US20030226509A1 - A device for automatically milking an animal - Google Patents

A device for automatically milking an animal Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20030226509A1
US20030226509A1 US10/249,979 US24997903A US2003226509A1 US 20030226509 A1 US20030226509 A1 US 20030226509A1 US 24997903 A US24997903 A US 24997903A US 2003226509 A1 US2003226509 A1 US 2003226509A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
milk
line
common
teat cup
sensor
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
US10/249,979
Inventor
Karel Van den Berg
Helena Vijverberg
Lucien Voogd
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.)
Lely Enterprises AG
Original Assignee
Lely Enterprises AG
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=29546458&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US20030226509(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Lely Enterprises AG filed Critical Lely Enterprises AG
Assigned to LELY ENTERPRISES AG reassignment LELY ENTERPRISES AG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: VAN DEN BERG, KAREL, VIJVERBERG, HELENA GERALDA MARIA, VOOGD, LUCIEN ELIZA NIELS
Publication of US20030226509A1 publication Critical patent/US20030226509A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • A01J5/01—Milkmeters; Milk flow sensing devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01J—MANUFACTURE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
    • A01J5/00—Milking machines or devices
    • A01J5/013—On-site detection of mastitis in milk
    • A01J5/0133—On-site detection of mastitis in milk by using electricity, e.g. conductivity or capacitance

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of milking and more particularly to devices and methods for automatically milking an animal.
  • Devices are known in which a milking robot is arranged to attach teat cups to the teats of an animal. Such devices may be provided with measuring devices comprising sensors for performing measurements on milk obtained from the animal and for emitting a measurement signal. A computer may also be provided for controlling the operation of the device.
  • a device for automatically milking an animal comprises a milking robot, a computer for controlling the operation of the device, at least two teat cups, a common milk line for discharging milk coming from the at least two teat cups, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to the common milk line, a milk-determining element for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal, a measuring device comprising a common sensor for performing measurements on milk obtained from the animal and for emitting a measurement signal, the common sensor being disposed in the common milk line and a computer for controlling the operation of the device, the computer combining the measurement signal and the determination signal to determine the teat cup from which the milk measured originates.
  • the computer is capable of determining from which teat cup comes the milk that is measured by the sensor.
  • valve that is controlled by the milk-determining element is disposed in each teat cup line between the milk-determining element and the common milk line, it is possible to open the valve when a particular buffer quantity of milk required for performing the measurement is present, so that the buffer quantity can be measured by the sensor.
  • each teat cup line may be provided with a bypass line, the bypass line having a first end that is connected to the teat cup line in a position between the teat cup and the milk-determining element and a second end that is connected to the common milk line in a position downstream relative to said one sensor.
  • said one sensor may be a spectrum analyser, an infrared meter, a proximity infrared meter or a conductivity meter.
  • a method of controlling the automatic milking of an animal using an automatic milking device comprises: attaching at least two teat cups to at least two teats of the animal using a milking robot, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to a common milk line; applying a vacuum to the teat cups to cause milk to be withdrawn from the teats and to be supplied to the respective teat cup lines and to the common milk line; determining the teat cup from which milk present in the common milk line has come and emitting a determination signal; performing measurements on the milk present in a sensing region of the common milk line and emitting a measurement signal; and controlling the operation of the device on the basis of the measurement signal and the determination signal.
  • FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a first embodiment of a device according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a second embodiment of a device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a third embodiment of a device according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a first embodiment of a device for automatically milking an animal.
  • the device may be an automatic milking device of the type known from U.S. Pat. No 6,213,051, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
  • the device is provided with a milking robot (not shown) that is known per se for connecting at least two teat cups, in the embodiment shown four teat cups 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , to respective teats of the animal.
  • a milking robot comprises customarily a computer (not shown) for controlling the operation of the milking robot and the relevant peripheral equipment, and for receiving measurement data obtained by measurements performed on milk obtained from an animal.
  • the device is provided with a common sensor 5 , in particular a spectrum analyser, by means of which, on the basis of the spectrum obtained, inter alia measurements on the components of the milk obtained can accurately be performed.
  • Said common sensor 5 performs measurements on the milk obtained from all the teat cups 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and is connected to the computer via a non-shown line for emitting a measurement signal to the computer.
  • the invention is not limited to one sole common sensor that performs measurements on milk obtained from all the teat cups, but may be applied to a common sensor that performs measurements on milk obtained from at least two different teat cups.
  • the common sensor 5 is disposed in a common milk line 6 , and each teat cup 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 is connected to the common milk line 6 via a respective teat cup line 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 .
  • a milk-determining element 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk that is present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal to the computer.
  • the computer combines the data from the milk-determining means and the measurement signals from the common sensor 5 , so that measured values for the milk obtained from the respective teat cups, or the respective quarter of the animal, can be obtained.
  • the milk-determining means are thus used for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk that is measured by the common sensor.
  • a sensor or a milk-determining element disposed in a line is meant that the sensor or the milk-determining element is positioned relative to the line in such a way that a measurement on the milk in the line can be performed. Accordingly, only one sensor 5 is required for measuring the milk obtained from all the teat cups.
  • FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a second embodiment of a device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal.
  • a controlled valve 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 is disposed in each teat cup line 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 between the milk-determining element 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 and the common milk line 6 .
  • a controlled valve is in its closed position, a buffer quantity of milk can be collected.
  • the relevant milk-determining element detects a particular, for example a predetermined buffer quantity, it is possible for said milk-determining element to control the relevant valve in such a way that it is opened (and to control the valves in the other teat cup lines in such a way that they remain closed) thus enabling the sensor 5 to perform measurements on the relevant milk.
  • a particular for example a predetermined buffer quantity
  • each teat cup line 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 is provided with a bypass line 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 .
  • Each bypass line has a first end that is connected to the respective teat cup line in a position between the teat cup and the milk-determining element and a second end that is connected to the common milk line in a position downstream relative to the common sensor.
  • FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a third embodiment of a device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal.
  • the device is provided with a common milk line 6 , each teat cup 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 being connected, via a teat cup line 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , to the common milk line 6 in which the common sensor 5 is disposed.
  • each teat cup line 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 there is further disposed a controlled valve 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , as well as a milk-determining element 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 for detecting milk upstream relative to the controlled valve 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 .
  • each teat cup line 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 is provided with a bypass line 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 .
  • Each bypass line has a first end that is connected to the respective teat cup line in a position between the teat cup and the milk-determining element and a second end that is connected to the common milk line in a position downstream relative to the common sensor.
  • a buffer reservoir 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 as connection between teat cup line and bypass line. It is then also possible to integrate the controlled valve and the milk-determining element into the buffer reservoir. It is also possible to employ an arrangement of buffers of the type known from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/249,955 by the present inventor entitled “A device for automatically milking an animal” and filed May 22, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)

