Abstract: An apparatus and method for milking an animal, in particular a cow, that uses a stress measuring device for determining the animal's degree of stress and to supply stress measurement data to a memory that stores the stress measurement data. Stress measurement data are obtained before, during and preferably after milking. The stress measuring device comprises at least one instrument selected from a group consisting of an infrared meter for measuring the animal's infrared image, a hygrometer for determining the humidity of the animal's fur or nose, and iris scanner for determining the animal's eye characteristics, and an odor meter for determining the animal's breath or body odor, a muscular tension measuring instrument for determining the animal's muscular tension, an excrement analyzing instrument for determining the characteristics of the animal's excrement, and a muscle vibration meter for determining the animal's muscle vibrations.

Abstract: A system for automatically milking animals is provided with a milking robot and a computer which is capable of being connected to a plurality of measuring instruments for a plurality of functions of the system and physiological conditions of the animals being milked. Monitoring programs for the functions and conditions are installed in a computer which, based on comparison reference data, determines that one or more components of the system is likely to fail or otherwise malfunction and reports on abnormal physiological conditions of animals being milked by the system. As a result of the computer determinations, diagnoses of the likelihood of failure or other malfunction of one or more of the system's components, and of abnormal conditions of the animals being milked, are transmitted to interested parties including a user and a service mechanic together with the appropriate actions to be taken.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bale wrapping device comprising a wrapping platform (1) on which a bale (11) is rotatable about a horizontal axis (9) and a support frame (23), which carries at least one rotating arm (17) rotatable about a vertical axis (19) by means of a rotation drive (18, 21). In order to reduce the overall height of the rotating arm drive, it is proposed according to the invention that the rotation drive (18, 21) is arranged between the upper side (A) of the support frame (23) and the under side (B) of the rotating arm (17).

Abstract: A device for cleaning at least a part of one or more milking machines for milking animals. Said device is provided with a reservoir for containing cleaning fluid, with a supply line connected to the reservoir for supplying cleaning fluid to the part to be cleaned, and with a heating member for heating the cleaning fluid. The device is further provided with a heating start member for activating the heating member immediately after a fixed, predetermined period counted from the preceding heating start activation has elapsed. A milking machine for milking an animal. Said milking machine is provided with a reservoir for containing cleaning fluid, with a supply line connected to the reservoir for supplying cleaning fluid to the part to be cleaned, and with a heating member for heating the cleaning fluid. The milking machine is provided with a heating start member for activating the heating member immediately after a fixed, predetermined period counted from the preceding heating start activation has elapsed.

Abstract: A device for soil preparation. The device has a direction of movement during operation. The device comprises a carrier beam for carrying disc-shaped elements extending parallel to each other. The position of each disc-shaped element is adjustable and lockable. The device comprises measuring means for measuring the momentary position of at least one of the disc-shaped elements.

Abstract: A construction for automatically milking animals comprises a milking robot with teat cup(s) (6) and means (10, 11) for connecting the teat cups (6) to the teats of an animal (7) to be milked. The teat cups (6) are disposed on a carrying element (8) which is supported by the floor (9) of the milk box (1), provided with propulsion means and suitable for moving across a two-dimensional part of the floor surface (9) of the milk box (1). The carrying element (8) is compact and easy to control.