Abstract: An apparatus for applying a liquid sample onto a culture medium in a spiral shape, for example, for determining the bacteria concentration therein, having a line that has an incline nozzle for applying the liquid sample onto the culture medium. A turntable supports a culture medium container and the line is supported by a linearly movable slide. The position of the nozzle relative to the turntable is automatically adjusted in response to a signal from a sensor, which detects the level of the upper surface of the culture medium. An automatically controlled movement mechanism, together with a level control device or a disinfecting container, insures that the nozzle is submerged deep enough into the disinfectant to properly disinfect the outer side of the nozzle.

Abstract: Milking cups are attached to the teats of the female animal by positioning the milking cups relative to at least one teat by means of a control system responsive to a first sensor. The relative position of the teats in a substantially horizontal plane is determined by a second sensor and the milking cups are attached one after another while the at least one teat is continually sensed by the first sensor.

Abstract: An automatic milking device employs a robot arm, a sensor and a control system for searching for, finding and following the teats on the cow's udder. The control system employs a model to provide corrected position information for comparison with sensed position information so that a selection may be made based upon stored criteria.

Abstract: A system for discharging milk to a storage tank is provided with an intermediate reservoir for temporarily storing the milk and/or a cooled tank for collecting milk unsuitable for human consumption.

Abstract: A pair of horizontally spaced support surfaces support the rear hooves of an animal. A forwardly inclined surface extends upwardly from each support surface toward the front end of the device, and a sidewardly inclined surface extends upwardly from each of the support surfaces toward the center of the device. The sidewardly extending surfaces intersect one another along a line extending parallel with the sides. A plurality of horizontally spaced bars are disposed rearwardly of and at an elevation above the support surfaces. The rearmost bar has a central portion disposed at a higher elevation than the adjacent bar.

Abstract: A milking cup is moved into position surrounding a cow's teat by power operated members controlled by an electrical circuit including a pair of spaced ultrasonic detectors for locating the teat. Each detector includes a transmitter and a receiver. The ultrasonic fields produced by the transmitters intersect one another at a position spaced from the transmitters. Conical reflecting surfaces are disposed adjacent the transmitters and receivers to reflect ultrasonic waves to obtain a detection field of predetermined dimensions and to determine the area within which the ultrasonic waves are reflected back to the receivers. The generatrix of the conical reflecting surfaces may be slightly concave or convex.

Abstract: A movable accommodation in which animals can be automatically milked includes a shelter, bar fences mounted in the shelter to define two milking locations in which animals to be milked can be individually contained, milking racks with teat cups respectively located adjacent the two milking locations, and a robot which is movable back and forth along guide beams that extend between the two milking locations and which operates to position the respective milking racks in operative position relative to the teats of an animal in the adjacent milking location.