ENERGY SAVING METHOD FOR WINTERING AND LOOSE KEEPING OF BEES IN SINGLE-STORY HIVE Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: apiculture, in particular, construction of hive and bee keeping methods effected without intervention into biological life process of bees according to natural adaptability thereof.

SUBSTANCE: method involves reducing volume of nest in upper part by disconnecting upper side parts of honeycomb frames; providing for automatic ventilation conditions in nest space and simultaneously removing waste air containing metabolic water and carbon dioxide gas, said conditions being provided by opening of lower entrance for admission of fresh air flowing through cluster into top part of nest, with upper entrance being closed. Heavier air exits through cluster to the outside through bottom opening adjacent to hive rear wall. To reduce heat losses in nest, inserts are placed between side panels of honeycomb frames. Unoccupied frames are replaced with hollow inserts manufactured from frame sets of planks covered with veneer. Hive has casing with six entrances. Insert and diaphragm are positioned after outer frame. Rubberized tube is laid along inner contour of casing between diaphragm and wall. Bottom openings for exit of waste air are formed in lower part of hive in the vicinity of its rear wall. Hive is covered with current-conductive paint layer galvanically connected with heat-reflective metal film and grounding pin.

EFFECT: improved bee activities owing to loose keeping of bees while providing optimal wintering conditions.

7 cl, 1 dwg