Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080202430 | MILKING STATION AND METHOD FOR MILKING - 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. | 08-28-2008 |
20080216750 | METHOD OF STIMULATING THE TEATS ... - 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. | 09-11-2008 |
20080236500 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR ANIMAL MONITOR - An apparatus, system, and method enable monitoring of one or more physiological conditions in an animal including pH. A monitor may take the form of a bolus that may be installed in a stomach of an animal such as in a reticulorumen of a ruminant animal. The monitor may include sensors for detecting one or more of the pH, temperature, pressure, and position. The monitor includes a power source and electronics for processing, storing, and transmitting signals representing the physiological conditions detected by the sensor(s). The monitor may include first and second portions that are releasably joined, and that may support respective components for ease of assembly during manufacture and servicing. The monitor may form part of a system having a receiver for receiving and interpreting the signals from the monitor. The method includes installing the monitor in an animal and monitoring the animal by detecting physiological characteristics. | 10-02-2008 |
20080251022 | METHOD OF AND AN INSTALLATION FOR MILKING AN ANIMAL - A method of milking an animal comprises determining the identity of the animal and discharging the milk obtained by milking the identified animal to a storage container. The identity of the animal is determined after connecting a teat cup to a teat of the animal or after confining the animal in a milking place and before discharging the milk to the storage container. An installation for milking an animal is provided with a determination device for determining the identity of the animal, a transport arrangement for transporting milk to a storage container for storing the milk and with a control unit for controlling the determination device and the transport arrangements. The control unit is programmed for additionally determining the identity of the animal after connecting a teat cup to a teat of the animal or after confining the animal in a milking place and before discharging the milk to the storage container. | 10-16-2008 |
20080257265 | METHOD OF AND IMPLEMENT FOR MILKING DAIRY ANIMALS - 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. The method comprises the steps of providing the first access state of the access device; identifying by means of an animal identification system an animal which is milked by the milking implement; determining a milking implement processing data on the basis of the identified animals; comparing the milking implement processing data with a criterion; and providing the second access state of the access device when the milking implement processing data meets the criterion | 10-23-2008 |
20080257266 | METHOD OF AND AN INSTALLATION FOR MILKING AN ANIMAL HAVING AT LEAST TWO TEATS - A method of milking an animal having at least two teats. The method comprises a stimulation phase in which the teats of the animal are stimulated and a milking phase in which the animal is milked. The method comprises the steps of applying a stimulation phase and a milking phase to one of the teats of the animal and applying substantially only a milking phase to at least one of the other teats of the animal. The method further comprises a determination phase in which the teat with the shortest period of time in which the teat is milked out is determined, the stimulation phase and the milking phase being applied to the animal's teat with the shortest period of time, and the milking phase being applied substantially only to at least one of the other teats of the animal. | 10-23-2008 |
20080282985 | Arrangement and Method for Milking a Plurality of Milking Animals - An arrangement for milking a plurality of milking animals comprises an automated milking system ( | 11-20-2008 |
20080314322 | FLUID APPLICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS AND MILKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A fluid application system for automatically applying a fluid to the teats of an animal subsequent to the milking of the animal comprises a fluid delivery arrangement comprising a plurality of applicators, wherein each of the applicators is arranged in connection with a respective teat cup and is provided for applying the fluid to a teat of the animal, to which the respective teat cup is attached during the milking of the animal, in connection with a detachment of the teat cup from the teat. A control arrangement is provided for (i) determining, for a detachment of a teat cup from a teat, whether that detachment is a normal detachment or an abnormal detachment, and (ii) controlling, for the detachment of the teat cup from the teat, the applicator arranged in connection with that teat cup to apply the fluid provided that the detachment is a normal detachment and to not apply the fluid provided that the detachment is an abnormal detachment. | 12-25-2008 |
20080314323 | Method of Automatically Milking a Dairy Animal - A method of automatically milking a dairy animal by means of an automatic milking device is disclosed. The method may include successively the steps of:
| 12-25-2008 |
20090007847 | Method of dynamic milking - In a method of dynamic milking, is performed a given modulating of values of airflow-forming pressures in a first working zone in a negative drive cycle and in a second working zone in a positive drive cycle of a cyclic drive unit, 0 for providing and energy-physiological optimization of given periodic dynamic in-phase vacuum and mechanical actions on a surface of a milking teat in a two-chamber teat cap with a hermetic chamber connected with a source of a chamber pressure, whose movable part of a wall realizes the mechanical actions only on a lateral surface of the teat without interrupting of a spatial channel for movement of milking milk between an open output of the milking channel of the teat and a constantly open milk output of the teat cup during a dynamic milking process. | 01-08-2009 |
20090007848 | Method and device for milking of animals with four teats - Apparatus and method for milking animals, comprising a control device ( | 01-08-2009 |
20090013934 | AUTOMATIC SEPARATION OF ANIMAL MILK - The invention relates to, inter alia, a method for determining a modified waiting period for a milk-producing animal treated with a veterinary medicament. According to said method, at least one quantity of milk is determined during at least one time interval following the administration of the veterinary medicament, said interval being shorter than a pre-determined waiting period. A milk yield for the waiting period is predicted from the quantity of milk. A modified waiting period is determined on the basis of the predicted milk yield and a milk yield for the waiting period pre-determined by the veterinary medicament. The inventive method enables MRL values to be surely and reliably maintained, such that milk is separated according to the modified waiting period. | 01-15-2009 |
20090038551 | MILK PRODUCTION IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT - A milk-producing animal is provided with decontaminated air, decontaminated water, and decontaminated feed inside a hermetically sealed decontaminated facility. Uncontaminated milk is then obtained from the animal within the facility. The animal is decontaminated and vaccinated before being placed in the facility. Human personnel decontamination, a mandatory airlock, and/or automated livestock equipment are also utilized to limit contamination of the hermetically sealed facility. | 02-12-2009 |
20090050061 | Milking equipment and method - 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 ( | 02-26-2009 |
20090056632 | MILKING APPARATUS AND METHOD - The invention relates to apparatus for milking animals such as cows, components of the apparatus and methods of milking animals employing the apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least two resilient membranes having a space therebetween into which the teat of the animal may be inserted. The membranes are held by a support structure under tension in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of the teat, to protect the teat from excessive force when the membranes fall onto the teat. | 03-05-2009 |
20090064936 | Method and arrangement for controlling the milking by a milking machine - A method and arrangement are provided for controlling the milking by a milking machine, which comprises at least one teat cup having a flexible teat receiving liner arranged inside a teat cup shell, wherein, during milking, a vacuum is applied to a lower part of the interior of the flexible teat receiving liner to draw milk from a teat received therein while the flexible teat receiving liner is periodically opened and collapsed by application of a pulsating massage vacuum between the flexible teat receiving liner and the teat cup shell. According to the invention a pressure sensor measures repeatedly a vacuum level in an upper part of the interior of the flexible teat receiving line, and means is provided for, depending on the repeatedly measured vacuum level, interrupting the periodic opening and collapsing of the flexible teat receiving liner by keeping the flexible teat receiving liner collapsed for a specific period of time. | 03-12-2009 |
20090084318 | System and Method For Milking Animals - A system for milking animals comprises a plurality of milking machines ( | 04-02-2009 |
20090145362 | Apparatus and method for cleaning and pre-milking a teat of a milking animal - An apparatus for cleaning and pre-milking a teat of a milking animal prior to the milking animal being milked comprises a teat cleaning and pre-milking device ( | 06-11-2009 |
20090145363 | Milking System and Method for Generating and Communicating Error Messages in Such a Milking System - A milking system comprises a plurality of apparatuses ( | 06-11-2009 |
20090151641 | Milking Cup and Milking Method - An apparatus for milking animals having a housing and a suction element arranged inside the housing wherein a pulsation chamber and a teat chamber are formed in said housing at the suction element and wherein at least one opening assigned to the pulsation chamber is provided to apply a gas to the pulsation chamber. Said pulsation chamber is subdivided into multiple pulsation compartments substantially separate from one another. | 06-18-2009 |
20090151642 | Method and Device for Milking Animals - The present invention relates to a method for milking animals wherein a negative pressure is periodically built up and relieved in a teat cup gap at a predetermined rate. The negative pressure is maintained over a predetermined suction phase (b) and relieved over a predetermined rest phase (d). The ratio between the suction phase (b) and the rest phase (d) changes at least once during the milking operation. In a preferred embodiment the first duration does not exceed a predetermined, first limit value and the second duration does not fall beneath a predetermined, second limit value. | 06-18-2009 |
20090165724 | Teat Cup and Method for Bringing a Fluid into Contact with the Teat of an Animal | 07-02-2009 |
