LELY PATENT N.V. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160131106 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - Wind turbine comprising a nacelle with a generator and wind turbine blades for driving the generator, a tower supporting the nacelle wherein the nacelle is rotatable about a vertical axis an azimuth drive for rotating the nacelle around the axis, said azimuth drive comprising a plurality of asynchronous yaw motors and an azimuth controller with a frequency unit for controlling the plurality of asynchronous yaw motors, wherein the azimuth controller is arranged to connect all of the plurality of asynchronous yaw motors to the one frequency unit in a rotating mode and to connect only a subset of the plurality of asynchronous yaw motors from the one frequency unit in a locking mode. | 05-12-2016 |
20160081295 | DEVICE FOR MILKING ANIMALS - A device for milking animals including a plurality of milking stations, wherein each milking station includes a milk collecting container and a displacing mechanism for displacing liquid from the milk collecting container. The milk collecting container (is connected to a first discharge line and to a second discharge line, a second central milk line is connected to the second discharge line for leading milk from a plurality of milking stations to a collective liquid discharge and further includes a line cleaning device connected to the second central milk line for cleaning at least the second central milk line with a cleaning liquid, wherein the connection of the line cleaning device with the second central milk line is located at least equally far from the liquid discharge as the connection of a second discharge line with the second central milk line. | 03-24-2016 |
20160037745 | IMPLEMENT FOR KEEPING DAIRY ANIMALS - An implement for keeping dairy animals, provided with a first and a second production unit and with a care unit having a plurality of subunits, wherein each production unit is provided with at least one accommodation area for a production group, which comprises a group of lactating dairy animals, and with a milking implement for milking the production group, wherein the subunits of the care unit at least include a calving unit for separately accommodating dairy animals in a calving period, and a milking implement for milking newly calved dairy animals, and an infirmary unit for separately accommodating sick animals, and wherein the care unit forms a connection between the production units. There is thus provided a compact disposition, comprising efficient and short distances, for dairy animals requiring care. | 02-11-2016 |
20160029586 | METHOD OF DETECTING A FLOW, DETECTION DEVICE, AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - Milk flow detecting method and device monitors a flow of milk in a milk line which is connected to a teat cup and which has an aeration opening, like in a milking device. For this purpose, the milk filling level is monitored in a measuring section of the line. If the variation therein is too little, the absence of a flow, or at least an inadequate flow, is established. If, additionally, a (sufficient) filling level is detected, it can be concluded that there is an obstructed aeration opening. | 02-04-2016 |
20160021849 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LOCALIZING AND DISPLAYING POSITIONS OF AUTONOMOUSLY MOBILE OBJECTS - A method of and system for localizing, and displaying positions of, one or more autonomously mobile objects within plural physically delimited areas, having physical boundaries, in an animal housing. The method includes: determining a position of at least one of the objects within the animal housing; displaying the position of the at least one object on a map of the animal housing on a visual display device; validating the determined position before displaying the position. The validating includes: correcting the determined position into a corrected position within the physically delimited area, and providing the corrected position as the position to be displayed, otherwise providing the determined position as the position to be displayed. The correction may be dependent on object, type and/or status. Providing corrected positions allows a more efficient and reliable management of the animal housing. | 01-28-2016 |
20160021847 | FEED-MIXING WAGON AND METHOD FOR REPLACING A COVERING OF A FEED-MIXING WAGON - A feed-mixing wagon includes a container for receiving feed. The container includes a bottom, and a peripheral wall which is closed off at a bottom end by the bottom. A mixing element is provided for mixing the feed to be accommodated in the container. The peripheral wall is provided with a wall covering which extends at least along a bottom, ring-shaped part of the inner surface of the peripheral wall. The wall covering includes a plurality of wall plate parts with upwardly extending side edges. Two adjoining side edges of at least two respective adjoining wall plate parts are clamped to the inner surface of the peripheral wall by clamping strips which overlap these adjoining side edges and which are attached to the peripheral wall of the container by means of detachable fasteners. | 01-28-2016 |
20160000035 | VEHICLE FOR DISPLACING FEED LYING ON A FLOOR IN A SIDEWARD DISPLACEMENT DIRECTION - A vehicle for displacing feed includes a frame with wheels having a plurality of elongate tread portions and grooves, a motor for moving the vehicle in a moving direction, and a material displacer to displace the material, when the vehicle moves in the moving direction, over the floor towards a first side with respect to said moving direction. At least a majority of the tread portions is arranged such that they extend, when in contact with the floor, in a direction that makes a sharp angle with the forward direction opposite said first side. Thus, diagonal tread portions are predominantly directed to one side to counteract a reaction force of the feed being displaced sidewardly by the vehicle. | 01-07-2016 |
20150351885 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING AN OESTRUS ATTENTION SIGNAL FOR A CATTLE ANIMAL - A method for monitoring oestrus of a cattle animal, for example a cow. The method includes: a) collecting activity data of the animal, b) computing a current activity level based on the activity data, c) deciding whether to generate an oestrus attention signal by comparing at least one current activity level to a corresponding baseline activity level. The computing b) further includes b1) detecting travelling movements of the animal and b2) correcting the baseline activity level for detected travelling movements. | 12-10-2015 |
20150342139 | CAMERA SYSTEM, ANIMAL RELATED SYSTEM THEREWITH, AND METHOD TO CREATE 3D CAMERA IMAGES - A camera system, an animal related system therewith, and a method for creating a 3D image of an object, the camera device including a 3D camera device to capture images of the object, a processing device to determine a 3D image from the captured images, and a mover device to move at least a part of the 3D camera device with a reciprocating movement. Providing a movement to the camera device provides a less noisy and more accurate 3D image of the object, in particular in a case of a soiled camera device. | 12-03-2015 |
20150342121 | BALING DEVICE AND METHOD TO FORM BALES OF CROP MATERIAL - A baling device to form bales of crop material, including a frame, an intake device, a bale forming device for forming a bale of the crop material, the bale forming device including at least one endless belt to delimit a baling chamber, and a number of guiding elements to guide the endless belt, the outlet of the intake device is located at a fixed position with respect to the frame, and at least three guiding elements are movably mounted with respect to the outlet of the intake device to position for subsequent bales different pairs of two guiding elements of the at least three movable guiding elements at the opposite sides of the outlet. | 12-03-2015 |
20150339522 | METHOD OF AND ANIMAL TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING AN ANIMAL RELATED ACTION ON AN ANIMAL PART IN AN ANIMAL SPACE - A method determining a position of an animal part in an animal space in at least one direction, including: obtaining a two-dimensional image containing depth information; preprocessing the image according to first and second preprocessing modes, to provide respective first and second preprocessed images; comparing the first preprocessed image and the second preprocessed image to obtain at least one image difference; if the at least one image difference is below or equal to a respective predetermined threshold, processing the first preprocessed image according to a first position determining mode, and if the at least one image difference is above the predetermined threshold, processing the second preprocessed image according to a second position determining mode, to provide the position of the animal part. If a fast but not very accurate processing mode, and a slower but more accurate mode, are available, the method can suitably select one of these modes. | 11-26-2015 |
20150313086 | WRAPPING DEVICE - The invention relates to a wrapping device to wrap an object in foil material including a frame, a wrapping table mounted on the frame and configured to support the object during wrapping, one or more roll support devices to support one or more rolls of foil material to be rotated about the object during wrapping, a carrying structure mounted on the frame and configured to carry the one or more roll support devices, and a clamping and cutting device to clamp the foil material after wrapping of an object, and to cut the clamped foil material, wherein the clamping and cutting device is mounted on the carrying structure, and wherein the carrying structure is pivotable about a substantially horizontal pivot axis with respect to the frame. | 11-05-2015 |
