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Posted August 28 2022 - 1:47 AM
I designed some test tube plugs with nest entrances. I'm planning on making them with three different size entrances. In addition to plugging the test tube, they also keep the tubes from rolling around. These are made of silicone, so they grip most surfaces and won't slide around.
I'm already in the process of making a large mold for these, but if anyone has any ideas for any design changes let me know. Maybe there's something I didn't think of.
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Posted August 28 2022 - 2:23 AM
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Posted August 28 2022 - 2:38 AM
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Posted August 28 2022 - 3:57 AM
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If you only want a smaller entrance you can just use a plastic straw.
I like it though because (unlike the AC models) this one actually has a foot to stop the tube from rolling away.
It's this combination that makes it a good product.
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Posted August 28 2022 - 10:04 AM
If you only want a smaller entrance you can just use a plastic straw.
I like it though because (unlike the AC models) this one actually has a foot to stop the tube from rolling away.
It's this combination that makes it a good product.
I don't think I've ever seen any plugs that AC sells. I don't see any on his website. Do you have a link?
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Posted August 28 2022 - 10:27 AM
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He has these test tube adpater things that can be used for it.
We should respect all forms of consciousness. The body is just a vessel, a mere hull.
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Posted August 28 2022 - 12:07 PM
Oh, yeah, I know about those. Not ideal for this purpose.
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Posted August 28 2022 - 4:17 PM
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Posted August 29 2022 - 5:08 AM
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i love the idea. how much would these sell for?
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Posted August 29 2022 - 8:12 PM
Yes I'll be selling them. Probably 1 dollar each. I'm going to test them for a while first.
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Posted August 29 2022 - 8:58 PM
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A useful, additional feature could be a protrusion on the inner side of the plug, serving as a feeding tray. It would make feeding less disruptive and easier since it's attached to the cap. The entrance would need to be moved a little off to the side, however.
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Posted August 29 2022 - 10:58 PM
A useful, additional feature could be a protrusion on the inner side of the plug, serving as a feeding tray. It would make feeding less disruptive and easier since it's attached to the cap. The entrance would need to be moved a little off to the side, however.
I think making some sort of feeding tray for colonies kept solely in test tubes is a good idea, as some have already done this, but it would be a completely separate product for that specific scenario.
Since these are designed to allow colonies to forage, it wouldn't make any sense to place the food inside the tube.
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Posted August 30 2022 - 12:04 AM
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Posted August 30 2022 - 12:06 PM
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Lovely idea and execution. You already mentioned there would be different sizes, but definitely make some big enough for ants that like dragging their prey into the nest to be able to do that!
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Posted August 30 2022 - 1:33 PM
Maybe it could be available in black for times when you want to cover the tube and keep it dark inside.
Good idea. I was wondering if it would be worth making any other colors, but couldn't really think of any practical reason. This would definitely be a good reason for black ones.
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Posted August 30 2022 - 1:38 PM
Lovely idea and execution. You already mentioned there would be different sizes, but definitely make some big enough for ants that like dragging their prey into the nest to be able to do that!
My plan is to have the size in the picture, which I think would suit the majority of ants people keep, and then a larger size for the largest ants (or those who just need a larger entrance for bringing food in or whatever), and a really small size for ants around 2 mm like Pheidole or Temnothorax. I also plan on making them for 16 mm, 18 mm, and 20 mm test tubes. If I'm not mistaken, I think those are the sizes that most everyone uses.
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Posted August 30 2022 - 9:10 PM
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Do you know a good patent lawyer?
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Posted August 31 2022 - 7:43 AM
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Do you know a good patent lawyer?
If he were to patent it, it would likely slow down much of ant colony test tube and nest developments. I'm not saying that he can't patent it, but it would slow down antkeeping market by a lot and its developments.
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Posted August 31 2022 - 10:00 AM
Nobody's patenting anything. That is a much harder process than people think.
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