20090165725 | METHOD FOR MILKING ANIMALS IN A GROUP - A method for milking animals in a group at a plurality of milking locations formed in a milking parlor, the method including the steps of manually applying, substantially successively, at each milking location a milking device to the udder of the animal to be milked and starting milking by a milking controller that controls the milking device. For adaptation to the individual needs of the milker, the present method suggests that a subsequent milking device of the milking parlor should be started in an automated manner in the order that corresponds to the order in which the milking device was attached and as a result of the starting of the preceding milking controller. The present method can be used for starting various milking phases, e.g. the automatic preparation phase for arranging the milking cups at a removal position for the user, or the milking phase in which milk is milked from the animal to be milked, in an automated manner on the basis of the respective time values previously required by a user for user-specific-phases. | 07-02-2009 |
20090165726 | Milk Collecting Device and Method for Operating a Milk Collecting Device - The invention relates to a milk collecting device and a method for operating a milk collecting device, comprising a milk collecting vessel with an inlet and a controllable outlet and a measuring device, said measuring device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode at a separation from the first electrode, a power supply electrically connected to both electrodes and a measuring device for recording an electrical parameter. The power supply is connected to two connection points on the first electrode at a separation from each other such as to be in parallel with relation to the first electrode and connected to the second electrode by the measuring device in order to determine a characteristic measure for the filling level of a liquid in the milk collecting vessel. | 07-02-2009 |
20090194029 | Washing Apparatus and Method for Cleaning Milking Related Equipment - The invention is related to a washing apparatus for cleaning milking related equipment comprising a washing apparatus connectable to an automatic milking station ( | 08-06-2009 |
20090199769 | Adaptive Milking System - A method for milking a mammal is provided by interactively and variably responding to sensed and monitored milk flow and adaptively varying one or more given milking parameters in response thereto for the individual mammal. | 08-13-2009 |
20090235868 | TEATCUP - A teatcup and a teatcup liner are described. The teatcup liner ( | 09-24-2009 |
20090260573 | Portable Milking Apparatus and Method - 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. | 10-22-2009 |
20090260574 | Arrangement and method in a milking system - An arrangement is provided in a milking system for simultaneous milking of a plurality of milking animals, wherein the milking system comprises a plurality of milking positions (P | 10-22-2009 |
20090272325 | CONTROLLING A DAIRY STABLE - A dairy stable ( | 11-05-2009 |
20090288605 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING ANIMALS ON A DAIRY FARM - A management system for managing animals on a dairy farm includes a receiving element ( | 11-26-2009 |
20090301396 | Method and Arrangement for Animal Management - A method for animal management is provided in a milking system comprising a milking box ( | 12-10-2009 |
20090320758 | Method and device for the more efficient usage of milking technology in Big, Multistation Milking Plants - The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for milking at least one animal, particularly cows, in a multi-position milking installation. | 12-31-2009 |
20090320759 | Arrangements and method in a milking system - An arrangement is provided in a milking system for simultaneous milking of animals comprising milking positions (P | 12-31-2009 |
20100012039 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTMENT OF A MILKING LOCATION - The present invention relates to a system ( | 01-21-2010 |
20100024734 | SLENDER MILKING HOSE SUPPORT TREE - 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. | 02-04-2010 |
20100031889 | ROTARY PARLOUR FOR AUTOMATIC MILKING OF ANIMALS AND A METHOD FOR ATTACHING TEAT CUPS TO MILKING ANIMALS ON A ROTARY PLATFORM - A rotary parlour for milking of animals includes an annular rotary platform ( | 02-11-2010 |
20100050947 | AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE - An automatic milking device for milking a dairy animal, comprising a control device and a weighing floor with weight sensors for supplying weight signals, and with a filter for filtering the weight signals into a filtered signal indicative of the position of the centre of gravity of the dairy animal, wherein the control device is configured for controlling the milking by the automatic milking device on the basis of the weight signal filtered by the filter. The control device is arranged for controlling the automatic milking device on the basis of the unfiltered weight signal after the milking has been finished. As a result thereof, it is possible to respond more quickly to movements of the dairy animal, without the filter having a delaying effect. | 03-04-2010 |
20100064974 | ASSEMBLY FOR FEEDING AND MILKING ANIMALS, AND A METHOD OF FEEDING AND MILKING ANIMALS - An assembly and method for feeding and milking animals is disclosed. The assembly is provided with an area where the animals are allowed to move freely, with a number of juxtaposed feeding stations for the animals, and with a retaining device for retaining an animal at a feeding station. The retaining device can be activated for retaining an animal and can be deactivated for releasing an animal. A mobile milking robot connects at least one teat cup to a teat of an animal, a computer system controlling the operation and movement of the milking robot. The mobile milking robot is a self-propelled mobile milking robot, and the retaining device is fixedly disposed at the feeding station. | 03-18-2010 |
20100071626 | System and method of detecting disease in mammal - Mastitis in a milking animal is detected through sensing the capacitance effects in milk. Using frequencies of greater than 60 megahertz applied by a capacitance probe to milk as it streams through otherwise conventional milking equipment during milking, yields a reliably discernable shift in the phase angle, indicating the presence of mastitis. | 03-25-2010 |
20100089324 | MEHTOD FOR COLLECTING MILK IN A MILK TANK, MILKING SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS - 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. | 04-15-2010 |
20100116211 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR ANIMAL MANAGEMENT - A method is provided for managing animals ( | 05-13-2010 |
20100126420 | MILKING SYSTEM AND A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMISING POWER REQUIREMENT OF A VACUUM OPERATED MILKING SYSTEM - A vacuum operated milking system ( | 05-27-2010 |
20100147221 | Method for operating a milking facility, in addition to corresponding milking facility - 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. | 06-17-2010 |
20100154713 | System and Method of Production for Milk Products - A system and method for producing milk is disclosed in which animals present themselves for milking on a voluntary basis. The milk produced is handled and processed separately from milk and dairy products produced by conventional milking. Advantageous characteristics of the milk are retained and can be made available for the consumer. The production process may also be adapted to the voluntary milking facilities. | 06-24-2010 |
20100170445 | METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR MANAGING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS, AS WELL AS A COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT THEREFOR - The invention provides a method of managing a group of dairy animals including individually recognizing each animal by an animal identification system, milking the animals to give actual milk yields for each animal, and feeding the animals with an predetermined individual ration, collecting data regarding the group of dairy animals, which data comprise for each animal at least the actual milk yield and an amount of the individual ration consumed by the animal, wherein subsequent individual milk yields are estimated using a model on the basis of said data, and wherein, for one or more animals, at least one of the individual ration and the milking of individual dairy animals is adjusted in a regulatory step of the model using a precondition. The invention also provides a device and a computer program product, arranged to perform such a method. | 07-08-2010 |
20100170446 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COOLING AN ANIMAL - The present invention relates to a method in which an animal is cooled and to apparatus for cooling an animal, in particular a cow. The method includes the step of determining the condition of the animal ( | 07-08-2010 |
20100192860 | MILKING FACILITY AND METHOD FOR MILKING THEREIN - A space-saving milking facility includes an entrance passage way ( | 08-05-2010 |
20100206236 | ANIMAL SHELTER STRUCTURE - An at least partially open sided outdoor animal shelter structure to condition animals, when positioned within the structure, to a desired physiological state by controlling the environment in the structure, the structure including a floor to support animals, side supports, 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 ambient light to pass therethrough and into the structure, and wherein there are ways in which to control the temperature and/or airflow under the canopy in a passive manner such as by a movable shade cloth, that in one condition is located intermediate of the canopy and the animals to offer shade to the animals when in the structure and in at least one other condition is retracted from being positioned to offer shade to such animals. | 08-19-2010 |
20100236484 | MILKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VACUUM REGULATION - A milking system includes a vacuum pump ( | 09-23-2010 |
20100236485 | MILKING PARLOUR AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - An apparatus for milking an animal and provides a milking parlour ( | 09-23-2010 |
20100282172 | TEAT PREPARATION STATION AND METHOD FOR TEAT PREPARATION - A teat preparation station( | 11-11-2010 |
20100282173 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE MILKING BY A MILKING MACHINE - A method for controlling the milking by a milking machine, which milking machine includes a plurality of teat cups ( | 11-11-2010 |
20100288198 | Arrangement and Method for Determining the Position of an Animal - 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. | 11-18-2010 |
20100300362 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING A TEAT CUP - An apparatus and method for locating a teat cup for use in a milking parlour. The apparatus includes a milking stall ( | 12-02-2010 |
20100307420 | MILKING PARLOUR AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - An apparatus for milking an animal provides a milking parlour ( | 12-09-2010 |
20100313812 | SYSTEM FOR MILKING COWS AND METHOD - A system for milking cows includes a structure for retaining cows therein. Such structure includes at least one holding area within such structure, at least one exit alley connected to and extending from a predetermined portion of such at least one holding area to at least one of a predetermined housing area, at least one additional holding area, and a combination thereof. At least one of at least one milking robot, at least one automated milking machine, and a combination thereof is disposed within such at least one holding area for automatically milking at least one predetermined cow when such at least one predetermined cow is closely adjacent a predetermined side of such at least one of such at least one milking robot, such at least one automated milking machine, and such combination thereof. A method for milking cows is also provided. | 12-16-2010 |
