Abstract

Arrangement (100) evaluating performance of milk dosing arrangement (105)/ lateral flow stick (110). The arrangement (100) comprises: the lateral flow stick (110) arranged to indicate a biomarker in a milk sample. The lateral flow stick (110) comprises sample pad (210), conjugate pad (230), indication zone (250) and porous membrane (240). The milk sample is applied to the sample pad (210). A camera (120) is directed to capture an image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110). A controller (130) is configured to instruct the camera (120), to capture the image (300); receive the captured image (300); define a first area (310) of the image (300) of the lateral flow stick (110), substantially depicting a subsection of the porous membrane (240) upstream the indication zone (250) in the flow direction; apply image processing on the first area (310); evaluate performance of the milk dosing arrangement (105) based on the image processing.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• 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 33/558 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor using diffusion or migration of antigen or antibody

Abstract

System (100) arranged to monitor and control application of a milk sample extracted from an animal (101) to a sample pad (210) of a lateral flow stick (110). The milk dosing arrangement (105) comprises a tube element (145) and a needle (150) arranged to receive and apply the milk sample to a lateral flow stick (110) on the carrier (145) in an application position. The system (100) comprises a moveable structure (160) arranged to hold the milk dosing arrangement (105) and to move the needle (150) between the application position and a retracted position, at a distance (d) from the carrier (115). The system (100) comprises a drive unit (165) acting on the moveable structure (160), and a controller (130), for determining the distance (d) between a needle tip (151) in the retracted position and the carrier (115); comparing the distance (d) with a predetermined distance; and, when the distance (d) is different from the predetermined distance: adjust either the distance (d), or the predetermined distance.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk

Abstract

Arrangement (100) for aligning a needle (150)/ dry stick (110) when applying an animal milk sample. The dry stick (110) indicates a biomarker value of the milk sample. The arrangement (100) comprises a carrier (115) with the dry stick (110); a tube element (155) for receiving the milk sample; the needle (150) connected to the tube element (155); a light source (160) illuminating the dry stick (110); a camera (120) configured to capture an image (300) of the dry stick (110) and its shadow (111); a drive unit (170) for moving the carrier (115)/ dry stick (110); and a controller (130). The controller (130) triggers the camera (120) to capture and provide the image (300). Image analysis of the image (300) is made and a signal is provided to the drive unit (170) to move the dry stick (110) into position wherein the needle (150) applies the milk sample.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• 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

Abstract

An arrangement (100) arranged to determine quality of a lateral flow stick (110b) arranged on a carrier (120), for determining a biomarker of milk of an animal (301). The arrangement (100) comprises a camera (130) capturing an image (200) of the lateral flow stick (110b); a marker (140), arranged to apply a visual indication (180) on the lateral flow stick (110b), or the carrier (120), indicating quality of that lateral flow stick (110b); and a controller (150). The controller (150) is configured to obtain an image (200) of the lateral flow stick (110b); perform image processing of the image (200); determine quality of the lateral flow stick (110b) based on the image processing; and apply the visual indication (180) via the marker (140). A method (400) at a farm, to check quality of the lateral flow stick (110b) by detect-ing the provided visual indication (180) is also disclosed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/487 - Physical analysis of biological material of liquid biological material

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a system (1) for monitoring a cleaning process in a milking installation (2). A central controller (3) obtains from a pressure sensor arrangement (36) at each milking point (10) of the installation (2) an identity indicator indicative, a series of measured values of pressure levels indicative of pressure levels, and temporal indicators. The central controller (3) is configured: - for each pressure sensor arrangement (36) to store in a database (5), - to evaluate the series of measured values of pressure levels to determine a progress of a slug of cleaning liquid along a common milk line (4), and - to issue a notification signal related to the progress of the slug of cleaning liquid along the common milk line (4).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning milking equipment, the cleaning system comprising: a main water supply line (100) for providing water from a water source (10) to a mixing location (20) at which a cleaning agent is to be mixed into the water for further conveyance to the milking equipment to be cleaned, a plurality of dosing sources (30, 40, 50) for dosing different cleaning agents, a control unit (60) configured to control dosing of the different cleaning agents from the plurality of dosing sources (30, 40, 50). Further, the cleaning system comprises: a branch line (102) for providing a mix of water and cleaning agent to the mixing location (20), an inlet end of the branch line (102) being connected to the main water supply line (100) at a distribution point (13), the plurality of dosing sources (30, 40, 50) being connected to the branch line (102) via a respective dosing line (103, 104, 105), and an outlet end of the branch line (102) being connected to the mixing location (20), wherein a cleaning agent flow meter (12) is arranged in the branch line (102) downstream of the dosing lines (103, 104, 105).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

91491414) in the regular pattern of positions.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

Via at least one network (130), a remote server (110) sends configuration data (CF) to a local server (120) at a farm (150) having a milking plant system with a set of farm components (141, 142, 143). Each of the farm components (141, 142, 143) is operatively connected to a respective controller (C1, C2, C3) that is configurable by a set of configuration parameters comprised in the configuration data (CF). In response to receiving the configuration data (CF), the local server (120) transmits a respective set of configuration parameters (CF1, CF2, CF3) to each of the respective controllers (C1, C2, C3). In response to receiving the set of configuration parameters (CF1, CF2, CF3) each of the respective controllers (C1, C2, C3) sets a configuration of the controller (C1, C2, C3) in accordance with the respective set of configuration parameters (CF1, CF2, CF3) for that controller (C1, C2, C3). Thus, the farm components of the milking plant system can be configured and upgraded in a convenient and efficient manner.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/00 - Milking machines or devices
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)

Abstract

FFFF), the first server (110) transmits a configuration message (CF{ID,R}) to the second server (140). The configuration message (CF{ID,R}) indicates the specific role that each controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) shall attain. The second server (140) transmits respective programming messages (ID1:rl, ID2:r2, ID3:r3, ID4:rl, ID5:r2, ID6:r2; ID7:r2) to each controller (C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9) causing the controllers to attain the specific role indicated by the configuration message (CF{ID,R}).

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 for configuring the components in milking plants at dif- ferent farms, each of which components is operatively connected to a respective configurable controller. A central server (110) generates a first configuration file (CF{ID1}) based on a first mil-5 king plant specification (S{ID1}) identifying components in a first set of farm components (141, 142, 143) at a first farm (150). A portable computer (130) is temporarily connected to the central server (110); and while connected, the portable computer (130) receives the first configuration file (CF{ID1}) from the central 10 server (110). Thereafter, the portable computer (130) is tempo- rarily connected to at least one configurable controller (C1, C2, C3) at the first farm (150), either directly or via a first local server (120) and a first local network (125). While connected, the por- table computer (130) transfers a set of configuration parameters 15 (CF1, CF2, CF3) to the at least one of the configurable controllers (C1, C2, C3), which set of configuration parameters is comprised in the first configuration file (CF{ID1}). Thus, a configuration of the configurable controller (C1, C2, C3) is set in accordance with the received respective set of configuration parameters (CF1, CF2, 20 CF3) for that configurable controller (C1, C2, C3).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

The invention relates to a sequence gate for use in a milking arrangement, which sequence gate comprises a plate shaped body (1) comprising an attachment interface (6) for attachment to a pivot arm (15) in the milking arrangement, said attachment interface (6) being arranged at the upper end of the plate shaped body (1) of the sequence gate, wherein the plate shaped body (1) is formed of a composite material having a core (7) comprised of a first material enclosed in an shell (8) comprised of a second material. The invention also relates to a milking arrangement comprising at least on sequence gate.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

A milking system (100), comprising a plurality of teat cups (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d); a plu- rality of milk evacuation tubes (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d), each one connected to a respec- tive teat cup (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d); a vacuum pump arrangement (110); a receiver (120), connected to the vacuum pump arrangement (110) via a pipe (115), and also con- nected to each one of the teat cups (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d) via the respective connected milk evacuation tube (140a, 140b, 140c, 140d), wherein an under-pressure in relation to atmospheric pressure prevails in the receiver (120) during the milking session; and a vacu- um regulator (130a, 130b, 130c) for setting the under-pressure prevailing in the receiver (120) to a first level of under-pressure at a commencement of the milking session; and in- crease the under-pressure during the milking session to a second level of under-pressure.

