Abstract

A control arrangement, method, and computer program for obtaining, from a real-time location system, positions of individual animals and of individual mobile agricultural devices located in a livestock area, and automatically controlling one or more of the mobile agricultural devices based on the obtained positions of the mobile agricultural devices and the individual animals so that the mobile agricultural devices are operated optimally and safely of the animals.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 69/04 - Special adaptations of automatic tractor steering, e.g. electric system for contour ploughing
• A01K 1/01 - Removal of dung or urine
• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

A quality sensor that predicts a degree of inhomogeneities in milk extracted from an animal, by receiving a set of input variables reflecting at least one characteristic each of the animal, the extracted milk, and at least process during which milk was extracted from the animal, and by feeding the input variables into a trained artificial neural network in the quality sensor, which generates an estimate of a predicted degree of inhomogeneities in the milk of the animal.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/01 - Milkmeters; Milk flow sensing devices
• A01J 9/02 - Milk receptacles with straining or filtering devices
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
• G06V 10/82 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using neural networks

Abstract

A milking system equipped with teat cups each connected to a respective milk evacuation tube, a vacuum pump, a milk tank, vacuum regulators configured to control a vacuum pressure level prevailing in the teat cup, vacuum pressure sensors each configured to measure vacuum pressure level prevailing under one of the teats, an animal identification sensor, a database, a processing device configured to: determine animal ID, extract data of each respective teat from the database, determine a teat specific vacuum pressure level at each teat, and generate a command to each vacuum regulator, to set the teat specific vacuum pressure level at each teat cup.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats

Abstract

A system and detergent container for cleaning a piece of milking equipment, where the system includes a cleaning unit that uses the detergent and water to create a mixture for cleaning the milking equipment, a dosing device supplying detergent to the cleaning unit, a wireless communicator that communicates wirelessly with a configuration tag on the detergent container that includes a memory device that stores a reference to the detergent, and a control unit, where the wireless communicator retrieves the reference from the memory device, and the control unit is configured to use the obtained reference to obtain the detergent reference via the wireless communicator from the memory device and set a cleaning parameter for cleaning the piece of the milking equipment.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 7/02 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for cleaning or sanitising milking machines or devices
• B08B 9/032 - Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
• B08B 9/08 - Cleaning of containers, e.g. tanks

Abstract

A control unit, computer-implemented method, and computer program for controlling a milk transport and cooling apparatus where a flow of milk is controlled from a balance tank to a storage tank, based on a temperature-indicating signal measuring a temperature of the flow of milk before entering the storage tank, and a level-indicating signal reflecting a milk level in the balance tank in relation to low- and high-threshold levels respectively, such that the control unit generates a first control signal controlling the speed of the milk pump based on the temperature-indicating signal when the level-indicating signal is within low- and high-threshold levels respectively, and can also generate a second control signal controlling a capacity of a chiller based on the temperature-indicating signal with respect to an uninterrupted time period.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 9/04 - Milk receptacles with cooling arrangements

Abstract

An apparatus and method for cooling down milk in a milk cooling apparatus, where the milk cooling apparatus includes a coolant circuit with a milk cooling heat exchanger for heat exchange between milk and the coolant, and also includes a chiller with a refrigerant circuit for heat exchange between a refrigerant and the coolant, where the method includes measuring an OUT-temperature of the coolant upstream of the milk cooling heat exchanger and downstream a coolant cooling heat exchanger, and operating one or more compressors based on the measured OUT-temperature to minimize a difference between the measured OUT-temperature and a desired OUT-temperature, and also measuring an IN-temperature of the coolant upstream the coolant cooling heat exchanger and downstream the milk cooling heat exchanger, where the method configures how many compressors of the one or more compressors being active at a certain OUT-temperature based on the measured IN-temperature.

IPC Classes  ?

• F25B 49/02 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for compression type machines, plants or systems
• F25B 25/00 - Machines, plants or systems, using a combination of modes of operation covered by two or more of the groups
• A23C 3/04 - Preservation of milk or milk preparations by freezing or cooling

Abstract

A milk extracting system and computer-implemented method of adjusting the vacuum pressures applied respectively at different teat cups for milking the teats of an animal during a milk extraction procedure, where a teat-specific milk flow value is determined for each individual teat during the milk extraction, based on measurements received from respective milk flow meters, each determined teat specific milk flow value is compared with a first threshold limit, and when a determination is made that all of the teat specific milk flow values exceed the first threshold limit the vacuum pressure at each teat cup is adjusted to a high flow vacuum pressure level.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/01 - Milkmeters; Milk flow sensing devices
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

An image processor that obtains image data registered by a time-of-flight imaging system and representing a scene illuminated by two or more light sources calibrated to enable the image processor to include distance data in the image data, where the image processor determines if a shadow effect exists by which a first object in the scene obstructs light of at least one light source from reaching a part of a second object in the scene, and adjusts the distance data to compensate for the at least one light source for which light did not reach the part of the second object.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 17/894 - 3D imaging with simultaneous measurement of time-of-flight at a 2D array of receiver pixels, e.g. time-of-flight cameras or flash lidar
• G06T 15/06 - Ray-tracing
• G06T 15/60 - Shadow generation
• G06V 10/60 - Extraction of image or video features relating to illumination properties, e.g. using a reflectance or lighting model
• G06V 10/74 - Image or video pattern matching; Proximity measures in feature spaces
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A message handling node of a farm management system that receives error messages from a plurality of automatic devices, and generates and sends out error reports to user terminals, where the message handling node applies a rules system prescribing that an error report concerning a particular one of the automatic devices is generated based on fulfillment of a frequency criterion relating to a number of times at which the message handling node receives the error messages from said particular one device within at least one previous period in order to manage a total number of error reports received by each of the user terminals.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 11/07 - Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance
• G06F 11/32 - Monitoring with visual indication of the functioning of the machine

Abstract

A method for controlling operation of a manure arrangement (10) that includes a manure storage structure (3), an agitator (11), and an agitator motor (8) arranged to actuate the agitator (11). The method including 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 including controlling (S2) operation of the manure arrangement (10) based on the monitored load quantity. A manure arrangement (10) arranged to perform the method is provided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01C 3/02 - Storage places for manure, e.g. cisterns for liquid manure; Installations for fermenting manure
• B01F 23/50 - Mixing liquids with solids
• B01F 23/53 - Mixing liquids with solids using driven stirrers
• B01F 35/212 - Measuring of the driving system data, e.g. torque, speed or power data
• B01F 35/222 - Control or regulation of the position of mixing devices or elements
• B01F 35/221 - Control or regulation of operational parameters, e.g. level of material in the mixer, temperature or pressure

