The disclosure concerns a milking installation configured to milk a group of animals, the milking installation including an entrance area, a number of milking positions configured to milk one animal at a time, a selection gate, at least one milking stall, and an exit path. The entrance area is configured to receive therein the group of animals. An entry of each milking position of the number of milking positions is arranged with direct access from the entrance area. The selection gate is accessible from an exit of each milking position. The selection gate is configured to direct one or more individual animals from the group of animals either to the at least one milking stall or to the exit path.
The disclosure concerns a milking installation including milking positions configured to milk one animal at a time, a first common milk line connected to a first milk receiver, a second common milk line connected to a second milk receiver, a control arrangement, and at least one robot arm. Each milking position includes at least one teat cup and a flow directing arrangement, the flow directing arrangement including an inlet arrangement connected to the teat cup, a first outlet arrangement connected to the first milk line, and a second outlet arrangement connected to the second milk line. The control arrangement is configured to control the flow directing arrangement to fluidly connect the teat cup via the inlet arrangement with either the first outlet arrangement or the second outlet arrangement.
An automatic milking arrangement (110) visited by dairy animals on a voluntary basis is controlled by controller (100) such that an animal (120) is allowed to be milked only if a permission condition (MP) is fulfilled for that animal (120). Respective points in time (ti, t2, ts) for three consecutive milking sessions for the animal (120) are registered as well as second and third volumes of milk (V2, V3) extracted from the animal (120) at the second and third milking sessions. A primary milk production per unit time (Pvi) for the animal (120) in a time interval ( I12) between the first and second points in time (tT; t2) is determined. A secondary milk production per unit time (PV2> for the animal (120) in a time interval (I23) between the second and third points in time (t2; ts) is determined. It is checked if the primary and secondary milk productions per unit time (Pvi, PV2) fulfill a linearity requirement with respect to one another. Only if the linearity requirement is fulfilled, the permission condition (MP) for the animal (120) is set with respect to a fourth milking session subsequent to the third milking session such that a time interval (I34) between the third and fourth milking sessions must be longer than a time interval (I23) between the second and third milking sessions.
A controller controls an automatic milking arrangement that dairy animals visit on a voluntary basis, such that an animal is allowed to be milked only if a permission condition (MP(3), MP(4)) is fulfilled for that animal. The permission condition (MP(3), MP(4)) specifies an earliest point in time at which a repeated milking is allowed to occur for the animal following a previous milking session. The controller sets the permission condition (MP) based on at least one volume of milk (V2, V3) extracted from the animal during at least one earlier milking session (t2, t3), and sets an acceptance period (AP) after said earliest point in time within which acceptance period (AP) the animal should arrive at the automatic milking arrangement for a repeated milking. If the animal has not arrived at the automatic milking arrangement for the repeated milking at expiry of the acceptance period (AP), the controller triggers a belated-milking alarm (A) for the animal. The controller extends the acceptance period (AP) for the animal, at the repeated milking (t4) after expiry of the acceptance period (AP), a volume of milk (V4) extracted from the animal (120) during the repeated milking fulfils a linearity requirement with respect to a latest earlier milking session for the animal (120).
A system for alerting of an anomaly detected during a parturition event prior to separation of an offspring from an animal is provided. The system includes a control model trained to detect at least one parturition stage based on input data, a camera configured to capture a stream of images of the animal and provide the stream of images to the control model via a controller, an alerting device, and the controller. The controller is configured to determine a moment in time when one of the at least one parturition stage is commenced, determine a passed time since the moment in time and compare the passed time with a time threshold length, and either trigger the alerting device when the time threshold length is exceeded or determine when the at least one parturition stage of the parturition event is discontinued.
A milk system, including a milk extracting arrangement; an animal identifier device; a milk flow meter; a time measurement device; and a database storing milk flow data. The milk flow data includes milk flow rates of a milk session; and a measured time period between milk sessions; and a control unit, configured to: obtain the milk flow data from the database; determine a criterion of the milk flow rates at a moment of the milk session; set the time period of a milk interval; and allow the milk extracting arrangement to attach the teat cups to the animal when the set time period has passed.
A vacuum supply source (100) includes a first vacuum pump (110) configured for providing vacuum pressure at a first maximum vacuum level; a second vacuum pump (120) configured for providing vacuum pressure at a second maximum vacuum level (P2), the first vacuum pump (110) having 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); and 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.
A milking arrangement and method of controlling a milking arrangement where a milking unit is configured to be attached to teats of a dairy animal during a milking operation. A vacuum supply system is arranged to provide a milking vacuum to the milking unit for extracting milk from the dairy animal. A sensor is configured to measure at least one property of milk, such as conductivity, extracted from the dairy animal and provide an output. A control unit is configured to control the vacuum supply system to provide a first milking vacuum level. The control unit is further configured to obtain the output from the sensor and control the vacuum supply system to change from the first milking vacuum level to a second milking vacuum level when at least one condition is fulfilled.