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 support device (100) for a milking cluster (2), the support device (100) comprising a frame (1), a cluster removal device (3) for the milking cluster (2), a retraction line (4) connected with the milk cluster and the cluster removal device (3), a support arm (5) pivotally connected to the frame (1) and comprising a first guide (6) configured to guide the retraction line (4) along its path from the milking cluster to the cluster removal device (3). The support arm (5) comprises a first sub-arm (5a) connected to the frame (1) through a first rotational joint (7), a second sub-arm (5b) connected to the first sub-arm (5a) through a second rotational joint (8). The first guide (6) is arranged at an opposite second end (12) of the second sub-arm (5b), and a second guide (13) is arranged at the first end (11) of the second sub-arm (5b).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

Vacuum supply source (100), comprising: a first vacuum pump (110) configured for providing vacuum pressure at a first maximum vacuum level (Pj); a second vacuum pump (120) configured for providing vacuum pressure at a second maximum vacuum level (P2); wherein the first vacuum pump (110) has a larger capacity than the second vacuum pump (120); a flow limiter valve (140) arranged between the vacuum pumps (110, 120); a vacuum conduit (130), connected to the vacuum pumps (110, 120); a controller (150) configured to: obtain a request for a desired vacuum level (PR); determine a required pump speed of the first and/or second vacuum pumps (110, 120) in order to provide vacuum pressure at the desired vacuum level (PR); and adjust pump speed of the first and/or second vacuum pumps (110, 120) according to the determined required pump speed, via a control signal.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a milking installation (2) configured to milk a group (3) of animals (4), the milking installation (2) comprising an entrance area (6), a number of milking positions (8) configured to milk one animal (4) at a time, a selection gate (10), at least one milking stall (12), and an exit path (14). The entrance area (6) is configured to receive therein the group (3) of animals (4). An entry of each milking position (8) of the number of milking positions (8) is arranged with direct access from the entrance area (6). The selection gate (10) is accessible from an exit of each milking position (8). The selection gate (10) is configured to direct one or more individual animals (4) from the group (3) of animals (4) either to the at least one milking stall (12) or to the exit path (14).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a milking installation (2) configured to milk a group (4) of animals (6). The milking installation (2) comprises a number of milking positions (8) configured to milk one animal (6) at a time, a holding area (10), a collecting area (12) arranged adjacent to the holding area (10), and a movable barrier (14). Each milking position (8) is arranged with direct access from the holding area (10). The movable barrier (14) is arranged to move along the collecting area (12) in a first direction (16) towards the holding area (10). A one¬ way gate system (18) is arranged between the collecting area (12) and the holding area (10) and configured for passage of animals (6) from the collecting area (12) into the holding area (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a milking installation (2) comprising milking positions (8) configured to milk one animal (4) at a time, a first common milk line (20) connected to a first milk receiver (22), a second common milk line (24) connected to a second milk receiver (26), a control arrangement (30), and at least one robot arm (32). Each milking position (8) comprises at least one teat cup (34) and a flow directing arrangement (36), the flow directing arrangement (36) comprising an inlet arrangement (38) connected to the teat cup, a first outlet arrangement (40) connected to the first milk line, and a second outlet arrangement (42) connected to the second milk line. The control arrangement (30) is configured to control the flow directing arrangement (36) to fluidly connect the teat cup (34) via the inlet arrangement (38) with either the first outlet arrangement (40) or the second outlet arrangement (42).

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 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations
• A01J 9/00 - Milk receptacles

Abstract

System (400) for alerting when an anomaly is detected during a parturition event (200a, 200b) before an offspring is separated from an animal (401). The system (400) comprises: a control model (120) trained to detect one parturition stage (210a, 210b, 210c, 210x), based on input data; a camera (420) configured to capture a stream of images of the animal (401) and provide the stream of images to the control model (120), via a controller (410); an alerting device (430); and the controller (410), configured to determine a moment when one of the parturition stages (210a, 210b, 210c, 210x) is commenced; determine a passed time since the moment in time and compare it with a time threshold length; and either trigger the alerting device (430) when the time threshold length is exceeded; or determine when the parturition stage (210a, 210b, 210c, 210x) of the parturition event (200a, 200b) is discontinued.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A milk system (100), comprising a milk extracting arrangement (110); an animal identifier device (116); a milk flow meter (112); a time measurement device (119); and a database (130) storing milk flow data (300, 400, 500). The milk flow data (300, 400, 500) comprises milk flow rates (310a, 310b, 410a, 410b, 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d) of a milk session (220a, 5220b, 220c); and a measured time period (240a) between milk sessions (220a, 220b, 220c); and a control unit (120), configured to: obtain the milk flow data (300, 400, 500) from the database (130); determine a criterion (360a, 360b, 460a, 460b, 560a, 560b, 560c, 560d) of the milk flow rates (310a, 310b, 410a, 410b, 510a, 510b, 510c, 510d) at a moment (350a, 350b, 450a, 450b, 550a, 550b, 550c, 550d) of the milk session (220b); set the time 10period of a milk interval (230b); and allow the milk extracting arrangement (110) to attach the teat cups (111) to the animal (101) when the set time period has passed.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A milking system (100), comprising: a vacuum pump (210), a receiver (220), a milk line (130), and a plurality of milking units (140, 140a, 140b). Each milking unit (140, 140a, 140b) is connected to the milk line (130) via a respective milk conduit (260). Each milking unit (140, 140a, 140b) is also associated with a respective valve arrangement (250), arranged in the milk conduit (260), wherein the valve arrangement (250) comprises an ad-justable passage (300) for adjustment of the fluid pressure. The system (100) also com-prises a pressure sensor (270), arranged to measure fluid pressure in the milk conduit (260) upstream the valve arrangement (250); and a controller (280). The controller (280) is configured to obtain a pressure level measurement from the pressure sensor (270) and generate and provide a control signal to the valve arrangement (250), to adjust the adjust-able passage (300), based on the pressure level measurement.

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 rotary milking parlor arrangement contains a rotating platform with a plurality of stalls (S) each of which is configured to house a respective animal during milking, a set of at least three drive units (241, 242, 243, 244, 245) configured to cause the rotating platform to move in at least a first direction (RF, RB) of rotation around a rotation axis, and a primary control unit (100) configured to control operation of each drive unit in the set of drive units (241, 242, 243, 244, 245). A set of links connect the drive in a ring network (Nl) in which the primary control unit (100) is included. Each link is bi-directional enabling signals to pass in both directions through the ring network (Nl). The primary control unit (100) is configured to identify any single faulty link in the set of links by: transmitting a first signal in a clockwise direction through the ring network (Nl), transmitting a second signal in a counter clockwise direction through the ring network (Nl), and checking how far each of the first and second signals can be transmitted through the ring network (Nl) in the clockwise and counter clockwise direction respectively without being interrupted by the single faulty link.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

A feed dispenser for the feeding of pelleted animal feed, comprising a first tube (1 ), a conveyor screw (2) arranged in the first tube (1 ) and configured to displace the pelleted animal feed in a first direction in the first tube (1 ). A second tube (3) is connected to a lateral side of the first tube (1 ) and configured to enable the pelleted animal feed to be fed through the second tube (3) in a longitudinal direction of the second tube (3) into the first tube (1 ) in a region of the conveyor screw (2). On an inner peripheral surface (4) of the second tube (3) there is provided a first projecting baffle (5) which has a first surface (6) which is a remote surface of the first projection (5) with regard to the first tube (1 ) and which slopes in a direction from the inner peripheral surface (4) of the second tube (3) towards the first tube (1 ) and towards na longitudinal centre axis of the second tube (3).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices
• B65G 33/14 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors for fluent solid materials comprising a screw or screws enclosed in a tubular housing

Abstract

A milking system (100), comprising a milk line (110); a vacuum arrangement (161); a milk-ing unit (130); a pulsator (150), configured to adjust pulsation ratio and pulsation rate of fluid pressure at two distinct levels; a receiver (160) connected to the milk line (110), and also connected to the vacuum arrangement (161); a milk meter (170); and a processing device (190) communicatively connected to the milk meter (170) and the pulsator (150); the processing device (190) is configured to, repeatedly during the milking session obtain and compare a milk flow measurement with a low milk flow limit (MFL); and, when the milk flow measurement is lower than said limit (MFL) apply a low pulsation rate and a first pulsation ratio, wherein the D-phase is longer than the B-phase; or otherwise apply a high pulsation rate and a second pulsation ratio, wherein the B-phase is longer than the D-phase.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• A01J 5/14 - Pulsators arranged otherwise than on teat-cups electromagnetically controlled
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

