Abstract: A milker unit short milk tube having a downstream milk claw connection end having a position and release device joined to and extending away from the downstream milk claw connection end; a controlled flexible portion disposed in an upstream direction from the position and release device; a reinforced portion disposed in upstream direction from the controlled flexible portion; and an interior milking claw inlet sealing surface.

Abstract: A conduit having a flexible tubular body having a first end connectable to a manifold or claw 14 and a free end connectable to a teatcup. Disposed partway along its length are disposed two integrally formed ribs capable of moving about an elbow joint. Each rib consists of two arms connected by an elbow joint about which the arms may move relative to one another. The arms of each rib are substantially planar and meet at a pivot point or elbow to form a substantially inverted V-shape when viewed along its the horizontal axis. The ribs encourage downward movement 5 in the vertical plane about its lateral axis at and away from the apex of each of the inverted V-shaped ribs whilst also resisting lateral movement or even upward movement.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a milk conduit, a milk conduit device, a milk-receiving member and a milking member, wherein a milk conduit includes a first end portion for connection to a milk-receiving member, the first end portion including an inner sleeve section made of a first material and an outer sleeve section joined to the inner sleeve section and made of a second material, which is more rigid than the first material, and the outer sleeve section includes an outer peripheral surface and at least one projection extending outwardly from the outer peripheral surface, the projection having a peripheral extension of less than 180°, and engaged by a coupling member on the milk-receiving member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milking unit comprising a milk collection part and at least two milk tubes that are connected to the milk collection part. At least one end of the milk tube has an essentially spherical clamping body, the central point of the clamping body being offset in relation to the longitudinal axis (S) of the milk tube and/or the clamping body having a channel with a mouth. The longitudinal axis (S) penetrates a plane, on which the cross-sectional surface of the mouth lies at an angle that is not equal to 90°.

Abstract: A teat cup has a nozzle in a head portion of a flexible liner of the teat cup for delivering fluid internally of the teat cup. The nozzle is directed so as to discharge fluid towards the discharge end of the teat cup. When milking is terminated, treatment fluid is injected through the nozzle into the head portion of the liner just prior to and/or as the teat cup is being withdrawn from the teat and, the teat cup wipes the fluid down the teat so as substantially to coat the teat. When the teat cup falls into an inverted rest position, after take-off, the interior of the liner may be flushed and dried with disinfectant, water and compressed air discharged upwardly into the liner by the nozzle. The discharge end of the teat cup may be fitted with a shut-off valve which can be actuated to prevent ingress of treatment and cleansing fluids into the milk tubes during the treatment and cleansing cycle.

Abstract: Method of mechanically milking a lactating animal, such as a cow, a goat and a sheep, comprising: providing an animal having at least one teat (110), said teat comprising an elongate shaft (112) and a teat end (114) at an end of said shaft, said teat end comprising a teat canal (116) having an external orifice (118); milking the teat (110) by repeatedly alternatingly increasing and decreasing a diameter (D) of at least a longitudinal portion of its shaft (112), while maintaining a substantially axi-symmetric shape of said portion of the shaft, and while continuously applying a milking vacuum to the teat end (114) so as to extract milk from the external orifice (118) of the teat canal (116). Also disclosed is a teat cup liner for practicing the disclosed method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milking unit comprising a milk collection part and at least two milk tubes that are connected to the milk collection part. At least one end of the milk tube has an essentially spherical clamping body, the central point of the clamping body being offset in relation to the longitudinal axis (S) of the milk tube and/or the clamping body having a channel with a mouth. The longitudinal axis (S) penetrates a plane, on which the cross-sectional surface of the mouth lies at an angle that is not equal to 90°.

Abstract: A milk conduit, that connects to a teatcup to be attached to a teat of an animal to be milked, includes a first end portion defining a first end and configured to be connected to the teatcup, a second end portion defining a second end, and a conduit portion located between the first end portion and the second end portion. The milk conduit defines a milk channel extending through the first end portion, the conduit portion and the second end portion. The first end portion is received in an opening extending through a bottom wall of the teatcup. The first end portion includes a first circumferential groove configured that engages in the bottom wall of the teatcup.