The disclosure concerns an animal brushing arrangement (2) comprising a support part (6), a brush (8), and a suspension structure (12) for suspending the brush (8) and its electric motor (10) from the support part (6). The suspension structure (12) comprises at least a first member (14) and a second member (16), the first and second members (14, 16) being connected to each other at a first interface (20). At the first interface (20), the second member (16) is pivotable about a first pivot axis (26) in relation to the first member (14) and each of the first and second members (14, 16) has an end-face (32, 34) extending perpendicularly to the first pivot axis (26).
A01K 13/00 - Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combsFetlock ringsTail-holdersDevices for preventing crib-bitingWashing devicesProtection against weather conditions or insects
The disclosure concerns an animal brushing arrangement (2) comprising a support part (6) a brush (8), and a suspension structure (12). A first member (14) is connected to the support part (6) and is pivotable about a first pivot axis (30), a second member (16) is connected to the first member (14) and is pivotable about a second pivot axis (26) in relation to the first member (14), and a third member (18) is connected to the second member (16) and is pivotable about a third pivot axis (28) in relation to the second member (16). The first pivot axis (30) extends substantially horizontally, the second pivot axis (26) extends at an angle (γ) to the first pivot axis (30) and in a common plane with the first pivot axis (30), and the third pivot axis (28) has a directional component extending perpendicularly to the second pivot axis (26).
A01K 13/00 - Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combsFetlock ringsTail-holdersDevices for preventing crib-bitingWashing devicesProtection against weather conditions or insects
The disclosure concerns an animal brushing arrangement (2) comprising a support part (6), a brush (8), and a suspension structure (12) for suspending the brush (8) and its electric motor (10) from the support part (6). The suspension structure (12) comprises at least a first member (14) and a second member (16), the first and second members (14, 16) each comprises a first axial end (32, 34), the first axial end (32) of the first member (14) and the first axial end (34) of the second member (16) being connected to each other at a first interface (20). At the first interface (20), the second member (16) is pivotable about a first pivot axis (26) in relation to the first member (14). The first axial ends (32, 34) of the first and second members (14, 16) are arranged facing each other such that the first pivot axis (26) extends, from the first member (14) to the second member (16), centrally through the first axial ends (32, 34) of the first and second members (14, 16). Elected for publication:
A01K 13/00 - Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combsFetlock ringsTail-holdersDevices for preventing crib-bitingWashing devicesProtection against weather conditions or insects
13.
MILK SAMPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A SELF CLEANING FILTER DEVICE
A system (100) comprising a milk sampling device (110) configured to extract a milk sample from a milk line; a first fluid connection line (115) attached to the milk sampling device (110) and configured to receive the milk sample; a milk analytic instrument (120); a filter holder (130) arranged to hold a filter device (140), wherein the filter holder (130) is connected to the first fluid connection line (115), to a second fluid connection line (135), which in turn is con- nected to a drain (150); a first pump (160) operable to transport the milk sample to the second fluid connection line (135); and the filter device (140) When the filter device (140) is hold in the filter holder (130), a fluid passing from the first fluid connection line (115) to the second fluid connection line (135) rinsing over the first side (141) of the filter device (140).
A milk system (100) used for milking individual animals (101) The milk system (100) com- prises: A milk extracting arrangement (110), a milk forwarding entity (114), a cell count device (113); a milk diverting mechanism (115) connected to the milk forwarding entity (114) and the cell count device (113); an animal identifier device (116); a database (130); milk meters (112a, 112b, 112c, 112d); a time measurement device (119); and a controller (120). The controller (120) calculates teat-specific milk secretion rates and compares them to rolling milk secretion rate deviation limits. If any teat-specific milk secretion rate is lower than the limit, the controller (120) activates the milk diverting mechanism (115) in future milking sessions after a specific time limit to measure the somatic cell count in the milk sample.
The disclosure concerns an animal brushing arrangement (2) comprising a support part (6), a brush (8), and a suspension structure (12) comprising a first member (14), a second member (16), and a third member (18). The second member (16) is pivotable about a first pivot axis (26) in relation to the first member (14) and the third member (18) is pivotable about a second pivot axis (28) in relation to the second member (16). The brush (8) is connected to, or forms part of, the third member (18). The first pivot axis (26) and the second pivot axis (28) are arranged at a first obtuse angle (a) to each other.
A01K 13/00 - Devices for grooming or caring of animals, e.g. curry-combsFetlock ringsTail-holdersDevices for preventing crib-bitingWashing devicesProtection against weather conditions or insects
A system for cooling dairy animals in a barn, comprising one or more cooling devices for blowing air and/or spraying water, a sensor system for monitoring one or more environmental parameters in the barn, including temperature, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to receive input from the sensor system regarding the one or more environmental parameters during a night-time period and determine if the input fulfils a night-time cooling criterion. The control unit is then configured to select a daytime cooling mode for a subsequent daytime period based on fulfilment of the night-time cooling criterion, and control the one or more cooling devices during the daytime period according to the selected daytime cooling mode. The disclosure further includes a control unit for such a cooling system, and a computer implemented method for cooling dairy animals.