System (100) for determining distribution of time that a respective animal (101, 102, 103) has spent in different zones (210, 220, 230) of a barn (200) during a predetermined time period. The system (100) comprises a Real-Time Location System (110, 120a, 120b, 120c, 130), a database (140) comprising position coordinates of the respective zones (210, 220, 230) and a processing controller (150). The processing controller (150) is configured to determine distribution of time by associating each obtained data entity (301) with a respec-tive zone (210, 220, 230) based on the position coordinates of the respective information entity (301) and the position coordinates of the zones (210, 220, 230); counting the number of data entities (301) in each respective zone (210, 220, 230); and calculating an amount of time the animal (101) has spent in the zone (210, 220, 230) by multiplying the number of data entities (301) of each respective zone (210, 220, 230) with the regular time interval.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• G06Q 50/02 - Agriculture; Fishing; Mining

Abstract

System (100) for determining a respective walked distance of animals (101, 102, 103) in a barn (200) during a predetermined time period. The system (100) comprises a Real-Time Location System (110, 120a, 120b, 120c, 130), a database (140) storing historical trajectories (430) of the animals (101, 102, 103) and a processing controller (150). The processing controller (150) is configured to determine the walked distance of the animal (101) by es-tablishing a walked trajectory (450) based on obtained data entities (301), and store the trajectory (450) in the database (140) associated with the animal (101); or detecting a gap (420) of missing or incomplete data entities (301) among the obtained data entities (301); 1and establish the trajectory (450) by inserting replacement distance data in the gap (420), based on historical trajectories (430) extracted from the database (140) and store the es-tablished trajectory (450) in the database (140).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• G06Q 50/02 - Agriculture; Fishing; Mining

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to feeding animals (10) and in particular to a method for surveying eating behaviour of animals (10) in a livestock area (30). The disclosure also relates a control device (100), and to a computer program for performing the method. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for surveying eating behaviour of animals (10) in a livestock area (30). The method comprises monitoring over a time period subsequent to distributing feed at a feed table (31) in the livestock area (30), animal data acquired using tags carried by the animals (10) and indicative of activities of the animals (10) and/or positions of the animals (10) in relation to the feed table (31). The method further comprises performing an action upon the monitored animal data failing to meet one or more eating criteria defining normal eating behaviour of the animals (10) with respect to activities of the animals (10) and/or positions of the animals (10) in relation to the feed table (31). The disclosure also relates a control device (100), and to a computer program for performing the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor
• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices
• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• A01K 1/10 - Feed racks

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to feeding animals (10) and in particular to a method for operating a feed robot (1) at a feed table (3) in a livestock area (30). According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for operating a feed robot (1) at a feed table (3) in a livestock area (30). The method comprises monitoring over a time period subsequent to distributing feed at the feed table (3), animal data acquired using tags carried by animals (10) in the livestock area (30) and indicative of respective positions of the animals (10) in the livestock area (30) in relation to a feed table (3). The method further comprises determining, based on the animal data indicative of respective positions of the animals (10) in relation to the feed table (3), eating statuses of a plurality of individual animals (10) in the livestock area (30) and controlling operation of the autonomous feed robot (1) based on the determined eating statuses of the plurality of individual animals (10). The disclosure also relates a control device (100), and to a computer program for performing the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals
• A01K 1/10 - Feed racks

Abstract

The disclosure concerns an animal ear tag (2) comprising a housing (6), a battery (20), and an electronic circuit (22) powered by the battery (20). A coupling portion (8) of the housing (6) is provided with an opening (10) configured to receive therein a head portion of a male tag portion. The housing (6) comprises a first housing portion (14) formed in one piece and comprising a main portion of an outer surface (16) of the housing (6). The first housing portion (14) forms a cavity (18) in which the battery (20) and the electronic circuit (22) are arranged. The electronic circuit (22) extends in a circuit plane (28), and the first housing portion (14) extends on both sides of the circuit plane (28).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals

Abstract

Each entity in a group of entities has a respective mobile unit atta-ched to it, which mobile units transmits, periodically, a first radio message (M1) with identity information of the entity to which the mobile unit is attached. A set of base stations containing at least three base stations, receives the first radio message (M1); and based thereon, forwards, via at least one transmission line, the identity information and timing information indicative of a point in time when the first radio message (M1) was received in the res-pective base station. A central unit communicatively connected to the at least one transmission line, receives, via the at least one transmission line, the identity information and the timing informa-tion from at least three base stations in the set of base stations, and based thereon determines a position of the respective entity. Each mobile unit in the set of mobile units alters an energy density (PRF, P) at which the first radio message (M1) is transmitted in response to a trigger input being generated depending on a po-sition of the mobile unit relative to a stationary reference. Thus, the energy resources in the mobile units can be economized while attaining a desired positioning accuracy wherever needed.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations

Abstract

A positioning system has a central unit (CU) receiving identity and timing information; and based thereon determines a respective po-sition in an area (A) of each entity in a set of entities. Each entity carries a mobile unit (U1) repeatedly transmitting a radio message (M1) including the identity information. The positioning system al-so contains a set of at least three base stations (B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8), each of which receives the radio messages (M1) from the mobile units (U1) in the area (A); and based thereon, forwards the identity and timing information to the central unit (CU). During a measurement period (TM), the central unit (CU) re-gisters respective positions of the entities as a respective trace (TR1) for each mobile unit (U1). The central unit (CU) checks if an alarm criterion is fulfilled, which is considered fulfilled if, during the measurement period (TM) a first predefined number of the tra-ces (TR1) are interrupted during a first threshold interval, and the predefined number of traces (TR1) are interrupted in a first zone (Z1) of the area (A), which first zone exceeds a first threshold size.If the alarm criterion is considered to be fulfilled, a capacity alarm with respect to the first zone (Z1) is generated.

IPC Classes  ?

• 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

Abstract

112mmm); and cause adjustment according to the respectively calculated adjustment, independently of an animal identity.

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

The invention relates to a milking arrangement comprising a milking machine (14) for milking an animal, wherein the milking arrangement comprises an analysing unit (10) configured to determining a value of haptoglobin quantity in a milk sample taken from milk harvest by the milking machine. The analysing unit comprising a haptoglobin sensor device (12) configured to provide a value of haptoglobin quantity in the milk sample, and a processor (13), wherein said processor (13) being configured, on the basis of a reaction time being the time during which said milk sample has been in contact with the haptoglobin sensor device, to determine when the reaction time exceed a threshold time (16), if the provided value of haptoglobin quantity is above a haptoglobin threshold(17), and in confirmative case assign the provided value of haptoglobin quantity to be a determined value of haptoglobin quantity, and in non-confirmative case increase the reaction time to a total reaction time and assign the provided value of haptoglobin quantity to be the determined value of haptoglobin quantity at the point in time where the reaction time exceeds the total reaction time.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk
• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• G01N 33/558 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor using diffusion or migration of antigen or antibody

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to farming and in particular to a sorting system for automatically selecting animals to be treated during a treatment period. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a sorting system for automatically selecting animals to be treated during a treatment period. The sorting system comprises an automatic sort gate and a control arrangement configured to receive, via a user interface, user input indicative of one or more sorting criteria applicable to one or more animal properties and a maximum number of the animals allowed to be present simultaneously in the sorting area. The control arrangement is further configured to monitor a number of animals that enter and exit the sorting area. The control arrangement is finally configured to adjust one or more parameter values of the one or more sorting criteria, based on the monitored number of animals that enter and exit the sorting area. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and to a computer program for performing the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dry stick being a competitive lateral flow stick configured to measure haptoglobin in a raw milk sample, said dry stick comprises a base pad capable of allowing lateral flow of fluid there through, comprising a labelled-control conjugate and a labelled-conjugate diffusibly arranged herein, wherein said labelled-conjugate binds haptoglobin, and wherein a complex is formed between said labelled-conjugate and said haptoglobin when said dry stickis in use. The base pad further comprises a test line comprising immobilised target analyte, wherein said immobilised target analyte binds to said labelled-conjugate when not in said complex; and a control line, which is spaced from said test line,and which comprises control analyte capable of binding to said labelled-control conjugate.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/543 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor with an insoluble carrier for immobilising immunochemicals
• G01N 33/72 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving blood pigments, e.g. hemoglobin, bilirubin

