Automated Pollen Collection and Analysis System (APCAS)

Technology Description: Pollen collection systems have been in use for many years, with numerous evolutions in their design (see http://www.beesource.com/plans/pollentrap.htm). Given here however is the first real-time system for pollen collection and analysis which can be readily adapted to existing hive entrances using commercially available exclusion grids.

The purpose of this new device is to collect, analyze and preserve pollen from social bee nests. The APCAS will 1) collect and preserve pollen for later analysis of quality and species and, 2) in real-time measure, record and transmit the amount and color of pollen collected by bees.

The commercial benefit of this device is its ability to assure growers and bee keepers that pollination has occurred; at what efficiency the pollination service took place; and to determine the origin of the honey product. This inexpensive, efficient and real-time device for pollen collection and analysis will address these issues.

Aside from its commercial applications, this device is also of value to researchers who will value the ability to monitor pollen availability and usage by pollinators. By creating a permanent archive of insect-collected pollen, the development of a long term database is possible, giving a valuable reference collection and baseline data that do not currently exist for most ecosystems.

Commercial Opportunities: The University of California San Diego is currently seeking a partner to manufacture and sell the APCAS under license to the University’s patent rights. Reasonable license terms to be negotiated.

Case Number: SD2004-069

Inquiries To:  invent@ucsd.edu