US20020139308A1 - Method of and a device for acoustically monitoring the course of a process, such as a milking process - Google Patents

Method of and a device for acoustically monitoring the course of a process, such as a milking process Download PDF

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Publication number
US20020139308A1
US20020139308A1 US09/302,483 US30248399A US2002139308A1 US 20020139308 A1 US20020139308 A1 US 20020139308A1 US 30248399 A US30248399 A US 30248399A US 2002139308 A1 US2002139308 A1 US 2002139308A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
sensor
sound
housing
milking
piezo
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US09/302,483
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English (en)
Inventor
Dick M. Oort
Karel Van den Berg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Maasland NV
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from NL1009052A external-priority patent/NL1009052C2/nl
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Assigned to MAASLAND N.V. A DUTCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY reassignment MAASLAND N.V. A DUTCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: OORT, DICK M., VAN DEN BERG, KAREL
Priority to US10/143,988 priority Critical patent/US7028559B2/en
Publication of US20020139308A1 publication Critical patent/US20020139308A1/en
Assigned to MAASLAND N.V. reassignment MAASLAND N.V. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: OORT, DICK M, VAN DEN BERG, KAREL
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B06—GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS IN GENERAL
    • B06B—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR GENERATING OR TRANSMITTING MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS OF INFRASONIC, SONIC, OR ULTRASONIC FREQUENCY, e.g. FOR PERFORMING MECHANICAL WORK IN GENERAL
    • B06B3/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for transmitting mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequency
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01J—MANUFACTURE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
    • A01J5/00—Milking machines or devices
    • A01J5/007—Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10K—SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES; METHODS OR DEVICES FOR PROTECTING AGAINST, OR FOR DAMPING, NOISE OR OTHER ACOUSTIC WAVES IN GENERAL; ACOUSTICS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10K11/00—Methods or devices for transmitting, conducting or directing sound in general; Methods or devices for protecting against, or for damping, noise or other acoustic waves in general
    • G10K11/004—Mounting transducers, e.g. provided with mechanical moving or orienting device

