Abstract: A method and device for spraying dairy animals and in particular for spraying an udder region of dairy animals, including cows, during an at least partly or fully automatic milking process, includes providing a spray device mounted on a robot arm, the spray device including a spray nozzle with a spray opening, and a fluid channel feeding spray solution from an input port to the spray opening; pumping spray solution through the fluid channel towards the spray opening; heating the spray solution in a heating region of the fluid channel; and spraying the heated spray solution through the spray opening towards the udder region of the dairy animal.

Abstract: A combined teat position and breeding rating determining arrangement for a milking system having a milking stall, a movable robot arm for automatically attaching teat cups to the teats of the milking animal, and a control device for controlling the movement of the robot arm based on determined positions of the teats of the milking animal. The arrangement includes a three-dimensional camera directed towards the udder of the milking animal that repeatedly records three-dimensional images of the udder, and a processing unit that repeatedly detects the udder or teats of the milking animal, determines their positions based on the recorded three-dimensional images, automatically determines the shapes of the udder or teats based on the repeatedly recorded three-dimensional images, and automatically calculates a breeding rating based on the determined shapes of the udder or teats of the milking animal.

Abstract: A combined teat position and breeding rating determining arrangement for a milking system having a milking stall, a movable robot arm for automatically attaching teat cups to the teats of the milking animal, and a control device for controlling the movement of the robot arm based on determined positions of the teats of the milking animal. The arrangement includes a three-dimensional camera directed towards the udder of the milking animal that repeatedly records three-dimensional images of the udder, and a processing unit that repeatedly detects the udder or teats of the milking animal, determines their positions based on the recorded three-dimensional images, automatically determines the shapes of the udder or teats based on the repeatedly recorded three-dimensional images, and automatically calculates a breeding rating based on the determined shapes of the udder or teats of the milking animal.

Abstract: A method and device for spraying dairy animals and in particular for spraying an udder region of dairy animals, including cows, during an at least partly or fully automatic milking process, includes providing a spray device mounted on a robot arm, the spray device including a spray nozzle with a spray opening, and a fluid channel feeding spray solution from an input port to the spray opening; pumping spray solution through the fluid channel towards the spray opening; heating the spray solution in a heating region of the fluid channel; and spraying the heated spray solution through the spray opening towards the udder region of the dairy animal.

Abstract: A control system for at least one flexible tubular element connected to a cup-shaped member includes a positioning mechanism arranged to hold the cup-shaped member and the tubular element in a parking position in a magazine when the cup-shaped member is not used, and to allow a pull-out motion of the tubular element when the cup-shaped member is moved from the parking position in the magazine to an attaching position on a teat of an animal by a gripping member. The control system further includes a control unit arranged to control the positioning mechanism such that it provides a pull-out motion of the tubular element with a controlled speed when the cup-shaped member is moved from the parking position to the attaching position on a teat of an animal by the gripping member.

Abstract: A milk sampling apparatus for use with a processor controlled milking system. The apparatus may include a cassette wherein milk sample collecting elements are placed, and at least one filling member capable of being placed above a selected one of the milk sample collecting elements by a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by the processor controlled milking system, into the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements. The apparatus may further include a micro processor arranged for two-way communication with the processor controlled milking system.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention refer to a milk sampling apparatus and method for use with an automated milking system. The apparatus comprises a cassette (7) wherein milk sample collecting elements (9) are placed, and at least one filling member (27) capable of being placed above a selected one of the milk sample collecting elements (9) by a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by the automated milking system, into the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements (9).

Abstract: A milk sampling apparatus for use with an automated milking system. The apparatus may include a cassette wherein milk sample collecting elements may be placed, and at least one filling member capable of being placed above a selected one of the milk sample collecting elements by a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by the automated milking system, in the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements. Further, the milk sampling apparatus may include an agitating device, such as a shaking table, for agitating the milk sample.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a milk sampling apparatus and method for use with an automated milking system. The apparatus comprises a cassette (7) wherein milk sample collecting elements (9) are placed, and at least one filling member (27) capable of being placed above a selected one of said milk sample collecting elements (9) by means of a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by means of said automated milking system, into said selected one of said milk sample collecting elements (9).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a milk sampling apparatus for use with an automated milking system, said apparatus comprising a cassette (7) wherein milk sample collecting elements (9) are placed, and at least one filling member (27) capable of being placed above a selected one of said milk sample collecting elements (9) by means of a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by means of said automated milking system, into said selected one of said milk sample collecting elements (9). According to the invention the milk sampling apparatus comprises agitating means, preferably a shaking table (5), capable of agitating said milk sample.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a milk sampling apparatus for use with a processor controlled milking system (61), said apparatus comprising a cassette (7) wherein milk sample collecting elements (9) are placed, and at least one filling member (27) capable of being placed above a selected one of said milk sample collecting elements (9) by means of a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by means of said processor controlled milking system, into said selected one of said milk sample collecting elements (9). The apparatus further comprises processing means (33) arranged for two-way communication with said processor controlled milking system.