Abstract: A method of testing a biological fluid for the presence of an infection. The method includes the steps of introducing a sample of biological fluid and a reagent including light amplifying compound into a reaction chamber, the light amplifying compound reacting with a substance present only in an infected sample to emit light, and immediately measuring the intensity of any light emitted from the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solution for cleaning a milking plant, which includes a milk line system (MLS), connectable to a collecting means, and is adapted to deliver milk that has been withdrawn from animals to a milk storage means (250). The milking plant also includes milk storage valve means (100; 235, 240), arranged between the milk line system (MLS) and the milk storage means (250). The valve means (240) are selectively adjustable to prevent fluid communication between the milk line system (MLS) and the milk storage means (250) during cleaning of the milk line system (MLS). Moreover, the valve means (100; 235, 240) are associated with a monitoring arrangement (275, EPS), which is adapted to determine an amount of leakage through the valve means (100; 235, 240) during the cleaning of the milk line system (MLS), and produce a valve health status signal (Sv) reflecting the amount of leakage. Hence, the functionality status of the valve means (100; 235, 240) may be qualitatively evaluated.

Abstract: Safety switching device for a milking carousel, with a rotatably driven milking platform with a multiple number of milking stations, whereby preferably a milking machine is arranged at each milking station, and with at least one stationary, non-rotating animal passageway, as well as a gap arranged between the rotatable milking platform and the animal passageway, whereby the safety switching device has a movable switching paddle, as well as signaling device arranged or formed on the switching paddle, for triggering an alarm function, and whereby the switching paddle is designed and mounted in such a way that the distance to the outside peripheral edge (U) increases toward a free end.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device for associating animals with milking stations. For this purpose, the animals are detected by sensors and subjected to identification processes, thereby providing information units for an individual animal. The detection by sensors and the identification processes are tuned with each other in such a manner that the respective sensorically detected data are associated with the data obtained by the identification processes. The latter represent animal-related information units that are made available at milking stations. The sensory detection can for example be carried out by photoelectric sensors.

Abstract: A milk temperature monitor helps determine the health or physiological condition of a lactating animal (e.g., cow, goat, sheep, camel, etc.). It does this by comparing the temperature of the animal's milk to an acceptable temperature range that is automatically adjusted to compensate for a varying ambient air temperature. In some embodiments, the acceptable temperature range is adjusted based on the average milk temperature reading of the most recent series of animals that were milked. The average reading is preferably a rolling average of a limited sample size. In calculating the rolling average, the monitor disregards temperature readings that are beyond a reasonable range. The monitor can record and display historical peak temperatures rather than real-time temperatures. In some cases, the monitor's microprocessor and power supply are hermetically encapsulated within a clear permanent cast housing.

Abstract: An automatic milking device for milking a dairy animal, comprising a control device and a weighing floor with weight sensors for supplying weight signals, and with a filter for filtering the weight signals into a filtered signal indicative of the position of the centre of gravity of the dairy animal, wherein the control device is configured for controlling the milking by the automatic milking device on the basis of the weight signal filtered by the filter. The control device is arranged for controlling the automatic milking device on the basis of the unfiltered weight signal after the milking has been finished. As a result thereof, it is possible to respond more quickly to movements of the dairy animal, without the filter having a delaying effect.

Abstract: An assembly and method for feeding and milking animals is disclosed. The assembly is provided with an area where the animals are allowed to move freely, with a number of juxtaposed feeding stations for the animals, and with a retaining device for retaining an animal at a feeding station. The retaining device can be activated for retaining an animal and can be deactivated for releasing an animal. A mobile milking robot connects at least one teat cup to a teat of an animal, a computer system controlling the operation and movement of the milking robot. The mobile milking robot is a self-propelled mobile milking robot, and the retaining device is fixedly disposed at the feeding station.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided in a milking system for simultaneous milking of animals comprising milking positions (P1-P24), each of which being provided with teat cups, which are attached to the teats of an animal and are connected to a source of vacuum to milk the animal. The arrangement comprises a processing device (10) for gathering and processing information of the milking of the animals, and terminal units (13) arranged at the milking positions and connected to the processing device (10). The processing device is provided for (i) receiving a user identity; (ii) retrieving a user specific setting based on the received user identity, said user specific setting defining user specific information of the milking of the animals; and (iii) transmitting information of the milking of the animals to the terminal units defined by the retrieved user specific setting. The terminal units output automatically the information received from the processing device.