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method of acoustically monitoring a process, in which method the amplitude differences or the intensity values of sound, or both, are measured during the process, and the amplitudes or the intensity values of the sound or the vibrations or any combination thereof are measured, continuously or with an adjustable frequency by means of a sound or vibrating sensor, such as a piezoelectric transducer, during the entire process or part of the process and are compared mutually or with a predetermined threshold value or reference value or reference pattern for the purpose of drawing, on the basis thereof, conclusions in relation to the progress and course of the process and the presence of disturbances and deviations in the course of the process. It has appeared that by means of a piezoelectric transducer, utilized in this case as a microphone, it is possible to establish in a relatively simple manner whether the process is being carried out satisfactorily.
  • a threshold value is adjusted depending on the process involved and its stage.
  • the above-mentioned method can in particular be applied for monitoring a milking process by means of a piezoelectric transducer, disposed in part of a milk line system or in a teat cup, wherein the amplitude or the intensity values or both of the sound which is produced by the air flow in the teat cup or in the milk line system when said teat cup is not connected and a milk vacuum has been applied in the milk line system are known and have been recorded as a reference value. By comparing this with the monitored sound, it can be deduced therefrom whether or not a teat cup has been correctly connected to a teat.
  • the invention also relates to a sensor for measuring the amplitude differences or the intensity values of sound or both, said sensor being provided with a piezoelectric transducer adapted to the above-described method. Therefore, the invention further relates to a sensor for measuring the amplitude differences or the intensity values of sound or both, said sensor being provided with a piezo-sensor, such as a piezoelectric transducer, characterized in that the sensor comprises a housing which is made of material having a strongly absorbing capacity for sound or vibrations or both, such as silicones, for example, while at least one piezoelectric sensor is embedded in the housing. Using a strongly absorbing material prevents ambient sounds from affecting and disturbing measurements.
  • the piezo-sensor should be disposed relatively closely to a wall of the housing. In this manner sounds and vibrations to be measured are transmitted as optimally as possible to the piezo-sensor.
  • the piezo-sensor comprises a guide element extending as far as near a wall of the housing or extending through said wall.
  • the guide element enables the piezo-sensor to be embedded in the absorbing material at a greater distance from the wall without deterioration of proper transmissions of sound and vibrations to the piezo-sensor.
  • the guide element is designed as a recording needle that is connected to the piezoelectric transducer.
  • the piezo-sensor is disposed in a chamber or closable cavity in the housing.
  • said chamber or closable cavity is dimensioned in such a manner that it also comprises an air chamber.
  • the piezo-sensor bears on a liquid or viscous layer, such as Vaseline® or gel, for example, which has relatively good conductivity for vibrations and sound. Because the layer is liquid or viscous, the housing and this piezoelectric sensor fit perfectly to unevennesses in both the walls of the housing and of the sensor being filled with the layer.
  • the sensor comprises a closing element, such as a cap, for example, by means of which the cavity can be insulated from ambient sound.
  • the closing element as well as the housing are made of strongly absorbing material.
  • the closing element is designed as a pressure cap.
  • the pressure cap comprises a pressure portion acting on part of the sensor other than the measuring element thereof.
  • the above-mentioned sensor can be fastened to a part to be measured, such as a bearing housing, for example, by clamping the housing thereto, it is possible to provide the housing with a duct through which fluid can flow. In this manner it is possible to acquire acoustical measurements from the fluid flow through the housing.
  • a flow disturbing element is provided that affects the fluid flow in at least part of the duct. Because the fluid is caused to whirl by said flow disturbing element, a better measurement can be obtained.
  • the flow disturbing element does not necessarily have to be an additional element; positioning of the sensor closely to a bend in a line system may also produce such a disturbing effect.
  • the flow disturbing element comprises a sensor for a further measurement, such as a temperature or conductivity sensor.
  • the invention also relates to milking apparatus comprising a milk line system and teat cups, characterized in that the milking apparatus is suitable for the above-described method and is provided with a sensor as described above.
  • a sensor in one or more of the milk tubes of a teat cup.
  • each teat cup can be checked on whether it is leaking air because it has not properly been connected or has been unexpectedly kicked off. Additionally it is possible to obtain an indication as to the stage of the milking process at a given moment.
  • the foremilking, main milking and stripping stage can clearly be distinguished from each other.
  • the aforementioned reference value or reference pattern or threshold value or a combination thereof to the milking cycle itself, that is to select another value or another pattern for foremilking, main milking and stripping, or to adapt the aforementioned values and patterns for individual animals or for a group of animals.
  • the aforementioned method and sensor are particularly suitable for a milking apparatus that is provided with a milking robot for automatically connecting teat cups to an animal to be milked, because with such a milking robot a supervising operator is not always present. Therefore, monitoring the milking process acoustically by means of the above-mentioned method and sensor may take place without the presence of an operator.
  • FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows a teat cup and part of a milk line system in which the sensor according to the invention is included;
  • FIG. 2 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of the sensor according to FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a top sectional plan view according to the arrows III-III in FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 1 shows a teat cup 1 that is provided with a pulsation tube 2 and a milk tube 3 .
  • a sensor 4 is included in milk tube 3 for measuring amplitude differences or intensity values or both of sound.
  • Teat cup 1 may constitute part of an automatic milking apparatus comprising a milking robot for automatically connecting teat cups to the teats of an animal to be milked.
  • FIG. 2 is cross-section of sensor 4 according to FIG. 1.
  • Sensor 4 comprises a housing 5 which is made of material having a strongly absorbing capacity for sound or other vibrations or both. On both sides of housing 5 are disposed two nipples 6 to which milk tube 3 is connected. In housing 5 there is further disposed a duct 7 through which the milk and other fluids such as cleaning liquids and air can flow. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in housing 5 there is further provided a cylindrical cavity 8 extending to adjacent duct 7 . A liquid or viscous layer 9 having a good conductivity for sound or vibrations or both is disposed in the lower side of cylindrical cavity 8 . Layer 9 may consist of, for example, a petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline®.
  • a piezo-sensor 10 which comprises a circular brass plate 11 and a piezoelectric transducer 12 disposed thereon.
  • the piezoelectric transducer 12 is a crystal.
  • Cylindrical cavity 8 is further closed by means of a closing element 13 which, in the present embodiment, is a pressure cap. Near its lower side pressure cap 13 is provided with a recess 14 having dimensions so that piezoelectric transducer 12 is disposed in an air chamber.
  • near its lower side closing cap 13 comprises a ring-shaped pressure portion 15 by means of which brass plate 11 can be pressed on layer 9 in a manner so that a good contact exists between layer 9 and brass plate 11 .
  • a flow disturbing element in 16 is provided by means of which the laminar flow across at least part of the duct 7 is caused to whirl.
  • the flow disturbing element 16 comprises a temperature or conductivity sensor or a combination thereof.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Mechanical Vibrations Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Transducers For Audible Bands (AREA)
  • Testing And Monitoring For Control Systems (AREA)
  • Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
  • Examining Or Testing Airtightness (AREA)
US09/302,483 1998-05-01 1999-04-30 Method of and a device for acoustically monitoring the course of a process, such as a milking process Abandoned US20020139308A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/143,988 US7028559B2 (en) 1998-05-01 2002-05-14 Method of and a device for acoustically monitoring the course of a process, such as a milking process

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1009052A NL1009052C2 (nl) 1998-05-01 1998-05-01 Werkwijze en inrichting voor het automatisch melken van dieren.
NL1009052 1998-05-01
NL1010369A NL1010369C2 (nl) 1998-05-01 1998-10-21 Werkwijze alsmede een inrchting voor het akoestisch bewaken van het verloop van een proces, zoals een melkproces.
NL1010369 1998-10-21

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/143,988 Division US7028559B2 (en) 1998-05-01 2002-05-14 Method of and a device for acoustically monitoring the course of a process, such as a milking process

