Patent Application
20220312745
This Composition was created to assist apiculture by saving bees from their inexorable disappearance. Bees have resisted everything for over 100 million years, and in less than 50 years, we have reduced their population by a third. Later reports confirmed that the original beeswax in each hive is contaminated with pesticides, pathogens and organic waste. This evil causes bee populations to drop, since the species is unable to stay healthy long enough to achieve the potential required to preserve the species.
To simplify the name or identification of the Composition, we will call it “the invention” or “ILI” hereinafter.
Currently, there is nothing published that indicates, with any degree of certainty, a harmless wax medium similar to the Invention in which the bee can make its honeycomb or to help the industries that rely on bees, or the bees themselves.
The above statement reflects that we were unable to find, on the platforms consulted, information involving invention concepts that contain terms or ideas that are more or less similar to those proposed in the Application, simply because this is an absolute novelty; however, there is one document worth noting, Document U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,557B1; which discusses a synthetic or semi-synthetic substance that could be microcrystalline wax. This statement is not germane to analysing the document to find utility for the substance created because this document speaks of degrees Celsius, which cannot be warmer or colder depending on the tool used to measure them. In the case of the widely varying freezing and melting points, this Applicant finds this evaluation unsustainable; because in any temperature increase or decrease test, both occur at the same degree Celsius, which means that the substance is not accurately disclosed, or at least that the review was not rigorous. Despite this judgment, it is sufficient to ensure that it does not affect the novelty of the Application because it lacks pigment and organic resin.
Another, namely U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,359A, claims a substitute for beeswax, for which it lists a series of naturally occurring macro- or microcrystalline components from petroleum; but it does not state the organic resin component to collaborate in the structural stability of the mixture, nor does it infer a pigment to differentiate the final product.
There are others, not more than four, that could infer some concept related to honeycomb waxes; but they lack organic resins and pigmentation, meaning the novelty of the Application is not affected.
The set of contaminants—or one by itself—present in the original beeswax in the hives can be fatal to bees and harmful to the humans who use it; therefore, we will focus our attention on the aspects whose importance make it imperative to not only propose a solution, but find one; that is, what is plausible as a solution, namely, eliminate the original wax, as it is a deadly trap that is impossible to clean, and replace it with ILI.
Organic Waste
Routine action by the beekeeper, as he himself favours the creation of another pesticide.
Pathogens and risks when treating waxes to remove them; an impossible task
Pollutants and a lack of understanding in every sector is leading to the disappearance of bees
No more ingesting and breathing poison As a summary of the state of the art we can reiterate that: the platforms indicated contain nothing involving a harmless honeycomb wax similar to the object of the Invention; nor do the comments in this Report originate therein, except for what is published by the Agricultural and Livestock Service of Chile (SAG). Reasons and comments in other writings (projects seeking financing for ILI, for example, published by this inventor) are empirical relationships, almost exclusively (if not entirely exclusively) to help to understand the technical problem that had to be solved. We address the issue of the Technical Advantages in the same way; which could never have been listed by this State of the Art, which, not even tangentially, ever involved anything related to the Object of the Invention.
In order to understand the Invention, we must understand the reason behind it and explain it by understanding what is happening in beekeeping worldwide. Beeswax is polluted such that the bee either dies outright or it has its health compromised, reducing its output and lowering its numbers. This situation worsens with each passing season as these pollutants build up in the wax.
How much more can the bee take before we reverse this trend?
The beekeeper is unaware of this reality, and if he were, he would be equally obligated to reuse the same wax to make the foundation of the honeycomb after harvest; there is no alternative.
The attached technical reports and the naked eye indicate that the original beeswax is a worsening toxic medium. Using the same unclean tools and storehouses every season, in every country, the beekeeper re-sheets the foundations, spreading the pollution, and despite this, he does not see the impact on the bee; he even does not think or realize that the organic waste from its decomposition softens the honeycomb again, causing them pernicious structural instability.