Abstract

An imaging system registers image data (Dimg) in connection with an installation performing at least one action relating to an animal. A system for image data quality assurance contains a control unit and a digital storage unit. The control unit obtains image data (Dimg) registered by the imaging system when the installation is in an idle mode. The control unit analyzes the obtained image data (Dimg) to determine if a cleaning action to remove dirt (D) from a front window of the imaging system has been performed. If it is determined that such a cleaning action has been performed, control unit (120) causes a point in time for the cleaning action to be recorded in the digital storage unit (130) for use performance tracking of the installation in conjunction with the cleaning actions.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 7/20 - Analysis of motion
• G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
• G06V 10/75 - Image or video pattern matching; Proximity measures in feature spaces using context analysis; Selection of dictionaries
• H04N 17/00 - Diagnosis, testing or measuring for television systems or their details

Abstract

A system and method for monitoring at least one operating pressure in a milking installation by a pressure sensor measuring values of a pressure level in a component of a milking point of the milking installation, the pressure level being indicative of the at least one operating pressure to be monitored. A processing node generates monitoring data representing a series of measured values of the pressure level, and the monitoring data contains temporal indicators designating a respective timestamp indicative of a point in time when a value of the pressure level was measured. The temporal indicators serve as a basis for triggering at least one alarm, such as when a timestamp indicates that the pressure level was measured to a value outside of an acceptable range of values at the point in time indicated by the timestamp.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors

Abstract

An offset for a first milking tool in a tool carrier of an automatic milking machine is determined as a spatial vector between a tool reference position (TRP) and an estimated actual position (TAP) of the milking tool. A three-dimensional image data is registered that represents a teat (T) during attachment to and/or detachment from the milking tool. The image data is processed by searching, within a search zone, for a predefined part (MP) of the teat (T) while the teat (T) is attached to the milking tool. Provided that the predefined part (MP) fulfills a measurement criterion, a distance (doff) is calculated between a specific point of the predefined part (MP) and the tool reference position (TRP). The offset is then determined based on the calculated distance (doff).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters

Abstract

A milking arrangement with a milk transport line and a plurality of milk stations connected thereto, with a receiver that receives milk transported from the milk stations via the transport line, a vacuum system that supplies a vacuum in the transport line via the receiver, a cleaning liquid source connected to the transport line, and a controllable injector that introduces gas into the milk transport line that to cause a slug of cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid source to be formed and forwarded through the transport line, a vibration sensor being arranged on the receiver and configured to measure a motion of the receiver caused by the slug entering the receiver, and a control system configured to control the operation of the injector and to determine an entering of the slug into the receiver based on the measurement of the vibration sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 7/02 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for cleaning or sanitising milking machines or devices
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A milking arrangement with a plurality of milk stations connected to the milk transport line, a receiver connected to the transport line that receives milk transported from the milk stations via the transport line, and a vacuum system that supplies a vacuum in the transport line via the receiver, with a cleaning liquid source connected to the transport line, a controllable injector that introduces an amount of gas into the transport line to produce a temporary pressure increase therein that causes a slug of a cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid source to be formed and forwarded through the transport line, and a control system configured to control the operation of the injector, wherein the control system is configured to control characteristics of the slug by controlling the vacuum level supplied by the vacuum system and/or the amount of gas introduced via the controllable injector.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• A01J 7/02 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for cleaning or sanitising milking machines or devices

Abstract

A computer-implemented method, a controller, an arrangement, and a milking system, wherein a point in time of an insemination of an animal is received, and a measurement of progesterone level is obtained in an analyte of the animal, and the animal is determined to be non-pregnant when the progesterone level of the obtained measurement is lower than a progesterone threshold limit, where the measurement is made within 11 days from the point in time of the insemination.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• A61D 17/00 - Devices for indicating trouble during labour of animals

Abstract

A milking arrangement includes a milk transport line (1), a plurality of milk stations, and a cleaning arrangement (4) with a delivery arrangement (5) configured to deliver a cleaning liquid into the milk transport line (1) and a pump (6) configured to pump the cleaning liquid through the milk transport line (1) at a pressure larger than atmospheric pressure, thereby filling the transport line (1) with cleaning liquid. A control unit (9) is configured to determine a volume and/or length of the milk transport line (1) on basis of registered first point of time of pump start, a second point of time of passage of cleaning liquid through the milk transport line (1), and the amount of liquid introduced into the milk transport line from the first point of time to the second point of time.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 7/02 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for cleaning or sanitising milking machines or devices

Abstract

A milking control arrangement and milk extracting system, configured to obtain teat size data of at least one teat of an animal to be milked and to adjust a milking parameter of a milk extraction unit when milk is extracted from the teat based on the obtained teat size data of the teat.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/01 - Milkmeters; Milk flow sensing devices
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A control unit obtains a respective first state of a first operation parameter of each drive unit of a rotary milking parlor in a first mode of operation, and a second state of the first operation parameter during operation of the rotating platform in a second mode of operation. For each drive unit, the control unit compares the first and second states of the first operation parameter with one another and when, for one or more detected drive units, a difference between the first and second states does not exceed a threshold level, the control unit generates a first alarm with respect to the one or more detected drive units.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05B 23/02 - Electric testing or monitoring
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor

Abstract

A system and method for automatically matching a sensor device attached to an animal with an ID tag attached to the animal, wherein a reader device, located in or alongside a passage of an animal enclosure, transmits a signal toward the animal in the passage that triggers the ID tag to transmit ID information, and a monitoring device in communication with the reader device receives the ID information from the reader device, receives sensor device information from the sensor device including a sensor device identity, and determines that the ID tag and the sensor device are attached to a same animal based on time information associated with the ID information and the sensor device information.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals
• H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

A system and method for automatically matching a sensor device attached to an animal with an ID tag attached to the animal, wherein a handheld reader device triggers transmission of sensor device information from the sensor device and triggers transmission of ID information from the ID tag, and a monitoring device, in communication with the handheld reader device, is configured to determine and record that the ID tag and the sensor device are attached to a same animal based on time information associated with both the ID information transmitted from the ID tag and the sensor device information transmitted from the sensor device.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals
• H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

A teatcup for the teat of an animal includes a casing having an upper end and a lower end, a cartridge inserted in the casing, and a pulsation chamber. An upper annular seal element extends between the cartridge and the casing to seal the pulsation chamber from the environment. The cartridge includes an elongated support member including an upper end section, a lower end section, and an intermediate support structure between the upper and lower end sections. A barrel defining an inner space for the teat is mounted in the elongated support member and stretched between the upper and the lower end sections. The intermediate support structure is permeable to gas. The pulsation chamber is delimited by the barrel, the casing and the upper annular seal element positioned at the upper end of the casing.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/06 - Teat-cups with one chamber

