Vacuum Pressure Regulation in Automated Milking Technology

Milking control arrangement and milk extracting system that adjust milking parameters based on teat size data to improve milk extraction from teats with deviating sizes. The milking control obtains teat size data for the animal being milked and uses it to customize milking parameters like vacuum levels for that teat. This prevents air slip, slipping off, and inefficient milking when using standard liners on teats of varying sizes.

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Automatic mechanical valve for controlling milk flow in a dairy milking system. The valve is connected to multiple teat cups and automatically switches between allowing or preventing milk flow based on pressure in one group of cups. When the pressure in the first group exceeds a threshold, the valve closes to disconnect the second group from the main milk line. This prevents backflow when a cup loses suction. Below threshold, the valve opens to connect the second group. The valve is operated mechanically by cup pressure rather than electronics.

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Milking system that improves milk extraction efficiency while maintaining teat integrity by applying optimized vacuum pressure to each teat based on the animal's history and real-time measurement. The system uses sensors to measure vacuum pressure during milking, an animal ID scanner, a database, and a processing device. It determines the optimal vacuum profile for each teat based on previous milking data. During milking, it compares the measured vacuum to the profile and adjusts as needed. This prevents over-vacuuming or under-vacuuming each teat based on its unique milk flow.

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A teat dip fluid manifold for automated milking systems that protects milk lines from contamination, prevents cross-contamination of teat dip fluids, and provides reliable milk line protection while minimizing maintenance. The manifold has an upstream valve, a galley, a downstream valve, and a pressure monitor. When the upstream and downstream valves are closed, the pressure monitor senses the galley pressure. Leakage indicated by high pressure requires maintenance. The galley connects the valves and prevents fluid flow when the valves are closed, protecting milk lines from contamination. The manifold separates teat dip fluids to prevent cross-contamination.

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Milking system that improves milk extraction from cows with teats of varying sizes and shapes. The system uses sensors to measure teat size, and adjusts milking parameters like vacuum based on the measurement. This prevents slipping, air leakage, and inefficient milking that can occur when using a one-size-fits-all liner. By customizing the milking parameters for each teat, it improves extraction from atypical teats without requiring multiple liners.

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An automatic mechanical milk flow valve for milk pumping systems that automatically connects or disconnects a group of teat cups from the main milk line based on pressure in another group of teat cups. The valve has an opened configuration allowing milk flow and a closed configuration disconnecting the line. The valve switches between configurations when pressure in the first group exceeds a threshold. This prevents milk backflow and contamination when a teat cup detaches or has poor seal pressure. The valve operates mechanically based on teat cup pressure instead of electronics.

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Synchronous automatic milking control for multiple teats of a multi-nipple animal like a cow to improve efficiency of robotic milking. The method involves dynamically adjusting the order and parameters of milking each teat based on real-time monitoring of milk volume and flow during milking. A device with modules for setting teat milking data, animal identification, real-time monitoring, data analysis, and milking control executes the synchronized milking sequence.

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Vacuum pump arrangement for milking plants that allows emptying the vacuum tank of a pump unit without shutting down the system vacuum. The arrangement has features like automatic closing valves, drain valves, and communication connections that enable draining and cleaning the pump unit without interrupting system vacuum. The valves close when the pump stops, preventing backflow. A communication connection allows remote control of valves to initiate closure. This allows draining the pump tank while maintaining system vacuum.

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Teat cup liner for milking machines that improves milk extraction and teat health. The liner has a unique barrel shape with a transition section and a triangular section. The combined attachment section and transition section length matches the average cow teat length after elongation during milking. This ensures consistent vacuum pressure. The triangular section collapses more uniformly compared to a two-part barrel. The liner also has a groove at the interface with the connection section to secure it in the teat cup. This improves attachment and prevents gaps for better vacuum seal. The liner can be injection molded from rubber or silicone.

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Automated milking system for cows and other milk-producing animals that provides thorough teat cleaning, milking, and medication application in a single device. The system uses a robotic arm with a processing mechanism that moves inside a cattle restraint cage. Cameras monitor the animal's teats and a recognition module identifies them. The arm cleans, milks, and medicates the teats in sequence using components like a cleaning device, milk lining, and medication bath shell. This integrated teat processing prevents bacteria growth, improves milk quality, and eliminates the need for separate machines.

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Milking system that improves milk extraction efficiency and teat integrity by dynamically adjusting vacuum pressure for each teat based on animal and teat-specific data. The system uses sensors to measure vacuum pressure during milking, extracts historical data for each teat, and a processor calculates optimal vacuum levels for each teat during a session. This prevents over-vacuuming and ensures optimal milk flow for each teat.

