Method and apparatus for monitoring a milking process
AssigneeLely Patent N.V.
InventorsAllan Walter WILSON, Michiel Adriaan VAN DORP
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of monitoring a milking process by a milking apparatus that includes a teatcup with a pulsation space and an airline to deliver varying levels of pressure to the pulsation space. The method includes: measuring airflow within the airline to obtain an indication of volume of displaced air within the pulsation space; comparing the volume with a reference value; and determining a connection parameter, indicating how the teatcup is connected to the teat, based on the comparison. The displaced air volume correlates to the extent the teat protrudes into the teatcup, thus providing information on how the teatcup is connected. Also provided is a milking system incorporating the method.
Claims18
A method of monitoring a milking process, the milking process performed by a milking apparatus including at least one teatcup configured to receive a teat of a milking animal and at least one airline configured to deliver varying levels of pressure to the teatcup, the method including the steps of:
- measuring airflow within the airline using a flow sensor to obtain an indication of volume of displaced air within the teatcup;
- comparing the indication of volume with a reference value;
- and
- determining a connection parameter relating to an extent of connection between the teat and the teatcup based on the comparison.
A control device for monitoring a milking process, the milking process performed by a milking apparatus including at least one teatcup configured to receive a teat of a milking animal and at least one airline configured to deliver varying levels of pressure to the teatcup, the device including:
- a flow sensor configured to measure airflow within the airline in order to obtain an indication of volume of displaced air within the teatcup;
- and
- at least one processor configured to:
- compare the indication of volume with a reference value;
- and
- determining a connection parameter relating to an extent of connection between the teat and the teatcup based on the comparison.
A robotic automatic milking implement configured to perform a milking process, the implement including:
- at least one teatcup configured to receive a teat of a milking animal;
- at least one airline configured to deliver varying levels of pressure to the teatcup;
- a robot arm configured to connect the teatcup to the teat;
- and
- a control device for monitoring the milking process, the device including:
- a flow sensor configured to measure airflow within the airline in order to obtain an indication of volume of displaced air within the teatcup;
- and
- at least one processor configured to:
- compare the indication of volume with a reference value;
- and
- determining a connection parameter relating to an extent of connection between the teat and the teatcup based on the comparison.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.