The test presented later indicates that pollution is the reason why bees are unable to defend themselves through their own efforts; they must be helped in their work and be made strong so they can have a chance at a life that we have taken away from them in such a short time, so they can proliferate and provide us their benefits.
Faced with a scenario difficult to understand and even more difficult to solve, this invention offers the solution for saving bees by creating a healthy environment within their hive that will return them their strength by simply replacing the current beeswax with a harmless substitute created with a natural organic mixture that is the same as the original wax.
Figures: Foundations or Sheets for the honeycomb
A composition similar to beeswax that allows it to be replaced efficiently for beekeeping by all the industries that currently use it in their production processes and products; comes from a harmless and natural organic mixture free from contaminants and similar in chemical and physical aspects to the original beeswax. Comprises: Microcrystalline wax with a high percentage of branched isoparaffinic hydrocarbons and fine-crystal naphthenic hydrocarbons. Macrocrystalline wax of unbranched alkanes of non-fine crystals. Organic resin. Organic pigment. Microcrystalline wax with a high percentage of isoparaffinic (branched) hydrocarbons and naphthenic hydrocarbons, at percentages from 48.55% to 58.55%. Macrocrystalline wax of unbranched alkanes of non-fine crystals at percentages from 37.45% to 47.45%. Organic resin at percentages from 0.01% to 4%. Organic pigment at percentages from 0.0001% to 4%.
Its manufacturing process comprises the following steps, tools and actions, defined by the proportional weighing of components; verification of the aseptic state of the machines and tools, after which the components are poured into a steam-jacketed shell boiler so the hot gasses can simultaneously transfer the heat to the entire mixture, which is heated with a medium to high pressure liquefied gas industrial burner by means of thermal radiation. Once the total liquefaction of components is verified; let the mixture reach a temperature of between 135° C. and 145° C. Wait 1 to 10 minutes, turn off the burner and empty the mixture into moulds for cooling. After the first batch, with the equipment still hot, the second and subsequent batches go from raw material to liquefied product in 25 to 35 minutes, then start counting again from 1 to 10 minutes at 140° C. at the previous temperature for a uniform product.
With regard to the process for making the composition, any method or tool can be used with any fuel that produces energy to heat gas or liquids flowing through tubes, radiators or plates through the mixture being made.
The composition process reaches its homogenisation or uniformity when held between 135° C. and 145° C. for 1 to 10 minutes. Quickly heating the entire mixture simultaneously avoids the risk of crystallization. In this regard, it should be noted that the time and energy cost make it so the resulting product is within the market values of beeswax
The composition has a freezing temperature between 55° C. and 65° C. at 57 and 77 metres ASL, +/−10 metres. It is also not destroyed or damaged between 40° C. and −25° C.; this means it does not become sticky, turning into a shapeless mass or breaking due to low temperatures.
Having obtained the composition, it can be used to replace the beeswax as a foundation for breeding them, to store honey and pollen; to replace the foundations of the honeycomb along the width and length of rack hives with four sides or top bar; for the varieties: Langstroth, Dadant, Lusitana, Warre, Layens, Top Bar Hive or Tanzania, Top Bar Hive or Kenniana, Carlini, Albacete or other varieties that are classified and unknown due to being unpublished and other non-classified disc, triangular, rhomboidal, elliptical, pyramidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal shapes or with irregular measurements; made of wood, cardboard or paper, cork, glass, clay, textiles or plants, acrylic, synthetics, ceramic, cement, plastics or wild. Similarly, its use can replace beeswax in the processes and products of second-use industry as a base, insulation, additive, ignition, emulsion, protection, mould, lubrication, impregnation, combination, transfer, conservation, vehicle, coating, thickener, smoothing agent, texturizing agent or other, after having been used in the hives and in the same way as above, new; that is, without having been used in a hive previously. These foundations can be made for honeycomb with hexagon cubicles or cells for the young and their products like honey only for relief with no stretching; with slight stretching from the relief, with longer stretching from the slight stretching.
