The disclosure concerns a milking installation (2) comprising milking positions (8) configured to milk one animal (4) at a time, a first common milk line (20) connected to a first milk receiver (22), a second common milk line (24) connected to a second milk receiver (26), a control arrangement (30), and at least one robot arm (32). Each milking position (8) comprises at least one teat cup (34) and a flow directing arrangement (36), the flow directing arrangement (36) comprising an inlet arrangement (38) connected to the teat cup, a first outlet arrangement (40) connected to the first milk line, and a second outlet arrangement (42) connected to the second milk line. The control arrangement (30) is configured to control the flow directing arrangement (36) to fluidly connect the teat cup (34) via the inlet arrangement (38) with either the first outlet arrangement (40) or the second outlet arrangement (42).
The disclosure concerns a milking installation (2) configured to milk a group (3) of animals (4), the milking installation (2) comprising an entrance area (6), a number of milking positions (8) configured to milk one animal (4) at a time, a selection gate (10), at least one milking stall (12), and an exit path (14). The entrance area (6) is configured to receive therein the group (3) of animals (4). An entry of each milking position (8) of the number of milking positions (8) is arranged with direct access from the entrance area (6). The selection gate (10) is accessible from an exit of each milking position (8). The selection gate (10) is configured to direct one or more individual animals (4) from the group (3) of animals (4) either to the at least one milking stall (12) or to the exit path (14).
A milk system (100), comprising a milk extracting arrangement (110); an animal identifier device (116); a milk flow meter (112); a time measurement device (119); and a database (130) storing milk flow data (300, 400, 500). The milk flow data (300, 400, 500) comprises milk flow rates (310a, 310b, 410a, 410b, 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d) of a milk session (220a, 5220b, 220c); and a measured time period (240a) between milk sessions (220a, 220b, 220c); and a control unit (120), configured to: obtain the milk flow data (300, 400, 500) from the database (130); determine a criterion (360a, 360b, 460a, 460b, 560a, 560b, 560c, 560d) of the milk flow rates (310a, 310b, 410a, 410b, 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d) at a moment (350a, 350b, 450a, 450b, 550a, 550b, 550c, 550d) of the milk session (220b); set the time 10period of a milk interval (230b); and allow the milk extracting arrangement (110) to attach the teat cups (111) to the animal (101) when the set time period has passed.
A rotary milking parlor arrangement contains a rotating platform with a plurality of stalls (S) each of which is configured to house a respective animal during milking, a set of at least three drive units (241, 242, 243, 244, 245) configured to cause the rotating platform to move in at least a first direction (RF, RB) of rotation around a rotation axis, and a primary control unit (100) configured to control operation of each drive unit in the set of drive units (241, 242, 243, 244, 245). A set of links connect the drive in a ring network (Nl) in which the primary control unit (100) is included. Each link is bi-directional enabling signals to pass in both directions through the ring network (Nl). The primary control unit (100) is configured to identify any single faulty link in the set of links by: transmitting a first signal in a clockwise direction through the ring network (Nl), transmitting a second signal in a counter clockwise direction through the ring network (Nl), and checking how far each of the first and second signals can be transmitted through the ring network (Nl) in the clockwise and counter clockwise direction respectively without being interrupted by the single faulty link.
A milking system (100), comprising a milk line (110); a vacuum arrangement (161); a milk-ing unit (130); a pulsator (150), configured to adjust pulsation ratio and pulsation rate of fluid pressure at two distinct levels; a receiver (160) connected to the milk line (110), and also connected to the vacuum arrangement (161); a milk meter (170); and a processing device (190) communicatively connected to the milk meter (170) and the pulsator (150); the processing device (190) is configured to, repeatedly during the milking session obtain and compare a milk flow measurement with a low milk flow limit (MFL); and, when the milk flow measurement is lower than said limit (MFL) apply a low pulsation rate and a first pulsation ratio, wherein the D-phase is longer than the B-phase; or otherwise apply a high pulsation rate and a second pulsation ratio, wherein the B-phase is longer than the D-phase.
System (100) for determining distribution of time that a respective animal (101, 102, 103) has spent in different zones (210, 220, 230) of a barn (200) during a predetermined time period. The system (100) comprises a Real-Time Location System (110, 120a, 120b, 120c, 130), a database (140) comprising position coordinates of the respective zones (210, 220, 230) and a processing controller (150). The processing controller (150) is configured to determine distribution of time by associating each obtained data entity (301) with a respec-tive zone (210, 220, 230) based on the position coordinates of the respective information entity (301) and the position coordinates of the zones (210, 220, 230); counting the number of data entities (301) in each respective zone (210, 220, 230); and calculating an amount of time the animal (101) has spent in the zone (210, 220, 230) by multiplying the number of data entities (301) of each respective zone (210, 220, 230) with the regular time interval.
System (100) for determining a respective walked distance of animals (101, 102, 103) in a barn (200) during a predetermined time period. The system (100) comprises a Real-Time Location System (110, 120a, 120b, 120c, 130), a database (140) storing historical trajectories (430) of the animals (101, 102, 103) and a processing controller (150). The processing controller (150) is configured to determine the walked distance of the animal (101) by es-tablishing a walked trajectory (450) based on obtained data entities (301), and store the trajectory (450) in the database (140) associated with the animal (101); or detecting a gap (420) of missing or incomplete data entities (301) among the obtained data entities (301); 1and establish the trajectory (450) by inserting replacement distance data in the gap (420), based on historical trajectories (430) extracted from the database (140) and store the es-tablished trajectory (450) in the database (140).
The present disclosure generally relates to feeding animals (10) and in particular to a method for operating a feed robot (1) at a feed table (3) in a livestock area (30). According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for operating a feed robot (1) at a feed table (3) in a livestock area (30). The method comprises monitoring over a time period subsequent to distributing feed at the feed table (3), animal data acquired using tags carried by animals (10) in the livestock area (30) and indicative of respective positions of the animals (10) in the livestock area (30) in relation to a feed table (3). The method further comprises determining, based on the animal data indicative of respective positions of the animals (10) in relation to the feed table (3), eating statuses of a plurality of individual animals (10) in the livestock area (30) and controlling operation of the autonomous feed robot (1) based on the determined eating statuses of the plurality of individual animals (10). The disclosure also relates a control device (100), and to a computer program for performing the method.
The present disclosure generally relates to feeding animals (10) and in particular to a method for surveying eating behaviour of animals (10) in a livestock area (30). The disclosure also relates a control device (100), and to a computer program for performing the method. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for surveying eating behaviour of animals (10) in a livestock area (30). The method comprises monitoring over a time period subsequent to distributing feed at a feed table (31) in the livestock area (30), animal data acquired using tags carried by the animals (10) and indicative of activities of the animals (10) and/or positions of the animals (10) in relation to the feed table (31). The method further comprises performing an action upon the monitored animal data failing to meet one or more eating criteria defining normal eating behaviour of the animals (10) with respect to activities of the animals (10) and/or positions of the animals (10) in relation to the feed table (31). The disclosure also relates a control device (100), and to a computer program for performing the method.
The disclosure concerns an animal ear tag (2) comprising a housing (6), a battery (20), and an electronic circuit (22) powered by the battery (20). A coupling portion (8) of the housing (6) is provided with an opening (10) configured to receive therein a head portion of a male tag portion. The housing (6) comprises a first housing portion (14) formed in one piece and comprising a main portion of an outer surface (16) of the housing (6). The first housing portion (14) forms a cavity (18) in which the battery (20) and the electronic circuit (22) are arranged. The electronic circuit (22) extends in a circuit plane (28), and the first housing portion (14) extends on both sides of the circuit plane (28).
A milking system (100), comprising: teat cups (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), each connected to a respective milk evacuation tube (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d); a vacuum pump (140); a milk tank (130); vacuum adjustment arrangements (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d), configured to adjust an inlet vacuum pressure level (P1), provided to the respectively associated teat cup (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d); vacuum pressure sensors (160a, 160b, 160c, 160d) each configured to measure vacuum pressure under each teat (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d); a processing device (170) configured to: set an inlet vacuum pressure level (P1); obtain measurements of a resulting vacuum pressure level (P2) of the associated teat cup (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d); compare it with a desired milking vacuum pressure level (Pm); calculate an adjusted inlet vacuum pressure level to achieve the desired milking vacuum pressure level (Pm); and cause adjustment according to the respectively calculated adjustment, independently of an animal identity.
Each entity in a group of entities has a respective mobile unit atta-ched to it, which mobile units transmits, periodically, a first radio message (M1) with identity information of the entity to which the mobile unit is attached. A set of base stations containing at least three base stations, receives the first radio message (M1); and based thereon, forwards, via at least one transmission line, the identity information and timing information indicative of a point in time when the first radio message (M1) was received in the res-pective base station. A central unit communicatively connected to the at least one transmission line, receives, via the at least one transmission line, the identity information and the timing informa-tion from at least three base stations in the set of base stations, and based thereon determines a position of the respective entity. Each mobile unit in the set of mobile units alters an energy density (PRF, P) at which the first radio message (M1) is transmitted in response to a trigger input being generated depending on a po-sition of the mobile unit relative to a stationary reference. Thus, the energy resources in the mobile units can be economized while attaining a desired positioning accuracy wherever needed.
G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
13.
