A milking system includes two or more milking devices for extracting a milking from a dairy animal; a central utility system connected with each milking device in the milking system, and a cleaning unit for cleaning the milking devices and milk-carrying parts of the central utility system. The cleaning unit includes a fluid transporting line for transport of cleaning fluid where each of the milking devices is in fluid connection with the fluid transport line, a buffer unit for receiving and temporarily storing extracted milk where the buffer unit is in fluid connection with each of the milking devices through a milk line, and a control unit for controlling the central utility unit. The cleaning unit cleans each milking device and milk line during a cleaning cycle, and at least one of the milking devices is available for extracting milk from a dairy animal during the cleaning cycle.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A milking system includes a milking device, a sampling device and an analyser for analysing a milk sample, with a housing for a first holder with a reagent carrier with indicator pads, and a second holder for used reagent carrier, a metering system, a first optical radiation source for optical imaging radiation, a sensor device for detecting and analysing response radiation derived from the active indicator pad, for supplying an indication of a presence or concentration of said at least one substance in the sample. The analyser further includes a temperature control system for keeping the active indicator pad at temperature, with a second optical radiation source for emitting optical heating radiation, and a source control device to control the second optical radiation source.
G01N 21/78 - Systèmes dans lesquels le matériau est soumis à une réaction chimique, le progrès ou le résultat de la réaction étant analysé en observant l'effet sur un réactif chimique produisant un changement de couleur
A01J 5/007 - Surveillance des procédés de traite; Commande ou régulation des machines à traire
A milking device is provided with milking means, a control unit, a milk line for transporting the milk from the milking means to a milk tank, a milk filter for filtering the milk passing through the milk line, and a cleaning device for the milk filter with cleaning liquid. The milk filter includes a housing which surrounds a filter volume and has a milk inlet and a milk outlet, and a filter component in the filter volume. The filter component includes a circumferential plate part with filter openings, and divides the filter volume into a central inner filter volume and an outer filter volume surrounding the latter. The filter component includes wire with a unilaterally tapering cross-sectional profile and a frame. The wire is provided in a spiral shape with a plurality of windings or in a series of individual parallel rings or rods.
A01J 5/007 - Surveillance des procédés de traite; Commande ou régulation des machines à traire
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A growth monitoring system, and method, for livestock animals includes a barn environment that has a floor with bedding material, a 3D camera with a downward looking field-of-view, in which an animal may be present during a visit, to obtain repeatedly a 3D image of the field-of-view, and an image processor to extract a 3D point cloud representation. The image processor detects whether an animal is present in the point cloud representation, and if yes, selects the animal part point cloud of the point cloud representation, and determines a position dependent first height information, being a height above the floor of the animal part point cloud, and determines a position of the front legs and/or the hind legs of the animal, and if no, determines a position dependent second height information, being a height above the floor of the bedding material.
A milking system with a milking device, a milking control, a milk line in fluid connection with the milking device, and a sampling and analysis device to take a sample of the milk from the milk line and to analyse milk from the sample are disclosed. The milking control is arranged to control the milking device on the basis of the analysis. The sampling and analysis device includes a control unit, a tape reel provided with a tape that is lengthwise provided with a series of consecutive reagent pads that provide a detectable response in the presence of a substance in the sample, a tape mover to move the tape, a dosing device to supply a part of the sample onto a reagent pad on the tape, and a camera to obtain an image of the reagent pad supplied with the droplet, and an analysis device to analyse the obtained images to provide to the milking control device an indication of a presence or concentration of said substance. The camera has a field of view that contains a plurality of reagent pads of the series of consecutive reagent pads. This allows to observe the reaction in the reagent pad for a much longer time. In turn, this allows to use much less reagent material, such as expensive enzymes, in the pads. It is particularly useful when observing double layer reagent types.
G01N 35/00 - Analyse automatique non limitée à des procédés ou à des matériaux spécifiés dans un seul des groupes ; Manipulation de matériaux à cet effet
A01J 5/013 - Détection sur place de la mastite dans le lait
G01N 1/18 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état liquide ou fluide avec mesures prises pour diviser des échantillons en plusieurs parties
G01N 21/84 - Systèmes spécialement adaptés à des applications particulières
G05B 19/4155 - Commande numérique (CN), c.à d. machines fonctionnant automatiquement, en particulier machines-outils, p.ex. dans un milieu de fabrication industriel, afin d'effectuer un positionnement, un mouvement ou des actions coordonnées au moyen de données d'u caractérisée par le déroulement du programme, c.à d. le déroulement d'un programme de pièce ou le déroulement d'une fonction machine, p.ex. choix d'un programme
6.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CARRYING OUT AN ANIMAL-RELATED OPERATION, AND IN COMBINATION, A BARN FOR KEEPING ANIMALS AND A SYSTEM OF THIS KIND
A system for carrying out an animal-related operation, in particular removing manure from a floor in a barn for animals, such as cows, includes an autonomous vehicle, which is provided with a drive system for driving the vehicle. The drive system includes at least one electric drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for control thereof. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The system includes a charging station for charging the vehicle's battery system. The charging station includes a transmitting body with a primary coil. The vehicle includes a receiving body with a secondary coil. The vehicle is maneuverable relative to the transmitting body of the charging station in such a way that the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in a charging state to transfer electrical energy wirelessly from the primary coil to the secondary coil for wireless charging of the vehicle's battery system. The system includes a cleaning device for cleaning at least the receiving body of the vehicle before the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in the charging state.
A47L 11/40 - Machines à nettoyer les planchers, les tapis, les meubles, les murs ou leurs revêtements - Éléments ou parties constitutives des machines non prévus dans les groupes , ou non limités à un de ces groupes, p.ex. poignées, dispositions des interrupteurs, bords, amortisseurs ou leviers
B60L 53/124 - Détection ou suppression de corps étrangers
B60L 53/38 - Moyens pour l’ajustement automatique ou assisté de la position relative des dispositifs de charge et des véhicules spécialement adaptés au chargement en utilisant le transfert d'énergie par induction
An automatically cleanable milk filter includes a cylindrical housing with an outer wall, a first end with a first liquid connection, and above a second end with a second liquid connection. A concentric cylindrical filter part and a cylindrical core placed concentrically within the filter part are accommodated in the housing. The filter part includes wire having a tapered cross-sectional profile in a spiral shape or as a series of parallel rings or rods, and a frame for keeping them spaced apart, thereby forming a plurality of filter openings. The filter part divides the filter volume into a first volume part which is directly connected to the first liquid connection, and a second volume part which is directly connected to the second liquid connection. The second volume part includes a cylindrical part, as well as a top part which narrows at a transition to the second liquid connection.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
B01D 29/48 - Eléments filtrants à arêtes, c. à d. utilisant des surfaces imperméables adjacentes à éléments enroulés en hélice ou en forme de spires
B01D 29/66 - Rinçage par chasse, p.ex. rafale ascendante d'air à contre-courant
B01D 29/90 - Filtres à éléments filtrants stationnaires pendant la filtration, p.ex. filtres à aspiration ou à pression, non couverts par les groupes ; Leurs éléments filtrants comportant des dispositifs d'alimentation ou d'évacuation d'alimentation
8.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOVING MANURE FROM A FLOOR IN A BARN FOR ANIMALS, AND, IN COMBINATION, A BARN FOR KEEPING ANIMALS AND A SYSTEM OF THIS KIND
A system for removing manure from a floor in a barn for animals, such as cows, includes an autonomous manure removing vehicle, which is provided with a drive system. The drive system includes at least one electric drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for control thereof. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The system includes a charging station for charging the battery system. The charging station includes a transmitting body with a primary coil. The manure removing vehicle includes a receiving body with a secondary coil. The receiving body is fastened rigidly to the manure removing vehicle. The transmitting body of the charging station is pretensioned to a waiting state, and is movable from the waiting state against the action of the pretension, through engagement with the receiving body of the manure removing vehicle that enters the charging station, in such a way that the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in a charging state to transfer electrical energy wirelessly from the primary coil to the secondary coil for wireless charging of the battery system.
A system for removing manure from a floor in a barn for animals, such as cows, includes an autonomous manure removing vehicle which is provided with a drive system. The drive system includes at least one electric drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for control thereof. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The system includes a charging station for charging the battery system of the manure removing vehicle. The charging station includes a transmitting body with a primary coil. The manure removing vehicle includes a receiving body with a secondary coil. The receiving body is arranged on a top side of the manure removing vehicle. The manure removing vehicle is maneuverable with respect to the transmitting body of the charging station in such a way that the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in order to wirelessly transfer electrical energy from the primary coil to the secondary coil for wireless charging of the battery system of the manure removing vehicle.
A system for removing manure from a floor in a barn, such as cows, includes an autonomous manure removing vehicle provided with a drive system for driving the manure removing vehicle. The drive system includes at least one electrical drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for controlling the latter. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The manure removing vehicle includes a manure bounding device with a manure slider for moving manure over the floor while the manure removing vehicle travels across the floor. The manure bounding device is configured to at least partially bound the manure present on the floor in front of the manure slider. The system includes a charging station for charging the battery system of the manure removing vehicle when the manure removing vehicle is in the charging station in a charging position. The charging station includes a manure blocking device which, together with the manure bounding device, is configured to define, in the charging position of the manure removing vehicle, a holding space substantially closed off for manure.
Camera device for observing and recognising a livestock animal in a shed environment, comprising a housing with an outer surface and with a light transmitting opening, an optics for forming an image of the environment, a light-sensitive sensor provided in the housing for recording the formed image, an image processing device for processing the recorded image and recognising a portion of a shed animal therein, and a control unit. A first portion of said outer surface is lighter in colour on a side of the opening at least directly around said opening than a second portion of said outer surface which is located away from said opening and which is at least half the size of the first portion. Because of the lighter colour directly around the one or more openings for the camera, there is much less soiling by flies in comparison with known cameras with black surroundings for these one or more openings. This is important for mostly autonomously operating cameras for animal recognition.
