Abstract: A milking machine cylinder comprising a flexible element and at least one sensor element which detects at least a substantial weight relief of the flexible element in order to trigger a start signal for a milking process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for advantageously adjusting the values of at least one milk parameter which is detected by a first sensor with the aid of values detected by a second sensor. For this purpose, two separated value systems are advantageously used such that the first sensor is enabled to self-adjust to varying dairy or dairy animal conditions.

Abstract: A milking machine cylinder comprising a flexible element and at least one sensor element which detects at least a substantial weight relief of the flexible element in order to trigger a start signal for a milking process.

Abstract: A device for closing off a liquid-supply channel with an axially moving diaphragm. One face of the diaphragm demarcates a control space that is located in a lid and that can be connected either to the atmosphere or to a source of vacuum through a control valve. The other face of the diaphragm demarcates a product space that is also vacuumized and that accommodates the liquid-supply channel such that the diaphragm can, in one of its limiting positions, close the opening of the channel. To decrease the level of force required for initiating the action and to make the device less expensive, a signal generator is positioned in the lid of the control space and activates the control valve when the diaphragm approaches the lid, thereby connecting the control space with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A sampler for a milking-system volumeter that can measure fractional volumes and that has both a partial-vacuumized separation chamber with an outlet that can be closed off by means of a valve piston and a measuring chamber. The valve piston associated with the outlet has a nozzle bore that opens into the separation chamber. It is followed by a nozzle channel with a runoff opening at the end facing away from the nozzle bore. The channel is closed when the valve piston is closed and opens into a line leading to the sampler's milk-collecting space when the valve piston is open. When milk flows out of the volumeter through the outlet, part of it flows into the nozzle channel through the nozzle bore and thence into the collecting space through the line. A sample is accordingly taken upon the completion of every fractional-volume measurement by the volumeter.

Abstract: A milk meter for milking installations, for the direct measurement of the quantity of milk taken from a cow, has a separating chamber under a partial vacuum for the separation of the air from the mixture of air and milk coming from the milker, and a milk measuring chamber which is connected therewith through a permanently open inlet aperture and which is equipped with two sensors set at different levels therein. The inlet aperture is located close to the floor of the separating chamber and has an associated weir on that floor. The upper edge of the weir is at a higher level than the upper edge of the inlet aperture and the weir has a drain hole. With this system only air-free milk or milk of low air content can enter the measuring chamber.