Abstract

A method for operating an autonomous feed robot at a feed table in a livestock area, in which one or more stationary cameras are disposed to monitor the feed table, includes obtaining one or more images captured using the one or more stationary cameras and indicative of a distribution of feed on the feed table and controlling the operation of the autonomous feed robot based on the distribution of feed indicated by the one or more images. The disclosure also relates to control circuitry, an autonomous feed robot, and a computer program for performing the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices

Abstract

A method for use with a multibody system includes two body sections assembled via a joint, one of the body sections including a camera which is moveable between a first position and a second position, includes detecting a reference object with the camera situated in the first position, determining a reference value of the reference object, requesting movement of the camera from the first position into the second position, initiating movement of the camera from the first position towards the second position, while iteratively sampling image of the reference object, determining a current object value of the reference object, based on the sampled image, matching the reference value with the current object value, and determining successfulness of the camera movement, based on the matching.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05B 19/19 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by positioning or contouring control systems, e.g. to control position from one programmed point to another or to control movement along a programmed continuous path
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters

Abstract

A preparation robot, a teat preparation arrangement, and a method of preparing teats are disclosed. The preparation robot includes a base, a robot arm arrangement connected to and movable in relation to the base, the robot arm arrangement including an outer robot arm member, a first teat-preparing cup, and a second teat-preparing cup, each including an inner space for receiving a respective one of the teats. The first teat-preparing cup is attached to the outer robot arm member to be immovable in relation to the outer robot arm member during operation of the preparation robot. The second teat-preparing cup is detachable from the outer robot arm member to be movable in relation to the outer robot arm member during at least a part of the operation of the preparation robot.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 7/04 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for treatment of udders or teats, e.g. for cleaning
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters

Abstract

A milking arrangement comprising a milking machine for milking an animal, wherein the milking arrangement comprises a control unit that is configured to obtain identity of the animal in connection with milking of the animal, obtain a reference point in time of a lactation cycle of the identified animal, determine to take at least one milk sample of the animal, when a predetermined time period has passed from the reference point in time; obtain a Haptoglobin level from the milk sample, compare the obtained Haptoglobin level with a Haptoglobin reference limit, and indicate health condition of the animal, based on the made comparison.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/01 - Milkmeters; Milk flow sensing devices
• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk

Abstract

An autonomous agricultural vehicle that operates in accordance with a cleaning plan, a method for operating the vehicle, and a computer program related to operating the vehicle, wherein while the vehicle is operated, a load quantity representing an amount of material moved by the cleaning device is monitored at a plurality of individual times, and the cleaning plan of the autonomous agricultural vehicle is adjusted based on a variation in the monitored load quantity among the individual times.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/01 - Removal of dung or urine
• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
• A01B 69/04 - Special adaptations of automatic tractor steering, e.g. electric system for contour ploughing

Abstract

A milking system configured to milk animals includes a milking station, a first milk tank, and a second milk tank, a controllable valve arrangement configured to open or close a first branch and to open or close a second branch of a milk transport conduit, to control to which tank that milk is transported, and a control device configured to control the controllable valve arrangement. The milking system includes a sensor configured to sense a property of milk present in the first milk tank or of milk flowing towards the first milk tank, or a sensor configured to sense a property of a cooling arrangement for controlling the temperature of the milk in the first milk tank. The control device is configured to control the controllable valve arrangement based on information from the sensor.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 9/04 - Milk receptacles with cooling arrangements
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A drive unit causes a rotating platform of a rotary milking parlor arrangement to move in a direction of rotation. The drive unit includes first and second drive motors arranged to engage a drive rail of the rotating platform and act on a respective side of the drive rail to cause the rotating platform to move. Each of the drive motors produces a respective pace signal indicating a rotational speed of the drive motor in question. A control unit receives the pace signals from each of the drive motors in each drive unit. The control unit compares the pace signal from the first drive motor with the pace signal from the second drive motor from each drive unit to establish a respective difference in the rotational speeds in the drive unit. If the difference exceeds a threshold value, the control unit triggers an alarm.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 7/00 - Accessories for milking machines or devices

Abstract

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).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/01 - Removal of dung or urine

Abstract

A milking system configured to milk animals includes at least one milking station, a milk tank, a transport conduit, a valve arrangement, and a cleaning arrangement that includes a delivery arrangement configured to deliver a first liquid into the milk transport conduit and to deliver a second liquid into the milk transport conduit, a pump, a controller configured to control the delivery arrangement, and a detector configured to detect that a delivery of the first liquid into milk transport conduit has ended. The detector is connected to the controller, which is configured, as a response to a signal from the detector that the delivery of the first liquid has ended, to activate the delivery arrangement to deliver the second liquid into the milk transport conduit subsequently to the ending of the delivery of the first liquid while there is a column of first liquid in the milk transport conduit.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 7/02 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for cleaning or sanitising milking machines or devices
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A milking arrangement includes plural milking places, each milking place having a primary end and an opposite secondary end, an entrance at the primary end, a front side and a rear side, which both extend in parallel with the longitudinal axis, a plurality of sequence gates arranged between the front side and the rear side, each of the sequence gates being pivotable between a closed position and an open position, each sequence gate being only pivotable from its closed position to its open position in a pivotation direction in which the front end is pivoted into a milking place towards the front side of the milking arrangement, main extension planes of the sequence gates being aligned when the sequence gates are in their closed position, with a lower edge of each sequence gate defining a bulge that extends downwards.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• E05F 15/70 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation
• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor

Abstract

A method, controller, computer program and arrangement for barn cleaning obtaining information from one or more cameras mounted to capture images of an area of operation of an automatic barn cleaning device and identifying at least one location in said area of operation being subjected to manure, based on the obtained information. The method further calculates a route for the automatic barn cleaning device based on the identified at least one location, and controls the automatic barn cleaning device based on the calculated route.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
• A01K 1/01 - Removal of dung or urine

Abstract

An automatic milking system including an electronic control unit, a milking station, a production milk tank, a second milk tank, an animal identification system, a first sensor to measure at least one indicator of illness of an animal, a data memory in which measurements are gathered. The control unit configured to register a first point of time at which milk from an animal is diverted to the second tank instead of being conducted to the production milk tank, register a second point of time at which milk from the animal is shifted from being conducted to the second tank to being conducted to the production milk tank, and, when the time period between the first point of time and the second point of time is within a predetermined number days, the control unit determines that the animal is in an illness state.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk

Abstract

A control unit (240) and configuration tag (125) of a milk analysis apparatus (120) includes a first wireless communication device (310), for communication with a memory device (330) of the configuration tag. The configuration tag is applicable to the milk analysis apparatus and includes a reference sign (115) of a milk extracting arrangement (110) to which the milk analysis apparatus is intended to work in conjunction with. The communication is made via a second wireless communication device (320) comprised in the configuration tag. The control unit (340) is configured to retrieve, via the first wireless communication device, configuration data of the milk extracting arrangement that the milk analysis apparatus is intended to operate in conjunction with, from the memory device of the configuration tag; and to configure the control unit, based on the retrieved configuration data of the milk extracting arrangement.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups ; Handling materials therefor