Abstract

The invention relates to a milking arrangement comprising a milking machine for milking an animal, wherein the milking arrangement comprises an analysing unit configured to determining a value of haptoglobin quantity in a milk sample taken from milk harvest by the milking machine. The analysing unit comprising a blood detection sensor device configured to detect the presence of blood in said milk harvest by the milking machine, and a haptoglobin sensor device configured to provide a value of haptoglobin quantity in said milk sample. A processor (13) being configured to adjusting said provided value of haptoglobin quantity based on the blood detection in the said milk.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk
• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• G01N 33/558 - Immunoassay; Biospecific binding assay; Materials therefor using diffusion or migration of antigen or antibody

Abstract

NNNN) of milk from the number of milking points (MP1, MP2, MPn). Based thereon (s(L), MiNest), the control unit (110) generates a first control signal (Cl) to a milk pump (150) in the cooling system (170). The milk pump (150) is arranged to cause the flow of milk (F) to be pumped out from the balance tank (120) at a flow rate determined by the first control signal (Cl).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A milking system (100), comprising milking cups (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d); a milking robot (150) with a robot arm (155) configured to attach each of the milking cups (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d) to a respective teat (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d); a sensor (160) configured to detect two adjacent teats (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d); a control arrangement (170), communicatively connected to the sensor (160) and the robot arm (155). The control arrangement (170) is configured to: determine a distance (300, 310, 320) between the two adjacent teats (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d); select, if the distance (300, 310, 320) fulfils a distance criterion, one of the two adjacent teats (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to commence attachment of a first milking cup (130a, 130b, 130c, 130d); and generate a command to the robot arm (155), to commence the milking cup attachment to the selected teat.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to farming and in particular to a control arrangement for controlling operation of mobile agricultural devices in a livestock area. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a control arrangement (100) configured to obtain from the real-time location system (50), positions of individual animals (10) and of individual mobile agricultural devices (20) located in the livestock area and to automatically control operation of one or more of the mobile agricultural devices (20), based on the obtained positions of the one or more individual mobile agricultural devices (20) and of the individual animals (10). Thereby, mobile agricultural devices can be operated optimally and safely with regard to the positions of the animals (and staff). The disclosure also relates to a corresponding method and to a computer program for performing the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01B 69/04 - Special adaptations of automatic tractor steering, e.g. electric system for contour ploughing
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

A milking arrangement comprising a milking unit (1) configured to be attached to the teats of an animal during milking, an accelerometer (2-5) arranged on the milking unit (1), and a control unit (33) connected to the accelerometer (2-5). The accelerometer (2-5) is configured to register motions of the milking unit (1 ) deriving from a milk flow through the milking unit (1), and the control unit (33) is configured to determine a milk flow rate through the milking unit (1 ) on basis of said registered motions.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

ININOUTjj) determined via a training process involving scoring of densities of milk clot deposits on filters through which extracted milk has been passed during milk extraction processes in relation to training data expressing the set of input variables. The scoring of the densities of milk clot deposits on the filters expresses output training data.

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 milking system (100), comprising: teat cups (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), each connected to a respective milk evacuation tube (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d); a vacuum pump (140); a milk tank (130); vacuum regulators (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d), configured to control a vacuum pressure level prevailing in the teat cup (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d); vacuum pressure sensors (160a, 160b, 160c, 160d) each configured to measure vacuum pressure level prevailing under one of the teats (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d); an animal identification sensor (250); a database (180); a processing device (170) configured to: determine animal ID; extract data of each respective teat (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) from the database (180); determine a teat specific vacuum pressure level at each teat (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d); and generate a command to each vacuum regulator (150a, 150b, 150c, 150d), to set the teat specific vacuum pressure level at each teat cup (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d).

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

THTHTHTHTHTHTHTHTH)-

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 9/04 - Milk receptacles with cooling arrangements
• F25D 31/00 - Other cooling or freezing apparatus

Abstract

521152115252) in at least one of the different positions of the movable barrier (110).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/00 - Housing animals; Equipment therefor
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of farming and more specifically it relates to a method and a control device for determining floor condition in a dwelling area. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a computer implemented method for determining floor condition in a dwelling area for a herd of animals. The method comprises obtaining S1, from a walking monitoring system arranged in the dwelling area, walking data indicative of walking characteristics of one or more individual animals located in the dwelling area, and determining S3 the floor condition based on walking characteristics indicated by the obtained walking data. The method enables a farmer to determine the floor condition, whereby the farmer can intervene immediately if floor quality is unacceptable. Consequently, accidents and animal injury may be avoided.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry

Abstract

System (100) and detergent container (110) comprising a detergent configured to clean a piece of milking equipment (102, 105, 140a, 140b, 140c, 150), which system (100) comprises: a cleaning unit (130), using the detergent and water to create a mixture and to clean the milking equipment (102, 105, 140a, 140b, 140c, 150); a dosing device (108a, 108b, 410) supplying detergent to the cleaning unit (130); a configuration tag (111a, 111 b) at the detergent container (110a, 110b), wherein a memory device (520) of the configuration tag (111a, 111b) comprises a reference to the detergent; a wireless communicator (112a, 112b), configured to communicate wirelessly with the configuration tag (111a, 111b) and retrieve the reference from the memory device (520); and a control unit (120), configured to obtain the detergent reference via the wireless communicator (112a, 112b) from the memory device (520); and set a cleaning parameter, based on the obtained reference.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A milking parlour arrangement (1), comprising, a milking stall (2) configured to house an animal during milking of the animal, said milking stall (2) being located on a milking platform (3), an operator pit (4), provided at a rear end (5) of the milking platform (3), said operator pit (4) having an operator pit floor (6), which is at a lower level than the level of the milking platform (3), a milking apparatus (7) comprising a milking cluster (8), and a long milk tube (9) connected to the milking cluster (8), said milking apparatus being configured to be in an active state in which the milking cluster (8) is attached to the teats of the animal in the milking stall (2), and an inactive state in which the milking cluster (8) hangs down into the operator pit (4). A bracket (10) is attached to the long milk tube and an attachment body (11) is provided at the rear end of the milking platform (3), wherein one of the bracket (10) and the attachment body (11) comprises a magnet, and the other of the bracket (10) and attachment body (11) comprises a ferromagnetic material, and wherein, in said active state, the bracket (10) is attached to the attachment body (11) by a magnetic attraction force there between.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/04 - Milking machines or devices with pneumatic manipulation of teats
• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

A milk extracting system (100) and computer-implemented method (400) of adjusting a respective vacuum pressure at each teat cup (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) of a respective teat (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d) of an animal (110) during milk extraction. The vacuum pressure is set to an entry vacuum pressure level (E). The method (400) comprises determining (403) a teat specific milk flow value of each individual teat (210a, 210b, 210c, 210d), during milk extraction, based on a received respective measurement of milk flow meters (160a, 160b, 160c, 160d); comparing (404) each determined (403) teat specific milk flow value with a first threshold limit (301); detecting (405) that all of the teat specific milk flow values exceed the first threshold limit (301); and adjusting (406) the vacuum pressure at each teat cup (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to a high flow vacuum pressure level (H) when all of the teat specific milk flow values exceed the first threshold limit (301).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A method for cooling down milk in a milk cooling apparatus (1). The milk cooling apparatus (1) comprises a coolant circuit (51) arranged for circulating coolant, wherein the coolant circuit (51) comprises a milk cooling heat exchanger (2) configured for heat exchange between milk and the coolant. The milk cooling apparatus (1) further comprises a chiller (4) comprising a refrigerant circuit (53) comprising a coolant cooling heat exchanger (52) configured for heat exchange between a refrigerant and the coolant. The refrigerant circuit (53) further comprises one or more compressors (12) arranged for compressing the refrigerant in a cool down process of the refrigerant. The method comprises measuring (S3) an OUT-temperature indicative of a temperature of the coolant upstream the milk cooling heat exchanger (2) and downstream the coolant cooling heat exchanger (52), and operating (S4) the one or more compressors based on the measured OUT-temperature, in order to minimize a difference between the measured OUT-temperature and a desired OUT-temperature. The method further comprises measuring (S5) an IN-temperature of the coolant indicative of the temperature of the coolant upstream the coolant cooling heat exchanger (52) and downstream the milk cooling heat exchanger (2). The method further comprises configuring (S6) how many compressors of the one or more compressors (12) being active at a certain OUT-temperature based on the measured IN- temperature. The disclosure also relates to a milk cooling apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• A23C 3/04 - Preservation of milk or milk preparations by freezing or cooling
• A01J 9/04 - Milk receptacles with cooling arrangements
• F25D 31/00 - Other cooling or freezing apparatus