Abstract: An automatic milking system having a vacuum pump arrangement, the automatic milking system includes a milking system controller arranged to control milking system parameters and a vacuum pump arrangement having a vacuum system controller for controlling vacuum system parameters. Communication means is coupled to the vacuum system controller and to the milking system controller for establishing communication between the vacuum system controllers and the milking system controller. The milking system controller has signal transmitting means for transmitting a message to the vacuum system controller. The vacuum system controller has signal receiving means for receiving the message from the milking system controller, and the vacuum system controller is arranged to change a least one of the vacuum system parameters depending on the received message.

Abstract: A teat locating sensor for use in farming equipment such as robotic milking machines and teat disinfection units. One or more cameras capture an image of the udder. The captured image is processed by applying an edge detector to provide an edge image. A Hough transform is applied for detecting edges using semi-circles and near vertical forms. A feature detector then matches these to provide teat ends and teat sides and thus produces a teat location map. Colour or monochrome cameras can be used and a 2D or 3D map can be generated. Filtering is described to improve the accuracy if required.

Abstract: A teat location system for automated milking systems comprises a light projection source and a camera having a two dimensional array of pixels, each of which is capable of returning time of flight information as well as intensity. Depth of field limitations and the problem of overlapping teat images are thereby overcome or minimized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the mass flow, in particular of a foaming liquid, comprising a measuring device with two electrodes and at least one electrical means for generation of an electrical parameter and an analytical device. The electrical means is connected to the first electrode at two remote points, such as to be wired in parallel with the first electrode. The second electrode is connected to the first electrode by means of the analytical device.

Abstract: A fluid application system for automatically applying a fluid to the teats of an animal subsequent to the milking of the animal comprises a fluid delivery arrangement comprising a plurality of applicators, wherein each of the applicators is arranged in connection with a respective teat cup and is provided for applying the fluid to a teat of the animal, to which the respective teat cup is attached during the milking of the animal, in connection with a detachment of the teat cup from the teat. A control arrangement is provided for (i) determining, for a detachment of a teat cup from a teat, whether that detachment is a normal detachment or an abnormal detachment, and (ii) controlling, for the detachment of the teat cup from the teat, the applicator arranged in connection with that teat cup to apply the fluid provided that the detachment is a normal detachment and to not apply the fluid provided that the detachment is an abnormal detachment.

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: The invention relates to a component of a milking machine, particularly of a milking machine having at least one teat cup and a milking collecting piece, with a housing. The inventive component comprises at least one activating unit by means of which at least one activating signal is provided.

Abstract: A milk temperature monitor helps determine the health or physiological condition of a lactating animal (e.g., cow, goat, sheep, camel, etc.). It does this by comparing the temperature of the animal's milk to an acceptable temperature range that is automatically adjusted to compensate for a varying ambient air temperature. In some embodiments, the acceptable temperature range is adjusted based on the average milk temperature reading of the most recent series of animals that were milked. The average reading is preferably a rolling average of a limited sample size. In calculating the rolling average, the monitor disregards temperature readings that are beyond a reasonable range. The monitor can record and display historical peak temperatures rather than real-time temperatures. In some cases, the monitor's microprocessor and power supply are hermetically encapsulated within a clear permanent cast housing.

