Abstract:
280,797. Engelberg, K. G. April 26, 1927. Cow-milkers. - To facilitate the milking of animals a flexible and extensible tube formed of a bare metal wire helix 1 is inserted into each dug, the escape of milk through the tube being normally prevented, as by a hinged cover plate 5 or a screwed plug. An auxiliary helix 9 serves to hold the tube firmly in position. A long needle is provided for cleaning the tube and for stiffening it when being introduced.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for sorting livestock including a livestock processing station, a computer network system, and a livestock routing mechanism. The livestock processing station confines the individual livestock, allowing individual livestock data to be collected and analyzed. The computer network system includes a programmable logic controller (PLC) for data input at the livestock processing station and a sorting application coupled to the PLC via a computer network, the sorting application for analyzing individual livestock data and assigning livestock to pens.
Abstract:
An innovative method and apparatus enabling an early detection of abnormal changes in milk characteristics during milking. A control unit that controls a two-channel pulsator is provided to create two short periods of time during milking, each period typically lasting a few seconds. Within the first period of time, milk characteristics and flow rate during milking are measured from only a first half of the udder by temporarily stopping the milk flow from a second half of the udder. This measuring procedure is then alternately repeated within the second period of time for the second half. The control unit is provided for analyzing measurements of the milk characteristics in real-time, while controlling the operation of the two channels separately accordingly.
Abstract:
A pulsator (23) provides alternating vacuum pressure and atmospheric pressure to an elastomeric liner (35) in a sleeve (13) of a milking claw (11) in a diary barn. The purpose of pulsation is to alternate to cow teat between a milking phase and a rest phase. The invention (41) monitors the operation of the pulsator to determine if the pulsator is operating satisfactorily. The invention records data during a calibration mode from the pulsator in normal operation. The data that is recorded is the duration of the miling phase and the rest phase and the assocated pressures. During pulsator operation, the invention measures the pulsation between atmospheric and vacuum pressures provided to the milking claw and compares this measured data to the recorded calibraton data.If the pulsator is not found to be operating within predetermined tolerances, then an indication of a pulsator malfunction is provided, typically in the form of a light located in the milking pen. This indicates to the milking crew that the pulsator requires attention and should not be used until properly fixed
Abstract:
A barrel claw (10) having a normally horizontally disposed, elongated hollow body (12) having a cylindrical central portion (20) and a pair of tapered, conical end portions (22 and 24) on opposite sides of the central portion (20). Viewing windows (30 and 32) at opposite ends of the body (12) permit observation of the internal chamber. Inlet openings (48) from the teat cups are provided in the top wall section (44) of the body in the tapered end portions, to properly angle the inlets (48) toward the teats of the cow's udder during use of the claw. An integrated discharge spout (74) and pulsation manifold unit (14) are removably attached to the top of the body to position the radially projecting spout (74) of the unit relative to the observation windows (30 and 32) and other equipment associated with the milking system. Alternative embodiments provide either rigid nipples (224) on the claw body or a nipple-free construction in which teat cup liners (226) are inserted directly into inlet openings (48) in the body and retained in place by such openings.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for determining fluid flow (e.g., sterile media flow, filtrate flow, etc.) through tubing is provided. The apparatus includes an air source, a flow valve, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a media tubing section extending between the first sensor and the second sensor. In operation, air from the air source is introduced by the flow valve into a fluid flow to create a lead line of fluid immediately following the introduced air. As the lead line of fluid passes each sensor, the sensors are used to determine a time between when the lead line passes the first sensor and the second sensor and that determined elapsed time is used, along with a determined volume of the media tubing section to determine the rate of flow of the fluid flow.
Abstract:
In a headlock system having a plurality of n headlock cells, each of the n cells being adapted to enclose at least one animal; n is an integer greater than 1; a system for locating the position of at least one animal, the system comprising: at least one identification means adapted to transmit at least one identification signal associated with said at least one animal; at least one locating means adapted to generate at least one location signal associated with said at least one animal; and, a data processing system in communication with said at least one identification means and said at least one locating means, adapted to analyze said signals, said analyzed signals comprising the position within a predetermined region in said headlock system of each of said at least one animals as a function of time.