Abstract

A device for automatically milking an animal, which device is provided with a milking robot, a computer for controlling the operation of the device, a measuring device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal, at least two teat cups, and a common milk line for discharging milk coming from the at least two teat cups, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to the common milk line. The device is provided with a milk-determining element for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal. The measuring device comprises a common sensor for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal and for emitting a measurement signal. The common sensor is disposed in the common milk line. The computer is suitable for combining the measurement signal and the determination signal.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims priority from Dutch patent application number 1020805, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. [0001]
    • BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
  • 1. Field of the Invention [0002]
  • The invention relates to the field of milking and more particularly to devices and methods for automatically milking an animal. [0003]
  • 2. Description of the Related Art [0004]
  • Devices are known in which a milking robot is arranged to attach teat cups to the teats of an animal. Such devices may be provided with measuring devices comprising sensors for performing measurements on milk obtained from the animal and for emitting a measurement signal. A computer may also be provided for controlling the operation of the device. [0005]
    • SUMMARY OF INVENTION
  • According to an aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to provide a device for automatically milking an animal, by means of which measurements on milk can accurately be performed in a relatively cheap manner. [0006]
  • For this purpose, according to the invention, a device for automatically milking an animal comprises a milking robot, a computer for controlling the operation of the device, at least two teat cups, a common milk line for discharging milk coming from the at least two teat cups, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to the common milk line, a milk-determining element for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal, a measuring device comprising a common sensor for performing measurements on milk obtained from the animal and for emitting a measurement signal, the common sensor being disposed in the common milk line and a computer for controlling the operation of the device, the computer combining the measurement signal and the determination signal to determine the teat cup from which the milk measured originates. With the aid of the milk-determining element, which may be a relatively cheap element, the computer is capable of determining from which teat cup comes the milk that is measured by the sensor. Thus the measured values from the sensor can be stored and processed per teat cup, if desired. [0007]
  • If a valve that is controlled by the milk-determining element is disposed in each teat cup line between the milk-determining element and the common milk line, it is possible to open the valve when a particular buffer quantity of milk required for performing the measurement is present, so that the buffer quantity can be measured by the sensor. [0008]
  • For the purpose of guiding air to beyond said one sensor, in an embodiment of a device according to the invention each teat cup line may be provided with a bypass line, the bypass line having a first end that is connected to the teat cup line in a position between the teat cup and the milk-determining element and a second end that is connected to the common milk line in a position downstream relative to said one sensor. [0009]
  • In an advantageous embodiment of a device according to the invention, said one sensor may be a spectrum analyser, an infrared meter, a proximity infrared meter or a conductivity meter. [0010]
  • According to a further aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of controlling the automatic milking of an animal using an automatic milking device. The method comprises: attaching at least two teat cups to at least two teats of the animal using a milking robot, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to a common milk line; applying a vacuum to the teat cups to cause milk to be withdrawn from the teats and to be supplied to the respective teat cup lines and to the common milk line; determining the teat cup from which milk present in the common milk line has come and emitting a determination signal; performing measurements on the milk present in a sensing region of the common milk line and emitting a measurement signal; and controlling the operation of the device on the basis of the measurement signal and the determination signal.[0011]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
  • An embodiment of the invention will now be explained in further detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: [0012]
  • FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a first embodiment of a device according to the invention, [0013]
  • FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a second embodiment of a device according to the invention, and [0014]
  • FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a third embodiment of a device according to the invention.[0015]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • FIG. 1 shows diagrammatically a first embodiment of a device for automatically milking an animal. The device may be an automatic milking device of the type known from U.S. Pat. No 6,213,051, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. The device is provided with a milking robot (not shown) that is known per se for connecting at least two teat cups, in the embodiment shown four [0016] teat cups 1, 2, 3, 4, to respective teats of the animal. Such a milking robot comprises customarily a computer (not shown) for controlling the operation of the milking robot and the relevant peripheral equipment, and for receiving measurement data obtained by measurements performed on milk obtained from an animal.
