The main functional parts of all devices are identical.
Instrument 1.02
The insemination instrument consists of a heavy base supporting the hooks and syringe holders and a queen holder. It is a specially designed manipulator which facilitates the collection and insertion of semen into the vaginal orifice of the queen. Fig. 1 shows the instrument.
Semen is collected in the syringe, of which the assembly is shown in figure 1. The parts of the instrument which have contact with the semen and saline solution must be sterilized to avoid problems with contamination. A house-hold pressure cooker is useful to sterilize the instrument parts.
Fig. 1: Insemination-instrument 1.02
1 – base
2 – left column with ball bearing-block
3 – right column with, additional mechanism for insemination-syringe (6)
4 – queen-holder with holding-tube
5 – insemination-syringe with tip
7 – left hook (ventral-hook)
8 – pressuregrip / handle mounted forceps (with press-button control)
The function of the SCHLEY-syringe is shown in figure 2. Up to 5 sperm-portions per 8 µl (= cubic millimeter) be included (insemination needles Ø 2 mm = 10 portions). A larger capacity has the HARBO-syringe.
1 – glass-tip, 2 – sleeve, 3 – squeeze-sealing,
4 – syringe-casing, 5 – syringe-cylinder, 6 – flask,
7 – winding-spindle, 8 – screw-cap, 9 – control-knob
Fig. 3: Transparent-box for small items
Fig. 4: Box for the insemination-instrument 1.02
Insemination equipment 1.03
The equipment is a combination of instrument of 1.04 (Fig. 6 in front shows the instrument), but with pressure grip forceps and double-syringeholder (not shown in all photos) for HARBO-syringe) and a high quality microscope 2.30 (see chapter “stereomicroscopes”, model K-400). Both are bolted together. Regular with SCHLEY-syringe. With box for the instrument.
Complete equipment 1.04
The economical Schley Complete Model 1.04 insemination device provides an alternative option to the SCHLEY-instruments 1.02 and 1.03. This instrument is a new generation in design. It is offered as a complete package, including the microscope, LED-light, CO2 source and power supply. Everything is ready and set up for immediate use. It is also very portable (figure 5).
Fig. 5 : Complete-equipment 1.04 (with box for the insemination-instrument)
The special microscope with stand 250 x 250 mm has a wide depth of field, and has high-quality optics of the new MOTIC SFC stereo microscope. The design is light weight, very economical, and self contained, including the power supply.
The insemination device is attached directly to the microscope plate, providing stability. The tripod columns have smaller-sized ball and socket assemblies for the hook holders. These are pre-adjusted and ready for use, eliminating the need for adjustment. The hooks can be readily exchanged. The queen holder is moveable, allowing various angles to be set for the syringe holder.
The ball and socket movement of the hook assembly blocks and the rack-and-pinion drive for the syringe are identical to those of previous models. These components continue to guarantee precision and a high standard of quality.
To provide carbon dioxide to anesthize the queen during the procedure, disposable one-way-cartridges containing 16g are used. In addition, the option of using larger pressurized cylinders and a corresponding pressure regulator is possible.
A white diode light provides direct illumination with a diameter of approximately 20 mm. The transformer has a input range of 110-220 V, thus offering a very portable system. The holders for the carbon dioxide supply and the LED light are magnetically attached to the instrument, allowing fine adjustment.
The standard setup includes the SCHLEY-syringe, with the option of a major syringe design change, as requested by Susan Cobey (University Davis, USA). This is the new large capacity syringe modeled after the HARBO-system.
This syringe should be considered for the storage and shippment of semen.
The box for small items is identical to the instrument 1.02
This device, an alternative to the 1.02 and 1.03 instruments, is a complete and self contained unit. As a package, the insemination instrument, microscope, light and CO2 source are very economical and weight 7 kg.
Fig. 6: Difference between instrument 1.04 (in front) and instrument 1.02
Brief summary:
1.04: Base plate is screwed on, ball blocks are made smaller and fixed with the columns. Simplified queen bee holder, includes dorsal hook, and reduced weight. Delivered as complete working equipment with optics, light, anaesthesia device, etc. (this device is also offered with additional equipment in combination with the microscope 2.30 offered as item no. 1.03, see above). The complete unit 1.04 is suitable for hobby apiarists as well as for professional use. This also applies to 1.03. Shipping weight under 10 kg.
1.02: Base plate with feet and ball blocks plus queen bee holder in heavy duty design with additional adjustment options, including pressuregrip, and an increased total weight. This model meets the highest of standards. Available as an individual unit with a case.