A rotary milking parlor arrangement contains a rotating platform with stalls configured to house a respective animal during milking, a set of at least three drive units causing the rotating platform to move in a first rotational direction, and a primary control unit controlling operation of each drive unit in the set of drive units. A set of links connect the drive in a ring network in including the primary control unit. Each link is bi-directional. The primary control unit identifies any single faulty link in the set of links by: transmitting a first signal in a clockwise direction through the ring network, transmitting a second signal in a counter clockwise direction through the ring network, and checking how far the first and second signals can be transmitted through the ring network in the clockwise and counter clockwise direction respectively without being interrupted by the single faulty link.
A milking system, including a milk line; a vacuum arrangement; a milking unit; a pulsator, configured to adjust pulsation ratio and pulsation rate of fluid pressure at two distinct levels; a receiver connected to the milk line, and also connected to the vacuum arrangement; a milk meter; and a processing device communicatively connected to the milk meter and the pulsator; the processing device is configured to, repeatedly during the milking session obtain and compare a milk flow measurement with a low milk flow limit; and, when the milk flow measurement is lower than the limit 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.
A controller (180) obtains pressure signals (P0, P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, P9) from pressure sensor devices (150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159) in a milking plant (100) during pressurization. Each pressure signal represents a function of time defining a respective measured pressure signature (211, 212, 220, 230) describing how a pressure level is developed over time in a particular component (170, VV, C1, C2, C3, C4, 121O, 120, R, 135) in the milking plant (100). The controller (180) compare the measured pressure signature to a reference pressure signature for the component. The reference pressure signature represents a pressure signal obtained from a pressure sensor device during pressurization of the milking plant (100) when the milking plant is tuned to fulfil a quality condition with respect to the component. If the measured pressure signature deviates from the reference pressure signature by more than a tolerable margin, the controller (180) generates an alarm (A).
The disclosure relates to a system for transporting and separating feed 3 for livestock. The system comprises a movable container 1 for feed 3 and a stationary feed separator 2. The stationary feed separator 2 comprises an entrance side 21 with a separator opening 211 for receiving feed 3 from the movable container 1, feed separating means 22 for separating the received feed 3 and a discharge opening 23 for discharging the separated feed 31. The movable container 1 is configured for receiving feed 3 at a feed loading site 4 and to be movable from the feed loading site 4 to the stationary feed separator 2. The movable container 1 comprises a first end 11 and a second end 12, the first end 11 being configured for docking against the entrance side 21 of the stationary feed separator 2 to allow feed 3 to be transferred from the movable container 1 to the stationary feed separator 2 through the separator opening 211.
System for determining a respective walked distance of animals in a barn during a predetermined time period. The system includes a Real-Time Location System, a database storing historical trajectories of the animals and a processing controller. The processing controller is configured to determine the walked distance of the animal by establishing a walked trajectory based on obtained data entities, and store the trajectory in the database associated with the animal; or detecting a gap of missing or incomplete data entities among the obtained data entities; and establish the trajectory by inserting replacement distance data in the gap, based on historical trajectories extracted from the database and store the established trajectory in the database.
In a milking system, pressure sensors (121, 122, 123, 124) register pressure values (PT) representing pressure levels in connection piece air inlets (C1, C2, C3, C4) that provide known air flows into milk conduits (11, 12, 13, 14) while milking. During a non-milking period, the following steps are performed: valves (158, 191, 192, 193, 194) are controlled to connect the connection piece air inlets (C1, C2, C3, C4) with a reference pressure source (170) providing a system pressure level (PR); while the connection piece air inlets (C1, C2, C3, C4) are connected with the reference pressure source (170), test measures (Pc; P1, P2, P3, P4) are registered that represent pressure levels in the connection piece air inlets (C1, C2, C3, C4); respective differences are determined between the standard value (Ps) and the test measures (P1, P2, P3, P4); and based thereon, pressure offsets (Pos) are assigned that reflect respective estimated deviations from the system pressure level (PR) in the milk conduits (11, 12, 13, 14) during milking.
Each of multiple entities has a respective attached mobile unit that transmits, periodically, a first radio message with identity information of the corresponding entity. At least three base stations receive the first radio message; and based thereon, forward, via a transmission line, the identity information and timing information indicating when the first radio message was received. A central unit communicatively connected to the at least one transmission line receives, via the transmission line, the identity and timing information from the base stations, and based thereon determines a position of the respective entity. Each mobile unit alters an energy density at which the first radio message is transmitted in response to a trigger input being generated depending on a position 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.
