Abstract: A method for operating a valve, comprises directing fluid flow through a housing of the valve, wherein the fluid flows into the housing through a housing inlet and flows out of the housing through a housing outlet. The method continues by directing a first electric current into a solenoid coupled to the housing to generate a first magnetic field, wherein the first magnetic field exerts a force upon a plunger positioned inside the housing and causes the plunger to magnetically connect to a magnet. The method continues by directing a second electrical current into the solenoid to generate a second magnetic field, wherein the second magnetic field exerts a force upon the plunger causing the plunger to disconnect from the magnet and engage with the housing outlet. Fluid flows into the inlet through a milking hose, and fluid flows out of the outlet into a milking pipeline.

Abstract: A milk meter operably coupled to a controller, the milk meter comprising an inlet, an outlet, an inner column coupled to an opening of the outlet. The milk meter further comprises a conductivity sensor comprising a first conductive strip positioned at a first portion of the milk meter and a second conductive strip positioned substantially parallel to the first conductive strip wherein the conductivity sensor measures a change in resistance between the first and second conductive strips as fluid collects inside the milk meter before the fluid exits the milk meter through the outlet opening. The controller is operable to receive data about the fluid from the conductivity sensor and calculate a total quantity of fluid flow through the milk meter over a period of time.

Abstract: A method for operating a valve, comprises directing fluid flow through a housing of the valve, wherein the fluid flows into the housing through a housing inlet and flows out of the housing through a housing outlet. The method continues by directing a first electric current into a solenoid coupled to the housing to generate a first magnetic field, wherein the first magnetic field exerts a force upon a plunger positioned inside the housing and causes the plunger to magnetically connect to a magnet. The method continues by directing a second electrical current into the solenoid to generate a second magnetic field, wherein the second magnetic field exerts a force upon the plunger causing the plunger to disconnect from the magnet and engage with the housing outlet. Fluid flows into the inlet through a milking hose, and fluid flows out of the outlet into a milking pipeline.

Abstract: A valve apparatus comprises a housing, a solenoid operable to receive electrical current flow, and an enclosure, the enclosure housing the solenoid, a magnet coupled to the enclosure, a plunger comprising a stopper and a conductive portion, and a spring coupled to the plunger. When the solenoid receives a first current, the solenoid applies a first magnetic force onto the plunger causing the stopper to disengage from the housing outlet, the conductive portion of the plunger magnetically connects with the magnet, and the stopper remains disengaged from the housing outlet after the first period of time expires. When the conductive portion is magnetically connected to the magnet and the solenoid receives a second current, the solenoid applies a second magnetic force onto the plunger causing the conductive portion of the plunger to disconnect from the magnet so that the stopper engages with the housing outlet.

Abstract: A milk meter operably coupled to a controller, the milk meter comprising an inlet, an outlet, an inner column coupled to an opening of the outlet. The milk meter further comprises a conductivity sensor comprising a first conductive strip positioned at a first portion of the milk meter and a second conductive strip positioned substantially parallel to the first conductive strip wherein the conductivity sensor measures a change in resistance between the first and second conductive strips as fluid collects inside the milk meter before the fluid exits the milk meter through the outlet opening. The controller is operable to receive data about the fluid from the conductivity sensor and calculate a total quantity of fluid flow through the milk meter over a period of time.

Abstract: A valve apparatus comprises a housing, a solenoid operable to receive electrical current flow, and an enclosure, the enclosure housing the solenoid, a magnet coupled to the enclosure, a plunger comprising a stopper and a conductive portion, and a spring coupled to the plunger. When the solenoid receives a first current, the solenoid applies a first magnetic force onto the plunger causing the stopper to disengage from the housing outlet, the conductive portion of the plunger magnetically connects with the magnet, and the stopper remains disengaged from the housing outlet after the first period of time expires. When the conductive portion is magnetically connected to the magnet and the solenoid receives a second current, the solenoid applies a second magnetic force onto the plunger causing the conductive portion of the plunger to disconnect from the magnet so that the stopper engages with the housing outlet.

Abstract: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller receives a start signal generated when a milking apparatus is attached to a cow. A first sensor is operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum and for producing a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. The controller includes a processor having a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference of predetermined vacuum ranges and for generating a control signal when the designed pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of a predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside of the predetermined vacuum range.

Abstract: A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller comprises a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum therefrom. The controller produces a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking systems pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.