Abstract: In the case of teat rubbers consisting of a shaped tubular member, the outer side of which has formed thereon a holding rim for engaging the edge of a milking cup from above, it may very easily happen that the holding rim of the teat rubber breaks through when subjected to blows or knocks. The teat rubber will then be practically unfit for use. It is now suggested that a recess should be provided in such a teat rubber in the holding rim portion located opposite the milking cup edge portion facing outwards in the longitudinal direction, and that this recess has inserted therein a ring consisting of a material which is different from the material of the teat rubber.

Abstract: This specific density of the liquid/air mixture is measured at successive levels within the reception vessel for the liquid using a reference measurement (Io) representing the specific density of the degasified liquid within a reference measuring path. The ratio of each obtained density value measurement and the reference value is calculated for each measuring level and multiplied with the specific density of the liquid to allow an accurate measurement of the overall liquid volume or flow-rate. Preferably the reception vessel (1) has a respective measuring electrode (El..En) at each measuring level with a common counter electrode (Eo) coupled to an oscillator (4) via a constant voltage circuit (5) and a coupling capacitor (6). Each measuring electrode (El-En) is coupled via a multiplexer (7) and an active rectifier (9) to an A/D converter (10) coupled to a microprocessor (11) controlling a read-out display (12).

Abstract: The specific density of the liquid/air mixture is measured at successive levels within the reception vessel for the liquid using a reference measurement (Io) representing the specific density of the degasified liquid within a reference measuring path. The ratio of each obtained density value measurement and the reference value is calculated for each measuring level and multiplied with the specific density of the liquid to allow an accurate measurment of the overall liquid volume or flow-rate. Preferably the reception vessel (1) has a respective measuring electrode (El . . . En) at each measuring level with a common counter electrode (Eo) coupled to an oscillator (4) via a constant voltage circuit (5) and a coupling capacitor (6). Each measuring electrode (El-En) is coupled via a multiplexer (7) and an active rectifier (9) to an A/D converter (10) coupled to a microprocessor (11) controlling a read-out display (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying milk with the help of an underpressure in a pipe system which includes feedpipes comprises damming devices or check valves in the feedpipe, or a division of the feedpipe over at least a portion of its length into several pipes which preferably have various inside cross sectional areas and have valves which, in dependence on the milk flow rate, cause the cross sectional area of one or more pipes to be changed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is part of a milking apparatus having milk discharge pipes which are supported overhead.

Abstract: An air inlet valve for admitting air to the milk drain conduit of a milking cup or collector piece includes a housing secured to the milking cup or collector piece, a diaphragm clamped within the housing, and a valve poppet secured to the diaphragm so as to project from one side thereof. The valve poppet cooperates with a valve seat to form a valve adapted to periodically open and close in response to a pulsator pressure action on the other side of the diaphragm. In its opened state, the valve permits atmospheric air to flow through a connecting conduit to the milk drain conduit such as the interior of a rubber teat cup. The connecting conduit opens through the valve seat surface. The valve poppet can be releasably secured to the diaphragm.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying milk with the help of an underpressure in a pipe system which includes feedpipes comprises damming devices or check valves in the feedpipe, or a division of the feedpipe over at least a portion of its length into several pipes which preferably have various inside cross sectional areas and have valves which, in dependence on the milk flow rate, cause the cross sectional area of one or more pipes to be changed. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is part of a milking apparatus having milk discharge pipes which are supported overhead.

Abstract: A method for mechanical milk removal in which a predetermined underpressure is applied to the interior of a milking cup applied to a teat to remove the milk and, if desired, a pulsation of a teat rubber is effected at a predetermined frequency and intensity, and while the milking cup is in place the teat is stimulated for a predetermined interval prior to the principal milking operation.