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Milking device for milking dairy animals with pulsation devices that prevent teat liner folding during milking. The pulsation device has adjustable valves that control the pressure in the pulsation space between the teat liner and cup wall. The valves can be positioned during the pulsation phase to shape the pressure curve. This allows customizing the pressure profile to prevent the liner from folding during vacuum application. The device uses a control unit to generate signals to adjust the valve passages based on measured pressure and desired profiles. This allows optimizing the pulsation pressure to prevent teat damage.

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Milking device for cows that reduces nipple damage and improves milk extraction compared to traditional milking cups. The device has a rotating milking block that reciprocates in a groove on a base plate. This rotating motion provides a gentle, oscillating sucking action on the cow's teats instead of static suction. This reduces irritation and allows better milk removal. The block has a fixed tube mount to connect the milking tube. A power source drives the block's reciprocating rotation.

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Method for milking dairy animals using an automated milking system that optimizes stimulation and milking efficiency while minimizing discomfort for the animal. The method involves dynamically adjusting the stimulation time before milking based on measured milk flow curves. If a cow's milk flow shows bimodality, indicating insufficient stimulation, the stimulation time is extended. This prevents under-stimulation and strain on the teats during milking. The adjustment is made by the milking system's control unit. The method also allows for adaptation periods to prevent cow response to stimulation changes. The system can be used in robotic milking parlors to improve milking efficiency and cow comfort.

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A movable automatic milking system that eliminates the labor-intensive process of manually attaching and detaching milking cups. The system features a side-by-side Baoding fence, milking machine, and milking cup assembly. The milking cup is connected to the machine through a piping system, with the trolley-mounted manipulator moving to different milking stations. The system includes a camera system to monitor cow milking activity and transmit images to the control system, enabling real-time monitoring and automation of milking operations.

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A teat cup storage mechanism for automated milking systems that allows larger teat cup movement strokes to better cooperate with automated milking manipulators. The mechanism uses a vertical air cylinder on a frame to move a vertical pulley that pulls the teat cups vertically. This allows the cups to be raised and lowered on the rack using air pressure. A guide mechanism helps guide the cup movement. The vacuum and milk lines pass through the rack components to connect the cups. The vertical design maximizes cup stroke for automated milking.

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Rotating milking chamber for cows that automates cleaning, massage, and milking to improve productivity and cow comfort. The chamber has a telescopic rod with a milking cup at the bottom, a rotating massage ring above it, and a limit ring between them. The rings and rods allow the cow's teats to move freely. The massage ring has hollow connecting rods and an expanding massage balloon. The balloon inflates to massage the teats during rotation. The rings mesh with a gear connected to a motor. The chamber also has a negative pressure system with a cover, hole, and tube to extract milk. This provides automated cleaning, massage, and milking in a single device.

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Milking apparatus with improved teat cup design to reduce discomfort and enhance milk yield in lactating animals. The milking apparatus has a resiliently deformable liner nested inside a rigid shell. The liner has an outer hood and inner barrel that extend along the same length. The hood covers the shell. This allows independent pressure control between the nested sleeves. When a teat is inserted into the liner, vacuum is applied to the inner volume. The hood and barrel collapse on the teat. Then the space between the sleeves is cycled between high and low pressure to repeatedly collapse the barrel. This relieves congestion without full vacuum. The exposed inner surface of the hood provides access inside the liner for sensors or other modules.

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Improving milk quality and animal welfare in milking systems by optimizing vacuum stability and liner action. The innovation involves several features: 1. Greater than atmospheric pressure fresh air source for pulsators to quickly fill and evacuate the pulsation chamber. This prevents harsh treatment of the teat and improves milk flow. 2. Vacuum controlled volume bypassing flow restrictions like meters and sensors to provide stable vacuum directly to the liner. 3. Wireless vacuum sensor near the receiver for accurate vacuum regulation. 4. Fresh air venting when pulsator demand is low to prevent excess blower heating. 5. Sealed solenoid ends to prevent air leakage. 6. Multi-hose collection volume to prevent interference and vacuum fluctuations. 7. Detecting solenoid failures using electrical resistance or pressure monitoring.

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A milking system for dairy cows that enhances milk quality and efficiency through automated milking. The system incorporates a milking unit with advanced sanitation features, including automatic cleaning cycles and automatic monitoring of bacterial counts. The milking unit also incorporates a patented milking system that utilizes a gentle, controlled flow of milk to minimize contamination and prevent bacterial growth. This system enables consistent milk quality while reducing labor requirements and contamination risks compared to traditional manual milking methods.

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