Abstract: A method is provided for managing animals (10) in a milking system which comprises a milking stall (11) provided with a milking apparatus (13) for milking the animals, a gate arrangement (18a-b; 18a-b, 32; 55a-b) allowing the animals to enter said milking stall, one at a time, from at least two different locations, and a control device (15) which holds and updates a milking suitability index for each of the animals. According to the method a first animal is identified and received at a first location, and a milking suitability index for the first animal is retrieved. A second animal is identified and received at a second location, and a milking suitability index for the second animal is retrieved. The milking suitability indexes for the first and second animals are compared and an animal at either one of said first and second locations is allowed to enter the milking stall depending on the outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: A tube arrangement arrangement includes a first tubular element (18) having an inner channel (19) adapted to transport milk and a second tubular element (20) having two inner channels (21a, b) adapted to transport air with a pulsating vacuum pressure. A peripheral surface of the first tubular element (18) has an area (24a) with a substantially complementary shape to an area (25a) of the peripheral surface of the second tubular element (20). The complementary areas (24a, 25a) include fastening elements adapted to releasably connect the complementary shaped areas (24a, 25a) of the first tubular element (18) and the second tubular element (20) to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for collecting milk in a milk tank. The method comprises the steps of: milking a milking animal of a herd of milking animals by means of a milking station; establishing a quality parameter for the milk obtained from the milking animal during the milking; estimating a quality level of the total amount of milk in a milk tank connected to the milking station, wherein the estimation is based at least on the quality parameter; and collecting, in the milk tank, the milk obtained from the step of milking if the result from the estimation indicates that the quality of the total amount of milk in the milk tank would then result in a desired quality level. The invention also relates to computer program products and a milking system.

Abstract: A device and method of use of a hose support device for supporting hoses that extend from an animal attached milking machine to a central milk collection system is disclosed. Adaptation to animal size and position in the stall is provided with a coarse adjustment of the hose support tree. Finer adjustment for optimizing milk flow and preserving animal health is accomplished by providing a selection of hose positions that also hold the hose in position. Further adaptations include attachment to milking stalls of differing configurations including rotary milking parlors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10) for automatic adjustment of at least one interior dimension of a milking location (12) for an animal. The milking location (12) comprises an enclosure formed by e.g. four confining means (121, . . . , 124), whereby at least one of the confining means (121, . . . , 124) is movable. The system (10) comprises a first sensor means (14) operable to detect the presence of an animal In the milking location (12). The system (10) also comprises a control means (18) connected to the first sensor means (14), When an animal is detected in the milking location (12), the control means (18) is operable to move the at least one movable confining means (121, . . . , 124) stepwise, in order to adjust the at least one interior dimension of the milking location (12) to the animal.

Abstract: An at least partially open sided outdoor animal shelter structure, the structure including (a) a floor to support animals, the floor including apertures therethrough allowing animal waste matter to pass through the floor, (b) a basement below the floor for collecting the waste matter, (c) floor supports to support the floor above the basement, (d) side supports, (e) a water impervious canopy supported by the side supports, the canopy being supported above at least part of the floor, the canopy allowing at least some light to pass therethrough, (f) at least one air flow control means to control airflow in the area below the canopy.

Abstract: A push bar serves to nudge or urge cows to leave a milking parlor and move to an exit alley. The push bar is mounted on extendible support members, which may have an inner tube and an outer tube, and which is mounted by a journal onto an overhead pivot. There is one air cylinder to rotate the assembly, and additional air cylinders to extend and retract the support members. A programmed controller ensures that the push tube travels in a generally straight, horizontal path to push the cows out, and then lifts the push tube so it is over the cows' heads on the return.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for milking at least one animal, particularly cows, in a multi-position milking installation.

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 dairy stable (5) and a method for controlling a stable (1), preferably a dairy stable (5) for milking livestock (4), having at least one milking system including at least one, preferably automatic, milking stations (8, 9, 12, 13, 14), and where the individual animal's access to milking is controlled, preferably via a transponder or similar on the animal. Furthermore, a milking station (8, 9, 12, 13, 14) for use in connection with a method and a dairy stable (5). In this manner, it is ensured that, within a given time interval, all animals (4) are guided to one or more selected milking stations (8, 9) at least once, where the selected milking station or stations (8, 9) are adapted in a special way with test equipment for determining various conditions of or at the milk and differently as compared to other milking stations (12, 13, 14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a milking parlor and a method for manufacturing same, said milking parlor comprising a work area for an operator and a platform elevated relative to said area, which forms a standing and walking area for the animals to be milked, said platform comprising a substructure on its side facing the work area where a utility space is left open beneath the standing and walking area, and wherein the substructure is formed by load-bearing elements positioned one after the other in the lengthwise direction and configured to be substantially identical.

