Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating a teat cup for use in a milking parlor. The apparatus includes a milking stall (7) provided on a rotatable platform (9) and a system (19, 245, 23, 25) for controlling movement of a teat cup magazine (20) relative to the stall (7). The movement control system permits movement of the magazine (20) between first and second predefined positions relative to the milking stall (7).

Abstract: A method for improving the throughput of milking animals in a rotary milking system including a rotary platform, which milking animals enter and leave in a sequential order in order to be milked provides that a plurality of milking animals to be milked by the rotary milking system are identified; a measure indicative of the expected time required for performing at least one action on the rotary platform with respect to each of the milking animals is retrieved; and the milking animals are allowed to enter the rotary platform of the rotary milking system in an order, which is based on the measures indicative of the expected times required for performing the at least one action on the rotary platform with respect to the milking animals.

Abstract: An apparatus for milking an animal provides a milking parlor (1) with a robotic manipulation device (25) and a milking stall (5) provided on a platform (3) moveable relative to the robotic manipulation device (25). An electric control system is adapted to vary the movement of the platform in response to the performance of the robotic manipulation device (25) in servicing the milking stall (5).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a first robotic device operable to prepare the teats of a first dairy livestock located in a first milking stall of a rotary milking platform. The system also includes a second robotic device operable to attach a first milking device to the teats of a second dairy livestock located in a second milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The system also includes a third robotic device operable to attach a second milking device to the teats of a third dairy livestock located in a third milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The system also includes a fourth robotic device operable to apply a sanitizing agent to the teats of a fourth dairy livestock located in a fourth milking stall of the rotary milking platform subsequent to a removal of a third milking device from the teats of the fourth dairy livestock.

Abstract: A system includes a carriage track positioned adjacent to a rotary milking platform, a robot carriage mounted to the carriage track, and a controller. The controller is operable to receive both a first rotary encoder signal indicating a first rotational position of a milking stall of the rotary milking platform (corresponding to a starting linear position of the robot carriage) and a second rotary encoder signal indicating a second rotational position of the milking stall. The controller is further operable to determine, based on a difference between the first and second signals, a desired linear position of the robot carriage on the carriage track (a position corresponding to the second rotational position of the milking stall). The controller is further operable to communicate a position signal to a carriage actuator, the position signal causing the carriage actuator to move the robot carriage to the desired linear position.

Abstract: A rotary milking station (1) for milking cows and the like, the rotary milking station (1) including a base (3) having a circular path (5) disposed about a given center (7). The rotary milking station (1) also includes a driving assembly (9) operatively mountable onto the base (3) so as to be disposed about the circular path (5) of the base (3).

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for indicating an undesired detachment of a milking member from an animal in a milking stall. The arrangement includes a removing device adapted to detach the milking member from the animal and move the detached milking member to a parking position when the milking process has been completed, and a supervision device adapted to supervise when the milking member has been detached from the animal before the milking process has been completed. When the milking member has been detached from the animal before the milking process has been completed, the removing device is adapted to move the undesirably detached milking member to an indicating position located at a distance from the parking position.

Abstract: An arrangement in a rotary milking system includes a rotating platform, an entry thereto and an exit therefrom. A selection gate arrangement at the exit of the rotating platform selectively guides animals, which have been milked in the rotary milking system and leave the rotating platform through the exit, back to the entry of the rotating platform or to a waiting area. A control device is provided for (i) determining whether an animal, which has been milked and leaves the rotating platform through the exit, has at least one udder compartment that was incompletely milked the last time the animal was milked, and (ii) controlling the selection gate arrangement to guide the animal back to the entry of the rotating platform or to the waiting area provided that the animal has at least one udder compartment that was incompletely milked the last time the animal was milked.

Abstract: Embodiments of a portable milking apparatus configured according to principles of the invention include a milking unit that is mobile and configured for milking an animal; a service unit that is mobile and configured for receiving milk; and a connector that selectably operably connects and/or permits fluid communication between the milking and service units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary platform for milking of animal. The rotary parlor comprises a platform (3), a circular rail member (10) connected to a lower surface of the platform (3) and a plurality of rolling members (11) having a wear surface (11?) adapted to be in contact with a wear surface (10b?) of the rail member (10). The rail member (10) comprises a first part (10a, 17, 18a, b) connected to the platform (3), a second part (10b, 18c) comprising said wear surface (10b?) and a connection arranged between said first part (10a, 17, 18a, b) of the rail member and said second part (10b, 18c) of the rail member, which connection is adapted to allow angular movements between the first part (10a, 17, 18a, b) and the second part (10b, 18c) of the rail member (10).

