1604N extending radially from the central axle <NUM>. Each insect retaining structure <NUM> is removably coupled to the central axle <NUM> at a perimeter edge <NUM>. For example, the retaining structures <NUM> may be coupled using an adhesive or hook and loop fasteners. In some examples, the central axle <NUM> may include a plurality of slots into which perimeter edges <NUM> of the retaining structures <NUM> may be installed and securely held.

The retaining structures <NUM> may include one or more sheets of planar material such as paper, plastic, metal, etc. In some examples, at least two retaining structures 1604a may form an insect storage and release subsystem by which insects may be stored. For example, the retaining structure 1604a may function as a containing layer of the subsystem to define an interior volume and may be used to retain a quantity of insects, and the retaining structure 1604b may function as a lid layer of the subsystem to define a lid for the containing layer. In this example, the retaining structure 1604a may also function as a lid layer of a subsystem that includes the retaining structure 1604N functioning as the containing layer.

In some examples, the retaining structures <NUM> may function to retain other elements that are used to store insects. For example, structures similar to insect storage and release systems <NUM> may be loaded in between the retaining structures <NUM>, and held in compression by the retaining structures <NUM>.

Depending on the application, the insects may be released from the insect storage and release system <NUM> by separating the top and bottom retaining structures <NUM> that are holding the insects. For example, in the illustrated system <NUM>, the insects held between the retaining structure 1604a and the retaining structure 1604N may be free for release.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view <NUM> of an insect storage and release system <NUM>, according to at least one example. The insect storage and release system <NUM> includes a plurality of storage layers 1706a-1706N stacked on top of each other. As labeled with respect to the storage layer 1706a, each storage layer <NUM> includes a top planar section 1708a connected to a bottom planar section 1708b via a joint section <NUM>. The planar sections <NUM> and joint section <NUM> may be formed from the same material or from different materials. A stack of storage layers <NUM> may be held within a storage container such as a box or other structure. In some examples, each storage layer <NUM> may hold some predefined quantity of insects between the top planar section 1708a and the bottom planar section 1708b. To load insects, the top planar section 1708a may be folded back via the joint section <NUM> to reveal an interior surface of the bottom planar section 1708b. In this orientation, the insects may be placed on the interior surface of the bottom planar section 1708b. Once a sufficient quantity of insects has been placed, the top planar section 1708a may be folded down and toward the bottom planar section 1708b. In this manner, the insects may be trapped and held between an interior surface of the top planar section 1708a and the interior surface of the top planar section 1708a. To release insects, the top planar section 1708a may be folded back again to reveal the interior surface of the bottom planar section 1708b. At this point, the insects may be free to fly from the interior surfaces of the planar sections <NUM>. In some examples, a blower, heater, and/or any other revival device may be arranged to encourage evacuation of the insects from the interior surface of the planar sections <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates perspective views of an insect storage and release system <NUM>, according to at least one example. <FIG> also illustrates the insect storage and release system <NUM> in a rolled state <NUM> and a partially rolled state <NUM> about a roll axis <NUM>. The insect storage and release system <NUM> is formed from a single pliable mat <NUM> that includes a first side 1810a and a second side opposite the first side. In some examples, the pliable mat <NUM> is rolled around a mandrel <NUM> or some other suitable cylindrical structure.

Generally, insects may be held between coaxial layers. For example, the pliable mat <NUM> may be rolled out as in the partially rolled state <NUM>, and insects (e.g., in a sedated state) may be placed on the first side 1810a. Next, the pliable mat <NUM> may be rolled about the roll axis <NUM> such that the insects are held between the first side 1810a and the second side. In some examples, the pliable mat <NUM> also includes an insect retaining material and/or coating disposed on at least the first side 1810a. For example, an open-cell foam may be provided on the first side <NUM> to give the insects some place to roost or otherwise go when the pliable mat <NUM> is rolled. To release insects, at least some portion of the pliable mat <NUM> may be unrolled. In this manner at least some of the insects held between the layers may be exposed to the open air. At this point, the insects may be free to fly from the pliable mat <NUM>. In some examples, a blower, heater, and/or any other revival device may be arranged to encourage evacuation of the insects from the pliable mat <NUM>.

In some examples, the pliable mat <NUM> also includes one or more retaining devices <NUM>. The retaining devices <NUM>, which may be located on one or both sides <NUM> and/or as a separate device, are provided to retain the pliable mat <NUM> in the rolled state <NUM>. For example, the retaining devices <NUM> may include hook and loop fasteners (e.g., hooks on the first side 1810a and loops on the second side) that couple as the pliable mat <NUM> is rolled about the roll axis <NUM>. The retaining devices <NUM> may also be used to maintain a suitable compression force between layers of the roll. A tension for rolling the pliable mat <NUM> may be computed based on a desired compression force between layers. The retaining devices <NUM> may be configured to maintain this compression force by holding the layers.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view <NUM> of an insect storage and release system <NUM>, according to at least one example. The insect storage and release system <NUM> includes a plurality of storage layers 1906a-1906N stacked on top of each other and connected to each other via a joint section <NUM>. For example, as labeled with respect to the storage layer 1906a, the storage layer 1906a includes at least a planar section 1908a connected to a planar section 1908b via a joint section 1910a. The planar section 1908a includes a first surface 1912a and a second surface 1912b. Likewise, the planar section 1908b includes a third surface 1912c and a fourth surface 1912d. Likewise, the planar section 1908c includes a fifth surface 1912e and a sixth surface 1912f.