20150296326 | NETWORK EXPANSION METHOD FOR A BLUETOOTH NETWORK - A method of connecting a further wireless Bluetooth node to a wireless Bluetooth node which participates in a wireless communication network, is disclosed. The method comprises:—initiating, by the further wireless Bluetooth node, a wireless network connection with the wireless Bluetooth node;—determining, by the wireless Bluetooth node, in how many slave connections the wireless Bluetooth node is involved; and—determining by the wireless Bluetooth node, if the connection initiation by the further wireless Bluetooth node is a priority connection request and—setting the predetermined number of free slave connections to one if the connection initiation by the further wireless Bluetooth node is a priority connection request and—setting the predetermined number of free slave connections to two if the connection initiation by the further wireless Bluetooth node is not a priority connection request. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289486 | METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING AN ATTENTION INDICATION FOR A DAIRY ANIMAL - A method and device are provided for generating an attention indication for a dairy animal that is kept in an environment with a freely accessible robotic milking system, including measuring a plurality of visit intervals, milking intervals, respectively of said dairy animal, determining a value of a statistical parameter regarding the measured plurality of intervals from the measured intervals, generating the attention indication, in particular a mastitis alarm signal, if the value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Valuable information can be derived from the spread of, or change in, the values. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289472 | DEVICE FOR REMOVING MANURE FROM A FLOOR, IN PARTICULAR A CLOSED FLOOR - The present invention relates to an unmanned self-propelled and self-steering device for removing manure present on a floor, including a manure slide and a drive for moving the device over the floor, wherein the manure slide is substantially U-shaped or V-shaped with two legs in order to define autonomously a manure-accommodating-space which opens in a forward direction and is closed in a rearward direction, and wherein the legs have a length in the order of magnitude of the width of the manure slide. | 10-15-2015 |
20150289471 | DEVICE FOR REMOVING MANURE FROM A FLOOR, IN PARTICULAR A CLOSED FLOOR - The present invention relates to an unmanned self-propelled and self-steering device for removing manure present on a floor, including a manure slide and a drive for moving the device over the floor, wherein the manure slide is substantially U-shaped or V-shaped with two legs in order to define autonomously a manure-accommodating-space which opens in a forward direction and is closed in a rearward direction, and wherein the legs have a length in the order of magnitude of the width of the manure slide. | 10-15-2015 |
20150285783 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING GREENHOUSE GAS, IN PARTICULAR METHANE, EMITTED BY A RUMINANT, IN PARTICULAR A DIARY ANIMAL - A method and a device for determining the emission of greenhouse gas, in particular methane, by ruminants, in particular dairy animals includes counting eructations (“belches”) of the animal. This is done by measuring a signal linked to the eructations, for example sound with a microphone. Given that the methane content of an eructation of this type is more or less constant, the total methane emission can be derived therefrom by counting. | 10-08-2015 |
20150245587 | UNMANNED CLEANING VEHICLE - The invention relates to an unmanned wheeled vehicle for cleaning the floor of an accommodation of an animal, the vehicle being configured to clean a first floor surface at a first height level, while at least partially being supported on a second floor surface at a second height level, wherein the first height level is higher than the second height level, wherein the vehicle comprises a main body comprising a support side and a cleaning side, and a support device connected to the main body at the support side thereof to at least partially support the main body on the second floor surface, wherein the main body comprises at the cleaning side a contact cleaning device configured to clean the first floor surface by contact with the first floor surface, wherein the vehicle comprises a tilting device to tilt the main body between a tilted position in which the cleaning side of the main body can be moved over the first floor surface without contact between the contact cleaning device and the first floor surface, and a cleaning position, in which the contact cleaning device is in contact with the first floor surface, when the cleaning side is moved over the first floor surface. | 09-03-2015 |
20150230427 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING AN ANIMAL-RELATED ACTION - A system for performing an animal-related action includes a self-propelled vehicle with a regulating unit including a transmitting and receiving device. The regulating unit is connected to a drive and control system of the vehicle, including an electric drive motor and a battery system. The system includes a central operating system provided with a transmitting and receiving device designed to communicate with the transmitting and receiving device of the vehicle. The central operating system includes a memory in which data are stored comprising navigation data, on the basis of which the vehicle is able to travel a predetermined route from a charging station, through at least a part of the operating area, and then back to the charging station. The central operating system transmits a packet of data including these navigation data to the regulating unit of the vehicle. | 08-20-2015 |
20150230426 | FEED DEVICE - Feed-mixing device comprising a container with a side wall having a dispensing opening which can be closed off with a slide in front of which a removing device is placed which, for example, comprises a roller with teeth. When the roller rotates, the teeth extend inside the side wall. On a first peripheral section of the roller, the teeth are placed in such a manner that they do not extend inside the side wall. Thus, the slide can be positioned in such a manner that it runs in a fluent and continuous manner with respect to the side wall, while the assembly still forms a compact arrangement. | 08-20-2015 |
20150223429 | SELF-PROPELLED ANIMAL-SHED VEHICLE FOR REMOVING MANURE AND AN ASSEMBLY OF SUCH AN ANIMAL-SHED VEHICLE AND AN ANIMAL-SHED FLOOR - Self-propelled animal-shed vehicle for removing manure from a floor, and comprising a frame, a manure pick-up device, and a manure collecting bin, wherein the manure pick-up device comprises a rotating, continuous manure pick-up belt, at least two reversing parts, around which the belt can be rotatably moved, and a drive for moving the manure pick-up belt around the reversing parts, wherein the manure pick-up device during use keeps the manure pick-up belt in contact with the floor by means of a bottom reversing part, and wherein the drive is configured to move the manure pick-up belt at a peripheral speed, in such a manner that the manure pick-up belt moves from a bottom side of the bottom reversing part to a top side of the reversing part along the reversing part. Such a vehicle can keep an animal-shed floor clean in a very efficient manner. The invention also provides an assembly of such an animal-shed vehicle and an animal-shed floor which is configured to separate manure which lands thereon into solid droppings and urine. | 08-13-2015 |
20150223427 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CLEANING CUBICLES - The invention relates to a method of cleaning at least a part of a cubicle from a row of individual cubicles in a stable, each cubicle having lateral partitions extending in the longitudinal direction on each side of the cubicle, the method comprising the steps of providing an animal presence sensor for detecting the presence of an animal in a cubicle, and providing an autonomous unmanned vehicle, the vehicle comprising a control system for controlling the operation of the vehicle and cubicle floor cleaning means, and the method further comprising the steps of detecting by an animal presence sensor a first of the cubicles free of an animal, detecting whether an animal is present in a second of the cubicles neighboring next to the first cubicle, and controlling the autonomous vehicle to clean the first cubicle in a first cleaning mode that is dependent on the presence of an animal in said second neighboring cubicle. The invention also relates to an autonomous unmanned vehicle for cleaning cubicles. | 08-13-2015 |
20150223425 | METHOD OF MILKING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS BY MEANS OF AN AUTOMATIC MILKING SYSTEM - A method of milking a group of dairy animals by an automatic milking system, the group including at least two subgroups. The method has a number of steps. In one step, a dairy animal that presents itself for a milking is identified. Subsequently, a decision is taken about whether or not the dairy animal should be milked at that moment. If milking is desirable and the dairy animal belongs to the first subgroup, a teat cleaning treatment is carried out prior to the start of the milking. During the teat cleaning treatment, at least one teat of the dairy animal is cleaned. Upon identification of a dairy animal from the second subgroup, a limitation for a teat cleaning treatment is issued by a control device. | 08-13-2015 |
20150208608 | MILKING DEVICE - A milking device, including: a platform that is rotatable in a direction of rotation and includes an edge and a plurality of milking stations, and a milking mechanism for milking a dairy animal; a plurality of feeding troughs which are distributed along the edge, outside next to the platform on a fixed world frame and within reach of the dairy animals on the milking stations. The feeding troughs do not have to be made unnecessarily complicated and movable or foldable, so that reliability of in particular the feed portion of such a milking device can be improved. | 07-30-2015 |
20150201576 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS - The present invention relates to a system and method of managing a group of dairy animals. More particularly, the invention relates to measuring one or more milk parameters, comparing this parameter to a criterion, and allowing an animal access to a pasture based on this comparison. The milk parameter is related to the composition of milk obtained from a dairy animal in as far as the composition is defined by at least one of the amount of protein and the energy intake of the dairy animal. The measured milk parameter is, for example, urea. Access to the pasture will be completely or partly blocked for a dairy animal having a high content of urea. This dairy animal is thus prevented from taking in an undesirably large amount of protein. | 07-23-2015 |
