Patents by Inventor Helmut Obermuller
Helmut Obermuller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10531634Abstract: An animal hoof cleaning system that includes an automatic milking station, an automatic spraying device configured to clean at least one hoof of an animal housed in the automatic milking station by spraying a fluid towards the at least one hoof, a control unit that controls the operation of the automatic spraying device, and detecting means that detects a milking state wherein all the teats of the animal are enclosed in respective teat cups, where the control unit is configured to control the operation of the automatic spraying device on basis of information from the detecting means such that the automatic spraying device sprays on the hoof of the animal only when the detecting means detects the milking state.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventor: Helmut Obermüller
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Publication number: 20190387703Abstract: An animal hoof cleaning system that includes an automatic milking station, an automatic spraying device configured to clean at least one hoof of an animal housed in the automatic milking station by spraying a fluid towards the at least one hoof, a control unit that controls the operation of the automatic spraying device, and detecting means that detects a milking state wherein all the teats of the animal are enclosed in respective teat cups, where the control unit is configured to control the operation of the automatic spraying device on basis of information from the detecting means such that the automatic spraying device sprays on the hoof of the animal only when the detecting means detects the milking state.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2018Publication date: December 26, 2019Inventor: Helmut OBERMÜLLER
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Patent number: 10238082Abstract: A teat cup shell (2) includes a substantially tubular body having a center axis (4). A plane (6) extending along the center axis (4) defines a first shell portion (8) and a second shell portion (10) on opposite sides of the plane (6). The first shell portion (8) includes a magnetic material, and an outer surface (12) adapted to abut against at least one surface of an electromagnetic device. The first shell portion (8) and the second shell portion (10) differ from each other with respect to material composition and/or material thickness. The amount of magnetic material in the first shell portion (8) is higher than in the second shell portion (10). Further, a teat cup and an arrangement for automatically milking animals includes at least one robot arm (32) adapted to attach the teat cup (16) to a teat of an animal.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventor: Helmut Obermuller
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Patent number: 10088572Abstract: A time-of-flight (TOF) camera system for a robot milking system includes a housing accommodating a light source, imaging optics, an image sensor, and electronics; a front part including a light transparent window disposed in front of the light source and the imaging optics; and fasteners. The housing has a front side and a back side, and the front part has a front side and a backside, the surface of the front side being flat and including a front surface of the light transparent window. The fasteners releasably mechanically fasten the front part to the housing with the back side of the front part and the front side of the housing facing each other. The fasteners are maneuverable from the back side of the housing to fasten the front part to, and release the front part from, the housing, thereby enabling the front part to be replaceable.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventors: Thomas Axelsson, Nils-Erik Holmertz, Helmut Obermuller
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Patent number: 10058069Abstract: A gripping device for a robotic manipulation device that grips and attaches teat cups to an animal. The gripping device for each teat cup to be gripped and attached includes a holding member configured to releasably hold a teat cup, and a power member configured to move the holding member from a base position (p1) to a raised position (p2) in which the teat cup can be attached to a teat. The gripping device for each teat cup to be gripped and attached includes a movable cover portion movably arranged between a covering position, in which it covers the opening of the teat cup, and a non-covering position, in which the opening of the teat cup is exposed. When power member lifts the holding member from the base position to the raised position, the movable cover portion moves from the covering position to the non-covering position.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventors: Nils-Erik Holmertz, Helmut Obermuller
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Patent number: 9788522Abstract: A method is provided for a milking system including a moving device, milking stalls each provided with teat cups, an automatic teat cup attachment system, and an automatic teat cup returning system configured to return the teat cups to default storage positions subsequent to the milking. Current positions of the teat cups are, for each of the milking stalls, sensed after the teat cup returning system withdraws the teat cups, but before the automatic teat cup attachment system fetches the teat cups. The sensed positions of the teat cups are, for each of the milking stalls, compared with the default storage positions to determine whether the sensed current positions of the teat cups deviate from the default storage positions by at least a specified distance, and an action is performed when the sensed positions deviate from the default storage positions by at least the specified distance.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventor: Helmut Obermuller
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Publication number: 20160306046Abstract: A time-of-flight (TOF) camera system for a robot milking system includes a housing accommodating a light source, imaging optics, an image sensor, and electronics; a front part including a light transparent window disposed in front of the light source and the imaging optics; and fasteners. The housing has a front side and a back side, and the front part has a front side and a backside, the surface of the front side being flat and including a front surface of the light transparent window. The fasteners releasably mechanically fasten the front part to the housing with the back side of the front part and the front side of the housing facing each other. The fasteners are maneuverable from the back side of the housing to fasten the front part to, and release the front part from, the housing, thereby enabling the front part to be replaceable.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2014Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Thomas AXELSSON, Nils-Erik HOLMERTZ, Helmut OBERMULLER