Abstract: An installation for automatically milking an animal is provided with a box for containing an animal to be milked and with a robot arm for automatically connecting teat cups to the teats of the animal. The installation also includes an animal recognition device for supplying an animal recognition signal representative of the identity of the animal, a computer with a memory and an input device for inputting animal data relating to the animal into the memory. The animal recognition signal is automatically linkable in the memory with the animal data by operating the input device.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods using photographic imaging and the interactions between light beams and dairy milk to provide in-line monitoring, analysis, and display of the quality of milk collected from dairy animals. The apparatus is robust in that it is reliable, simple to install, relatively small in size, cost effective, easily cleaned, and low maintenance. The apparatus can be installed directly in-line with the milk collection apparatus for each animal so as to measure the entire milk yield produced by that animal at flow rates typically used in milking parlours without requiring any unusual tube fittings or non-standard equipment. The apparatus is capable of handling analysis of a flow having mixed densities, air/liquid ratios, temperature variations, or any other similar variation of physical characteristics.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing a milk for mastitis wherein the milk sample is admixed with a detergent under condition that increase the viscosity of the milk sample; the increased viscosity mixture is subjected to a further procedure for further increasing its viscosity; and the further increased viscosity mixture is then tested for an attribute of somatic cells, such as DNA. This determination is then used to establish if the cow from whom the milk came has mastitis.

Abstract: An NIR spectroscopy fluid analyzing system using a series of LED's, each having its own preselected center wavelength, as illumination sources. These wavelengths have overlapping spectral widths, such that the measurement covers a broad spectrum. The LED's illuminate the fluid sample sequentially, and subsequently the transmission absorbance through the sample and the reflectance or scattering from the sample is measured for the wavelength range of each LED. The measurements are performed using photodetectors. The concentrations of component parts of the fluid are expressed in the form of a polynomial, which is a function of the measured transmitted and/or reflected intensities, and of empirical coefficients, which are extracted by prior statistical analysis on measured intensities obtained from a large number of test samples having known concentrations of the component. A novel sample chamber, capable of performing optical absorption measurements on a flowing sample of fluid, is described.

Abstract: A milking installation comprises a compressed air system with a compressed air line, a pneumatically controllable cylinder and a compressed air pump for supplying compressed air for the cylinder. The compressed air system comprises a dew point sensor for measuring the dew point of the compressed air and for emitting a dew point signal that is representative of the dew point. The milking installation may comprise or form part of a milking robot for automatically connecting teat cups to the teats of a dairy animal.

Abstract: A method for automatically error notifying a user of a dairy farm, wherein milking animals, such as cows, are allowed to move freely in an area (1) intended therefore and to visit individually a milking animal station, such as e.g. a milking parlor (9) with a fully automatic milking machine (14), or a feeding station (33), said station comprising an animal identification system (20, 43), and a database of the animals, said method comprising the steps of receiving a pre-selection of a particular milking animal of the milking animals in the database; identifying each milking animal that visits the station; and notifying the user of the dairy farm of the animal in dependence on the pre-selected milking animal visiting the station. The method may be implemented by means of a computer software product loaded into a computer of an animal station or of a dairy farm system.

Abstract: A pulsator controller for monitoring and controlling a designated pulsator in a milking system and method of using same is shown. The pulsator controller includes a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum and for producing a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor has a memory for storing pulsator malfunction criteria reference table and reference signals representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking system pulsators. The processor generates a one control signal when the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range and an information signal from the pulsator malfunction criteria reference table identifying the pulsator malfunction represented by the control signal. A control circuit is responsive to the at least one control signal for producing a signal representing a programmed condition.

Abstract: An aseptic, continuous sampling arrangement used in a fluid transportation system, the arrangement including an elbow pipe and a septum cartridge. The sampling arrangement further including a needle, a tube, and a collection reservoir, arranged such that the collection reservoir is in fluid contact with the fluid transportation system. The sampling arrangement configured to create a non-laminar fluid flow region from which a continuous sample of fluid material is drawn.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a milk tank. The device is provided with a monitoring unit comprising a computer and a memory for at least temporarily storing data, a thermometer for measuring the temperature of a fluid present in the milk tank, and for supplying to the monitoring unit a temperature signal that is indicative of the measured temperature, and with a meter for measuring an electrical parameter, such as the conductivity, of the fluid present in the milk tank and for supplying to the monitoring unit a parameter signal that is indicative of the measured electrical parameter.