Abstract: Assembly for delimiting a grazing area for cattle, in particular dairy cattle, comprising at least three holders which are spaced apart and which are directly or indirectly interconnected by one or more delimiting elements, such as wires, which are displaceable by the holders, wherein at least two of the holders are self-propelled and at least one of the holders is designed as a milking station.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a milking arrangement for milking an animal during a milking operation. The arrangement includes a stationary structure and a milking member (5) including at least one teatcup to be attached to a teat of the animal to be milked. A long milk conduit (10) extends from the milking member and is adapted to be connected to a milking machine. A support device includes a stationary rail element (18), which is mounted to the stationary structure, and a support arm (17a, 17b), which extends in parallel to an arm axis (x) and to which the milking member is attached. The support arm is connected to the rail element in such a way that the support arm during the milking operation is freely movable on the rail element along the rail axis.

Abstract: A milking system comprises a plurality of apparatuses (11a-g), wherein each of the apparatuses comprises a device (12a-g) for performing an action related to the operation of the milking system; a microprocessor (13a-g); an error message generating system (14a-g) for generating error messages (21) about errors that have occurred in the apparatus; and means (15a-g) for communicating said error messages to all other ones of the apparatuses. Each of the error messages comprises information, preferably categorized information, regarding the nature (22) and severity (23) and optionally physical location of the error and is interpretable by all other ones of the apparatuses.

Abstract: A decontaminable livestock facility has a hermetically sealed shell defining an exterior and an interior, with livestock equipment for milking, feeding, watering, manure removal, bedding, and/or exercise. A decontamination system removes contaminants from air and water. A contaminant monitoring system tests contaminant levels within the facility. An airlock for access to the interior limits contamination, as does a positive air pressure system. Uncontaminated beef, milk and other livestock products are obtained from livestock housed within the facility.

Abstract: A method of milking an animal uses a movable feed platform. The method involves setting the movable feed platform in motion; allowing the animal free access to board the feed platform; connecting a teat cup to a teat of the animal, the teat cup being arranged separately from the feed platform; milking the animal on the feed platform during a milking period; providing the animal a span of time on the feed platform in which the animal is not milked, said span of time having a magnitude amounting to at least approximately half the milking period; and subsequently allowing the animal exit from the feed platform.

Abstract: The cowshed installation comprises a milking area and a circular cowshed comprising a center area and a substantially concentric surrounding loafing area. The milking area is located radially outwardly of the loafing area.

Abstract: A method of milking dairy animals, wherein the dairy animals are milked by a milking implement. An access device is provided for allowing or not allowing a dairy animal access to a waiting area for the milking implement. The access device has at least a first and a second access state, which access states have mutually different accesses for the dairy animals to the waiting area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milking system comprising a first and at least a second animal area cluster, wherein each of the animal area cluster comprises at least one animal area and each animal area comprises at least one milking point, and where the first and at least second animal area cluster are arranged side by side characterised in a tunnel connecting each milking point in the first and second animal area cluster.

Abstract: A milking parlor, milking module, and a closing unit comprising at least two closing members to optionally release or close a corresponding number of openings in a milking parlor floor which serves as a standing area. The closing members are disposed to be rotatable about a rotational axis at least between a closed position and an open position, wherein the open position allows at least one animal-related treatment means to be guided through said opening. Said rotational axis is disposed in a central region between the closing members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact modular unit to be mounted in a milking stall having at least one pipeline system, which provides an operative function in connection with a milking process of an animal in the milking stall. The compact modular unit (4) includes a casing (28), which defines an inner space of the compact modular unit (4), an electric control unit (23), which is mounted in the inner space of the compact modular unit (4), and an indicator (27, 50), which is arranged to display information related to the milking processes in the milking stall. Furthermore, the compact modular unit (4) includes a component (9, 10, 17, 52) of the pipeline system which is mounted in the inner space of the compact modular unit (4).

Abstract: The invention refers to a milking arrangement including a milking box (2) adapted to received an animal to be milked and a milking device having a milk conduit and a set of teacups (7) to be applied manually by an operator to the teats of an animal. Each teatcup has an upper opening for introducing the respective teat. The milking device draws milk from the animal via the teatcups and the milk conduit by means of a low pressure. A support device (20) carries the teatcups in at least an idle position, in which the teacups are located not to interfere with the animal and the operator, and an intermediate position, in which the teatcups are located more closely to the teats. Control equipment controls the support from the idle position to the intermediate position.