Abstract: A connector and a teatcup that includes a connector and a cartridge. The cartridge includes a sleeve, having a first end and a second end, and a teatcup liner mounted in the sleeve and having an inner space for receiving a teat. The connector is configured to connect a milk conduit to the cartridge. The connector includes a casing, which defines a longitudinal center axis (x) and encloses a connection space. The casing has an inner surface facing the connection space. The casing includes an inlet opening for the cartridge to the connection space, and an outlet opening for the milk conduit. Locking parts are provided on the inner surface of the casing and configured to permit locking of the cartridge in the connector.

Abstract: A teatcup and a cartridge to be attached to a teat of an animal to be milked. The cartridge includes a sleeve having an upper end and a lower end, and a teatcup liner mounted in the sleeve and having an inner space for receiving the teat. A pulsation chamber is provided between an inner side of the sleeve and an outer side of the teatcup liner. The teatcup liner includes an upper end portion located at the upper end of the sleeve, a barrel portion and a lower end portion extending beyond the lower end of the sleeve. The lower end portion forms an end nozzle beyond the lower end of the sleeve. The end nozzle has a tapering external shape configured to be received in a milk conduit for transporting the milk from the cartridge to the milk conduit.

Abstract: A milking unit comprising a milk-collecting component and at least two milk tubes which are connected to the milk-collecting component.

Abstract: A milking liner includes an integrated short air tube and short milk tube. In one configuration, the pulsation air is delivered through the bead of the milking liner directly inside the shell when the liner is connected to the shell. In another configuration, the integrated short air tube has an outlet outside the shell. The disclosure also provides aligned nipple pairs on the claw top. One configuration is provided wherein the pulsation nipples and air fork are integrated with the claw that has the liner nipples. Another configuration is provided wherein the air fork is separate from the claw. A method of readily supplying pulsation air to a shell includes the step of integrated the step of connecting the short air tube and the shell with the step of connecting the shell to the milking liner.

Abstract: A dairy harvesting milk machine milk tube having an end, and a clamping body joined to the end and defining a duct with an outlet, and an axis of the outlet is at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the milk tube, and the angle is different from 90°.

Abstract: A milking unit is proposed, comprising at least one milk hose, having a first end section and a second end section, and a milk collecting component, which is connected to the first end section of the milk hose. The milk collecting component has at least one coupling element, which cooperates with the first end section of the milk hose. A clamping element is provided, which cooperates with the coupling element so that an essentially fluid-tight connection is generated between the milk hose and the milk collecting component.

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: The invention relates to a milking unit comprising a milk collection part and at least two milk tubes that are connected to the milk collection part. At least one end of the milk tube has an essentially spherical clamping body, the central point of the clamping body being offset in relation to the longitudinal axis (S) of the milk tube and/or the clamping body having a channel with a mouth. The longitudinal axis (S) penetrates a plane, on which the cross-sectional surface of the mouth lies at an angle that is not equal to 90°.

Abstract: A milking cluster used for milking a dairy animal in a milking parlor, the milking cluster including a teat cup unit, a teat cup, a drive device, a hose arrangement joined to the teat cup, a hose guide engaging the hose arrangement, and a flexible element that pivots the hose guide between a fixed position and a second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk tube for a milking unit, comprising two end regions lying opposite one another and an intermediate region, all regions being interconnected to form one piece. The intermediate region is composed of a soft material and at least one end region is composed of at least one hard material.

