Patents by Inventor Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT

Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT 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).

  • Patent number: 12310326
    Abstract: A method for milking a dairy animal using a milking device with a measuring device for a milk parameter, the method including identifying the dairy animal, determining a milking interval, attaching milking cups to the dairy animal, calculating, according to a first formula, an expected value for the milk parameter, milking the dairy animal, and detaching the milking cup when a first detachment criterion has been met. During the milking step and/or during the detaching step, use is made of the expected value of the milk parameter without determining the actual value of the milk parameter. The actual value is the value of the milk parameter if the milking takes place using a second detachment criterion which is stricter than the first detachment criterion. The method further includes measuring the actual value of the milk parameter for the present milking and updating the first formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Leonardus Hendricus Jennen, Pieter Gerlof De Groot
  • Publication number: 20240310392
    Abstract: A milking system with a milking device, a milking control, a milk line in fluid connection with the milking device, and a sampling and analysis device to take a sample of the milk from the milk line and to analyse milk from the sample are disclosed. The milking control is arranged to control the milking device on the basis of the analysis. The sampling and analysis device includes a control unit, a tape reel provided with a tape that is lengthwise provided with a series of consecutive reagent pads that provide a detectable response in the presence of a substance in the sample, a tape mover to move the tape, a dosing device to supply a part of the sample onto a reagent pad on the tape, and a camera to obtain an image of the reagent pad supplied with the droplet, and an analysis device to analyse the obtained images to provide to the milking control device an indication of a presence or concentration of said substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Abram Christiaan KNIP
  • Patent number: 12007400
    Abstract: A milking system with a milking device, a milking control, a milk line in fluid connection with the milking device, and a sampling and analysis device to take a sample of the milk from the milk line and to analyse milk from the sample are disclosed. The milking control is arranged to control the milking device on the basis of the analysis. The sampling and analysis device includes a control unit, a tape reel provided with a tape that is lengthwise provided with a series of consecutive reagent pads that provide a detectable response in the presence of a substance in the sample, a tape mover to move the tape, a dosing device to supply a part of the sample onto a reagent pad on the tape, and a camera to obtain an image of the reagent pad supplied with the droplet, and an analysis device to analyse the obtained images to provide to the milking control device an indication of a presence or concentration of said substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Gerlof De Groot, Abram Christiaan Knip
  • Publication number: 20240156043
    Abstract: A sampling device for taking a representative milk sample from a milking device. The milking device includes a milking means, a milk jar, a milk hose, a milk tank, a milk line, a milk pump for pumping the milk, a milk meter for determining the quantity of milk milked, and a control unit. The sampling device includes a sample line with an input connection to the milk jar, the milk pump or the milk line, an output to a sample collection receptacle, and a control device controllable by the control unit based on the quantity of milk determined by the milk meter in order to direct, during pumping, a sample quantity of milk through the sample line. The control unit knows how much milk must be pumped and can take precisely enough milk samples distributed over the pumping operation such that an accurate representative sample is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2022
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Petrus Maria DESSING, Michiel Adriaan VAN DORP, Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Nicolaas Maria Jozef STOFFELS
  • Patent number: 11737421
    Abstract: A method and device for milking using a milking system with a control unit and an adjustable stimulator, including stimulating for a stimulus time and subsequently milking a dairy animal, measuring and evaluating the milk flow profile in order to determine if the milk flow profile is bimodal. If it is, then the control unit automatically adjusts the stimulating operation by extending the stimulating operation by an extension value. If it is not, then the control unit may, optionally automatically, shorten the stimulating operation. As a result, the milking system is able to reduce the strain on the teats caused by unnecessary stimulation or by milking in an efficient way during a bimodal part of the milking operation and also to adjust this during the entire lactation, if necessary. In this way, changes in the dairy animal itself are also compensated for.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Gerlof De Groot, Rik Steenbergen, Ida Helena Ten Have, Anneke Gouw
  • Publication number: 20230017182
    Abstract: A method for milking a dairy animal using a milking device with a measuring device for a milk parameter, the method including identifying the dairy animal, determining a milking interval, attaching milking cups to the dairy animal, calculating, according to a first formula, an expected value for the milk parameter, milking the dairy animal, and detaching the milking cup when a first detachment criterion has been met. During the milking step and/or during the detaching step, use is made of the expected value of the milk parameter without determining the actual value of the milk parameter. The actual value is the value of the milk parameter if the milking takes place using a second detachment criterion which is stricter than the first detachment criterion. The method further includes measuring the actual value of the milk parameter for the present milking and updating the first formula.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Peter Leonardus Hendricus JENNEN, Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT
