Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum source for providing vacuum to at least a first vacuum drain through conduits, comprising at least a first and a second vacuum pump. The vacuum source comprises a control system adapted to detect the consumed airflow, and to control the operation of each of the first and second vacuum pump based on the detected airflow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum source for providing vacuum to at least a first vacuum drain through conduits, comprising at least a first and a second vacuum pump. The vacuum source comprises a control system adapted to detect the consumed airflow, and to control the operation of each of the first and second vacuum pump based on the detected airflow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum source for providing vacuum to at least a first vacuum drain through conduits, comprising at least a first and a second vacuum pump. The vacuum source comprises a control system adapted to detect the consumed airflow, and to control the operation of each of the first and second vacuum pump based on the detected airflow.

Abstract: A method for animal management is provided in a milking system comprising a milking box (13), a milking apparatus (13d) for milking animals (10), an enclosed waiting area (14) from which the animals are capable of entering the milking box, and a gate arrangement (14a), through which each of the animals is allowed to pass to enter the waiting area if the animal, after having been identified, fulfills a criterion. The method comprises the steps of measuring (21) a time an animal waits in the waiting area before being milked; determining (22) a rank number for the animal based on the time, the rank number being a measure of the hierarchic order of the animal among the animals milked in the milking system; and performing (23) an action with regard to the milking system depending on the determined rank number.

Abstract: A milking system may include a milking stall (1, 51), which an animal may visit to be milked automatically. The milking stall including an animal identifier (9, 53); a gate controller (7, 55) for opening an entry and exit gates (3, 5); a milking machine (11, 57), wherein the teat cups, during milking of a milking animal in the milking stall, are applied to the teats of the milking animal and are connected to vacuum (19, 63) such that milk can be drawn from the milking animal and be collected in the vessel; and a robot (13, 65) provided with a robot arm (21) and a gripper (23) for automatic application of the teat cups to the teats of the animal. The milking system may also include a master computer (75) adapted to hold a database (77) of milking animals capable of visiting the milking stall, to receive an identification of a milking animal from the animal identifier, and adapted to control the gate controller, the milking machine, and the robot depending on the received identification.

Abstract: A more effective method of automatically milking animals in an automatic milking facility is disclosed. The method includes (i) assigning a respective threshold value (t.v.) to each of the udder quarters (1st u.q.; 2nd u.q.; 3rd u.q.; 4th u.q.) of an animal to be milked indicating when the milking of the corresponding udder quarter is to be ended; (ii) measuring the milk flow from each udder quarter of animal during milking; and (iv) ending the milking of an udder quarter of the animal (end1; end2; end3; end4) in dependence on the measured milk flow from that udder quarter reaches the corresponding threshold value. The threshold value of the udder quarter (4th u.q.) of the animal, for which the ending of milking very last remains is raised (t.v.115%; t..V.inf; t.v.(t); t.v.

Abstract: A gate for use in cattle handling systems, where animals pass between different areas separated by fences and passage from one area to another takes place through the gate. The gate is spring biased to occupy a closed position, in which it is lockable by at least one catch member being releasable in response to the approach of an animal identified as allowable for passage. The catch member is arranged to provide free passage at all times through the gate in one opening direction and to be actuatable for releasing the gate for opening in the opposite opening direction.