The composition is dimensionally stable and self-supporting; it does not deform and remains structured, consistent, adhesive, flexible, elastic, mouldable, malleable and resistant, even at times of abnormal temperature of the medium that causes softening or freezing. It is easy to turn into a foundation for honeycombs or for any use as an emulsion, for example. It is not destroyed or damaged between 40° C. and 45° C. (the foundations do not stick to each other, no matter how many are stacked). When used as foundation, it remains flexible to −25° C. under extreme bending forces (touching one tip to the other at the opposite end). This mixture of natural substances contains oils in a minimum non-risky proportion (understood to be unsuitable for attaching) from <0.5% to 1.5%, it is grease free and does not emit vapours.
Reiterating previous data and concepts, we have to say that any invention whose composition relies on abundant, affordable and easy to acquire elements is useless if the process for making the mixture takes a long time and requires excessive energy. This statement is related to the Dimensional Stability of ILI, which is discussed below.
Its homogenisation or uniformity is the state sought. This process requires technique and time, as this is what determines the dimensional stability of the original beeswax, which is the main feature this Invention seeks to replicate and which allows it to maintain its structure when used as a honeycomb. This Dimensional stability can only be acquired when the specified temperatures are held for the required times in each sector of the mixture.
In fact, this feature is the most relevant for the honeycomb to remain self-supporting inside the hive in extreme temperatures, under full honey load or sudden movements (strong tremor).
It is thus essential for the complete mixture to acquire the temperature indicated in the shortest possible time and with the minimum energy expenditure; to put it simply, uniformly and instantaneously throughout the mixture.
This speed, so necessary for the economic value and the proper characteristics of the composition, is achieved when the ENTIRE liquid mixture receives equal heat at the same time.
This heat can be provided in several ways; in the case of the Invention, a jacketed pot with pyro tubes, as explained below:
Pot surrounded by a jacket that extends from the end to below the bottom to form a wide chamber at the base where the energy from the industrial, medium-pressure liquefied gas cross burner is produced and directed upwards. From the bottom of the pot emerges a main tube that extends beyond the edge of the pot, +/−14 cm outside the pot, and several smaller diameter satellite tubes that connect to the main tube above and before the maximum mixing level; similarly, in order to allow hot gas circulation between the outer wall of the pot and the jacket, a pair of pyro tubes with a much smaller diameter than before have to be connected to the main tube above and before the maximum level of the mixture, just like the satellite tubes.
As for burning, explosions and spills during the manufacturing process, given the nature of the components of the mixture, this process omits an explanation, since the safe ways to process them correspond to other subjects in other areas or other industries where the state of the art is extensive and may include a version of inventions, methods or initiatives that have nothing to do with ILI.
Second-use industries, so-named by this Applicant, are those that use wax in their processes that comes directly from hives. This has been common practice in many of them. Today, these industries reject beeswax due to excessive contamination, with more losses for beekeeping. The mix of the Invention, since it lacks contaminants, solves this problem because these same industries can use ILI directly from the first use.
Chromatographic and Other Reports on Contaminants
The following chromatographic reports involving the original beeswax and the Invention are not published. They were commissioned and financed by the applicant.
A/ Original Beeswax—Shows Presence of Pesticides
Analab Chile S.A. Commissioned by the Applicant David Hidalgo González
Report No. 523088 of 16 Sep. 2016, indicating:
B/ Original Beeswax—Shows Presence of Pesticides
Analab Chile S.A. Commissioned by the Applicant David Hidalgo González
Report No. 527363 of 24 Oct. 2016, indicating:
C/ Original Beeswax—Shows Presence of Pesticides
Analab Chile S.A. Commissioned by the Applicant David Hidalgo González
Report No. 579158 of 27 Mar. 2018, indicating
D/ ILI Wax—Absence of Pesticides
Analab Chile S.A. Commissioned by the Applicant David Hidalgo González
Report No. 523089 16 Sep. 2016
The first one to indicate a lack of pesticides in a wax for honeycombs was named FREE BEE WAX, whose name today is ILI
E/ ILI Wax—Absence of Pesticides
Analab Chile S.A. Commissioned by the Applicant David Hidalgo González
No 606972 of 22 Jan. 2019
F/ ILI Wax—Absence of Pesticides
Analab Chile S.A. Commissioned by the Applicant's spouse
No 614093 of 29 Mar. 2019
Important Note: Based on the tests performed, we can say that on the same day, 16 Sep. 2016—Reports No 523088 (first) and No 523089, results were obtained from two samples; one with a positive result and the other negative. This action tests the scientific expertise of Analab Chile S.A. in order to corroborate its effectiveness. The laboratory's science personnel could not have known which one was contaminated or not, or if one was harmless.