H04N 23/52 - Caméras ou modules de caméras comprenant des capteurs d'images électroniques; Leur commande - Détails de structure Éléments optimisant le fonctionnement du capteur d'images, p. ex. pour la protection contre les interférences électromagnétiques [EMI] ou la commande de la température par des éléments de transfert de chaleur ou de refroidissement
H04N 23/56 - Caméras ou modules de caméras comprenant des capteurs d'images électroniques; Leur commande munis de moyens d'éclairage
An animal husbandry system, wherein a group of animals can move about freely in an area, the system comprising at least one weighing unit in the area, video monitoring and analyzing mechanism being provided suitable for establishing in conjunction with the at least one weighing unit whether an animal is positioned suitably on the weighing unit for a correct weighing, storing device being provided for storing data relating to each individual animal, such as weight data, control mechanism being provided, operatively connected to each weighing unit, the video monitoring and analyzing mechanism and the storing device, wherein the control mechanism is arranged to store weight data from each weighing unit in the storing device as soon as it is established that an animal is positioned suitably on the weighing unit for a correct weighing.
The invention relates to a milking system (100) comprising two or more milking devices (101) for extracting milk from a dairy animal; a central cleaning unit (160) for cleaning each of the milking devices and milk-carrying parts of the milking system, wherein each of the milking devices is in flow connection with the liquid transport line (165), a buffer unit (140) for receiving and temporarily storing fluids, the buffer unit comprising a first buffer tank (141), and a second buffer tank (142), wherein each of the buffer tanks is in flow connection with each of the milking devices, wherein the milking system further comprises a milk transport system with a milk transport line (121) that connects the buffer unit with a bulk milk storage system (102), and wherein during a first cleaning stage, the central cleaning unit is configured to supply the first cleaning liquid through a cleaning liquid transport line for cleaning one of a first milking device and a second milking device, and the valve system (150) is configured to allow a first flow of first cleaning liquid from the first milking device or the second milking device to be collected in the first buffer tank and to allow a milk flow from the other of the second milking device and the first milking device to the second buffer tank; and wherein during a second cleaning stage, the first cleaning liquid in a second flow from the first buffer tank through the milk transport line cleans at least part of the milk transport system.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A01J 5/007 - Surveillance des procédés de traite; Commande ou régulation des machines à traire
14.
FEEDING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FEEDING ANIMALS, AND, IN COMBINATION, AN ANIMAL SHED FOR KEEPING ANIMALS AND SUCH A FEEDING SYSTEM
A feeding system for feeding animals, such as cows, comprises an autonomous feeding device with a container for receiving a batch of feed. The container has a maximum feed load. A feed-quantity measuring device measures the quantity of feed that is available for consumption by the animals at the feeding places. A control system first determines which feeding places have a feed requirement on the basis of a feeding criterion and the measured quantity of feed at the feeding places. The control system provides a combined feeding task list of one or more feeding tasks to be carried out by the feeding device with a batch of feed received in the container. Each feeding task comprises a quantity of feed to be dispensed for a feeding place. The control system begins with a first feeding task for a first feeding place with a feed requirement. The control system then adds one or more further feeding tasks for further feeding places with a feed requirement to the combined feeding task list without the maximum feed load being exceeded. If at least one additional feeding task for an additional feeding place with a feed requirement then exceeds the maximum feed load, the control system adds this additional feeding task to the combined feeding task list if this prevents a small batch of feed being produced in a subsequent feeding run. In this case, the quantities of feed of the combined feeding task list are reduced such that they fit in the container of the feeding device.
A livestock animal management system comprises a livestock shed with a livestock space for livestock animals, a feed fence provided in the livestock shed with a plurality of feed fence positions, where the livestock animals are able to eat animal feed through the feed fence, a livestock animal locating system for determining and monitoring positions of the livestock animals in the livestock shed, and a control device which is connected to the livestock animal locating system for receiving and processing said positions. The control device is configured for generating an animal alarm if the position of a livestock animal remains within a distance threshold of one of the feed fence positions for at least a time threshold. In this way, it is possible to generate an alarm for a trapped animal in a reliable manner. Due to the distance threshold, there is, on the one hand, a connection with the feed fence, in which animals could become trapped. On the other hand, said distance threshold prevents the situation the situation where no alarm is raised for trapped animals which are still moving.
An animal husbandry system for a group of animals that can move about freely in an area. The system contains at least one illumination unit, each illumination unit contains a mounting structure provided with a number of illumination elements, and each is arranged for illuminating a respective subarea. The system also contains at least one camera arranged for monitoring a number of subareas, where the camera(s) is (are) arranged for repeatedly determining the illumination intensity at one or more reference surfaces in the area. The system further contains a control means, operatively connected to the illumination elements and to the camera(s), and the control means is programmed for adjusting the illumination elements, based upon the determined illumination intensity at the reference surface(s), in such a way that a predetermined desired illumination intensity pattern is achieved in the area.
A separation-milk collecting system (7) comprises a supply (3) for connecting to a milking device (2) and for receiving separation milk therefrom, a milk container (10) for separation milk, a line (8) which is fluidically connected to the supply and which has a movable outflow opening (9), an actuator device (13) for settable movement of the outflow opening at least to above one of the milk containers (10), and a control unit (19). The separation-milk-collecting system is furthermore provided with a cleaning device for the line, which comprises a compressed-air device (16) to blow compressed air through the line at a pressure and/or flow rate settable by the control unit. A milking system with such a separation-milk collecting system is also provided.
A01J 5/04 - Machines ou dispositifs pour la traite par action pneumatique sur les tétines
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A sampling device for taking a representative milk sample from a milking device. The milking device includes a milking means, a milk jar, a milk hose, a milk tank, a milk line, a milk pump for pumping the milk, a milk meter for determining the quantity of milk milked, and a control unit. The sampling device includes a sample line with an input connection to the milk jar, the milk pump or the milk line, an output to a sample collection receptacle, and a control device controllable by the control unit based on the quantity of milk determined by the milk meter in order to direct, during pumping, a sample quantity of milk through the sample line. The control unit knows how much milk must be pumped and can take precisely enough milk samples distributed over the pumping operation such that an accurate representative sample is obtained.
The present invention relates to an animal husbandry system, wherein a group of animals (2) can move about freely in an area (1), the system comprising identification means configured for determining the identity of each individual animal, tracking means configured for tracking the position of each individual animal, and attention means configured for identifying an attention animal having a predetermined condition, wherein the system is configured for automatically determining a subgroup of animals that have been in a predetermined relationship with the attention animal. The determination of such a subgroup is highly useful. For example, it can be established whether the animals in the subgroup also have the predetermined condition of the attention animal. This is helpful in order to be able to contain the spreading of the predetermined condition, if this is desired.
A feeding system for feeding animals, in particular cattle, comprises an autonomous feeding device with a holder for receiving a batch of feed. The holder has a maximum feed load. A feed quantity measuring device measures the quantity of feed which is available for consumption by the animals at feeding places. A control system determines at a first moment a feed requirement of the feeding places on the basis of a feeding criterion and the measured quantity of feed at the feeding places. The control system selects a first feeding place with a feed requirement. Then the control system determines a required feed quantity which is equal to a first feed quantity determined for the first feeding place, and one or more further feed quantities determined for one or more further feeding places selected by the control system from the feeding places with a feed requirement, if said further feed quantities can be added to the first feed quantity without exceeding the maximum feed load. If the required feed quantity is smaller than a threshold value for a minimum feed load, the control system adds to the required feed quantity one or more additional feed quantities which are intended for one or more additional feeding places selected by the control system from the feeding places which do not yet have a feed requirement at the first moment. The control system determines the additional feeding places such that the feed quantity to be loaded is equal to or greater than the threshold value for the minimum feed load.
A milking system (1) is provided for sampling (4) and analysing (5) milk, which comprises a milking device, a sampling device to extract a milk sample, and an analysis device for the sample. The analysis device comprises a cassette (7) with an analysis tape (10) having a carrier layer with separate vertical flow analysis pads (11) provided thereon, a tape displacer (14), a sample provision device providing a droplet (22) of the sample to a selected analysis pad, a sensor (23) to sense a response in the analysis pad after provision of the sample, and a control unit (16). The analysis pads (11) comprise a reagent pad (30) with a reagent reacting with a predetermined compound in the sample, a priming pad (34) with a priming agent to change a property of the sample that enhances the reaction, and a bonding layer between the reagent pad and the priming pad, and comprising a first (31) and second (33) adhesive layer, and a support layer (32) therebetween. The control unit processes the said response, and indicates the presence or concentration of the compound in the sample. The bonding layer has a plurality of throughgoing holes (35), each hole having a diameter of at least about 0.15 mm. This set-up for the analysis tape is easily produced with secure bonding, no or less deformation and more reliable analysis results. Similarly an analysis tape and a method to produce the analysis tape are provided.
G01N 21/78 - Systèmes dans lesquels le matériau est soumis à une réaction chimique, le progrès ou le résultat de la réaction étant analysé en observant l'effet sur un réactif chimique produisant un changement de couleur
44 - Services médicaux, services vétérinaires, soins d'hygiène et de beauté; services d'agriculture, d'horticulture et de sylviculture.
Produits et services
Systems for the detection of parameters of livestock animals, namely for detection of oestrus; Systems for the detection of gait abnormalities in mammals; Mammalian birth detection systems. Consultancy relating to the use and application of apparatus containing embedded software for animal husbandry.