  • Publication number: 20220110290
    Abstract: A milking system with a milking device, a milking control, a milk line in fluid connection with the milking device, and a sampling and analysis device to take a sample of the milk from the milk line and to analyse milk from the sample are disclosed. The milking control is arranged to control the milking device on the basis of the analysis. The sampling and analysis device includes a control unit, a tape reel provided with a tape that is lengthwise provided with a series of consecutive reagent pads that provide a detectable response in the presence of a substance in the sample, a tape mover to move the tape, a dosing device to supply a part of the sample onto a reagent pad on the tape, and a camera to obtain an image of the reagent pad supplied with the droplet, and an analysis device to analyse the obtained images to provide to the milking control device an indication of a presence or concentration of said substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Abram Christiaan KNIP
  • Patent number: 11229185
    Abstract: A milking system for milking a dairy animal includes a milking cup to be attached to a teat of the dairy animal and milking the milk, and an electronic component. The electronic component includes a sensor which is arranged in or on the milking cup for measuring a value of a variable related to the milking, a transmitter for transmitting the measured values, and a power supply for supplying the sensor and/or the transmitter with electrical energy. The power supply may include an inductive power supply with a first coil component and a second coil component, where the first coil component and the electronic component are electrically connected to each other, and where the second coil component is electrically directly connectable to an external source of electrical energy. The milking system also includes a fastening means which holds the first coil component and the second coil component together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Gerlof De Groot, Rik Steenbergen
  • Publication number: 20210337763
    Abstract: A method and device for milking using a milking system with a control unit and an adjustable stimulator, including stimulating for a stimulus time and subsequently milking a dairy animal, measuring and evaluating the milk flow profile in order to determine if the milk flow profile is bimodal. If it is, then the control unit automatically adjusts the stimulating operation by extending the stimulating operation by an extension value. If it is not, then the control unit may, optionally automatically, shorten the stimulating operation. As a result, the milking system is able to reduce the strain on the teats caused by unnecessary stimulation or by milking in an efficient way during a bimodal part of the milking operation and also to adjust this during the entire lactation, if necessary. In this way, changes in the dairy animal itself are also compensated for.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Rik STEENBERGEN, Ida Helena TEN HAVE, Anneke GOUW
  • Publication number: 20200053973
    Abstract: A milking system for milking a dairy animal includes a milking cup to be attached to a teat of the dairy animal and milking the milk, and an electronic component. The electronic component includes a sensor which is arranged in or on the milking cup for measuring a value of a variable related to the milking, a transmitter for transmitting the measured values, and a power supply for supplying the sensor and/or the transmitter with electrical energy. The power supply may include an inductive power supply with a first coil component and a second coil component, where the first coil component and the electronic component are electrically connected to each other, and where the second coil component is electrically directly connectable to an external source of electrical energy. The milking system also includes a fastening means which holds the first coil component and the second coil component together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 20, 2020
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Rik STEENBERGEN
  • Publication number: 20170245455
    Abstract: Sensor system with a sensor device having a through-flow cell for liquid, a detector device for measuring a property of the liquid in the through-flow cell and for generating an associated detector signal, a sensor control for analyzing the detector signal, wherein the sensor control detects a liquid transition between two different liquids in the through-flow cell when a change (per unit time) in the detector signal is greater than a threshold value. In the case of such a liquid transition detection, the sensor control generates an alarm signal. Liquid transition detection is carried out by optical, temperature and/or conductivity sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Emo Diderik VAN HALSEMA, Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Hélèna Geralda Maria VIJVERBERG
  • Patent number: 9681636
    Abstract: Sensor system with a sensor device having a through-flow cell for liquid, a detector device for measuring a property of the liquid in the through-flow cell and for generating an associated detector signal, a sensor control for analyzing the detector signal, wherein the sensor control detects a liquid transition between two different liquids in the through-flow cell when a change (per unit time) in the detector signal is greater than a threshold value. In the case of such a liquid transition detection, the sensor control generates an alarm signal. Liquid transition detection is carried out by optical, temperature and/or conductivity sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Emo Diderik Van Halsema, Pieter Gerlof De Groot, Hélèna Geralda Maria Vijverberg
