Abstract: A system and method for verifying proper milking system performance during the milking process. The system and method incorporates an integral function within a pulsator valve device that routinely performs functional evaluations and is capable of reporting results to the user. An additional air valve apparatus can be used to supply additional air to the pulsator valve device.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying proper milking system performance during the milking process. The system and method incorporates an integral function within a pulsator valve device that routinely performs functional evaluations and is capable of reporting results to the user. An additional air valve apparatus can be used to supply additional air to the pulsator valve device.

Abstract: A valve device that transitions between the pressure and vacuum phases for the purpose of milking animals. The improvement provides a pulsation output with a vacuum supply duration less than that of atmospheric air pressure supply duration.

Abstract: A valve device that transitions between the pressure and vacuum phases for the purpose of milking animals. The improvement provides a pulsation output with a vacuum supply duration less than that of atmospheric air pressure supply duration.

Abstract: Improving milking system performance through the incorporation of a source of greater than atmospheric pressure air into a pulsator while limiting total pressure in the teat cup. The system is further improved by providing an improved supply of regulated vacuum to the milking cluster throughout the milking process. The system is further improved with a monitoring and detecting the functional failure of the pulsation assemblies. Additional system improvements are provided with the addition of a fresh air valve assembly, a wireless method of regulating vacuum levels and the remote location of a pulsator assembly in a basement style parlor.

Abstract: There is provided a method for improving the reliability and performance of a valve device that transitions between the pressure and vacuum phases for the purpose of milking animals. The improvement properly biases the movable parts and reduces physical wear of the movable parts within the valve device while ensuring proper function of said movable parts.

Abstract: Improving milking system performance through the incorporation of a source of greater than atmospheric pressure air into a pulsator while limiting total pressure in the teat cup. The system is further improved by providing an improved supply of regulated vacuum to the milking cluster throughout the milking process. The system is further improved with a monitoring and detecting the functional failure of the pulsation assemblies. Additional system improvements are provided with the addition of a fresh air valve assembly, a wireless method of regulating vacuum levels and the remote location of a pulsator assembly in a basement style parlor.

Abstract: A method of attaching and/or removing a teat cup from an animal with a liner inflatable and deflatable by a pulsator which alternately introduces air and vacuum to a pulsation chamber surrounding the liner. The method comprising the steps of: setting the pulsator to constantly introduce vacuum to the pulsation chamber to open and maintain the liner in an open position for an attachment time period; attaching the teat cup to the animal during the attachment time period; setting the pulsator to alternate between introducing air and vacuum to the pulsation chamber during a milking time period to milk the animal; and removing the teat cup from the animal.

Abstract: A method of attaching and/or removing a teat cup from an animal with a liner inflatable and deflatable by a pulsator which alternately introduces air and vacuum to a pulsation chamber surrounding the liner. The method comprising the steps of: setting the pulsator to constantly introduce vacuum to the pulsation chamber to open and maintain the liner in an open position for an attachment time period; attaching the teat cup to the animal during the attachment time period; setting the pulsator to alternate between introducing air and vacuum to the pulsation chamber during a milking time period to milk the animal; and removing the teat cup from the animal.

Abstract: There is provided a method for improving the reliability and performance of a valve device that transitions between the pressure and vacuum phases for the purpose of milking animals. The improvement reduces physical wear of the movable parts within the valve device while ensuring proper function of said movable parts.

Abstract: There is provided a method for monitoring a vacuum system such as that used in a dairy milking system. Several independent measurements are made whereby a long term degradation of the vacuum pump or other component in the vacuum system may be identified before system performance drops below acceptable limits. Baseline data generated when the vacuum system is known to be in good working order. The baseline data is used to compare operation of the vacuum system. An alarm signal or other indication may be generated to alert an operator that vacuum system performance has degraded beyond an acceptable limit. Such predictive failure techniques allow maintenance to be performed on the vacuum system long before performance degrades to a point where a system becomes inoperative.

Abstract: A fluid pump speed controller apparatus for ensuring adequate system fluid pressure while minimizing energy consumption. The fluid pump speed controller has an adjustable frequency motor drive and control circuits to vary fluid pump motor speeds based on system fluid demand, monitored by a sensor. The control circuits set the pump speed, based on input from the sensor. The control circuits also set parameters in the control circuit logic, and are capable of self calibration and controlling multiple fluid pumps.

Abstract: The present invention features an improved milking system that provides a precise, delineated transition between the pressure and vacuum phases of a pulsator mechanism. The system features a two-valve control that provides a sharp transition between the alternating air pressure and vacuum that are supplied to a teat cup. One valve of the pulsator mechanism controls the vacuum inlet; the other valve controls the atmospheric air inlet. The electronics actuating the valves alternates the air and vacuum supplied to the pulsator outlet, so that the vacuum and atmospheric air sources are never simultaneously connected to the pulsator outlet.