Abstract: Methods and apparatus for machine-milking an animal using a pulsed vacuum with sequential evacuation and ventilation phases in a teat cup pulse chamber by creating an improved pressure curve during the evacuation phase, the ventilation phase, or both pressure changing phases by controlling a pressure change phase using at least two pressure changing speed rates.

Abstract: A method of stimulating the teats of the udder of an animal comprises determining the dead milking time per udder or per quarter during a number of milkings and checking, on the basis of these historical data, whether a respective quarter has to be pre-stimulated and, if so, during what period of time. A pulsator controlled in three phases, makes it possible to adapt the suction-rest ratio of the pulsator at quarter level on the basis of the milk flow profile of the respective udder quarter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milking plant wherein the vibrations and sound emissions thereof are significantly reduced. In said inventive milking plant, a vacuum control valve (500) is directly connected to a vacuum compensation tank (200). The vacuum control valve (500) leads into the vacuum compensation tank (200) via a diffusor (501). The vacuum control valve (500) is enclosed in a cylindrical container (503). Preferably, the vacuum pump (110) and the vacuum compensation tank (200) are connected to each other via a main line (150) which is embodied in the form of two bent, flexible hoses. Preferably, the main line (150) leads tangentially into the vacuum compensation tank (200). The invention also relates to a method for reducing sound emissions in one such milking plant. According to said method, the flow speed of the air in the air-guiding parts (150, 200, 300, 302, 403, 420) of the milking plant is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milking cup comprising a cup sleeve, a teat rubber inserted in the cup sleeve with a head piece and an intake socket connectable with a milk discharge conduit, and comprising an air inlet valve provided on the milking cup and connected with the interior space of the intake socket via a first conduit, which lets atmospheric air penetrate into the intake socket in response to a relief phase, during which a higher pressure causing a folding-in of the intake socket relative to the milking vacuum pending in the milk discharge conduit is generated in a clearance between the cup sleeve and the intake socket. The invention is characterized in that an opening toward the interior space of the teat rubber is provided in the head piece of the teat rubber, wherein the opening can controllably be supplied with atmospheric air in response to the relief phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a milking cup comprising a cup sleeve, a teat rubber inserted in the cup sleeve with a head piece and an intake socket connectable with a milk discharge conduit, and comprising an air inlet valve provided on the milking cup and connected with the interior space of the intake socket via a first conduit, which lets atmospheric air penetrate into the intake socket in response to a relief phase, during which a higher pressure causing a folding-in of the intake socket relative to the milking vacuum pending in the milk discharge conduit is generated in a clearance between the cup sleeve and the intake socket. The invention is characterized in that an opening toward the interior space of the teat rubber is provided in the head piece of the teat rubber, wherein the opening can controllably be supplied with atmospheric air in response to the relief phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for milking milk residues to achieve the extraction of as much of the milk as possible that is preset in the udder. According to the method, a rubber teat element (10) in a teat cup (1) is displaced in a milking motion by a negative suction pressure caused by adjustable pulse phases consisting of alternating suction and pause phases and of a pulse intensity, in order to a volumetric flow of milk. Said volumetric flow is continuously recorded and if it decreases, the motion of the rubber teat element is modified in a targeted manner.

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.