Abstract: A teatcup (1) and a teatcup liner (3) for a teatcup to be attached to a teat of an animal for the performance of a milking operation. The teatcup liner defines an inner space for receiving the teat and a longitudinal center axis (x) extending through the inner space. The teatcup liner is composed of at least three separate annular sections, which are attached to each other and arranged successively after each along the longitudinal center axis. A first section (11) forms an upper part having an opening for allowing the teat to be introduced into the inner space. A second section (12) forms a tube part engaging the teat during the milking operation. A third section (13) forms a ring module having an inner surface facing the inner space. The ring module includes a functional member providing an additional function to the milking operation.

Abstract: To improve the transportation away of the milk within an arrangement comprising a teat rubber and a milk hose which has a curved section, wherein the arrangement has a flow path for conducting away milked milk, which flow path is connected to the surrounding atmosphere via a channel, it is proposed that the channel is designed in such a manner that the flow direction of the air flowing through the channel into the flow path of the milk corresponds essentially to the flow direction of the milk, and the channel is formed in one of the walls of the curved section.

Abstract: A combination of a teat cup and a flexible milk tube is shown. The flexible milk tube has a main duct and a plurality of secondary ducts for discharging milk from the teat cup and for applying vacuum in the teat cup. The main duct is confined by a duct wall extending around the main duct. The secondary ducts are included in the duct wall of the main duct. By including the plurality of secondary ducts in the duct wall of the main duct the flexible milk tube as a whole has a smaller cross-section than that of the known milk tube. The plurality of secondary ducts no longer need separate duct walls forming separate tubes either connected or not with the flexible milk tube comprising the main duct. This results in space saving.

Abstract: A milking implement comprising a frame with, disposed thereon, at least one teat cup holder with a teat cup movable relative thereto, and a replacing element connected with the teat cup, wherein the frame further includes an intermediate arm connected with the frame and with the teat cup holder and having a first joint and a second joint about which the teat cup holder and the intermediate arm, respectively, are tiltable with the aid of the replacing element, and a spring coupled with the teat cup holder and the frame and, if desired, with the intermediate arm.

Abstract: A tubular element (9) tubular element (9) provides an inner space forming a passage for conducting milk, with a first material portion (9a) which constitutes the main part of the tubular element (9) and an additional material portion (9b) which includes a vent passage (9b) adapted to supply air to the inner space of the tubular element (9). The first material portion (9a) and the additional material portion (9b) are fixedly connected to each other in a contact area (9d) such that the material portions (9a, b) form an integrated unit. A method of manufacturing the tubular element.

Abstract: A dairy inflation includes a barrel portion connected to a milk tube portion for extracting milk from a teat of an animal. The barrel portion includes an axial passage defined by a wall, the wall having an exterior surface defining an outer periphery having a substantially circular shape. The wall further includes an interior surface defining an inner periphery having a substantially elliptical shape. The elliptical inner periphery includes a major axis and a minor axis, and the disposition of the elliptical inner periphery within the circular outer periphery creates reduced-thickness regions on opposing sides of the wall along the major axis. The reduced-thickness regions allow a controlled collapse of the barrel portion during milking operations.

Abstract: A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow.

Abstract: A teatcup liner comprises an upper mouthpiece, an intermediate barrel and a lower connecting tube. The upper mouthpiece further comprises a mouthpiece transition, a mouthpiece lip, and a groove on an outer surface of the upper mouthpiece to provide flexibility in the upper mouthpiece. The intermediate barrel extends along an axial direction for receiving a teat inserted axially thereinto through said mouthpiece.

Abstract: Device for milking an animal, such as a cow, comprising an animal standing area to be occupied by the animal to be milked in a particular milking position and a robot device with a robot arm assembly for applying to and/or removing teat cups from the respective teats of the udder of the animal, wherein the robot arm assembly at a distal end is provided with holding means for the teat cups, wherein the robot arm assembly at a proximal end is suspended from a support so as to extend downwards therefrom and is rotatable with respect thereto about a first centre line which has a vertical direction component, wherein, in use, the first centre line intersects the floor of the animal standing area.

