Abstract: A milking liner for an automated milking machine includes a barrel that moves between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed condition when it is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. The barrel defines at least three parallel channels open to the inner surface of the barrel. The configuration of the sidewall of the barrel and the channels cause the barrel to uniformly collapse when the barrel is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. In one configuration, ribs protrude from the barrel sidewall and define channels with the same wall thickness as the sidewall segments disposed between the ribs.

Abstract: A livestock treatment carousel includes a rotatable platform and a plurality of fences. The rotatable platform has a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The fences define at least one stall for receiving livestock. Each of the fences has an inner end disposed toward the axis of rotation and an outer end opposite the inner end. The rotatable platform extends substantially beyond the stall, either inwardly or outwardly from the stall, or both inwardly and outwardly, for providing one or more walking areas on the platform for one or more attendants treating the livestock. The carousel may incorporate a movable gate at each of the fences. The movable gate closes to contain the livestock in the stall and opens to release the livestock from the stall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the mass flow, in particular of a foaming liquid, comprising a measuring device with two electrodes and at least one electrical means for generation of an electrical parameter and an analytical device. The electrical means is connected to the first electrode at two remote points, such as to be wired in parallel with the first electrode. The second electrode is connected to the first electrode by means of the analytical device.

Abstract: There is provided a method for monitoring a vacuum system such as that used in a dairy milking system. Several independent measurements are made whereby a long term degradation of the vacuum pump or other component in the vacuum system may be identified before system performance drops below acceptable limits. Baseline data generated when the vacuum system is known to be in good working order. The baseline data is used to compare operation of the vacuum system. An alarm signal or other indication may be generated to alert an operator that vacuum system performance has degraded beyond an acceptable limit. Such predictive failure techniques allow maintenance to be performed on the vacuum system long before performance degrades to a point where a system becomes inoperative.

Abstract: Example embodiments related to a method of automatically milking animals, wherein the animals are allowed to move in area intended therefore. The area may include a resting area and a feeding area housing a milking station, whereby the animals are allowed to visit individually and which a selected group of the animals have to visit in order to move from the resting area to the feeding area. The method may establish a condition for low utilization of the milking station; and feed the animals by a feeding device when the condition for low utilization of the automatic milking machine is met to thereby entice animals in the resting area to move to the feeding area and to therewith present themselves at the milking station.

Abstract: A system for observing and predicting a physiological state of an animal has been provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk conveyer device (100) for an animal. The milk conveyer device is to be implemented in a milking arrangement which comprises a milk storage reservoir (101) coupled to a milking attachment for attaching to an animal to be milked through a main milk conduit (103, 105). A sample element (109, 111) extracts milk, which is collected in a sample reservoir (115, 117). The sample reservoir (115,117) is connected to an analysis element (129) through an analysis conduit (123, 125). During the flow of the milk from the sample reservoir to the analysis element (129), the milk itself provides a cleaning effect. The flow is initially at a high flow rate and later at a reduced flow rate. A plurality of analysis conduits (123, 125) are connected to the analysis element (129), which comprises a selector unit (127), which couples milk from one of the analysis conduits (123, 125) to the analysis element (129).

Abstract: A milking installation comprises a compressed air system with a compressed air line, a pneumatically controllable cylinder and a compressed air pump for supplying compressed air for the cylinder. The compressed air system comprises a dew point sensor for measuring the dew point of the compressed air and for emitting a dew point signal that is representative of the dew point. The milking installation may comprise or form part of a milking robot for automatically connecting teat cups to the teats of a dairy animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk conveyer device (100) for an animal. The milk conveyer device is to be implemented in a milking arrangement which comprises a milk storage reservoir (101) coupled to a milking attachment for attaching to an animal to be milked through a main milk conduit (103, 105). A sample element (109, 111) extracts milk, which is collected in a sample reservoir (115, 117). The sample reservoir (115,117) is connected to an analysis element (129) through an analysis conduit (123, 125). During the flow of the milk from the sample reservoir to the analysis element (129), the milk itself provides a cleaning effect. The flow is initially at a high flow rate and later at a reduced flow rate. A plurality of analysis conduits (123, 125) are connected to the analysis element (129), which comprises a selector unit (127), which couples milk from one of the analysis conduits (123, 125) to the analysis element (129).