20150181838 | FEEDING APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING FEED TO A TROUGH AND A METHOD OF MONITORING THE FUNCTIONING OF SUCH A FEEDING APPARATUS - A feeding apparatus is provided for supplying feed to a trough. The feeding apparatus includes a plurality of feed dispensers having respective outlets. The feeding apparatus further includes a slide, the slide being positioned below the outlets to receive feed falling from the outlets and guide the feed towards the trough. The slide includes a plurality of impact detectors located below the respective outlets to detect impact of feed on the slide. | 07-02-2015 |
20150173321 | CONDUIT AND A METHOD OF CLEANING A CONDUIT - The invention relates to a conduit for transferring milk. The conduit is provided with at least one flexible wall, which divides the conduit into at least one milk duct and at least one secondary duct. The milk duct and the at least one secondary duct extend along a longitudinal axis of the conduit, it being possible for the at least one milk duct to be substantially emptied by pressing through filling the at least one secondary duct. | 06-25-2015 |
20150118376 | APPARATUS FOR MIXING AND CUTTING ANIMAL FEED AND METHOD OF OPERATING SUCH AN APPARATUS - The invention relates to an apparatus for mixing and cutting animal feed comprising a container with a side wall, a rotary mixing and cutting device positioned inside the container and at least one counter element provided at the sidewall. The apparatus comprises at least one positioning device for moving the at least one counter element between a retracted position and an inserted position. The container comprises a control unit to control the positioning device of the at least one counter element. The control unit is arranged to control at least one positioning device for bringing at least one counter element in a pulsating modus, wherein the at least one counter element moves between the retracted and inserted position. | 04-30-2015 |
20150115084 | FEED-MIXING WAGON - A feed-mixing wagon for animal feed, including a frame with a drive, a container with a continuous wall with a feed-unload opening, a feed auger which is arranged in the container for mixing and cutting animal feed and including an auger shaft and an auger body which is arranged around it in a spiral which has several blades. The blades include at least one blade of a first, long type and at least one blade of a second, short type, and at least one blade of the short type is situated closer to the bottom than at least one blade of the long type. As a result of the various blades in the described configuration, the cutting and mixing behaviour can be adjusted in an optimum way. | 04-30-2015 |
20150104273 | DEVICE FOR DISPLACING LIVESTOCK FEED - The invention provides a livestock feed-displacing device and system, with a grab bucket which can be positioned above a feed kitchen with feed positions by a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to compose an amount of animal feed from feed material provided in the feed kitchen by positioning the grab bucket at a grabbing position, grabbing livestock feed underneath said grabbing position, positioning the grab bucket at a desired feed-unloading point, such as in a feed wagon, and unloading the grabbed livestock feed at the feed-unloading point, wherein the control unit is designed to earmark, if at least one predetermined clearing-up criterion has been met, livestock feed in the feed kitchen as waste to be removed and to make the device carry out a clearing-up operation, wherein the clearing-up operation comprises the removal of the livestock feed at said feed position by displacing it to another position in the feed kitchen. | 04-16-2015 |
20150086687 | APPARATUS FOR MIXING AND CUTTING ANIMAL FEED AND METHOD OF OPERATING SUCH AN APPARATUS - An apparatus for mixing and cutting animal feed comprising a container with a side wall, a rotary mixing and cutting device positioned inside the container and arranged to be driven by a driving unit. At least one counter element is provided at the sidewall. The apparatus comprises positioning device for moving the counter element between a retracted position and an inserted position, and a control unit to control the positioning device of the counter element and arranged to determine an indication of the amount of power consumed by the driving units for driving the rotary mixing and cutting device and to control positioning device based on the determined indication of the amount of power. | 03-26-2015 |
20150075436 | FEED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE FEEDING OF ANIMALS - A feed system ( | 03-19-2015 |
20150073638 | SYSTEM OF AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES - A system and method for control of the system, with a plurality of autonomous vehicles having intersecting routes, a control, an operational area, and a predefined place with positions provided with a vehicle presence detection device. The method includes detecting the presence of the vehicles in a detection device, and beginning to travel with a first vehicle according to a travel action. The travel action is chosen from travelling of a route through the operational area from a predefined place, and an advancing action within a predefined place from a first detection device to a second detection device which is not yet occupied. Beginning to travel is carried out only if each of the vehicles has been detected as present at one of the predefined places, or, at most one vehicle has the status “not present at one of the predefined places” if the travel action relates to an advancing action. | 03-12-2015 |
20150053906 | ELECTRIC FENCE AND ASSEMBLY THEREWITH - An electric fence for deterring animals from an area with one or more supplies of feed and at least one separate feed processing machine, wherein the fence comprises an electrically conductive member, an electric power supply connected to said member for energizing the member and arranged to provide an electric shock to an object coming into contact with said member. A controller is operatively connected to the fence, wherein the controller is arranged to measure a value of an electrical parameter of the fence, and to automatically adjust the operating state of the machine within the area when the measured parameter value fulfils a predetermined criterion. | 02-26-2015 |
20150034014 | FEED CONTROL SYSTEM, FEEDING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FEEDING ANIMALS - A feed control system, a feeding system and a method for feeding animals comprises an autonomous feed displacer which displaces animal feed and subsequently measures the height of the displaced animal feed using a feed level meter. Since the displaced, pushed back animal feed results in heaps of surprisingly constant shape, it is possible to obtain a reliable indication of the quantity using only the feed level. | 02-05-2015 |
20140338603 | METHOD OF AND ARRANGEMENT FOR MANAGING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS - Method of managing dairy animals in a free housing including a voluntary automatic milking system, and including determining TLM as the time since the last milking of an animal, determining AVMF as an average daily voluntary milking frequency for the animal, setting a desired milking interval DMI for the animal, marking the animal for manual collection if TLM and/or DMI fulfill a collecting criterion, making a list of marked animals, collecting and milking the marked animals, wherein the collecting criterion is fulfilled if TLM is above a first interval threshold, or if TLM is at least equal to the value of a mathematical function applied to the DMI, or if AVMF is below a frequency threshold, and TLM is above a second, shorter interval threshold MRI. Also a milking arrangement is disclosed with a milking robot having a control device arranged to perform the method. | 11-20-2014 |
20140311412 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS - A method and system for managing a group of dairy animals in which a subgroup of dairy animals to be separated from the group of dairy animals is determined. A planned collection time is determined, at which time it is planned that the dairy animals in the subgroup of dairy animals to be separated are separated from the group of dairy animals. An individual separation period, which is determined by the length of time from a start time, preceding the planned collection time, to the planned collection time, is selected separately, for each individual dairy animal in the subgroup of dairy animals to be separated, in dependence of a property of said individual dairy animal. Each individual dairy animal in the subgroup of dairy animals to be separated is separated from the group of dairy animals during the individual separation period selected for said dairy animal. | 10-23-2014 |
20140238304 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A MILKING PROCESS - A method of monitoring a milking process by a milking apparatus with a teatcup with a pulsation space and a pulsation airline configured to deliver varying levels of pressure to the pulsation space, including measuring at least one property of a vibrational signal within the airline with a vibration sensor; comparing a value of the measured property with a reference value; and determining a condition of the milking process based on the comparison. The vibrational signal can be a sound signal from to the displacement of air into and out of the pulsation space. This sound in the airline correlates to the extent to which a teat has entered a teatcup, and is a good indication of the connection of the teatcup to that teat. The sound is furthermore a cleaner signal than a sound signal in a milkline. Also provided is a robotic automatic milking implement incorporating the method. | 08-28-2014 |