A calving monitoring system for monitoring an animal at the end of the expected gestation period includes a camera device for repeatedly taking images of the animal, a control unit for generating calving information from the images taken, and an alert device for sending an alert message according to the calving information generated. The control unit is configured so as, in each image taken, to recognize an animal image, to segment the animal image into multiple animal parts including a torso, to determine a parameter value relating to first pixels of said torso in the taken images as a time-dependent parametric function, and to detect contractions when the parameter value meets a predetermined contraction criterion. The criterion is that the parameter value exhibits at least two peaks in the predetermined time duration which have at least a predetermined minimum width and/or a predetermined minimum height.
A gas scrubbing device comprises a housing with an internal gas scrubbing space with a first supply for gas to be scrubbed with an acid, a first discharge for scrubbed gas, and a circuit for an acid solution, with a first supply line and discharge line for the acid solution, and a first pumping unit for pumping the acid solution round the circuit, and is further provided with a plasma reactor. This comprises a plasma housing with an internal plasma space, air supplying means for passing air through the plasma space, at least two electrodes and an electric power supply for generating a discharge between the electrodes in the air, and an absorber with an internal absorber space for the air that has gone through the plasma space, and provided with a second supply line and a second discharge line for the acid solution, which together form part of the circuit. The gas scrubbing device uses acid in gas scrubbing, which can be supplemented with nitric acid that is made from air by the plasma reactor. A stockbreeding facility with the gas scrubbing device is also provided.
The invention relates to milking system (1), comprising a milking device (10) being configured to milk a dairy animal (17) to form a milking, a control unit (13), a milk treatment device (200) connected to the milking device for receiving and treating milked milk of the milking, at least one buffer tank (301) for temporary storage of at least part of the milked milk before entering the milk treatment device, and a first milk transport line (11) for transporting the milk from the milking device to the buffer tank, wherein the milk treatment device comprises a packaging unit (230) to pack the dairy product in containers, wherein the packaging unit comprises a stationary first frame (231) and a dynamic second frame (232) that is moveable in at least one direction with respect to the stationary frame.
A method for milking a dairy animal by means of a robotic milking device containing milking cups, a teat position-determining device, a robot arm in a rest position that carries all milking cups and attaches these to the teats, and a control unit. The dairy animal is milked at an intended milking frequency. The method involves determining if the distance between two teats of the dairy animal is greater than a first threshold distance by means of the teat position-determining device. If the distance is at most equal to the first threshold distance, a usual attachment and milking step is performed. If the distance is greater than the first threshold distance, a modified milking step is performed. A corresponding device is also provided. Milking of the second teat only takes place when the udder has already shrunk, and the teats are closer together as a result.
A milking system for milking dairy animals includes a milking device, a milk line for transporting milk; a cleaning device for cleaning the milk line with a cleaning liquid; a first outlet for discharging the milk to a milk tank; a second outlet for discharging the cleaning liquid; a valve mechanism for controllably connecting the milk line to one of the first outlet and the second outlet; and a control unit for controlling the valve mechanism. The valve mechanism includes a first and a second valve, and a displacement device for displacing the first or the second valve housing between a cleaning position and a milking position.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A robot milking device for fully automatic milking includes milking means with a plurality of teat cups, a robot arm for moving the teat cups and connecting these to the teats, and provided with one teat cup holder for each teat cup, for removably placing the teat cup thereon in a rest state, a teat position determination device for determining teat positions, and a control device for the robot milking device and for moving the robot arm on the basis of the determined teat positions. The control device is configured to move the robot arm into a rest position during milking and to detect a cup separation signal which indicates that no teat cup is attached to at least one front teat. The control device is furthermore configured to adapt the rest position as a function of the cup separation signal.
A milking device is provided with milking device, a control unit, a milk line for transporting the milk from the milking device to a milk tank, a milk filter for filtering the milk passing through the milk line, and a cleaning device for the milk filter with cleaning liquid. The milk filter includes a housing surrounding a filter volume and has a milk inlet and a milk outlet, and a filter component in the filter volume. The filter component includes a circumferential plate part with filter holes, and divides the filter volume into a central inner filter volume and an outer filter volume surrounding the latter. The milk filter is configured to be flushed, in use, with the milk to be filtered from the milk inlet to the milk outlet. The cleaning device is configured to clean the milk filter by passing cleaning liquid through the milk filter in a countercurrent direction in consecutive pulses, in such a way that, in each pulse, during a first pulse stage more cleaning liquid is supplied than is discharged, and subsequently, during a second pulse stage, at least as much cleaning liquid flows from the filter volume as is supplied. As a result thereof, an amount of cleaning liquid always collects in the filter volume up to a liquid level, which surrounds at least some of the plurality of holes. The next pulse makes cleaning liquid collide with the liquid level, which improves the cleaning of the filter.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A01J 5/007 - Surveillance des procédés de traite; Commande ou régulation des machines à traire
30.
SYSTEM FOR OBTAINING MILK FROM AN ANIMAL AND PROCESSING THAT MILK
The invention relates to a milking system (1), comprising a milking device (10) being configured to extract milk from a dairy animal (17), and a milk handling system (100) connected to the milking device, comprising a plurality of modules forming a milk treatment device (200) for treating at least part of the extracted milk and a module comprising a buffer unit (300) with at least one buffer tank (301) for temporary storage of the at least part of the extracted milk before entering the milk treatment device, wherein the milk treatment device comprises a processing unit (201) to process the milk from the at least one buffer tank into a dairy product, a product unit (202) for temporarily storing the dairy product, and a packaging unit (203) to pack the dairy product in containers, wherein each of the processing unit, the product unit and the packaging unit is fitted on an individual frame body (207, 208, 302), and wherein each unit forms a module of the milk treatment device.
A system for removing manure from a floor in an animal shed includes an autonomous manure removal vehicle with a manure storage container, which is provided with an interior, and a manure discharge opening for discharging manure from the interior of the manure storage container. A manure introduction device is configured for introducing manure from the floor and moving the introduced manure to the interior of the manure storage container. A dump is provided with a dump opening in the floor for dumping manure from the manure discharge opening of the manure storage container through the dump opening into a manure reservoir which extends under the floor. A flushing device is provided for flushing the interior of the manure storage container with flushing liquid, such as water.
A animal husbandry system, where a group of animals can move about freely in a shed, a plurality of sensors being provided, suitable for monitoring respective different regions of the shed, the sensors being provided in such a way that, collectively, they are suitable for monitoring substantially the complete shed. The animal identification system provided is suitable for identifying and locating individual animals in the shed, and includes processing means operatively connected to the sensors and to the animal identification system, the processing means being programmed for determining for each individual animal a urinating and/or defecating pattern or frequency. In this way, a highly useful system is realized. Firstly, in order to be able to monitor the health status of animals, urinating and/or defecating patterns or frequencies are highly meaningful. Secondly, they render an efficient cleaning of the shed possible.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
11 - Appareils de contrôle de l'environnement
42 - Services scientifiques, technologiques et industriels, recherche et conception
Produits et services
Software for analysing and displaying animal data; Systems for the detection of parameters of livestock animals, in particular systems for detection of oestrus; Systems for the detection of gait abnormalities in mammals; Mammalian birth detection systems; Systems for tracking animals; Cameras [photography], In particular stationary cameras for use in livestock buildings; Switching apparatus, Control devices and Control apparatus, for use in relation to the following goods: Stable lighting; Light switches, Dimmers and Electric wiring harnesses, for use in relation to the following goods: Stable lighting; none of the aforesaid for use in marketing or customer relationship management. Lamps, lighting devices and luminaires for stables. Automation services for agriculture, particularly livestock farming; SaaS (Software as a Service) services for agriculture, in particular for livestock farming; Development of new products in the field of animal husbandry; Technical consultation services, in relation to the following services: Development of new products for animal husbandry; Design and Creation, In connection with the following goods: Electronic apparatus, computer hardware and computer software for animal husbandry; Consultancy relating to the use and application of software, embedded software and apparatus containing embedded software for animal husbandry; none of the aforesaid for use in marketing or customer relationship management.
There is provided a system and method for automatically monitoring a ruminant animal. The system comprises a 3D camera system that obtains images from a region of interest, in particular the paralumbar fossa. An image processor determines the surface curvature in the region of interest, as a function of time. Based on the frequency with which this function attains local maxima, a health indication for the animal is generated.
A robot milking device includes a milking site, an animal identification device, robot milking means, a feeding device for providing feed to the dairy animal during the milking based on a feed allowance, and a controller for the robot milking system and for updating feed allowance. The method includes selecting a future time period, determining a free capacity C of the robot milking system, determining a sub-group of the dairy animals for which the controller may continue to provide feed after the milking, milking and feeding the dairy animals which visit the milking system, and additionally feeding a dairy animal from the sub-group depending on the determined free capacity C, if the dairy animal still has a feed allowance for milking.
A method for milking and managing a herd of dairy animals by at least attributing an insemination suitability status, the method includes, for each dairy animal, milking the dairy animal by means of a milking device, with a controller. By means of the controller, using a measuring device, determining at least one parameter value PVi related to the milking. By means of the controller, calculating an index value V of the dairy animal with respect to the herd of dairy animals on the basis of PVi and an average parameter value PVhi for the herd of dairy animals, which index value V indicates a value ranking order in the herd, and if the index value of the dairy animal fulfils a predefined criterion, automatically by means of the controller attributing to the dairy animal the insemination suitability status “inseminate no longer”.
A method for milking a dairy animal with a robot milking device including a teat position determination system and a controller. The method includes allowing the robot milking device, with the help of the teat position determination system, to make one or more connection attempts for connecting at least one milking cup to a teat of the dairy animal, and milking with all connected milking cups where the controller records a number of failed connection attempts. The number of failed connection attempts #MA in a predefined number of milkings, which number of milkings is at least equal to a predefined number #MB, fulfils a predefined criterion, automatically adapting the milking criterion by means of the controller.