Abstract: The invention refers to a teatcup part and a teatcup to be attached to a teat of an animal. The teatcup includes the teatcup part (1) and a connection part (2). The teatcup part is disengageably mountable to the connection part. The teatcup part (1) includes a shell (3) and a teatcup liner (4) having an upper opening (5) and a lower opening (6). The liner forms an inner space (11) for receiving the teat through the upper opening and a pulsation chamber (12) between the liner and the shell. The connection part includes a milk-discharging member for the discharge of milk from the teatcup, and a milk channel (35) extending between the lower opening of the inner space of the liner and the milk-discharging member. The connection part also includes a pulse-supplying member for the supply of a pulsating pressure to the pulsation chamber, and a pulse channel extending between the pulsation chamber and the pulse-supplying member.

Abstract: A combination of a teat cup and a flexible milk tube is shown. The flexible milk tube has a main duct and a plurality of secondary ducts for discharging milk from the teat cup and for applying vacuum in the teat cup. The main duct is confined by a duct wall extending around the main duct. The secondary ducts are included in the duct wall of the main duct. By including the plurality of secondary ducts in the duct wall of the main duct the flexible milk tube as a whole has a smaller cross-section than that of the known milk tube. The plurality of secondary ducts no longer need separate duct walls forming separate tubes either connected or not with the flexible milk tube comprising the main duct. This results in space saving.

Abstract: The present invention provides a milking device including a carrier with a holder for at least one milking cup, the milking cup being connected to a discharge line and provided with a cup axis, wherein the holder forms a seating for keeping the milking cup in a standby position in a removable manner, wherein the milking cup is attached to an elongate flexible hauling-in member for pulling the milking cup towards and onto the seating after a milking operation, wherein an upper section of the milking cup is provided with an opening for receiving a teat, wherein the milking cup, in a bottom section, engages with the hauling-in member at a first location, and wherein the bottom section is formed by an end body having a downwardly projecting contact part, a bottom end which extends next to and below the first location.

Abstract: In apparatus and methods for applying treatment and cleaning fluid to cows teats and the teat cups of milking equipment, post-milking, each teat cup (1) has a nozzle (13) in the head portion (6) of the flexible liner (3) of the teat cup for delivering fluid internally of the teat cup. The nozzle is directed so as to discharge fluid towards the discharge end (4) of the teat cup. When milking is terminated, treatment fluid is injected through the nozzle (13) into the head portion of the liner (3) just prior to and/or as the teat cup is being withdrawn from the teat and, as a result, the teat cup wipes the injected fluid down the teat so as substantially to coat the teat with the treatment fluid. When the teat cup (1) falls into an inverted rest position, after take-off, the interior of the liner (3) may be flushed and dried with disinfectant, water and compressed air discharged upwardly into the liner by the nozzle (13). Flushing fluid can then drain downwardly from the liner and through its mouth (7).

Abstract: A combination of a teat cup and a flexible milk tube is shown. The flexible milk tube has a main duct and a plurality of secondary ducts for discharging milk from the teat cup and for applying vacuum in the teat cup. The main duct is confined by a duct wall extending around the main duct. The secondary ducts are included in the duct wall of the main duct. By including the plurality of secondary ducts in the duct wall of the main duct the flexible milk tube as a whole has a smaller cross-section than that of the known milk tube. The plurality of secondary ducts no longer need separate duct walls forming separate tubes either connected or not with the flexible milk tube comprising the main duct. This results in space saving.

Abstract: To improve the transportation away of the milk within an arrangement comprising a teat rubber and a milk hose which has a curved section, wherein the arrangement has a flow path for conducting away milked milk, which flow path is connected to the surrounding atmosphere via a channel, it is proposed that the channel is designed in such a manner that the flow direction of the air flowing through the channel into the flow path of the milk corresponds essentially to the flow direction of the milk, and the channel is formed in one of the walls of the curved section.