20140217977 | VEHICLE SYSTEM - A vehicle system with a charging station and an autonomously movable, electrically powered vehicle dockable therewith, the vehicle system being mutually engageable at an inlet-side on the vehicle and an outlet-side on the charging station arranged to transport energy between the charging station and vehicle when engaged and further being provided with an inlet-side guiding member, an outlet-side guiding member, respectively, arranged to guide the inlet-side and outlet-side engagements from a non-charging position into a charging position upon engaging of the inlet- and outlet-sides when docking the vehicle to the charging station. | 08-07-2014 |
20140190414 | AUTONOMOUS DEVICE FOR EXECUTING ONE OR MORE OPERATIONS ON OR NEAR THE TEATS OF A DAIRY ANIMAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF MILKING THE DAIRY ANIMAL AND METHOD OF MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL - An autonomous device for executing one or more operations on or near the teats of a dairy animal for the purpose of milking the dairy animal, including a self-propelled wheeled undercarriage which can travel freely across a floor surface in at least two independent directions, and a robot arm which is fitted to the undercarriage and configured to execute the one or more operations on or near the teats of the dairy animal, the device configured to execute the one or more operations in a milking device with a milking floor on which the dairy animals are situated during milking, and the device being supported on a stationary pit floor during the execution of the one or more operations, which pit floor is at a lower level than the milking floor. | 07-10-2014 |
20140182258 | MOWING DEVICE - Mowing device for plants, comprising at least one rotor with a rotor axis, in particular a vertical rotor axis or first rotation axis, and at least one blade which is driven in rotation by the rotor, in which the blade is attached to a blade holder, which is attached to the rotor so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis which is situated at a radial distance from the rotor axis. | 07-03-2014 |
20140174366 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A MILKING PROCESS - A method of monitoring a milking process by a milking apparatus that includes a teatcup with a pulsation space and an airline to deliver varying levels of pressure to the pulsation space. The method includes: measuring airflow within the airline to obtain an indication of volume of displaced air within the pulsation space; comparing the volume with a reference value; and determining a connection parameter, indicating how the teatcup is connected to the teat, based on the comparison. The displaced air volume correlates to the extent the teat protrudes into the teatcup, thus providing information on how the teatcup is connected. Also provided is a milking system incorporating the method. | 06-26-2014 |
20140130745 | DETECTOR SYSTEM, SENSOR AND DAIRY ANIMAL TREATMENT DEVICE - Sensor system with a sensor device having a through-flow cell for liquid, a detector device for measuring a property of the liquid in the through-flow cell and for generating an associated detector signal, a sensor control for analyzing the detector signal, wherein the sensor control detects a liquid transition between two different liquids in the through-flow cell when a change (per unit time) in the detector signal is greater is than a threshold value. In the case of such a liquid transition detection, the sensor control generates an alarm signal. Liquid transition detection is carried out by optical, temperature and/or conductivity sensors. | 05-15-2014 |
20140124000 | MANURE-REMOVAL DEVICE - A manure-removal vehicle and an assembly thereof having a manure-discharging location. The vehicle comprises a pump and a tank having an air discharge. The vehicle collects manure by means of a scraper and this is subsequently suctioned up via a manure extraction opening in the tank. The pump works at low power and in particular at low pressure, due to the fact that a constant stream of manure is collected in front of the opening, in particular if a sealing plate is provided. | 05-08-2014 |
20140123733 | MILK PROPERTY MEASURING DEVICE - The present invention provides a system and method for a milk measuring device for measuring the acoustic properties, such as acoustic damping and sound velocity in milk, in order to determine milk properties. The sound velocity in milk depends on temperature and composition. By carrying out, for example by means of a piezo element, a reference measurement on vibrations that have been directed by a second piezo element into a wire or the like of known material, which wire is strung in the measuring chamber which is filled with the milk to be tested, the milk temperature can be derived, so that other milk properties, in particular the fat/protein composition, can be determined in a more reliable manner. | 05-08-2014 |
20140117110 | VEHICLE FOR DISPLACING FEED - An autonomous and self-propelled vehicle for laterally displacing feed, having a frame and a housing, the housing including a rotatable feed-displacement device, at least a bottom section of the feed-displacement device being rotationally symmetrical about a cylinder axis , the cylinder axis being at an angle to the vertical direction in such a manner that a part of the feed-displacement device which, viewed in the direction of travel, is situated at the front is arranged closer to the ground than a part of the feed-displacement device which, viewed in the direction of travel, is situated at the rear. | 05-01-2014 |
20140102069 | DRAWN AGRICULTURAL MACHINE - A drawn agricultural machine comprising a carrier frame for carrying processing members, the carrier frame supportable on the ground, at least during transport, by means of a wheel set comprising at least a wheel, a coupling frame for coupling the agricultural machine | 04-17-2014 |
20140034750 | AUTONOMOUSLY DISPLACEABLE FEED DISPLACEMENT VEHICLE - A feed displacement vehicle which can move on a surface autonomously, the vehicle comprising a frame which is provided with a drive mechanism, a feed displacement device configured to push aside feed situated on the surface, a container for a feed supplement to be dispensed, and a dispensing device for dispensing the feed supplement from the container. The vehicle further comprises an adjustment device configured such that the dispensing device of the vehicle can be adjusted in order to dispense the feed supplement at a desired, adjustable dispensing distance. | 02-06-2014 |
20140007552 | AGRICULTURAL MACHINE - An agricultural machine for lateral displacement including has a fastening device configured to be fastened to a pulling vehicle, a frame, an implement to be fastened to the frame, a hingeable drawbar, and an actuator provided between the frame and the drawbar, in order to move The actuator moves the frame between at least a transport position behind the fastening device and an operative position laterally of the fastening device, wherein. A telescopic drive shaft is situated between the fastening device and the implement, wherein a first shaft end of the shaft is connected to the fastening device and a second shaft end of the shaft is connected to the implement. The agricultural machine further has a steering device which is configured to direct the first shaft part of the telescopic drive shaft substantially to the second shaft end of the telescopic drive shaft. | 01-09-2014 |
20130340386 | WRAPPING DEVICE - The invention relates to a wrapping device for enveloping or packing in particular agricultural crop bales, including a wrapping floor for receiving and rotating the pressed crop bale and a guide frame for at least one wrapping material carrier for wrapping the bale on the wrapping floor with wrapping material in the form of webs, wherein the guide frame is height adjustable, in order to set the center of the wrapping material approximately at the location of the center of the crop bale to be wrapped. In order to be able to adapt wrapping devices having a guide frame to bales of different bale diameters, the guide frame should be pivotable about a horizontal axle which is situated parallel to the axis of rotation of the crop bale. | 12-26-2013 |
20130269625 | ASSEMBLY FOR AND METHOD OF GRAZING - Assembly for delimiting a grazing area for cattle, in particular dairy cattle, comprising at least three holders which are spaced apart and which are directly or indirectly interconnected by one or more delimiting elements, such as wires, which are displaceable by the holders, wherein at least two of the holders are self-propelled and at least one of the holders is designed as a milking station. | 10-17-2013 |
20130239898 | DAIRY ANIMAL TREATMENT SYSTEM - There is provided a method and system for connecting a teat cup ( | 09-19-2013 |
20130233419 | MILKING INSTALLATION WITH MILK PUMP - A milking installation with a milking robot for automatically connecting teat cups to the teats of a dairy animal has milk lines extending between the teat cups and a milk de-aeration unit or milk glass. A de-aeration port is present at the top of the de-aeration unit and a de-aeration line connects the milk glass to a vacuum system. At the bottom of the milk glass a milk inlet line is provided which connects the milk glass to the milk pump. The milk pump includes a milk inlet, a pump housing, a milk outlet. The milk pump is a membrane pump which type of pump is known to be gentle to the milk and thus reduce occurrence of lypolysis of the milk when pumped through the milking installation. | 09-12-2013 |
20130206884 | FEED DEVICE - Feed-mixing device comprising a container with a side wall having a dispensing opening which can be closed off with a slide, in front of which a removing device is placed which, for example, comprises a roller with teeth. When the roller rotates, the teeth extend inside the side wall. On a first peripheral section of the roller, the teeth are placed in such a manner that they do not extend inside the side wall. Thus, the slide can be positioned in such a manner that it runs in a fluent and continuous manner with respect to the side wall, while the assembly still forms a compact arrangement. | 08-15-2013 |