Abstract

A feed pusher and a method related to an operation of the feed pusher configured to travel on a feeding table along a longitudinal axis of the feeding table at a distance from a feeding table edge and configured to push animal feed placed on the feeding table sidewards in relation to the longitudinal axis towards the feeding table edge by a rotational movement of a rotatable screw driven by an electric motor include obtaining a value of a parameter related to the electric motor during a time period of the operation of the feed pusher traveling on the feeding table, and estimating an amount of animal feed that has been pushed during the time period based on the obtained value of the parameter.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices

Abstract

A system, a sensor and a control unit for determining validity of a result of a lateral flow test, whereby a lateral flow stick that has a sample pad, a conjugate pad having antibody treated gold particles, and a porous membrane for receiving a capillary flow of a milk sample. The porous membrane has a test line treated with a progesterone reference which binds antibody treated gold particles of the milk sample and thereby brings the test line to change colour tint when exposed for milk comprising a progesterone level lower than a threshold limit, and a control line treated with an antibody reference which binds antibody, and thereby brings the control line to change colour tint when exposed for milk comprising antibody treated gold particles.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/558 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor using diffusion or migration of antigen or antibody
• G01N 33/74 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving hormones
• G01N 33/53 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor

Abstract

A method, a controller, a computer program and an arrangement for barn cleaning obtain, from a detection arrangement, information related to animal presence in an area in a barn and derive a measure of animal presence over time in the area in the barn based on the information. The method further includes controlling the operation of an automatic barn cleaning device based on the derived measure.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/01 - Removal of dung or urine

Abstract

A method and control arrangement for controlling an automated crowd gate that operates to form a side of a holding area and moves in relation to an entrance of a destination in order to cause animals located in the holding area to move towards the destination, wherein location data defining individual positions of one or more animals located in the holding area is obtained from a real-time location system, location data, a current position of the crowd gate is obtained, and an operation of the crowd gate is controlled based on the obtained position of the crowd gate and the obtained location data of the animals.

IPC Classes  ?

• E05F 15/73 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation responsive to movement or presence of persons or objects
• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• E05F 15/40 - Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions

Abstract

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).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk
• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• G01N 33/487 - Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups ; Handling materials therefor
• H04W 4/30 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes
• H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A control unit (240) and liquid container (135) of a milk analysis apparatus (120) having 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, via a second wireless communication device (220) in the liquid container. The control unit (240) is configured to obtain a signal associated with consumed liquid amount of the liquid container, during a liquid extraction session; and transmit information related to the consumed liquid amount via the first wireless communication device, for storage in the memory device of the liquid container.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups ; Handling materials therefor

Abstract

A control valve and a membrane for a moving a valve disk of a control valve between a first position and a second position are provided. The membrane has a central axis perpendicular to an extension plane of the membrane. The membrane includes an outer annular rim portion, a central portion configured to be connected the valve disk, and a flexible portion that is annular and provided between the central portion and the outer annular rim portion. The membrane is flexible to permit the central portion to move back and forth along the central axis, thereby permitting the valve disk to move to one of the first position and the second position. The membrane is designed with an inherent pre-tensioning of the flexible portion, which permits the membrane to exert a force on the valve disk from the first position towards the second position.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16K 11/044 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves; Arrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only lift valves with movable valve members positioned between valve seats
• F16K 31/40 - Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the conduit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor
• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• F16K 31/06 - Operating means; Releasing devices magnetic using a magnet

Abstract

A rotating platform having a plurality of stalls is provided, each of the stalls being configured to house a respective animal during milking. The stalls are separated from one another by delimiting structures. A camera registers three-dimensional image data of the rotating platform within a field of view. A controller receives the image data that has been registered while the rotating platform completes at least one full revolution around its rotation axis. The controller processes the image data to derive a set of key features of the rotating platform, and then stores the set of key features in a data storage, which is configured to make the set of key features available for use at a later point in time.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 7/38 - Registration of image sequences
• G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
• G06V 10/62 - Extraction of image or video features relating to a temporal dimension, e.g. time-based feature extraction; Pattern tracking
• G06V 10/70 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• B25J 9/16 - Programme controls

Abstract

A camera registers three-dimensional image data representing a milking location for a milk-producing animal standing with its hind legs facing the camera, where the image data are processed to identify an udder of the animal, and subsequently a tail detection process is applied to the image data to identify a tail of the animal, where upon identification of the tail, the tail is excluded from being regarded as a teat when providing a decision basis for controlling a robotic arm that performs at least one action relating to a milk-producing animal. The tail detection process involves searching for an elongated object extending in a general direction being perpendicular to a floor surface of the rotating platform upon which the animal is standing and at a shorter distance from the camera than any surface element of the identified udder.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 1/00 - General purpose image data processing
• G06V 40/10 - Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A system and method for providing a decision basis for controlling a robotic arm to perform at least one action relating to a milk-producing animal, wherein a camera registers three-dimensional image data of a milking location that includes a reference object and a rotating platform upon which an animal stands with its hind legs facing the camera, and a control unit checks if an entry window for a robotic arm can be found in the image data by searching for the reference object in the image data, and if the reference object is found the control unit searches for an acceptable obstacle-free volume in the image data, this volume being located within an allowed space relative to the reference object.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• B25J 9/16 - Programme controls

Abstract

A method, controller, computer program, and computer program product are provided for determining a health condition of an animal by capturing a thermographic image of at least one portion of the animal and capturing a visible light image of the at least one portion of the animal, the visible light image corresponding to the thermographic image. The method further includes determining at least one surface property of the at least one portion of the animal based on the visible light image, adjusting the thermographic image to compensate for impact of the determined at least one surface property, and determining the health condition of the animal based on the adjusted thermographic image.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• G06T 7/40 - Analysis of texture
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 7/30 - Determination of transform parameters for the alignment of images, i.e. image registration
• G01J 5/48 - Thermography; Techniques using wholly visual means
• G01J 5/00 - Radiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry
• G01J 5/08 - Optical arrangements

Abstract

A control unit is configured to obtain measurements of milk flow during a milking session of the animal (101) and analyse a sequence of the obtained measurements. Based on the 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. During early lactation, the control unit 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, or detects that the milk flow has reached a plateau phase and interrupts the milking during the plateau phase (220).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/01 - Milkmeters; Milk flow sensing devices
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