Abstract: A tubular element (9) tubular element (9) provides an inner space forming a passage for conducting milk, with a first material portion (9a) which constitutes the main part of the tubular element (9) and an additional material portion (9b) which includes a vent passage (9b) adapted to supply air to the inner space of the tubular element (9). The first material portion (9a) and the additional material portion (9b) are fixedly connected to each other in a contact area (9d) such that the material portions (9a, b) form an integrated unit. A method of manufacturing the tubular element.

Abstract: A milking system includes a vacuum pump (11); milking equipment (15); a conduit (14) connecting the milking equipment to the vacuum pump; and a first vacuum regulator (25) provided to maintain a preset vacuum level in the milking equipment. A second vacuum regulator (27, 29, 30a) is arranged between the first vacuum regulator and the vacuum pump and is provided for regulating the preset vacuum to a desired level. Preferably, the second vacuum regulator includes a pressure sensor (30a) provided for measuring a pressure level in the milking system; adjustable air admitting elements (31), e.g. a solenoid valve, provided for admitting air to enter the conduit; and a control device (29) provided for controlling the second vacuum regulator depending on the measured pressure level.

Abstract: A milking system for extracting milk from milk producing animals and especially with elements for taking samples of the extracted milk includes in a flow direction from the animal: milk extracting elements for attachment to the animal, a milk conduit and a suction source, wherein the suction source is arranged to provide a vacuum to draw milk from the animal to a container. The milk extracting elements are adapted to provide air and milk intermittently into the milk conduit and are connected to the container via the milk conduit. The system also includes a milk sample conduit which is connected to the milk conduit. The milk conduit includes a bend for creating acceleration forces in the flow, and the sample conduit is connected to the milk conduit at the bend so as to sample milk subjected to the acceleration forces.

Abstract: A hose element is configured for a milking device. The hose element includes a first end (3) and a hose portion (1) of a first material. The hose portion extends from the first end along a longitudinal centre axis (x) and has an outer size in a radial plane with respect to the longitudinal centre axis. An attachment section (4) extends around the hose portion in a peripheral direction in the proximity of the first end. The hose element includes a mounting member (10) of a second material which is joined to the hose portion (1). The mounting member includes a primary portion (11), which is joined to the hose portion (1) in the proximity of the attachment section and configured to permit, when being pressed inwardly towards the longitudinal centre axis, a reduction of the outer size of the hose portion at an end portion (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a milk tube for a milking unit, comprising two end regions lying opposite one another and an intermediate region, all regions being interconnected to form one piece. The intermediate region is composed of a soft material and at least one end region is composed of at least one hard material.

Abstract: A milk hose for connecting a milk collecting piece to a teat cup in an automatic milking plant comprises a first end area which is adapted to be fixed to the connection element of the teat cup and a second end area which is adapted to be fixed to the connection element of the milk collecting piece. Furthermore, said second end area has provided thereon an impact-absorbing area comprising elongate impact-absorbing elements, which, when subjected to a radial impact load, are deformed and/or bent at least sectionwise in a predefined preferred direction, and/or nipple-shaped impact-absorbing elements which are deformed and/or bent when subjected to said radial impact load. In addition, an impact-absorbing device for mounting on a milk hose is described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular element (6). The tubular element includes a body (17) having an outer periphery surface (20) with a shape in a cross section view such that adjacent parts of the periphery outer surface (20) along a circumference of the tubular element (6) forms an outer angle of at least 180° in relation to each other and a first channel (7, 9a, b) located in said body (19) adapted to transport a first fluid medium. The tubular element includes an inner space (18) located entirely inside of the outer periphery surface (20) of the body (19), wherein the inner space (18) is adapted to receive at least one conduit element (17).

Abstract: The invention refers to a device including a milk-conveying tubular member (1) of an elastic material. The tubular member is adapted 5 to convey a flow of milk and includes a wall (6) having an outer surface (6a) and an inner surface (6b) facing an inner space (7) of the tubular member. A first electrode member (11) is provided in the wall and has a first contact surface (13) facing the inner space and provided to contact the milk flowing the tubular member. The first 10 electrode member is formed by an electrically conducting polymer.