Multiple notes and miscellaneous publications on contaminants refer to: The presence of pathogens visible to the naked eye or through activities of the SAG of Chile on its WEBSITE. In the same way, it is possible to see organic remains with the naked eye; these remains, when they decompose, cause the honeycomb to weaken by generating gases and liquids. They are undoubtedly also responsible for the poor health of bees and humans.
Results of the Composition
Presentation of the Test
The test is presented below. It was important to conduct it in order to put into practice (back then) the utility and effectiveness of three (3) important aspects:
ONE, Reaction of the bee and the potential improvement of its health, evident with the naked eye due to the agility of its movements as it flies over the hive and other aspects that are known or perceived only by the beekeeper, given their proximity to their “friends”—although with no scientific explanation—and that can be perceived as indicators of good health, such as the sounds that the bee emits as a whole or agility of its flights TWO Reduction of the Varroa mite THREE, Honey yield
Bearing in mind that there may be other positive aspects, such as reducing other pathogens, which is not possible to confirm except through microscopic observations and laboratory tests, and with the continued use of ILI, the test begins without explaining to the beekeeper (who performs the test) that it is ILI, as it was then known, with all its benefits; this, with the sole purpose of pushing positive values; but, in addition, in order to ensure that interested third parties are able to impede the successful development of this invention. The beekeeper was only told that it was wax “washed” of organic residues and pesticides to the point that it was possible to render it harmless, and to keep the results secret until the date specified.
Test
Behaviour of Bees in Harmless Organic Wax
4.9 mm CELL
Apicolandrea apiary
Conducted by LUIS MAURICIO GARRIDO GONZALEZ OWNER OF APICOLANDREA APIARY Requested by David I. A. Hidalgo González, Creator of ILI natural organic harmless wax Location of the Test Apiario Apicolandrea 1500 Colmenas Comalle, Curicó Chile Its reproduction in whole or in part, by any means, verbal or visual, is prohibited without the explicit authorisation of the author and applicant. 30 Jun. 2019
Purpose: Determine the Behaviour and Development of the Bee in a Foundation of Natural, Harmless, Natural Wax with a Cell Size of 4.9 mm to See Differences V/S Original Wax
On 20 Aug. 2016, two (2) hives are chosen to prepare them according to the test process
Beekeepers have always prepared the frames for their hives with wax contaminated with pesticides, pathogenic microorganisms and organic residues that harm and kill the bee, and pollute the products it produces. The aim is therefore to develop a solution to this problem. This test was conducted with wax foundations with a 4.9 mm cell provided by Mr David Hidalgo González—hereinafter 4.9 mm WAX—which was used to prepare Hive Two. The goal was to see if it was possible to reduce Varroa infestations, have healthier births, measure production and see if other positive and significant aspects could be identified with the naked eye.
4.9 MM WAX promises two specific characteristics to take advantage of: 1. Safety and 2. Varroa control (because of the 4.9 mm cell size, the parasites vibrate, alerting the bees to their presence, who then remove them)
We are also driven by the idea and hope that we are providing an opportunity to improve the health of the bee, considering both characteristics. It is therefore likely to give the bee a life that is healthier and more productive, by not being exposed to the danger of contaminants from the egg to the larval stage.