Abstract: A milking station and a method of milking for improving hygiene at a milking station, including a device for removing contaminants stuck to the floor of an accommodating area, a device for producing a directed flow of the contaminants provided on the floor. The surface of the milking area is wetted by nozzles integrated in a region of the floor of the milking area before an animal is milked, dirt is washed away from the floor of the milking area after milking, and the floor is then automatically wetted once again.

Abstract: Cows are milked at a facility including a robotic milker, a pen, a first passage leading from the pen to the milker, and a second passage leading from the milker to the pen. Each passage includes a one-way gate. Each gate includes a barrier that turns about a horizontal axis from a quiescent position in only a first direction in response to the cows pushing against the barrier and turns in the opposite direction about the axis to the quiescent position after each cow has passed through the barrier. The barrier includes plural tines that turn independently of each other about the axis in both directions. In normal operation, the quiescent position of the tines is vertical. For training, the quiescent position of the tines is displaced from the vertical so the tines are above the heads of the animals but below their backs.

Abstract: A method for controlling the milking by a milking machine comprises the steps of: (i) providing (41) different milking schemes, each of which being distinguished by a set of milking parameters, such as milking vacuum, high pulse vacuum, low pulse vacuum, pulse rate, and pulse length; (ii) controlling (43) the milking machine for the milking of a milking animal so that each of the different milking schemes is applied for at least one milking of the milking animal; (iii) for each of the milkings, recording (45) milk yield and/or milking time of the milking of the animal; (iv) evaluating (51) each of the milking schemes for milking the animal based on the recorded milk yield and/or milking time; and (v) selecting (53) one of the milking schemes based on the evaluation, and controlling (53) the milking machine during subsequent milkings of the animal so that they are performed according to the selected milking scheme.

Abstract: In an automatic milking installation including a robot arm (2) with a gripper (3) for attaching teat cups (4) to the teats of an animal, e.g. a cow, to be milked, for applying a teat dip to the teats after milking different members, such as spray nozzles (5a, 5b), dipping cups (5c, 5d) and sponge or cloth rollers (5e), are provided for applying different teat dip compositions. Under the control of a computer, the robot arm collects the member (5) appropriate for supplying the selected composition and takes it to a position appropriate for application of that composition. The selection can e effected in dependence upon the teat skin condition, e.g. detected by a camera (15) and/or environmental conditions.

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 milking parlor (10) comprises a row of stalls (14) accessible to milk producing animals (12) from a front end (14a) thereof, and adapted for milking the animals; and an identification station (20) arranged in the front end for identifying the animals when entering the parlor. A method of verifying the identities of the animals in the row comprises: (i) identifying the animals in the stall located at the far end (14b) of the row, in the stall located at the front end (14a) of the row, and in a stall located there in between by first, second and third identification members (24, 26, 28); (ii) comparing the identifications of the first, second, and third identification members (24, 26, 28) with the first, last and n'th identifications from the identification station (20), where the stall located between the far and front ends is the n'th stall as counted from the far end (14b); and (iii) depending on the comparison verifying the identities of at least some of the animals (12) in the row (14).

Abstract: Device for pneumatically milking a cow, comprising a number of milk extractors, each comprising a teat cup as well as milk line connected to the lower end of the teat cup, which line leads from the teat cup to a collection chamber for the milk from the teat cup, each milk extractor being provided with a supply for a cleansing medium, such as a disinfectant, to the teat cup, in particular to a teat present in the teat cup, the supply comprising a line having an end portion with discharge end, and each milk extractor being provided with means for closing off the passage of the milk extraction at or downstream of the discharge end of the line for cleansing medium, preferably at that level, when discharging the cleansing medium, the closing means comprising a reciprocating closing body that can be moved between a position leaving the passage of the milk extractor free and a position closing it off, the closing body being provided with a squirt line forming the end portion with discharge end of the line for supply

Abstract: An assembly for feeding and milking animals. The assembly is provided with a feeding system comprising a movable feed platform and a drive unit for driving the feed platform, a number of feeding places being provided on the feed platform. The assembly also includes a milking system for, in particular automatically, milking animals on the feed platform, which milking system comprises a number of sets of teat cups. An area where the animals are allowed to move freely communicates via an entrance with the feed platform, the width of the entrance being sufficiently large to enable simultaneous access of several animals to the feed platform. The entrance is free from a closing device.

Abstract: A push bar serves to nudge or urge cows to leave a milking parlor and move to an exit alley. The push bar is mounted on extendible support members, which may have an inner tube and an outer tube, and which is mounted by a journal onto an overhead pivot. There is one air cylinder to rotate the assembly, and additional air cylinders to extend and retract the support members. A programmed controller ensures that the push tube travels in a generally straight, horizontal path to push the cows out, and then lifts the push tube so it is over the cows' heads on the return.