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Patent number: 9414567Abstract: A milking parlor and a method includes a rotary platform, plurality of milking stalls arranged on the rotary platform, a common milk line conducting milk from several milking stalls to a common milk tank, a local milk receiver for each milking stall and a valve member controlling the milk flow from the local milk receiver to the common milk line. The valve members are controlled such that all milk of acceptable quality from the local milk receiver is discharged, via the common milk line, to the common milk tank before milk of unacceptable quality is discharged from the local milk receivers to the common milk line during a milking period in the milking parlor between two following washing processes of the common milk line.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventor: Helmut Obermuller
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Publication number: 20160212966Abstract: A teat cup shell (2) includes a substantially tubular body having a center axis (4). A plane (6) extending along the center axis (4) defines a first shell portion (8) and a second shell portion (10) on opposite sides of the plane (6). The first shell portion (8) includes a magnetic material, and an outer surface (12) adapted to abut against at least one surface of an electromagnetic device. The first shell portion (8) and the second shell portion (10) differ from each other with respect to material composition and/or material thickness. The amount of magnetic material in the first shell portion (8) is higher than in the second shell portion (10). Further, a teat cup and an arrangement for automatically milking animals includes at least one robot arm (32) adapted to attach the teat cup (16) to a teat of an animal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventor: Helmut OBERMÜLLER
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Publication number: 20160128298Abstract: A gripping device for a robotic manipulation device that grips and attaches teat cups to an animal. The gripping device for each teat cup to be gripped and attached includes a holding member configured to releasably hold a teat cup, and a power member configured to move the holding member from a base position (p1) to a raised position (p2) in which the teat cup can be attached to a teat. The gripping device for each teat cup to be gripped and attached includes a movable cover portion movably arranged between a covering position, in which it covers the opening of the teat cup, and a non-covering position, in which the opening of the teat cup is exposed. When power member lifts the holding member from the base position to the raised position, the movable cover portion moves from the covering position to the non-covering position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2014Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Nils-Erik HOLMERTZ, Helmut OBERMULLER
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Patent number: 9222533Abstract: An emergency stop device for a rotary platform (1) of milking parlor for a milking parlor that includes at least one component (10, 13a) arranged beside an edge portion (1a, 1b) of the platform (1). The emergency stop device includes a detecting element (13b) adapted to initiate an emergency stop of the rotary platform (1) in a case of an object being detected in a detecting area (13b1) located beside the edge portion (1a, 1b) of the platform (1) at an upstream distance (D) from the component (10, 13a) with respect to the rotary direction of the platform (1). The upstream distance (D) is longer than an estimated stopping distance (d) of the edge portion (1b) when the platform (1) is emergency stopped.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventor: Helmut Obermuller
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Publication number: 20150342140Abstract: A method is provided for a milking system including a moving device, milking stalls each provided with teat cups, an automatic teat cup attachment system, and an automatic teat cup returning system configured to return the teat cups to default storage positions subsequent to the milking. Current positions of the teat cups are, for each of the milking stalls, sensed after the teat cup returning system withdraws the teat cups, but before the automatic teat cup attachment system fetches the teat cups. The sensed positions of the teat cups are, for each of the milking stalls, compared with the default storage positions to determine whether the sensed current positions of the teat cups deviate from the default storage positions by at least a specified distance, and an action is performed when the sensed positions deviate from the default storage positions by at least the specified distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2014Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventor: Helmut OBERMULLER
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Publication number: 20150181836Abstract: A milking parlour and a method includes a rotary platform, plurality of milking stalls arranged on the rotary platform, a common milk line conducting milk from several milking stalls to a common milk tank, a local milk receiver for each milking stall and a valve member controlling the milk flow from the local milk receiver to the common milk line. The valve members are controlled such that all milk of acceptable quality from the local milk receiver is discharged, via the common milk line, to the common milk tank before milk of unacceptable quality is discharged from the local milk receivers to the common milk line during a milking period in the milking parlour between two following washing processes of the common milk line.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventor: Helmut Obermuller
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Patent number: 8695532Abstract: A milking system includes a vacuum pump (11); milking equipment (15); a conduit (14) connecting the milking equipment to the vacuum pump; and a first vacuum regulator (25) provided to maintain a preset vacuum level in the milking equipment. A second vacuum regulator (27, 29, 30a) is arranged between the first vacuum regulator and the vacuum pump and is provided for regulating the preset vacuum to a desired level. Preferably, the second vacuum regulator includes a pressure sensor (30a) provided for measuring a pressure level in the milking system; adjustable air admitting elements (31), e.g. a solenoid valve, provided for admitting air to enter the conduit; and a control device (29) provided for controlling the second vacuum regulator depending on the measured pressure level.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: DeLaval Holding ABInventors: Helmut Obermüller, Eva Pia Sandstedt
