Abstract: This disclosure generally relates milking systems and, in particular, automatic milking systems. The disclosure presents methods, apparatuses and computer program for providing a reference value to be used for controlling a calibration of at least one milk meter in a milking system. In accordance with one embodiment, a method may comprise obtaining (510) milk flow data for a plurality of milking animals to determine a milk flow profile for each milking animal of the plurality of milking animals; comparing (520) the determined milk flow profiles to establish a subset of milk flow profiles that meets a pre-defined selection criteria; determining (530) said reference value based on the established subset of milk flow profiles; and providing (540) the determined reference value for controlling a subsequent calibration of at least one milk meter in a milking system.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining parameters of a rinsing process for a milking system, wherein a rinsing fluid circulates in a circuit to be rinsed in the rinsing process by filling a storage container with a fluid up to a predefined filling level; circulating the fluid from the storage container, via the circuit to be rinsed and back into the storage container; refilling the storage container during the circulation of the fluid up to the predefined filling level, determining a necessary fluid volume; and determining parameters of a subsequent rinsing process based on the determined fluid volume.

Abstract: A platform has a filter system with a first set of filter modules and a second set of filter modules that is different from the first set of filter modules. Each set of filter modules includes an inflow channel and an outflow channel. A fluid inlet is connected to the first set of filter modules, a fluid outlet is connected to the second set of filter modules, and a separation interface separates the first and second sets of filter modules. The separation interface has a first interface channel to connect to the module outflow channel of the first set of filter modules, and a second interface channel to connect to the module inflow channel of the second set of filter modules. The filter system receives fluid through the fluid inlet and, after the fluid has passed through each set of filter modules, discharges the fluid through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A system for transferring liquid natural gas from a ship to a facility, the transfer system comprising: a hoisting device which is designed to be secured on the deck of the ship; a mobile chassis, which is supported by the hoisting device; a first on-board pipe, for transferring liquid natural gas from the ship to the facility, said first on-board pipe being supported by the mobile chassis; and a second on-board pipe for the transport of inert gas, said second on-board pipe being supported by the mobile chassis comprising a first connection element which is associated with the second duct, and being connected to the first on-board pipe between the valve and the second connection element of the first on-board pipe.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for simulating an operational effect of one or more changes in a CIP process. The method includes providing a graphical user interface configured to receive inputs from a user, receiving at least one proposed adjustment to one CIP phase of the CIP process, and generating a simulated CIP process based on a first set of CIP data and the at least one proposed adjustment to generate simulated CIP data based on the simulated CIP process. The simulated CIP data is displayed on the display. The simulated CIP data includes at least one of the amount or the total cost of each consumable used to generate the simulated CIP data. A total cost of the simulated CIP process is calculated, where the total cost of the simulated CIP process incorporates the proposed adjustment.

Abstract: A cleaning system for milking cups containing a dispensing device into which at least two different cleaning fluids can be introduced inside the milking cup in such a way as to enable an efficient intermediate disinfection between individual milking processes.

Abstract: Automatic teat treatment method and apparatus for treatment operations on teats of an animal using a robot apparatus. The method includes initiating automatic detection of spatial teat positions and registering the spatial positions of the detected teats; and deriving a dedicated treating action effective to move the treating device through a dedicated path defined by the registered spatial teat positions and carrying out treatment by moving the treating device through the dedicated path. When not all of the spatial positions are detected, then the method registers the spatial position of each detected teat and derives an adapted treating action effective to move the treating device through an adapted path defined by the registered spatial teat positions and by approximated spatial locations. When no teat spatial positions have been detected, the method derives a default treating action effective to move the treating device through a default treating path.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a dairy harvesting facility including valves and valve assemblies that prevent contaminants from reaching a central milk collection system.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed to a hand-held applicator (126) for cleaning a teat of a milk-producing animal. The hand-held applicator comprises: a first housing having housing section (209) including a first end through which a disinfectant delivery line (140) extends or an electrical line (198) extends; and second housing (205) coupled to the housing section and having a sealed gear chamber (216) for supporting gears (186A, 186B and 186C) and bearings. The second housing comprises a first portion (213) and a second portion (215) configured to be removably affixed in abutting contact to the first portion. The second housing has an external delivery port (579) centered between a pair of side-by-side gears. The applicator comprises a switch (232) positioned on the underside of the housing section. The second portion may include a motor mount (680) for coupling a motor (238) in the housing section.