POSITIONING SYSTEM, COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED POSITIONING METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER
A positioning system has a central unit (CU) receiving identity and timing information; and based thereon determines a respective po-sition in an area (A) of each entity in a set of entities. Each entity carries a mobile unit (U1) repeatedly transmitting a radio message (M1) including the identity information. The positioning system al-so contains a set of at least three base stations (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8), each of which receives the radio messages (M1) from the mobile units (U1) in the area (A); and based thereon, forwards the identity and timing information to the central unit (CU). During a measurement period (TM), the central unit (CU) re-gisters respective positions of the entities as a respective trace (TR1) for each mobile unit (U1). The central unit (CU) checks if an alarm criterion is fulfilled, which is considered fulfilled if, during the measurement period (TM) a first predefined number of the tra-ces (TR1) are interrupted during a first threshold interval, and the predefined number of traces (TR1) are interrupted in a first zone (Z1) of the area (A), which first zone exceeds a first threshold size.If the alarm criterion is considered to be fulfilled, a capacity alarm with respect to the first zone (Z1) is generated.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
14.
AUTOMATIC SELECTION OF ANIMALS TO BE TREATED DURING A TREATMENT PERIOD
The present disclosure generally relates to farming and in particular to a sorting system for automatically selecting animals to be treated during a treatment period. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a sorting system for automatically selecting animals to be treated during a treatment period. The sorting system comprises an automatic sort gate and a control arrangement configured to receive, via a user interface, user input indicative of one or more sorting criteria applicable to one or more animal properties and a maximum number of the animals allowed to be present simultaneously in the sorting area. The control arrangement is further configured to monitor a number of animals that enter and exit the sorting area. The control arrangement is finally configured to adjust one or more parameter values of the one or more sorting criteria, based on the monitored number of animals that enter and exit the sorting area. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and to a computer program for performing the method.
A milking system (100), comprising milking cups (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d); a milking robot (150) with a robot arm (155) configured to attach each of the milking cups (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d) to a respective teat (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d); a sensor (160) configured to detect two adjacent teats (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d); a control arrangement (170), communicatively connected to the sensor (160) and the robot arm (155). The control arrangement (170) is configured to: determine a distance (300, 310, 320) between the two adjacent teats (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d); select, if the distance (300, 310, 320) fulfils a distance criterion, one of the two adjacent teats (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to commence attachment of a first milking cup (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d); and generate a command to the robot arm (155), to commence the milking cup attachment to the selected teat.
The present disclosure generally relates to farming and in particular to a control arrangement for controlling operation of mobile agricultural devices in a livestock area. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a control arrangement (100) configured to obtain from the real-time location system (50), positions of individual animals (10) and of individual mobile agricultural devices (20) located in the livestock area and to automatically control operation of one or more of the mobile agricultural devices (20), based on the obtained positions of the one or more individual mobile agricultural devices (20) and of the individual animals (10). Thereby, mobile agricultural devices can be operated optimally and safely with regard to the positions of the animals (and staff). The disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and to a computer program for performing the method.
A milking system (100), comprising: teat cups (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), each connected to a respective milk evacuation tube (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d); a vacuum pump (140); a milk tank (130); vacuum regulators (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d), configured to control a vacuum pressure level prevailing in the teat cup (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d); vacuum pressure sensors (160a, 160b, 160c, 160d) each configured to measure vacuum pressure level prevailing under one of the teats (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d); an animal identification sensor (250); a database (180); a processing device (170) configured to: determine animal ID; extract data of each respective teat (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) from the database (180); determine a teat specific vacuum pressure level at each teat (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d); and generate a command to each vacuum regulator (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d), to set the teat specific vacuum pressure level at each teat cup (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d).
System (100) and detergent container (110) comprising a detergent configured to clean a piece of milking equipment (102, 105, 140a, 140b, 140c, 150), which system (100) comprises: a cleaning unit (130), using the detergent and water to create a mixture and to clean the milking equipment (102, 105, 140a, 140b, 140c, 150); a dosing device (108a, 108b, 410) supplying detergent to the cleaning unit (130); a configuration tag (111a, 111 b) at the detergent container (110a, 110b), wherein a memory device (520) of the configuration tag (111a, 111b) comprises a reference to the detergent; a wireless communicator (112a, 112b), configured to communicate wirelessly with the configuration tag (111a, 111b) and retrieve the reference from the memory device (520); and a control unit (120), configured to obtain the detergent reference via the wireless communicator (112a, 112b) from the memory device (520); and set a cleaning parameter, based on the obtained reference.
A milk extracting system (100) and computer-implemented method (400) of adjusting a respective vacuum pressure at each teat cup (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) of a respective teat (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) of an animal (110) during milk extraction. The vacuum pressure is set to an entry vacuum pressure level (E). The method (400) comprises determining (403) a teat specific milk flow value of each individual teat (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), during milk extraction, based on a received respective measurement of milk flow meters (160a, 160b, 160c, 160d); comparing (404) each determined (403) teat specific milk flow value with a first threshold limit (301); detecting (405) that all of the teat specific milk flow values exceed the first threshold limit (301); and adjusting (406) the vacuum pressure at each teat cup (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to a high flow vacuum pressure level (H) when all of the teat specific milk flow values exceed the first threshold limit (301).
An image processor (140) obtains image data (Dimg) registered by a time-of-flight, TOF, imaging system (110). The image data (Dimg) represents a scene (100) illuminated by at least two light sources (121, 122, 123, 124) calibrated to enable the image pro-cessor (140) to include distance data in the image data (Dimg), which distance data expresses respective distances from the TOF imaging system (110) to points on imaged objects. The image processor (140) determines if a shadow effect exists by which at least one first object (TC) in the scene (100) obstructs light from at least one light source (121, 122, 123, 124) of the at least two light sources (121, 122, 123, 124) from reaching at least one part of at least one second object in the scene (100) and be reflected there from into the TOF imaging system (110). If it is determined that the shadow effect exists, the image processor (140) adjusts the distance data to compensate for the at least one light source (121, 122, 123, 124) whose light did not reach the at least one part of the at least one second object.
G01S 17/36 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated with phase comparison between the received signal and the contemporaneously transmitted signal
G01S 17/88 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications
21.
SYSTEM AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR MONITORING OPERATING PRESSURE IN A MILKING INSTALLATION, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER
At least one operating pressure (?10P, P20P P30P) in a milking installation is monitored by a pressure sensor (115) measuring values of a pressure level (Pmd) in a component (110) of the milking installation. The pressure level is indicative of the at least one operating pressure (?10P, P20P P30P) to be monitored. A processing node (125) generates monitoring data (Pmd(ts)) representing a series of measured values of the pressure level (Pmd)· The monitoring data (Pmd(ts)) contains temporal indicators (ts) designating a respective timestamp (t1, t2, t3, t4, t5, t6) indicative of a point in time when a value of the pressure level (Pmd) was measured. The temporal indicators (ts) serve as a basis for triggering at least one alarm (A1, A2), for example if a timestamp indicates that the pressure level (Pmd) was measured to a value outside of an acceptable range of values at the point in time indicated by the timestamp.
The invention relates to a milking arrangement (1) and a milking parlor including a support structure (2) for a milking cluster (3), which is moveable between an upper position (UP) and a lower position (LP) in relation to the support structure (2). The support structure (2) includes a stationary support arm (4), which has a projecting length (4L) as seen in a horizontal direction (H) and a suspension point (5) from which the milking cluster (3) is arranged to be suspended in a cord (6) as it moves between the upper and lower positions (UP, LP). The support structure (2) includes an inclined cluster slide surface (7) situated below the stationary support arm (4), wherein the inclined cluster slide surface (7) is configured with a horizontal extension (7H), as seen in the horizontal direction (H) underneath the stationary support arm (4), towards a position vertically below the suspension point (5), so that the milking cluster (3) will slide along the inclined cluster slide surface (7) as the milking cluster (3) moves between the upper position (UP) and the lower position (LP).
A method for controlling operation of a manure arrangement (10) comprising a manure storage structure (3), an agitator (11) and an agitator motor (8) arranged to actuate the agitator (11). The method comprises monitoring (S1), while mixing manure in the manure storage structure (3) with the agitator (11), a load quantity indicative of a load on the agitator motor (8). The method further comprises controlling (S2) operation of the manure arrangement (10) based on the monitored load quantity. The disclosure also relates to a manure arrangement (10) arranged to perform the method.
A computer-implemented method (500), a controller (110), an arrangement (101) and a milking system (100) are disclosed. The computer-implemented method (500) comprises the steps of: receiving (501) a point in time of an insemination of an animal (105); obtaining (503) a measurement (M) of progesterone level in an analyte of the animal (105), which measurement (M) is made within 11 days from the point in time of the insemination; and determining (504) that the animal (105) is non-pregnant when the progesterone level of the obtained (503) measurement (M) is lower than a progesterone threshold limit (TL).
Milking control arrangement (130) and milk extracting system (100), configured to obtain teat size data of at least one teat (220a) of an animal (110) to be milked; and to adjust a milking parameter of a milk extraction unit (120) when milk is extracted from the teat (220a), based on the obtained teat size data of the teat (220a).