Insects may be loaded and held in between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the storage layers <NUM>. For example, the insects may be loaded and held between the second surface 1912b of the planar section 1908a and the third surface of the 1912c of the planar section 1908b. Other insects may be held between the fourth surface 1912d and the fifth surface 1912e. In this manner, the insects are held and retained in between opposing surfaces of the Z shape. Thus, in at least one example, the insect storage and release system <NUM> includes a single layer <NUM> that includes a structure that is comparable in shape and design to the layers of the insect storage and release device <NUM>. In the system <NUM>, however, each layer may be connected via additional joint sections <NUM> to make one uniform Z folding structure. To release insects, the planar sections <NUM> may be separated from each other. At this point, the insects may be free to fly out of the V-shaped structure. In some examples, a blower, heater, and/or any other revival device may be arranged to encourage evacuation of the insects from the surfaces of the layers <NUM>.

The system <NUM> may also include retaining devices configured to maintain compression within the stack of layers. For example, rubber bands, straps, tension clips, or the like may be used to hold the layers in compression.

<FIG> illustrates perspective views <NUM> and <NUM> of an insect storage and release system <NUM>, according to at least one example. In perspective view <NUM>, a top side 2010a and a bottom side 2010b of the insect storage and release system <NUM> are illustrated in an expanded state. In the perspective view <NUM>, the insect storage and release system <NUM> is illustrated in a stacked state.

The insect storage and release system <NUM> includes at least two insect retaining sections 2006a-2006N connected to a pliable mat <NUM> (e.g., at the top side 2010a). In this example, the pliable mat <NUM> is formed from a rectangular piece of thin paper and is divided into a plurality of mat sections 2012a-2012N. The insect retaining sections <NUM> may be formed from a foam. The insect retaining sections <NUM> may be spaced roughly equally apart from each other on the pliable mat <NUM>, with the space between being about equal to a width of a single insect retaining section <NUM> (e.g., a mat section <NUM>). In the expanded state illustrated in the first perspective view <NUM> with the top side 2010a facing up, the insects may be placed on the insect retaining section 2006a. After which, the mat section 2012b may be folded onto the insect retaining section 2006a to provide a barrier between the insect retaining section 2006a and the insect retaining section 2006b. The similar approach can be taken for loading insects in the insect retaining section 2006b. Once all layers have been loaded, the insect storage and release system <NUM> will take the form of the stacked state in perspective view <NUM>. To release the insects held within an insect retaining section <NUM>, the mat section <NUM> that is on top of the insect retaining section <NUM> may be removed to reveal the insects to the open air. At this point, the insects may be free to fly off of the insect retaining section <NUM>. In some examples, a blower, heater, and/or any other revival device may be arranged to encourage evacuation of the insects from the surfaces of the insect retaining sections <NUM>.

The illustrated insect storage and release systems described herein may be formed from a thermoformable plastic, foil, paper, compostable products, rubbers, silicone/urethane, foam, 3D printed resin and filament, insect food (e.g., sucrose, bread, etc.). In some examples, the material used may be color coded to signify a characteristic such as volume of the container or quantity of insects held therein. The material may also be tinted (e.g., tinted plastic), UV protected (e.g., UV protected plastic), and have color-changing properties. The insect storage and release system described herein may also be loaded with food (e.g., sugar water, sugar capsule, etc.).

In some examples, the insect storage and release systems described herein are loaded directly from an insect sortation system. The insect sortation system may be configured to singulate and sort insects based on predefined characteristic (e.g., sex, species, size, etc.). Once singulated, the insects can be blown, driven, or otherwise loaded into the insect storage and release systems from a singulation pathway of the insect sortation system. In some examples, insects from the singulation pathway are loaded into a holding chamber, and the insects are loaded from the holding chamber into the insect storage and release systems.