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Publication number: 20130153360Abstract: An emergency stop device for a rotary platform (1) of milking parlour for a milking parlour that includes at least one component (10, 13a) arranged beside an edge portion (1a, 1b) of the platform (1). The emergency stop device includes a detecting element (13b) adapted to initiate an emergency stop of the rotary platform (1) in a case of an object being detected in a detecting area (13b1) located beside the edge portion (1a, 1b) of the platform (1) at an upstream distance (D) from the component (10, 13a) with respect to the rotary direction of the platform (1). The upstream distance (D) is longer than an estimated stopping distance (d) of the edge portion (1b) when the platform (1) is emergency stopped.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventor: Helmut Obermuller
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Patent number: 7992519Abstract: An arrangement is provided in a milking system for simultaneous milking of a plurality of milking animals, wherein the milking system comprises a plurality of milking positions (P1-P24) and an arrangement for establishing identities of and expected milking times for the milking animals. Each of the milking positions is provided with teat cups, which are attached to the teats of a milking animal and are connected to a source of vacuum to milk the milking animal. The inventive arrangement comprises means (10) for determining a milking position, at which the milking animal having the longest expected milking time is present, based on the established identities and expected milking times; and a device (11, 13, 17; 20) for performing an action with respect to the milking system in response to the determination.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Delaval Holding ABInventors: Johan Odeberg, Otto Hellekant, Raza Mehinovic, Magnus Storbjörk, Louise Kullgren, Torbjörn Petterson, Christoffer Hägglund, Stefan Irhsén, Helmut Obermüller, Robert Jonsson, Souren Kerikorian, Gary Aldgård, Gösta Forsén
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Publication number: 20100236484Abstract: A milking system includes a vacuum pump (11); milking equipment (15); a conduit (14) connecting the milking equipment to the vacuum pump; and a first vacuum regulator (25) provided to maintain a preset vacuum level in the milking equipment. A second vacuum regulator (27, 29, 30a) is arranged between the first vacuum regulator and the vacuum pump and is provided for regulating the preset vacuum to a desired level. Preferably, the second vacuum regulator includes a pressure sensor (30a) provided for measuring a pressure level in the milking system; adjustable air admitting elements (31), e.g. a solenoid valve, provided for admitting air to enter the conduit; and a control device (29) provided for controlling the second vacuum regulator depending on the measured pressure level.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: DELAVAL HOLDING ABInventors: Ola Sandberg, Eva Pia Sandstedt, Helmut Obermüller
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Publication number: 20090320759Abstract: An arrangement is provided in a milking system for simultaneous milking of animals comprising milking positions (P1-P24), each of which being provided with teat cups, which are attached to the teats of an animal and are connected to a source of vacuum to milk the animal. The arrangement comprises a processing device (10) for gathering and processing information of the milking of the animals, and terminal units (13) arranged at the milking positions and connected to the processing device (10). The processing device is provided for (i) receiving a user identity; (ii) retrieving a user specific setting based on the received user identity, said user specific setting defining user specific information of the milking of the animals; and (iii) transmitting information of the milking of the animals to the terminal units defined by the retrieved user specific setting. The terminal units output automatically the information received from the processing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Johan Odeberg, Otto Hellekant, Raza Mehinovic, Magnus Storbjörk, Louise Kullgren, Torbjörn Petterson, Christoffer Hägglund, Stefan Irhsén, Helmut Obermüller, Robert Jonsson, Souren Kerikorian, Gary Aldgrdå, Gösta Forsén
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Publication number: 20090260574Abstract: An arrangement is provided in a milking system for simultaneous milking of a plurality of milking animals, wherein the milking system comprises a plurality of milking positions (P1-P24) and an arrangement for establishing identities of and expected milking times for the milking animals. Each of the milking positions is provided with teat cups, which are attached to the teats of a milking animal and are connected to a source of vacuum to milk the milking animal. The inventive arrangement comprises means (10) for determining a milking position, at which the milking animal having the longest expected milking time is present, based on the established identities and expected milking times; and a device (11, 13, 17; 20) for performing an action with respect to the milking system in response to the determination.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2007Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Johan Odeberg, Otto Hellekant, Raza Mehinovic, Magnus Storbjork, Louise Kullgren, Torbjorn Petterson, Christoffer Hagglund, Stefan Irhsen, Helmut Obermuller, Robert Jonsson, Souren Kerikorian, Gary Aldgard, Gosta Forsen
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Patent number: 7600485Abstract: A method for calibrating milk meters in a milking system includes a milking station having at least one milk meter that measures a value of a milking performance of a milking animal. The method includes the steps: determining a reference value which reflects the amount of milk received from a number of milking animals during a selected time period in a reference unit, retrieving all measured values during the selected time period for each milk meter that by itself contribute to the amount of milk received by the reference unit, comparing the reference value with the sum of all retrieved measured values and calculating a correction function for one of the milk meters, and using the calculated correction function to adjust the measured value from the milk meter.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Delaval Holding ABInventors: Anders Umegård, Helmut Obermüller