Method (500) and multibody system (100) comprising two body sections (101, 102, 103, 104) assembled via a joint (105, 106, 107), wherein one of the body sections (104) comprises a camera (110) which is moveable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2). The method (500) comprises detecting (501) a reference object (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) 5with the camera (110) situated in the first position (P1); determining (502) a reference value of the reference object (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d); requesting (503) movement of the camera (110) from the first position (P1) into the second position (P2); initiating (504) movement ofthe camera (110) from the first position (P1) towards the second position (P2), while itera-tively sampling image of the reference object (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d); determining current 10object value of the reference object (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d), based on the sampled image; matching the reference value with the current object value; and determining (505) success-fulness of the camera movement, based on the matching.
The present disclosure generally relates to feeding animals and in particular to a method for operating an autonomous feed robot 1 at a feed table in a livestock area 30. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for operating an autonomous feed robot 1 at a feed table in a livestock area 30, wherein one or more cameras 32 are stationary arranged in the livestock area to monitor the feed table, The method comprising obtaining S1 one or more images captured using the one or more stationary arranged cameras 32 and indicative of a distribution of feed 3 on the feed table and controlling S4 the operation of the autonomous feed robot 1 based on the distribution of feed 3 indicated by the one or more images. The disclosure also relates to control circuitry 10, an autonomous feed robot 1 and to a computer program for performing the method.
A method for adjusting a cleaning schedule for cleaning sessions of a scraper arrangement (1) arranged for removing manure in a livestock area. One cleaning session comprises one cleaning along a predefined path in the livestock area. The method comprises monitoring (S2), while performing cleaning sessions in accordance with the cleaning schedule, a load quantity representing an amount of material moved by the scraper arrangement (1). The method also comprises adjusting (S5) the cleaning schedule, based on a variation in the monitored load quantity among the monitored cleaning sessions. The disclosure also relates to a control arrangement (10).
The present disclosure generally relates to barn cleaning and in particular the disclosure relates to an autonomous agricultural vehicle comprising a cleaning device suitable for removing manure a livestock area. According to a first aspect, this disclosure proposes a method for operating an autonomous agricultural vehicle in accordance with a cleaning plan. The method comprises monitoring S1 at a plurality of individual times, while operating the autonomous agricultural vehicle in accordance with the cleaning plan, a load quantity representing an amount of material moved by the cleaning device, and adjusting S5 the cleaning plan of the autonomous agricultural vehicle based on a variation in the monitored load quantity among the individual times. The disclosure also relates to a method for operating the autonomous agricultural vehicle and to a computer program for performing the method.
A milking system configured to milk animals, said system comprising at least one milking station (1), a milk tank (2), a transport conduit (3), a valve arrangement (4, 5), a cleaning arrangement (6), said cleaning arrangement (4) comprising a delivery arrangement (7) configured to deliver a first liquid into the milk transport conduit (3) and to deliver a second liquid into the milk transport conduit (3), a pump (8) and a control unit (9) configured to control the delivery arrangement (7). The milking system comprises determining means for determining that a delivery of the first liquid into milk transport conduit (3) has ended, which determining means is connected to the control unit (9), and the control unit (9) is configured, as a response to a signal from the determining means that the delivery of the first liquid has ended, to activate the delivery arrangement (7) to deliver the second liquid into the milk transport conduit (3) subsequently to the ending of the delivery of the first liquid while there is a column of first liquid in the milk transport conduit (3).
At least one drive unit (241, 242, 243, 244, 245) causes a rotating platform (130) of a rotary milking parlor arrangement to move in at least a first direction (RF, RB) of rotation around a rotation point (P). Each drive unit comprises first and second drive motors arranged to engage a drive rail (230) of the rotating platform (130) and act on a respective side of the drive rail (230) so as to cause the rotating platform (130) to perform said move- ment. Each of the first and second drive motors produces a res- pective pace signal (p 11, p 12; p21, p22; p31, p32; p41, p42; p51, p52) indicating a rotational speed of the drive motor in question. A control unit (220) receives the pace signals (p 11, p 12; p21, p22; p31, p32; p41, p42; p51, p52) from each of said first and second drive motors in each drive unit. The control unit (220) compares the pace signal (p41) from the first drive motor with the pace signal (p42) from the second drive motor from each drive unit (241, 242, 243, 244, 245) to establish a respec- tive difference in the rotational speeds in the drive unit. If the difference exceeds a threshold value, the control unit (220) triggers an alarm (A).
An automatic milking system comprising an electronic control unit (1), a milking station (2), a production milk tank (3), a second milk tank (4), an animal identification system, a first sensor (7) configured to measure at least one indicator of illness of an animal, a data memory (8) in which measurements performed by the first sensor (7) on milk from individual animals identified by the identification system are gathered. The control unit (1) is configured to register a first point of time (t1) at which milk from an animal is diverted to the second tank instead of being conducted to the production milk tank (3), register a second point of time (t2) at which milk from the animal is shifted from being conducted to the second tank to being conducted to the production milk tank (3), and, if the time period between the first point of time t1 and the second point of time t2 is within a predetermined number days, the control unit (1) is configured to determine that the animal is in an illness state between the first point of time (t1) and the second point of time (t2).
A method related to the operation of a feed pusher (3) is described. The feed pusher (3) being arranged to travel on a feeding table (1) along a longitudinal axis (5) of the feeding table (1) at a distance (x) from a feeding table edge (7) and to push animal feed placed on the feeding table (1 ) sidewards in relation to the longitudinal axis (5) towards the feeding table edge (7) by a rotational movement of a rotatable screw (9) driven by an electric motor (11 ) The method comprises the steps of: obtaining a value of a parameter related to the electric motor (11 ) during a time period of the operation of the feed pusher (3) and estimating an amount of animal feed that has been pushed during the time period based on the obtained value of the parameter. A feed pusher (3) for animal feed is also described.
A method, a control unit, a computer program and an arrangement for barn cleaning are provided. The method comprises obtaining, from a detection arrangement, information related to animal presence in an area in a barn and deriving a measure of animal presence over time in said area in the barn based on said information. The method further comprises controlling the operation of an automatic barn cleaning device based on the derived measure. The method provides a more efficient cleaning compared to other known solutions for barn cleaning. The method enables cleaning only when and where needed, instead of only running scheduled cleaning sessions following a standard time table.
A method, control unit, computer program and arrangement for barn cleaning are provided. The method comprises obtaining of information from one or more cameras mounted such as to capture images of an area of operation of an automatic barn cleaning device and identifying of at least one location in said area of operation being subjected to manure, based on the obtained information. The method further comprises calculating of a route for the automatic barn cleaning device based on the identified at least one location, and controlling of the automatic barn cleaning device based on the calculated route.
Control unit (240) and cassette (130) of a milk analysis apparatus (120) comprising a first wireless communication device (210), for communication with a memory device (230) of a cassette (130) via a second wireless communication device (220) comprised in the cassette (130). The cassette (130) is insertable into the milk analysis apparatus (120) and comprises a predetermined number of milk analysis units (260a, 260b, 260c) for one-time usage. The control unit (240) is configured to determine a number of consumed milk analysis units (260a, 260b, 260c) during a milk analysis session; and transmit information related to the consumed number of milk analysis units (260a, 260b, 260c) during the milk analysis session, to the memory device (230) of the cassette (130), via the first wireless communication device (210), for storage in the memory device (230) of the cassette (130).
Control unit (240) and liquid container (135) of a milk analysis apparatus (120) comprising a first wireless communication device (210), for communication with a memory device (230) of a liquid container (135). The liquid container (135) is insertable into the milk analysis apparatus (120), via a second wireless communication device (220) comprised in the liquid container (135). The control unit (240) is configured to: obtain a signal associated with consumed liquid amount of the liquid container (135), e.g. from a liquid volume determination device of the milk analysis apparatus (120), during a liquid extraction session; and transmit information related to the consumed liquid amount via the first wireless communication device (210), for storage in the memory device (230) of the liquid container (135). The liquid contained in the liquid container (135) may be a diluent used to dilute the extracted milk and/or to rinse the tubing, needle, pump etc. of the milk analysis apparatus (120).
Control unit (240) and configuration tag (125) of a milk analysis apparatus (120) comprising a first wireless communication device (310), for communication with a memory device (330) of the configuration tag (125). The configuration tag (125) is applicable to the milk analysis apparatus (120) and comprises a reference sign (115) of a milk extracting arrangement (110) to which the milk analysis apparatus (120) is intended to work in conjunction with. The communication is made via a second wireless communication device (320) comprised in the configuration tag (125). The control unit (340) is configured to retrieve configuration data, e.g. a network location reference such as an IP address, of the milk extracting arrangement (110) that the milk analysis apparatus (120) is intended to operate in conjunction with, from the memory device (330) of the configuration tag (125) via the first wireless communication device (310); and to configure the control unit (340), based on the retrieved configuration data of the milk extracting arrangement (110)..