The present invention relates to an animal husbandry system with monitoring and analyzing means configured for repeatedly generating images and gathering animal data therefrom. A plurality of cameras is suitable for monitoring the area from above. Image processing means are suitable for matching animals in the field of view of multiple cameras by detecting animal silhouettes in images of different cameras; defining an animal bounding box around each animal silhouette, applying to each animal bounding box either a first projection onto an image stitching plane if the animal is standing, or a second projection if the animal is lying down, stitching the projected bounding boxes in the stitching plane and identifying identical animals in the stitched image. The reliability of the matching process is increased by taking into account whether the animal in question is standing or lying down. The quality of the data gathered in the system is improved.
A robot milking system (1) for milking a milking animal (10) is provided with at least one milking box (2), milking means (5) and a robot arm (4) for connecting the milking means, as well as an animal recognition device (9) for automatically determining the identity of the milking animal, and with a control system (20) for controlling the robot milking system. The robot milking system further comprises a positioning aid (15) for determining the position of the milking animal in the milking box, which is movable by the control system between an inactive state away from the milking animal and an active state which is up against the milking animal at least during said connecting. Moreover, the control system is arranged to bring the positioning aid into the active state as a function of the identity determined. This provides calming and/or more accurate positioning of the milking animal, so that connection of the teat-cups can be quicker and more reliable. When this is not necessary, the positioning aid remains away from the milking animal, and the latter has optimum freedom of movement in the milking box.
An automatically cleanable milk filter includes a cylindrical housing with a longitudinal direction and with a cylindrical outer wall, a first end with a first liquid connection, and a second end with a second liquid connection, wherein, during use of the filter, the second end is situated above the first end. A concentric cylindrical filter plate containing a plurality of filter holes with a smallest diameter of between 60 and 100 um and a cylindrical core which is placed concentrically within the filter plate are accommodated in the housing. The filter plate divides the filter volume into a first volume part which is directly connected to the first liquid connection, and a second volume part which is directly connected to the second liquid connection. The second volume part includes a cylindrical part, as well as a top part which narrows at a transition to the second liquid connection. The cylindrical part, viewed in a direction towards the second liquid connection, extends at least a predetermined distance beyond the plurality of holes in the filter plate, and the first volume part, viewed in a direction towards the second liquid connection, does not extend beyond the filter plate. In this way, the stream of cleaning liquid, supplied from above, can develop beyond the top part to form a more turbulent stream parallel to the cylindrical part, and thus a more thorough cleaning of, in particular, the upper filter holes. In addition, a milking device including this milk filter is provided.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A01J 9/02 - Récipients pour le lait avec dispositifs pour passer ou filtrer le lait
A milking device for milking a dairy animal is provided with milking mechanism, a control system, a milk pipeline for transporting the milk from the milking mechanism to a milk tank, a milk filter and a cleaning device. The cleaning device includes at least one cleaning fluid holder, a heating device for heating cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid holder, an additive storage holder for additive, an additive adding device for controlled addition of the additive to cleaning fluid, and a valve system for regulating flows of cleaning fluid and additive through the milking device. The cleaning device is configured for carrying out a cleaning cycle of the milking device with a prerinse with cold or tepid water, a hot rinse with heated water and an acidic or basic additive, a postrinse, and at least between the hot rinse and the postrinse, a counterflow cleaning step by passing cleaning fluid in counterflow through the milk filter. Thus, a milking device is provided that can be cleaned automatically as a whole including the milk filter. In particular, because the counterflow cleansing takes place after the hot rinse step, there is better removal of dirt and milk residues that are softened thereby, in particular from the milk filter.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A01J 5/01 - Débitmètres pour le lait; Dispositifs de détection du débit de lait
A01J 9/02 - Récipients pour le lait avec dispositifs pour passer ou filtrer le lait
B01D 29/66 - Rinçage par chasse, p.ex. rafale ascendante d'air à contre-courant
B01D 29/48 - Eléments filtrants à arêtes, c. à d. utilisant des surfaces imperméables adjacentes à éléments enroulés en hélice ou en forme de spires
B08B 9/032 - Nettoyage de conduites ou de tubes ou des systèmes de conduites ou de tubes Élimination des bouchons par l'action mécanique d'un fluide en mouvement, p.ex. par effet de chasse d'eau
B08B 3/04 - Nettoyage impliquant le contact avec un liquide
This invention relates to an animal husbandry system, wherein a group of animals (2) can move about freely in an area (1), the system comprising monitoring and analyzing means (8) configured for repeatedly generating images and gathering data therefrom regarding at least one mobile being (2) and/or object (9) in the area, illumination means provided with a number of illumination elements, each arranged for illuminating at least a subarea of the area, and control means connected to the monitoring and analyzing means and to the illumination means, wherein the monitoring and analyzing means are configured for determining an image quality value for each generated image and for detecting an insufficient image quality due to an unsuitable illumination intensity in at least one of the subareas, wherein the control means are configured for adjusting said unsuitable illumination intensity in said subarea to a suitable illumination intensity, so that the image quality becomes sufficient.
A01K 31/00 - Volières, poulaillers ou logements des oiseaux
A01K 45/00 - Autres appareils ou dispositifs pour l'aviculture, p.ex. dispositifs pour déterminer si un oiseau est prêt à pondre
H05B 47/125 - Commande de la source lumineuse en réponse à des paramètres détectés en détectant la présence ou le mouvement d'objets ou d'êtres vivants en utilisant des caméras
43.
AGRICULTURAL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING THE METHOD
A method, using an autonomous, unmanned device and a control device, includes the steps of automatically harvesting feed crop in a part of a crop field by means of the autonomous, unmanned device; automatically loading the harvested feed crop directly into a storage space provided on the autonomous, unmanned device without said harvested feed crop contacting the soil; choosing a destination location from a feeding location and a stationary crop processing location; automatically transporting the harvested feed crop from the crop field to the chosen destination location by means of the autonomous, unmanned device; and automatically unloading harvested feed from the storage space of the autonomous, unmanned device at the chosen destination location.
An animal shed system includes an animal shed having an animal shed floor with a first and a second surface spaced apart, such that the floor has a thickness different from zero, and multiple flow holes extending from the first to the second surface; a reservoir situated under the animal shed floor, wherein the flow holes open up to the reservoir, and the flow holes allow a fluid flow from the animal shed to the reservoir; a floor opening in the animal shed floor to allow manure to be dumped in the reservoir; an air extraction device for extracting air underneath the floor, out of the reservoir; and a device extending from the floor opening into the reservoir, wherein the device is configured to prevent an airflow from the animal shed to the reservoir through the floor opening when in use.
A01K 1/015 - Revêtement de sol, p.ex. plaques litière
B01D 53/14 - SÉPARATION Épuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p.ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols par absorption
A milking device has milking means, a controller, a milk line for transporting the milk from the milking means to a milk tank, a milk filter for filtering the milk passing through the milk line, and a cleaning device for cleaning the milk filter with cleaning fluid. The milk filter comprises a housing which surrounds a filter volume and has a milk inlet and a milk outlet, and a circumferential filter body in the filter volume. The filter body comprises filter holes and divides the filter volume into a central inner filter volume and a surrounding outer filter volume. The milk filter is configured to be flushed during use from the milk inlet to the milk outlet by the milk to be filtered. The cleaning device is configured to clean the milk filter by conducting cleaning fluid through the milk filter. The filter holes during use comprise top holes and bottom holes. The diameter of the top holes is greater than that of the bottom holes, which improves the cleaning of the filter and suppresses the formation of air bubbles.
A milking device has milking means, a controller, a milk line for transporting the milk from the milking means to a milk tank, a milk filter for filtering the milk passing through the milk line, and a cleaning device for cleaning the milk filter with cleaning fluid. The milk filter comprises a housing which surrounds a filter volume and has a milk inlet and a milk outlet, and a circumferential filter body in the filter volume. The filter body comprises filter holes and divides the filter volume into a central inner filter volume and a surrounding outer filter volume. The milk filter is configured to be flushed during use from the milk inlet to the milk outlet by the milk to be filtered. The cleaning device is configured to clean the milk filter by conducting cleaning fluid through the milk filter. The filter holes during use comprise top holes and bottom holes. The diameter of the top holes is greater than that of the bottom holes, which improves the cleaning of the filter and suppresses the formation of air bubbles.
A milking system comprises a milking device, a sampling device and an analyser for analysing a milk sample, with a housing for a first holder with a reagent carrier with indicator pads, and a second holder for used reagent carrier, a metering system, a first optical radiation source for optical imaging radiation, a sensor device for detecting and analysing response radiation derived from the active indicator pad, for supplying an indication of a presence or concentration of said at least one substance in the sample. The analyser further comprises a temperature control system for keeping the active indicator pad at temperature, with a second optical radiation source for emitting optical heating radiation, and a source control device to control the second optical radiation source. As a result of the heating, the reaction in the indicator pad can be more accurate and more reliable, and therefore so too can determination of the substance in the milk sample. Heating with radiation is not only effective, but also prevents drying out of the indicator pad during the reaction.
A01J 5/013 - Détection sur place de la mastite dans le lait
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
A milking system has milking means, a milk line, and a sampling and analysis device, thatcomprises an analysis tape, with a carrier layer and a reagent tape layer with a reagent that provides a detectable response in the presence of a substance in the sample, a 5dosing device, an optical radiation source, and an optical sensor device to detect optical response radiation emitted by the reagent tape layer and to analyse the detected optical response radiation to provide an indication of a presence or concentration of the substance in the droplet. The reagent tape layer comprises, or is, a material with an asymmetrical porosity, having the largest pore size at a first side where the sample is 0provided, and the smallest pore size at the opposite side. The large pores allow milk to penetrate easily, while the gradually smaller pores filter out interfering milk particles, such as fat globules. Thereby, the reaction image becomes more intense and more reliable.