G01S 5/00 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations
A milking system includes teat cups connected to a respective milk evacuation tube; a vacuum pump; a milk tank; vacuum adjustment arrangements, configured to adjust an inlet vacuum pressure level, provided to the respectively associated teat cup; vacuum pressure sensors each configured to measure vacuum pressure under each teat; a processing device configured to: set an inlet vacuum pressure level; obtain measurements of a resulting vacuum pressure level of the associated teat cup; compare it with a desired milking vacuum pressure level; calculate an adjusted inlet vacuum pressure level to achieve the desired milking vacuum pressure level; and cause adjustment according to the respectively calculated adjustment, independently of an animal identity.
The disclosure concerns an arrangement (2) for providing a group score for at least a first group (6) of animals. A control arrangement (16) is configured to: - obtain or generate at least one timestamp for a milking event of each animal individual being milked; - store a first timestamp corresponding to a first animal individual of the first group being milked; - determine whether an animal individual being milked belongs to a second group (8) of animals, and if so; - store a second timestamp corresponding to the last animal individual of the first group being milked; - obtain or generate a milk sample timestamp for each milk sample of a number of milk samples; - assign a group score to the first group of animals based on values of a biomarker of milk or a constituent in milk for the milk samples between the first and second timestamps.
System for determining distribution of time that a respective animal has spent in different zones of a barn during a predetermined time period. The system includes a Real-Time Location System, a database including position coordinates of the respective zones and a processing controller. The processing controller is configured to determine distribution of time by associating each obtained data entity with a respective zone based on the position coordinates of the respective information entity and the position coordinates of the zones; counting the number of data entities in each respective zone; and calculating an amount of time the animal has spent in the zone by multiplying the number of data entities of each respective zone with the regular time interval.
Disclosed is a method for managing animals by surveying eating behavior of the animals in a livestock area, including monitoring the animals over a time period subsequent to distributing feed at a feed table in the livestock area, identifying animal behavior that fails to meet a criteria, and performing an such as regrouping the animals or conducting a health check on the animals.
A milking arrangement includes a milking machine for milking an animal, where the milking arrangement includes 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 including a haptoglobin sensor device configured to provide a value of haptoglobin quantity in the milk sample.
The disclosure relates to a sorting system for automatically selecting animals to be treated during a treatment period. A first aspect is a sorting system automatically selecting animals to be treated during a treatment period. The sorting system includes an automatic sort gate and a control arrangement receiving, via a user interface, user input indicative of sorting criteria applicable to 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.
A control arrangement, method, and computer program for obtaining, from a real-time location system, positions of individual animals and of individual mobile agricultural devices located in a livestock area, and automatically controlling one or more of the mobile agricultural devices based on the obtained positions of the mobile agricultural devices and the individual animals so that the mobile agricultural devices are operated optimally and safely of the animals.
A milking arrangement includes a milking machine for milking an animal and an analysing unit configured to determine a value of haptoglobin quantity in a milk sample taken from milk harvest by the milking machine. The analysing unit includes 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 the milk sample.
A control unit arranged to control a flow of milk through a cooling system from a balance tank to a storage tank where the balance tank receives an input in the form of milk from a number of milking points and the control unit receives a first level-indicating signal reflecting a milk level in the balance tank and a prediction parameter indicating an estimated future input of milk from the number of milking points for generating a first control signal to a milk pump in the cooling system for causing the flow of milk to be pumped out from the balance tank at a flow rate determined by the first control signal.
A dry stick being a competitive lateral flow stick configured to measure haptoglobin in a raw milk sample, the dry stick having a base pad that allows lateral flow of fluid therethrough, with a labelled-control conjugate and a labelled-conjugate diffusibly arranged herein, the labelled-conjugate binding haptoglobin, a complex forming between the labelled-conjugate and the haptoglobin. The base pad also includes a test line with immobilised target analyte, the immobilised target analyte binding to the labelled-conjugate when not in the complex; and a control line, which is spaced from the test line, and which includes control analyte that binds to the labelled-control conjugate.
The disclosure relates to an animal ear tag with a housing, a battery, and an electronic circuit powered by the battery. A coupling of the housing includes an opening configured to receive a head portion of a male tag portion. The housing may be formed in one piece and with a cavity in which the battery and the electronic circuit are arranged in a potting. The electronic circuit extends in a circuit plane and the housing portion extends on both sides of the circuit plane.
A method for checking whether a flow rate of a milk pump (119) has deviated from the flow rate of the outlet pump (159). The milk pump (119) is arranged to provide milk to a lower connection part (121), the outlet pump (159) is arranged to evacuate milk from a lower connection part (121). The pumps (119, 159) may be hose pumps of the same size/ capacity. The milk pump (119) may provide a predetermined milk volume to the lower connection part (121). The flow rate of the outlet pump (159) could be determined by measuring the time it takes for the outlet pump (159) to evacuate the milk. The flow rate of the milk pump (119) may then be calibrated. In case there is a deviation in flow rate between the pumps (119, 159), an adjustment may be made.