Abstract: A moulded module for a rotary milking platform comprising or including a core of filler material (for example foamed plastics) surrounded by layers of fibre reinforced materials and optionally also with steel reinforcements, all components having been applied in-mould.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a milking system includes a rotary milking platform having a plurality of milking stalls and a plurality of milking devices, each milking device configured for attachment to the teats of a dairy livestock located in a corresponding milking stall of the rotary milking platform. The system further includes one or more robotic devices operable to perform one or more functions, including preparing the teats of a dairy livestock for the attachment of a milking apparatus, attaching a milking apparatus to the teats of a dairy livestock, and applying a sanitizing agent to the teats of a dairy livestock subsequent to the removal of a milking apparatus from the teats of the dairy livestock. Each of the one or more functions performed by the one or more robotic devices is performed during a period of time when the rotary milking platform is substantially stationary.

Abstract: An apparatus for milking an animal and provides a milking parlour includes first and second robotic manipulation devices and a plurality of milking stalls provided on a platform moveable relative to the robotic manipulation devices. The robotic manipulation devices are positioned so that each of the robotic manipulation devices is able to simultaneously service two neighbouring milking stalls on the platform.

Abstract: For the determination of the occupancy of a milking stall by an animal, in particular a cow, in a rotary milking parlor with a plurality of milking stalls which are disposed on a rotatable milking platform, a process is proposed in which the identification of the animal only takes place after it has entered the milking stall in which it is supposed to be milked.

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing and determining the position of at least one teat of a milking animal includes a scanning head comprising a light source and a camera. The light source emits light into a region which is expected to contain a teat or teats and the camera captures images formed by the light. In a first scanning mode, the scanning head is moved from a low initial position upwards in a circular coil until the position of at least a first teat has been established. Thereafter, in a second scanning mode, the scanning head is moved upwards in a to circular coil until the positions of all teats have been established, or a predetermined time limit has elapsed during the scanning procedure. The coil traversed during the first scanning mode is wider than the coil traversed during the second scanning mode.

Abstract: A milking arrangement for animals includes rotary platform (2), a driving mechanism (12) adapted to provide a rotary motion of the platform (2), milking stalls (3) adapted to house the animals (1) to be milked on the platform (2), a blocking system (11, 20, 25) for blocking selected milking stalls (3) on the platform (1) temporarily such that the animals (1) do not have access to the blocked milking stalls (3) during a period of time and the remaining non-blocked milking stalls will be used more frequently.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a first wall positioned substantially parallel to a second wall, a first end of the first wall and a first end of the second wall defining an entrance to a milking platform entrance lane having a width in the range of thirty inches to thirty-six inches. The system further includes a flare wall having a first end coupled to a second end of the second wall, the flare wall extending outwardly from the second wall at an angle in the range of thirty-five degrees to forty-five degrees with respect to the second wall. A second end of the flare wall and a second end of the first wall define an exit from the milking platform entrance lane having a width in the range of forty inches to fifty-four inches.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a milking parlor entrance lane with an entrance positioned adjacent to a cattle holding pen and an exit positioned adjacent to one or more stalls of a rotary milking platform. The system also includes an exit lane positioned on a side of the entrance lane opposite a forward direction of rotation of the rotary milking platform, the milking parlor exit lane positioned adjacent to one or more stalls of a rotary milking platform such that dairy cows may enter the exit lane from the one or more stalls of the rotary milking platform after being milked. The system also includes a pressure sensor positioned adjacent to the exit lane, the pressure sensor operable to generate a trigger in response to detecting a triggering pressure on the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is additionally operable to communicate the generated trigger to initiate the stopping of the rotary milking platform.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a rotary encoder, a controller, and a rotary milking platform drive mechanism. The rotary encoder is operable to generate an input signal corresponding to the rotational speed of a rotary encoder wheel contacting at least a portion of a rotary milking platform. The controller is operable to receive the input signal generated by the rotary encoder and determine an actual rotational speed of the rotary milking platform based on the input signal. The controller is further operable to generate an output signal corresponding to a difference in rotational speed between the actual rotational speed of the rotary milking platform and a desired rotational speed for the rotary milking platform. The rotary milking platform drive mechanism is operable to receive the output signal and adjust the actual rotational speed of the rotary milking platform based on the output signal.