Abstract: An assembly for feeding and milking animals. The assembly is provided with a feeding system comprising a movable feed platform and a drive unit for driving the feed platform, a number of feeding places being provided on the feed platform. The assembly is further provided with a milking system for, in particular automatically, milking animals on the feed platform, which milking system comprises a number of sets of teat cups. The feed platform is at least for the greater part free from separating elements between the feeding places, i.e. the feed platform is at least for the greater part free from separating elements for confining animals.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling an animal in a place such as a milking stall or feeding stall wherein an artificial climate is created. The artificial climate disclosed comprises wetting the animal with a water vapor and causing an air flow over the wetted area of the animal. Water vapor is sprayed and rubbed onto the back of the animal while shields protect areas to remain dry. During the process the animal is monitored for signs of thermal stress using a variety of methods and the wetting and cooling process are discontinued if the artificial climate adversely affects the animal.

Abstract: A selection system for animals comprising: (a) a milking area (20) arranged to enable milking of one or more lactating animals (b) a drinking station (30) remote from the milking area (20) in which is positioned an attractant configured to attract an animal from a grazing paddock (50) (c) an entry race (70) connecting the drinking station (30) and the milking area (20) (d) a control mechanism (60) configured to permit entry of a lactating animal meeting a predefined criterion into the entry race (70) from the drinking station (30). Also a method utilising the above system and comprising: (a) attracting an animal from a grazing paddock (50) into the drinking station (30) remote from the milking area (20) (b) determining whether the animal in the drinking station (30) meets a predefined criterion (c) permitting entry of the animal meeting the predefined criterion into the entry race (70).

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for at least one milking stall (3) with a milking position (4) for an animal and with at least one milking equipment including a milking member arranged to be attached to including animal for milking thereof. The milking stall (3) is defined by at least one wall arrangement (5) and a floor (6) and extends between a first end (7) and a second (8) end in such a way that when an animal is present in including milking stall (3) in including milking position, the front portion of including animal is adjacent including first end (7) and the back portion of including animal is adjacent including second end (8). The device includes a cabinet-like structure (1), which has a longitudinal axis extending in a substantially vertical direction and which defines an inner space and which forms a building element of including milking stall (3).

Abstract: A method for automatically error notifying a user of a dairy farm, wherein milking animals, such as cows, are allowed to move freely in an area (1) intended therefore and to visit individually a milking animal station, such as e.g. a milking parlor (9) with a fully automatic milking machine (14), or a feeding station (33), said station comprising an animal identification system (20, 43), and a database of the animals, said method comprising the steps of receiving a pre-selection of a particular milking animal of the milking animals in the database; identifying each milking animal that visits the station; and notifying the user of the dairy farm of the animal in dependence on the pre-selected milking animal visiting the station. The method may be implemented by means of a computer software product loaded into a computer of an animal station or of a dairy farm system.

Abstract: A milking parlor has a holding gate and a parallel spaced individually loaded-occupied-unloaded milking stall with an operator pit located intermediate the holding gate and the milking stall. The operator pit can be recessed from the holding gate and the milking stall, wherein a bridge or a bridge cart selectively connects a holding gate to an unoccupied milking stall. A robotic or human operator can function from the operator pit to implement the milking process.

Abstract: A milking parlor is provided with stalls having shoulder bars guidingly locating the shoulders of the cows in a milking position, with the bars having respective resilient bumpers engaging the shoulders in deformable cushioning relation.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for at least one milking stall (3) with a milking position (4) for an animal and with at least one milking equipment including a milking member arranged to be attached to including animal for milking thereof. The milking stall (3) is defined by at least one wall arrangement (5) and a floor (6) and extends between a first end (7) and a second (8) end in such a way that when an animal is present in including milking stall (3) in including milking position, the front portion of including animal is adjacent including first end (7) and the back portion of including animal is adjacent including second end (8). The device includes a cabinet-like structure (1), which has a longitudinal axis extending in a substantially vertical direction and which defines an inner space and which forms a building element of including milking stall (3).

Abstract: The present invention refers to an arrangement and a method for milking of animals. The arrangement includes a number of milking stations (1), a central milk-receiving unit (30-32), a transport conduit (15). Each milking station (1) includes a set of teatcups to be attached to the animal to be milked, a local milk-collecting unit, a milk discharge conduit (12) and a feeding member. The transport conduit (15) connects each milk discharge conduit to the central milk-receiving unit for the transport of milk from each milking station to the central receiving unit. The feeding member of each milking station is arranged to feed the milk from the milk-collecting unit to the transport conduit (15) via the milk discharge conduit (12). The transport conduit (15) is arranged to permit said transport of milk by means of the gravity force.