Abstract: A motorized support device for a handling system intended to handle at least one flexible pipe for transferring fluid; the support device comprises: a frame, a support borne by the frame, the support having an upper support surface for supporting the flexible pipe on the frame, and a drive member borne by the frame and able to drive the flexible pipe in two-way translation in a predetermined longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A filter holder is disclosed comprising a base for supporting the filter holder on a work surface and a holder arm attached to the base. The holder arm comprises a base end and an indexing axis passing through the base end. A rotor is rotatably connected to the base end and comprises a plurality of filter cradles each arranged generally parallel to the indexing axis and affixed to the rotor such that, when the holder arm is in the indexing position, the rotor is rotatable about the indexing axis to move a selected filter cradle into a loading position.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: A teat cup magazine (1), arranged to store at least two teat cups (3), includes a removing device for each teat cup (3), which is arranged to retract the teat cup (3) into the teat cup magazine when a milking process has finished. Each removing device includes a cylinder (8) and a piston (9). The cylinders (8) of the removing devices are formed by at least one cylinder profile (35, 38, 39), manufactured in one piece, which constitutes the sole load-bearing structure of the teat cup magazine. The at least one cylinder profile (35, 38, 39) includes on one side, integrated attachment zones (37) for attaching milking components, and on an opposite side, a guiding track (13) for each cylinder (8), adapted for a movable guiding element (6) supporting a milk tube (4) and a pulse tube (5) connected to the teat cup.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a dairy animal milker unit and applying dip to a dairy animal, the system includes a main control, an air supply, a water supply, a backflush fluid supply, a dip supply, a stall control for receiving the air, water, backflush fluid and dip supplies, and a safety valve that is adjacent to a downstream portion of the milker unit to control backflush and dip fluids being fed to the milker unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning milking stalls on a platform of a rotary parlour. The rotary parlour includes a robotic manipulation device configured to perform a primary task; a holding device configured to hold the end portion of the hose member in a predetermined parking position, and a control unit. When it is time to clean a milking stall on the platform, the control unit activates the robotic manipulation device such that, instead of performing a primary task, the robotic manipulation device performs an additional task in which the robotic manipulation device grips the end portion of a hose member and moves the end portion from a parking position to a number of cleaning positions from which liquid jets are sprayed from the outlet opening of the end portion against predetermined surfaces to be cleaned in the milking stall.

Abstract: According to the invention, an actuator is provided for a milking installation, wherein the actuator is fixed at a distance to a teat cup cluster and is mechanically coupled to the teat cup cluster via a flexible component so as to incite a stimulating movement of the teat cup cluster on the udder by means of an actuator element. The inventive actuator can also be used to adjust the angle of tilt of the teat cup cluster during milking. The invention also provides a retaining device for teat cups, comprising a fastening device for fixing the retaining device on a predetermined milking position, wherein the retaining device is furthermore formed to maintain, during a first operational phase, every teat cup of a plurality of teat cups in a fixed position relative to each other and to allow manual access to every retained teat cup in such a manner that during a second operational phase every teat cup can be manually moved in several directions relative to the retaining device and at least one additional teat cup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of milking a group of dairy animals including a first subgroup and a second subgroup by an automatic milking system, and wherein the milking system is flushed after a dairy animal from the second subgroup has been milked. The flushing step is postponed after a dairy animal from the second subgroup has been milked until at least a minimum number greater than or equal to two dairy animals from the second subgroup has been milked successively, or a subsequent dairy animal belonging to the first subgroup has been identified and the decision has been made that the dairy animal from the first subgroup presenting itself can be milked, or by postponing the milking of a dairy animal from the second subgroup until at least a minimum number greater than or equal to two dairy animals from the first subgroup has been milked successively.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a dairy harvesting facility including valves and valve assemblies that prevent contaminants from reaching a central milk collection system.