Abstract: A rotary parlor for automatic milking of animals includes an annular rotary platform (2) adapted to form a support surface for the animals (1), driving element (9) for supplying a rotary motion to the platform (2), positioning element for arranging the animals in predetermined milking positions (3) on the platform, in which an longitudinal axis (1a) of the animals forms an angle to the direction of motion (1b) of the animals standing on the rotary platform (2), and a robot arm (13) adapted to attach teat cups (7a) to the teats of an animal (1) which has entered a milking position (3) on the platform (2). The entire robot arm (13) is located in a working position vertically above or on the platform (2) when it attaches the teat cups to the teats of the animals (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for recognizing and determining the position of at least one teat of a milking animal includes a scanning head comprising a light source and a camera. The light source emits light into a region which is expected to contain a teat or teats and the camera captures images formed by the light. In a first scanning mode, the scanning head is moved from a low initial position upwards in a circular coil until the position of at least a first teat has been established. Thereafter, in a second scanning mode, the scanning head is moved upwards in a circular coil until the positions of all teats have been established, or a predetermined time limit has elapsed during the scanning procedure. The coil traversed during the first scanning mode is wider than the coil traversed during the second scanning mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to an annular rotary platform (3) for a milking parlour and a mould and method for manufacturing the annular platform. The platform (3) is formed of a cementitious material. The platform comprises on an underside at least one protruding reinforcing portion (3d) formed of a cementitious material.

Abstract: A rotary milking facility having an annular floor made up of subfloor supported modules. Each module defines plural bail areas and is each moulded at least primarily in a composite material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to milking apparatus. The milking apparatus comprises sensor apparatus (16) that is operative, in use of the milking apparatus, to determine a location in a lateral direction with respect to an animal of at least one anatomical feature of the animal, the at least one anatomical feature being other than an udder of the animal. The sensor apparatus comprises image capture apparatus (16) that is operative to acquire at least one image of at least part of the animal. The milking apparatus also comprises a robot arm (14) located, in use of the milking apparatus, either behind or in front of the animal, the robot arm (14) being operative to move towards the udder in dependence upon the determined location of the anatomical feature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary parlour for milking of animals. The parlour comprises a rotary platform unit (3) and storing devices (11, 24, 25) connected to the platform unit (3) and adapted to hold a number of teat cups (2) in predetermined parking positions. The storing devices (11, 24, 25) are supported by a supporting mechanism comprising elevating means (20, 22, 30) adapted to move the storing device (11, 24, 25) between an operating position in which the storing device (11, 24, 25) holds at least a part of the parked teat cups (2) at a higher level than the lowest level (3a?) of the upper surface (3a) of the platform unit (3) and a non-operative position in which both the storing device (11, 24, 25) and the parked teat cups (2) are located at a lower level than the lowest level (3a?) of the upper surface (3a) of the platform unit (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary parlour for milking of animals. The rotary parlour includes an annular platform (3) having a surface to support animals (1) to be milked, a circular rail member (14) arranged on an underside of the platform (3) connected to the platform (3) in at least one position (3e), a plurality of rolling members (15) adapted to be in contact with the rail member (14) such that the platform (3) is rotatably arranged on the rolling members (15) and at least one stiff object (7, 13) arranged on the upper side of the platform (3) and connected to the platform (3) in a at least one position (3c, 3d). Further more, the rotary parlour includes a rigid connection between the object (7, 13) and the rail member (14) which includes a bar arrangement (19).