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an autonomous vehicle and a method of controlling an autonomous vehicle operating in a livestock area, comprising, in the vehicle, detecting a primary guide arrangement in the floor, which primary guide arrangement forms a track for the vehicle to follow. The vehicle is then navigating according to a primary navigation mode, wherein the vehicle is controlled to be positioned and to move along the track, relative to the detected primary guide arrangement. The vehicle is then obtaining an indication of that there will be a gap in the track formed by the primary guide arrangement. Upon indication of that there will be a gap in the track formed by the primary guide arrangement, the vehicle is engaging a secondary navigation mode, which is to be used temporarily, and navigating according to the secondary navigation mode. Upon the vehicle detecting, that it has crossed the gap in the track formed by the primary guide arrangement, the secondary navigation mode is disengaged and the primary navigation mode is re-engaged, wherein the vehicle is controlled to be positioned and to move along the track, relative to the detected primary guide arrangement.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices

Abstract

imgimgimgimg), which distance data expresses respective distances from the TOF imaging system (110) to points on imaged objects. The image processor (140) determines if a shadow effect exists by which at least one first object (TC) in the scene (100) obstructs light from at least one light source (121, 122, 123, 124) of the at least two light sources (121, 122, 123, 124) from reaching at least one part of at least one second object in the scene (100) and be reflected there from into the TOF imaging system (110). If it is determined that the shadow effect exists, the image processor (140) adjusts the distance data to compensate for the at least one light source (121, 122, 123, 124) whose light did not reach the at least one part of the at least one second object.

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
• G01S 7/497 - Means for monitoring or calibrating
• G01S 17/88 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• A01J 5/00 - Milking machines or devices
• G01S 7/481 - Constructional features, e.g. arrangements of optical elements
• G01S 17/36 - Systems determining position data of a target for measuring distance only using transmission of continuous waves, whether amplitude-, frequency-, or phase-modulated, or unmodulated with phase comparison between the received signal and the contemporaneously transmitted signal

Abstract

reprep) to user terminals (151, 152). The messa- ge handling node (120) applies a rules system (RS) prescribing that an error report (Erep) in respect of a particular one (111) of the automatic devices be generated based on the fulfillment of a frequency criterion relating to a number of times at which the message handling node (120) receives the error messages (e1) from said particular one device (111) within at least one previous period (P1, P2). Thus, for example, a total number of error re- ports received by each of the user terminals (151, 152) can be reduced significantly.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06Q 50/02 - Agriculture; Fishing; Mining
• G06Q 10/00 - Administration; Management

Abstract

imgimgimg344) for the cleaning action to be recorded in the digital storage unit (130). Thus, for example the performance of the installation can be tracked in conjunction with the cleaning actions.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• A01K 29/00 - Other apparatus for animal husbandry
• G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,

Abstract

Method for operating a dual cooling system (1) for cooling milk. The dual cooling system comprises a first coolant circuit (51) arranged for circulating coolant, wherein the first coolant circuit (51) comprises a heat exchanger (2) configured for heat exchange between milk and the coolant, and a second coolant circuit (52) for circulating the coolant, wherein the second coolant circuit (52) comprising a milk storage tank (3) configured for heat exchange between milk and the coolant. The dual cooling system further comprises a chiller (4) comprising a refrigerant circuit (53) configured for heat exchange between a refrigerant and the coolant, and a fluid control arrangement (9, 10, 10') arranged to selectively direct coolant from the chiller (4) to the first cooling circuit (51) comprising the heat exchanger (2) and to the second cooling circuit (52) comprising the milk storage tank (3). The method comprises: controlling (SI) a temperature of the coolant based on a first set temperature upon the coolant being directed from the chiller (4) to the first coolant circuit (51) comprising the heat exchanger (2), and controlling (S2) the temperature of the coolant based on a second set temperature, upon the coolant being directed from the chiller (4) to the second coolant circuit (52) comprising the milk storage tank (3), wherein the first set temperature and the second set temperature differ. The disclosure also relates to a corresponding dual cooling system.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 9/04 - Milk receptacles with cooling arrangements
• F25D 31/00 - Other cooling or freezing apparatus

Abstract

PPPPHPPP).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

10P20P30Pmd10P20P30Pmdsmdmdss123456mdsmdmd) 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

Abstract

There is provided a milk storage tank (1) arranged to store milk at an animal milking site, the milk storage tank (1) comprising a tank housing (2) provided with a milk storage space (3); a milk outlet opening (10) in the tank housing (2) enabling passing of milk out of the milk storage space (3); at least two milk inlet openings (20, 30) in the tank housing (1), separate from the milk outlet opening (10), each milk inlet opening (20, 30) enabling passing of milk into the milk storage space (3), wherein each milk inlet opening (20, 30) is adapted to receive and be connected to a respective milk conduit (21, 31); and, for each of the at least two milk inlet openings (20, 30), a respective valve (22, 32) mounted on the outside surface of the tank housing (2) at the respective milk inlet opening (20, 30), the valve (22, 32) being configured to close or open the respective milk opening (20, 30).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 9/00 - Milk receptacles

Abstract

A method for controlling operation of a manure arrangement (10) comprising a manure storage structure (3), an agitator (11) and an agitator motor (8) arranged to actuate the agitator (11). The method comprises monitoring (S1), while mixing manure in the manure storage structure (3) with the agitator (11), a load quantity indicative of a load on the agitator motor (8). The method further comprises controlling (S2) operation of the manure arrangement (10) based on the monitored load quantity. The disclosure also relates to a manure arrangement (10) arranged to perform the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01C 3/02 - Storage places for manure, e.g. cisterns for liquid manure; Installations for fermenting manure
• B01F 15/00 - Accessories for mixers

Abstract

A rotary milking parlor arrangement has a rotating platform (130) with a plurality of stalls (S) housing animals during milking, the Drive units (241, 242, 243, 244, 245) cause the rotating platform (130) to rotate around a rotation axis (P). A control unit (220) obtains a respective first state of a first operation parameter (p11, p21, p31, p41, p51), e.g. a torque, of each drive unit (241, 242, 243, 244, 245) during operation of the rotating platform (130) in a first mode of operation, e.g. at idle. The control unit (220) also obtains a respective second state of the first operation parameter (p11, p21, p31, p41, p51) of each drive unit (241, 242, 243, 244, 245) during operation of the rotating platform (130) in a second mode of operation, e.g. in steady state rotation. For each drive unit (241, 242, 243, 244, 245), the control unit (220) compares the first and second states of the first operation parameter with one another. If, for one or more detected drive units a difference between the first and second states does not exceed a threshold level, the control unit (220) generates a first alarm (Al) with respect to the one or more detected drive units. The first alarm (Al) may warn about a reduced maximum steady-state speed for the rotating platform (130).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an autonomous vehicle (1) for displacing feed on a feed table (2), comprising a drive arrangement (4) for propelling the vehicle in a forward direction (M) along the feed table and a device (5) for displacing feed sideways (D) on the feed table with respect to the forward direction. The vehicle further comprises a container (8) for a feed additive, a dispenser (22) to dispense feed additive from the container to the feed table and an outer cover (7). The container is disposed inside the vehicle, and the outer cover is arranged to shield or protect the container from an outside of the vehicle. The outer cover is provided with an inlet (10) for adding feed additive to the container. The inlet has an outer end (11) which is accessible from the outside of the vehicle, and an inner end (15) arranged such that feed additive added via the inlet is directed into the container while the outer cover is mounted on the vehicle.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices

Abstract

A milking arrangement comprising: a milk transport line (1), a plurality of milk stations (2) connected to the milk transport line (1), a receiver (3) connected to the milk transport line (1) and configured to receive milk transported from the milk stations (2) to the receiver (3) via the milk transport line (1), and a vacuum system (4) configured to supply a vacuum in the milk transport line (1) via the receiver (3), a cleaning liquid source (9) connected to the milk transport line (1), a controllable injector (10) configured to introduce an amount of gas into the milk transport line (1) thus producing a temporary pressure increase therein which causes a slug of a cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid source (9) to be formed and forwarded through the milk transport line (1), and a control system (19) configured to control the operation of the injector (10). During a cleaning sequence, the control system (19) is configured to control slug characteristics by controlling the vacuum level supplied by the vacuum system (4) and/ or the amount of gas introduced via the controllable injector (10).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A milking arrangement comprising: a milk transport line (1), a plurality of milk stations (2) connected to the milk transport line (1), a receiver (3) connected to the milk transport line (1) and configured to receive milk transported from the milk stations (2) to the receiver (3) via the milk transport line (1), and a vacuum system (4) configured to supply a vacuum in the milk transport line (1) via the receiver (3), a cleaning liquid source (9) connected to the milk transport line (1), a controllable injector (10) configured to introduce an amount of gas into the milk transport line (1) thus producing a temporary pressure increase therein which causes a slug of a cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid source (9) to be formed and forwarded through the milk transport line (1), and a control system (19) configured to control the operation of the injector (10). An vibration sensor (27) is arranged on the receiver (3) and configured to measure a motion of the receiver (3) caused by a slug entering the receiver (3), and the control system (19) is configured to determine an entering of a slug into the receiver (3) on basis of the measurement of the vibration sensor (27).

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

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. 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 (d0ff) 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 computer-implemented method (500), a controller (110), an arrangement (101) and a milking system (100) are disclosed. The computer-implemented method (500) comprises the steps of: receiving (501) a point in time of an insemination of an animal (105); obtaining (503) a measurement (M) of progesterone level in an analyte of the animal (105), which measurement (M) is made within 11 days from the point in time of the insemination; and determining (504) that the animal (105) is non-pregnant when the progesterone level of the obtained (503) measurement (M) is lower than a progesterone threshold limit (TL).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A feed dispenser for an animal comprising upper section (2) for containing the feed, a lower section (3) for dispensing the feed and a dosing chamber (4) situated between the upper section (2) and the lower section (3). A dosing piston (5) is coaxially arranged with the dosing chamber (4), wherein the dosing piston (5) comprises a first body (6) having a first truncated conical surface portion (6a) and a second body (7) having a second truncated conical surface portion (7a). The first body (6) is slidably received in a stationary enclosure (9), which is situated in the upper section (2) containing the feed and is stationary with respect to the upper section (2) of the feed dispenser (1).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices

Abstract

A milking arrangement comprising a milk transport line (1), a plurality of milk stations, a cleaning arrangement (4) comprising 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

Milking control arrangement (130) and milk extracting system (100), configured to obtain teat size data of at least one teat (220a) of an animal (110) to be milked; and to adjust a milking parameter of a milk extraction unit (120) when milk is extracted from the teat (220a), based on the obtained teat size data of the teat (220a).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

A teatcup (1) for the teat of an animal comprises a casing (2) having an upper end (2a) and a lower end (2b), a cartridge (3) inserted in the casing, and a pulsation chamber (14). An upper annular seal element (4) extends between the cartridge and the casing for sealing the pulsation chamber from the environment. The cartridge comprises an elongated support member (5), comprising an upper end section (5a), a lower end section (5b) and an intermediate support structure (5c) between the upper and lower end sections. A barrel (6) defining an inner space (7) 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 5/08 - Teat-cups with two chambers

Abstract

Method (500) and multibody system (100) comprising two body sections (101, 102, 103, 104) assembled via a joint (105, 106, 107), wherein one of the body sections (104) comprises a camera (110) which is moveable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2). The method (500) comprises detecting (501) a reference object (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d) 5with the camera (110) situated in the first position (P1); determining (502) a reference value of the reference object (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d); requesting (503) movement of the camera (110) from the first position (P1) into the second position (P2); initiating (504) movement ofthe camera (110) from the first position (P1) towards the second position (P2), while itera-tively sampling image of the reference object (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d); determining current 10object value of the reference object (200a, 200b, 200c, 200d), based on the sampled image; matching the reference value with the current object value; and determining (505) success-fulness of the camera movement, based on the matching.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to feeding animals and in particular to a method for operating an autonomous feed robot 1 at a feed table in a livestock area 30. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for operating an autonomous feed robot 1 at a feed table in a livestock area 30, wherein one or more cameras 32 are stationary arranged in the livestock area to monitor the feed table, The method comprising obtaining S1 one or more images captured using the one or more stationary arranged cameras 32 and indicative of a distribution of feed 3 on the feed table and controlling S4 the operation of the autonomous feed robot 1 based on the distribution of feed 3 indicated by the one or more images. The disclosure also relates to control circuitry 10, an autonomous feed robot 1 and to a computer program for performing the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/02 - Automatic devices
• A01K 1/01 - Removal of dung or urine

Abstract

A preparation robot (3), a teat preparation arrangement and a method of preparing teats are disclosed. The preparation robot comprises a base, a robot arm arrangement connected to and movable in relation to the base, wherein the robot arm arrangement comprises an outer robot arm member (7), a first teat-preparing cup (8) and a second teat-preparing cup (9), each comprising an inner space (10) for receiving a respective one of the teats (11). 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 5/017 - Automatic attaching or detaching of clusters
• A01J 7/04 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for treatment of udders or teats, e.g. for cleaning

Abstract

The disclosure relates to systems and methods for tracking position of a livestock animal in an area of interest over a period of time. The area of interest may be a barn, or a portion of a barn, for housing livestock animals such as dairy cows, sheep, goats etc. The animals carry a sensor device, which may be an ear tag, a leg sensor, a sensor carried around the neck of the animal or a sensor carried inside the body of the animal. The method comprises the steps of obtaining an initial position of the animal, obtaining angular velocity data related to the movement of the sensor device, and integrating the angular velocity data over time to represent a relative change in the direction of motion of the animal, obtaining acceleration data related to the movement of the sensor device, and integrating the acceleration data twice over time to represent a displacement of the animal, and determining the position of the animal after the period of time based on the displacement of the animal from the initial position.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 11/00 - Marking of animals
• 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
• H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
• G01C 21/16 - Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups by using measurement of speed or acceleration executed aboard the object being navigated; Dead reckoning by integrating acceleration or speed, i.e. inertial navigation
• G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to barn cleaning and in particular the disclosure relates to an autonomous agricultural vehicle comprising a cleaning device suitable for removing manure a livestock area. According to a first aspect, this disclosure proposes a method for operating an autonomous agricultural vehicle in accordance with a cleaning plan. The method comprises monitoring S1 at a plurality of individual times, while operating the autonomous agricultural vehicle in accordance with the cleaning plan, a load quantity representing an amount of material moved by the cleaning device, and adjusting S5 the cleaning plan of the autonomous agricultural vehicle based on a variation in the monitored load quantity among the individual times. The disclosure also relates to a method for operating the autonomous agricultural vehicle and to a computer program for performing the method.

IPC Classes  ?

• G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
• G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

Abstract

A milking system configured to milk animals, said system comprising a milking station (1), a first milk tank (2) and a second milk tank (3), a controllable valve arrangement (5) configured to open or close a first branch (4a) and to open or close a second branch (4b) of a milk transport conduit (4), to control to which tank that milk is transported, and a control device (6) configured to control the controllable valve arrangement (5). The milking system comprises a sensor (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) configured to sense a property of milk present in the first milk tank (2) or of milk flowing towards the first milk tank (2), or a sensor configured to sense a property of a cooling arrangement for controlling the temperature of the milk in the first milk tank (2), and the control device (6) is configured to control the controllable valve arrangement (5) on basis of information from said sensor (7, 8, 9, 10, 11).

IPC Classes  ?