Aids in controlling the Varroa population inside the hive. The 4.9 mm size of the cell makes the Varroa mite uncomfortable, making it emit vibrations that the bees can detect, and due to their hygienic behaviour (self-preservation, very likely), they break the larval sac and extract the larva they believe to be defective, thereby eliminating several mites and their harmful offspring.
Preparation of Hives to be Evaluated
Hive with Traditional Wax 5.1 mm
All its frames are removed, leaving the bees and queen, simulating a swarm. Then nine (9) frames are positioned with traditional 5.1-mm printed cells plus a feeder.
Hive with Wax 4.9 mm
The frames are removed, again leaving only the bees and their queen, simulating a swarm and positioning nine (9) frames with 4.9 MM WAX plus a feeder.
Once the frames are changed out, a feeder is introduced in both hives with 1.5 litres of liquid sugar in each. The goal is to encourage bees to stretch the wax and for the queen to start laying eggs.
Visits
Hive with Traditional Wax 5.1 mm
Wax stretching is observed at 65% of the total, with nectar storage, pollen and egg-laying by the queen. This indicates normal colony development.
Hive with Wax 4.9 mm
We see wax stretching of 50% of the total, with a slight disorder in the configuration of the cells. As in the previous case, the hive has nectar storage, pollen and queen egg-laying.
Observation
In the hive with 4.9 mm wax, a disorder was identified in the cell stretching, which was due to the size of the new cell. Since the bees are smaller, they have to go through a process—albeit very fast—of adaptation to achieve the ultimate goal of uniformly stretching out the cells.
1.5 litres of liquid sugar is deposited in the feeder of each of the hives.
Hive with Traditional Wax 5.1 mm
Hive with 100% frame stretching; with nectar, pollen and egg-laying in different developmental states.
Hive with Wax 4.9 mm
Hive with 90% frame stretching; with nectar, pollen and egg-laying in different developmental states.
Observation
Both hives are practically developed. Specifically, Hive One at 100% and Hive Two at 90%. In the hive with 4.9 mm wax, the cells were in disarray in all the frames, and as the frames were fully stretched out, this disorder decreased.
With both hives developed, we are in a position to start defining, in the next visits, the percentages of Varroa infection, birth of nursing bees and general behaviour.
Varroa Sample
Step I
Hive with Traditional Wax 5.1 mm
Sampling is done on 200 bees using a glass with 85% alcohol; the glass is covered and allowed to stand to kill the Varroa so it detaches from the bee. We then separate the bees from the mites; the numbers of bees and Varroas present are counted, then a simple rule of three yields the percentage of infection. In this case, the result was 5.7%.
Hive with Wax 4.9 mm
As in the previous case, sampling was done to see the percentage of Varroa infection in the hive, which yielded a result of 5.3%.
Observation
The level of Varroa in both hives was practically the same. This is because a large percentage of the bees sampled were adult, meaning they were already in the hive before using the 4.9 mm wax. For the next visits, we expect the bees sampled from Hive Two to have been born in the 4.9 mm wax.
Varroa Sample Varroa Control
Step II
To see the actual results of the benefits of 4.9 mm wax, we will check both hives for Varroa so that the next checks and samples reflect the actual percentages of Varroa infection, observing new and old bees born from the first brood and after.
The Treatment.
With vapourised oxalic acid applied by a sublimator for about 15 to 20 seconds per hive, repeated three days in a row (16, 17 and 18 October).
Once the treatment is complete, the hives will be sampled for Varroa again.
Varroa Sample
First Varroa Sample Post-Treatment
Step III
Analysis of approximately 200 bees placed in a glass with 85% alcohol, left covered until the Varroa die and detach from the bee. The bees are then separated from the mites and are counted separately, yielding the following results.
5.1 mm Wax 0.8% 4.9 mm Wax 1.2%
Observation
The checks of the Varroa mite showed a considerable decrease in both hives. These indicators will be the basis for differentiating one of the attributes of the safe 4.9 mm wax.