Abstract: A teat cup cleaning device having a heating chamber, provided with a discharge which is closable by a valve, and arranged for connection to a teat cup. A filling device is provided for filling the heating chamber with an amount of cleaning liquid, and a heating arrangement is arranged to heat the contents of the heating chamber to a temperature T higher than the boiling point Tk of the cleaning liquid at ambient pressure. The valve opens in this situation to deliver the heated cleaning liquid to the teat cup. The teat cup cleaning device also comprising a connecting line between a liquid supply and the discharge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning device (10) that encourages animals to stand in a desired position to enable efficient and effective treatment of a part of their body. The positioning device (10) of the invention may optionally comprise one or more spraying nozzles (56) adapted for spraying the teats of the animal with a treatment chemical either pre- or post-milking.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are used at the end of a dairy animal milking process to stop milking pulsation in an off position and then applying a teat dip into a milker unit teat cup liner to improve dip coverage on the teat.

Abstract: A device and computer program product arranged to manage a group of dairy animals including individually recognizing each animal by an animal identification system, milking the animals to give actual milk yields for each animal, and feeding the animals with a predetermined individual ration, collecting data regarding the group of dairy animals, which data includes for each animal at least the actual milk yield and an amount of the individual ration consumed by the animal, wherein subsequent individual milk yields are estimated using a model on the basis of said data, and wherein, for one or more animals, at least one of the individual ration and the milking of individual dairy animals is adjusted in a regulatory step of the model using a precondition.

Abstract: A control system and a method for milking members in a milking parlor having plural milking stalls. The control system includes a local control unit in each milking stall automatically preparing the milking member for a milking operation by setting a vacuum valve in an open position when the milking member is moved from a storage position, and a control unit setting the milking stalls in the milking parlor in a pre-cleaning mode when a milking operation is still in progress in at least one other of the milking stalls. In this case, the local control units prepare the milking members for a cleaning operation instead of a milking operation by maintaining the vacuum valve in a closed position when the milking member is moved from a storage position, until the cleaning operation of the milking member is started.

Abstract: A milking hose support comprising a frame adapted for supporting a milking hose, the frame having a hose coupler located on a side and adapted for supporting a milking hose; a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly includes a hinge and connects the frame to the hinge; and a first flat bar, wherein the first flat bar is coupled to the hinge assembly, and extends away from the frame, wherein the hinge permits a variable angle of rotation between the frame and the first flat bar.

Abstract: A milking system includes a milking robot with a robot arm for applying teat cups to the teats of an animal, an optical detector (40) for detecting radiation emitted and/or reflected from the animal and a controller. The detector has a housing (410) with a window (420) and a detecting element (430) enclosed in the housing that is sensitive to the emitted or reflected radiation passing through the window. In order to prevent contamination from impacting on the detector window, an airflow arrangement is provided that can be connected to a source of pressurized air and has at least one aperture (411) disposed adjacent the detector window (420) for generating a curtain of air that flows parallel with the surface of the window. The controller controls the generation of the air curtain to coincide with the start of at least one further operation controlled by the controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of milking and feeding a dairy animal, wherein feed is dispensed in portions during the milking. At a predetermined moment the portion size is reduced, in order to increase the chance that the animal has actually eaten the last allocated portion at the moment when the milking has been ended, so that it will not hesitate to leave the milking parlor. This will result in a reduction of the time during which the milking parlor is unnecessarily occupied, and in an enhanced efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are used at the end of a dairy animal milking process to stop milking pulsation in an off position and then applying a teat dip into a milker unit teat cup liner to improve dip coverage on the teat.