  • The device is provided with a [0017] common sensor 5, in particular a spectrum analyser, by means of which, on the basis of the spectrum obtained, inter alia measurements on the components of the milk obtained can accurately be performed. Said common sensor 5 performs measurements on the milk obtained from all the teat cups 1, 2, 3, 4 and is connected to the computer via a non-shown line for emitting a measurement signal to the computer. However, the invention is not limited to one sole common sensor that performs measurements on milk obtained from all the teat cups, but may be applied to a common sensor that performs measurements on milk obtained from at least two different teat cups. The common sensor 5 is disposed in a common milk line 6, and each teat cup 1, 2, 3, 4 is connected to the common milk line 6 via a respective teat cup line 7, 8, 9, 10. In each teat cup line 7, 8, 9, 10 there is provided a milk-determining element 11, 12, 13, 14 for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk that is present in the common milk line and for emitting a determination signal to the computer. The computer combines the data from the milk-determining means and the measurement signals from the common sensor 5, so that measured values for the milk obtained from the respective teat cups, or the respective quarter of the animal, can be obtained. The milk-determining means are thus used for determining the teat cup from which comes the milk that is measured by the common sensor. By ‘a sensor or a milk-determining element disposed in a line’ is meant that the sensor or the milk-determining element is positioned relative to the line in such a way that a measurement on the milk in the line can be performed. Accordingly, only one sensor 5 is required for measuring the milk obtained from all the teat cups.
  • FIG. 2 shows diagrammatically a second embodiment of a device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal. In this embodiment a controlled [0018] valve 19, 20, 21, 22 is disposed in each teat cup line 7, 8, 9, 10 between the milk-determining element 11, 12, 13, 14 and the common milk line 6. In this manner, when a controlled valve is in its closed position, a buffer quantity of milk can be collected. When the relevant milk-determining element detects a particular, for example a predetermined buffer quantity, it is possible for said milk-determining element to control the relevant valve in such a way that it is opened (and to control the valves in the other teat cup lines in such a way that they remain closed) thus enabling the sensor 5 to perform measurements on the relevant milk.
  • In order to prevent air present in the milk from disturbing the measurements, each [0019] teat cup line 7, 8, 9, 10 is provided with a bypass line 23, 24, 25, 26. Each bypass line has a first end that is connected to the respective teat cup line in a position between the teat cup and the milk-determining element and a second end that is connected to the common milk line in a position downstream relative to the common sensor.
  • FIG. 3 shows diagrammatically a third embodiment of a device for performing measurements on milk obtained from an animal. In this embodiment the device is provided with a [0020] common milk line 6, each teat cup 1, 2, 3, 4 being connected, via a teat cup line 32, 33, 34, 35, to the common milk line 6 in which the common sensor 5 is disposed. In each teat cup line 32, 33, 34, 35 there is further disposed a controlled valve 19, 20, 21, 22, as well as a milk-determining element 11, 12, 13, 14 for detecting milk upstream relative to the controlled valve 19, 20, 21, 22. In this embodiment the portion of each teat cup line that is located upstream relative to the valve extends substantially vertically, so that there is created above a closed valve a milk column as buffer quantity. In order to prevent air present in the milk from disturbing the measurements, each teat cup line 32, 33, 34, 35 is provided with a bypass line 23, 24, 25, 26. Each bypass line has a first end that is connected to the respective teat cup line in a position between the teat cup and the milk-determining element and a second end that is connected to the common milk line in a position downstream relative to the common sensor.
  • It will be obvious that also other embodiments for obtaining a buffer may be applied within the scope of the invention. It is possible for example to use a [0021] buffer reservoir 28, 29, 30, 31 as connection between teat cup line and bypass line. It is then also possible to integrate the controlled valve and the milk-determining element into the buffer reservoir. It is also possible to employ an arrangement of buffers of the type known from co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/249,955 by the present inventor entitled “A device for automatically milking an animal” and filed May 22, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. It will further be obvious that, although the invention has been described with reference to a spectrum analyser as only sensor, the invention may also be applied if said one sensor is an infrared meter, a proximity infrared meter, a conductivity meter or the like.
  • Many modifications in addition to those described above may be made to the structures and techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention. [0022]