Abstract: A graphical user interface for the monitoring and/or controlling of a computer controlled dairy farm system, or part thereof, by a human user, is disclosed, which includes a computer based graphical and schematic representation of the dairy farm system, or part thereof, where the representation includes objects, each of which represents a respective part of the dairy farm system, or part thereof, and having at least one associated physical property, wherein the physical property associated with the respective object is included among physical properties of the respective represented part of the dairy farm system, or part thereof. Each physical property which is included among the properties of the respective represented part of the dairy farm system, or part thereof, is preferably chosen from the group of spatial location, size, shape, color, direction, movement, amount, rate, frequency and distance from other objects.

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 system pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designed 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 of the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.

Abstract: A breastpump assembly includes a hood member having a funnel-shaped shield portion for placement over a breast and a sleeve portion extending from the funnel-shaped portion. The breastpump assembly includes a substantially rigid plastic housing connected to the extending portion of the breast hood. A pump is fixed or functionally attached to the housing for applying a negative pressure to the housing. A container is attached to the housing, the container being in fluid communication with the breast hood to receive expressed breast milk. At least a portion of the breastpump exterior surface includes a compliant portion.

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 system for optimising the production performance of a milk producing animal herd is provided. The system comprises a milk sampling apparatus, an analytical apparatus comprising separate equipment for analyzing compounds or parameters that in the presence of compounds indicative of the physiological or nutritional condition of the herd member, generates detectable signals, and apparatus directing a part of the milk sample (directing apparatus) to each separate equipment, which is controlled by data for the physiological and nutritional state of a herd member, so that the directing apparatus is only activated at pre-selected points in time or at pre-selected time intervals in the production and/or lactation cycles. Specific compounds are compounds indicative of mastitis, including beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (NAGase) E.C. 3.2.1.

Abstract: A device for automatically milking an animal. The device is provided with at least two teat cups to be connected to respective teats of the animal. The milking vacuum unit generates a milking vacuum in the teat cups, which milking vacuum unit comprises at least two vacuum lines that are each connectable to a respective teat cup. The milking vacuum unit comprises a common vacuum pump and a common buffer vessel to which vacuum can be applied by use of the common vacuum pump. All vacuum lines are connectable to the common buffer vessel. An individual buffer vessel is provided in each vacuum line and is disposed between the common buffer vessel and the respective teat cup. An individual buffer vessel is provided with a respective individual vacuum pump for applying vacuum to the individual buffer vessel.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the cooling of small milk quantities in a cooling tank (2) having a bottom wall portion (12) with a milk cooling surface (12′) within the tank being part of a cooling circuit an agitator (19) within the tank for stirring the milk therein. The gist of the invention is a) providing an element for measuring the milk quantity in the tank, and a temperature transducer (11) for monitoring the milk temperature in the tank, b) providing, in the cooling circuit, an evaporator (4) connected to the bottom wall portion of the tank, a compressor (5), and a condenser (7), c) controlling the temperature of the refrigerant in the evaporator by regulating the vaporizing pressure, so that the temperature of the milk cooling surface (12′) is always higher than 0° C. when the compressor (5) is running, d) monitoring the milk quantity in the tank, and, when sufficient/insufficient for the agitator to work properly.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for supporting a milking member in a milking stall (1) and to a milking stall arrangement. The milking member includes a claw (8), a number of teacups (9) connected to the claw, and a long conduit member (11, 12) connecting the claw to a milk-receiving member (7). The stall includes an enclosing structure (2) defining a space (3) for an animal to be milked, and a passage (4) permitting the animal to enter and/or exit the space. The device (15) includes an arm (16), which has a first end portion and a second end portion and is pivotable between an active milking position and a retracted position between milking operations. The arm includes a member (25) for supporting the milking member in the active and inactive positions. A first stop (41, 23) defines the active position of the arm and a second stop (42, 23) defines the inactive position of the arm.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling and monitoring the operation of an automatic milking system (1), wherein a central processing unit (8) is arranged to receive signals from peripheral hardware units (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, R) and to process the signals for obtaining hardware status related information or milking animal status related information. An interface (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) is arranged for communication between the central processing unit and an operator. The interface includes a device for understanding and interpreting vocal instructions from an operator and translating them into machine understandable instructions. The central processing unit includes a device for controlling or regulating at least one of the peripheral hardware units, or to provide status related information in vocal form as a response to said vocal instructions.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated milking of animals, such as cows, which comprises a milking compartment and a milking robot associated with the milking compartment. The milking robot is provided with a controllable robot arm that connects and disconnects teat cups to and from the teats of an animal being milked. In one embodiment, the robot arm is suspended from a ball joint so that control of the robot arm is relatively simple, reliable and accurate. In another embodiment the robot arm is suspended from a rail disposed near the top of the milking compartment wherein the rail is pivotably connected to a further rail on top of the milking compartment so that it can be pivoted upwardly and downwardly by a piston and cylinder arrangement.