A01J 5/013 - Détection sur place de la mastite dans le lait
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
A milking system has milking means, a milk line, and a sampling and analysis device, thatcomprises an analysis tape, with a carrier layer and a reagent tape layer with a reagent that provides a detectable response in the presence of a substance in the sample, a 5dosing device, an optical radiation source, and an optical sensor device to detect optical response radiation emitted by the reagent tape layer and to analyse the detected optical response radiation to provide an indication of a presence or concentration of the substance in the droplet. The reagent tape layer comprises, or is, a material with an asymmetrical porosity, having the largest pore size at a first side where the sample is 0provided, and the smallest pore size at the opposite side. The large pores allow milk to penetrate easily, while the gradually smaller pores filter out interfering milk particles, such as fat globules. Thereby, the reaction image becomes more intense and more reliable.
A01J 5/013 - Détection sur place de la mastite dans le lait
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
A milking system comprises a milking device, a sampling device and an analyser for analysing a milk sample, with a housing for a first holder with a reagent carrier with indicator pads, and a second holder for used reagent carrier, a metering system, a first optical radiation source for optical imaging radiation, a sensor device for detecting and analysing response radiation derived from the active indicator pad, for supplying an indication of a presence or concentration of said at least one substance in the sample. The analyser further comprises a temperature control system for keeping the active indicator pad at temperature, with a second optical radiation source for emitting optical heating radiation, and a source control device to control the second optical radiation source. As a result of the heating, the reaction in the indicator pad can be more accurate and more reliable, and therefore so too can determination of the substance in the milk sample. Heating with radiation is not only effective, but also prevents drying out of the indicator pad during the reaction.
A01J 5/013 - Détection sur place de la mastite dans le lait
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
A milking system for milking a milking animal comprises a teatcup (5) for fitting on a teat (32) of the milking animal, and a measuring chamber (6) connected directly and rigidly thereto. The teatcup has a longitudinal direction, and a first milk outflow orifice (16) for milk outflow parallel to the longitudinal direction. The measuring chamber has a peripheral wall (17), a milk inlet (18) in fluid communication therewith, a second milk outflow orifice (25) to a milk tube (7), a vacuum outlet (21), and a sensor device (26) for determining a property of the milk in the measuring chamber. In a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the measuring chamber has a first inside diameter in a first direction, and a smaller second diameter in a perpendicular second direction. The volume of the measuring chamber may therefore be greater without increasing the height or width in one direction. As a result, animals with low udders or teats close together can also be milked just as reliably, whereas the larger volume of the measuring chamber means that the measurements of the sensor device can be more reliable.
The invention relates to a milking system comprising two or more milking devices for extracting a milking from a dairy animal; a central utility system that is connected with each milking device in the milking system, and comprising a cleaning unit for cleaning the milking devices and milk-carrying parts of the central utility system, wherein the cleaning unit comprises at least one fluid transporting line for transport of cleaning fluid, wherein each of the milking devices is in fluid connection with the fluid transport line, a buffer unit for receiving and temporarily storing extracted milk, wherein the buffer unit is in fluid connection with each of the milking devices through a milk line, and a control unit for controlling of at least the central utility unit, wherein the milking system further comprises a milk transport line that connects the buffer unit with a bulk milk storage device, and wherein the cleaning unit cleans each of the milking devices and respective milk lines individually during a cleaning cycle, wherein at least one of the milking devices is available for extracting milk from a dairy animal during the cleaning cycle.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A milking system for milking a milking animal comprises a teatcup (5) for fitting on a teat (32) of the milking animal, and a measuring chamber (6) connected directly and rigidly thereto. The teatcup has a longitudinal direction, and a first milk outflow orifice (16) for milk outflow parallel to the longitudinal direction. The measuring chamber has a peripheral wall (17), a milk inlet (18) in fluid communication therewith, a second milk outflow orifice (25) to a milk tube (7), a vacuum outlet (21), and a sensor device (26) for determining a property of the milk in the measuring chamber. In a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the measuring chamber has a first inside diameter in a first direction, and a smaller second diameter in a perpendicular second direction. The volume of the measuring chamber may therefore be greater without increasing the height or width in one direction. As a result, animals with low udders or teats close together can also be milked just as reliably, whereas the larger volume of the measuring chamber means that the measurements of the sensor device can be more reliable.
The invention relates to a milking system comprising two or more milking devices for extracting a milking from a dairy animal; a central utility system that is connected with each milking device in the milking system, and comprising a cleaning unit for cleaning the milking devices and milk-carrying parts of the central utility system, wherein the cleaning unit comprises at least one fluid transporting line for transport of cleaning fluid, wherein each of the milking devices is in fluid connection with the fluid transport line, a buffer unit for receiving and temporarily storing extracted milk, wherein the buffer unit is in fluid connection with each of the milking devices through a milk line, and a control unit for controlling of at least the central utility unit, wherein the milking system further comprises a milk transport line that connects the buffer unit with a bulk milk storage device, and wherein the cleaning unit cleans each of the milking devices and respective milk lines individually during a cleaning cycle, wherein at least one of the milking devices is available for extracting milk from a dairy animal during the cleaning cycle.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A milking device for milking of a dairy animal with teats includes a control unit, a milking device including milking cups, a robot arm to attach the milking cups to the teats of the dairy animal, a teat-detecting device to determine positions of the teats, including an outer optically permeable component, such as a lens or cover plate, and a cleaning device to clean the optically permeable component. The cleaning device is provided with a cleaning liquid supply and an application device to apply the cleaning liquid to the optically permeable component. The milking device includes a spraying device for spraying a teat-treating liquid on the teats. The application device is configured to apply cleaning liquid to the optically permeable component at least while the spraying device sprays the teat-treating liquid. As a result thereof, adhesion of the often sticky teat-treating liquid to the optically permeable component is efficiently counteracted.
A01J 5/017 - Fixation ou libération automatiques des ensembles de ventouses
A01J 7/04 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour le traitement des pis ou des tétines, p.ex. pour le nettoyage
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
The present invention relates to an animal husbandry system, wherein a group of animals (2) can move about freely in an area (1), the system comprising monitoring and analyzing means (11) suitable for determining and tracking the identity and the position of each individual animal (2), wherein lameness detection means operatively connected to the monitoring and analyzing means (11) are provided, suitable for the early detection of lameness in an animal (2), the lameness detection means being arranged to take into account at least one of the following parameters measured with the aid of the monitoring and analyzing means (11): - lying down time of the animal (2) in a certain time interval; - distance covered by the animal (2) in a certain time interval; - speed of movement of the animal (2) in a certain time interval (top speed and/or average speed and/or speed stability); - time spent by the animal (2) in zones of the area having a particular animal density characteristic. The use of monitoring and analyzing means (11) enables an automatic and accurate early lameness detection in animals (2) moving about freely in an area (1). The early detection of lameness in animals (2) can prevent serious health complications for the animals (2) in question.
An automatically cleanable milk filter (8) comprises a cylindrical housing (23) with a outer wall, a first end (15) with a first liquid connection, and above a second end (17) with a second liquid connection. A concentric cylindrical filter part (21) and a cylindrical core (20) which is placed concentrically within the filter part are accommodated in the housing. The filter part includes wire having a tapered cross-sectional profile in a spiral shape or as a series of parallel rings or rods, and a frame for keeping them spaced apart, thereby forming a plurality of filter openings (31). The filter part divides the filter volume into a first volume part (24) which is directly connected to the first liquid connection, and a second volume part (22) which is directly connected to the second liquid connection. The second volume part (22) comprises a cylindrical part, as well as a top part which narrows at a transition to the second liquid connection. The cylindrical part, viewed in a direction towards the second liquid connection, extends beyond the plurality of filter openings in the filter part, and the first volume part, viewed in a direction towards the second liquid connection, does not extend beyond the filter part. In this way, the stream of cleaning liquid, supplied from above, can develop beyond the top part to form a more turbulent stream parallel to the cylindrical part. In addition, a milking device comprising this milk filter is provided.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A milking device (1) is provided with milking means, a control unit (11), a milk line (5) for transporting the milk from the milking means to a milk tank (7), a milk filter (8) for filtering the milk passing through the milk line, and a cleaning device for the milk filter with cleaning liquid. The milk filter comprises a housing (23) which surrounds a filter volume and has a milk inlet (18) and a milk outlet (19), and a filter component (21) in the filter volume. The filter component comprises a circumferential plate part with filter openings, and divides the filter volume into a central inner filter volume (22) and an outer filter volume (24) surrounding the latter. The filter component comprises wire with a unilaterally tapering cross-sectional profile and a frame (50). The wire is provided in a spiral shape with a plurality of windings or in a series of individual parallel rings (51) or rods. The frame is configured to keep the windings or the rings or the rods at a mutual distance, as a result of which the plurality of filter openings (40) is provided between the windings or the rings or the sticks. The milk filter is configured to be flushed, in use, with the milk to be filtered from the milk inlet to the milk outlet. The cleaning device is configured to clean the milk filter by passing cleaning liquid through the milk filter in a countercurrent direction in consecutive pulses, in such a way that, in each pulse, during a first pulse stage more cleaning liquid is supplied than is discharged, and subsequently, during a second pulse stage, at least as much cleaning liquid flows from the filter volume as is supplied.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A feeding system for feeding animals, in particular cows, at a feeding place feed from a feed supply including at least one autonomous feeding device having a container for accommodating a batch of feed from the feed supply. The autonomous feeding takes feed held in the container to the feeding place and dispenses it. The feeding system further includes a feed-quantity measuring device for repeatedly measuring a feed-quantity value for the quantity of feed for consumption by the animals at the feeding place, and a control system which receives feed-quantity values from the feed-quantity measuring device measured different measurement instants. The control system stores a plurality of the feed-quantity values in a memory. The control system calculates at least one value of a feed variable at at least one point in time after the last measurement instant, on the basis of the feed-quantity values stored in the memory.