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 system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile milking implement having a frame with, a sub-frame which is adjustable in height and which has at least one teat cup holder and a teat cup movable relative thereto. The teat cup holder is tiltable, via a tilting mechanism coupled to the teat cup holder and the frame between a substantially vertical position and a second partially inverted position. The milking implement protects the teat cups against contamination and is capable of storing them in a compact manner.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically cleaning teat cups of a rotary milking platform includes i) a cleaning device at the side of the platform, the cleaning device having a movable part provided with an outlet opening through which a cleaning fluid is supplied to the teat cups; and ii) a positioning unit arranged to provide positioning of the cleaning device to a cleaning position in which the cleaning device is able to supply the cleaning medium from the outlet opening to the teat cups, the positioning unit adapted to provide a positioning of the movable part of the cleaning device in relation to the teat cups from an inactive position on the side of the platform to an active position in which the movable part extends in over the platform towards the teat cups to the cleaning position.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a teat cleaning and disinfectant before a milking operation is started that comprises one or more controllers that are configured to monitor various operating parameters of the system. In an embodiment, the current supplied to a motor that drives scrubbing elements in an applicator in order to identify or determine when a teat of a cow is inserted and then removed from the applicator during a wash mode and dry mode. The controller is programmed to count each teat that is properly prepped for milking in order to determine the number of cows that have been properly prepped for milking. If certain thresholds, such as predetermined number of teats on a cow, have not been met a cow is not counted as having been properly prepped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk tube for a milking unit, comprising two end regions lying opposite one another and an intermediate region, all regions being interconnected to form one piece. The intermediate region is composed of a soft material and at least one end region is composed of at least one hard material.

Abstract: An identification arrangement identifies animals, and only when a milk permission criteria is fulfilled is that animal provided with access to the milking machine. The milking machine extracts milk from the animal. In connection with the milking, a cell counter unit determines a quality parameter reflecting a somatic cell count for the milk extracted from the animal. The cell counter unit includes a sampling unit for taking samples from the extracted milk and a counter unit, which determines the quality parameter by registering a true number of somatic cells per unit volume in said samples. A control unit receives the quality parameter and in response thereto assigns a milk permission interval determining an earliest point after a completed milking at which point the set of milk permission criteria for the animal are again enabled to be fulfilled.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system for cleaning teats of multiple milk-producing animals, wherein the animals are housed in a parlor area and the teats are cleaned or disinfected before a milking operation is started. The system comprises a disinfectant solution source provided at the parlor area; and, a hand-held applicator having a housing volume within which one or more scrubbing elements are positioned for engaging a teat of the milk-producing animal having been inserted in the volume for cleaning. The scrubbing elements include a brush that has an array of bristles including a first set of bristles having a first radial length and a second set of bristles that have a second radial length that is longer than the first radial length.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are used at the end of a dairy animal milking process to stop milking pulsation in an off position and then applying a teat dip into a milker unit teat cup liner to improve dip coverage on the teat.

Abstract: A method of analyzing milk components having the steps of collecting a milk sample, ionizing the milk sample, and using an ion mobility spectrometer to detect predetermined components within the ionized milk sample, wherein the ion mobility spectrometer is positioned within a milking system from which the milk sample is taken.

Abstract: A method of milking animals and cleaning at least a part of a milking device for milking animals, such as cows, is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of connecting at least one teat cup to a teat of an animal to be milked, milking the animal, cleaning at least a part of the milking device that has come into contact with the animal and/or with the milk from the animal, the very first cleaning step comprising cleaning and/or disinfecting said part of the milking device with steam, and a further cleaning step comprising treating with a fluid at least that part of the milking device that has been treated with steam.