A system (10) for determining validity of a result of a lateral flow test, comprising a lateral flow stick (180a, 180b, 180c). The lateral flow stick (180a, 180b, 180c) comprises: a sample pad (310); a conjugate pad (315) comprising antibody treated gold particles; a porous membrane (320) for receiving a capillary flow of the milk sample. The porous membrane (320) comprises: a test line (360) treated with a progesterone reference which binds antibody treated gold particles of the milk sample and thereby brings the test line (360) to change colour tint when exposed for milk comprising a progesterone level lower than a threshold limit; and a control line (370) treated with an antibody reference which binds antibody, and thereby brings the control line (370) to change colour tint when exposed for milk comprising antibody treated gold particles. The system also comprises a sensor (210) and a control unit (150), configured to obtain a reference colour tint (380) of the control line (370); determine a current colour tint of the control line (370), based on the image captured by the sensor (210) during the ongoing lateral flow test; compare the reference colour tint (380) of the control line (370) with the current colour tint of the control line (370); and indicate validity of the lateral flow test on the lateral flow stick (180a, 180b, 180c), based on the made comparison.
G01N 21/78 - Systems in which material is subjected to a chemical reaction, the progress or the result of the reaction being investigated by observing the effect on a chemical indicator producing a change of colour
G01N 33/74 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving hormones
40.
CONTROL UNIT, SYSTEM AND METHOD RELATED TO AN ANIMAL'S ENERGY BALANCE
Herein a control unit (120), a system and a method are disclosed. Early lactation of an animal includes at least the first 3 days in milk of the current lactation period. The control unit is configured to:obtain measurements of milk flow during a milking session of the animal (101); analyse a sequence of said obtained measurements. Based on said analysis, the control unit estimates a total milk yield of the animal (101), and determines a predetermined partial amount of milk of the estimated total milk yield; and during early lactation, interrupts the milking of the animal on all teats when the predetermined partial amount of milk of the estimated total milk yield has been drawn from the animal. Alternatively, the control unit, based on said analysis, detects that the milk flow has reached a plateau phase; and during early lactation, interrupts the milking during the plateau phase (220).
Antimicrobially effective compositions comprising lactic acid, salicylic acid, and at least one anionic surfactant are provided. The compositions are effective in controlling pathogen levels, particularly those commonly found on bovine teats to prevent or reduce the incidence of mastitis in lactating cows. In particular, the compositions possess germicidal and/or yeasticidal characteristics. Methods of using the antimicrobial compositions, as a part of a good milking routine, are also provided in which the compositions are applied to bovine teats.
A01N 25/30 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests characterised by the surfactants
A control arrangement and a control module (11) for a milking position for milking a dairy animal are disclosed. The control module comprises a casing (20) forming an inner space (23) enclosing a printed circuit board incorporating a control system for controlling and supervising at least some functions of the milking position.A communication area is provided on a front side of the printed circuit board and communicates with the control system. The casing comprises an inner front plate (21). The front side of the printed circuit board is attached to a rear side of the inner front plate by means of a transparent adhering substance so that a part of the printed circuit board projects from the rear side of the inner front plate. The inner front plate permits access to the communication area.The part of the printed circuit board is embedded in a block (27) of plastic material.
The positions of the tools (141, 142, 143, 144) in an automatic milking arrangement are determined by registering, via a camera (130) at an origin location (PC), three-dimensional image data (Dimg3D) representing the tools (141, 142, 143, 144) whose positions are to be determined. Using an algorithm involving matching the image data (Dimg3D) against reference data, tool candidates (TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4) are identified in the three-dimensional image data (Dimg3D). A respective position (PT1, PT2, PT3, PT4) is calculated for the tools (141, 142, 143, 144) based on the origin location (PC) and data expressing respective distances from the origin location (PC) to each of the identified tool candidates (TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4). It is presumed that the tools (141, 142, 143, 144) are arranged according to a spatially even distribution relative to one another. Therefore, any tool candidate (TC2) is disregarded, which is detected at such a position that the position for the candidate (TC2) deviates from the spatially even distribution.
The positions of the tools (141, 142, 143, 144) in an automatic milking arrangement are determined by registering, via a camera (130) at an origin location (PC), three-dimensional image data (Dimg3D) representing the tools (141, 142, 143, 144) whose positions are to be determined. Using an algorithm involving matching the image data (Dimg3D) against reference data, tool candidates (TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4) are identified in the three-dimensional image data (Dimg3D). A respective position (PT1, PT2, PT3, PT4) is calculated for the tools (141, 142, 143, 144) based on the origin location (PC) and data expressing respective distances from the origin location (PC) to each of the identified tool candidates (TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4). It is presumed that the tools (141, 142, 143, 144) have predefined locations (?d) relative to one another. Therefore, any second tool candidate (TC2) is disregarded, which is detected at a separation distance (ds) from a first tool candidate (TC1) if the separation distance (ds) exceeds a first threshold distance (dth1) in relation to the predefined relative locations (?d).
A milking apparatus (3) and a milking plant (1) are disclosed. The milking apparatus comprises a cluster(4)connected toa retractionline (10),and a cylinder (11) comprisinga piston (13) being movable betweenfirst and second end positions. The piston actson the retractionline to move the clusterto a retracted rest position whenmoved to the second end position, and to permit the clusterto be moved to an active milking position when the piston is in the first end position. Aswitch device (30) may alternate between a first state and a second state.The retraction line permitsthe switch device tochangefrom the first state to the second state when a movement of the cluster from the retracted rest position is initiated.The switch device initiates in thesecond state supply ofapressurized medium to the cylinderto forcethe piston to the first end position. (Fig 2)
A distribution unit (6) for milk samples comprises a flow channel (10) and a plurality of ports (11-15, 17-19) adjoining and communicating with the flow channel. The ports are configured to permit various media to be delivered to and from the flow channel. A membrane (60) extends in the flow channel and has a first side (61) facing the ports and an opposite second side (62). A plurality of valves (41-49) each comprising a valve body (65) act on the second side of the membrane for closing and opening the ports. Each valve body is attached to the second side of the membrane to permit the valve body to push the membrane against a respective seat surface (51-55, 57-59) and to pull the membrane away from the respective seat surface.
A distribution unit (6) for milk samples comprises a first distribution portion (8) with a flow channel (10) and a plurality of ports (11-15, 17-19) adjoining and communicating with the flow channel (10). The ports are configured to permit various media to be delivered to and from the flow channel (10). The distribution unit (6) also comprises a second distribution portion (6), which comprises a flow channel (110) and a plurality of ports (111-114) adjoining and communicating with the flow channel (110) of the second distribution unit and which comprises at least a milk inlet port (111) permitting milk to be delivered from the flow channel (10) of the first distribution portion (8) to the flow channel (110) of the second distribution portion (9) and which comprises a milk outlet port (112) permitting milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel (110) of the second distribution portion (9) to a further milk analyzing unit (35).
The present disclosure relates to a vision system (100) for determining an identity of an individual animal in a population of animals with known identity. A first image sensor arrangement (10) is configured to capture three-dimensional or thermographic images of the individual animal. A second image sensor arrangement (20) is configured to capture two-dimensional images of the individual animal. Control circuitry (40) is configured to obtain a first image of the individual animal captured by the first image sensor arrangement (10) and to detect a body part in the first image, and in response to detecting the body part, obtain a second image of the individual animal captured using the second image sensor arrangement (20), and to identify the individual animal by comparing metrics of the second image with the reference data in a data storage (30).
A three-dimensional accelerometer in an animal tag registers a first set of acceleration parameters expressing a respective acceleration of the tag along each of three independent spatial axes. A processing unit in the tag derives a respective estimated gravity-related component in each parameter in the first set, and compensates for the respective estimated gravity-related components in the first set to obtain a second set (b(t)) of acceleration parameters (bi, bii, biii) representing respective accelerations of the animal tag along each of three independent spatial axes each in which said parameter is balanced around a base level (0) with no influence of gravitation. The processing unit determines behavior-related data in the form of rise-up (TRU) and/or lie-down (TLD) movements of an animal carrying the animal tag based on deviations in a single parameter in the second set (b(t)) of acceleration parameters (bi, bii, biii) relative to the base level (0).
A set of base stations (121, 122, 123, 124) and a central control unit (110) are arranged to determine the positions of animal tags (T) based on triangulation and using a global time reference (CLK) and respective radio tag signals (ST) transmitted from each animal tag (T). Moreover, each of the base stations (121, 122, 123, 124) is configured to transmit a respective radio base signal (SB1) comprising an identifier that uniquely identifies the base station (121), receive radio base signals from the other base stations, and forward base station messages (??1(t2), ??1(t3), MBI(U)) received from any other base stations to the central control unit (110). The central control unit (110) is further configured to determine a position (P[B1 ]) for any added base station (121) using triangulation and the known positions for the base stations (122, 123, 124) already included in the system. Thereby, the base station system can be gradually expanded in a very convenient manner.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 5/14 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
An animal ear tag (100) contains control circuitry (230) for generating data relating to an animal (A) to which the animal ear tag (100) is attached. An antenna (240) in the tag (100) emits a wireless signal including the data, and an energy storage (130) provides electric energy to the control circuitry (230) and the antenna (240). The energy storage (130) is arranged in a first part (P1) of the animal ear tag (100) and the antenna (240) is arranged in a second part (P2) of the animal ear tag (100). When attached to the animal (A), the first and second parts (P1; P2) are interconnected via a shaft member (210) inserted through an ear (E) of the animal (A) in such a manner that the first part (P1) is located on a first side (S1) of the ear (E) and the second part (P2) is located on a second side (S2) of the ear (E). When the first and second parts (P1; P2) are interconnected, the energy storage (130) is located off-centered (dOFF) from a symmetry axis (C-S) of the shaft member (210). As a result, the tag (100) becomes relatively fixed in a well-defined orientation.