Milk sampling arrangement (120), comprising a lower connection part (121), configured to temporarily store a milk sample and an upper connection part (124). The upper connection part (124) comprises a moveable lid (122), configured to be removably attachable to the lower connection part (121), thereby forming a closed space together with the lower connec- tion part (121), in a closed position; and to be separated from the lower connection part (121), in a separated position. The upper connection part (124) also comprises a milk pipe (117), connected to a milk source (110) via a milk tube (115) and arranged to provide milk into the lower connection part (121) when the lid (122) is separated from the lower connection part (121), via a first airgap (127) between a lower end section (118) of the milk pipe tip (117) and an upper rim portion (123) of the lower connection part (121).
A milk sampling system (100) comprising a milk sampling arrangement (120) with a lower/ upper connection parts (121, 124). The upper connection part (124) comprises a moveable lid (122) removably attachable to the lower connection part (121), thereby forming a closed space in a closed position; and to be separated therefrom in a separated position. A milk pipe tip (117) is arranged to provide milk into the lower connection part (121) in the separated position, via a first airgap (127). The system (100) also comprises a milk pump (119), an actuator (190), arranged to push/ pull the lid (122) and a controller (199). The controller (199) is configured to confirm that the lid (122) is in the separated position; commanding the milk pump (119) to forward milk to the milk pipe tip (117).
Milk sampling system (100) comprising a milk sampling arrangement (120), with a lower connection part (121), and a milk pipe tip (117), connected to a milk source (110) via a milk tube (115). The milk pipe tip (117) is arranged to provide milk to the lower connection part (121) via a first airgap (127). The system (100) also comprises a milk pump (119), a milk sample tube (153), an outlet pump (159), a connective tube (158a, 158b, 158c), a discrete milk sample inlet pump (157a, 157b, 157c), a milk analyser (150a, 150b, 150c), and a controller (199), The controller (199) is configured to command the milk pump (119), to forward milk to the milk pipe tip (117); command the outlet pump (159) to forward milk to the milk sample tube (153); and command the discrete milk sample inlet pump (157a, 157b, 157c) to the milk analyser (150a, 150b, 150c).
A positioning system has a central unit receiving identity and timing information; and based thereon determines a respective position in an area of each of a set of entities. Each entity carries a mobile unit repeatedly transmitting a radio message including the identity information. The positioning system also contains at least three base stations, each receiving the radio messages from the mobile units; and based thereon, forwards the identity and timing information to the central unit. During a measurement period, the central unit registers positions of the entities as a trace for each mobile unit. The central unit checks whether, during the measurement period a first predefined number of traces are interrupted during a first threshold interval, and the predefined number of traces are interrupted in a first zone, which exceeds a first threshold size. If so, a capacity alarm with respect to the first zone is generated.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
A milking system that includes milking cups, a milking robot with a robot arm configured to attach each of the milking cups to a respective teat, a sensor that detects two adjacent teats, and a control arrangement communicatively connected to the sensor (160) and the robot arm, where the control arrangement is configured to determine a distance between the two adjacent teats, select one of the two adjacent teats to commence attachment of a first milking cup if the distance fulfils a distance criterion, and generate a command to the robot arm to commence the milking cup attachment to the selected teat.
The disclosure relates to surfactant and cleaning compositions for cleaning of food and beverage processing equipment and milking systems. The surfactant composition comprises a hydrocarbon surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkyl glycosides, alkyl poly glycosides and amphoteric-based sultaine surfactants, or combinations thereof, and a fluorosurfactant.
The invention relates to a safety arrangement for a milking parlour comprising: - a rotary platform (1) with a plurality of milking stalls (2), - a stationary bridge (3) for allowing dairy animals to enter and exit the rotary platform before and after milking, wherein the safety switch device (5) comprises: a stepping surface (6) configured to support the dairy animals when accidentally stepping outside the rotary platform (1), - a support structure (7) that carries the stepping surface (6) and is pivotally arranged about a pivot axis (P) at a lower part of the support structure (7), wherein the pivot axis (P) allows a pivotal movement about a horizontal axis so as to allow the support structure (7) with the stepping surface (6) to pivot away from the rotary platform (1) alongside the stationary bridge (3), and wherein the safety arrangement further comprises a sensor device (9) arranged to activate an emergency stop of the rotary platform when a pivotal movement of the support structure (7) about the pivot axis (P) away from the rotary platform (1) is detected by the sensor device (9).
A milking plant has at least one milking point (210) arranged to extract milk from an animal (C), which at least one milking point (210) contains at least one sensor device (205) configured to produce milking-related raw data (md) during extraction of milk from the animal (C). At least one processing unit (213, 223, 243) obtains a primary data set (DI) containing an original number of data values representing the milking-related raw data, and obtains a data compressing parameter forming a basis for a secondary data set (D2) comprising a reduced number of data positions, which reduced number is lower than the original number. The at least one processing unit (213, 223, 243) maps the original number of data values onto the reduced number of data positions to generate the secondary data set (D2) by applying at least one data compression algorithm, and outputs the secondary data set (D2) via an output interface to enable storage of the secondary data set (D2) in at least one data store (229, 230, 265).
