Abstract: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller receives a start signal generated when a milking apparatus is attached to a cow. A first sensor is operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum and for producing a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. The controller includes a processor having a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference of predetermined vacuum ranges and for generating a control signal when the designed pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of a predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of the predetermined vacuum range.

Abstract: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller comprises a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum therefrom. The controller produces a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking systems pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.

Abstract: A milk flow device which includes a conduit for transporting a substantially continuous milk flow varying in height up to a maximum height wherein the maximum height is less than a fluid height which would occlude the conduit and interrupt the vacuum level is shown. A first sensor determines the height of a selected section of the substantially continuous milk flow. The first sensor has a predetermined cross-sectional area and defines an opening for passing a milk flow therethrough. The first sensor is located at a predetermined location in the conduit. A second sensor having a cross-sectional area substantially equal to the cross sectional area of the first sensor is spaced within the conduit in a selected direction and a known distance from the first sensor. The second sensor determines that the selected section of the continuous milk flow has traversed the known distance. A conductivity sensor measures the conductivity of the milk.

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: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller comprises a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum therefrom. The controller produces a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking system pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designed pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.

Abstract: A milk flow device which includes a conduit for transporting a substantially continuous milk flow varying in height up to a maximum height wherein the maximum height is less than a fluid height which would occlude the conduit and interrupt the vacuum level is shown. A first sensor determines the height of a selected section of the substantially continuous milk flow. The first sensor has a predetermined cross-sectional area and defines an opening for passing a milk flow therethrough. The first sensor is located at a predetermined location in the conduit. A second sensor having a cross-sectional area substantially equal to the cross sectional area of the first sensor is spaced within the conduit in a selected direction and a known distance from the first sensor. The second sensor determines that the selected section of the continuous milk flow has traversed the known distance. A conductivity sensor measures the conductivity of the milk.

Abstract: A milk flow device which includes a conduit for transporting a substantially continuous milk flow varying in height up to a maximum height wherein the maximum height is less than a fluid height which would occlude the conduit and interrupt the vacuum level. A first sensor determines the height of a selected section of the substantially continuous milk flow. The first sensor has a predetermined cross-sectional area and defines an opening for passing a milk flow therethrough. The first sensor is located at a predetermined location in the conduit. A second sensor having a cross-sectional area substantially equal to the cross sectional area of the first sensor is spaced within the conduit in a selected direction and a known distance from the first sensor. The second sensor determines that the selected section of the continuous milk flow has traversed the known distance. A conductivity sensor measures the conductivity of the milk.

Abstract: A method for measuring flow rate of a continuous fluid flow is shown. The method comprises the steps of generating a first signal representing a height of the fluid flow having a known cross-sectional area at the first predetermined location and for generating a second signal at a second predetermined location located in a selected direction and at a known distance from the first predetermined location; generating a third signal representing the conductivity of the fluid; receiving the signals and creating a data stream therefrom; calculating an elapsed time for the fluid flow to traverse the known distance; calculating the average conductivity of the fluid; deriving the cross-sectional area of the selected section and compensating the cross-sectional area for variance in conductivity; calculating the volume of fluid flow; and generating an output signal representing the calculated volume of fluid flow.