• 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

Milking arrangement (100) comprising a milking machine (116) for milking an animal (110), wherein the milking arrangement (100) comprises a control unit (120). The control unit (120) is configured to: obtain identity of the animal (110) in connection with milking of the animal (110); obtain a reference point in time (300) of a lactation cycle of the identified animal (110); determine to take at least one milk sample of the animal (110), when a predetermined time period has passed from the reference point in time (300); obtain a Haptoglobin level (210) from the milk sample; compare the obtained Haptoglobin level (210) with a Haptoglobin reference limit (215); and indicate health condition of the animal (110), based on the made comparison.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• G01N 33/68 - Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids

Abstract

A milking system configured to milk animals, said system comprising at least one milking station (1), a milk tank (2), a transport conduit (3), a valve arrangement (4, 5), a cleaning arrangement (6), said cleaning arrangement (4) comprising a delivery arrangement (7) configured to deliver a first liquid into the milk transport conduit (3) and to deliver a second liquid into the milk transport conduit (3), a pump (8) and a control unit (9) configured to control the delivery arrangement (7). The milking system comprises determining means for determining that a delivery of the first liquid into milk transport conduit (3) has ended, which determining means is connected to the control unit (9), and the control unit (9) is configured, as a response to a signal from the determining means that the delivery of the first liquid has ended, to activate the delivery arrangement (7) to deliver the second liquid into the milk transport conduit (3) subsequently to the ending of the delivery of the first liquid while there is a column of first liquid in the milk transport conduit (3).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

An automatic milking system comprising an electronic control unit (1), a milking station (2), a production milk tank (3), a second milk tank (4), an animal identification system, a first sensor (7) configured to measure at least one indicator of illness of an animal, a data memory (8) in which measurements performed by the first sensor (7) on milk from individual animals identified by the identification system are gathered. The control unit (1) is configured to register a first point of time (t1) at which milk from an animal is diverted to the second tank instead of being conducted to the production milk tank (3), register a second point of time (t2) at which milk from the animal is shifted from being conducted to the second tank to being conducted to the production milk tank (3), and, if the time period between the first point of time t1 and the second point of time t2 is within a predetermined number days, the control unit (1) is configured to determine that the animal is in an illness state between the first point of time (t1) and the second point of time (t2).

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

At least one drive unit (241, 242, 243, 244, 245) causes a rotating platform (130) of a rotary milking parlor arrangement to move in at least a first direction (RF, RB) of rotation around a rotation point (P). Each drive unit comprises first and second drive motors arranged to engage a drive rail (230) of the rotating platform (130) and act on a respective side of the drive rail (230) so as to cause the rotating platform (130) to perform said move- ment. Each of the first and second drive motors produces a res- pective pace signal (p 11, p 12; p21, p22; p31, p32; p41, p42; p51, p52) indicating a rotational speed of the drive motor in question. A control unit (220) receives the pace signals (p 11, p 12; p21, p22; p31, p32; p41, p42; p51, p52) from each of said first and second drive motors in each drive unit. The control unit (220) compares the pace signal (p41) from the first drive motor with the pace signal (p42) from the second drive motor from each drive unit (241, 242, 243, 244, 245) to establish a respec- tive difference in the rotational speeds in the drive unit. If the difference exceeds a threshold value, the control unit (220) triggers an alarm (A).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

A method related to the operation of a feed pusher (3) is described. The feed pusher (3) being arranged to travel on a feeding table (1) along a longitudinal axis (5) of the feeding table (1) at a distance (x) from a feeding table edge (7) and to push animal feed placed on the feeding table (1 ) sidewards in relation to the longitudinal axis (5) towards the feeding table edge (7) by a rotational movement of a rotatable screw (9) driven by an electric motor (11 ) The method comprises the steps of: obtaining a value of a parameter related to the electric motor (11 ) during a time period of the operation of the feed pusher (3) and estimating an amount of animal feed that has been pushed during the time period based on the obtained value of the parameter. A feed pusher (3) for animal feed is also described.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

An arrangement (1) for dairy applications, for dosing cleaning agent into a fluid. The arrangement (1) comprises a fluid circuit (31), a diaphragm pump (3) arranged to provide a flow of cleaning agent in the fluid circuit (31) from a cleaning agent source (4) and a dosing valve (5) arranged to the fluid circuit (31) downstream the diaphragm pump (3). The dosing valve (5) is configured to regulate a dosage of cleaning agent from the diaphragm pump (3) to a collection container (25). The arrangement (1) further comprises a control arrangement (20) configured to control the dosing valve (5) to regulate the dosage, such that a dosed volume of cleaning agent passed to the collection container (25) is correlated with a volume of fluid being passed to the collection container (25), in order to obtain a target concentration of cleaning agent in the fluid in the collection container (25). The disclosure also relates to a method for dosing cleaning agent into a fluid.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

Compositions for rapidly dissolving mineral deposits on the surface of an apparatus, particularly a food or beverage-handling clean-in-place (CIP) apparatus, and methods of using the same are provided. In particular, the compositions are effective in removing magnesium phosphate deposits and comprise at least two mineral acids, with one of the mineral acids being nitric acid, and at least one nonionic surfactant.

IPC Classes  ?

• C11D 1/72 - Ethers of polyoxyalkylene glycols
• C11D 3/04 - Water-soluble compounds
• C11D 3/34 - Organic compounds containing sulfur
• C11D 11/00 - Special methods for preparing compositions containing mixtures of detergents
• C11D 17/00 - Detergent materials or soaps characterised by their shape or physical properties

Abstract

A method, control unit, arrangement and computer program for barn cleaning is provided. The method comprises obtaining of information from one or more cameras mounted such as to capture images of an area of operation of an automatic barn cleaning device; and further comprises identifying a parturition event taking place in the area of operation of the automatic barn cleaning device, based on the obtained information. The method further comprises, in response to the identified parturition event: to stop or adjust the movement of an automatic barn cleaning device, and to trigger an alert signal to be provided to a man-machine interface.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A method, a control unit, a computer program and an arrangement for barn cleaning are provided. The method comprises obtaining, from a detection arrangement, information related to animal presence in an area in a barn and deriving a measure of animal presence over time in said area in the barn based on said information. The method further comprises controlling the operation of an automatic barn cleaning device based on the derived measure. The method provides a more efficient cleaning compared to other known solutions for barn cleaning. The method enables cleaning only when and where needed, instead of only running scheduled cleaning sessions following a standard time table.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/01 - Removal of dung or urine

Abstract

A method, control unit, computer program and arrangement for barn cleaning are provided. The method comprises obtaining of information from one or more cameras mounted such as to capture images of an area of operation of an automatic barn cleaning device and identifying of at least one location in said area of operation being subjected to manure, based on the obtained information. The method further comprises calculating of a route for the automatic barn cleaning device based on the identified at least one location, and controlling of the automatic barn cleaning device based on the calculated route.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/01 - Removal of dung or urine

Abstract

A milk analysis apparatus (120) associated with a milking equipment (110), configured for receiving a cassette (130) detachably inserted into the milk analysis apparatus (120). The milk analysis apparatus (120) comprises a receiving section (125), configured to detachably receive the cassette (130); a housing (310) enclosing the milk analysis apparatus (120); a thermoelectric element (340); an interior heat exchange element (350); a fan (360), arranged for circulating air inside the housing (310); a temperature sensor (240) arranged inside the housing (310); a guided surface (380) of the milk analysis apparatus (120) for guiding circulating air inside the housing (310) via the interior heat exchange element (350) towards an outlet (510) of the receiving section (125); and a control unit (150), configured to: determine temperature via the temperature sensor (240); compare the determined temperature with a temperature threshold limit; and adjust current provided to the thermoelectric element (340).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/013 - On-site detection of mastitis in milk
• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products

Abstract

A feed displacement vehicle (1) for displacing feed on a feed table (2), comprising a rotatable auger (3) having an axis of rotation (R) and including at least one helical blade (4, 4') for displacing feed in a direction substantially along the axis of rotation. The helical blade is provided with a brush element (5) arranged such that feed is displaced on the feed table by 5 the brush element during operation.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 5/00 - Feeding devices for stock or game

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

Control unit (240) and dosing module (137) of a milk analysis apparatus (120) comprising a first wireless communication device (210), for communication with a memory device (230) of a dosing module (137). The dosing module (137) is insertable into the milk analysis apparatus (120), via a second wireless communication device (220) comprised in the dosing module (137). The control unit (240) is configured to: determine a measurement relating to usage of the pump (320, 330); and transmit information concerning the determined measurement to the memory device (230) of the dosing module (137), via the first wireless communication device (210), for storage in the memory device (230) of the dosing module (137).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

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  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines

Abstract

Control unit (240) and liquid container (135) of a milk analysis apparatus (120) comprising a first wireless communication device (210), for communication with a memory device (230) of a liquid container (135). The liquid container (135) is insertable into the milk analysis apparatus (120), via a second wireless communication device (220) comprised in the liquid container (135). The control unit (240) is configured to: obtain a signal associated with consumed liquid amount of the liquid container (135), e.g. from a liquid volume determination device of the milk analysis apparatus (120), during a liquid extraction session; and transmit information related to the consumed liquid amount via the first wireless communication device (210), for storage in the memory device (230) of the liquid container (135). The liquid contained in the liquid container (135) may be a diluent used to dilute the extracted milk and/or to rinse the tubing, needle, pump etc. of the milk analysis apparatus (120).