20130167775 | MILKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MILKING A HERD OF DAIRY ANIMALS - A milking system for milking a herd of dairy animals includes a first milking device and a second milking device, an identification device for identifying dairy animals to be milked of a herd of dairy animals, and a control device for determining an estimated treatment time of each dairy animal to be milked. The control device also classifies each dairy animal to be milked with the aid of a criterion on the basis of the estimated treatment time in at least a first or second group of dairy animals. The milking system admits the first group of dairy animals to preferably only the first milking device and admits the second group to preferably only the second milking device. | 07-04-2013 |
20130139849 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REMOVING DIRT FROM A FLOOR - A device for removing dirt from a floor includes a carrier frame moveable over the floor, a motor mounted on the carrier frame, and a rotating body drivable by the motor and connected with the carrier frame. Several shovel-holders for shovelling dirt from the floor are mounted on the rotating body spaced apart from each other in the peripheral direction, are moveable along a path along the floor, and each have an open end in the rotation direction of the rotating body. A sweeper device for sweeping dirt out of one of the shovel-holders is arranged along the path of the shovel-holders on the carrier frame at a position substantially stationary in relation to the carrier frame, and is fitted with a sweeper element which, on rotation of the rotating body, moves between the shovel-holders and sweeps through one of the shovel-holders in order to sweep out dirt therefrom. | 06-06-2013 |
20130098306 | LOOSE-HOUSE BARN WITH FLOOR HEATING - A barn in which dairy animals can freely move about, lie down and eat includes a floor, a light-transmitting roof construction, and a wall construction. The floor consists for the greater part of a moisture absorbing, pourable layer which is able to collect moisture from manure and urine. This moisture is removed by means of solar heat and wind drying, and if this is not sufficient, by means of a floor heating. There is thus only required a very limited stationary sub-floor with a manure collecting device, i.e. only below the milking implement. | 04-25-2013 |
20130073137 | VEHICLE FOR DISPLACING FEED - The invention provides an autonomous vehicle for displacing feed laterally, comprising a frame having two separately drivable rear wheels and a front supporting point, and a feed displacer in the form of an annular element which is freely rotatable and has a radius r, said element forming the outer circumference of the vehicle. In order to enhance the control stability, the rear wheels are situated at a distance of less than a radius from the geometric centre of the vehicle. | 03-21-2013 |
20130061656 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING GREENHOUSE GAS, IN PARTICULAR METHANE, EMITTED BY A RUMINANT, IN PARTICULAR A DAIRY ANIMAL - A method and a device for determining the emission of greenhouse gas, in particular methane, by ruminants, in particular dairy animals includes counting eructations (“belches”) of the animal. This is done by measuring a signal linked to the eructations, for example sound with a microphone. Given that the methane content of an eructation of this type is more or less constant, the total methane emission can be derived therefrom by counting. | 03-14-2013 |
20130032098 | FACILITIES FOR AND METHOD OF SEPARATING AND SORTING LIVESTOCK - Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device. | 02-07-2013 |
20130032097 | FACILITIES FOR AND METHOD OF SEPARATING AND SORTING LIVESTOCK - Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device. | 02-07-2013 |
20130019806 | METHOD OF DETECTING A FLOW, DETECTION DEVICE, AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - Milk flow detecting method and device monitors a flow of milk in a milk line which is connected to a teat cup and which has an aeration opening, like in a milking device. For this purpose, the milk filling level is monitored in a measuring section of the line. If the variation therein is too little, the absence of a flow, or at least an inadequate flow, is established. If, additionally, a (sufficient) filling level is detected, it can be concluded that there is an obstructed aeration opening. | 01-24-2013 |
20120325153 | METHOD FOR MILKING AN ANIMAL, AND MILKING ARRANGEMENT - There are provided a method of and arrangement for automatically milking an animal by use of an automatic milking system comprising a plurality of teat cups, a robot arm for automatic attachment of the teat cups and a control system arranged to control the milking system, wherein the teat cups are used, until a defect is established with a teat cup. In that case, milking of the non-milked teat is automatically taken over with the first teat cup that has stopped milking. | 12-27-2012 |
20120305088 | CONDUIT AND A METHOD OF CLEANING A CONDUIT - The invention relates to a conduit for transferring milk. The conduit is provided with at least one flexible wall, which divides the conduit into at least one milk duct and at least one secondary duct. The milk duct and the at least one secondary duct extend along a longitudinal axis of the conduit, it being possible for the at least one milk duct to be substantially emptied by pressing through filling the at least one secondary duct. | 12-06-2012 |
20120267132 | AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WITH ACCUMULATOR SUSPENSION - The present invention relates to an agricultural implement with a main frame and a movable subframe connected thereto. The agricultural implement has a fluid system which comprises an accumulator which provides a suspension effect to agricultural tools connected to the agricultural implement. This provides a simple, resilient hydraulic lifting system for an agricultural implement. | 10-25-2012 |
20120256396 | AGRICULTURAL DEVICE - An agricultural device is displaceable between a transport position and a working position and includes a frame having a main beam extending in a longitudinal direction, which main beam defines a longitudinal axis, and two side arms extending on both sides of the main beam to support one or more tools, wherein the side arms are hingeably connected at an inner end to a slide connection which is slidable along the main beam. The side arms are displaceable between a transport position, in which they substantially extend along the main beam, under a first angle with the main beam, and a working position, in which the side arms extend from the main beam under a second angle, larger than the first angle. The side arms are displaceable between the transport position and the working position by sliding of the slide connection along the main beam at that location. | 10-11-2012 |
20120244016 | MILK PUMP DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISPLACING AN AMOUNTOF MILK - A milk pump device, comprising a passage duct, a first one-way valve, a second one-way valve and a membrane pump. The first and second one-way valves are included in the passage duct and oriented in the same direction relative to each other. The membrane pump is positioned between the first one-way valve and the second one-way valve. The membrane pump forms a first milk meter for generating a first milk measurement with respect to a number of complete pumping strokes of the membrane pump. The milk pump device further comprises a second milk meter for carrying out a second milk measurement with respect to a residual pumping stroke. | 09-27-2012 |
20120240545 | MOWING DEVICE - Mowing device for plants, comprising at least one rotor with a rotor axis, in particular a vertical rotor axis or first rotation axis, and at least one blade which is driven in rotation by the rotor, in which the blade is attached to a blade holder, which is attached to the rotor so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis which is situated at a radial distance from the rotor axis. | 09-27-2012 |
20120234355 | MILKING DEVICE AND METHOD OF CLEANING SAME - The milking machine and method of cleaning the same comprises more than one teat cup with a teat cup liner and a discharge, a pulsator with a control device, and a cleaning device to clean the teat cup by supplying cleaning liquid in the teat cup, wherein the control device is configured to adjust per teat cup, during the cleaning, the flow of the cleaning liquid through the teat cup liner and the discharge by pulsation of the teat cup liner. The teat cup liner itself acts as a valve during the cleaning. This has the advantage that a separate cleaning valve in the milk line is not required, which results in a simpler and more reliable construction. | 09-20-2012 |
20120226407 | AUTONOMOUSLY MOVABLE AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE - An autonomously movable agricultural vehicle for agricultural applications, a method for controlling the autonomously movable agricultural vehicle, and software for managing the autonomously movable agricultural vehicle. The autonomously movable agricultural vehicle includes a motor to drive the vehicle and a battery to supply energy to the motor. The autonomously movable agricultural vehicle also includes a control circuit to control the motor to adjust the speed of the vehicle, wherein the control circuit is configured to set the speed of the vehicle, wherein energy drawn from the battery over a predefined distance is minimal. | 09-06-2012 |
20120210886 | AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM TO FORM AND WRAP BALES OF CROP MATERIAL - The invention provides an agricultural system that includes a baling device having a bale forming means to form a cylindrical bale in a baling chamber, a wrapping device to wrap the bale in wrapping material, the wrapping device including a wrapping table to support the bale during wrapping and wrapping means, and a transfer device to transfer a bale ejected from the baling chamber to the wrapping table. The transfer device includes a pivotable support to support a bale, which pivotable support is at least pivotable between a receive position to receive a bale from the baling chamber, and a release position, wherein the bale is released on the wrapping table. | 08-23-2012 |