  • Publication number: 20170086421
    Abstract: Sensor system with a sensor device having a through-flow cell for liquid, a detector device for measuring a property of the liquid in the through-flow cell and for generating an associated detector signal, a sensor control for analyzing the detector signal, wherein the sensor control detects a liquid transition between two different liquids in the through-flow cell when a change (per unit time) in the detector signal is greater than a threshold value. In the case of such a liquid transition detection, the sensor control generates an alarm signal. Liquid transition detection is carried out by optical, temperature and/or conductivity sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Emo Diderik VAN HALSEMA, Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Hélèna Geralda Maria VIJVERBERG
  • Patent number: 9535008
    Abstract: Sensor system with a sensor device having a through-flow cell for liquid, a detector device for measuring a property of the liquid in the through-flow cell and for generating an associated detector signal, a sensor control for analyzing the detector signal, wherein the sensor control detects a liquid transition between two different liquids in the through-flow cell when a change (per unit time) in the detector signal is greater is than a threshold value. In the case of such a liquid transition detection, the sensor control generates an alarm signal. Liquid transition detection is carried out by optical, temperature and/or conductivity sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Emo Diderik Van Halsema, Pieter Gerlof De Groot, Hélèna Geralda Maria Vijverberg
  • Publication number: 20160029586
    Abstract: Milk flow detecting method and device monitors a flow of milk in a milk line which is connected to a teat cup and which has an aeration opening, like in a milking device. For this purpose, the milk filling level is monitored in a measuring section of the line. If the variation therein is too little, the absence of a flow, or at least an inadequate flow, is established. If, additionally, a (sufficient) filling level is detected, it can be concluded that there is an obstructed aeration opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT
  • Patent number: 9185875
    Abstract: Milk flow detecting method and device monitors a flow of milk in a milk line which is connected to a teat cup and which has an aeration opening, like in a milking device. For this purpose, the milk filling level is monitored in a measuring section of the line. If the variation therein is too little, the absence of a flow, or at least an inadequate flow, is established. If, additionally, a (sufficient) filling level is detected, it can be concluded that there is an obstructed aeration opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventor: Pieter Gerlof De Groot
  • Publication number: 20150223425
    Abstract: A method of milking a group of dairy animals by an automatic milking system, the group including at least two subgroups. The method has a number of steps. In one step, a dairy animal that presents itself for a milking is identified. Subsequently, a decision is taken about whether or not the dairy animal should be milked at that moment. If milking is desirable and the dairy animal belongs to the first subgroup, a teat cleaning treatment is carried out prior to the start of the milking. During the teat cleaning treatment, at least one teat of the dairy animal is cleaned. Upon identification of a dairy animal from the second subgroup, a limitation for a teat cleaning treatment is issued by a control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Petrus KORTEKAAS, Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT
  • Patent number: 9032907
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for and method of milking dairy animals, in particular cows. The device and method have been improved in order to enhance the efficiency of use. In one embodiment, for the milking, teat cups are connected by means of a robot arm to respective teats of the dairy animal. This makes it possible to start the milking of the teats of the dairy animal. A milk flow from the respective teat can be measured. The milking can be ended by means of a control unit in dependence on a comparison value which is calculated on the basis of a milking parameter representative of a milk flow from the respective teat and in dependence on a deactivation threshold. According to the invention, the milking of the last teat is ended in dependence on a last-teat period to be calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Jan Willem Schrader, Pieter Gerlof De Groot
  • Patent number: 8770144
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of milking and feeding a dairy animal, wherein feed is dispensed in portions during the milking. At a predetermined moment the portion size is reduced, in order to increase the chance that the animal has actually eaten the last allocated portion at the moment when the milking has been ended, so that it will not hesitate to leave the milking parlor. This will result in a reduction of the time during which the milking parlor is unnecessarily occupied, and in an enhanced efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Lely Patent N.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Petrus Kortekaas, Pieter Gerlof De Groot
  • Publication number: 20140130745
    Abstract: Sensor system with a sensor device having a through-flow cell for liquid, a detector device for measuring a property of the liquid in the through-flow cell and for generating an associated detector signal, a sensor control for analyzing the detector signal, wherein the sensor control detects a liquid transition between two different liquids in the through-flow cell when a change (per unit time) in the detector signal is greater is than a threshold value. In the case of such a liquid transition detection, the sensor control generates an alarm signal. Liquid transition detection is carried out by optical, temperature and/or conductivity sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Emo Diderik VAN HALSEMA, Pieter Gerlof DE GROOT, Hélèna Geralda Maria VIJVERBERG