Tools in an automatic milking arrangement are picked up by using a robotic arm (110). The robotic arm (110) moves a camera (130) to an origin location (PC) from which the camera (130) registers three-dimensional image data (Dimg3D) of at least one tool (141, 142, 143, 144). The three-dimensional image data is processed using an image-based object identification algorithm to identify objects in the form of the tools and hoses (152). In response to identifying at least one tool, a respective tool position (PT1, PT3, PT4) is determined for each identified tool based on the origin location (PC) and the three-dimensional image data. Then, a grip device (115) is exclusively controlled to the one or more of the respective tool positions (PT1, PT3, PT4) to perform a pick-up operation. Thus, futile attempts to pick-up non-existing or blocked tools can be avoided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
• H04N 5/232 - Devices for controlling television cameras, e.g. remote control
• G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
• G06T 7/30 - Determination of transform parameters for the alignment of images, i.e. image registration
• H04N 13/207 - Image signal generators using stereoscopic image cameras using a single 2D image sensor
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 1/00 - General purpose image data processing
• G08B 21/18 - Status alarms
• B25J 9/16 - Programme controls
• B25J 13/08 - Controls for manipulators by means of sensing devices, e.g. viewing or touching devices
• B25J 11/00 - Manipulators not otherwise provided for
• A01J 7/02 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for cleaning or sanitising milking machines or devices

Abstract

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.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61K 31/60 - Salicylic acid; Derivatives thereof
• A61K 31/19 - Carboxylic acids, e.g. valproic acid
• A61K 33/08 - Oxides; Hydroxides
• A61K 9/00 - Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
• A61P 31/02 - Local antiseptics

Abstract

A control arrangement and a control module for a milking position for milking a dairy animal includes a casing forming an inner space 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 includes an inner front plate. The front side of the printed circuit board is attached to a rear side of the inner front plate by 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 of plastic material.

IPC Classes  ?

• H05K 5/00 - Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• H05K 5/02 - Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus - Details

Abstract

The positions of the tools in an automatic milking arrangement are determined by registering, via a camera at an origin location, three-dimensional image data representing the tools whose positions are to be determined. Using an algorithm involving matching the image data against reference data, tool candidates are identified in the three-dimensional image data. A respective position is calculated for the tools based on the origin location and data expressing respective distances from the origin location to each of the identified tool candidates. It is presumed that the tools are arranged according to a spatially even distribution relative to one another. Therefore, any tool candidate is disregarded, which is detected at such a position that the position for the candidate deviates from the spatially even distribution.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• B25J 9/16 - Programme controls
• B25J 15/00 - Gripping heads
• B25J 15/04 - Gripping heads with provision for the remote detachment or exchange of the head or parts thereof

Abstract

In picking up tools in an automatic milking arrangement, the positions of the tools are determined by registering, via a camera at an origin location, three-dimensional image data representing the tools whose positions are to be determined. Using an algorithm involving matching the image data against reference data, tool candidates are identified in the three-dimensional image data. A respective position is calculated for the tools based on the origin location and data expressing respective distances from the origin location to each of the identified tool candidates. It is presumed that the tools have predefined locations relative to one another. Therefore, any second tool candidate is disregarded, which is detected at a separation distance from a first tool candidate when the separation distance exceeds a first threshold distance in relation to the predefined relative locations.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• B25J 9/16 - Programme controls
• G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A distribution unit for milk samples that includes a first distribution portion with a first flow channel and a plurality of ports adjoining and communicating with the first flow channel, the ports configured to permit various media to be delivered to and from the first flow channel, and a second distribution portion that includes a second flow channel and a plurality of ports adjoining and communicating with the second flow channel, including at least a milk inlet port permitting milk to be delivered from the first flow channel to the second flow channel, and including a milk outlet port permitting milk samples to be delivered from the second flow channel to a further milk analyzing unit.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products

Abstract

A vision system for determining an identity of an individual animal in a population of animals with known identity is provided. A first image sensor arrangement is configured to capture three-dimensional or thermographic images of the individual animal. A second image sensor arrangement is configured to capture two-dimensional images of the individual animal. Control circuitry is configured to obtain a first image of the individual animal captured by the first image sensor arrangement 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, and to identify the individual animal by comparing metrics of the second image with the reference data in a data storage.

IPC Classes  ?

• G08B 23/00 - Alarms responsive to unspecified undesired or abnormal conditions
• G06V 20/64 - Three-dimensional objects
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• G06V 10/143 - Sensing or illuminating at different wavelengths
• G06V 40/10 - Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands
• G06F 18/24 - Classification techniques

Abstract

The milking apparatus includes a cluster (4) connected to a retraction line (10), and a cylinder (11) having a piston (13) being movable between first and second end positions. The piston acts on the retraction line to move the cluster to a retracted rest position when moved to the second end position, and to permit the cluster to be moved to an active milking position when the piston is in the first end position. A switch device (30) may alternate between a first state and a second state. The retraction line permits the switch device to change from 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 the second state supply of a pressurized medium to the cylinder to force the piston to the first end position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/16 - Teat-cups with pulsating devices

Abstract

A distribution unit for milk samples, with a flow channel, a plurality of ports adjoining and communicating with the flow channel and configured to permit various media to be delivered to and from the flow channel, and a membrane extending inside the flow channel with a first side facing the ports and an opposite second side, wherein a plurality of valves each comprising a valve body act on the second side of the membrane for closing and opening the ports, each valve body attached to the second side of the membrane in a manner that permits the valve body to push the membrane against a respective seat surface and to pull the membrane away from the respective seat surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 1/18 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state with provision for splitting samples into portions
• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products

Abstract

A method and system are arranged to perform a feed-related action at a feed table, upon which fodder for feeding of a group of animals is present. The system includes a sensor, configured to measure constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder on the feed table at a first point in time; a database, configured to store the measured constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder, associated with the first point in time; and a controller, configured to perform the feed-related action, based on the measured constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices
• A01K 5/00 - Feeding devices for stock or game
• G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric

Abstract

A roller is provided that is configured to support of a rotary platform. The roller includes at least one side flange including an inner surface, a rolling surface to be in contact with a flat running surface of an upper rail member fixedly connected to the rotary platform and a flat running surface of a lower rail member stationary arranged. The roller includes a circumferential recess connecting the rolling surface to the inner surface of the side flange and that the circumferential recess has a depth such that the flat running surfaces of the upper rail member and the lower rail members are out of contact with a bottom surface of the circumferential recess at a potential angle deviation between the flat running surfaces of the rail members and a rotation axis of the roller.

IPC Classes  ?