20100326360 | MILKING EQUIPMENT AND METHOD - 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 ( | 12-30-2010 |
20110011343 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROLLING THE MILKING BY A MILKING MACHINE - A method for controlling the milking by a milking machine includes, during an initial phase of the milking, increasing a milking vacuum and/or a maximum pulsation vacuum for the milking gradually from a first selected vacuum level (1L) towards a second selected vacuum level (2L) to thereby improve teat stimulation and decreasing the risk of a second milk letdown. When a second milk letdown (2ML) is detected, the maximum pulsation vacuum is preferably immediately lowered to a third selected vacuum level (3L), and is kept at that third selected vacuum level until a certain milk flow has been established, whereupon the pulsation vacuum level is then again increased gradually until the second selected vacuum level is reached. | 01-20-2011 |
20110088624 | METHOD FOR THE PROTECTION OF SKIN REGIONS OF A TEAT DURING THE MILKING PROCESS, AND FILM FOR SUCH A METHOD - Disclosed is a method for protecting especially injured or stressed skin regions of a teat during the milking process. In said method, the teat is wrapped in an overlapping manner in a film that is a combination of planar support and an adhesive layer, by means of which the film sticks to itself and to the skin. The thickness and the elastic and/or plastic deformability of the adhesive layer are selected such that the adhesive layer compensates the shearing forces acting from the film onto the skin when the teat is stretched during the milking process, and/or the adhesive layer is selected in such as way as to detach from the skin without substantially injuring the corneocyte layer when a force acts on the adhesive layer in the longitudinal direction of the teat. | 04-21-2011 |
20110114023 | Method and device for treatment of animals - Method and device for treatment of a milk-yielding animal ( | 05-19-2011 |
20110114024 | AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE - 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. | 05-19-2011 |
20110155064 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR ANIMAL MANAGEMENT - A method for management of animals in an area ( | 06-30-2011 |
20110155065 | METHOD FOR MILKING, COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT, AND MILKING SYSTEM - A method for milking is provided in a milking system which includes a milking machine having a plurality of teat cups, which teat cups are attached to, and detached from, teats of animals as part of the milkings of the animals. The method determines whether an animal, which presents itself at the milking system, has a regular milking permission and when the animal has a regular milking permission the animal is milked in a regular milking procedure. When the animal does not have a regular milking permission, the method determine whether the animal has at least one udder compartment that was incompletely milked last time the animal was milked, and provided that the animal has at least one udder compartment that was incompletely milked last time the animal was milked, the animal is given a partial milking permission and the animal is milked in a partial milking procedure, wherein the regular and partial milking procedures differ from one another with respect to the procedure for the attachment of the teat cups to, and/or detachment of the teat cups from, the teats of the animal. | 06-30-2011 |
20110168096 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POSITIONING A MILKING CUP ON A TEAT OF AN ANIMAL - Methods and apparatus for positioning milking cups on respective teats of a milk-yielding animal by; generating a 3D direct recording of at least one of the milking cups and at least one of the teats of the milk-yielding animal, determining a relative distance between the milking cup and the teat from the 3D direct recording using an image processing device, using a control device to process data about the relative distance determination and then calculate a drive movement for one or more actuators for moving the milking cup(s) and reducing the relative distance between a milking cup and a respective teat, carrying out the drive movement provided that an error does not occur, and making at least one 3D direct recording for being evaluated. | 07-14-2011 |
20110220028 | Milking Equipment and Method - 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. | 09-15-2011 |
20110226183 | HANDLING OF TEAT CUPS - Teat cups are fetched from a teat cup magazine by a gripper carried on a robotic arm. The gripper grips and removes teat cups from the teat cup magazine. The gripper also holds at least one teat cup during transport thereof towards an udder where an animal's teats are located. A positioning element determines position estimates representing at least one spatial characteristic of the udder. Based on the position estimates, the robotic arm and the gripper are controlled to attach the teat cups to the teats where the position estimates constitutes a basis for controlling the robotic arm and the gripper to remove teat cups from the teat cup magazine in such a manner that a teat-receiving end of the teat cup attains a horizontal level in the gripper, which horizontal level is adapted to the at least one spatial characteristic of the udder. | 09-22-2011 |
20110232575 | Milking Equipment and Method - 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. | 09-29-2011 |
20110232576 | METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL DEPENDENT ON THE LACTATION PERIODS - The invention provides a milking device having at least one teat cup connectable to a teat of a dairy animal, and a method of controlling the milking device. A measuring sensor measures the amount of milk secreted. Data regarding the dairy animal are collected in a control unit. The method includes the steps of: providing a milking frequency determined in a first manner at a first lactation phase and a milking frequency determined in a second, different manner at a later, second lactation phase, for example, the stimulation phase and the stable phase, respectively, wherein the first manner results in a higher milking frequency than the second manner in the same circumstances; identifying a dairy animal and determining the associated milking frequency; milking the dairy animal dependent on the milking frequency; determining the milk production; and switching from the first to the second lactation phase, dependent on the milk production. | 09-29-2011 |
20110239942 | METHOD OF DYNAMIC MILKING - In a method of dynamic milking, is performed a given modulating of values of airflow-forming pressures in a first working zone in a negative drive cycle and in a second working zone in a positive drive cycle of a cyclic drive unit, for providing and energy-physiological optimization of given periodic dynamic in-phase vacuum and mechanical actions on a surface of a milking teat in a two-chamber teat cap with a hermetic chamber connected with a source of a chamber pressure, whose movable part of a wall realizes the mechanical actions only on a lateral surface of the teat without interrupting of a spatial channel for movement of milking milk between an open output of the milking channel of the teat and a constantly open milk output of the teat cup during a dynamic milking process. | 10-06-2011 |
20110239943 | MILKING DEVICE FOR THE MILKING OF MILKING ANIMALS - The invention relates to a milking device for milking animals, the required vacuum being, for example, generated by generating compressed air using a compressor and passing said compressed air through the system, the compressed air creating a vacuum at all required locations by means of the Venturi system. Because this vacuum differs at the various locations, the reduced pressure can be regulated precisely and adapted as required. | 10-06-2011 |
20110239944 | METHOD OF MILKING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS - The invention relates to a method of milking a group of dairy animals including a first subgroup and a second subgroup by an automatic milking system, and wherein the milking system is flushed after a dairy animal from the second subgroup has been milked. The flushing step is postponed after a dairy animal from the second subgroup has been milked until at least a minimum number greater than or equal to two dairy animals from the second subgroup has been milked successively, or a subsequent dairy animal belonging to the first subgroup has been identified and the decision has been made that the dairy animal from the first subgroup presenting itself can be milked, or by postponing the milking of a dairy animal from the second subgroup until at least a minimum number greater than or equal to two dairy animals from the first subgroup has been milked successively. | 10-06-2011 |
20110239945 | SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING A TEAT CUP TO A TEAT - The invention provides a system for connecting a teat cup to a teat, including a teat cup with an opening for receiving a teat, a robot arm for moving the teat cup, a teat cup positioning system with a 3D-sensor and a sensor device for measuring a control quantity, and for connecting the teat cup under the control of the 3D-camera and the control quantity. The sensor device includes at least two electrodes around the opening and a capacitive sensor configured to measure a quantity connected with the capacitance between the electrodes, in particular the capacitance between two electrodes. This system provides a reliable positioning with respect to a teat by, for example, maximization of the measured capacitance. The positioning system supports an optical 3D-sensor for the first, global positioning. | 10-06-2011 |
20110247563 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL - The invention relates to a device for and method of milking dairy animals, in particular cows. The device and method have been improved in order to enhance the efficiency of use. In one embodiment, for the milking, teat cups are connected by means of a robot arm to respective teats of the dairy animal. This makes it possible to start the milking of the teats of the dairy animal. A milk flow from the respective teat can be measured. The milking can be ended by means of a control unit in dependence on a comparison value which is calculated on the basis of a milking parameter representative of a milk flow from the respective teat and in dependence on a deactivation threshold. According to the invention, the milking of the last teat is ended in dependence on a last-teat period to be calculated. | 10-13-2011 |
20110247564 | METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL - The invention relates to a device for and method of milking dairy animals, in particular cows. In one embodiment, for the milking, teat cups are connected by means of a robot arm to respective teats of the dairy animal. This makes it possible to start the milking of the teats of the dairy animal. A milk flow from the respective teat can be measured. The milking can be ended by means of a control unit in dependence on a comparison value which is calculated on the basis of a milking parameter representative of a milk flow from the respective teat and in dependence on a deactivation threshold. According to the invention, a second manner of calculating is used for calculating the comparison value of the last teat. The milking of the last teat can also depend on the moment of ending the milking of the one-but-last teat. | 10-13-2011 |