An animal tag (100) contains first and second three-dimensional accelerometers (1101; HO2) and a processing unit (120). The first accelerometer (1101) registers a first acceleration vector ([a 1 ]) describing a spatial movement of a first position (p1) of the animal tag (100). The second accelerometer (1102) registers a second acceleration vector ([a2]) describing a spatial movement of a second position (p2) of the animal tag (100), which second position (p2) is separated from the first position (p1) by a distance (dxyz). The processing unit (120) receives the first and second acceleration vectors ([a 1 ]; [a2]); and based thereon, determines at least one behavior-related parameter for an animal (A) carrying the animal tag (100) in the form of inclination angle(s) (?, F, ?) of the animal tag (100) relative to a reference frame (XYZ) external to the animal tag (100), and/or an elevation (z) of the animal tag (100) relative to a reference level (XY) external to the animal tag (100).
At least three anchor base stations (BSA1, BSA2, BSA3, BSA4) are arranged in a frame a of common plane around an area in which positions for animal tags are to be determined based on propagation-delay measurements of signals emitted by the animal tags using a global time reference. The anchor base stations have known respective locations, and the location of an intermediate base station (BSI5) added to the system is determined by: (a) arranging the intermediate base station (BSI5) between first and second anchor base stations (BSA1, BSA3), such that in the common plane, the intermediate base station (BSI5) is located on a straight line between the anchor base stations; (b) determining, based on propagation-delay measurements of a signal emitted by the intermediate base station (BSI5) and using the global time reference (b1 ) a first calculated distance between the first anchor base station (BSA1 ) and the intermediate base station (BSI5), and (b2) a second calculated distance between the second anchor base station (BSA3) and the intermediate base station (BSI5); (c) obtaining an elevation indicator specifying whether the intermediate base station (BSI5) is located in level with, above or below the common plane; and (d) determining the location of the intermediate base station (BSI5) based on the first and second calculated distances and the elevation indicator.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 5/14 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
A milking arrangement comprising a plurality of milking places (1) arranged side by side after each other along a longitudinal axis, each milking place (1) having a width W and being configured to receive a respective animal to be milked, a primary end and a secondary end opposite to the primary end, wherein the milking arrangement extends along the longitudinal axis from the primary end to the secondary end, an entrance at said primary end, a front side and a rear side, which both extend in parallel with the longitudinal axis, a plurality of sequence gates (10) arranged between said front side and said rear side, wherein each of said sequence gates (10) is pivotable between a closed position, in which the sequence gate (10) defines a temporary barrier against entrance into each of two neighbouring milking places (1), and an open position in which it forms a side wall between said two neighbouring milking places (1), wherein each sequence gate (10) has a front end (11), which, in the closed position of the sequence gate (10), is directed towards said secondary end of the milking arrangement, and a rear end (12), which in the closed position of the sequence gate (10), is directed towards said primary end of the milking arrangement, wherein each of said sequence gates (10) is only pivotable from its closed position to its open position in a pivotation direction in which said front end (11) is pivoted into a milking place (1) towards the front side of the milking arrangement, and wherein the main extension planes of the sequence gates (10) are in alignment when the sequence gates (10) are in their closed position. Each sequence gate (10) has a lower edge (15) extending from said rear end (12) to said front end (11) of the sequence gate (10), and that, in a region were the lower edge (15) meets an edge of said front end (11), the lower edge (15) defines a bulge (16) that extends downwards to a lower level than the level of a lower rear end (12a) of the neighbouring sequence gate (10).
CA 03092159 2020-08-24 (12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (19) World Intellectual Property 1 11111 1111111 11 111111 111 11111 11111111 1 1 111 11111111111111 1111 1111 111 11111111111 111 1111 Organization International Bureau (10) International Publication Number (43) International Publication Date WO 2019/199223 Al 17 October 2019 (17.10.2019) WIPO I PCT (51) International Patent Classification: HR, HU, ED, EL, IN, IR, IS, JO, JP, KE, KG, KH, KN, KP, AO1J 5/01 (2006.01) KR, KW, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LU, LY, MA, MD, ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI, NO, NZ, (21) International Application Number: OM, PA, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, QA, RO, RS, RU, RW, SA, PCT/SE2019/050330 SC, SD, SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, (22) International Filing Date: TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW. 09 April 2019 (09.04.2019) (84) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every (25) Filing Language: English kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH, GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, RW, SD, SL, ST, SZ, TZ, (26) Publication Language: English UG, ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, RU, TJ, (30) Priority Data: TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, 1850426-6 13 April 2018 (13.04.2018) SE EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, EE, IS, IT, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, (71) Applicant: DELAVAL HOLDING AB [SE/SE]; P.O. TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ, GW, Box 39, 147 21 Tumba (SE). KM, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG). (72) Inventor: PERSSON, Per; c/o: DeLaval International AB, P.O. Box 39, 147 21 Tumba (SE). Declarations under Rule 4.17: ¨ as to applicant's entitlement to apply for and be granted a (74) Agent: LILLIEHORN, Tobias; DeLaval International -- patent (Rule 4. 17(ii)) AB, Intellectual Property Support/Legal Affairs, P.O. Box 39, 147 21 Tumba (SE). Published: ¨ with international search report (Art. 21(3)) = (81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every = kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM, AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BN, BR, BW, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CL, CN, CO, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DJ, DK, DM, DO, DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT, HN, (54) Title: METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PROVIDING A REFERENCE VALUE TO BE USED FOR CONTROLLING THE CALIBRATION OF A MILK METER (57) Abstract: This disclosure generally relates milking systems and, in particular, FIGURE 5 5.Q.Q automatic milking systems. The disclosure presents methods, apparatuses and corn- . Wan FM flow deb3 delerrnine rnilk fow profile oio puter program for providing a reference value to be used for controlling a calibration tes br Record id& flow ------ indrodual nclking ,511 of at least one milk meter in a milking system. In accordance with one embodiment, a &misda each 1 minel method may comprise obtaining (510) milk flow data for a plurality of milking animals ---------------------------- k--..)12 to determine a milk flow profile for each milking animal of the plurality of milking animals;comparing (520) the determined milk flow profiles to establish a subset of milk flow profiles that meets a pre-defined selection criteria; determining (530) said 520 reference value based on the established subset of milk flow profiles; and providing mom= ====Compere milk lc,o profiee to ertebrtrhrebe et ofrolk flow proflee (540) the determined reference value for controlling a subsequent calibration of at least one milk meter in a milking system. Compare nnik firm profiles agog target inlk low profile r.---'221 mENNEN 130 MENNEN mENNENDetermieerefereeceealry 540 OptionA 541 WM CMINallOn 542 OPt/On Transmit mange IneludIng deformed 543 reference value
A vacuum pump arrangement for a milking plant comprising a main vacuum conduit (1) comprises at least two vacuum pump units (3) for maintaining a system vacuum in the main vacuum conduit. Each of the vacuum pump units comprises a pump (4), a vacuum tank (6) connected to the pump by an intermediate conduit (7), and an inlet conduit (11) connecting the vacuum tank to the main vacuum conduit. A drainage (13) extends from the vacuum tank and comprises a draining valve (14). The pump sucks air from the main vacuum conduit via the inlet conduit, the vacuum tank and the intermediate conduit. The vacuum pump unit comprises a closing valve (11 a) provided on the inlet conduit and configured to close the inlet conduit in an automatic manner when the pump has been stopped.
An animal feeding arrangement comprising feed supply station(1), configured to house feed therein, a fence (2) that surrounds the feed supply station(1) and an area (3) adjacent to the feed supply station(1), a gate (4), arranged in the fence (2) and movable between an open state and a closed state, at least one autonomous mobile feed wagon (5), configured to receive feed from the feed supply station(1) and to deliver the feed to an animal feeding station (6) located outside said fence (2), and at least one feed loading device (7, 8), configured to load feed housed in the feed supply station(1) into the feed wagon (5). The feed wagon (5) comprises a coupling device (9) configured to temporarily couple the feed wagon (5) to the feed loading device (7, 8) and enabling the feed wagon (5) to move the feed loading device (7, 8).
A method and arrangement is provided for controlling the operation of a manure scraper based on information obtained from one or more cameras mounted such as to capture images of the area of operation of the scraper.The solution enables a more efficient use of a widely spread technology for manure handling.
An automatic milking system is controlled by receiving a para- meter representing a measured flow (f(t)) of milk being extracted from at least one teat of an udder of an animal being milked via at least one teatcup. A take-off time (tTO) is determined when the milking shall be stopped based on : a first criterion indicating that the flow (f(t)) has reached a decline phase ( Phdecl), and a second criterion indicating that the flow (f(t)) decreases faster than a threshold slope (scrit1). The take-off time (t TO) is determined in response to fulfillment of the second criterion on or after a point in time (t1) when the first criterion has been fulfilled. As a result, a particular amount of milk ( Mres) is estimated to be left in the udder irrespective of an overall milking time (tM) for the animal in question.