System (100) at an animal farm, comprising microphones (120a, 120b, 120c), for perceiving an exception sound of an exception event; locational devices (110, 410), each one attached to a respective animal (101, 401); wireless signal receivers (130a, 130b, 130c), for receiving wireless signals emitted by the locational device (110, 410); and a controller (140), commu-nicatively connected to the microphones (120a, 120b, 120c) and the wireless signal receivers (130a, 130b, 130c). The controller (140) is configured to obtain information concerning the exception sound from the respective microphone (120a, 120b, 120c); determine time of the sound generation; determine location (150) of the generated exception sound, based on determination of amplitude and/or time difference of the exception sound, and knowledge of the microphone locations; determine identity of the animal (101, 401) based on the locational device (110, 410) situated at the determined location (150); and determine that an exception event of the identified animal (101, 401) has occurred.
Antimicrobial compositions and related methods are disclosed. The antimicrobial compositions include salicylic, glycolic acid, and at least one anionic surfactant comprising an alkyl sulfate. The antimicrobial compositions exhibiting yeasticidal efficacy when applied to bovine teats.
A01N 37/36 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic compounds containing a carbon atom having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most two bonds to halogen, e.g. carboxylic acids containing at least one carboxylic group or a thio-analogue, or a derivative thereof, and a singly bound oxygen or sulfur atom attached to the same carbon skeleton, this oxygen or sulfur atom not being a member of a carboxylic group or of a thio-analogue, or of a derivative thereof, e.g. hydroxy-carboxylic acids
A01N 37/40 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic compounds containing a carbon atom having three bonds to hetero atoms with at the most two bonds to halogen, e.g. carboxylic acids containing at least one carboxylic group or a thio-analogue, or a derivative thereof, and a singly bound oxygen or sulfur atom attached to the same carbon skeleton, this oxygen or sulfur atom not being a member of a carboxylic group or of a thio-analogue, or of a derivative thereof, e.g. hydroxy-carboxylic acids having at least one oxygen or sulfur atom attached to an aromatic ring system having at least one carboxylic group or a thio-analogue, or a derivative thereof, and one oxygen or sulfur atom attached to the same aromatic ring system
A01N 25/30 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of applicationSubstances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests characterised by the surfactants
A01N 41/02 - Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing organic compounds containing a sulfur atom bound to a hetero atom containing a sulfur-to-oxygen double bond
A01P 1/00 - DisinfectantsAntimicrobial compounds or mixtures thereof
47.
QUALITY SENSOR, COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD OF PREDICTING INHOMOGENEITIES IN MILK EXTRACTED FROM AN ANIMAL, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER
A quality sensor that predicts a degree of inhomogeneities in milk extracted from an animal, by receiving a set of input variables reflecting at least one characteristic each of the animal, the extracted milk, and at least process during which milk was extracted from the animal, and by feeding the input variables into a trained artificial neural network in the quality sensor, which generates an estimate of a predicted degree of inhomogeneities in the milk of the animal.
G06V 10/764 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using classification, e.g. of video objects
G06V 10/82 - Arrangements for image or video recognition or understanding using pattern recognition or machine learning using neural networks
A milking system equipped with teat cups each connected to a respective milk evacuation tube, a vacuum pump, a milk tank, vacuum regulators configured to control a vacuum pressure level prevailing in the teat cup, vacuum pressure sensors each configured to measure vacuum pressure level prevailing under one of the teats, an animal identification sensor, a database, a processing device configured to: determine animal ID, extract data of each respective teat from the database, determine a teat specific vacuum pressure level at each teat, and generate a command to each vacuum regulator, to set the teat specific vacuum pressure level at each teat cup.
A system and detergent container for cleaning a piece of milking equipment, where the system includes a cleaning unit that uses the detergent and water to create a mixture for cleaning the milking equipment, a dosing device supplying detergent to the cleaning unit, a wireless communicator that communicates wirelessly with a configuration tag on the detergent container that includes a memory device that stores a reference to the detergent, and a control unit, where the wireless communicator retrieves the reference from the memory device, and the control unit is configured to use the obtained reference to obtain the detergent reference via the wireless communicator from the memory device and set a cleaning parameter for cleaning the piece of the milking equipment.
A control unit, computer-implemented method, and computer program for controlling a milk transport and cooling apparatus where a flow of milk is controlled from a balance tank to a storage tank, based on a temperature-indicating signal measuring a temperature of the flow of milk before entering the storage tank, and a level-indicating signal reflecting a milk level in the balance tank in relation to low- and high-threshold levels respectively, such that the control unit generates a first control signal controlling the speed of the milk pump based on the temperature-indicating signal when the level-indicating signal is within low- and high-threshold levels respectively, and can also generate a second control signal controlling a capacity of a chiller based on the temperature-indicating signal with respect to an uninterrupted time period.