20110303155 | System and Method for Implementing an Adaptive Milking Process - An adaptive milking system comprises a milk meter, a controller, and a detacher. The milk meter measures a flow rate of milking an animal during a first period of time, and continues to monitor the flow rate of milking the animal. The controller is communicatively coupled to the milk meter and calculates a percentage of the measured flow rate. The controller triggers a delay timer when the monitored flow rate of milking the animal becomes lower than the larger of (a) a default threshold flow rate and (b) the calculated percentage of the measured flow rate. The detacher is communicatively coupled to the controller and removes a milking unit from the animal when the delay timer reaches a threshold time. | 12-15-2011 |
20120000427 | MILKING PARLOUR AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - 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. | 01-05-2012 |
20120006269 | Automated Rotary Milking System - 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. | 01-12-2012 |
20120006270 | AUTOMATIC MILK SEPARATION - An indicating system for use in a milking system including an automated milking machine with a method for detecting mastitis of a milking animal in an automated milking machine, includes a first device for automatically obtaining and determining a first indicator of mastitis; a second device for automatically obtaining and determining a second indicator of mastitis; a processor operatively connected to the first and second devices and configured for automatically i) evaluating the first and second indicators of mastitis, and ii) identifying, based on the result the evaluation of the first and second indicators of mastitis, the need for a third indicator of mastitis. | 01-12-2012 |
20120097107 | DAIRY ANIMAL MILKING PREPARATION SYSTEM AND METHODS - The present invention relates to preparing dairy animal teats for being milked, and more particularly to teat preparation, rinsing, and milking that all take place in a milking machine teat cup liner. Such a method includes: applying a teat sanitizer to the teat; injecting air into the liner to force the teat sanitizer toward a waste milk line connected to the liner; pulsating the liner at a first pulsation rate; drawing a rinsing milk from the teat; directing the teat sanitizer, the air, and the rinsing fluid to the waste milk line; pulsating the liner at a second pulsation rate to draw additional milk from the teat; and directing the additional milk to a good milk line. | 04-26-2012 |
20120097108 | DEVICE FOR AND A METHOD OF MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL - The present invention relates to a milking device for milking a dairy animal, including at least one teat cup including a flexible cup liner around a teat space, and a single pulsation space and a milk line, a milking vacuum pump connected to the milk line, for providing a milking vacuum, a pulsator connected to the pulsation space, for providing a controllable air pressure therein, and a control device for controlling at least the pulsator during at least a milking action. The control device is configured to cause the pulsator and/or the milking vacuum pump to provide, in a period of time consecutive to a milking action wherein a dairy animal is milked and a teat is located in the teat space, such a substantially stable, non-pulsating pressure difference between the pulsation space and the teat space, that the cup liner shuts off the teat space from the milk line. | 04-26-2012 |
20120103266 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD IN A MILKING SYSTEM, THE MILKING SYSTEM ITSELF, AND A COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR CONTROLLING THE METHOD - 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. | 05-03-2012 |
20120111274 | METHOD OF MILKING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS BY MEANS OF AN AUTOMATIC MILKING SYSTEM - In the method of milking a group of dairy animals by an automatic milking system, the group includes at least two subgroups. The method has a number of steps. In one step, a dairy animal that presents itself for a milking is identified. Subsequently, a decision is taken about whether or not the dairy animal should be milked at that moment. If milking is desirable and the dairy animal belongs to the first subgroup, a teat cleaning treatment is carried out prior to the start of the milking. During the teat cleaning treatment, at least one teat of the dairy animal is cleaned. Upon identification of a dairy animal from the second subgroup, a limitation for a teat cleaning treatment is issued by a control device. | 05-10-2012 |
20120125261 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS - The present invention relates to a system and method of managing a group of dairy animals. More particularly, the invention relates to measuring one or more milk parameters, comparing this parameter to a criterion, and allowing an animal access to a pasture based on this comparison. The milk parameter is related to the composition of milk obtained from a dairy animal in as far as the composition is defined by at least one of the amount of protein and the energy intake of the dairy animal. The measured milk parameter is, for example, urea. Access to the pasture will be completely or partly blocked for a dairy animal having a high content of urea. This dairy animal is thus prevented from taking in an undesirably large amount of protein. | 05-24-2012 |
20120145082 | MILKING DEVICE, METHOD OF MILKING AND SOFTWARE FOR CONTROLLING A MILKING DEVICE - The invention relates to a milking device, a method and software. The milking device includes a device for preventing contaminants in milk during the milking of an animal. The milking device includes a teat cup to be attached to a teat and to be connected to a milk collecting vessel for collecting the milk. The device further includes a detector for generating and transmitting a disruption signal as a result of the detection of a premature becoming detached of the teat cup, and/or as a result of the detection of the incorrect attachment of a teat cup. The device also includes a management system to separate, on the basis of the disruption signal, the milk from the animal into a first amount of milk, which is led to a first destination, and a second amount of milk, which is led to a second destination different from the first destination. | 06-14-2012 |
20120160174 | SMART MILK SAMPLER FOR VMS - A milk sampling apparatus and method receives milk from a milking machine and discharges discrete samples of the milk for analysis. In the method, milk is collected in a chamber, excess milk is emptied from the chamber by an emptying parts which reduces the milk in the chamber to a predetermined level, and milk samples of predetermined quantity are successively discharged through respective outlets located at different heights within the chamber and which are opened in turn from the uppermost outlet to the lowermost outlet. | 06-28-2012 |
20120160175 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR INDICATING UNDESIRED DETACHMENT OF A MILKING MEMBER FROM AN ANIMAL - 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. | 06-28-2012 |
20120180728 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MILKING ANIMALS HAVING FOUR TEATS - Apparatus and method for milking animals, comprising a control device ( | 07-19-2012 |
20120199073 | System and Method for Determining Whether to Operate a Robot in Conjunction With a Rotary Milking Platform Based on Detection of a Milking Claw - In certain embodiments, a system includes a robotic arm. The robotic arm is operable to extend between the legs of a dairy livestock located in a milking stall of a rotary milking platform. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm. The controller is operable to determine whether a milking claw is attached to the teats of the dairy livestock. The controller is also operable to control the robotic arm to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock based at least in part on whether the milking claw is attached. | 08-09-2012 |
20120204797 | ROTARY MILKING STATION, KIT FOR ASSEMBLING THE SAME, AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLING AND OPERATING ASSOCIATED THERETO - A rotary milking station ( | 08-16-2012 |
20120204798 | METHOD OF MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL BY MEANS OF A MILKING SYSTEM - The invention provides a system and method of milking and feeding a dairy animal, wherein feed is dispensed in portions during the milking. At a predetermined moment the portion size is reduced, in order to increase the chance that the animal has actually eaten the last allocated portion at the moment when the milking has been ended, so that it will not hesitate to leave the milking parlour. This will result in a reduction of the time during which the milking parlour is unnecessarily occupied, and in an enhanced efficiency. | 08-16-2012 |
20120210938 | System and Method for Controlling the Position of a Robot Carriage Based on the Position of a Milking Stall of an Adjacent Rotary Milking Platform - 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. | 08-23-2012 |
20120210939 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROLLING THE MILKING BY A MILKING MACHINE - A method for controlling the milking by a milking machine includes, during an initial phase of the milking, increasing a milking vacuum and/or a maximum pulsation vacuum for the milking gradually from a first selected vacuum level ( | 08-23-2012 |
20120216748 | System and Method for Using Robots in Conjunction With a Rotary Milking Platform - 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. | 08-30-2012 |
20120272901 | Milking Machine Attachment Aid - A method of attaching and/or removing a teat cup from an animal with a liner inflatable and deflatable by a pulsator which alternately introduces air and vacuum to a pulsation chamber surrounding the liner. The method comprising the steps of: setting the pulsator to constantly introduce vacuum to the pulsation chamber to open and maintain the liner in an open position for an attachment time period; attaching the teat cup to the animal during the attachment time period; setting the pulsator to alternate between introducing air and vacuum to the pulsation chamber during a milking time period to milk the animal; and removing the teat cup from the animal. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272902 | Milking Box with Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272903 | System and Method for Improved Attachment of a Cup to a Dairy Animal - In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a milking cup, a pulsating device coupled to the milking cup, a robotic arm comprising a gripper, and a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm and the pulsating device. The controller is operable to instruct the gripper of the robotic arm to grip the milking cup, instruct the robotic arm to move the milking cup proximate to a teat of a dairy livestock, and instruct the robotic arm to move the milking cup towards the teat. The controller is further operable to instruct the pulsating device to apply pressure to the milking cup before attaching the milking cup to the teat and instruct the gripper of the robotic arm to release the milking cup. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272904 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING A CUP TO A DAIRY ANIMAL ACCORDING TO A SEQUENCE - In certain embodiments, a robotic attacher performs a method of attaching and detaching a cup from the teats of a dairy livestock in the sequence of right front teat, left front teat, left rear teat, and right rear teat. The method comprises the steps of determining a reference point and then, for each teat, positioning the cup relative to the reference point, determining a location of the teat, attaching the cup to the teat, and detaching the cup from the teat. In certain alternate embodiments, the sequence of attaching and detaching the cup comprises left front teat, right front teat, right rear teat, and left rear teat. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272905 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING CUPS TO A DAIRY ANIMAL - In certain embodiments, a robotic attacher retrieves cups from the right side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the right front teat, a second cup to the left front teat, a third cup to the right rear teat, and a fourth cup to the left rear teat. In certain alternative embodiments, the robotic attacher retrieves cups from the left side of the equipment area, and the sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the left front teat, a second cup to the right front teat, a third cup to the left rear teat, and a fourth cup to the right rear teat. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272906 | Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272907 | Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272908 | Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272909 | Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272910 | Milking Box With Robotic Attacher - In certain embodiments, a system includes a front wall, a rear wall positioned substantially parallel to the front wall, and first and second side walls each extending between the front wall and the rear wall. The first side wall includes a gate, and the second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall such that the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define a milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a dairy livestock. The system includes an equipment portion located adjacent to the rear wall. The equipment portion houses a robotic attacher configured to extend between the rear legs of a dairy livestock located within the milking box stall in order to attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock. | 11-01-2012 |
20120272911 | Milking Equipment - In a milking cluster of teat cups, each teat cup has a port in the form of a nozzle disposed in the head portion of the flexible liner of the teat cup. The milking cluster includes a distributor having a fluid inlet and outlets connected to the nozzles of the cups. The distributor inlet is connected to a delivery line for supplying sanitising treatment fluid, which is utilised to treat the teats and teat cups in a cleansing cycle following the milking cycle, by a second valve operable to maintain the delivery line primed with treatment fluid preparatory to initiation of the cleansing cycle. A safety valve is disposed at the distributor inlet, the safety valve being operable during a milking cycle to open a drain port through which treatment fluid may flow to waste. | 11-01-2012 |
20120298042 | Milking System Shut-Off and Sensors - In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets. Each inlet is adapted to receive a flow of milk from a dairy livestock, and each outlet is adapted to receive a flow of milk from a corresponding one or more inlets. The plurality of outlets include one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. Each milk collector outlet is adapted to direct the flow of milk received from the corresponding one or more inlets to a milk collector. Each drain outlet is adapted to direct the flow of milk received from the corresponding one or more inlets to a discard area. The apparatus further includes one or more valves each associated with one of the plurality of inlets. The one or more valves are adapted to direct the flow of milk received at the associated inlet to either a corresponding one of the one or more milk collector outlets or a corresponding one of the one or more drain outlets. | 11-29-2012 |
20120312237 | Automated Cluster Remover - In certain embodiments, a system includes a cylinder and a piston, the piston positioned within the cylinder and operable to move within the cylinder from a retracted position to an extended position. The system further includes a vacuum port facilitating application of a vacuum pressure to the cylinder, the vacuum pressure resulting in a vacuum force being applied to the piston, the vacuum force causing the piston to move toward the retracted position. The system further includes a spring member configured to apply a spring force to the piston when the piston is in the retracted position, the spring force offsetting at least a portion of the vacuum force. The system further includes a sensor operable to generate a displacement signal in response to detecting movement of the piston from the retracted position toward the extended position. | 12-13-2012 |
20120325153 | METHOD FOR MILKING AN ANIMAL, AND MILKING ARRANGEMENT - There are provided a method of and arrangement for automatically milking an animal by use of an automatic milking system comprising a plurality of teat cups, a robot arm for automatic attachment of the teat cups and a control system arranged to control the milking system, wherein the teat cups are used, until a defect is established with a teat cup. In that case, milking of the non-milked teat is automatically taken over with the first teat cup that has stopped milking. | 12-27-2012 |
20130019806 | METHOD OF DETECTING A FLOW, DETECTION DEVICE, AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - Milk flow detecting method and device monitors a flow of milk in a milk line which is connected to a teat cup and which has an aeration opening, like in a milking device. For this purpose, the milk filling level is monitored in a measuring section of the line. If the variation therein is too little, the absence of a flow, or at least an inadequate flow, is established. If, additionally, a (sufficient) filling level is detected, it can be concluded that there is an obstructed aeration opening. | 01-24-2013 |
20130025540 | MILKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING MILK - A milking system includes a milk storage tank, a common milk line connected to the tank, at least two milking stations connected to the milk line, a milk constituent analyzing unit connected to the milk line and analyzing the milk provided from each of the stations through the milk line, with respect to a specific milk constituent, and a computer operatively connected to the analyzing unit. The computer stores milk quality information of the extracted milk and animal identity data of each of the specifically identified animals. Each station automatically identifies a specific animal, extracts milk from the animal, and transfers the milk through the common milk line to the milk storage tank. The stations, the computer, and the analyzing unit are operatively connected to allow a result of the milk analysis to be associated with the animal(s) identity specifically identified at each station from which the milk was extracted. | 01-31-2013 |
20130025541 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING MILK - A milk analyzing system is disclosed, which includes a milk constituent analyzing unit configured to analyze milk from a milking station with respect to a specific constituent of the milk, and a control device communicatively connected to the milking station and to the milk constituent analyzing unit. The control device is configured to retrieve an analyzing appropriateness parameter for each of the animals milked by the milking station indicating an appropriateness of analyzing milk from the animal with respect to the specific constituent. The control device is configured to control the milk constituent analyzing unit to analyze milk from the milking station with respect to the specific constituent when the time elapsed from when the milk constituent analyzing unit last analyzed milk exceeds a threshold time period, irrespective of the analyzing appropriateness parameter for the animal milked by the milking station. | 01-31-2013 |
20130061806 | SENSOR ARRAY FOR LOCATING AN OBJECT IN SPACE - The present invention is a detection device, system and/or method for locating the position of at least an object present in space, such as the position of a teat of an animal. The device may include an array of sensors. Each sensor in the array may incorporate a transmitter-receiver pair. The transmitter and receiver within each pair may be disposed at an angle, to detect an object in space, through the use of signals. Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more detection devices and may be utilized to detect one or more objects present invention space. The device of the present invention may be used in a system for milking dairy animals. | 03-14-2013 |
20130068166 | MILKING HOSE SUPPORT - A milking hose support comprising a frame adapted for supporting a milking hose, the frame having a hose coupler located on a side and adapted for supporting a milking hose; a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly includes a hinge and connects the frame to the hinge; and a first flat bar, wherein the first flat bar is coupled to the hinge assembly, and extends away from the frame, wherein the hinge permits a variable angle of rotation between the frame and the first flat bar. | 03-21-2013 |
20130087100 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR CONTROL IN AN ANIMAL HANDLING SYSTEM - An arrangement for control in an animal handling system includes an automated teat preparation station for preparation of teats of animals to be milked and a separately located milking system for milking of the animals. The arrangement is operatively connected to the teat preparation station and the milking system and includes a unit estimating a time left until the milking system is ready to receive a further animal to be milked; a unit estimating, for a animal present at the teat preparation station, a time for preparation of the teats of the animal; and initiating unit initiating automated preparation of the teats of the animal at a point of time, which is dependent on the estimated time left until the milking system is ready to receive a further animal to be milked and on the estimated time for preparation of the teats of the animal. | 04-11-2013 |
20130098295 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROL OF THE MILKING - An arrangement for control of milking of animals permitted to move in an area that includes a milking area with an automatic milking system, the arrangement including at least one animal identification device for identifying the animals entering the milking area, and a process and control device operatively connected to the animal identification device. The process and control device determines, for each of the identified animals, an expected milk yield obtainable in milking that animal, determines repeatedly an accumulated expected milk yield obtainable in milking the identified animals based on the expected milk yields of the identified animals, and initiates a milking session depending on the repeatedly determined accumulated expected milk yield. | 04-25-2013 |
20130112142 | MILKING APPARATUS AND A METHOD FOR PRESENTING A TEAT CUP FOR ATTACHING TO AN ANIMAL - A rotary milking platform ( | 05-09-2013 |