Abstract: The traditional treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis relies on a course of synthetic drugs, which range from the use of gold salts to anti-inflammatory drugs including both steroids and non-steroids. These drugs specially the steroids can affect adrenal and pituitary glands & cause impotence, edema, poor wound healing, reduce neurological response and cardiac irregularities.

Abstract: An open loop feedback control apparatus for a vacuum controlled system for providing vacuum stability within a predetermined range of vacuum levels is shown. The open loop feedback control apparatus includes a vacuum regulator having a diaphragm including a valve member having a valve opening or input port which changes position as a function of the vacuum level within the vacuum system for controllably admitting or bleeding air into the vacuum system to adjust the vacuum level within the vacuum system. A transducer is operatively coupled to the diaphragm for producing an output signal which represents an instantaneous position of any one of the diaphragm valve member, valve opening or input port.

Abstract: This invention relates to a breast pump which can perform the automatic suction with the following advantages: 1) a breast-milking mother can stop the operation of breast pump immediately, when her breast site feels painful through continual suction, 2) the suction can be immediately made available by re-pushing a switch, thus more convenient to use, 3) since the breast pump has a massage function in addition to the basic suction of human milk, thus removing a breast stiffness in an efficient manner and improve the overall functions of the breast pump, 4) the rapid detachment of the breast pump after use can be accomplished through a suction release value, thus making the separation procedure of breast pump easier, 5) since the induction neck of breast pump is equipped with a separate induction conduit which is extended to the inside of a breast milk bottle, human milk can be directly dropped to the bottle, whereby disinfecting the bottle is unnecessary, and 6) since the breast milk bottle is connected to the

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring animal exhalation, to provide an indication of the condition of an animal is disclosed. Apparatus for collection and temporary or permanent storage of animal exhalation sample is disclosed, together with apparatus for conditioning a sample prior to analysis. A method of conditioning a sample prior to analysis is also disclosed. Use may be made of the above mentioned apparatus and method in the diagnosis of the condition of an animal. Conditions of interest include metabolic conditions of animals such as dairy cattle; these can be monitored by measuring analytes in the exhaled breath, emanations from the milk or both. Use may also be made of said apparatus and method in the detection of antibodies present in samples of blood, milk and mucus particulates in exhaled breath. It is preferred that the monitoring apparatus is portable.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated milking of animals such as cows in a milking compartment with a milking robot which is provided with a controllable robot arm for supporting and connecting teat cups to the teats of an animal in the milking compartment to be milked. The milking compartment is provided with a guide element for guiding movement of the robot arm. The guide element is so configured that the robot arm when moving along the guide element pivots the robot arm about a substantially vertical axis so that the teat cups are pivoted between a first position which is out of reach of the animal to be milked in the milking compartment to a second position located under the animal's udder. The mechanical guide element preferably includes a gear teeth arrangement whereby there is a gear type meshed connection between rollers that support the robot arm and the guide element to provide a robust mechanism and accurate pivoting movement by the robot arm.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of an electrical parameter in the milk during the milking of an animal comprises a transportation member (1), arranged to transport the milk from a teat of said animal to a milk collecting member of a milking machine and forming a passage for the milk to be transported, and at least two electrodes (14-17) provided to be in contact with the milk flowing through the passage, and connected to an evaluation unit (18). The transportation member (1) comprises a wall member (5) provided in the passage and forming a groove (10) being open towards the passage, said electrodes (14-17) being provided on the wall member (5) in the groove (10). The wall member (5) is provided to receive a part of the milk flowing through the passage, said groove (10) being shaped in such a manner that at least a part of said received part quantity of the milk flows through the groove while contacting said electrodes (14-17).