20120204798 | METHOD OF MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL BY MEANS OF A MILKING SYSTEM - The invention provides a system and method of milking and feeding a dairy animal, wherein feed is dispensed in portions during the milking. At a predetermined moment the portion size is reduced, in order to increase the chance that the animal has actually eaten the last allocated portion at the moment when the milking has been ended, so that it will not hesitate to leave the milking parlour. This will result in a reduction of the time during which the milking parlour is unnecessarily occupied, and in an enhanced efficiency. | 08-16-2012 |
20120204740 | STUFFING DEVICE - The invention relates to an agricultural piston bale press. This press includes a pressing piston arranged in a bale chamber, an intake device to take in crop material, and a stuffing device, wherein the stuffing device includes a feed passage and a stuffing mechanism, the stuffing mechanism includes an arm supporting tines, wherein said arm is movable by a first driving device to at least move the tines in and out of the feed passage and wherein said arm is pivotably supported by a fulcrum, the fulcrum being displaceable to selectively move the arm along the stuffing trajectory or load trajectory. The stuffing device includes a second driving device to displace the fulcrum, and in that the second driving device is mechanically independent of the main driving mechanism. | 08-16-2012 |
20120204738 | BALING DEVICE TO FORM BALES OF CROP MATERIAL - The invention relates to a baling device to form bales of crop material, including a frame, an intake device, a bale forming device for forming a bale of the crop material, the bale forming device including at least one endless belt to delimit a baling chamber, and a number of guiding elements to guide the endless belt, wherein the outlet of the intake device is located at a fixed position with respect to the frame, and that at least three guiding elements are movably mounted with respect to the outlet of the intake device to position for subsequent bales different pairs of two guiding elements of the at least three movable guiding elements at the opposite sides of the outlet. | 08-16-2012 |
20120204734 | BALING DEVICE TO FORM BALES OF CROP MATERIAL - The invention relates to a baling device for forming cylindrical bales of crop material, including a frame, an intake device, a bale forming device, and a pre-baling device to form, when desired, a pre-bale, wherein the pre-baling device includes a lower conveyor belt and an upper conveyor belt, between which a pre-bale can be formed. At least one of the lower and upper conveyor belt is movable to and from the other of the lower and upper conveyor belt, wherein the baling device can at least be arranged in a baling position in which crop material is transferred to the bale forming device, and a pre-baling position in which crop material is received in the pre-baling device to form a pre-bale. | 08-16-2012 |
20120180729 | ANIMAL POSITION SENSOR - A device for automatically milking an animal in an animal space is provided with a robot arm for automatically performing an action on a teat of the animal, a teat sensor, and an animal position sensor for determining the animal position in the animal space. The animal position sensor is movable in a longitudinal direction of the animal space. The animal position sensor is mounted so as to be movable or shiftable in a longitudinal direction of the animal space. This has the advantage that the range of the sensor becomes considerably larger while the sensor can be the same as in a known device. | 07-19-2012 |
20120145083 | PRE-TREATMENT TEAT CUP - The present invention provides a teat treatment device, as well as an automatic milking device, a method and a teat cup therefor. The present invention cleans or otherwise treats a teat by repeatedly placing a teat cup on the teat and removing it therefrom again, wherein the upper side thereof, in particular segments with projections on the inner side, around the teat-receiving opening scrub the teat clean under frictional contact. Nozzles which can spray a jet of liquid on, in particular, the projections in the inactive position, can assist this treatment. | 06-14-2012 |
20120145082 | MILKING DEVICE, METHOD OF MILKING AND SOFTWARE FOR CONTROLLING A MILKING DEVICE - The invention relates to a milking device, a method and software. The milking device includes a device for preventing contaminants in milk during the milking of an animal. The milking device includes a teat cup to be attached to a teat and to be connected to a milk collecting vessel for collecting the milk. The device further includes a detector for generating and transmitting a disruption signal as a result of the detection of a premature becoming detached of the teat cup, and/or as a result of the detection of the incorrect attachment of a teat cup. The device also includes a management system to separate, on the basis of the disruption signal, the milk from the animal into a first amount of milk, which is led to a first destination, and a second amount of milk, which is led to a second destination different from the first destination. | 06-14-2012 |
20120138787 | SENSING TECHNIQUES FOR ON-FARM ANALYSIS OF MILK COMPONENTS - A method of analysing milk components having the steps of collecting a milk sample, ionizing the milk sample, and using an ion mobility spectrometer to detect predetermined components within the ionized milk sample, wherein the ion mobility spectrometer is positioned within a milking system from which the milk sample is taken. | 06-07-2012 |
20120125262 | METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR GENERATING AN ATTENTION INDICATION FOR A DAIRY ANIMAL - The invention provides a method and device for generating an attention indication for a dairy animal that is kept in an environment with a freely accessible robotic milking system, including measuring a plurality of visit intervals, milking intervals, respectively of said dairy animal, determining a value of a statistical parameter regarding the measured plurality of intervals from the measured intervals, generating the attention indication, in particular a mastitis alarm signal, if the value exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Precious information can be derived from the spread of or change in the values. | 05-24-2012 |
20120125261 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS - The present invention relates to a system and method of managing a group of dairy animals. More particularly, the invention relates to measuring one or more milk parameters, comparing this parameter to a criterion, and allowing an animal access to a pasture based on this comparison. The milk parameter is related to the composition of milk obtained from a dairy animal in as far as the composition is defined by at least one of the amount of protein and the energy intake of the dairy animal. The measured milk parameter is, for example, urea. Access to the pasture will be completely or partly blocked for a dairy animal having a high content of urea. This dairy animal is thus prevented from taking in an undesirably large amount of protein. | 05-24-2012 |
20120118236 | DEVICE, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR MILKING ANIMALS - The invention provides a device ( | 05-17-2012 |
20120111274 | METHOD OF MILKING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS BY MEANS OF AN AUTOMATIC MILKING SYSTEM - In the method of milking a group of dairy animals by an automatic milking system, the group includes at least two subgroups. The method has a number of steps. In one step, a dairy animal that presents itself for a milking is identified. Subsequently, a decision is taken about whether or not the dairy animal should be milked at that moment. If milking is desirable and the dairy animal belongs to the first subgroup, a teat cleaning treatment is carried out prior to the start of the milking. During the teat cleaning treatment, at least one teat of the dairy animal is cleaned. Upon identification of a dairy animal from the second subgroup, a limitation for a teat cleaning treatment is issued by a control device. | 05-10-2012 |
20120097108 | DEVICE FOR AND A METHOD OF MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL - The present invention relates to a milking device for milking a dairy animal, including at least one teat cup including a flexible cup liner around a teat space, and a single pulsation space and a milk line, a milking vacuum pump connected to the milk line, for providing a milking vacuum, a pulsator connected to the pulsation space, for providing a controllable air pressure therein, and a control device for controlling at least the pulsator during at least a milking action. The control device is configured to cause the pulsator and/or the milking vacuum pump to provide, in a period of time consecutive to a milking action wherein a dairy animal is milked and a teat is located in the teat space, such a substantially stable, non-pulsating pressure difference between the pulsation space and the teat space, that the cup liner shuts off the teat space from the milk line. | 04-26-2012 |
20120090274 | WRAPPING DEVICE - The invention relates to a wrapping device to wrap an object, such as a bale, in foil material, including at least one clamping and cutting device to clamp the foil material after wrapping of the object, and to cut the clamped foil material, wherein the clamping and cutting device includes a catch element having a curved guiding element which is guided in a bearing, wherein the catch element is translatable between a catch position to catch the foil material and a clamp position in which the foil material can be clamped in order to facilitate cutting of the foil material. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090273 | WRAPPING DEVICE - The invention relates to a wrapping device to wrap an object in foil material including a frame, a wrapping table mounted on the frame and configured to support the object during wrapping, one or more roll support devices to support one or more rolls of foil material to be rotated about the object during wrapping, a carrying structure mounted on the frame and configured to carry the one or more roll support devices, and a clamping and cutting device to clamp the foil material after wrapping of an object, and to cut the clamped foil material, wherein the clamping and cutting device is mounted on the carrying structure, and wherein the carrying structure is pivotable about a substantially horizontal pivot axis with respect to the frame. | 04-19-2012 |
