Patents by Inventor Ype Groensma
Ype Groensma 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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Publication number: 20140245958Abstract: A method, comprises receiving a flow of milk at an inlet of a manifold. The inlet comprises a first end coupled to a hose that receives a flow of milk from a teat cup and a second end terminating in a chamber of the manifold. The manifold comprises one or more other inlets and a plurality of outlets. The plurality of outlets includes one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. The method proceeds by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding milk collector outlet by causing a shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to open, and by causing a drain valve corresponding to the inlet to close. The method concludes by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding drain outlet by causing the shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to close, and by causing the drain valve corresponding to the inlet to open.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8813680Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Publication number: 20140230750Abstract: A method for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock, comprises receiving a trigger signal indicating that a stall of a rotary milking platform housing a dairy livestock is located adjacent to a track, the track having a carriage carrying a robotic arm mounted thereto. The method continues by communicating a first signal to a first actuator coupled to the track and the carriage, the first signal causing operation of the first actuator such that the carriage moves along the track in relation to the rotary milking platform. The method concludes by communicating one or more additional signals to one or more actuators of the robotic arm, the one or more additional signals causing operation of the one or more actuators of the robotic arm such that at least a portion of the robotic arm extends between the hind legs of a dairy livestock.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2014Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8807085Abstract: A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8807086Abstract: A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings CorpInventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Publication number: 20140196665Abstract: A system includes a robotic arm on which at least one camera is attached. It further includes a memory and a controller communicatively coupled to the memory. The memory stores historical information associated with a dairy livestock. The historical information include a previously-determined location of a teat of the dairy livestock. The controller moves the camera on the robotic arm toward the previously-determined location of the teat. The camera generates an image of the teat of the dairy livestock from a position to which it is moved, and the controller determines a current location of the teat of the dairy livestock based at least in part on the image.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Publication number: 20140172164Abstract: A method for applying a substance to the teats of a dairy livestock comprises extending a robotic arm between the legs of a dairy livestock positioned in a stall. The method continues by rotating a linear member of a spray tool about an axis that is perpendicular to the robotic arm, wherein the linear member has a perimeter that lies within an outer perimeter of the robotic arm when the robotic arm extends between the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The method continues by discharging a substance as the linear member rotates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8752504Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets. Each inlet is adapted to receive a flow of milk from a dairy livestock, and each outlet is adapted to receive a flow of milk from a corresponding one or more inlets. The plurality of outlets include one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. Each milk collector outlet is adapted to direct the flow of milk received from the corresponding one or more inlets to a milk collector. Each drain outlet is adapted to direct the flow of milk received from the corresponding one or more inlets to a discard area. The apparatus further includes one or more valves each associated with one of the plurality of inlets. The one or more valves are adapted to direct the flow of milk received at the associated inlet to either a corresponding one of the one or more milk collector outlets or a corresponding one of the one or more drain outlets.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Publication number: 20140158063Abstract: A method comprises determining a tangent to the rear of an udder of a dairy livestock, and determining a tangent to the bottom of the udder of the dairy livestock. The method continues by determining a position relative to the intersection of the two tangents, and extending a robot arm to the determined position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS CORPInventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Publication number: 20140158052Abstract: A system includes a milking box and a robotic attacher. The milking box has a stall to accommodate a dairy livestock. The robotic attacher extends under the dairy livestock and comprises a nozzle. The robotic attacher is operable to rotate such that, during a first operation, the nozzle is positioned generally on the bottom of the robotic attacher, and during a second operation, the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the robotic attacher.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS CORP.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Publication number: 20140147016Abstract: A method for determining a spray position for a spray tool includes accessing an image signal generated by a camera, the image signal corresponding to at least an udder of a dairy livestock. The method further includes processing the accessed image signal to determine a tangent to the rear and a tangent to the bottom of the udder of the dairy livestock. The method concludes by determining a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock, wherein the spray position is a position relative to the intersection of the two tangents.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8726843Abstract: A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member, and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member. The system further includes a controller operable to cause at least a portion of the robotic arm to extend between the hind legs of a dairy livestock such that the spray tool may discharge a disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8720383Abstract: A system includes a controller operable to access an image signal generated by a camera. The accessed image signal corresponds to one or more features of the rear of a dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine positions of each of the hind legs of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal. The controller is further operable to determine a position of an udder of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal and the determined positions of the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine, based on the image signal and the determined position of the udder of the dairy livestock, a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8720382Abstract: A system includes a controller operable to access an image signal generated by a camera. The accessed image signal corresponds to one or more features of the rear of a dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine positions of each of the hind legs of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal. The controller is further operable to determine a position of an udder of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal and the determined positions of the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine, based on the image signal and the determined position of the udder of the dairy livestock, a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8707905Abstract: A system for applying disinfectant to the teats of a dairy livestock includes a carriage mounted on a track, the carriage operable to translate laterally along the track. The system further includes a robotic arm including a first member pivotally attached to the carriage such that the first member may rotate about a point of attachment to the carriage, a second member pivotally attached to the first member such that the second member may rotate about a point of attachment to the first member, and a spray tool member pivotally attached to the second member such that the spray tool member may rotate about a point of attachment to the second member. The robotic arm further includes a spray tool attached to the spray tool member.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8671885Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a controller operable to access a first image generated by a first camera. The controller determines a reference point from at least one main feature of a dairy livestock included in the first image. The controller is further operable to access a second image generated by the second camera. The second image includes at least a portion of an udder of the dairy livestock. The controller determines a location of a teat of the dairy livestock based on the second image.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8651051Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8590488Abstract: A system includes a controller operable to access an image signal generated by a camera. The accessed image signal corresponds to one or more features of the rear of a dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine positions of each of the hind legs of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal. The controller is further operable to determine a position of an udder of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal and the determined positions of the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine, based on the image signal and the determined position of the udder of the dairy livestock, a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Patent number: 8393296Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma
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Publication number: 20120298042Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets. Each inlet is adapted to receive a flow of milk from a dairy livestock, and each outlet is adapted to receive a flow of milk from a corresponding one or more inlets. The plurality of outlets include one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. Each milk collector outlet is adapted to direct the flow of milk received from the corresponding one or more inlets to a milk collector. Each drain outlet is adapted to direct the flow of milk received from the corresponding one or more inlets to a discard area. The apparatus further includes one or more valves each associated with one of the plurality of inlets. The one or more valves are adapted to direct the flow of milk received at the associated inlet to either a corresponding one of the one or more milk collector outlets or a corresponding one of the one or more drain outlets.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: Technologies Holdings Corp.Inventors: Henk Hofman, Peter Willem van der Sluis, Ype Groensma