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/04 - Dairy products
• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
• A01J 7/02 - Accessories for milking machines or devices for cleaning or sanitising milking machines or devices

Abstract

A system (10) for determining validity of a result of a lateral flow test, comprising a lateral flow stick (180a, 180b, 180c). The lateral flow stick (180a, 180b, 180c) comprises: a sample pad (310); a conjugate pad (315) comprising antibody treated gold particles; a porous membrane (320) for receiving a capillary flow of the milk sample. The porous membrane (320) comprises: a test line (360) treated with a progesterone reference which binds antibody treated gold particles of the milk sample and thereby brings the test line (360) to change colour tint when exposed for milk comprising a progesterone level lower than a threshold limit; and a control line (370) treated with an antibody reference which binds antibody, and thereby brings the control line (370) to change colour tint when exposed for milk comprising antibody treated gold particles. The system also comprises a sensor (210) and a control unit (150), configured to obtain a reference colour tint (380) of the control line (370); determine a current colour tint of the control line (370), based on the image captured by the sensor (210) during the ongoing lateral flow test; compare the reference colour tint (380) of the control line (370) with the current colour tint of the control line (370); and indicate validity of the lateral flow test on the lateral flow stick (180a, 180b, 180c), based on the made comparison.

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 21/84 - Systems specially adapted for particular applications

Abstract

A tool (1) for and a method of disassembling a teatcup are disclosed. The tool is suitable for disassembling a teatcup comprising an outer shell and a liner member positioned in the outer shell. The liner member comprises a barrel defining an inner space for a teat, and a mouthpiece extending away from an end of the outer shell. The tool comprises a tool body (30) having a first surface (31) and an opposite second surface (32). A recess (33) extends into the tool body through the second surface and forms a peripheral edge (34) with the second surface. A rod member (40) extends from the recess away from the tool body and beyond the second surface. The recess is configured to enclose and engage an outer surface of the mouthpiece, and the rod member is configured to engage an inner surface of the barrel.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/08 - Teat-cups with two chambers

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of farming and more specifically it relates to a method and a control arrangement for controlling a moveable crowd gate of a holding area at an entrance of a destination. According to a first aspect, the disclosure relates to method for controlling an automated crowd gate operable to form a side of a holding area and to move in relation to an entrance of a destination, in order to cause animals located in the holding area to move towards the destination. The method comprises obtaining S1, from a real-time location system, location data defining individual positions of one or more animals located in the holding area, obtaining S2 a current position of the crowd gate, and controlling S5 an operation associated with the crowd gate, based on the obtained position of the crowd gate and the location data.

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A milking system (1) comprises a rotary moving arrangement (10) having a centre point (10a), about which it is adapted to rotate during operation, and an essentially circular periphery (10b). A plurality of peripherally distributed milking stalls (12) is arranged on the rotary moving arrangement for housing milking animal (14) during milking thereof and having an opening towards the periphery (10b), wherein each of the milking stalls is provided with a milking arrangement (12a). A plurality of milking stall dividers (16) having an upper edge, each divider separating two adjacent milking stalls, is provided so that the dividers extend along a line (L), which crosses the periphery (10b) at an angle (a) to the normal (N) of the periphery at the crossing point. This design, together with providing the upper edges of the dividers at a level below the head of the milking animal (14), allows the milking animals to look backward towards the periphery of the moving arrangement, facilitating movement in an exit section of the milking system.

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

A camera registers three-dimensional image data representing a milking location on a rotating platform (130) upon which a milk- producing animal (100) is standing with its hind legs (LH, RH) facing the camera. The image data are processed to identify an udder (U) of the animal (100). After having identified the udder (U), a tail detection process is applied to the image data to identify a tail (T) of the animal (100). If the tail (T) is identified, the tail (T) is excluded from being regarded as a teat when providing a decision basis (DB) for controlling a robotic arm to perform at least one action relating to a milk-producing animal (100). 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 (130) upon which floor surface the animal (100) is standing. It is presumed that the elongated object is located at a shorter distance from the camera than any surface element of the identified udder (U).

IPC Classes  ?

• G06T 7/00 - Image analysis
• G06T 7/521 - Depth or shape recovery from the projection of structured light

Abstract

jmg3Dimg3Dimg3Dimg3DKK) in a depth direction away from the camera (110). A decision basis (DB) for controlling the robotic arm to perform at least one action relating to the animal (100) includes information about said volume (V).

IPC Classes  ?

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

Abstract

A rotating platform (130) has a plurality of stalls (S), each of which is configured to house a respective animal during milking. The stalls (S) are separated from one another by delimiting structures (DS1, DS2). A camera (110) registers three-dimensional image data (Dimg3D) of the rotating platform (130) within a field of view (FV). A control unit (120) receives the image data (Dimg3o) that has been registered while the rotating platform (130) completes at least one full revolution around its rotation axis. The control unit (120) processes the image data (Djmg3D) to derive a set of key features (Ws, Hs, Ds) of the rotating platform (130), and then stores the set of key features (Ws, Hs, Ds) in a data storage (140), which is configured to make the set of key features (Ws, Hs, Ds) available for use at a later point in time. For example, the set of key features (Ws, Hs, 8Q) may be retrieved to run a search procedure investigating whether or not an entry window is available for controlling a robotic arm to perform an action relating to a milk-producing animal located in one of said stalls (S).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01K 1/12 - Milking stations

Abstract

A control valve and a membrane (20) for a moving a valve disk of a control valve between a first position and a second position are disclosed. The membrane has a central axis (x) being perpendicular to an extension plane (p) of the membrane. The membrane comprises an outer annular rim portion (31), a central portion (32) configured to be connected the valve disk, and a flexible portion (33) 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 7/12 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with flat, dished, or bowl-shaped diaphragm
• 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
• F16K 31/06 - Operating means; Releasing devices magnetic using a magnet
• A01J 5/00 - Milking machines or devices

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of farming and more specifically the disclosure relates to a method for determining a health condition of an animal 1. The method comprises capturing S1 a thermographic image of at least one portion of the animal and capturing S2 a visible light image of the at least one portion of the animal, wherein the visible light image corresponds to the thermographic image. The method further comprises determining S3 at least one surface property of the at least one portion of the animal based on the visible light image, adjusting S4 the thermographic image to compensate for impact of the determined at least one surface property and determining S5 the health condition of the animal based on the adjusted thermographic image. The disclosure also related to a corresponding control unit 40, computer program and computer program product.

IPC Classes  ?

• A61B 5/01 - Measuring temperature of body parts
• A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes ; Identification of persons
• G01J 5/00 - Radiation pyrometry, e.g. infrared or optical thermometry

Abstract

Herein a control unit (120), a system and a method are disclosed. Early lactation of an animal includes at least the first 3 days in milk of the current lactation period. The control unit is configured to:obtain measurements of milk flow during a milking session of the animal (101); analyse a sequence of said obtained measurements. Based on said analysis, the control unit estimates a total milk yield of the animal (101), and determines a predetermined partial amount of milk of the estimated total milk yield; and during early lactation, interrupts the milking of the animal on all teats when the predetermined partial amount of milk of the estimated total milk yield has been drawn from the animal. Alternatively, the control unit, based on said analysis, detects that the milk flow has reached a plateau phase; and during early lactation, interrupts the milking during the plateau phase (220).

IPC Classes  ?

• A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines