Abstract: A measurement chamber for measuring the quantity and composition of liquids, fabricated of a uniform semi-transparent material for illumination using infrared light. The chamber construction alleviates the problem of bypass light via the side walls of the chamber, and the construction is simple and suitable for mass production.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring liquid flow, particularly milk, includes directing the liquid to flow through one or more flow channels, while exposing the liquid to electromagnetic radiation; measuring the transparency to electromagnetic radiation of the liquid flowing through the flow channel; and measuring the momentary attenuation of electromagnetic radiation by the liquid flowing through the flow channels, to determine the momentary volume of the liquid flowing through the flow channel. The momentary velocity of the liquid flowing through the flow channels is also determined, thereby permitting a determination of the momentary flow rate of the liquid flowing through the flow channels.
Abstract: An indicating device for a milking apparatus indicates regular or irregular working of each of the four teat cups. The device is attached to a twin electro-pneumatic pulsator which comprises two vertical solenoid-operated units (20, 21, 22), each serving to expand and contract the expandable linings (2) of two teat cups respectively, by alternately admitting atmospheric pressure and vacuum pressure to the teat cups. The device consists of a transparent, hollow cylinder (31) horizontally positioned between the two valve units and pneumatically communicating at each end with the air inlet duct (27) of either valve unit, and of a free piston (33) reciprocatingly movable in the cylinder (31). The alternate change of air pressure in the inlet ducts drives the piston to and fro, and a difference in air pressure in the two ducts, as a result of the teat cups not working uniformly, is indicated by the distance at which the piston stops from the respective end of the cylinder during its reciprocating movement therein.
Abstract: Milk flow sensor consisting of a coil surrounding a dielectric milk flow conduit in communication with a milking teat cup and of sufficiently large dimensions to ensure pulsating milk flow therethrough, a high frequency oscillating signal input to the coil and an electronic circuit for comparing the resultant changing amplitude output signal therefrom to a reference voltage representative of minimum milk flow.