20120090110 | AUTONOMOUS MOVABLE VEHICLE HAVING A FILLABLE CONTAINER AND AN ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE AUTONOMOUS MOVABLE VEHICLE AND A FILLING STATION - An autonomous movable vehicle including: a propelling device; a fluid receiving conduit having at least one fill opening through which a container can be filled; at least one fluid dispensing opening through which a fluid is dispensed; and a controller that causes the vehicle to autonomously approach a fluid delivery station that is separate from the vehicle and that causes the fill opening to couple to the fluid delivery station, wherein when the fill opening and the fluid delivery station are in an interfacing position, fluid is transferred from the fluid delivery station into the container, and the fill opening of the fluid receiving conduit is disposed at a location spaced apart from and to one side of a central mirror axis of the vehicle which axis extends in the direction of travel of the vehicle. | 04-19-2012 |
20120085075 | AGRICULTURAL MACHINE - The invention relates to an agricultural machine including a fastening device configured to be fastened to a pulling vehicle, a frame, an implement to be fastened to the frame, a hingeable drawbar, and an actuator provided between the frame and the drawbar, in order to move the frame between at least a transport position behind the fastening device and an operative position laterally of the fastening device, wherein a telescopic drive shaft between the fastening device and the implement, wherein a first shaft end is connected to the fastening device and a second shaft end is connected to the implement, and a steering device which is configured to direct the first shaft part of the telescopic drive shaft substantially to the second shaft end of the telescopic drive shaft. | 04-12-2012 |
20120067003 | WRAPPING DEVICE - The invention relates to a wrapping device for enveloping or packing in particular agricultural crop bales, including a wrapping floor for receiving and rotating the pressed crop bale and a guide frame for at least one wrapping material carrier for wrapping the bale on the wrapping floor with wrapping material in the form of webs, wherein the guide frame is height adjustable, in order to set the center of the wrapping material approximately at the location of the center of the crop bale to be wrapped. In order to be able to adapt wrapping devices having a guide frame to bales of different bale diameters, the guide frame should be pivotable about a horizontal axle which is situated parallel to the axis of rotation of the crop bale. | 03-22-2012 |
20120055508 | DEVICE FOR DISPLACING MATERIAL LYING ON A FLOOR - The present invention relates to an assembly for displacing material present on a stable floor, including an unmanned self-propelled device having a frame, wherein the frame is provided with a slide for displacing the material and with at least one brush, wherein the assembly further includes setting means for automatically and selectively setting the intensity of the contact of the brush with the floor. | 03-08-2012 |
20110316709 | METHOD OF DETERMINING A REMAINING CAPACITY OF AN ENERGY SOURCE OF AN INFORMATION TAG FOR AGRICULTURE - The invention relates to a method of determining a remaining capacity of an energy source of an agricultural information tag. The method includes adjusting, such as increasing or decreasing, a counter at the occurrence of an event which leads to a consumption of energy from the energy source, and determining a remaining capacity of the energy source from a value of the counter. The event may include the elapsing of a predetermined period of time and a transmission of information by the information tag. | 12-29-2011 |
20110308627 | METHOD OF AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR MANAGING ONE OR MORE AGRICULTURAL DEVICES - A system and method for managing an agricultural device, including connecting the agricultural device to a network, collecting operational data relating to the agricultural device, granting an access right in respect of the collected operational data to an entity connected to the network, receiving data from the entity in response to the access right, and managing the agricultural device on the basis of the collected operational data and the data from the entity. The method may be implemented for managing multiple agricultural devices, and may be implemented in a computer readable medium. In one embodiment, the operational data relates to clinical mastitis detection. | 12-22-2011 |
20110297099 | DEVICE FOR REMOVING MANURE FROM A FLOOR - The present invention relates to a device for removing manure present on a floor, including a frame, a drive for moving the device over the floor and at least one manure slide which has an upper edge, wherein the manure slide is held by the frame by means of a connection structure, wherein the connection structure includes a first rotational connection with a first substantially horizontal rotational centre line which is located below at least a portion of the upper edge of a manure-pushing wall portion of the manure slide. | 12-08-2011 |
20110296636 | DEVICE FOR REMOVING MANURE FROM A FLOOR - The present invention relates to an unmanned self-propelled and self-steering device for removing manure present on a floor, including a manure slide with a sliding wall which, when viewed in the customary direction of travel of the device, forms a first contact surface for manure present on the floor, and comprising a drive device for the travelling over the floor, wherein the drive device comprises a rotatingly driven drive which is in driving engagement with the floor during operation and which is located in front of the sliding wall. | 12-08-2011 |
20110296635 | DEVICE FOR REMOVING MANURE FROM A FLOOR, IN PARTICULAR A CLOSED FLOOR - The present invention relates to an unmanned self-propelled and self-steering device for removing manure present on a floor, including a manure slide and a drive for moving the device over the floor, wherein the manure slide is substantially U-shaped or V-shaped with two legs in order to define autonomously a manure-accommodating-space which opens in a forward direction and is closed in a rearward direction, and wherein the legs have a length in the order of magnitude of the width of the manure slide. | 12-08-2011 |
20110247844 | AGRICULTURAL DEVICE - The invention relates to an agricultural device which is couplable to a tractor vehicle with carrier arms. The agricultural device comprises a carrier frame with a set of wheels and a coupling device for coupling the agricultural implement to a tractor vehicle. The agricultural device further comprises a coupling frame having at least one coupling point for coupling of the coupling frame to both carrier arms of the tractor vehicle. The coupling frame is connected to the carrier frame so as to be rigid in rotation in the vertical plane, wherein at least one coupling point of the coupling frame is positioned on or above the centre line of the carrier frame. Owing to the fact that the carrier arms extend horizontally or upwards, the carrier arms will not or will hardly get out of position as a result of the travelling of the vehicle. | 10-13-2011 |
20110247564 | METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL - The invention relates to a device for and method of milking dairy animals, in particular cows. In one embodiment, for the milking, teat cups are connected by means of a robot arm to respective teats of the dairy animal. This makes it possible to start the milking of the teats of the dairy animal. A milk flow from the respective teat can be measured. The milking can be ended by means of a control unit in dependence on a comparison value which is calculated on the basis of a milking parameter representative of a milk flow from the respective teat and in dependence on a deactivation threshold. According to the invention, a second manner of calculating is used for calculating the comparison value of the last teat. The milking of the last teat can also depend on the moment of ending the milking of the one-but-last teat. | 10-13-2011 |
20110247563 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL - The invention relates to a device for and method of milking dairy animals, in particular cows. The device and method have been improved in order to enhance the efficiency of use. In one embodiment, for the milking, teat cups are connected by means of a robot arm to respective teats of the dairy animal. This makes it possible to start the milking of the teats of the dairy animal. A milk flow from the respective teat can be measured. The milking can be ended by means of a control unit in dependence on a comparison value which is calculated on the basis of a milking parameter representative of a milk flow from the respective teat and in dependence on a deactivation threshold. According to the invention, the milking of the last teat is ended in dependence on a last-teat period to be calculated. | 10-13-2011 |
20110239945 | SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING A TEAT CUP TO A TEAT - The invention provides a system for connecting a teat cup to a teat, including a teat cup with an opening for receiving a teat, a robot arm for moving the teat cup, a teat cup positioning system with a 3D-sensor and a sensor device for measuring a control quantity, and for connecting the teat cup under the control of the 3D-camera and the control quantity. The sensor device includes at least two electrodes around the opening and a capacitive sensor configured to measure a quantity connected with the capacitance between the electrodes, in particular the capacitance between two electrodes. This system provides a reliable positioning with respect to a teat by, for example, maximization of the measured capacitance. The positioning system supports an optical 3D-sensor for the first, global positioning. | 10-06-2011 |