A cassette (130) configured to enable measurement of at least one biomarker value of a milk sample of an animal (100). The cassette (130) comprises a tape distributing spool (131); a tape (170) comprising a plurality of dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c), configured to indicate the biomarker value of the milk sample, and a top film(310) arranged to protect the dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c) while rolled up on the tape distributing spool (131); a tape collecting spool (132), configured to collect used dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c); and a top film reel (330), arranged to peel off and collect the top film(310) of the tape (170).
A dry stick (180a, 180b, 180c) arranged to indicate at least one biomarker value of a milk sample of an animal (100) by a lateral flow test.The dry stick (180a, 180b, 180c) comprises a sample pad (310), comprising a reagent, configured to indicate at least one biomarker value of a received milk sample of an animal (100) by changing colours when exposed for milk comprising the biomarker;a porous membrane (320), configured to create a capillary flow of the milk sample, from the sample pad (310) through the porous membrane (320); an absorbent pad (330), comprising an absorbent configured to absorb superfluous milk from the porous membrane (320); and a porous desiccant, configured to absorb moisture from environmental air.
A tape (170) comprising: a bottom film (410), upon which dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c) are separately arranged, which dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c) are configured to indicate at least one biomarker value of a milk sample of an animal (100); and a top film(310) configured to cover the plurality of dry sticks (180a, 180b, 180c), arranged on the bottom film (410), and to be peeled off an individual dry stick (180a, 180b, 180c) before application of the milk sample to the dry stick (180a, 180b, 180c).
MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR A ROTARY MILKING PARLOR, METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING A ROTARY MILKING PARLOR AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER CONTAINING THE COMPUTER PROGRAM
The operation of a movable platform (110) in a rotary milking parlor (100) is measured by means of a movement sensor (210) arranged on the movable platform (110). The movement sensor 5 (210) registers micro movements of the movable platform (110) relative to a fix reference frame via a sensor member measuring displacements in at least one dimension, and/or accelerations in at least one dimension. A wireless sensor signal (SW ) reflecting the measurements is emitted by a transmitter to a receiver (230) 10 for processing/analysis, for example to derive a movement signature (S) of the movable platform (110) based on a series of measurement values.
A sensor arrangement measures a parameter (P) representing a position of a movable platform (110) of a rotary parlor (100) relative to a stationary reference point (Pref). Based on the parameter (P), in turn, a control unit (150) influences the movement of the movable platform (110). A first transmitter unit (210) with a first transmitter antenna is placed on the movable platform (110) and thus moves along with the movable platform (110). A first radio signal (S ID) emitted from the transmitter antenna contains a 10 timing reference and uniquely identifies the first transmitter unit (210). At least three receiver stations (221, 222, 223; 224, 225, 226) are stationary placed with a respective receiver antenna located such that the first radio signal (S ID) is received via line-of-sight propagation. Based on the first radio signal (S ID) and15 respective propagation times derived from the timing reference in the first radio signal (S ID), the receiver stations generate the parameter (P).
A teatcup to be attached to the teat of an animal and a teatcup liner (1) to be mounted in a shell (2) of the teatcup are disclosed. The teatcup liner comprises a barrel (3) enclosing an inner space (7) for receiving the teat. The barrel comprises a lower section (3') and an upper section (3") adjoining the lower section. The barrel has a polygonal cross-sectional shape, defining a plurality of side portions (18) and a plurality of corner portions (19), each connecting two of the side portions. Each side portion has a side wall thickness at a centre line of the side portion. Each corner portion has a corner wall thickness at a centre line of the corner portion. The corner wall thickness is thicker than the side wall thickness along the barrel. The corner wall thickness decreases along the upper section of the barrel towards the lower section.
A connector (2) is configured for receiving a cartridge (1) for forming a teatcup to be attached to the teat of an animal to be milked. The cartridge comprises an elongated sleeve (8) and a barrel (9), pre- mounted in the elongated sleeve and having an inner space (10) for the teat. The elongated sleeve has axial length from a lower end (8") to an upper end (8') of the sleeve. The connector comprises a lower base member (3) and a shell (4) extending from the lower base member and surrounding a receiving space (5) for receiving the cartridge. The lower base member and the shell form one piece of a plastic material. The shell is configured to extend along the axial length of the elongated sleeve at least to the upper end of the sleeve when the cartridge is received in the connector.
A teatcup, a connector (2) and a cartridge (1) are disclosed. The teatcup is configured to be attached to the teat of an animal to be milked. The cartridge comprises an elongated sleeve (8), having an upper end section (8') and a lower end section (8"), and a barrel (9) pre-mounted in the elongated sleeve (8) and having an inner space (10) for receiving the teat. A pulsation chamber (11 ) is formed between the elongated sleeve and the barrel. A head member (12) provided at the upper end section comprises a lip (13) surrounding an opening (14) to the inner space. The elongated sleeve has a flange (20) extending outwardly at the upper end section. The head member comprises a plurality of locking members (19) each gripping the flange. Each of the locking members extends towards the lower end section and beyond the flange.
A milking arrangement comprising at least one milking module (1) comprising at least two milking places (3) arranged side by side after each other along a longitudinal axis (x), each milking place (3) being configured to receive a respective animal to be milked, a front gate assembly (20), a sequence gate assembly (30), and an entrance gate (34), wherein the milking arrangement comprises an independent first drive device (22) for moving the front gate assembly (20) between lower and upper positions and a second drive device (35) for moving the entrance gate (34) between open and closed positions. The milking arrangement comprises an independent third drive device (32) for moving the sequence gate assembly (30) from a first position to a second position, which is an elevated position in which the sequence gates (31) are located at a level above and behind animals standing in the respective milking places (3), and the sequence gate assembly (30) is configured to move from said second position to the first position with its sequence gates (31) in a closed position such that the sequence gates (31) urge animals standing in their respective milking places (3) to leave the milking places (3), and the milking arrangement comprises a control arrangement (40) which is configured to control the opening of the entrance gate (34) on basis of the position of the sequence gate assembly (30).
A control unit (120) controls (Ctrl) an automatic milking machine (110) to operate in accordance with control commands and/or parameter settings (CMD). A local user interface (130) is fixedly arranged at the milking machine (110) to receive operator- generated instructions, and in response thereto produce the control commands and/or parameter settings (CMD) to the control unit (120). Alternatively, the control commands and/or parameter settings (CMD) are received via a network (150) and a communication interface (140) from a remote terminal (161, 162, 163). In response to a first operator-generated instruction, the local user interface (130) produces a lock command (CMD[lk]) causing the automatic milking machine (110) to be set in a single-control mode in which it is locked to operate exclusively in response to control commands and/or parameter settings (CMD) from a single control source (130, 161, 162, 163) identified in connection with producing the lock command (CMD[lk]). The single control source is either the local user interface (130) or a particular remote terminal (161, 162, 163). This kind of locking guarantees a predictable operation of the milking machine (110), which is a key safety factor for any personnel located in proximity of the milking machine (110).
An automatic milking machine is controlled (Ctrl) by a control unit in accordance with control commands and/or parameter settings produced via a local user interface fixedly arranged at the milking machine, or received via a communication interface from a remote user terminal (161, 162). In response to a control request (CR1) from a first remote user terminal (161), which control request (CR1) indicates an intention to initiate transmission of control commands and/or parameter settings (CMDl) from the first remote user terminal (161), the control unit checks if at least one control command and/ or parameter setting (CMD2) from a second remote user terminal (162) has been received in the communication interface within a particular interval (P) preceding a point in time (t3) when the control request (CR1) was received. If so, the control unit returns status data (SD2) to the first remote user terminal (161), which status data (SD2) indicate an identity (ID) of the second remote user terminal (162). Based thereon, an operator of the first remote user terminal (161) may decide whether or not he/she should proceed to remote control the milking machine at the present point in time.
Method (200) and system (300) arranged to perform a feed related action at a feed table (110), upon which fodder (130) for feeding of a group of animals (100) is present. The system (300) comprises a sensor (150), configured to measure constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder (130) on the feed table (110) at a first point in time; a database (180), configured to store the measured constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder (130), associated with the first point in time; and a control unit (160), configured to perform the feed related action, based on the measured constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder (130).
Arrangement (500) configured to measure a biomarker value of an animal milk sample. The arrangement (500) comprises a cassette (130). The cassette (130) comprises a carrier tape (170) comprising test zones (180a, 180b, 180c) for indicating the biomarker value. The carrier tape (170) is arranged on spools (131, 132) arranged to co-operate with a cassette external motor (420). The cassette (130) also comprises an inspection window (135). Further the arrangement (500) comprises a service module (120) comprising a camera (210) configured to inspect the test zone (180a, 180b, 180c). The service module (120) also comprises a motor (420) configured to be engaged with a cassette spool (131, 132), and a tube element (220) configured to provide the milk sample to the test zone (180a, 180b, 180c).
Herein an end effector (2) of a robot arm is disclosed. The end effector is configured to participate in an animal related operation, and comprises an actuator (8) and a housing (10). The housing (10) is provided with a first aperture (12) at a first end portion (14). The actuator directly, or indirectly, participates in the animal related operation via the first aperture (12). The housing (10) is provided with a second aperture (16, 16', 16") providing access to an interior of the housing (10), wherein a passage (13) extends through the housing along at least part of the actuator (8), from the second aperture (16, 16', 16") to the first aperture (12). Thus, the housing may be flushed through for removing dirt.
