Abstract: A milking plant for cows is provided with a milking machine comprising teat cups, which are connected separately to the teats of an animal. The milk obtained from each udder quarter is conveyed through a separate line to a milk measuring device. The milk measuring device includes four milk meters, one for each teat cup, having separate discharge lines coupled to common discharge lines which connect with a circulation line or loop that includes a bulk milk cooling tank, a two-speed or variable speed pump, and a plurality of heat exchangers for precooling the milk received from the common discharge lines before it is received in the bulk milk cooling tank and to recirculate and cool the milk received in the bulk milk cooling tank. After the milk has been discharged from the bulk milk cooling tank and the system is to be disinfected, washed and rinsed, the heat exchangers being used in a heat pump arrangement, can heat the fluid therein as selected and desired for sanitizing the system.

Abstract: A milking plant for cows is provided with a milking machine comprising teat cups, which are connected separately to the teats of an animal. The milk obtained from each udder quarter is conveyed through a separate line to a milk measuring device. The milk measuring device includes four milk meters, one for each teat cup, having separate discharge lines coupled to common discharge lines which connect with a circulation line or loop that includes a bulk milk cooling tank, a two-speed or variable speed pump, and a plurality of heat exchangers for precooling the milk received from the common discharge lines before it is received in the bulk milk cooling tank and to recirculate and cool the milk received in the bulk milk cooling tank. After the milk has been discharged from the bulk milk cooling tank and the system is to be disinfected, washed and rinsed, the heat exchangers being used in a heat pump arrangement, can heat the fluid therein as selected and desired for sanitizing the system.

Abstract: A milking plant for cows is provided with a milking machine comprising teat cups, which are connected separately to the teats of an animal. The milk obtained from each udder quarter is conveyed through a separate line to a milk measuring device. The milk measuring device includes four milk meters, one for each teat cup, having separate discharge lines coupled to common discharge lines which connect with a circulation line or loop that includes a bulk milk cooling tank, a two-speed or variable speed pump, and a plurality of heat exchangers for precooling the milk received from the common discharge lines before it is received in the bulk milk cooling tank and to recirculate and cool the milk received in the bulk milk cooling tank. After the milk has been discharged from the bulk milk cooling tank and the system is to be disinfected, washed and rinsed, the heat exchangers being used in a heat pump arrangement, can heat the fluid therein as selected and desired for sanitizing the system.

Abstract: A milking system for dairy animals comprising individual teat cups attachable to the respective teats of the animal's udder, a measuring device to determine the volume of milk discharged from individual teats, a central vacuum system to aid the discharge of the milk from the teats as well as to propel both the milk and the cleaning fluid through the system's fluid lines, a cooling tank, and an array of sensors to determine various parameters of the milk and milking system, including temperature sensors, milk conductivity sensors, air-to-milk ratio sensors, pressure sensors and fluid level sensors. The sensors are arranged at various points in the milking system, including in the individual teat cups, the milk measuring device and the discharge lines, and are optionally coupled to a central computer which controls both the individual components of the milking system and working parameters of the system as a whole, including an automatic cleaning system for cleaning the teat cups, fluid lines and cooling tank.

Abstract: An implement for the automated milking an animal, such as a cow. The implement comprises a segmented robot arm that can be adjusted to place a working platform in an initial position between the animal's front and rear legs generally below the udder. Mounted on the working platform are teat cups, a reciprocating rotary laser sensor, microprocessor for control, and an electromagnetic coupling device for carrying each teat cup in turn to attachment with a teat. The implement also has a contact sensor and an animal recognition system. Data provided from the contact sensor and animal recognition system provide a template for where the teats should be found. Microprocessor control of the robot arm and platform result in a two phase detection and attachment sequence for sequentially attaching the teat cups to first the rear and then the front teats.

Abstract: A cutting unit for a mowing machine which is driven by means of beveled gears contained in a drive housing. The cutting unit, which includes a rotatable disc mounting pivotal cutting blades is resiliently attached to the units' upwardly extending drive shaft emerging from the drive housing where power is transferred thereto from the mowing machine's generally horizontal drive shaft.

Abstract: A haymaking machine comprises a sub-assembly provided with two rake members, the sub-assembly being connected to a frame for pivotal movement about a pivotal axis that slopes upwardly to the rear. The center of gravity of the sub-assembly is ahead of such axis and a locking mechanism is provided for retaining the sub-assembly in a required working or transport position with respect to the frame. The disposition of the center of gravity and the pivotal axis is such that, when the locking mechanism is released, lifting machine above the ground causes the sub-assembly to swing automatically about the pivotal axis towards a transport position. If the machine is lifted more, the sub-assembly then swings automatically towards the working position.