Abstract: A system for optimising the production performance of a milk producing animal herd is provided. The system comprises a milk sampling apparatus, an analytical apparatus comprising separate equipment for analyzing compounds or parameters that in the presence of compounds indicative of the physiological or nutritional condition of the herd member, generates detectable signals, and apparatus directing a part of the milk sample (directing apparatus) to each separate equipment, which is controlled by data for the physiological and nutritional state of a herd member, so that the directing apparatus is only activated at pre-selected points in time or at pre-selected time intervals in the production and/or lactation cycles. Specific compounds are compounds indicative of mastitis, including beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAGase) E.C. 3.2.1.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing mastitis of cows, includes the steps of (1) irradiating visual light rays and/or near infrared rays in a wavelength range of 400 to 2500 nm into urine, raw milk or a mammary gland of a cow, (2) detecting an intensity of transmitted light rays, reflected light rays or transmitted and reflected light rays from said urine, raw milk or mammary gland, and (3) effecting multivariate analysis while using a classification model based on probability, separability or similarity, and (4) diagnosing the presence of the mastitis of the cow.

Abstract: A device for separating milk obtained from a dairy animal. Said device is provided with a processing device, with a measuring device for measuring at least one milk variable during a milking run of a dairy animal and for issuing a signal indicative of the measured value to the processing device. The processing device is provided with a memory suitable for containing a reference value for the milk variable, and with a comparing device for comparing the measured value of the milk variable with the reference value and for issuing a comparison signal. The device separates milk in dependence on the comparison signal. The measuring device is suitable for measuring during the entire course of the milking run the value of the milk variable for obtaining a momentary measurement pattern of the milk variable.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for monitoring pulsation of a milking system in a dairy facility. The milking system includes vacuum hoses that extend from a vacuum source to a milking claw. The pressure in each vacuum hose is changed by a pulsator, with the vacuum hoses being out of phase with one another. The pressure sensors are coupled to the respective vacuum hoses, which sensors monitor the pressure pulsations to ensure that the pulsator is operating satisfactorily. The pressure sensors are coupled to the vacuum hoses by way of passageways or hoses. A bypass is provided between the passageways so as to provide air circulation in the otherwise dead air space in these passageways. The bypass is small so as to not interfere with the pressure measurements by the sensors and is located in close proximity to the pressure sensors so as to minimize the amount of dead air space.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing mastitis of cows, includes the steps of (1) irradiating visual light rays and/or near infrared rays in a wavelength range of 400 to 2500 nm into urine, raw milk or a mammary gland of a cow, (2) detecting an intensity of transmitted light rays, reflected light rays or transmitted and reflected light rays from said urine, raw milk or mammary gland, and (3) effecting multivariate regression analysis, and (4) diagnosing the presence of the mastitis of the cow.

Abstract: The present invention is a device used to take the milk samples from each milking cow without slowing down the milking, and the milk samples taken are analysed in order to determine the protein, fat content, carbohydrate, mineral matter and vitamin rates.

Abstract: An inline sampling device adapted to remove a representative sample drop-wise from a fluid flowing through a fluid line through a sampling probe disposed in the fluid line wherein the sampling probe has at least one fluid receiving, volume relief port adapted for receiving a multiplicity of drop-wise samples of fluid flowing through the fluid line and for discharging a portion of the volume of a sampling container. The device is particularly suitable for testing for mastitis in milking animals.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a milk tank. The device is provided with a monitoring unit comprising a computer and a memory for at least temporarily storing data, a thermometer for measuring the temperature of a fluid present in the milk tank, and for supplying to the monitoring unit a temperature signal that is indicative of the measured temperature, and with a meter for measuring an electrical parameter, such as the conductivity, of the fluid present in the milk tank and for supplying to the monitoring unit a parameter signal that is indicative of the measured electrical parameter.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and a device for milking an animal. The device comprises a milking machine arranged to permit milking of the animal according to a milking process being determined by a number of adjustable parameters defining the intensity of the milking process. The value of a variable related to the time period from at least one first milking operation to a following second milking operation is determined for the animal by determining means (31, 32). The animal is milked during the second milking operation by means of the milking machine, wherein at least one of said parameters is adjusted in response to said determined value by control means (30, 31).