Abstract: A milking unit is proposed, comprising at least one milk hose (5, 30), having a first end section (6, 32) and a second end section (49), and a milk collecting component (7, 37), which is connected to the first end section (6, 32) of the milk hose (5, 30). The milk collecting component (7, 37) has at least one coupling element (1), which cooperates with the first end section (6, 32) of the milk hose (5, 30). A clamping element (9) is provided, which cooperates with the coupling element (1) so that an essentially fluid-tight connection is generated between the milk hose (5, 30) and the milk collecting component (7, 37).

Abstract: A milk hose for connecting a milk collecting piece to a teat cup in an automatic milking plant comprises a first end area which is adapted to be fixed to the connection element of the teat cup and a second end area which is adapted to be fixed to the connection element of the milk collecting piece. Furthermore, said second end area has provided thereon an impact-absorbing area comprising elongate impact-absorbing elements, which, when subjected to a radial impact load, are deformed and/or bent at least sectionwise in a predefined preferred direction, and/or nipple-shaped impact-absorbing elements which are deformed and/or bent when subjected to said radial impact load. In addition, an impact-absorbing device for mounting on a milk hose is described.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention concerns a milking unit comprising a milk-collecting component and at least two milk tubes which are connected to the milk-collecting component.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention relates to a milking cup having a milking cup sleeve in which a teat rubber is arranged.

Abstract: A teat cup comprises a flexible liner (3) for engaging about a teat of an animal to be milked, the liner having a head portion (7), at one end (6), provided with a mouth (9) through which the teat is engageable with the liner, and a milk discharge passageway (12) at the opposite end (5). A nozzle (24) is arranged to discharge fluid into the head portion of the liner, and a fluid delivery tube (21) is connected to the nozzle via a check valve (17) which allows fluid delivery to the nozzle and alleviates the risk of dirt or disinfectant lodging in the nozzle or delivery tube when the teat cup is treated on a jetter at the finish of a milking period.

Abstract: A combination of a teat cup and a flexible milk tube is shown. The flexible milk tube has a main duct and a plurality of secondary ducts for discharging milk from the teat cup and for applying vacuum in the teat cup. The main duct is confined by a duct wall extending around the main duct. The secondary ducts are included in the duct wall of the main duct. By including the plurality of secondary ducts in the duct wall of the main duct the flexible milk tube as a whole has a smaller cross-section than that of the known milk tube. The plurality of secondary ducts no longer need separate duct walls forming separate tubes either connected or not with the flexible milk tube comprising the main duct. This results in space saving.

Abstract: An automatic milking plant includes a teat cup connected via a flexible connection hose to a collecting piece for collecting extracted milk and for transmitting a vacuum required for milking. The collecting piece is provided with a connecting piece for the flexible connection hose. The connecting piece and/or the flexible connection hose are implemented such that the flexible connection hose is stiffened in the connection zone of the connecting piece and that the stiffened region of the flexible connection hose extends beyond a milk-carrying area of the connecting piece in the axial direction. An end of a hose sleeve which faces away from the connecting piece is designed asymmetrically in the longitudinal direction, and the hose sleeve encloses the flexible connection hose at least partially in the area of the connecting piece.

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 device for monitoring the cleaning of a milk line during a cleaning cycle is disclosed. The device is provided with a monitoring-unit comprising a computer and a memory for storing data at least temporarily, with a thermometer for measuring the temperature of a fluid that is present or has been present in the milk line and for supplying to the monitoring-unit a temperature signal that is indicative of the measured temperature, and with a comparing device for determining whether the measured temperature is higher than a predetermined threshold temperature, the comparing device being suitable for determining the first point of time when the measured temperature has come above the threshold temperature for the first time during a cleaning cycle, and for determining the last point of time when the measured temperature has come above the threshold temperature for the last time during the same cleaning cycle.