Herein a method for cooling milk in a milking arrangement (4) is disclosed. A milk cooling apparatus (2) of the milking arrangement (4) comprises a coolant circuit (18) for heat exchange between milk and a coolant and a refrigerant circuit (20) for heat exchange between a refrigerant and the coolant. The method (50) comprises steps of: controlling (52) the refrigerant circuit (20) to maintain a predefined temperature range; receiving (54) a first signal relating to commencement or increase of a milk flow from a milking system (6) of the milking arrangement (4); starting or increasing (56) circulation of coolant in the coolant circuit (18); leading (58) the milk flow through the milk cooling apparatus (2).
Method (400), control unit (120) and system (500) for assisting a user in determining an insemination time interval (230) of an animal (100). The control unit (120) is configured to: obtain progesterone level of a milk sample of the animal (100); detect that the progesterone level is lower than a first threshold limit at a first moment (210); obtain activity level of the animal (100); detect that the activity level exceeds a second threshold limit at a second moment (220), within a first time period (240) from the first moment (210); determine the insemination time interval (230) of the animal (100) to be a second time period (250) from the moment (220) of detecting the activity level exceeding the second threshold limit; and generate a command signal to a user equipment (150) to output information to the user, comprising the insemination time interval (230),
A61B 10/00 - Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
A61D 17/00 - Devices for indicating trouble during labour of animals
G01N 33/74 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving hormones
A milking stable configured to house one animal at a time for milking of the animal, in particular for automatic milking of the animal, said milking stable comprising a first long side wall element (1), a second long side wall element (2) located opposite to the first long side wall element (1), a first short end wall element (3) and an opposite second short end wall element (4), an entrance door (5) hingedly connected to the second long side element (2), and an exit door (6) hingedly connected to the second long side wall element (2). The milking stable is characterised in that the second long side wall element (2) is displaceable in a direction towards and away from the first long side wall element (1).
A three-dimensional camera (130) of an automatic milking system records image data (Dimg) representing an outer surface of a teat (T1) of a dairy animal in three dimensions. Based on the image data (Dimg), a processing unit (140) performs a geometric analysis and calculates at least one size measure (W1, W2, L) of the teat (T1). A user interface (150) presents output data (DO [TCLR]) reflecting the size-related classification of the teat.
The invention relates to an arrangement and a method therein for supporting dairy animal management, the arrangement comprising a portable milking unit (1000) operable to communicate using short-range wireless communication and a wireless user equipment (900) operable to communicate using short-range wireless communication. The method comprises that the portable milking unit provides data related to a milking session of a specific dairy animal directly to the wireless user equipment over a short-range wireless link. The wireless user equipment receives the data directly from the portable milking unit over the short-range wireless link. The received data comprises information indicative of a milk yield of the specific dairy animal during the milking session. The method further comprises the wireless user equipment storing the received data in a memory, and further retrieving previously stored data related to one or more previous milking sessions. The method further comprises the wireless user equipment providing a representation of the received data and the retrieved previously stored data for display on a display of the wireless user equipment.
A cartridge (1 ) and a teatcup to be attached to the teat of an animal to be milked are disclosed. The cartridge comprises an elongated sleeve (20), having an upper end section (20a) and a lower end section (20b), and a teatcup liner pre-mounted in the elongated sleeve. The teatcup liner comprises an upper end portion located at the upper end section, a lower end portion located at the lower end section, and a barrel portion extending between the upper and lower end portions. The barrel portion has a polygonal cross-sectional shape defining a plurality of corner portions and a plurality of side portions. The elongated sleeve comprises a primary locking member (28). The teatcup liner comprises a primary complementary locking member (29). The two locking members engage each other to prevent rotation of the teatcup liner in relation to the elongated sleeve.
A teatcup and a cartridge (1) insertable into a connector (2) of the teatcup to be attached to the teat of an animal to be milked are disclosed. The cartridge comprises an elongated sleeve (20), having an upper end section (20a) and a lower end section (20b), and a teatcup liner (21) pre-mounted in the elongated sleeve. The teatcup liner (21) comprises an upper end portion (21a) located at the upper end section, a lower end portion (21b) located at the lower end section, and a barrel portion (21c) extending between the upper end portion and the lower end portion. The elongated sleeve comprises three separate primary hook members (50) provided circumferentially after each other on an outer surface (49) of the elongated sleeve. Each primary hook member has a lower slide surface (51 ) sloping upwardly and outwardly, and an upper hook surface (52) extending inwardly.
A milking module, a milking arrangement and a method for milking a group of animals is disclosed. The milking module (1) comprises five milking places for receiving a respective animal to be milked. The milking module extends along a longitudinal axis from a primary end to a secondary end. A front side and a rear side extend in parallel with the longitudinal axis. A front gate assembly (20) is movable between a lower position, closing the front side to prevent the animals from leaving, and an upper position, permitting the animals to leave. A further gate assembly (30) is movable between a lower position and an upper position above the animals. The front gate assembly comprises a front gate (21) which by means of guide bars (27) is movable along a curved path when the front gate assembly is moved between its lower and upper positions.
The cleaning of a milk transporting conduit structure (110) involves introducing fluid and an amount of gas (G) into the milk transporting conduit structure (110). Thus a temporary pressure increase is produced, which causes a slug (S) of fluid to be formed in and forwarded through the milk transporting conduit structure (110). A sensor arrangement measures at least one parameter related to the slug (S), and repeatedly forwards updatings of the at least one measured parameter to the data processor. Based thereon, the data processor produces an indicator (Ls) of at least one quality of the cleaning process. The indicator reflects a cross-sectional profile of the slug (S) at at least one position in the milk transporting conduit structure (110).
A diagnostic apparatus (100) for testing a milking point of a milking machine includes sensors (141, 142, 143, 144, 161, 162, 163, 164) for measuring fluid-transport related parameters, e.g. various pressure levels and/or flow values (P1, P2, P3, P4, F1, F2, F3, F4) relating to a set of teatcups. A controllable valve (150) and a set of test tubes (1 1 1, 1 12, 1 13, 1 14) are also included. Each test tube is here configured to be attached to one teatcup, and the controllable valve (150) selectively arranges a particular one of the test tubes for measurement of at least one parameter via one of the sensors in response to a control signal (Ctrl). These measurements are performed while all the teatcups are simultaneously attached to the test tubes and an external vacuum pressure (Pp) is applied either on a milk-line side of the controllable valve (150) or on a side opposite to the milk-line side relative to the controllable valve (150).
The invention relates to a rotatable brush (6) for animals, having a longitudinal length and comprising a rotatable core portion (11) with a plurality of bristles (12) each having a first end (12a) connected to the core portion (11) and a second free end (12b) located in a position radially outwardly of the first end (12a) with respect to a rotation axis (6c) of the brush (6). The brush (6) comprises at least one protective element (13) rotationally fixedly connected to the core portion (11), wherein the least one protective element is flexible and is extending radially outwardly from the core portion (11), and wherein the protective element (13) forms an outer hair guiding surface portion (13b) along the longitudinal length of the brush.
A method for sampling milk in a milking machine includes the steps of attaching teat cups to teats of an animal and starting to milk said teats; receiving a first amount of milk in a milk receiver while keeping an outlet valve device open; closing the outlet valve device; continuing the receiving of milk in the milk receiver; agitating the milk in the milk receiver using an agitation device of a milk sampling arrangement; taking a regular milk sample from the milk in an outlet portion of the milk receiver using a milk sample device of the milk sampling arrangement; and opening the outlet valve device so that the milk can be transferred to a milk tank.
A teatcup comprises a sleeve (2), a teacup liner (3) provided in the sleeve, and a milk receptacle (7) comprising a milk space (8). An inlet channel (9) extends between an inner space (5) of the teatcup liner and the milk space for conveying milk from a teat into the milk space. An outlet channel (10) extends from the milk space and is connectable to a milk conduit (11) for conveying the milk in a milk flow from the milk space. A gas supply channel (12) conveys a gas into the milk space for promoting the milk flow. The gas supply channel has an inlet (13) communicating with a gas source, and an outlet (14) into the milk space. The milk space is partly delimited by a side wall (21). The gas supply channel extends within the side wall and along a surface of the side wall.
Herein a support arm assembly (2) for milking equipment is disclosed. The support arm assembly (2) comprises a pivotable support arm (6) and a stationary arm suspension (8) for supporting the pivotable support arm (6). The pivotable support arm (6) comprises an elongated arm member (14). The elongated arm member (14) is configured to support a milking cluster (28) of the milking equipment at a distal end portion (24) thereof. The elongated arm member (14) is pivotable in a first direction (18) and an opposite second direction (20) in a substantially horizontal plane. The support arm assembly (2) comprises a holding device (36) configured to maintain the elongated arm member (14) in a first pivotal position when the elongated arm member (14) is subjected to a pivotal force smaller than a threshold force. Further a milking parlour is disclosed.
A cooling system (10) for cooling a flow of milk comprises a first and a second refrigeration system (11, 12); a first and a second intermediate coolant circulating system (13, 14); and a line manifold interconnectable between the first and second intermediate coolant circulating systems, wherein coolant in the first intermediate coolant circulating system is in heat exchange connection with the first refrigeration system in a first heat exchange section (15) and coolant in the second intermediate coolant circulating system is in heat exchange connection with the second refrigeration system in a second heat exchange section (16). The cooling system is reconfigurable between first operation configuration providing two-stage cooling of the flow of milk and a second operation configuration providing one-stage cooling of the flow of milk.