Abstract: A device for and a method of milking animals. Said device is provided with a cleaning device for cleaning at least a part of a milking machine, the cleaning device comprising a cleaning start device for starting the cleaning. A milking machine is provided with a computer comprising a memory. The computer is adapted to store the points of time of the visits of the animals to the milking machine in the memory. The cleaning start device is activated by a cleaning start signal issued by the computer on the basis of historical data in relation to the points of time of the visits of the animals stored in the memory.

Abstract: A system for automatically milking animals comprising an area where the animals can move about freely. A milking robot in a milking compartment automatically connects teat cups to an animal's teats. The milking compartment has a concentrate station. The entire system is computer controlled. Doors in the milking compartment automatically open for the entry and departure of animals. An automatic cleaning member cleans the animal's teats and a cleaning system automatically cleans the entire milk line system or a selected part thereof. The herd is divided by a computer into milk production groups with a computer defined priority criteria for admitting a specific group of animals into the milking compartment prior to another group.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated milking of animals which comprises a milking compartment and a milking robot that is provided with teat cups and a mechanism for connecting the teat cups to the animals being milking in milking compartment. A carrier element for the teat cups is disclosed which is movable in three dimensions while being supported and moved by three sets of controlled piston and cylinder elements, each set of said elements having one end on ends thereof connected to the milking compartment and the other end thereof connected to the carrier element, the connections to the carrier element (as seen in plan) not being aligned. Each set of controlled piston and cylinder elements consists of two controlled piston and elements which are in “V” configurations so that there are three non-aligned connections of each set to the carrier element and six non-aligned connections to the milking compartment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically feeding calves and other animals a substance comprising milk, mother's milk, foremilk, beestings, beestingslike milk, or colostrums or a combination thereof by conveying same from a first animal to a second animal via an automatic milking machine and a transport system. The transport system includes an analyzing device to determine the composition of the substance received from the first animal and a metering device for feeding the substance to the second animal. The transport system also has two storage areas for receiving samples of the substance and storing same in a cool, frozen or dried frozen state. A mixing mechanism is also provided for adding material such as water, medicants, vitamins, nutritive supplements, immunological stimulants, growth stimulants, hormones, and combinations thereof to the substance consumed by the second animal for the nutritive needs of the second animal.

Abstract: A milking system for milking a mammal such as a cow includes a source of vacuum applying vacuum through a conduit system to a plurality of milking clusters, each cluster having a plurality of teat cups supplying milk to a claw in response to pulsation vacuum controlled by a pulsator in the conduit system. The conduit system has a first portion upstream of the pulsator and applying vacuum from the source of vacuum to the pulsator. The conduit system has a second portion downstream of the pulsator and applying pulsation vacuum to the teat cups. The vacuum in the upstream portion of the conduit system is subject to fluctuation due to pulsation vacuum in the downstream portion. A vacuum fluctuation suppression filter is provided in the upstream portion of the conduit system attenuating the noted vacuum fluctuation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a teat cup liner for milking domestic animals such as cows and goats. The liner includes: an opening into which an animal's teat may be inserted; an outlet for discharging milk from the animal; a teat engaging portion with annular walls; and a collapsible portion having relatively thinner inner walls and seals for a teat cup shell between which lies all of the collapsible portion so a vacuum pressure may be applied to a teat cup assembly to milk the animal. The distance from the opening to a point at which the collapsible portion collapses is sufficient so that the collapsible portion collapses substantially away from the animal's teat. The collapsible portion has an elongate cross section, there being a tapering section between the teat engaging portion and the collapsible portion.