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and apparatus (1) for detecting liner slips in a milking machine which involves, for each milking unit, a clawpiece and a cluster of teat cups connected to the clawpiece, wherein each teat cup has a rigid shell body and an internal flexible liner, the liner comprising a mouthpiece and a body part, whereby the liner extends through the bottom of the shell body as a short milk tube and is connected to the clawpiece and further, by way of a long milk tube, to a source of steady vacuum, while the annular space, between the teat cup shell body and the teat cup liner, is connected to the clawpiece by a pulse tube and further to a source of pulsating vacuum. Alternatively, each liner in the system is connected to the vacuum source by way of a respective individual long milk tube, wherein the clawpiece is omitted.

Abstract: This invention relates to an Apparatus for milking animals, such as cows, and comprising a milking machine with teat cups and sensors which govern the milking process, examine the milk obtained and the physical condition of the animal being milked. The apparatus also includes a processing unit such as a computer for processing signals received from the sensors. The signals from the sensors are wirelessly transmitted via a transmitter to the processing unit. The sensors may be incorporated in each teat cup or only one teat cup. Energy for the sensors is generated by movements of magnets in coils, which are incorporated in each teat cup or in at least one of the feed cups, the movements of the magnets being provided by vacuum pulsations on each teat cup or one of the teat cups, or from another energy sources such as solar cells.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and monitoring the operation of an automatic milking system (1), wherein a central processing unit (8) is arranged to receive signals from peripheral hardware units (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, R) and to process the signals for obtaining hardware status related information or milking animal status related information. An interface (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) is arranged for communication between the central processing unit and an operator. The interface includes a device for understanding and interpreting vocal instructions from an operator and translating them into machine understandable instructions. The central processing unit includes a device for controlling or regulating at least one of the peripheral hardware units, or to provide status related information in vocal form as a response to said vocal instructions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (3) for taking a milk sample, which device (3) is provided with a first milk sampling unit (4) and at least one further milk sampling unit (5), the device (3) comprising switch means (6) with the aid of which the supply of a sample liquid to the first milk sampling unit (4) can be switched over automatically or manually to a further milk sampling unit (5) or vice versa.

Abstract: A device for milking a dairy animal, such as a cow. The device is provided with a milk line, with a processing device, with an aerometer for determining the presence of air, constituting a first milk variable, in a portion of the milk flowing through the milk line during a milking run of a dairy animal and for issuing an air presence signal to the processing device. A measuring device measures a value of at least one further milk variable of the mentioned portion of the milk and is suitable for generating a measurement signal indicative of the measured value of the further milk variable and for issuing the measurement signal to the processing device. The device is provided with a comparing device for comparing the air presence signal with a threshold and for issuing a comparison signal, the measurement signal from the measuring device being issued to the processing device in dependence on the comparison signal.