A system for removing manure from a floor in a barn, such as cows, comprises an autonomous manure removing vehicle which is provided with a drive system for driving the manure removing vehicle. The drive system comprises at least one electrical drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for controlling the latter. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The manure removing vehicle comprises a manure bounding device with a manure slider for moving manure over the floor while the manure removing vehicle travels across the floor. The manure bounding device is configured to at least partially bound the manure which is present on the floor in front of the manure slider. The system furthermore comprises a charging station for charging the battery system of the manure removing vehicle when the manure removing vehicle is in the charging station in a charging position. The charging station comprises a manure blocking device which, together with the manure bounding device, is configured to define, in the charging position of the manure removing vehicle, a holding space which is substantially closed off for manure.
A system for removing manure from a floor in a barn, such as cows, comprises an autonomous manure removing vehicle which is provided with a drive system for driving the manure removing vehicle. The drive system comprises at least one electrical drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for controlling the latter. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The manure removing vehicle comprises a manure bounding device with a manure slider for moving manure over the floor while the manure removing vehicle travels across the floor. The manure bounding device is configured to at least partially bound the manure which is present on the floor in front of the manure slider. The system furthermore comprises a charging station for charging the battery system of the manure removing vehicle when the manure removing vehicle is in the charging station in a charging position. The charging station comprises a manure blocking device which, together with the manure bounding device, is configured to define, in the charging position of the manure removing vehicle, a holding space which is substantially closed off for manure.
A milking device (1) is provided with milking means, a control unit (11), a milk line (5) for transporting the milk from the milking means to a milk tank (7), a milk filter (8) for filtering the milk passing through the milk line, and a cleaning device for the milk filter with cleaning liquid. The milk filter comprises a housing (23) which surrounds a filter volume and has a milk inlet (18) and a milk outlet (19), and a filter component (21) in the filter volume. The filter component comprises a circumferential plate part with filter openings, and divides the filter volume into a central inner filter volume (22) and an outer filter volume (24) surrounding the latter. The filter component comprises wire with a unilaterally tapering cross-sectional profile and a frame (50). The wire is provided in a spiral shape with a plurality of windings or in a series of individual parallel rings (51) or rods. The frame is configured to keep the windings or the rings or the rods at a mutual distance, as a result of which the plurality of filter openings (40) is provided between the windings or the rings or the sticks. The milk filter is configured to be flushed, in use, with the milk to be filtered from the milk inlet to the milk outlet. The cleaning device is configured to clean the milk filter by passing cleaning liquid through the milk filter in a countercurrent direction in consecutive pulses, in such a way that, in each pulse, during a first pulse stage more cleaning liquid is supplied than is discharged, and subsequently, during a second pulse stage, at least as much cleaning liquid flows from the filter volume as is supplied.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
An automatically cleanable milk filter (8) comprises a cylindrical housing (23) with a outer wall, a first end (15) with a first liquid connection, and above a second end (17) with a second liquid connection. A concentric cylindrical filter part (21) and a cylindrical core (20) which is placed concentrically within the filter part are accommodated in the housing. The filter part includes wire having a tapered cross-sectional profile in a spiral shape or as a series of parallel rings or rods, and a frame for keeping them spaced apart, thereby forming a plurality of filter openings (31). The filter part divides the filter volume into a first volume part (24) which is directly connected to the first liquid connection, and a second volume part (22) which is directly connected to the second liquid connection. The second volume part (22) comprises a cylindrical part, as well as a top part which narrows at a transition to the second liquid connection. The cylindrical part, viewed in a direction towards the second liquid connection, extends beyond the plurality of filter openings in the filter part, and the first volume part, viewed in a direction towards the second liquid connection, does not extend beyond the filter part. In this way, the stream of cleaning liquid, supplied from above, can develop beyond the top part to form a more turbulent stream parallel to the cylindrical part. In addition, a milking device comprising this milk filter is provided.
A01J 7/02 - Accessoires pour les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite pour nettoyer ou désinfecter les machines ou les dispositifs pour la traite
A feeding system for feeding animals, in particular cows, at a feeding place that includes at least one autonomous feeding device with a container for accommodating a batch of feed from a feed supply. The autonomous feeding device takes feed held in the container to the feeding place and dispenses it at that feeding place. The feeding system includes a feed-quantity measuring device for measuring a feed-quantity value for the quantity of feed at the feeding place, and a control system receives feed-quantity values from the feed-quantity measuring device. The control system stores a plurality of feed-quantity values received from the feed-quantity measuring device in a memory. The control system determines at least one value of a variable which is representative of a relation between the feed-quantity values and time, at least at and/or after the last measurement instant, based on the feed-quantity values stored in the memory.
A system for removing manure from a floor in a barn for animals, such as cows, comprises an autonomous manure removing vehicle, which is provided with a drive system for driving the manure removing vehicle. The drive system comprises at least one electric drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for control thereof. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The system further comprises a charging station for charging the battery system of the manure removing vehicle. The charging station comprises a transmitting body with a primary coil. The manure removing vehicle comprises a receiving body with a secondary coil. The receiving body is fastened rigidly to the manure removing vehicle. The transmitting body of the charging station is pretensioned to a waiting state, and is movable from the waiting state against the action of the pretension, through engagement with the receiving body of the manure removing vehicle that enters the charging station, in such a way that the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in a charging state to transfer electrical energy wirelessly from the primary coil to the secondary coil for wireless charging of the battery system of the manure removing vehicle.
A system for carrying out an animal-related operation, in particular removing manure from a floor in a barn for animals, such as cows, comprises an autonomous vehicle, which is provided with a drive system for driving the vehicle. The drive system comprises at least one electric drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for control thereof. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The system further comprises a charging station for charging the vehicle's battery system. The charging station comprises a transmitting body with a primary coil. The vehicle comprises a receiving body with a secondary coil. The vehicle is maneuverable relative to the transmitting body of the charging station in such a way that the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in a charging state to transfer electrical energy wirelessly from the primary coil to the secondary coil for wireless charging of the vehicle's battery system. The system further comprises a cleaning device for cleaning at least the receiving body of the vehicle before the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in the charging state.
A system for removing manure from a floor in a barn for animals, such as cows, comprises an autonomous manure removing vehicle which is provided with a drive system for driving the manure removing vehicle. The drive system comprises at least one electric drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for control thereof. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The system furthermore comprises a charging station for charging the battery system of the manure removing vehicle. The charging station comprises a transmitting body with a primary coil. The manure removing vehicle comprises a receiving body with a secondary coil. The receiving body is arranged on a top side of the manure removing vehicle. The manure removing vehicle is maneuverable with respect to the transmitting body of the charging station in such a way that the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in order to wirelessly transfer electrical energy from the primary coil to the secondary coil for wireless charging of the battery system of the manure removing vehicle.
A growth monitoring system, and method, for livestock animals comprises a barn environment that has a floor with bedding material, a 3D camera with a downward looking field-of-view, in which an animal may be present during a visit, to obtain repeatedly a 3D image of said field-of-view, an image processor to extract a 3D point cloud representation. The image processor detects whether an animal is present in said point cloud representation, and if yes, selects the animal part point cloud of said point cloud representation, and determines a position dependent first height information, being a height above the floor of said animal part point cloud, and determines a position of the front legs and/or the hind legs of the animal, and if no, determines a position dependent second height information, being a height above the floor of the bedding material. The image processor determines a height of the animal at the visit from the first height information, the second height information and the position of the front legs and/or of the hind legs. This provides a reliable height measurement without manual labour, in a natural environment for the animals.
A method for milking a dairy animal using a milking device with a measuring device for a milk parameter, the method including identifying the dairy animal, determining a milking interval, attaching milking cups to the dairy animal, calculating, according to a first formula, an expected value for the milk parameter, milking the dairy animal, and detaching the milking cup when a first detachment criterion has been met. During the milking step and/or during the detaching step, use is made of the expected value of the milk parameter without determining the actual value of the milk parameter. The actual value is the value of the milk parameter if the milking takes place using a second detachment criterion which is stricter than the first detachment criterion. The method further includes measuring the actual value of the milk parameter for the present milking and updating the first formula.
A01J 5/017 - Fixation ou libération automatiques des ensembles de ventouses
A01J 5/01 - Débitmètres pour le lait; Dispositifs de détection du débit de lait
G05B 13/02 - Systèmes de commande adaptatifs, c. à d. systèmes se réglant eux-mêmes automatiquement pour obtenir un rendement optimal suivant un critère prédéterminé électriques
70.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MILKING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS
A system for milking a group of milking animals includes a stationary animal accommodation space having a fixed floor, a plurality of milking stations, and an animal-free space which is closed for the milking animals in the accommodation space and extends adjacent to the milking stations. The system also includes an automatic milking system that includes milking cups and a robot device movable relative to the milking stations, the milking cups being connectable automatically to the teats of a milking animal present in the milking station. The system further includes a milk discharge system having at least one flexible milk line that connects the milking cups to a milk storage tank. The flexible milk line is configured so that the robot device can move from the animal-free space into each of the milking stations while the milk line remains connected to the robot device.