Abstract: A milking siphon positioner for repositioning milking equipment within a milking parlor is shown and described. A swing arm is pivotally mounted within a bearing so that it may swing in a swing arc defined in a plane which is at least substantially vertical. A milking siphon suitable for attachment to an animal's teats is carried on the swing arm so that it is repositioned by the swing arm; for example, the swing arm may reposition the milking siphon to milking platforms situated on opposite sides of milking parlors. The swing arm may be selectively affixed with respect to the bearing at selected angles within the swing arc, so that the swing arm (and milking siphon) can be locked into desired positions.

Abstract: An easy to assemble breastmilk pump with an effective and easy to operate manual pumping mechanism that allows in one aspect for one-handed or two-handed operation, a novel piston pump mechanism in another aspect of the invention, an improved vacuum regulator in yet another aspect that can be easily adjusted during operation, and a locking mechanism in still another aspect to prevent accidental disengagement of the reciprocating parts during operation.

Abstract: A teat cleaning device (1) contains a number of rotatable cleaning brushes (11) which have a spiral or helical cleaning surface (17).

Abstract: A construction for automatically milking animals comprises a milk box (1) with a milking robot (2), which is provided with teat cups and with means for connecting the teat cups to the teats of an animal to be milked. The teat cups are disposed on a carrier element (3) that is movable in three dimensions by means of at least three control cylinders (4), each of which having one end connected with the milk box (1). In this manner an accurate and reliable control is achieved.

Abstract: A construction for automatically milking animals comprises a milk box (1) with a milking robot (2), which is provided with a controllable robot arm (3) for connecting teat cups (4) to the teats of an animal (5) to be milked. The robot arm (3) is suspended from a ball joint (7), so that control of the robot arm (3) is relatively simple and yet reliable and accurate.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically milking animals, such as cows, which comprises teat cups for connection to the teats of the animal to be milked and separate cups for connection to the teats of the animal for the purpose of cleansing, disinfecting or foremilking the animal. The apparatus is further provided with a switching device for alternately connecting the teat cups and the separate cups to the animal's teats. Each set of cups has its own compartment for being cleaned by a fluid spray. The process is controlled and recorded for each animal or groups of animals in a computer in association with an animal identification system. Robot arms separately move each set of cups to and from the animal's teats and to and from their respective cleaning compartments, and a further robot arm has a detector such as a laser, ultrasonic sensor or camera mounted thereon for locating the animal's teats so that the two sets of cups can be connected and disconnected therefrom.

Abstract: In a fully automated milking system, a disinfecting device that disinfects those parts of the milking equipment and of a cleaning device which contact the teats and also usually the udder of an animal to be milked. The disinfecting device comprises an ultraviolet light source wherein the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays are between 100 and 280 nanometers. The light source may be movable within a teat cup or directly connected to the teat cup so that the radiation penetrated the teat cup's liner which is translucent and destroys harmful bacteria on the teat cup parts that contact the teat of an animal being milked as well as contacting portions of the animal's udder.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning components of automated milking apparatus which includes milking machines which are automatically connected and disconnected to the animals being milked. A rinsing liquid supply line supplies water through a protecting device and a heat exchanger to a junction which has a line leading to a rinsing liquid reservoir which includes a heating element to provide heat cleaning if desired, a line connected to a metering device to introduce an additive such as an alkali or acid, a branch line for rinsing components of the automatic milking machine such as teat cups and a branch line leading through non-return devices to a rinsing liquid buffer reservoir which can be pressurized by air pressure and used for cleansing components such as the teat cups and sensor on a robot arm and the device for cleaning the udders and teats of the animals being milked.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically milking animals, is provided with a milking robot which includes a robot arm that carries teat cups, each teat cup being carried in its own housing in a supporting element in the robot arm. When the teat cups are in an inoperative position, the openings on their upper sides are shielded by the supporting element. Each robot arm portion comprises a plurality of housings, one for each teat cup. Piston and cylinder members are disposed in each housing to move the teat cups from their shielded inoperative position to an open operative position under the teats of the animal to be milked and then upwardly to connect the teat cups to the teats of the animal to be milked. Thereafter the supporting element is lowered and the teat cups which remain on the teats are connected thereto only by flexible members.