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.
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.
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.
An apparatus and method for cooling down milk in a milk cooling apparatus, where the milk cooling apparatus includes a coolant circuit with a milk cooling heat exchanger for heat exchange between milk and the coolant, and also includes a chiller with a refrigerant circuit for heat exchange between a refrigerant and the coolant, where the method includes measuring an OUT-temperature of the coolant upstream of the milk cooling heat exchanger and downstream a coolant cooling heat exchanger, and operating one or more compressors based on the measured OUT-temperature to minimize a difference between the measured OUT-temperature and a desired OUT-temperature, and also measuring an IN-temperature of the coolant upstream the coolant cooling heat exchanger and downstream the milk cooling heat exchanger, where the method configures how many compressors of the one or more compressors being active at a certain OUT-temperature based on the measured IN-temperature.
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.
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).
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).
A milk extracting system and computer-implemented method of adjusting the vacuum pressures applied respectively at different teat cups for milking the teats of an animal during a milk extraction procedure, where a teat-specific milk flow value is determined for each individual teat during the milk extraction, based on measurements received from respective milk flow meters, each determined teat specific milk flow value is compared with a first threshold limit, and when a determination is made that all of the teat specific milk flow values exceed the first threshold limit the vacuum pressure at each teat cup is adjusted to a high flow vacuum pressure level.
An image processor that obtains image data registered by a time-of-flight imaging system and representing a scene illuminated by two or more light sources calibrated to enable the image processor to include distance data in the image data, where the image processor determines if a shadow effect exists by which a first object in the scene obstructs light of at least one light source from reaching a part of a second object in the scene, and adjusts the distance data to compensate for the at least one light source for which light did not reach the part of the second object.
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] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
66.
CONFIGURATION SYSTEM FOR A MILKING PLANT MONITORING SYSTEM, COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER
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.
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] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
68.
MILKING PLANT CONFIGURATION SYSTEM, COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER
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).
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}).
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).
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.
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.
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)viathe 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- urn 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.
A message handling node of a farm management system that receives error messages from a plurality of automatic devices, and generates and sends out error reports to user terminals, where the message handling node applies a rules system prescribing that an error report concerning a particular one of the automatic devices is generated based on fulfillment of a frequency criterion relating to a number of times at which the message handling node receives the error messages from said particular one device within at least one previous period in order to manage a total number of error reports received by each of the user terminals.
A method for controlling operation of a manure arrangement (10) that includes a manure storage structure (3), an agitator (11), and an agitator motor (8) arranged to actuate the agitator (11). The method including monitoring (S1), while mixing manure in the manure storage structure (3) with the agitator (11), a load quantity indicative of a load on the agitator motor (8). The method further including controlling (S2) operation of the manure arrangement (10) based on the monitored load quantity. A manure arrangement (10) arranged to perform the method is provided.
B01F 23/53 - Mixing liquids with solids using driven stirrers
B01F 35/212 - Measuring of the driving system data, e.g. torque, speed or power data
B01F 35/222 - Control or regulation of the operation of the driving system, e.g. torque, speed or power of motorsControl or regulation of the position of mixing devices or elements
B01F 35/221 - Control or regulation of operational parameters, e.g. level of material in the mixer, temperature or pressure
76.
A SUPPORT DEVICE FOR A MILKING CLUSTER IN A ROTARY MILKING PARLOUR
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).
SYSTEM AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR IMAGE DATA QUALITY ASSURANCE IN AN INSTALLATION ARRANGED TO PERFORM ANIMAL-RELATED ACTIONS, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER
An imaging system registers image data (Dimg) in connection with an installation performing at least one action relating to an animal. A system for image data quality assurance contains a control unit and a digital storage unit. The control unit obtains image data (Dimg) registered by the imaging system when the installation is in an idle mode. The control unit analyzes the obtained image data (Dimg) to determine if a cleaning action to remove dirt (D) from a front window of the imaging system has been performed. If it is determined that such a cleaning action has been performed, control unit (120) causes a point in time for the cleaning action to be recorded in the digital storage unit (130) for use performance tracking of the installation in conjunction with the cleaning actions.
G06T 7/70 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras
G06V 10/75 - Organisation of the matching processes, e.g. simultaneous or sequential comparisons of image or video featuresCoarse-fine approaches, e.g. multi-scale approachesImage or video pattern matchingProximity measures in feature spaces using context analysisSelection of dictionaries
H04N 17/00 - Diagnosis, testing or measuring for television systems or their details
78.
SYSTEM AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR MONITORING OPERATING PRESSURE IN A MILKING INSTALLATION, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER
A system and method for monitoring at least one operating pressure in a milking installation by a pressure sensor measuring values of a pressure level in a component of a milking point of the milking installation, the pressure level being indicative of the at least one operating pressure to be monitored. A processing node generates monitoring data representing a series of measured values of the pressure level, and the monitoring data contains temporal indicators designating a respective timestamp indicative of a point in time when a value of the pressure level was measured. The temporal indicators serve as a basis for triggering at least one alarm, such as when a timestamp indicates that the pressure level was measured to a value outside of an acceptable range of values at the point in time indicated by the timestamp.