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020139308A1 true US20020139308A1 (en) 2002-10-03

Family

ID=26642809

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/302,483 Abandoned US20020139308A1 (en) 1998-05-01 1999-04-30 Method of and a device for acoustically monitoring the course of a process, such as a milking process
US10/143,988 Expired - Fee Related US7028559B2 (en) 1998-05-01 2002-05-14 Method of and a device for acoustically monitoring the course of a process, such as a milking process

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/143,988 Expired - Fee Related US7028559B2 (en) 1998-05-01 2002-05-14 Method of and a device for acoustically monitoring the course of a process, such as a milking process

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (2) US20020139308A1 (ja)
EP (3) EP0953829B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP4139004B2 (ja)
AT (1) ATE356344T1 (ja)
AU (1) AU753836B2 (ja)
CA (1) CA2270455C (ja)
DE (1) DE69935365T2 (ja)
DK (1) DK0953829T3 (ja)
ES (1) ES2284235T3 (ja)
NL (1) NL1010369C2 (ja)
NZ (1) NZ335510A (ja)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140174366A1 (en) * 2012-12-24 2014-06-26 Lely Patent N.V. Method and apparatus for monitoring a milking process

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8918475B2 (en) * 2009-04-02 2014-12-23 Lely Patent N.V. Method of and computer program for managing one or more agricultural devices
NL2007732C2 (en) 2011-11-07 2013-05-08 Lely Patent Nv A method and apparatus for monitoring a milking process.
NL2007731C2 (en) 2011-11-07 2013-05-08 Lely Patent Nv A method and apparatus for monitoring a milking process.
NL2010042C2 (en) 2012-12-21 2014-06-24 Lely Patent Nv A pressure sensor.
EP3800449B9 (en) 2013-09-19 2023-08-30 Dairymaster Method and device for determining the presence and mass flow rate of milk flowing in a pipe
US10655989B2 (en) * 2017-09-12 2020-05-19 Silicon Microstructures, Inc. Pressure sensor cap having flow path with dimension variation
EP3574931A1 (en) * 2018-05-31 2019-12-04 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Method of monitoring an operation of an electric breast pump
US11268839B2 (en) 2019-03-05 2022-03-08 Measurement Specialties, Inc. Resistive flow sensor
WO2022173352A1 (en) * 2021-02-11 2022-08-18 Delaval Holding Ab A method of controlling a milking arrangement, and a milking arrangement

Citations (1)

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US4452268A (en) * 1976-03-02 1984-06-05 Westfalia Separator Ag Cleaning apparatus for milk conveying paths in animal milking machines

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US4621929A (en) * 1983-10-12 1986-11-11 Luxtron Corporation Fiber optic thermal anemometer
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JPS60252284A (ja) * 1984-05-29 1985-12-12 Nissan Motor Co Ltd 超音波センサ
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CH683718A5 (de) * 1992-05-15 1994-04-29 Kk Holding Ag Kombinierter Kraft-, Dehnungs- und Schallemissionsaufnehmer.
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US4452268A (en) * 1976-03-02 1984-06-05 Westfalia Separator Ag Cleaning apparatus for milk conveying paths in animal milking machines

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140174366A1 (en) * 2012-12-24 2014-06-26 Lely Patent N.V. Method and apparatus for monitoring a milking process
US9743634B2 (en) * 2012-12-24 2017-08-29 Lely Patent N.V. Method and apparatus for monitoring a milking process

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH11346585A (ja) 1999-12-21
EP1731885A3 (en) 2009-03-04
EP0953829A2 (en) 1999-11-03
EP0953829A3 (en) 2000-06-21
JP4139004B2 (ja) 2008-08-27
EP2156734A2 (en) 2010-02-24
US20020129771A1 (en) 2002-09-19
EP2156734A3 (en) 2014-06-25
ATE356344T1 (de) 2007-03-15
NL1010369C2 (nl) 1999-12-21
EP0953829B1 (en) 2007-03-07
US7028559B2 (en) 2006-04-18
DK0953829T3 (da) 2007-07-09
CA2270455A1 (en) 1999-11-01
AU2500099A (en) 1999-11-11
EP1731885A2 (en) 2006-12-13
NL1010369A1 (nl) 1999-11-02
DE69935365D1 (de) 2007-04-19
DE69935365T2 (de) 2007-12-06
ES2284235T3 (es) 2007-11-01
NZ335510A (en) 2000-10-27
CA2270455C (en) 2007-08-28
AU753836B2 (en) 2002-10-31
EP2156734B1 (en) 2018-07-25

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AS Assignment

Owner name: MAASLAND N.V. A DUTCH LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, N

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:OORT, DICK M.;VAN DEN BERG, KAREL;REEL/FRAME:009938/0450

Effective date: 19990422

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION

AS Assignment

Owner name: MAASLAND N.V., NETHERLANDS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:OORT, DICK M;VAN DEN BERG, KAREL;REEL/FRAME:022684/0555

Effective date: 19990422