20130112143 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR CONTROL OF THE MILKING - A method for control of milking of animals permitted to move within an area including at least one grazing paddock wherein the animals graze, a milking area located remote from the grazing paddock, and a raceway via which animals in the grazing paddock access the milking area, the milking area including a milking system for milking the animals that access the milking area. The animals that access the milking area via the raceway are counted in at least one position located remote from the milking system, a future amount of animals in the milking area is predicted based on the animals counted in the at least one position located remote from the milking system, and the operation of the milking system or other arrangement in the area is controlled in a manner and at a point of time based on the predicted future amount of animals in the milking area. | 05-09-2013 |
20130125821 | MILKING PROCESS MONITORING - A method that can monitor a milking process is presented and, in particular, a method and apparatus that can effectively determine the stage of the milking process. An additional aspect is to provide a method that may measure a vacuum level associated with the milking process, receive an operational state of a valve associated with the milking process, and compare the vacuum level and valve operational state to criteria to determine the milking stage. Further, the method may be configured to issue an indication of the milking stage or issue an alarm if alarm conditions are satisfied. | 05-23-2013 |
20130167775 | MILKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MILKING A HERD OF DAIRY ANIMALS - A milking system for milking a herd of dairy animals includes a first milking device and a second milking device, an identification device for identifying dairy animals to be milked of a herd of dairy animals, and a control device for determining an estimated treatment time of each dairy animal to be milked. The control device also classifies each dairy animal to be milked with the aid of a criterion on the basis of the estimated treatment time in at least a first or second group of dairy animals. The milking system admits the first group of dairy animals to preferably only the first milking device and admits the second group to preferably only the second milking device. | 07-04-2013 |
20130199449 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR MILKING MEMBERS IN A MILKING PARLOUR - A control system and a method for milking members in a milking parlour having plural milking stalls. The control system includes a local control unit in each milking stall automatically preparing the milking member for a milking operation by setting a vacuum valve in an open position when the milking member is moved from a storage position, and a control unit setting the milking stalls in the milking parlour in a pre-cleaning mode when a milking operation is still in progress in at least one other of the milking stalls. In this case, the local control units prepare the milking members for a cleaning operation instead of a milking operation by maintaining the vacuum valve in a closed position when the milking member is moved from a storage position, until the cleaning operation of the milking member is started. | 08-08-2013 |
20130213304 | MILKING SYSTEM, AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING A MILKING SYSTEM - A milking system includes a milking member for extracting milk from an animal, a transport line, a milk tank, a milk filter unit for filtering the milk with a first filter device and a second filter device, each including a filter container and a filter element, and a valve arrangement to convey milk through the devices, where the valve arrangement communicates with a control unit. The milking system further includes an indication device generating an indication to a user when any one of the filter elements needs to be replaced, which filter of the first and second filter device needs to be replaced, and when the filter element indicated to need to be replaced is accessible for replacement. A method for operating and cleaning the milking system is also provided. | 08-22-2013 |
20130228127 | METHOD OF AND A DEVICE FOR MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL - A method of milking animals and cleaning at least a part of a milking device for milking animals, such as cows, is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of connecting at least one teat cup to a teat of an animal to be milked, milking the animal, cleaning at least a part of the milking device that has come into contact with the animal and/or with the milk from the animal, the very first cleaning step comprising cleaning and/or disinfecting said part of the milking device with steam, and a further cleaning step comprising treating with a fluid at least that part of the milking device that has been treated with steam. | 09-05-2013 |
20130247827 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING AN OPTICAL DETECTION DEVICE FROM CONTAMINATION - A milking system includes a milking robot with a robot arm for applying teat cups to the teats of an animal, an optical detector ( | 09-26-2013 |
20130319336 | DETECTION APPARATUS FOR THE MONITORING OF MILKING ANIMALS - An apparatus is provided for monitoring a milking animal during milking of the animal. The apparatus includes a number of productivity sensors, each measuring at least one indicator of productivity of the animal. A number of temperature sensors, including at least two thermographic cameras, measure heat output from different processing areas of the milking animal. A processor receives the heat outputs and productivity indicators, and uses a combination of these to determine a condition of the milking animal. The condition is then indicated in real time at the monitoring apparatus. | 12-05-2013 |
20130340682 | HUMAN ASSISTED MILKING ROBOT AND METHOD - A human operated control device for assisting a plurality of milking robots includes a controller adapted for controlling communication with a plurality of milking robots operated substantially simultaneously, graphical user interface (GUI) adapted for displaying information received from at least one milking robot and for receiving input from a human supervisor for operating the at least one milking robot based on the displayed information, and a processor adapted to convert the input received from the human supervisor into a command for operating the at least one milking robot from which the information was received. A milking robot for operating milking equipment is adapted to operate in one of an automated mode of operation and a human assisted mode of operation. | 12-26-2013 |
20140000520 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THREE DIMENSIONAL TEAT MODELING FOR USE WITH A MILKING SYSTEM | 01-02-2014 |
20140041591 | Milking Cluster and Milking Parlor Having Such a Milking Cluster - A milking cluster for a milking parlour for milking milk-giving animals, having at least one teat cup unit having a housing, a teat cup, a drive appliance, a pulling element arrangement connected to the teat cup, and the pulling element arrangement has a segment unit having at least two pulling elements. | 02-13-2014 |
20140116341 | METHOD FOR MANAGING DAIRY PRODUCTION - One variation of a method for managing dairy production includes: retrieving a set of electronic feed data for feed materials; receiving life events of a milking animal, including a gynecological status of the milking animal; collecting milking records corresponding to milking events of the milking animal; generating a milk production model for the milking animal based on the life events and milking records; in response to entry of a target milk production value for the milking animal, generating a feed schedule specifying a combination of feed materials based on the milk production model and the electronic feed data to achieve the target milk production value by the milking animal and estimating a milk production profit corresponding to achievement of the target milk production value; and, in response to entry of a target feed value, generating a feed schedule and estimating a milk production value for the milking animal. | 05-01-2014 |
20140165916 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING CUPS TO A DAIRY ANIMAL - A robotic attacher retrieves cups from the left side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the left front teat, a second cup to the right front teat, a third cup to the left rear teat, and a fourth cup to the right rear teat. | 06-19-2014 |
20140174366 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A MILKING PROCESS - A method of monitoring a milking process by a milking apparatus that includes a teatcup with a pulsation space and an airline to deliver varying levels of pressure to the pulsation space. The method includes: measuring airflow within the airline to obtain an indication of volume of displaced air within the pulsation space; comparing the volume with a reference value; and determining a connection parameter, indicating how the teatcup is connected to the teat, based on the comparison. The displaced air volume correlates to the extent the teat protrudes into the teatcup, thus providing information on how the teatcup is connected. Also provided is a milking system incorporating the method. | 06-26-2014 |
20140209029 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MILKING ANIMALS - Methods and apparatus for milking animals wherein a negative pressure is periodically built up in a teat cup gap in an evacuation phase (a), maintained over a predetermined suction phase (b), and relieved in a ventilation phase (c), and a ventilation is maintained over a predetermined rest phase (d). The ratio between the suction phase (b) and the rest phase (d) changes at least once during the milking operation. | 07-31-2014 |
20140238303 | METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR MANAGING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS, AS WELL AS A COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT THEREFOR - A device and computer program product arranged to manage a group of dairy animals including individually recognizing each animal by an animal identification system, milking the animals to give actual milk yields for each animal, and feeding the animals with a predetermined individual ration, collecting data regarding the group of dairy animals, which data includes for each animal at least the actual milk yield and an amount of the individual ration consumed by the animal, wherein subsequent individual milk yields are estimated using a model on the basis of said data, and wherein, for one or more animals, at least one of the individual ration and the milking of individual dairy animals is adjusted in a regulatory step of the model using a precondition. | 08-28-2014 |
20140238304 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A MILKING PROCESS - A method of monitoring a milking process by a milking apparatus with a teatcup with a pulsation space and a pulsation airline configured to deliver varying levels of pressure to the pulsation space, including measuring at least one property of a vibrational signal within the airline with a vibration sensor; comparing a value of the measured property with a reference value; and determining a condition of the milking process based on the comparison. The vibrational signal can be a sound signal from to the displacement of air into and out of the pulsation space. This sound in the airline correlates to the extent to which a teat has entered a teatcup, and is a good indication of the connection of the teatcup to that teat. The sound is furthermore a cleaner signal than a sound signal in a milkline. Also provided is a robotic automatic milking implement incorporating the method. | 08-28-2014 |