A system for carrying out an animal-related operation, in particular removing manure from a floor in a barn for animals, such as cows, comprises an autonomous vehicle, which is provided with a drive system for driving the vehicle. The drive system comprises at least one electric drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for control thereof. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The system further comprises a charging station for charging the vehicle's battery system. The charging station comprises a transmitting body with a primary coil. The vehicle comprises a receiving body with a secondary coil. The vehicle is maneuverable relative to the transmitting body of the charging station in such a way that the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in a charging state to transfer electrical energy wirelessly from the primary coil to the secondary coil for wireless charging of the vehicle's battery system. The system further comprises a cleaning device for cleaning at least the receiving body of the vehicle before the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in the charging state.
A system for removing manure from a floor in a barn for animals, such as cows, comprises an autonomous manure removing vehicle, which is provided with a drive system for driving the manure removing vehicle. The drive system comprises at least one electric drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for control thereof. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The system further comprises a charging station for charging the battery system of the manure removing vehicle. The charging station comprises a transmitting body with a primary coil. The manure removing vehicle comprises a receiving body with a secondary coil. The receiving body is fastened rigidly to the manure removing vehicle. The transmitting body of the charging station is pretensioned to a waiting state, and is movable from the waiting state against the action of the pretension, through engagement with the receiving body of the manure removing vehicle that enters the charging station, in such a way that the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in a charging state to transfer electrical energy wirelessly from the primary coil to the secondary coil for wireless charging of the battery system of the manure removing vehicle.
A system for removing manure from a floor in a barn for animals, such as cows, comprises an autonomous manure removing vehicle which is provided with a drive system for driving the manure removing vehicle. The drive system comprises at least one electric drive motor. An electronic control system is connected to the drive system for control thereof. A battery system for storing electrical energy is connected to the drive system and the control system. The system furthermore comprises a charging station for charging the battery system of the manure removing vehicle. The charging station comprises a transmitting body with a primary coil. The manure removing vehicle comprises a receiving body with a secondary coil. The receiving body is arranged on a top side of the manure removing vehicle. The manure removing vehicle is maneuverable with respect to the transmitting body of the charging station in such a way that the primary coil of the transmitting body and the secondary coil of the receiving body are mutually aligned in order to wirelessly transfer electrical energy from the primary coil to the secondary coil for wireless charging of the battery system of the manure removing vehicle.
A growth monitoring system, and method, for livestock animals comprises a barn environment that has a floor with bedding material, a 3D camera with a downward looking field-of-view, in which an animal may be present during a visit, to obtain repeatedly a 3D image of said field-of-view, an image processor to extract a 3D point cloud representation. The image processor detects whether an animal is present in said point cloud representation, and if yes, selects the animal part point cloud of said point cloud representation, and determines a position dependent first height information, being a height above the floor of said animal part point cloud, and determines a position of the front legs and/or the hind legs of the animal, and if no, determines a position dependent second height information, being a height above the floor of the bedding material. The image processor determines a height of the animal at the visit from the first height information, the second height information and the position of the front legs and/or of the hind legs. This provides a reliable height measurement without manual labour, in a natural environment for the animals.
01 - Produits chimiques destinés à l'industrie, aux sciences ainsi qu'à l'agriculture
05 - Produits pharmaceutiques, vétérinaires et hygièniques
Produits et services
Descaling agents and detergents, other than for household
use, for use in milk production and dairy farming, in
particular for use in milking machines; alkalies. Hygienic products in particular for use in animal husbandry;
disinfectants; pharmaceutical products for veterinary use.
01 - Produits chimiques destinés à l'industrie, aux sciences ainsi qu'à l'agriculture
05 - Produits pharmaceutiques, vétérinaires et hygièniques
Produits et services
Descaling agents and detergents, other than for household
use, for use in milk production and dairy farming, in
particular for use in milking machines. Hygienic products in particular for use in animal husbandry;
disinfectants; pharmaceutical products for veterinary use.
01 - Produits chimiques destinés à l'industrie, aux sciences ainsi qu'à l'agriculture
05 - Produits pharmaceutiques, vétérinaires et hygièniques
Produits et services
(1) Descaling agents and detergents, other than for household use, for use in milk production and dairy farming, in particular for use in milking machines.
(2) Hygienic products in particular for use in animal husbandry; disinfectants; pharmaceutical products for veterinary use.
01 - Produits chimiques destinés à l'industrie, aux sciences ainsi qu'à l'agriculture
05 - Produits pharmaceutiques, vétérinaires et hygièniques
Produits et services
Descaling agents and detergents, other than for household use, namely for industrial use, for use in milk production and dairy farming, in particular for use in milking machines Hygienic products in particular for use in animal husbandry, namely, disinfectants; pharmaceutical preparations for veterinary use for treating teat and udder diseases and for treating hoof diseases
01 - Produits chimiques destinés à l'industrie, aux sciences ainsi qu'à l'agriculture
05 - Produits pharmaceutiques, vétérinaires et hygièniques
Produits et services
(1) Descaling agents and detergents, other than for household use, for use in milk production and dairy farming, in particular for use in milking machines; alkalies.
(2) Hygienic products in particular for use in animal husbandry; disinfectants; pharmaceutical products for veterinary use.
01 - Produits chimiques destinés à l'industrie, aux sciences ainsi qu'à l'agriculture
05 - Produits pharmaceutiques, vétérinaires et hygièniques
Produits et services
Descaling agents and detergents, other than for household use, namely, for industrial use, for use in milk production and dairy farming, in particular for use in milking machines Hygienic products in particular for use in animal husbandry, namely, disinfectants; disinfectants; pharmaceutical preparations for veterinary use for treating teat and udder diseases and for treating hoof diseases
81.
CAMERA DEVICE FOR MONITORING AND RECOGNISING ANIMALS OR PORTIONS THEREOF, AND ASSOCIATED LIFESTOCK SHED
Camera device for observing and recognising a livestock animal in a shed environment, comprising a housing with an outer surface and with a light transmitting opening, an optics for forming an image of the environment, a light-sensitive sensor provided in the housing for recording the formed image, an image processing device for processing the recorded image and recognising a portion of a shed animal therein, and a control unit. A first portion of said outer surface is lighter in colour on a side of the opening at least directly around said opening than a second portion of said outer surface which is located away from said opening and which is at least half the size of the first portion. Because of the lighter colour directly around the one or more openings for the camera, there is much less soiling by flies in comparison with known cameras with black surroundings for these one or more openings. This is important for mostly autonomously operating cameras for animal recognition.
The present invention relates to an animal husbandry system, wherein a group of animals (2) can move about freely in an area (1), the system comprising at least one weighing unit (9, 10, 11) located in the area (1), video monitoring and analyzing means (8) being provided suitable for establishing in conjunction with the at least one weighing unit (9, 10, 11) whether an animal (2) is positioned suitably on the weighing unit (9, 10, 11) for a correct weighing, storing means being provided for storing data relating to each individual animal (2), such as weight data, control means being provided, operatively connected to each weighing unit (9, 10, 11), the video monitoring and analyzing means and the storing means, wherein the control means are arranged to store weight data from each weighing unit (9, 10, 11) in the storing means as soon as it is established that an animal (2) is positioned suitably on the weighing unit (9, 10, 11) for a correct weighing. In this way, a highly useful, robust and flexible system is realized. The use of video monitoring and analyzing means (8) in conjunction with a weighing unit (9, 10, 11) enables an automatic and accurate weighing of animals (2) moving about in an area (1). Moreover, the feed and/or drink intake of the animals (2) can be monitored automatically and accurately.
Camera device for observing and recognising a livestock animal in a shed environment, comprising a housing with an outer surface and with a light transmitting opening, an optics for forming an image of the environment, a light-sensitive sensor provided in the housing for recording the formed image, an image processing device for processing the recorded image and recognising a portion of a shed animal therein, and a control unit. A first portion of said outer surface is lighter in colour on a side of the opening at least directly around said opening than a second portion of said outer surface which is located away from said opening and which is at least half the size of the first portion. Because of the lighter colour directly around the one or more openings for the camera, there is much less soiling by flies in comparison with known cameras with black surroundings for these one or more openings. This is important for mostly autonomously operating cameras for animal recognition.
The present invention relates to an animal husbandry system, wherein a group of animals (2) can move about freely in an area (1), the system comprising at least one weighing unit (9, 10, 11) located in the area (1), video monitoring and analyzing means (8) being provided suitable for establishing in conjunction with the at least one weighing unit (9, 10, 11) whether an animal (2) is positioned suitably on the weighing unit (9, 10, 11) for a correct weighing, storing means being provided for storing data relating to each individual animal (2), such as weight data, control means being provided, operatively connected to each weighing unit (9, 10, 11), the video monitoring and analyzing means and the storing means, wherein the control means are arranged to store weight data from each weighing unit (9, 10, 11) in the storing means as soon as it is established that an animal (2) is positioned suitably on the weighing unit (9, 10, 11) for a correct weighing. In this way, a highly useful, robust and flexible system is realized. The use of video monitoring and analyzing means (8) in conjunction with a weighing unit (9, 10, 11) enables an automatic and accurate weighing of animals (2) moving about in an area (1). Moreover, the feed and/or drink intake of the animals (2) can be monitored automatically and accurately.
An animal feedstuff processing system for processing animal feedstuff includes an animal feedstuff storage device for storing a pile of animal feedstuff, a separating device for removing a quantity of feedstuff from the pile and including a rotatable separating element and a first drive for the separating element, a movement device with a second drive, and configured for moving the separating device and the pile of feedstuff towards each other. A sensor is arranged for determining a relative position of the separating element with respect to the pile of feedstuff. A controller is configured to control the animal feedstuff processing system. During at least a part of the movement of the separating device and the pile of feedstuff towards each other, the separating device is driven in an idle mode by the first drive, wherein the separating element has no operable contact with the pile of feedstuff. The sensor measures a sensor signal representative of an operating parameter of the first drive, and the controller is configured to determine contact between the separating element and the pile of feedstuff based on the sensor signal. The animal feedstuff processing system is controlled on the basis of the determined contact.