Abstract: An apparatus for milking an animal provides a milking parlour (1) with a robotic manipulation device (25) and a milking stall (5) provided on a platform (3) moveable relative to the robotic manipulation device (25). An electric control system is adapted to vary the movement of the platform in response to the performance of the robotic manipulation device (25) in servicing the milking stall (5).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for locating a teat cup for use in a milking parlour. The apparatus includes a milking stall (7) provided on a rotatable platform (9) and a system (19, 245, 23, 25) for controlling movement of a teat cup magazine (20) relative to the stall (7). The movement control system permits movement of the magazine (20) between first and second predefined positions relative to the milking stall (7).

Abstract: An arrangement, which is provided for determining the position of an animal, comprises a three-dimensional camera directed towards the animal and provided to record a three-dimensional image of the animal, and image processing means is provided for detecting the animal and determining its position in at least one spatial dimension based on the three-dimensional image of the animal. The image processing means may form a three-dimensional surface representation of a portion of the animal from the three-dimensional image of the animal, analyze the surface of the three-dimensional surface representation, and determine the position of the animal based on the analysis of the surface of the three-dimensional surface representation.

Abstract: A method for improving the throughput of milking animals in a rotary milking system including a rotary platform, which milking animals enter and leave in a sequential order in order to be milked provides that a plurality of milking animals to be milked by the rotary milking system are identified; a measure indicative of the expected time required for performing at least one action on the rotary platform with respect to each of the milking animals is retrieved; and the milking animals are allowed to enter the rotary platform of the rotary milking system in an order, which is based on the measures indicative of the expected times required for performing the at least one action on the rotary platform with respect to the milking animals.

Abstract: A teat preparation station(1) for preparation of teats of milking animals prior to being milked in a milking system (11) equipped with at least one milking stall(13) is provided. The teat preparation station (1) includes a teat preparation area (2) housing at least one milking animal at a time; an exit (4) leading to the milking system; pre-milking equipment (5) provided for automatically pre-milking milking animals in the teat preparation area; and milk quality analyzing equipment (6) provided for automatically analyzing pre-milk from the milking animals.

Abstract: An udder spraying system reliant on one or more upward spray outlet(s) from and/or in juxtaposition with a housing and/or profile providing moulding or form;

Abstract: Embodiments of a portable milking apparatus configured according to principles of the invention include a milking unit that is mobile and configured for milking an animal; a service unit that is mobile and configured for receiving milk; and a connector that selectably operably connects and/or permits fluid communication between the milking and service units.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for operating a carousel milking facility comprising a plurality of milking stations, which are arranged on a movable platform. Movement of the platform is determined in relation to a reference point and the position of at least one milking station can be calculated with a position detection device.

Abstract: An automatic animal retrieving platform assembly (10) and its method of operation for retrieving a domestic animal (12) from a stall (29) is described. The platform assembly retrieves and at least partly confines the domestic animal from a stall to effect a job function with the animal, such as for milking a cow in a dairy barn. The platform assembly (10) is displaceable on wheels (13) to position an entrance opening (24) thereof behind the animal stall. A displaceable floor (17) extends to the rear of the stall and retrieving arms (26, 27) are provided to grasp the animal and cause it to back-up slowly onto the displaceable floor where it is at least partly confined in a cage 18. After the job function is completed the retrieving arms (26, 27) release the animal and it returns freely to its stall. To help it return to its stall a tether (70) may be secured to a neck collar 30 of the animal.

Abstract: Safety switching device for a milking carousel, with a rotatably driven milking platform with a multiple number of milking stations, whereby preferably a milking machine is arranged at each milking station, and with at least one stationary, non-rotating animal passageway, as well as a gap arranged between the rotatable milking platform and the animal passageway, whereby the safety switching device has a movable switching paddle, as well as signaling device arranged or formed on the switching paddle, for triggering an alarm function, and whereby the switching paddle is designed and mounted in such a way that the distance to the outside peripheral edge (U) increases toward a free end.

Abstract: A rotary parlour for automatic milking of animals includes an annular rotary platform (2) adapted to form a support surface for the animals (1), driving element (9) for supplying a rotary motion to the platform (2), positioning element for arranging the animals in predetermined milking positions (3) on the platform, in which an longitudinal axis (1a) of the animals forms an angle to the direction of motion (1b) of the animals standing on the rotary platform (2), and a robot arm (13) adapted to attach teat cups (7a) to the teats of an animal (1) which has entered a milking position (3) on the platform (2). The entire robot arm (13) is located in a working position vertically above or on the platform (2) when it attaches the teat cups to the teats of the animals (1).