20140245958 | MILKING SYSTEM SHUT-OFF AND SENSORS - A method, comprises receiving a flow of milk at an inlet of a manifold. The inlet comprises a first end coupled to a hose that receives a flow of milk from a teat cup and a second end terminating in a chamber of the manifold. The manifold comprises one or more other inlets and a plurality of outlets. The plurality of outlets includes one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. The method proceeds by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding milk collector outlet by causing a shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to open, and by causing a drain valve corresponding to the inlet to close. The method concludes by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding drain outlet by causing the shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to close, and by causing the drain valve corresponding to the inlet to open. | 09-04-2014 |
20140251218 | MILKING PARLOUR AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - 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. | 09-11-2014 |
20140311412 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS - A method and system for managing a group of dairy animals in which a subgroup of dairy animals to be separated from the group of dairy animals is determined. A planned collection time is determined, at which time it is planned that the dairy animals in the subgroup of dairy animals to be separated are separated from the group of dairy animals. An individual separation period, which is determined by the length of time from a start time, preceding the planned collection time, to the planned collection time, is selected separately, for each individual dairy animal in the subgroup of dairy animals to be separated, in dependence of a property of said individual dairy animal. Each individual dairy animal in the subgroup of dairy animals to be separated is separated from the group of dairy animals during the individual separation period selected for said dairy animal. | 10-23-2014 |
20140318458 | ROBOTIC ATTACHER AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A robotic attacher comprises a main arm, a supplemental arm coupled to the main arm, and a gripping portion coupled to the supplemental arm. The gripping portion is operable to rotate such that at a first time, a nozzle is positioned generally on the bottom of the gripping portion, and at a second time, the nozzle is positioned generally on the top of the gripping portion. | 10-30-2014 |
20140338603 | METHOD OF AND ARRANGEMENT FOR MANAGING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS - Method of managing dairy animals in a free housing including a voluntary automatic milking system, and including determining TLM as the time since the last milking of an animal, determining AVMF as an average daily voluntary milking frequency for the animal, setting a desired milking interval DMI for the animal, marking the animal for manual collection if TLM and/or DMI fulfill a collecting criterion, making a list of marked animals, collecting and milking the marked animals, wherein the collecting criterion is fulfilled if TLM is above a first interval threshold, or if TLM is at least equal to the value of a mathematical function applied to the DMI, or if AVMF is below a frequency threshold, and TLM is above a second, shorter interval threshold MRI. Also a milking arrangement is disclosed with a milking robot having a control device arranged to perform the method. | 11-20-2014 |
20140338604 | DAIRY FARM SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREIN - A dairy farm system, with specified zones each capable of housing one or more milking animals at a time, devices for performing actions related to milking animals in the zones, and a management system that controls the operation of the system and stores animal specific data including information of any zone where a milking animal is located at each instant. Each of the devices, each with control means and storage means provided thereon, is communicatively connected to the management system, and is associated with at least one zone in which the device operates. The management system sends the devices animal specific data of only the milking animals which enter, are about to enter, or have entered a zone with which a device is associated. The animal specific data contain control data used by the control means of the device for controlling the operation of the device. | 11-20-2014 |
20140373786 | MILKING DEVICE - A milking device includes a vessel and cover plate. The vessel and the cover plate form a sealed volume that is internally divided into a collecting chamber, a vacuum chamber and an air intake chamber. The collecting chamber is arranged between the vacuum chamber and the air intake chamber. The vessel has a first internal wall that separates the collecting chamber from the air intake chamber, with a first passage between the collecting chamber and the air intake chamber arranged at the first internal wall. The vessel has a second internal wall that separates the collecting chamber from the vacuum chamber, with a second passage between the collecting chamber and the vacuum chamber arranged at the second internal wall. | 12-25-2014 |
20140373787 | MILKING SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR PREVENTING DETACHMENT OF A TEAT CUP FROM A TEAT DURING A MILKING PROCESS - A milking method and system for preventing detachment of a teat cup from a teat of an animal during a milking process where the milking system includes a milk line connected to the teat cup, a vacuum system that applies at least two different vacuum levels to the teat cup, a measuring device configured to measure the air flow in the milk line during the milking process, and a control unit ( | 12-25-2014 |
20150007775 | ANIMAL SHELTER STRUCTURE - An at least partially open sided outdoor animal shelter structure to condition animals, when positioned within the structure, to a desired physiological state by controlling the environment in the structure, the structure including a floor to support animals, side supports, 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 ambient light to pass therethrough and into the structure, and wherein there are ways in which to control the temperature and/or airflow under the canopy in a passive manner such as by a movable shade cloth, that in one condition is located intermediate of the canopy and the animals to offer shade to the animals when in the structure and in at least one other condition is retracted from being positioned to offer shade to such animals. | 01-08-2015 |
20150040830 | METHOD OF MECHANICALLY MILKING AN ANIMAL AND TEAT CUP LINER - 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 ( | 02-12-2015 |
20150068458 | Method for operating a milking plant - In order to avoid negative changes in the teat ends of a cow, in particular to avoid hyperkeratoses, the invention proposes a method for operating a milking system in which at least one of the parameters from total pressure per cycle, minimum total pressure per cycle or the ratio of total suction to total pressure is determined for at least one animal of a herd during at least one part of a milking process, and is compared with at least one reference value. | 03-12-2015 |
20150107518 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR A MILKING SYSTEM - A combined teat position and breeding rating determining arrangement for a milking system having a milking stall, a movable robot arm for automatically attaching teat cups to the teats of the milking animal, and a control device for controlling the movement of the robot arm based on determined positions of the teats of the milking animal. The arrangement includes a three-dimensional camera directed towards the udder of the milking animal that repeatedly records three-dimensional images of the udder, and a processing unit that repeatedly detects the udder or teats of the milking animal, determines their positions based on the recorded three-dimensional images, automatically determines the shapes of the udder or teats based on the repeatedly recorded three-dimensional images, and automatically calculates a breeding rating based on the determined shapes of the udder or teats of the milking animal. | 04-23-2015 |
20150114298 | TEATCUP LINER WITH ENHANCED TEAT MASSAGE - A teatcup liner, for use in a method of providing enhanced teat massage during a milking operation, includes a cross-sectional shape defining plural corner portions and plural side portions with a first side portion being a weak side and each remaining side portion being a strong side; with the weak side having a greater flexibility than each strong side such that during a collapse phase, the collapse of the weak side occurring first and being greater than the collapse of each strong side creates an asymmetric pressure distribution with a greater pressurized area resulting in a prolonged contact surface against the teat end across a first surface region of the cross-sectional shape opposite the weak side as compared to a remainder of the cross-sectional shape, the increased pressurized area across the first surface region providing an enhanced teat massage during the collapse phase. | 04-30-2015 |
20150114299 | AUTOMATED CLUSTER REMOVER - A method comprises receiving a displacement signal generated by a sensor, the displacement signal generated by the sensor in response to detecting movement of a piston from a retracted position in a cylinder toward an extended position in the cylinder. The method further comprises generating, in response to receiving the displacement signal, a valve control signal to be communicated to a valve located on a vacuum line connecting a vacuum source to a vacuum port of the cylinder. The valve control signal causes the valve to move from a first position in which a vacuum pressure is applied to the cylinder via the vacuum port to a second position in which atmospheric pressure is applied to the cylinder via the vacuum port. | 04-30-2015 |
20150342140 | METHOD FOR MILKING SYSTEM AND MILKING SYSTEM - A method is provided for a milking system including a moving device, milking stalls each provided with teat cups, an automatic teat cup attachment system, and an automatic teat cup returning system configured to return the teat cups to default storage positions subsequent to the milking. Current positions of the teat cups are, for each of the milking stalls, sensed after the teat cup returning system withdraws the teat cups, but before the automatic teat cup attachment system fetches the teat cups. The sensed positions of the teat cups are, for each of the milking stalls, compared with the default storage positions to determine whether the sensed current positions of the teat cups deviate from the default storage positions by at least a specified distance, and an action is performed when the sensed positions deviate from the default storage positions by at least the specified distance. | 12-03-2015 |
20150366155 | System and Method for Determining Whether to Operate a Robot in Conjunction with a Rotary Milking Platform Based on Detection of a Milking Claw - A system comprises a robotic arm operable to extend between the legs of a dairy livestock located in a milking stall of a rotary milking platform, a camera operable to generate an image signal corresponding to a rear of the dairy livestock, and a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm and the camera. The controller determines whether a milking claw is attached to the teats of the dairy livestock by receiving the image signal generated by the camera and processing the image signal. If it is determined based on the image signal that the milking claw is not attached, the controller controls the robotic arm to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock. If it is determined based on the image signal that the milking claw is attached, the controller controls the robotic arm not to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock. | 12-24-2015 |