Abstract: A teat cup magazine (1), arranged to store at least two teat cups (3), includes a removing device for each teat cup (3), which is arranged to retract the teat cup (3) into the teat cup magazine when a milking process has finished. Each removing device includes a cylinder (8) and a piston (9). The cylinders (8) of the removing devices are formed by at least one cylinder profile (35, 38, 39), manufactured in one piece, which constitutes the sole load-bearing structure of the teat cup magazine. The at least one cylinder profile (35, 38, 39) includes on one side, integrated attachment zones (37) for attaching milking components, and on an opposite side, a guiding track (13) for each cylinder (8), adapted for a movable guiding element (6) supporting a milk tube (4) and a pulse tube (5) connected to the teat cup.

Abstract: A dairy parlor light unit for mounting on or in a milking stall curb to illuminate an underside of an animal in the milking stall.

Abstract: A device suitable for attachment to a milking platform at a “milking position” has a strippings viewing area and a light source, which is operable to illuminate in a suitable manner the strippings viewing area to enhance the visibility to an operator of any mastitis symptoms in use and/or to illuminate the udder to facilitate inspection or treatment. The light source may also be operable to give continuous or intermittent colour signals to the operator and the device might also include an alpha-numeric area. The device might form part of a leg separator and/or sprayer and/or milk hose support. A milking platform with such a device is also claimed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a system for cleaning teats of multiple milk-producing animals, wherein the animals are housed in a parlor area and the teats are cleaned or disinfected before a milking operation is started. The system comprises an aqueous chlorine dioxide disinfectant solution source provided at the parlor area; and, a hand-held applicator having a housing volume within which one or more scrubbing elements are positioned for engaging a teat of the milk-producing animal having been inserted in the volume for cleaning. The hand-held applicator is remotely operable relative to the disinfectant solution source.

Abstract: A milking hose support comprising a frame adapted for supporting a milking hose, the frame having a hose coupler located on a side and adapted for supporting a milking hose; a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly includes a hinge and connects the frame to the hinge; and a first flat bar, wherein the first flat bar is coupled to the hinge assembly, and extends away from the frame, wherein the hinge permits a variable angle of rotation between the frame and the first flat bar.

Abstract: Method of supplying feed to animals with the aid of a group of feed stations which are accessible to those animals, wherein the feed stations, following the identification of an animal, supply feed to that animal according to a feed program for that animal adjusted to that individual animal and taking into account data relating to earlier feed supplies to that animal, wherein data relating to a feed supply to an animal are made available to each feed station via data connections, and wherein, in the event of failure of the data connection for at least one of the feed stations, at least one of the feed stations is operated to switch over to a safety feed program to reduce the feed supply to an animal identified at that feed station.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.

Abstract: A dairy stable (5) and a method for controlling a stable (1), preferably a dairy stable (5) for milking livestock (4), having at least one milking system including at least one, preferably automatic, milking stations (8, 9, 12, 13, 14), and where the individual animal's access to milking is controlled, preferably via a transponder or similar on the animal. Furthermore, a milking station (8, 9, 12, 13, 14) for use in connection with a method and a dairy stable (5). In this manner, it is ensured that, within a given time interval, all animals (4) are guided to one or more selected milking stations (8, 9) at least once, where the selected milking station or stations (8, 9) are adapted in a special way with test equipment for determining various conditions of or at the milk and differently as compared to other milking stations (12, 13, 14).

Abstract: A receptacle for receiving cleaning concentrate, the receptacle comprising a concentrate discharge and a container having an opening, wherein a block-shaped cleaning agent is disposed on the opening in a replaceable manner, a liquid supply which is arranged for a washing out action, wherein liquid is sprayed through the opening onto the cleaning agent in order to wash out the cleaning agent and to form a cleaning concentrate, wherein a valve is provided in the concentrate discharge, which valve is controlled by a control device, wherein the control device is arranged to keep the valve closed during the washing out action, and wherein the device further comprises a signal supplier which is arranged to give a first warning signal after a predetermined phase of the washing out action.