Abstract: A device for separating milk obtained from a dairy animal. Said device is provided with a processing device, with a measuring device for measuring at least one milk variable during a milking run of a dairy animal and for issuing a signal indicative of the measured value to the processing device. The processing device is provided with a memory suitable for containing a reference value for the milk variable, and with a comparing device for comparing the measured value of the milk variable with the reference value and for issuing a comparison signal. The device separates milk in dependence on the comparison signal. The measuring device is suitable for measuring during the entire course of the milking run the value of the milk variable for obtaining a momentary measurement pattern of the milk variable.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting physical abnormalities in milk which comprises a light source for irradiating milk with light of red or green or blue colors or any combination of such colors. The intensity of light reflected or diffused or transmitted, or any combination thereof, by the milk, or from background light of the milk, is measured by light sensors. A computer processes the measurement data and is programmed to select, based on comparisons of the values derived from the measured light intensities with reference values, a diagnostic basis or diagnostic bases for abnormalities in the milk from a plurality of diagnostic bases of possible abnormalities stored in the memory of the computer.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring animal exhalation, to provide an indication of the condition of an animal is disclosed. Apparatus for collection and temporary or permanent storage of animal exhalation sample is disclosed, together with apparatus for conditioning a sample prior to analysis. A method of conditioning a sample prior to analysis is also disclosed. Use may be made of the above mentioned apparatus and method in the diagnosis of the condition of an animal. Conditions of interest include metabolic conditions of animals such as dairy cattle; these can be monitored by measuring analytes in the exhaled breath, emanations from the milk or both. Use may also be made of said apparatus and method in the detection of antibodies present in samples of blood, milk and mucus particulates in exhaled breath. It is preferred that the monitoring apparatus is portable.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of an electrical parameter in the milk during the milking of an animal comprises a transportation member (1), arranged to transport the milk from a teat of said animal to a milk collecting member of a milking machine and forming a passage for the milk to be transported, and at least two electrodes (14-17) provided to be in contact with the milk flowing through the passage, and connected to an evaluation unit (18). The transportation member (1) comprises a wall member (5) provided in the passage and forming a groove (10) being open towards the passage, said electrodes (14-17) being provided on the wall member (5) in the groove (10). The wall member (5) is provided to receive a part of the milk flowing through the passage, said groove (10) being shaped in such a manner that at least a part of said received part quantity of the milk flows through the groove while contacting said electrodes (14-17).

Abstract: A milk monitor with a sensor positioned near the milker unit to monitor milk conditions and adjust a variety of dairy facility operations in response to milk conditions. The milk monitor is programmable to provide flexibility, real-time adjustment of dairy operations, and trend analysis and control to optimize milk production and herd health.

Abstract: A system for automatically milking animals comprising an area where the animals can move about freely. A milking robot in a milking compartment automatically connects teat cups to an animal's teats. The milking compartment has a concentrate station. The entire system is computer controlled. Doors in the milking compartment automatically open for the entry and departure of animals. An automatic cleaning member cleans the animal's teats and a cleaning system automatically cleans the entire milk line system or a selected part thereof. The herd is divided by a computer into milk production groups with a computer defined priority criteria for admitting a specific group of animals into the milking compartment prior to another group.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing animal related operations includes a robot arm movable in response to a controller, the robot arm being provided with a gripper for gripping an animal related device. A sensor is adapted to establish a location of the animal related device.

Abstract: In a system and a method for monitoring the physical condition of a herd of livestock, errors between values predicted in accordance with a time-series model and corresponding measured values are used for determining a confidence interval for a prediction for each animal individually the significance of an error between a prediction and a measured value regarding the likelihood that the animal is in heat or suffers from a disease is automatically assessed for each animal individually. There is no need to determine dedicated confidence intervals for different situations and properties. A better fit of the time-series model automatically results in a narrowed confidence interval.

Abstract: In a fully automated milking system, a disinfecting device that disinfects those parts of the milking equipment and of a cleaning device which contact the teats and also usually the udder of an animal to be milked. The disinfecting device comprises an ultraviolet light source wherein the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays are between 100 and 280 nanometers. The light source may be movable within a teat cup or directly connected to the teat cup so that the radiation penetrated the teat cup's liner which is translucent and destroys harmful bacteria on the teat cup parts that contact the teat of an animal being milked as well as contacting portions of the animal's udder.

Abstract: A device for milking an animal is controlled by a control system connected to sensors for detecting the position of the animal and the position of various components of the device. Each sensor and the control system are coupled via a transducer which is located at a different position from the sensor. Each sensor and the transducer are electrically insulated from one another.

Abstract: A device for milking animals having at least two milking stalls which are each provided with a movable entrance gate, a movable exit gate and a first spurring device to drive the animals out of the milking stalls, and a passageway along the entrance gates and the exit gates. The passageway is provided with a second spurring device for spurring on the animals in the passageway so that the milking stalls are quickly accessible again for the following animals and so that the capacity of the device is increased.