In both, we see almost the same number of mites. It is also visually apparent that there are wingless bees in the 5.1 mm hive. A frame-by-frame count revealed 4 wingless bees.
In the hive with 4.9 mm wax, no wingless bees were observed.
Both hives are strong and in need of more space, so the feeder was pulled out and a super was installed.
Wingless bees are still observed in the 5.1 mm wax hive. This is because the Varroa, when it enters the cell, feeds on the developing individual (before hatching), causing some of the bees to be born without wings.
Hive with Traditional Wax 5.1 mm
The hive is strong, with four honey frames in the super and an increase in the number of bees.
Hive with Wax 4.9 mm
The hive is strong, with seven honey frames in the super, and visually more active bees compared to the hive with 5.1 mm wax.
Observation
Increased honey production in the hive with 4.9 mm wax; this is because the bees have developed in a safe environment, so it is reasonable to conclude that bees born in a place free from pesticides and a low percentage of parasites will be healthier, stronger and more productive.
Varroa Sample
Second Varroa Sample Post-Treatment
Step IV
Percentage of Varroa Infection 5.1 Wax 1.4% 4.9 Wax 1.2%
Wingless 5.1 Wax 4.5% 4.9 Wax 1.0%
Observation
We can see a difference. There are more mites in the wax with 5.1 mm than in the hive with 4.9 mm wax, where the percentage was consistent. Here we begin to see the two great benefits of this 4.9 mm wax.
Since it is a safe, organic wax, the bee is born in a pesticide-free environment, allowing for a better bee in every sense of the word.
This is proven when the mites are hindered with cells that disturb them; that is to say, the environment is not optimal for its development since it needs room inside the wax cells. Because it is narrower, in the 4.9 mm cell, it emits vibrations; they are then removed when the bees get rid of the infected larvae.
Hive with Traditional Wax 5.1 mm
The hive was checked, and the number of frames with honey was observed to be eight (8)
Hive with Wax 4.9 mm
The hive was checked and the number of frames with honey had increased from seven (7) to ten (10), completely filling the super and requiring the installation of another super so as to let the hive continue to produce nectar and grow.
Observation
We clearly see that the honey production in the hive with 4.9 mm wax is much higher; this indicates that the bees are stronger and healthier compared to the ones in the hive with 5.1 mm wax.
Hive with Traditional Wax 5.1 mm
The hive filled all the frames in the super with honey, so another super was installed to continue collecting nectar.
Hive with Wax 4.9 mm
A check of the second super revealed that seven frames were full of nectar
Observation Noticeable difference in honey production between the hive with 5.1 mm wax and the one with 4.9 mm wax.
Honey Harvesting
Hive with Traditional Wax 5.1 mm
Come harvest time, the hive has 1 super and 2 frames of honey, yielding 16.9 kg of final product.
Hive with Wax 4.9 mm
The 4.9 mm wax hive at harvest time has two (2) supers filled with honey, yielding a final production of 26 kg
Observation
The difference in production is remarkable, with the 4.9 mm wax hive producing 35% more honey than the 5.1 mm wax hive.
Final Varroa Sample
Repeating the process to count the Varroa infection shows the percentages indicated in the graph
Hive with Traditional Wax 5.1 mm 3.8%
Hive with Wax 4.9 mm 1.8%
Observation
Finally, in light of the honey production, the two hives are sampled one last time to determine the number of Varroa present in each. The data in the graph show that the percent infection in the 4.9 mm wax hive remains low due to the size of its cells and its harmless composition.
Does the cell size make the Varroa vibrate because it is uncomfortable? Or does the Varroa always vibrate, but the weakened bee is unable to detect it and drag out the “defective” larva to remove it from the hive? The ongoing use of ILI in subsequent seasons should be able to settle this. Its creator thinks that the hive should grow stronger due to the better health and the constant use of the harmless 4.9 mm wax. We already know that the bees are stronger and healthier, with fewer Varroa mites and more honey.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2479-2019 | Aug 2019 | CL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CL2020/000005 | 10/8/2020 | WO |