• F16C 19/50 - Other types of ball or roller bearings
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• F16C 13/00 - Rolls, drums, discs, or the like; Bearings or mountings therefor
• F16C 29/04 - Ball or roller bearings
• F16C 33/36 - Rollers; Needles with grooves in the bearing surfaces
• F16C 23/08 - Ball or roller bearings self-adjusting
• F16C 33/34 - Rollers; Needles

Abstract

A method and control unit for controlling a moveable crowd gate of a holding area at an entrance of a milking parlour at a farm where the control unit obtains information from at least one sensor regarding animals present in the holding area, determines a stress level among the animals in the holding area, based on the obtained information, and controls movement of the crowd gate, via an actuator configured to adjust position of the moveable crowd gate, based on the determined stress level.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

A cleaning device includes cleaning units (3) for receiving and cleaning teatcups (7). The cleaning unit includes a cup-shaped member (10). The cup-shaped member includes an annular bottom surface (12) extending around a longitudinal central axis (x) of the cleaning unit, and a side surface (13) extending around the annular bottom surface and facing the longitudinal central axis. Ribs (14) protrude from the annular bottom surface and have an extension between an inner position (A) and an outer position (B) on the annular bottom surface. The inner position is located more closely to the longitudinal central axis than the outer position. The ribs are configured to create a gap (15) between the annular bottom surface and an end surface (8) of a teatcup received in the cleaning unit. Each of the ribs is curved along at least a part of the extension.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 7/02 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for cleaning or sanitising milking machines or devices

Abstract

c) includes a sample pad (310) with 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 having 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) with an absorbent configured to absorb superfluous milk from the porous membrane (320); and a porous desiccant, configured to absorb moisture from environmental air.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• G01N 33/52 - Use of compounds or compositions for colorimetric, spectrophotometric or fluorometric investigation, e.g. use of reagent paper
• G01N 33/558 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor using diffusion or migration of antigen or antibody
• G01N 33/543 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals

Abstract

c).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups ; Handling materials therefor

Abstract

A holding area and method executed in the holding area arranged at a milking parlor of a farm are provided. A Location System is arranged at the holding area, and is configured to monitor animal movements in at least two directions. The Location System includes a controller, a tag, and transceivers configured to detect signals emitted by the tag, and communicate information with the controller. The method includes determining an arrival time of the animal and/or animal movement, identifying the animal, monitoring a waiting time of the animal in the holding area and/or animal movements of the animal, comparing the waiting time and/or animal movements with a respective reference threshold; and triggering an action, when the reference threshold is exceeded.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor

Abstract

An animal ear tag contains control circuitry for generating data. An antenna in the tag emits a wireless signal including the data, and an energy storage provides electric energy to the control circuitry and the antenna. The energy storage is arranged in a first part of the tag and the antenna is arranged in a second part of the tag. When attached to the animal, the first and second parts are interconnected via a shaft member inserted through an ear of the animal in such a manner that the first part is located on a first side of the ear and the second part is located on a second side of the ear. When the first and second parts are interconnected, the energy storage is located off-centered from a symmetry axis of the shaft member. As a result, the tag becomes relatively fixed in a well-defined orientation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link

Abstract

Anchor base stations are arranged around an area in which positions for radio transmitter tags are to be determined. The anchor base stations have known locations, and the location of an intermediate base station added to the system is determined by: arranging the intermediate base station between first and second anchor base stations; determining, based on propagation-delay measurements of a signal emitted by the intermediate base station and using the global time reference a first calculated distance between the first anchor base station and the intermediate base station, and a second calculated distance between the second anchor base station and the intermediate base station (BSI5); obtaining an elevation indicator specifying whether the intermediate base station is located in level with, above or below the common plane; and determining the location of the intermediate base station based on the first and second calculated distances and the elevation indicator.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 5/14 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
• 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
• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals

Abstract

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 processor 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 of acceleration parameters representing respective accelerations of the animal tag along each of three independent spatial axes each in which the parameter is balanced around a base level with no influence of gravitation. The processor determines behavior-related data of rise-up and/or lie-down movements of an animal carrying the animal tag based on deviations in a single parameter in the second set of acceleration parameters relative to the base level.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link

Abstract

A teatcup to be attached to the teat of an animal and a teatcup liner (1) for mounting in a shell (2) of the teatcup, where the teatcup liner includes a barrel (3) enclosing an inner space (7) for receiving the teat. The barrel includes 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 center line of the side portion. Each corner portion has a corner wall thickness at a center 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.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/00 - Milking machines or devices
• A01J 5/08 - Teat-cups with two chambers

Abstract

An animal tag that contains first and second three-dimensional accelerometers and a processing unit, where the first accelerometer registers a first acceleration vector describing a spatial movement of a first position of the animal tag, and the second accelerometer registers a second acceleration vector describing a spatial movement of a second position of the animal tag, the second position separated from the first position by a distance, and the processing unit receives the first and second acceleration vectors and based thereon determines at least one behavior-related parameter for an animal carrying the animal tag in the form of inclination angle(s) (ψ, Φ, θ) of the animal tag relative to a reference frame external to the animal tag, and/or an elevation of the animal tag relative to a reference level external to the animal tag.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals
• A01K 27/00 - Leads or collars, e.g. for dogs
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• H04Q 9/02 - Automatically-operated arrangements

Abstract

A system and method applicable for determining the positions of radio tags based on triangulation and respective radio tag signals transmitted from each radio tag, where each of a set of base stations is configured to transmit a radio base signal including an identifier that uniquely identifies the base station, and other base stations of the set of base stations receive the radio base signal and forward received base station messages to a central control unit which determines a position for any added base station using triangulation and known positions for base stations already included in the system, in order to facilitate expanding the number of base stations in the system.

IPC Classes  ?

• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• 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 5/04 - Position of source determined by a plurality of spaced direction-finders
• H04W 56/00 - Synchronisation arrangements

Abstract

An animal rear leg position control device includes a body having a lower side; a first lateral side; a second lateral side; a front end; a rear side, where a longitudinal direction is defined by a line extending from the front end to the rear side; a first transition area defines a first rear corner of said body; and a second transition area defines a second rear corner of said body, where the front end is configured to be turned towards a front part of a milking stable when the body is in an operative position, and the rear side is configured to be turned towards a rear part of a milking stable when said body is in the operative position in the milking stable. The first rear corner and the second rear corner are positioned at different longitudinal positions in the longitudinal direction of the body.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01K 1/06 - Devices for fastening animals, e.g. halters, toggles, neck-bars or chain fastenings

Abstract

An arrangement is provided that is configured to measure a biomarker value of an animal milk sample, including a cassette including a carrier tape having test zones indicating the biomarker value, and an inspective window. The carrier tape is disposed on first and second spools configured to cooperate with a cassette external motor. The arrangement also includes a service module including a camera configured to inspect the test zone, a motor configured to be engaged with a cassette spool, and a tube element configured to provide the milk sample to the test zone.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups ; Handling materials therefor
• B01L 3/00 - Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
• G01N 35/02 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups ; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk
• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products