In some examples, the insect storage and release devices may include climate or other environmental control such as temperature, humidity, and/or pressure control. Such control may be maintained during storage, packing, shipping, transportation, etc. In some examples, the insect storage and release devices may be compatible for feeding of insects. In some examples, the insect storage and release devices may include a tracking mechanism such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking. In some examples, the insect storage and release devices may enable timed release such as a maze form factor (e.g., designed such that it takes an insect some predefined amount of time to exit), barrier (e.g., food barrier that is eaten by insects), or dissolvable. For example, <FIG> illustrates an example release maze <NUM>, according to at least one example. In some examples, the insects of the insect storage and release devices may be dispersed using any suitable dispersion technique including, for example, hanging, shooting, dropping from air, floating, within plants, or via the mail (e.g., mailed to a person's home and released by the person). In some examples, the insect storage and release devices may include automatic dispersion features including, for example, hole patterns, tabs, or multi-material for automated opening. In some examples, the insect storage and release devices may be capable of use by existing insect release methods that utilize blower release, drone release, room temperature release, any of which may be paired with revival techniques (e.g., warming, providing oxygen, etc.).

Releasing the insects from the insect storage and release devices described herein may be performed in any suitable manner, which may include, for example, placing the insects onto a recovery plate (e.g., a foam mat) and allowing the insects to recover on the plate, placing the insects onto a tray below an airstream. As the insects fly up into the airstream the insects will get blown out of the release device.

<FIG> illustrates a graph <NUM> depicting an insect packing curve <NUM>, according to at least one example. In some examples, loading insects into an insect storage and release device may be performed with respect to the insect packing curve <NUM>. The insect packing curve <NUM> may define that for a given volume, a first quantity of insects will not harm each other, a second larger quantity of insects for the same volume will hurt each and should be avoided (e.g., because they will fly around and bump into each other), and a third larger quantity of insects for the same volume will not hurt each other (e.g., because the insects are packed to closely to fly around and hurt each other). In some examples, a similar curve represents compressed insects.

The insect packing curve <NUM> represents a packing curve for compressed insects. In particular, the graph <NUM> illustrates the number of mosquitoes packed per cubic center along the X axis <NUM> (increasing in number of insects from a lowest quantity on the far left to a highest quantity on the far right) and the percentage of male mosquitoes undamaged along the Y axis <NUM>. In this example, when the density is around <NUM> male mosquitoes per cubic centimeter, the lowest percentage of those insects is damaged.

<FIG> illustrates a flow chart showing a process <NUM> for compressing insects into a fixed volume such as the interior volume <NUM> of the insect storage and release device <NUM>, according to at least one example. The process <NUM> begins at block <NUM> by loading an insect container into a retainer. For example, the insect storage and release device <NUM> may be loaded into the retainer block <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes adding a population of insects to an interior volume of a compression device (e.g., the compression apparatus <NUM>). For example, this may include loading insects into the chamber <NUM>. In some examples, the compression device includes a syringe held within a mounting bracket that aligns with and is releasably coupled to the retainer. In this example, the interior volume may be defined within a barrel of the syringe.

At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes adding a foam section to the interior volume of the compression device. For example, this may include adding the foam section <NUM> into the chamber <NUM>. Depending on which end of the compression device is loaded with insects, the block <NUM> may be performed before or after the block <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the process <NUM> includes compressing the interior volume of the compression device and transferring the population of insects and the foam section to the insect container. This may include applying a force to the plunger <NUM> of the compression apparatus <NUM> to cause the plunger to translate within the interior volume and transfer the insects into the insect container.

In some examples, the block <NUM> includes compressing the interior volume at least until a predefined packing pressure of the interior volume is reached. In this example, the process <NUM> may further include adding a pressure-maintaining item to the interior volume such that a first portion of the pressure-maintaining item contacts the foam section, and adding a lid to the insect container to enclose the interior volume such that a second portion of the pressure-maintaining item contacts an interior portion of the lid. The pressure-maintaining item may be configured to maintain the predefined packing pressure of the interior volume by asserting opposing forces on the foam section and the lid. The pressure-maintaining item may include at least one a spring or a constant force material.

In some examples, the process <NUM> may further include suppressing the population of insects at a particular temperature. For example, the population of insects may be chilled at a particular temperature (e.g., between <NUM> degrees C and <NUM> degrees C) to reduce their activity. In some examples, at least one of blocks <NUM>-<NUM> is performed at the particular temperature.

In some examples, the process <NUM> may further include maintaining at least one environmental condition of the interior volume at least while performing the block <NUM>. The environmental condition may include at least one of humidity or pressure.

The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the scope of the claims.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present disclosure. Thus, while the disclosed techniques are susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated examples thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed examples (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (e.g., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate examples of the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

Disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood within the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain examples require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) of compressing insects, comprising:
loading (<NUM>) an insect container (<NUM>) into a retainer (<NUM>);
adding (<NUM>) a population of insects (<NUM>) to an interior volume (<NUM>) of a compression device (<NUM>);
adding (<NUM>) a foam section (<NUM>) to the interior volume of the compression device; and
compressing (<NUM>) the interior volume of the compression device and transferring the population of insects and the foam section from the interior volume of the compression device to the insect container,
wherein the compression device and the retainer include alignment features (536a, 536b, 540a, 540b) for aligning the compression device with respect to the retainer.