Abstract: A rotary parlour for milking of animals includes an annular rotary platform (20) adapted to form a support surface (18) for the animals (22), positioning elements (19, 23) for arranging the animals (1) in milking positions on the platform (20), a drive mechanism (30) adapted to supply a rotational motion to the platform (20), and teat cup storing devices (11) for holding parked teat cups (2, 2?) in predetermined storing positions. The teat cup storing devices (11) are mounted in positions such that the teat cups (2, 2?) are located vertically above the platform (20) in their storing positions.

Abstract: A treadmill-like device for exercising large animals such as dairy cows. The large animal exercising device includes a hoof abrasion system and treadmill cleaning or flushing system. The exercise device of the invention can also include a cow identification reader for recovering information off of a data storage or identification device attached to the cow, with such information potentially including exercise pace and duration as well as animal routing information after an exercise session is completed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a carousel milking facility (1) comprising a plurality of milking stations (3), which are arranged on a platform (2). According to said method, a positional modification of the platform (2) is determined in relation to a reference point and the position of at least one milking station (3) can be calculated.

Abstract: For the determination of the occupancy of a milking stall by an animal, in particular a cow, in a rotary milking parlor with a plurality of milking stalls which are disposed on a rotatable milking platform, a process is proposed in which the identification of the animal only takes place after it has entered the milking stall in which it is supposed to be milked.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary platform for milking of animal. The rotary parlour comprises a platform (3), a circular rail member (10) connected to a lower surface of the platform (3) and a plurality of rolling members (11) having a wear surface (11?) adapted to be in contact with a wear surface (10b?) of the rail member (10). The rail member (10) comprises a first part (10a, 17, 18a, b) connected to the platform (3), a second part (10b, 18c) comprising said wear surface (10b?) and a connection arranged between said first part (10a, 17, 18a, b) of the rail member and said second part (10b, 18c) of the rail member, which connection is adapted to allow angular movements between the first part (10a, 17, 18a, b) and the second part (10b, 18c) of the rail member (10).

Abstract: A portable milking apparatus configured according to principles of the invention includes a platform configured to maintain an animal and an elevator that positions the platform in at least a lowered position, wherein the platform is generally aligned with the ground, and a raised position that enables milking at an ergonomically optimal height. A portable milking method includes elevating the animal sufficiently to enable milking at an ergonomically optimal height, wherein the elevating excludes inclined traversing.

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: For the determination of the occupancy of a milking stall by an animal, in particular a cow, in a rotary milking parlor with a plurality of milking stalls which are disposed on a rotatable milking platform, a process is proposed in which the identification of the animal only takes place after it has entered the milking stall in which it is supposed to be milked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milking facility provided inside a milking parlour circular turntable (2) provided with stalls (20) in which cows can be milked from the side or from behind, characterised in that each of the stalls (20) is provided with an individually openable gate (12), one or more human-sized passageways (13) provided on the turntable each replace one stall and are stall-sized and protected by a stationary barrier (14) as well as a pivotable barrier (16) enabling a cow to be led into the stall (20), whereafter the passageway (13) is cleared of obstacles, and a pit ladder (17) making it easier for a person to move along the passageway (13) and into the milking pit (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to an annular rotary platform (3) for a milking parlour and a mould and method for manufacturing the annular platform. The platform (3) is formed of a cementitious material. The platform comprises on an underside at least one protruding reinforcing portion (3d) formed of a cementitious material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary parlour for milking of animals. The rotary parlour includes an annular platform (3) having a surface to support animals (1) to be milked, a circular rail member (14) arranged on an underside of the platform (3) connected to the platform (3) in at least one position (3e), a plurality of rolling members (15) adapted to be in contact with the rail member (14) such that the platform (3) is rotatably arranged on the rolling members (15) and at least one stiff object (7, 13) arranged on the upper side of the platform (3) and connected to the platform (3) in a at least one position (3c, 3d). Further more, the rotary parlour includes a rigid connection between the object (7, 13) and the rail member (14) which includes a bar arrangement (19).

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.