Automated insect separation system
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
InventorsJuan A. Morales-Ramos, Maria G. Rojas, David I. Shapiro Ilan, W. Louis Tedders
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Abstract
The automated insect separation system processes an aggregate mixture of insects and other materials so that selected insects are separated from the other components of the mix. Specifically, the aggregate mix is directed into a separator apparatus so that the mix flows vertically through a series of vibrating screens. In the preferred embodiment, the screening process separates two different sizes of mealworm larvae from the aggregate mixture. The mix includes the mealworm larvae, unconsumed food materials (usually wheat bran), and insect frass.
Claims9
An insect separation system comprising:
- an aggregate mix, wherein the aggregate mix comprises mealworm larvae, unconsumed mealworm larvae food, and frass;
- a separator apparatus, the separator apparatus comprising:
- (a) a first screen,
- (b) a first separator aperture, portions of the aggregate mix unable to pass through the first screen being directed away from the first screen through the first separator aperture,
- (c) a second screen in series with the first screen in which the first screen is disposed vertically above the second screen,
- (d) a second separator aperture, portions of the aggregate mix able to pass through the first screen but unable to pass through the second screen being directed away from the second screen and through the second separator aperture,
- (e) a third screen in series with the second screen in which the second screen is disposed vertically above the third screen,
- (f) a third separator aperture, portions of the aggregate mix able to pass through the first and second screens but unable to pass through the third screen are directed away from the third screen and through the third separator aperture,
- (g) a fourth separator aperture so that portions of the aggregate mix passing through the first, second, and third screens are directed to the fourth separator aperture,
- wherein the aggregate mix is deposited into the separator apparatus and directed through the first screen then the second screen and then the third screen, the separator apparatus being structured so that mealworm larvae larger than 90 mg are produced from the first separator aperture, mealworm larvae from 70-90 mg are produced from the second separator aperture, mealworm larvae less than 70 mg and unconsumed mealworm larvae food are produced from the third separator aperture, and frass is produced from the fourth separator aperture;
- a housing encloses the separator apparatus;
- and
- a vibration inducing means so that vibrations are imparted to the first, second and third screens to facilitate the flow of the aggregate mix through the separator apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.