A sampling device for taking a representative milk sample from a milking device is provided. The milking device comprises milking means, a milk jar, a milk hose between the milking means and the milk jar, a milk tank, a milk line between the milk jar and the milk tank, a milk pump for pumping the milk from the milk jar to the milk tank, a milk meter for determining the quantity of milk milked, and a control unit. The sampling device comprises a sample line with an input connection to the milk jar, the milk pump or the milk line, and an output to a sample collection receptacle, and also a control device controllable by the control unit on the basis of the quantity of milk determined by the milk meter in order to direct, during pumping, a sample quantity of milk through the sample line. Due to the fact that the control unit thus knows how much milk has to be pumped, it can take precisely enough milk samples distributed over the pumping operation such that an accurate representative sample is obtained. A milking device comprising such a milk sampling device is also provided.
A sampling device for taking a representative milk sample from a milking device is provided. The milking device comprises milking means, a milk jar, a milk hose between the milking means and the milk jar, a milk tank, a milk line between the milk jar and the milk tank, a milk pump for pumping the milk from the milk jar to the milk tank, a milk meter for determining the quantity of milk milked, and a control unit. The sampling device comprises a sample line with an input connection to the milk jar, the milk pump or the milk line, and an output to a sample collection receptacle, and also a control device controllable by the control unit on the basis of the quantity of milk determined by the milk meter in order to direct, during pumping, a sample quantity of milk through the sample line. Due to the fact that the control unit thus knows how much milk has to be pumped, it can take precisely enough milk samples distributed over the pumping operation such that an accurate representative sample is obtained. A milking device comprising such a milk sampling device is also provided.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
Transportable constructions not included in other classes, fences, metal bars for the construction of fences. Agricultural machines, automatic selection boxes for cows. Computer software and hardware to be used for agricultural machines.
A system and method for automatically monitoring a ruminant animal. The system includes a 3D camera system that obtains images from a region of interest, in particular the paralumbar fossa. An image processor determines the surface curvature in the region of interest, as a function of time. Based on the frequency with which this function attains local maxima, a health indication for the animal is generated.
An autonomous self-propelled mowing vehicle includes a frame fitted with a drive mechanism, a mowing device for mowing plants, a bumper device, and a control unit. The bumper device includes a first and a second impact detector. The first impact detector is depressible up to a stop and is provided with a first switch which emits a first signal to the control unit at a first switching point, if the first impact detector is depressed beyond the switching point. The second impact detector is deformable and locally depressible, and is provided with a second switch which emits a second signal to the control unit if the second impact detector is depressed at least beyond a predetermined depression threshold. The control unit is configured to stop the drive mechanism upon receiving the second signal, and to regulate the drive mechanism in such a way that the speed of the mowing vehicle is reduced to a lower mowing speed upon receiving the first signal without receiving the second signal. This prevents plants to be mowed from pushing the bumper away across the bumper width beyond the switching point of the first impact detector, without losing its long depressibility, because the second impact detector, which itself has a much smaller depressibility, detects obstacles at the lower (mowing) speed by being depressed itself.
The present invention relates to an animal husbandry system, wherein a group of animals can move about freely in an area, the system comprising at least one illumination unit, each illumination unit comprising a mounting structure provided with a number of illumination elements, each arranged for illuminating a respective subarea, the system also being provided with at least one camera arranged for monitoring a number of subareas, wherein the camera(s) is (are) arranged for repeatedly determining the illumination intensity at one or more reference surfaces in the area, the system further comprising control means, operatively connected to the illumination elements and to the camera(s), the control means being programmed for adjusting the illumination elements, based upon the determined illumination intensity at the reference surface(s), in such a way that a predetermined desired illumination intensity pattern is achieved in the area.
The present invention relates to an animal husbandry system, wherein a group of animals can move about freely in an area, the system comprising at least one illumination unit, each illumination unit comprising a mounting structure provided with a number of illumination elements, each arranged for illuminating a respective subarea, the system also being provided with at least one camera arranged for monitoring a number of subareas, wherein the camera(s) is (are) arranged for repeatedly determining the illumination intensity at one or more reference surfaces in the area, the system further comprising control means, operatively connected to the illumination elements and to the camera(s), the control means being programmed for adjusting the illumination elements, based upon the determined illumination intensity at the reference surface(s), in such a way that a predetermined desired illumination intensity pattern is achieved in the area.
A calving monitoring system for monitoring an animal at the end of the expected gestation period comprises a camera device for repeatedly taking images of the animal, a control unit for generating calving information from the images taken, and an alert device for sending an alert message according to the calving information generated. The control unit is configured so as, in each image taken, to recognise an animal image, to segment said animal image into multiple animal parts including a torso, to determine a parameter value relating to first pixels of said torso in the taken images as a time-dependent parametric function, wherein the parameter value comprises a width value of the torso, and to detect contractions when said parameter value meets a predetermined contraction criterion. The criterion is that the parameter value exhibits at least two peaks in said predetermined time duration which have at least a predetermined minimum width and/or a predetermined minimum height. The control unit generates calving information which comprises an indicator of the contractions detected.
A calving monitoring system for monitoring an animal at the end of the expected gestation period comprises a camera device for repeatedly taking images of the animal, a control unit for generating calving information from the images taken, and an alert device for sending an alert message according to the calving information generated. The control unit is configured so as, in each image taken, to recognise an animal image, to segment said animal image into multiple animal parts including a torso, to determine a parameter value relating to first pixels of said torso in the taken images as a time-dependent parametric function, wherein the parameter value comprises a width value of the torso, and to detect contractions when said parameter value meets a predetermined contraction criterion. The criterion is that the parameter value exhibits at least two peaks in said predetermined time duration which have at least a predetermined minimum width and/or a predetermined minimum height. The control unit generates calving information which comprises an indicator of the contractions detected.
A method of feeding a group of animals at a feeding location includes automatically determining an expected feed demand for the group of animals to be fed using a computer; automatically harvesting feed crop in a crop field using an autonomous, unmanned device; automatically loading the harvested feed crop into a storage space provided on the autonomous, unmanned device; automatically transporting the feed crop from the crop field to the feeding location by means of the autonomous, unmanned device; and automatically dosing harvested feed from the storage space of the autonomous; unmanned device to the animals at the feeding location. A completely automated method for determining a feed demand and then harvesting, transporting and dosing the harvested feed to the animals is thus realized. A system for performing the method of feeding a group of animals at a feeding location is also disclosed.
Barn cleaners [machines]; mobile devices for removing animal
excrement from stable surfaces (term considered too vague by
the International Bureau - rule 13 (2) (b) of the
Regulations); robotic devices for removing animal excrement
from stable surfaces (term considered too vague by the
International Bureau - rule 13 (2) (b) of the Regulations).
97.
SYSTEM FOR MOWING PLANTS, IN PARTICULAR GRASS, AND METHOD OF FEEDING ANIMALS BY MEANS OF SUCH A SYSTEM
A system for mowing plants, in particular grass, includes a piece of land on which the plants grow, and an autonomous, self-propelled mowing vehicle. The mowing vehicle includes a mowing device for mowing plants on the piece of land while the mowing vehicle (hives across the piece of land, and a holder for accommodating plants mowed by the mowing device. A control system is provided for controlling the mowing vehicle. The system includes a dwelling space for keeping animals, such as cows, in particular an animal shed. The dwelling space includes a feeding area for feeding mowed plants to the animals. The feeding area in the dwelling space is connected to the piece of land by means of a travelable connection. The mowing vehicle includes a dispensing device for dispensing mowed plants accommodated in the holder. The control system is configured to (i) mow plants on the piece of land by means of the mowing device while the mowing vehicle drives across the piece of land, (ii) displace the mowing vehicle with mowed plants accommodated in the holder from the piece of land to the feeding area in the dwelling space, and (iii) dispense mowed plants to said feeding area by means of the dispensing device in order to feed the mowed plants to the animals.
A system and method which functions to automatically monitor a ruminant animal. The system includes a 3D camera system that obtains images from a region of interest. An image processor determines the surface curvature in the region of interest, as a function of time. Based on the frequency with which this function attains local maxima, a health indication for the animal is generated.
A feeding system for feeding animals, in particular cows, includes a feed storage system for keeping feed for the animals in store, and a feed loading device for loading a batch of feed from the feed storage system into a receptacle of an autonomous feeding device in order to teed the animals. The feed loading device is provided with a feed grabber including two grab buckets which are hingeable between an open position and a closed position. The feed grabber includes an actuation device for actuating the grab buckets from the open position to the closed position. The actuation device includes a rotatably drivable winding-up body which is connected to one of the grab buckets and includes a winding circumference, and an arm which is connected between the winding-up body and the other grab bucket. The arm includes a plurality of mutually, hingeably connected arm sections which are made from stainless steel or a material having substantially the same strength and corrosion-resistant properties as stainless steel. The arm sections, in the open position of the grab buckets, extend substantially in line with one another. The arm sections, from the open position of the grab buckets, when the winding-up body is rotatably driven, are wound about the winding circumference of the winding-up body in order to pull the grab buckets towards the closed position. The arm sections are configured in such a way that the winding circumference of the winding-up body can be covered substantially in its entirety by at most 8 arm sections, preferably at most 6 arm sections, in particular 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 arm sections.
01 - Produits chimiques destinés à l'industrie, aux sciences ainsi qu'à l'agriculture
Produits et services
Scale-removing preparations and Cleaners, not for household use, for use in the following fields: Milk production and dairy farming services, Especially for use in relation to the following goods: Milking machines.