Abstract

A milking arrangement includes plural milking places, each milking place having a primary end and an opposite secondary end, an entrance at the primary end, a front side and a rear side, which both extend in parallel with the longitudinal axis, a plurality of sequence gates arranged between the front side and the rear side, each of the sequence gates being pivotable between a closed position and an open position, each sequence gate being only pivotable from its closed position to its open position in a pivotation direction in which the front end is pivoted into a milking place towards the front side of the milking arrangement, main extension planes of the sequence gates being aligned when the sequence gates are in their closed position, with a lower edge of each sequence gate defining a bulge that extends downwards.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• E05F 15/70 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation
• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor

Abstract

An animal feeding arrangement includes 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 the 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) includes a coupling device (9) configured to temporarily couple the feed wagon (5) to the feed loading device and enabling the feed wagon (5) to move the feed loading device.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices

Abstract

A vacuum pump arrangement for a milking plant includes a main vacuum conduit with at least two vacuum pump units for maintaining a system vacuum in the main vacuum conduit. Each of the vacuum pump units includes a pump, a vacuum tank connected to the pump by an intermediate conduit, and an inlet conduit connecting the vacuum tank to the main vacuum conduit. A drainage extends from the vacuum tank and includes a draining valve. The pump sucks air from the main vacuum conduit via the inlet conduit, the vacuum tank and the intermediate conduit. The vacuum pump unit includes a closing valve provided on the inlet conduit and configured to close the inlet conduit in an automatic manner when the pump has been stopped.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• F04B 9/12 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by the driving or driven means to or from their working members the means being fluid the fluid being elastic, e.g. steam or air

Abstract

This disclosure generally relates milking systems and, in particular, automatic milking systems. The disclosure presents methods, apparatuses and computer program for providing a reference value to be used for controlling a calibration of at least one milk meter in a milking system. In accordance with one embodiment, a method may comprise obtaining (510) milk flow data for a plurality of milking animals 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 reference value based on the established subset of milk flow profiles; and providing (540) the determined reference value for controlling a subsequent calibration of at least one milk meter in a milking system.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/01 - Milkmeters; Milk flow sensing devices

Abstract

A method and arrangement for controlling the operation of a manure scraper that operates responsive to information obtained from one or more cameras mounted so as to capture images of the area of operation of the scraper.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/01 - Removal of dung or urine

Abstract

An automatic milking system controlled by receiving a parameter representing a measured flow of milk extracted from at least one teat of an udder of an animal being milked in a milking operation via at least one teatcup of the milking system, wherein the milking system is controlled to stop the milking operation based on a first criterion indicating that the flow has reached a decline phase, and a second criterion indicating that the flow decreases faster than a threshold slope, the milking operation being stopped in response to fulfillment of the second criterion on or after a point in time when the first criterion has been fulfilled. As a result, a particular amount of milk is left in the udder of the animal, irrespective of an overall milking time for the animal.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/01 - Milkmeters; Milk flow sensing devices
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk

Abstract

A sensor arrangement measures a parameter (P) representing a position of a movable platform of a rotary parlor relative to a stationary reference point. Based on the parameter, in turn, a control unit influences the movement of the movable platform. A first transmitter unit with a first transmitter antenna is placed on the movable platform and thus moves along with the movable platform. A first radio signal emitted from the transmitter antenna contains a timing reference and uniquely identifies the first transmitter unit. At least three receiver stations are stationary placed with a respective receiver antenna located such that the first radio signal is received via line-of-sight propagation. Based on the first radio signal and respective propagation times derived from the timing reference in the first radio signal (SID), the receiver stations generate the parameter (P).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• G01S 5/14 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
• G08C 17/02 - Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link

Abstract

A milking stable configured to house one animal at a time for milking the animal, with a first long side wall, a second long side wall located opposite to the first long side wall, a first short end wall and an opposite second short end wall, an entrance door hingedly connected to the second long side, and an exit door hingedly connected to the second long side wall, wherein the second long side wall is displaceable in a direction towards and away from the first long side wall so as to change the size of the milking stable to accommodate animals of different size.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters

Abstract

c), and at an extended position (β) when flushing milk through the needle (350); and an evacuator (195) arranged to intercept liquid output by the needle (350).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 1/18 - Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state with provision for splitting samples into portions
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups ; Handling materials therefor
• G01N 1/38 - Diluting, dispersing or mixing samples

Abstract

c); and a top film reel (330), arranged to peel off and collect the top film (310) of the tape (170).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk
• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• G01N 35/00 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups ; Handling materials therefor
• G01N 35/02 - Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups ; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations

Abstract

An automatic milking installation controlled by a system including: a graphical user interface enabling user interaction with the automatic milking installation via at least one display view, an imaging unit recording image data representing at least one portion of a dairy animal, the imaging unit having a transparent cover surface configured to protect an optics section of the imaging unit and through which transparent cover surface the image data are recorded, and a control unit receiving the recorded image data, and based thereon, producing a control signal for controlling functions of the automatic milking installation. The control unit further processes the recorded image data to determine a parameter indicating an amount of dirt on the transparent cover surface, and generates graphics data for presentation to the user via the graphical user interface, which includes at least one graphical element reflecting the amount of dirt on the transparent cover surface.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor

Abstract

A connector configured for receiving a cartridge for forming a teatcup where the cartridge includes an elongated sleeve and a barrel pre-mounted in the elongated sleeve and having an inner space for receiving a teat and the connector includes a lower base member and a shell extending from the lower base member and surrounding a receiving space for receiving the cartridge, the lower base member and the shell foringm one piece of a plastic material, and the shell being configured to extend along an axial length of the elongated sleeve at least to the upper end of the sleeve when the cartridge is received in the connector.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• A01J 5/16 - Teat-cups with pulsating devices

Abstract

A teatcup, configured to be attached to the teat of an animal to be milked, and a cartridge for said teatcup, where the cartridge has an elongated sleeve with having an upper end section and a lower end section, and a barrel that is pre-mounted in the elongated sleeve (8) and forming an inner space for receiving the teat such that a pulsation chamber is formed between the elongated sleeve and the barrel, where the cartridge also has a head member at the upper end section with a lip surrounding an opening into the inner space, where the elongated sleeve has a flange extending outwardly at the upper end section, and the head member has a plurality of locking members each configured to grip the flange, each of the locking members extending towards the lower end section and beyond the flange.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/06 - Teat-cups with one chamber
• A01J 5/08 - Teat-cups with two chambers

Abstract

An automatic milking machine controlled by a control unit that, in response to a control request from a first remote user terminal that indicates an intention to initiate transmission of control commands and/or parameter settings, checks whether at least one control command and/or parameter setting from a second remote user terminal has been received within a particular interval preceding a point in time when the control request was received, and if so, returns status data to the first remote user terminal that indicate an identity of the second remote user terminal so that, based thereon, an operator of the first remote user terminal can decide whether or not to remote control the milking machine at the present point in time.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• G05B 19/04 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk
• A01J 7/04 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for treatment of udders or teats, e.g. for cleaning
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