A01J 5/007 - Monitoring milking processesControl or regulation of milking machines
G01M 3/26 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by measuring rate of loss or gain of fluid, e.g. by pressure-responsive devices, by flow detectors
79.
SYSTEM AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN OFFSET FOR A MILKING TOOL IN AN AUTOMATIC MILKING MACHINE, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER
An offset for a first milking tool in a tool carrier of an automatic milking machine is determined as a spatial vector between a tool reference position (TRP) and an estimated actual position (TAP) of the milking tool. A three-dimensional image data is registered that represents a teat (T) during attachment to and/or detachment from the milking tool. The image data is processed by searching, within a search zone, for a predefined part (MP) of the teat (T) while the teat (T) is attached to the milking tool. Provided that the predefined part (MP) fulfills a measurement criterion, a distance (doff) is calculated between a specific point of the predefined part (MP) and the tool reference position (TRP). The offset is then determined based on the calculated distance (doff).
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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).
A milking arrangement with a milk transport line and a plurality of milk stations connected thereto, with a receiver that receives milk transported from the milk stations via the transport line, a vacuum system that supplies a vacuum in the transport line via the receiver, a cleaning liquid source connected to the transport line, and a controllable injector that introduces gas into the milk transport line that to cause a slug of cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid source to be formed and forwarded through the transport line, a vibration sensor being arranged on the receiver and configured to measure a motion of the receiver caused by the slug entering the receiver, and a control system configured to control the operation of the injector and to determine an entering of the slug into the receiver based on the measurement of the vibration sensor.
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.
A milking arrangement with a plurality of milk stations connected to the milk transport line, a receiver connected to the transport line that receives milk transported from the milk stations via the transport line, and a vacuum system that supplies a vacuum in the transport line via the receiver, with a cleaning liquid source connected to the transport line, a controllable injector that introduces an amount of gas into the transport line to produce a temporary pressure increase therein that causes a slug of a cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid source to be formed and forwarded through the transport line, and a control system configured to control the operation of the injector, wherein the control system is configured to control characteristics of the slug by controlling the vacuum level supplied by the vacuum system and/or the amount of gas introduced via the controllable injector.
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.
A computer-implemented method, a controller, an arrangement, and a milking system, wherein a point in time of an insemination of an animal is received, and a measurement of progesterone level is obtained in an analyte of the animal, and the animal is determined to be non-pregnant when the progesterone level of the obtained measurement is lower than a progesterone threshold limit, where the measurement is made within 11 days from the point in time of the insemination.
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.
A milking arrangement includes a milk transport line (1), a plurality of milk stations, and a cleaning arrangement (4) with a delivery arrangement (5) configured to deliver a cleaning liquid into the milk transport line (1) and a pump (6) configured to pump the cleaning liquid through the milk transport line (1) at a pressure larger than atmospheric pressure, thereby filling the transport line (1) with cleaning liquid. A control unit (9) is configured to determine a volume and/or length of the milk transport line (1) on basis of registered first point of time of pump start, a second point of time of passage of cleaning liquid through the milk transport line (1), and the amount of liquid introduced into the milk transport line from the first point of time to the second point of time.
A milking control arrangement and milk extracting system, configured to obtain teat size data of at least one teat of an animal to be milked and to adjust a milking parameter of a milk extraction unit when milk is extracted from the teat based on the obtained teat size data of the teat.
A control unit obtains a respective first state of a first operation parameter of each drive unit of a rotary milking parlor in a first mode of operation, and a second state of the first operation parameter during operation of the rotating platform in a second mode of operation. For each drive unit, the control unit compares the first and second states of the first operation parameter with one another and when, for one or more detected drive units, a difference between the first and second states does not exceed a threshold level, the control unit generates a first alarm with respect to the one or more detected drive units.
A system and method for automatically matching a sensor device attached to an animal with an ID tag attached to the animal, wherein a reader device, located in or alongside a passage of an animal enclosure, transmits a signal toward the animal in the passage that triggers the ID tag to transmit ID information, and a monitoring device in communication with the reader device receives the ID information from the reader device, receives sensor device information from the sensor device including a sensor device identity, and determines that the ID tag and the sensor device are attached to a same animal based on time information associated with the ID information and the sensor device information.
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.
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.
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.
A system and method for automatically matching a sensor device attached to an animal with an ID tag attached to the animal, wherein a handheld reader device triggers transmission of sensor device information from the sensor device and triggers transmission of ID information from the ID tag, and a monitoring device, in communication with the handheld reader device, is configured to determine and record that the ID tag and the sensor device are attached to a same animal based on time information associated with both the ID information transmitted from the ID tag and the sensor device information transmitted from the sensor device.
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).