A01J 9/04 - Milk receptacles with cooling arrangements
F25B 5/02 - Compression machines, plants or systems, with several evaporator circuits, e.g. for varying refrigerating capacity arranged in parallel
F25D 17/02 - Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine
89.
SYSTEM FOR STORING AND COOLING MILK, MILKING SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR COOLING MILK
A system for storing and cooling milk includes a cooling tank to store milk, a first sensor monitoring the filling level of milk in the cooling tank, and a cooling system cooling the milk in the cooling tank including a cooling device, a second sensor, and a control device. The cooling device includes an evaporator, a varying-capacity modulated scroll compressor connected with its suction side to the evaporator, a condenser connected to the high pressure side of the compressor, and an expansion valve interconnected between the condenser and the evaporator. The second sensor monitors a parameter indicative of the pressure at the suction side of the compressor. The control device is operatively connected to the first sensor to receive the monitored filling level, the second sensor to receive the monitored parameter, and the compressor to control the capacity thereof in response to the monitored filling level and the monitored parameter.
A cleaning system (li) is adapted to an automatic milking system (12) including teat cups (12a), a milk collecting vessel (12b), and a milk tube arrangement (12c) interconnecting the teat cups with the milk collecting vessel. The cleaning system comprises a water supply arrangement (13), and first (15) and second (19) cleaning arrangements. The water supply arrangement (13) comprises a supply system (13a) connectable to cold and hot tap water, and a tank (13b) provided with an overflow (13c), wherein the supply system has an outlet orifice (13d') for supplying water to the tank, wherein the orifice opens into the tank with a vertical air gap (i3e) between the outlet orifice and the highest obtainable water level in the tank. The first cleaning arrangement (15) is configured to clean the teat cups of the automatic milking system and/ or the teats of milking animals prior to being milked by the automatic milking system, wherein the first cleaning arrangement comprises at least one cleaning module (i5d, I5g), at least one feed line (151) interconnecting the cleaning module with the tank, and a feed pump (15a) for feeding water from the tank to the cleaning module. The second cleaning arrangement (19) is configured to clean the automatic milking system and comprises a detergent supply system (19a) connected to the tank for supplying detergent to the tank, thus forming a cleaning liquid; and a supply line (19b) interconnecting the tank with the automatic milking system allowing the cleaning liquid to be supplied to the automatic milking system.
Herein a method of controlling an animal forage handling arrangement (2) is disclosed. The animal forage handling arrangement (2) comprises a first forage dispensing arrangement (4) comprising a first conveyor, a first separator adapted to separate and distribute forage, and a first dispensing end portion and a first loading end portion. The arrangement (2) further comprises a control unit (16), the control unit (16) being adapted to control a driving of the first conveyor and comprises a first forage presence sensor arranged at the first loading end portion. The method comprises starting the first conveyor to move an upper side of the first conveyor towards the first loading end portion, and stopping the first conveyor when a loading condition is fulfilled, to prepare the first conveyor to be loaded with forage. Also an animal forage handling arrangement (2) is disclosed herein.
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.
The present invention pertains to antimicrobial compositions that can control or destroy pathogenic microorganisms in a wide variety of applications. Antimicrobial agents may be used in veterinary applications, for example, to control and prevent hoof diseases, mastitis, or topical infections. Prevention of mastitis is a major goal of the dairy industry, where the disease may result from the contact of the bovine or ovine mammary gland with pathogenic microorganisms. Mastitis is a potentially serious infection, where severe cases can cause the death of a dairy animal. The present invention provides an antimicrobial composition comprising glycolic acid, an anionic surfactant comprising an alkyl sulfonate, an alkyl sulfate, or a mixture thereof a nonionic surfactant comprising an alcohol ethoxylate, and a further anionic surfactant comprising an alpha-olefin sulfonate. The antimicrobial composition according to the invention is useful as a teat dip for controlling or preventing bovine mastitis.
A01N 37/36 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic compounds containing a carbon atom having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most two bonds to halogen, e.g. carboxylic acids containing at least one carboxylic group or a thio-analogue, or a derivative thereof, and a singly bound oxygen or sulfur atom attached to the same carbon skeleton, this oxygen or sulfur atom not being a member of a carboxylic group or of a thio-anal
A01N 25/30 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests characterised by the surfactants
A01P 1/00 - Disinfectants; Antimicrobial compounds or mixtures thereof
94.
ENCODER ARRANGEMENT AND ROTARY MILKING PLATFORM ARRANGEMENT
Herein an encoder arrangement (2) adapted to be used with a rotary milking platform is disclosed. The encoder arrangement (2) comprises an encoder comprising an encoder axle rotatabie about an encoder axis (12), an encoder wheel (6) connected to the encoder axle, and a suspension arrangement (8) supporting the encoder and the encoder wheel (6). The encoder and the encoder wheel (6) are arranged on a movable portion (14) of the suspension arrangement (8). The movable portion (14) is biased towards the rotary milking platform. The movable portion (14) is pivotable about a pivot axis (16), and the pivot axis (16) extends substantially perpendicularly to the encoder axis (12). Further a rotary milking platform arrangement is disclosed.
A teatcup to be attached to a teat of an animal to be milked comprises a connector (2) and a cartridge (1) to be received in the connector (2). The cartridge comprises a sleeve (6) having an upper end (6a) and a lower end (6b), a teatcup liner (7) mounted in the sleeve and having an inner space (8) for receiving said teat, and a pulsation chamber (9) provided between the sleeve and the teatcup liner. The teatcup liner comprises an upper end portion (7a) located at the upper end of the sleeve, a barrel portion (7c) and a lower end portion (7b) extending beyond the lower end of the sleeve, The lower end portion forms an end nozzle (10) extending beyond the lower end of the sleeve and having a circumferential external surface (10a). An annular seal element (11) is provided at the circumferential external surface to seal between the lower end nozzle and the connector.
The invention provides an automatic teat treatment method and apparatus for carrying out a pre- or post-treatment operation on the teats of an individual dairy animal using a robot apparatus with a control system which robot is capable of carrying a teat treating device on an arm thereof, the method comprising the steps of initiating automatic detection of all the spatial teat positions of all teats of an individual animal at a pre- or post- treatment location and registering the spatial positions of all of the detected individual animal's teats, and deriving a dedicated treating action effective to move the treating device through a dedicated path defined by the registered spatial teat positions and initiating and carrying out the treating by movement of the treating device through the dedicated path. The automatic teat treatment and apparatus according to the invention may be useful in improving in the efficiency of pre- or post-treatment in association with milking of a dairy animal, preferably in an automated milking installation.
An automatic teat treatment method and apparatus uses a control system and an associated robot apparatus with an arm that carries a treatment apparatus, to establish a treatment operation start time and establish the presence of an animal at a treatment location, and then (i) initiate detection of a spatial teat position of a first teat, (ii) register the spatial position, (iii) derive a dedicated teat-treating action, (iv) carry out the teat-treating action, and (v) successively repeat the initiating, registering, deriving, and treating steps once in respect of each teat until all teats are treated, where, when after the start time, a predefined point in time is passed before any of the preceding steps is completed, the method is interrupted and a default treating action for treating all remaining untreated teats is derived and carried out by the treatment apparatus and thereafter the robot arm is retracted
The invention refers to a milk conduit, a milk conduit device, a milk- receiving member and a milking member. The milk conduit (3) comprises a first end portion (31) to be connected to a milk-receiving member. The first end portion comprises an inner sleeve section made of a first material and an outer sleeve section joined to the inner sleeve section (35) and made of a second material, which is more rigid than the first material. The outer sleeve section comprises an outer peripheral surface (38) and at least one projection (39) extending outwardly from the outer peripheral surface. The projection has a peripheral extension of less than 180°, and is engaged by a coupling member on the milk-receiving member.
A claw (C) for a milking machine comprises an enclosure having an upper part (1) and a lower part (2) and enclosing an inner space (3) for a milk flow during a milking operation. The lower part comprises a bottom surface (4) facing the inner space. An outlet nipple (12), connected to a long milk conduit (13), extends outwardly from the upper part. A suction tube (20) connects the inner space to the outlet nipple, and comprises a lower tube section close to the bottom surface. Three support legs extend from the lower tube section and abut the bottom surface, thereby forming a gap between the lower tube section and the bottom surface. Each support leg has an end point, which end points are located in a common lower plane. The common lower plane is inclined to the centre axis.
A claw (C) for a milking machine comprises an enclosure having an upper part (1) and a lower part (2) and enclosing an inner space (3) for a milk flow during a milking operation. A centre axis (x) extends through the enclosure and through the upper part and the lower part. The upper part comprises an upper end (5) defining an upper end point, and a lower annular end (7) extending along a periphery of the claw in a connection plane (p). The lower part is detachably connected to the upper part along the connection plane, and rotary symmetric with respect to an axis (?') of rotation being perpendicular to the connection plane. The connection plane is inclined with respect to the centre axis so that the enclosure have a first height at a first peripheral position (pi) and a second height at a second peripheral position (P2) diametrically opposite to the first peripheral position, and that the first height is greater than the second height.
patents