20150366161 | AUTOMATED ROTARY MILKING SYSTEM - A milking system comprises a rotary milking platform having a plurality of milking stalls, a milking device configured for attachment to the teats of a dairy livestock located in a corresponding milking stall of the rotary milking platform, a robotic device operable to attach the milking device to the teats of the dairy livestock, and a controller. The controller controls the operation of the robotic device based at least in part upon a milking log that stores information regarding the amount of time that has elapsed since the last time the dairy livestock was milked and whether an amount of milk collected from the dairy livestock during a previous time period is less than a predefined threshold associated with the dairy livestock. | 12-24-2015 |
20160021842 | MECHANICAL MILKING SYSTEM, DEVICE, PROCEDURE AND USE FOR DAIRY ANIMALS THAT ALLOWS INHIBITING, AND/OR PREVENTING THE PRESENCE OF INFECTIONS DUE TO MASTITIS, WITH SURFACE FUNGICIDE, ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIVIRUS, AND MICROBICIDE PROPERTIES, WHEREIN THE SURFACE COMPRISES SPECIFIC SURFACE RUGOSITY FORMED BY A SPECIAL ALLOY WITH COPPER CONTENT MOSTLY - This invention is related to a pneumatic mechanical milking system ( | 01-28-2016 |
20160029586 | METHOD OF DETECTING A FLOW, DETECTION DEVICE, AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - Milk flow detecting method and device monitors a flow of milk in a milk line which is connected to a teat cup and which has an aeration opening, like in a milking device. For this purpose, the milk filling level is monitored in a measuring section of the line. If the variation therein is too little, the absence of a flow, or at least an inadequate flow, is established. If, additionally, a (sufficient) filling level is detected, it can be concluded that there is an obstructed aeration opening. | 02-04-2016 |
20160044887 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING CUPS TO A DAIRY ANIMAL - A robotic attacher retrieves cups from the right side of an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches the cups to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching a first cup to the right front teat, a second cup to the left front teat, a third cup to the right rear teat, and a fourth cup to the left rear teat. | 02-18-2016 |
20160066529 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANALYZING DATA CAPTURED BY A THREE-DIMENSIONAL CAMERA - A system includes a three-dimensional camera and a processor communicatively coupled to the three-dimensional camera. The processor is operable to determine a first and second edge of a dairy livestock. The first edge includes an inner portion of a first hind leg and a first portion of an udder of the dairy livestock. The second edge includes an inner portion of a second hind leg and a second portion of the udder of the dairy livestock. The processor calculates a reference point associated with the udder of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the first edge and the second edge. A robotic attacher moves toward the udder of the dairy livestock based at least in part upon the calculated reference point. | 03-10-2016 |
20160088814 | ARRANGEMENT OF MILKING BOX STALLS - A system includes includes a first milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a first dairy livestock and a second milking box stall of a size sufficient to accommodate a second dairy livestock. The first and second milking box stalls face opposite directions. An equipment portion is located between the first milking box stall and the second milking box stall. A robotic attacher is housed in the equipment portion and configured to service both stalls at different times. | 03-31-2016 |
20160113227 | MILKING BOX WITH ROBOTIC ATTACHER - A system comprises a milking box, a robotic attacher, a sensor, and a controller. The milking box has a stall to accommodate a dairy livestock. The stall comprises a first exit gate on a first side of the stall leading to a first sorting region and a second exit gate on a second side of the stall leading to a second sorting region. The robotic attacher extends from the rear between the hind legs of the dairy livestock, move in at least one direction along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis, and attach milking equipment to the dairy livestock. The sensor identifies the dairy livestock within the milking box stall. The controller selects and opens the first exit gate or the second exit gate based at least in part upon the identity of the dairy livestock in order to direct the first dairy livestock into either the first sorting region or the second sorting region. | 04-28-2016 |
20160113228 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING AN OPTICAL DETECTION DEVICE - A milking system includes an optical detector for detecting radiation emitted and/or reflected by a part of an animal, the optical detector having a housing with a window that is substantially transparent to the radiation. The milking system further includes a cleaning device for cleaning the window of the optical detector. The cleaning device includes a nozzle connected to a source of steam, and in operation the nozzle directs steam against the window of the optical detector. The use of steam to clean the window provides heating and rinsing free of impurities and minerals that can leave deposits and residue on the window and which, over time, may degrade the operation of the optical detector. | 04-28-2016 |
20160120143 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVED ATTACHMENT OF A CUP TO A DAIRY ANIMAL - In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes a milking cup, a pulsating device coupled to the milking cup, a robotic arm comprising a gripper, and a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm and the pulsating device. The controller is operable to instruct the gripper of the robotic arm to grip the milking cup, instruct the robotic arm to move the milking cup proximate to a teat of a dairy livestock, and instruct the robotic arm to move the milking cup towards the teat. The controller is further operable to instruct the pulsating device to apply pressure to the milking cup before attaching the milking cup to the teat and instruct the gripper of the robotic arm to release the milking cup. | 05-05-2016 |
20160128298 | A GRIPPING DEVICE FOR A ROBOTIC MANIPULATION DEVICE ADAPTED TO GRIP AND ATTACH TEAT CUPS TO AN ANIMAL - A gripping device for a robotic manipulation device that grips and attaches teat cups to an animal. The gripping device for each teat cup to be gripped and attached includes a holding member configured to releasably hold a teat cup, and a power member configured to move the holding member from a base position (p | 05-12-2016 |
20160135419 | MILKING SYSTEM SHUT-OFF AND SENSORS - A method comprises receiving a flow of milk at an inlet of a manifold. The inlet comprises a first end coupled to a hose that receives a flow of milk from a teat cup and a second end terminating in a chamber of the manifold. The manifold comprises one or more other inlets and a plurality of outlets. The plurality of outlets includes one or more milk collector outlets and one or more drain outlets. The method proceeds by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding milk collector outlet by causing a shut-off valve corresponding to the inlet to open, and by causing a drain valve corresponding to the inlet to close. The method concludes by causing the flow of milk to be directed to a corresponding drain outlet by causing the drain valve corresponding to the inlet to open. | 05-19-2016 |
20160135424 | ARRANGEMENT FOR MILKING ANIMALS - A arrangement for milking animals includes a milking station, a transport conduit, a main milk tank storing milk from the milking station, a connection conduit extending from the transport conduit to the main milk tank, a cleaning liquid arrangement, and a valve arrangement. From the milking station a connection pipe leads to the transport conduit at a connection point. The cleaning liquid arrangement is connected to the transport conduit via the valve arrangement. The valve arrangement is positionable in at least a first position and a second position. In the first position the transport conduit forms a loop such that two flow paths from the connection point to the connection conduit are provided by the transport conduit, and in the second position the loop is interrupted such that one flow path only from the connection point to the connection conduit is provided by the transport conduit. | 05-19-2016 |
20160183493 | FACILITY FOR HANDLING LACTATING ANIMALS AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - Facility for lactating animals includes pens in a freestall barn and a milking parlor where animals from the pens are simultaneously milked while separated. The number of animals from different pens in milking stalls is changed by sliding a parlor barrier past entrances and exits of parlor stalls. Each pen includes bedding free stalls, an alley accessible by the animals as they enter and leave the free stalls, and a movable barrier traversing the accessible alley. The pen barrier assures that animals go to the milking parlor. Paths cause animals in a first pen, prior to milking, to return to the first pen after milking while preventing animals in other pens, prior to milking, from entering the first pen after milking. There are separate return alleys to each pen from separate parlor exits. The pen barrier prevents animals from occupying stalls it passes and refurbishes these stalls. | 06-30-2016 |
20160249581 | METHODS FOR PREPARING A DAIRY ANIMAL FOR MILKING | 09-01-2016 |
20160374304 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ATTACHING CUPS TO A DAIRY ANIMAL - A robotic attacher retrieves a preparation cup from an equipment area located behind a dairy livestock and attaches and detaches the preparation cup to the teats of the dairy livestock in sequence. The sequence comprises attaching and detaching the preparation cup to the left front teat, the right front teat, the right rear teat, and the left rear teat. | 12-29-2016 |
20160374305 | AUTOMATED SYSTEM FOR MOVING A ROBOTIC ARM ALONG A ROTARY MILKING PLATFORM - A system for operating a robotic arm comprises a carriage and a robotic arm. The carriage is mounted on a track adjacent to a rotary milking platform having a substantially circular perimeter and a stall for a dairy livestock. The carriage moves along a substantially straight portion of the track tangent to and outside the perimeter of the rotary milking platform at a rate based at least in part upon a speed of rotation of the rotary milking platform. The carriage moves in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the rotary milking platform and such movement of the carriage is independent of any physical coupling between the carriage and the rotary milking platform. The robotic arm extends between the legs of the dairy livestock. | 12-29-2016 |
20180020631 | DOUBLE-GRIPPER FOR THE APPLICATION OF TEAT CUPS TO AN ANIMAL TO BE MILKED, RINSE CUP FOR THIS AND MILKING MACHINE PROVIDED THEREWITH, AND A METHOD FOR MILKING | 01-25-2018 |
20180020633 | MILKING SYSTEM | 01-25-2018 |