Abstract: A milking implement comprising a frame with, disposed thereon, at least one teat cup holder with a teat cup movable relative thereto, and a replacing element connected with the teat cup, wherein the frame further includes an intermediate arm connected with the frame and with the teat cup holder and having a first joint and a second joint about which the teat cup holder and the intermediate arm, respectively, are tiltable with the aid of the replacing element, and a spring coupled with the teat cup holder and the frame and, if desired, with the intermediate arm.

Abstract: A feed wagon for feeding silage or concentrate, or both, to animals, such as cows, which comprises automatically operated loading and unloading mechanisms. The wagon selectively automatically loads silage at ground level at two slot silos and silage or concentrate at a standing silo. It discharges in a feed alley between stalls in a cowshed. The route between the slot silos, the standing silo, and the feed alley is marked by active or passive beacons. The wagon carries detectors for detecting the beacons and a computer which cooperates with the detectors and steering mechanisms for the wagon to move the wagon between the slot silos, the standing silo and the feed alley travelling on the route marked by the beacons.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for automatically cleaning the udder and teats of an animal, following milking, wherein after the teat cups have been automatically removed from the teats of the animal, a robot arm moves under the teats of the animal which sprays an after-treating liquid upwardly in a fan-shaped pattern against the animal's udder and teats. The teat cups are moved away from the animal's udder and teats while they are being sprayed in a manner so that the teat cups which have been removed are never under an area which has just been sprayed by the fan-shaped pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically cleaning the teat cups of a milking apparatus. The teat cups are automatically removed by a robot arm from the animal's teats. Nozzles are provided which are automatically inserted into the openings for the teats located on top of the teat cups. In the cleaning operation, the nozzles are, in effect, connected to the teat cups and spray a cleansing and/or rinsing liquid through an upper set of outlets from the nozzle to clean the upper surfaces of the teat cups and through a lower set of nozzle outlets to clean and rinse the interior of the teat cups as well as the lines connected therewith. Associated with the nozzles are rotatable cleaning members for cleaning the animals' teats and udders in the vicinity thereof. Brushes and spray nozzles are provided for automatically cleaning these cleaning members after use. All operations are programmed to occur automatically without human assistance or intervention.