A control unit that controls an automatic milking machine to operate in accordance with control commands and/or parameter settings received from either of a local user interface fixedly arranged at the milking machine or a remote terminal, where the control unit, in response to receiving a lock command from one of the local user interface or the remote terminal, causes the automatic milking machine to operate in a single-control mode in which it operates exclusively to commands and/or parameter settings received from the one of the local user interface or the remote terminal that generated the lock command, in order to ensure predictable and safer operation of the milking machine particularly in view of personnel located in proximity of the milking machine.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors

Abstract

A rotary milking parlor controlled that uses a set of sensors generating sensor signals that determine whether or not an entity is located at a hazardous position of the rotary milking parlor, and a central control unit, where each sensor in the set of sensors generates first and second independent signals, the first and second signals conveyed separately via respective first and second signal lines to the central control unit, and the rotary milking parlor controlled to be operated only if both the first and second signals of all sensors in the set of sensors indicate that no entity is deemed to be located at a hazardous position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

A drop tube for providing food to an animal in a milking stable, the drop tube configured to receive food from a food container arranged vertically above the drop tube and to deliver the received food into a food manger, the drop tube including a tubular connection section to connect to a food container, a tubular mid-section with a first end connected to the connection section, and a tubular end section connected to a second end of the tubular mid-section, the tubular end section having a centre axis and presenting an opening in a tubular wall portion of the tubular end section, and the tubular end section has an end wall which is intersected by the centre axis of the tubular end section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices

Abstract

A milking arrangement includes a milking module having at least two milking places, a front gate assembly, a sequence gate assembly, an entrance gate, an independent first drive device for moving the front gate assembly between lower and upper positions, and a second drive device for moving the entrance gate between open and closed positions. An independent third drive device moves the sequence gate assembly from a first position to a second elevated position in which the sequence gates are located at a level above and behind animals standing in respective milking places. The sequence gate assembly being configured to move from the second position to the first position such that the sequence gates urge animals standing in their respective milking places to leave the milking places. A control arrangement controls opening of the entrance gate on basis of the position of the sequence gate assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• E05F 15/70 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings with automatic actuation
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• E05F 17/00 - Special devices for shifting a plurality of wings operated simultaneously
• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor

Abstract

An end effector of a robot arm that is configured to participate in an animal-related operation, where the end effector is comprised of an actuator and a housing that is provided with a first aperture at a first end portion, where the actuator participates in the animal related operation via the first aperture, and the housing is provided with a second aperture providing access to an interior of the housing, wherein a passage extends through the housing along at least part of the actuator, from the second aperture to the first aperture such that the housing may be flushed through for removing dirt.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 7/04 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for treatment of udders or teats, e.g. for cleaning
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• B25J 19/00 - Accessories fitted to manipulators, e.g. for monitoring, for viewing; Safety devices combined with or specially adapted for use in connection with manipulators

Abstract

An expelling device is provided that is configured to incite an animal to exit from of a milking stable in which the animal is standing during a milking session. The milking stable has a front wall element and lateral wall elements and is configured to house an animal that is being milked in the milking stable with the head directed to and close to the front wall element. The expelling device includes a sheet configured to move vertically from an elevated position to a position adjacent to a front end of the milking stable and adjacent to a lateral wall element of the milking stable.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01J 7/00 - Accessories for milking machines or devices
• A01K 1/10 - Feed racks
• G08B 5/02 - Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied using only mechanical transmission

Abstract

A method for cooling milk in a milking arrangement, and a milk cooling apparatus of the milking arrangement that has a coolant circuit for heat exchange between milk and a coolant and a refrigerant circuit for heat exchange between a refrigerant and the coolant, where the method includes controlling the refrigerant circuit to maintain a predefined temperature range, receiving a first signal relating to commencement or increase of a milk flow from a milking system of the milking arrangement, starting or increasing circulation of coolant in the coolant circuit, and leading the milk flow through the milk cooling apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 9/04 - Milk receptacles with cooling arrangements
• A23C 3/04 - Preservation of milk or milk preparations by freezing or cooling
• F25D 31/00 - Other cooling or freezing apparatus
• A01J 5/01 - Milkmeters; Milk flow sensing devices
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• A01J 11/00 - Apparatus for treating milk

Abstract

A sensor device, monitoring device, and method for automatically matching the sensor device attached to an animal with an ID tag attached to the animal, wherein the monitoring device receives information related to the ID tag from an ID reader device and receives sensor device information from the sensor device, where the sensor device information includes a sensor device identity information and an indication that transmission of the sensor device information from the sensor device was triggered by an ID reader device, the ID tag and the sensor device being determined to be attached to the same animal based on time information associated with the information related to the ID tag and the sensor device information.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals
• H04W 4/38 - Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

An animal hoof cleaning system that includes an automatic milking station, an automatic spraying device configured to clean at least one hoof of an animal housed in the automatic milking station by spraying a fluid towards the at least one hoof, a control unit that controls the operation of the automatic spraying device, and detecting means that detects a milking state wherein all the teats of the animal are enclosed in respective teat cups, where the control unit is configured to control the operation of the automatic spraying device on basis of information from the detecting means such that the automatic spraying device sprays on the hoof of the animal only when the detecting means detects the milking state.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 13/00 - Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combs; Fetlock rings; Tail-holders; Devices for preventing crib-biting; Washing devices; Protection against weather conditions or insects
• A01J 7/00 - Accessories for milking machines or devices
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• A01L 15/00 - Apparatus or use of substances for the care of hoofs

Abstract

An animal feeding device is provided including at least one cassette including a frame including wall elements defining upper and lower compartments, side wall elements defining a width of the upper compartment, a food container housed in the upper compartment, supported by at least one wall element, and a food delivery device housed in the lower compartment. The food container communicates with the food delivery device through an opening provided in a bottom portion of the food container. The food container has front, end, and side walls. The side walls are parallel in a longitudinal direction, have a constant distance therebetween in the longitudinal direction, are opposite to each other, are connected to and separated by the front wall in one end, and are connected to and separated by the end wall in an opposite end. The end wall has an inclination towards the bottom portion of the food container.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/10 - Feed racks
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices

Abstract

A three-dimensional camera of an automatic milking system records image data representing an outer surface of a teat of a dairy animal in three dimensions. Based on the image data, a processing unit performs a geometric analysis and calculates at least one size measure of the teat. A user interface presents output data reflecting the size-related classification of the teat.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/00 - Milking machines or devices
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 7/60 - Analysis of geometric attributes
• G01B 11/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring length, width, or thickness