Abstract:
A milking device and method for removing a teat cup from a teat of an animal are disclosed. The teat cup has a teat space for containing a teat and is connected via a milk tube to a vacuum source for generating a milking vacuum. A drawing-away device is provided for drawing the teat cup away from the animal only after a vacuum-lowering device has lowered the milking vacuum in the teat space below a threshold value. The level of vacuum may be measured by means of a vacuum sensor.
Abstract:
An object is to provide a milk foamer capable of smoothly and securely managing hygiene of a suction tube which sucks milk from a milk storage section. The milk foamer sucks the milk from a milk pack via the suction tube and mixes the milk and air with the milker to produce milk foam. The milk foamer includes a control unit which controls the production of the milk foam, and a cleaning unit which executes a cleaning operation of a route extending from the suction tube to the milker. The control unit prohibits the production of the milk foam and instructs the cleaning unit to execute the cleaning operation, in a case where a predetermined time elapses from the previous production of the milk foam.
Abstract:
A teat cup carrier is designed to be able to co-operate with a feed platform, which teat cup carrier is freely movable relative to the feed platform. The teat cup carrier carries, besides teat cups, further milking elements for milking an animal, the further milking elements including at least a milk storage vessel for storing milk, a milking vacuum source and a pulsation vacuum source. The milk storage vessel is provided with a milk outlet. The freely movable teat cup carrier is in particular a self-propelled (autonomous) mobile teat-cup-carrying robot and comprises a control unit for controlling the functioning of the mobile teat-cup-carrying robot.
Abstract:
An apparatus for gripping the teat of an animal assisting in drawing milk therefrom. The apparatus includes a housing and more than one constricting element arranged in the housing so that the constricting elements, which are operable in both constricting and non-constricting modes, periodically constrict the teat. The apparatus further includes means for switching the constricting elements back and forth between non-constricting and constricting modes. The apparatus includes a controller in communication with the means for switching, which in accordance with a predetermined timing and spatial sequence controls the periodic switching of the constricting elements from constricting to non-constricting modes and vice-versa. A system including such a gripping apparatus for drawing milk from the teat of an animal is also taught. Similarly, a method for milking an animal which imitates hand milking and does not employ a vacuum system is described.
Abstract:
A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller comprises a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum therefrom. The controller produces a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking systems pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a system for transferring a liquid consumable product, such as milk, from a bulk storage tank to a transport vehicle receiving tank or from one bulk tank to another whether stationary or mobile. The system increases the efficiency with which the milk is transferred from the bulk tank to the transport vehicle by providing a centrifugal pump permanently positioned on the milk producer's premises proximal the bulk tank. The system includes an air-purge system for removing any residual milk from the pump and transfer lines once pumping has ceased, as well as a wash system for cleaning the pump system components after use. In addition to transferring milk from the bulk tank to the transport truck, the centrifugal pump is conveniently adaptable for use in the washing operations, thereby adding to the efficiency of the overall system.
Abstract:
A controller for monitoring and controlling an operating pulsator in a milking system is shown. The controller comprises a first sensor operatively connected to a designated pulsator for receiving a pulsating vacuum therefrom. The controller produces a first signal representing the pulsating vacuum level. A processor is operatively connected to the first sensor for receiving the first signal. The processor includes a comparator for comparing the first signal to a stored reference signal representing a predetermined vacuum range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for milking systems pulsators. The processor generates at least one control signal when the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is at a vacuum level outside of the predetermined vacuum range. A control circuit signals that the designated pulsator pulsating vacuum level is outside the range of pulsating vacuum levels programmed as acceptable for the milking system pulsators.
Abstract:
A delivery head for delivering a milk portion is connected via a connection line to a milk container in a refrigerator. A rinsing agent source is connected via a first line to a connection part in the connection line. A first on-off valve is inserted in the first line. The connection part is also connected via a second line and a second valve to a fresh air source. The container, the valves, and the connection part are installed in a refrigerator. Through this implementation, complete emptying of the connection line and the delivery head of rinse water after the rinsing procedure, as well as efficient rinsing during the rinsing procedure, are achieved.
Abstract:
A system that compares, ranks, sorts and grades animals or carcasses into groups of like kinds according to previously determined predicted maximum values. For live animals, the system uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a single occasion to evaluate the animal and determine a number of days the animal must be fed to reach a maximum value. For carcasses, the system evaluates the carcass to grade the quality and quantity of meat the carcass will provide. The system also combines MRI imaging with a three-dimensional system to refine the number of days remaining for the animal to reach a maximum value, and the system, when used in a feedlot, will direct the animal to a feed pen based on the number of days remaining for the animal to reach maximum value.
Abstract:
A system for identifying a ruminant, which is being milked. The system includes a transmitter attached to a hind leg of the ruminant and the transmitter transmits a predefined signal, which identifies the ruminant to which the transmitter is attached. The system includes at least one teat cup on which is attached an antenna to receive the signal with which to identify the animal. The teat cup is positionable on the ruminant's teat. A method for using the system is taught as is a teat cup having an antenna fixed thereon.