Claims (14)

1. A device for automatically milking an animal, comprising:
a milking robot;
at least two teat cups;
a common milk line for discharging milk coming from the teat cups, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to the common milk line;
a milk-determining element for determining the teat cup from which milk present in the common milk line has come and for emitting a determination signal;
a measuring device comprising a common sensor for performing measurements on milk obtained from the animal and for emitting a measurement signal, the common sensor being disposed in the common milk line; and
a computer for receiving the measurement signal and the determination signal and controlling the operation of the device
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a valve controlled by the milk-determining element is disposed in each teat cup line between the milk-determining element and the common milk line.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein each teat cup line is provided with a bypass line, the bypass line having a first end connected to the teat cup line in a position between the teat cup and the milk-determining element and a second end connected to the common milk line in a position downstream relative to the common sensor.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the common sensor is a spectrum analyser.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the common sensor is an infrared meter.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the common sensor is a proximity infrared meter.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the common sensor is a conductivity meter.
8. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the common sensor is a spectrum analyser.
9. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the common sensor is an infrared meter.
10. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the common sensor is a proximity infrared meter.
11. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the common sensor is a conductivity meter.
12. A method of controlling the automatic milking of an animal using an automatic milking device, the method comprising:
attaching at least two teat cups to at least two teats of the animal using a milking robot, each teat cup being connected via a teat cup line to a common milk line;
applying a vacuum to the teat cups to cause milk to be withdrawn from the teats and to be supplied to the respective teat cup lines and to the common milk line;
determining the teat cup from which milk present in the common milk line has come and emitting a determination signal;
performing measurements on the milk present in a sensing region of the common milk line and emitting a measurement signal; and
controlling the operation of the device on the basis of the measurement signal and the determination signal.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the milk is selectively supplied from individual teat cup lines to the sensing region of the common milk line.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein each teat cup line is provided with a bypass line, the bypass line having a first end connected to the teat cup line and a second end connected to the common milk line downstream of the sensing region, and the milk from a teat cup line which is not selectively supplied to the sensing region, is caused to flow through a bypass line to bypass the sensing region.
US10/249,979 2002-06-06 2003-05-23 A device for automatically milking an animal Abandoned US20030226509A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1020805 2002-06-06
NL1020805A NL1020805C2 (en) 2002-06-06 2002-06-06 Method and device for performing measurements on milk obtained from the animal.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20030226509A1 true US20030226509A1 (en) 2003-12-11

Family

ID=29546458

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/249,980 Expired - Fee Related US6886492B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2003-05-23 Device for automatically milking an animal
US10/249,979 Abandoned US20030226509A1 (en) 2002-06-06 2003-05-23 A device for automatically milking an animal

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/249,980 Expired - Fee Related US6886492B2 (en) 2002-06-06 2003-05-23 Device for automatically milking an animal

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (2) US6886492B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1369031B1 (en)
DE (1) DE60301695T2 (en)
DK (1) DK1369031T3 (en)
NL (1) NL1020805C2 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NZ525350A (en) * 2003-04-14 2005-09-30 Sensortec Ltd Sensor apparatus for extraction machinery for milking mammals
US7754052B2 (en) * 2006-11-01 2010-07-13 United States Gypsum Company Process and apparatus for feeding cementitious slurry for fiber-reinforced structural cement panels
NL2007149C2 (en) * 2011-07-20 2013-01-22 Lely Patent Nv SENSOR SYSTEM, SENSOR DEVICE THEREOF, AND MILK TREATMENT DEVICE THEREOF.
WO2016162654A1 (en) * 2015-04-10 2016-10-13 R J Fullood & Bland Ltd Automated milking

Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3566841A (en) * 1969-07-11 1971-03-02 Research Corp Milk monitor and system
US4198999A (en) * 1978-05-16 1980-04-22 Boudreau Archie E Milking apparatus
US4325028A (en) * 1978-07-14 1982-04-13 Eisai Co., Ltd. Examination apparatus for milk drawn from quarter mammae of a milk cow
US4344385A (en) * 1978-05-03 1982-08-17 Babson Bros. Co. Milker
US4771007A (en) * 1982-03-18 1988-09-13 Wescor, Inc. Electrical conductivity device for detecting mastitis in dairy cows
US5568788A (en) * 1990-02-27 1996-10-29 C. Van Der Lely N.V. Implement for and a method of milking animals automatically
US5704311A (en) * 1994-04-14 1998-01-06 Maasland N.V. Method and apparatus for automatically milking animals
US5722343A (en) * 1994-02-17 1998-03-03 Prolion B.V. Method for controlling a milking processing system and a device controlled by said method
US5743209A (en) * 1994-08-01 1998-04-28 La Federation Francaise De Controle Laitier (F.F.C.L.) System and method for monitoring and controlling milk production at dairy farms
US5762020A (en) * 1994-11-30 1998-06-09 Van Der Lely; Cornelis Implement for milking animals
US5769024A (en) * 1994-05-17 1998-06-23 Alfa Laval Agri Ab Method of milking animals
US5913281A (en) * 1995-11-24 1999-06-22 Maasland N.V. A Dutch Limited Liability Company Implement for milking animals and separating the foremilk from the milk yield
US6155204A (en) * 1994-10-31 2000-12-05 Maasland N.V. Apparatus for and a method of cleaning an animal's teats and foremilking
US6371046B1 (en) * 1997-12-19 2002-04-16 De Laval Holding Ab Method and an apparatus for separation of foremilk
US6578516B1 (en) * 1998-12-16 2003-06-17 Prolion B.V. Device and method for milking animals, and a contamination meter

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IL64596A0 (en) * 1980-12-29 1982-03-31 Unihold Trading Int Milking machine
NL9200091A (en) * 1992-01-17 1993-08-16 Lely Nv C Van Der MILK MACHINE.
DE29510414U1 (en) * 1995-07-03 1996-10-31 Düvelsdorf & Sohn GmbH & Co KG, 28870 Ottersberg Milking device
NL1004406C2 (en) 1996-08-01 1998-02-05 Maasland Nv Device for automatic milking of animals.

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3566841A (en) * 1969-07-11 1971-03-02 Research Corp Milk monitor and system
US4344385A (en) * 1978-05-03 1982-08-17 Babson Bros. Co. Milker
US4198999A (en) * 1978-05-16 1980-04-22 Boudreau Archie E Milking apparatus
US4325028A (en) * 1978-07-14 1982-04-13 Eisai Co., Ltd. Examination apparatus for milk drawn from quarter mammae of a milk cow
US4771007A (en) * 1982-03-18 1988-09-13 Wescor, Inc. Electrical conductivity device for detecting mastitis in dairy cows
US5568788A (en) * 1990-02-27 1996-10-29 C. Van Der Lely N.V. Implement for and a method of milking animals automatically
US5722343A (en) * 1994-02-17 1998-03-03 Prolion B.V. Method for controlling a milking processing system and a device controlled by said method
US5704311A (en) * 1994-04-14 1998-01-06 Maasland N.V. Method and apparatus for automatically milking animals
US5769024A (en) * 1994-05-17 1998-06-23 Alfa Laval Agri Ab Method of milking animals
US5743209A (en) * 1994-08-01 1998-04-28 La Federation Francaise De Controle Laitier (F.F.C.L.) System and method for monitoring and controlling milk production at dairy farms
US6155204A (en) * 1994-10-31 2000-12-05 Maasland N.V. Apparatus for and a method of cleaning an animal's teats and foremilking
US5762020A (en) * 1994-11-30 1998-06-09 Van Der Lely; Cornelis Implement for milking animals
US5913281A (en) * 1995-11-24 1999-06-22 Maasland N.V. A Dutch Limited Liability Company Implement for milking animals and separating the foremilk from the milk yield
US6371046B1 (en) * 1997-12-19 2002-04-16 De Laval Holding Ab Method and an apparatus for separation of foremilk
US6578516B1 (en) * 1998-12-16 2003-06-17 Prolion B.V. Device and method for milking animals, and a contamination meter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1369031B1 (en) 2005-09-28
NL1020805C2 (en) 2003-12-09
US6886492B2 (en) 2005-05-03
US20030226510A1 (en) 2003-12-11
EP1369031A2 (en) 2003-12-10
DE60301695T2 (en) 2006-07-13
DK1369031T3 (en) 2006-02-06
DE60301695D1 (en) 2006-02-09
EP1369031A3 (en) 2004-01-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7428880B2 (en) Method of automatically milking a dairy animal
AU2009243409B2 (en) Sensor apparatus for extraction machinery for milking mammals
US10514316B2 (en) Diagnostic apparatus and testing method
US6886492B2 (en) Device for automatically milking an animal
DE60012025D1 (en) DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC MILKING OF ANIMALS
EP1443324A1 (en) Milk metering apparatus and method of milking an animal
US6971330B2 (en) Method of and an apparatus for somatic cell count
EP0468588A1 (en) An implement for automatically milking an animal
EP1297744A3 (en) A device for separating milk from dairy animals
EP1100312B1 (en) A device for and a method of detecting a disease of the udder of an animal
US11778976B2 (en) Automatic milking system and a method of determining a health condition of an animal
CA2500194C (en) A method for calibration of milk meters in a milking system
EP1279329A2 (en) A device for and a method of milking an animal and a device for cleaning a teat and/or an udder quarter of an animal
EP1297741A3 (en) A device for milking animals
NL2036467B1 (en) A method and apparatus using an animal milking measurement unit for independently analyzing a milk flow
Colvin et al. Yield monitors, combines, and their interactions
KR100591532B1 (en) Grain moisture measuring device for self-healing combine
AU2011253534A1 (en) Sensor apparatus for extraction machinery for milking mammals
WO1998017103A1 (en) An apparatus for and a method of monitoring an animal space
CS260109B1 (en) Device for measuring milk and taking samples

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: LELY ENTERPRISES AG, SWITZERLAND

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VAN DEN BERG, KAREL;VIJVERBERG, HELENA GERALDA MARIA;VOOGD, LUCIEN ELIZA NIELS;REEL/FRAME:013679/0797

Effective date: 20030415

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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