Abstract: The invention refers to an arrangement and a method for milking of animals. The arrangement includes a number of milking stations (1). Each milking station includes a set of teatcups to be attached to the animal to be milked, a local milk-collecting unit, a local milk discharge conduit (10) and a local feeding member. At least a first main milk conduit (31) is arranged to connect each local milk discharge conduit (10) to a central milk-receiving unit (30) for the transport of milk from each milking station (1) to the central receiving unit. Each local feeding member is arranged to feed the milk by pressure from the local milk-collecting unit to the central milk-receiving unit via the local milk discharge conduit (10) and the first main milk conduit (31).

Abstract: A selection system for animals comprising: (a) a milking area (20) arranged to enable milking of one or more lactating animals (b) a drinking station (30) remote from the milking area (20) in which is positioned an attractant configured to attract an animal from a grazing paddock (50) (c) an entry race (70) connecting the drinking station (30) and the milking area (20) (d) a control mechanism (60) configured to permit entry of a lactating animal meeting a predefined criterion into the entry race (70) from the drinking station (30). Also a method utilising the above system and comprising: (a) attracting an animal from a grazing paddock (50) into the drinking station (30) remote from the milking area (20) (b) determining whether the animal in the drinking station (30) meets a predefined criterion (c) permitting entry of the animal meeting the predefined criterion into the entry race (70).

Abstract: An attachment (2) for a rotary milking platform (1) characterised in that the attachment (2) is in the form of a frame surrounding at least one elongated aperture (7) positioned on or near the circumference of the rotary platform (1), the frame connected to the platform (1) by spacers (3), wherein the elongated aperture (7) can accommodate hosing associated with milking equipment.

Abstract: A rotary milking parlor milker detacher having a pivoting support arm and retracting chain arrangement that is synchronized with a rotating platform position to move the detacher between a storage position, a presentation position, and a milking position to protect the detacher from damage and provide a superior ergonomic design that reduces operator fatigue and turnover.

Abstract: A milking system including apparatus and a method for facilitating the milking of a large number of animals in a milking parlor. Milking stalls in the parlor are arranged to provide a one way-path of travel through the parlor with a controlled entry and exit to facilitate pre- and post-milking treatment of the animals. The milking stalls are separated by an operator's pit. A platform or person mover disposed in the pit carries an operator from one milking stall to another wherein the proximity of a working side of the platform to the stalls allows the operator to have direct access to an animal without leaving the platform. Movement of the platform to a given stall is controlled by a controller acting responsive to sensors that indicate the occurrence of an event at the given stall requiring the operator's attention.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for milking livestock such as cows. A block-shaped frame is open on one side and has a front side and a rear side relative to respectively head and udder of livestock are provided for milking in the milking box. A movable entrance and/or exit gate is provided for selectively opening an entrance and/or exit in the open side of the frame. Teat cups are provided for milking the livestock with, for instance, a milking robot. Placing means are provided for positioning livestock for milking at a desired location with udders thereof at a predefined location. The placing means comprise a frame part on the rear side of the frame. The frame part is movable away from and toward the front side of the frame. The milking robot is adapted to orient itself to the udders in relation to the frame part.

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 cleaning device for cleaning the exterior of at least a part of a milking parlour. The milking parlour comprises a milking robot and a base on which an animal to be milked can stand. The cleaning device is provided with a source of cleaning foam. A method of cleaning the exterior of at least a part of a milking parlour is also disclosed. The method comprises the step of applying a cleaning foam on at least said part of the milking parlour.

Abstract: A milking parlor having a plurality of translatable shuttle stalls allows for presentation of animals to be milked and corresponding release of the animals, independent of the milking status of additional animals. The shuttle stalls can be disposed in a herringbone or perpendicular orientation with respect to a corresponding operator pit, wherein the operator pit can accommodate human or robotic devices for implementing the milking process.

Abstract: A milking system including apparatus and a method for facilitating the milking of a large number of animals in a milking parlor. Milking stalls in the parlor are arranged to provide a one way-path of travel through the parlor with a controlled entry and exit to facilitate pre- and post-milking treatment of the animals. The milking stalls are separated by an operator's pit. A platform or person mover disposed in the pit carries an operator from one milking stall to another wherein the proximity of a working side of the platform to the stalls allows the operator to have direct access to an animal without leaving the platform. Movement of the platform to a given stall is controlled by a controller acting responsive to sensors that indicate the occurrence of an event at the given stall requiring the operator's attention.