20110239944 | METHOD OF MILKING A GROUP OF DAIRY ANIMALS - The invention relates to a method of milking a group of dairy animals including a first subgroup and a second subgroup by an automatic milking system, and wherein the milking system is flushed after a dairy animal from the second subgroup has been milked. The flushing step is postponed after a dairy animal from the second subgroup has been milked until at least a minimum number greater than or equal to two dairy animals from the second subgroup has been milked successively, or a subsequent dairy animal belonging to the first subgroup has been identified and the decision has been made that the dairy animal from the first subgroup presenting itself can be milked, or by postponing the milking of a dairy animal from the second subgroup until at least a minimum number greater than or equal to two dairy animals from the first subgroup has been milked successively. | 10-06-2011 |
20110232576 | METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR MILKING A DAIRY ANIMAL DEPENDENT ON THE LACTATION PERIODS - The invention provides a milking device having at least one teat cup connectable to a teat of a dairy animal, and a method of controlling the milking device. A measuring sensor measures the amount of milk secreted. Data regarding the dairy animal are collected in a control unit. The method includes the steps of: providing a milking frequency determined in a first manner at a first lactation phase and a milking frequency determined in a second, different manner at a later, second lactation phase, for example, the stimulation phase and the stable phase, respectively, wherein the first manner results in a higher milking frequency than the second manner in the same circumstances; identifying a dairy animal and determining the associated milking frequency; milking the dairy animal dependent on the milking frequency; determining the milk production; and switching from the first to the second lactation phase, dependent on the milk production. | 09-29-2011 |
20110192356 | GATE SYSTEM TO GRANT AN ANIMAL ACCESS TO A SPACE - The invention includes an assembly to provide an animal access to a space. The assembly includes an entrance gate which, in a first position provides access to the space and, in a second position, blocks the access to the space. The assembly further incldues a measuring device configured to measure a walking speed of the animal, and to transmit a signal indicative of the measured walking speed. The assembly also includes a control device configured to receive the signal from the measuring device, and to control the entrance gate depending on the received signal. | 08-11-2011 |
20110185975 | UNMANNED VEHICLE COMPRISING A PROTECTION DEVICE - Unmanned vehicle to carry out an animal-related action, provided with a frame and a control device to control the vehicle and a locomotion device to move the unmanned vehicle, and with a protective device to protect the vehicle against obstacles, wherein the protective device includes a touchable electrical conductor which extends on the outside of, advantageously around, the vehicle, and a voltage source to supply voltage to the conductor under the control of the control device. | 08-04-2011 |
20110168099 | METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR SUPPLYING FEED - Method of supplying feed to animals with the aid of a group of feed stations which are accessible to those animals,
| 07-14-2011 |
20110168097 | DEVICE FOR MILKING ANIMALS - A device for milking animals including a plurality of milking stations, wherein each milking station includes a milk collecting container and a displacing mechanism for displacing liquid from the milk collecting container. The milk collecting container (is connected to a first discharge line and to a second discharge line, a second central milk line is connected to the second discharge line for leading milk from a plurality of milking stations to a collective liquid discharge and further includes a line cleaning device connected to the second central milk line for cleaning at least the second central milk line with a cleaning liquid, wherein the connection of the line cleaning device with the second central milk line is located at least equally far from the liquid discharge as the connection of a second discharge line with the second central milk line. | 07-14-2011 |
20110155067 | SYSTEM FOR CONNECTING A TEAT CUP - The invention provides a system for connecting a teat cup to a teat, and a teat cup of this type. A teat cup of this type includes an optical sensor which looks from the inside outwards through the opening of the teat cup. An image of, for example, a teat can thus be produced, and said image can be used very simply to assist a robot arm in guiding the teat cup to the teat. | 06-30-2011 |
20110114024 | AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE - Device for milking an animal, such as a cow, comprising an animal standing area to be occupied by the animal to be milked in a particular milking position and a robot device with a robot arm assembly for applying to and/or removing teat cups from the respective teats of the udder of the animal, wherein the robot arm assembly at a distal end is provided with holding means for the teat cups, wherein the robot arm assembly at a proximal end is suspended from a support so as to extend downwards therefrom and is rotatable with respect thereto about a first centre line which has a vertical direction component, wherein, in use, the first centre line intersects the floor of the animal standing area. | 05-19-2011 |
20110107865 | DAIRY ANIMAL TREATMENT SYSTEM - The invention provides a dairy animal treatment system with a controllable robot arm which is configured for positioning an animal treatment device, and with an object recognition device which comprises a controllable light source, a first 3D-sensor and a signal processing device for processing the supplied signals, wherein the object recognition device comprises a second 3D-sensor which is positioned at a distance from the first 3D-sensor, in particular at a horizontal distance. The respective central lines and preferably make an angle unequal to 0° with each other. The system according to the invention has advantages including less mutual concealment of objects in the respective image fields and, and a strongly increased total angle of view. | 05-12-2011 |
20110083494 | MILK PROPERTY MEASURING DEVICE - The present invention provides a system and method for a milk measuring device for measuring the acoustic properties, such as acoustic damping and sound velocity in milk, in order to determine milk properties. The sound velocity in milk depends on temperature and composition. By carrying out, for example by means of a piezo element, a reference measurement on vibrations that have been directed by a second piezo element into a wire or the like of known material, which wire is strung in the measuring chamber which is filled with the milk to be tested, the milk temperature can be derived, so that other milk properties, in particular the fat/protein composition, can be determined in a more reliable manner. | 04-14-2011 |
20110023795 | FACILITIES FOR AND METHOD OF SEPARATING AND SORTING LIVESTOCK - Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device. | 02-03-2011 |
20110023787 | DEVICE FOR FEEDING ANIMALS - Device for feeding animals, including a frame with a feed holder for a feeding site for an animal, wherein the frame is provided with a restricting device for restricting in at least two opposite lateral directions a dwelling space for an animal using the feeding site, also provided with means for keeping animals located outside the dwelling space at a distance from the restricting device. | 02-03-2011 |
20110023785 | DETECTION DEVICE, AND MILKING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREWITH - The invention provides a detection device for determining position information from an object to the detection device, wherein the position information includes at least a distance from that object to the detection device. The detection device includes: a light source arranged to emit light; a control device arranged to control the light source; a light measuring device comprising a 2D classification of light sensitive elements and arranged to measure reflected light and to generate a corresponding measuring signal; a signal processing device arranged to process the measuring signal to position information, including distance information, of the object with respect to the detection device, wherein the signal processing device includes an object recognition device is configured to recognize at least one of: an udder, a teat, a and respective parts thereof, and wherein at least one of the light measuring device has an absolute sensitivity maximum with a wavelength between 400 and 570 nm, and the light source has an absolute emission maximum with a wavelength between 400 and 570 nm. | 02-03-2011 |
20100326361 | MILKING DEVICE - The present invention provides a milking device including a carrier with a holder for at least one milking cup, the milking cup being connected to a discharge line and provided with a cup axis, wherein the holder forms a seating for keeping the milking cup in a standby position in a removable manner, wherein the milking cup is attached to an elongate flexible hauling-in member for pulling the milking cup towards and onto the seating after a milking operation, wherein an upper section of the milking cup is provided with an opening for receiving a teat, wherein the milking cup, in a bottom section, engages with the hauling-in member at a first location, and wherein the bottom section is formed by an end body having a downwardly projecting contact part, a bottom end which extends next to and below the first location. | 12-30-2010 |
20100307538 | MILK COLLECTION DEVICE, AND MILKING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREWITH - A system and method for a milk collection device comprising a milk collection container having a rinsing liquid supply line, at least one milk supply, a vacuum discharge tube and a liquid discharge on the bottom side of the container, wherein the rinsing liquid supply is provided atop the milk collection container and separated from the vacuum discharge tube, and is arranged to guide the rinsing liquid substantially along a wall of the milk collection container and to wash around the vacuum discharge tube with rinsing liquid on at least two sides. Consequently, rinsing liquid is supported by vacuum, while still being able to rinse substantially the entire wall surface of the milk collection container. The invention also provides a milking device and a working method with the milk collection device. | 12-09-2010 |
20100307534 | CLEANING CONCENTRATE SUPPLY DEVICE, AND MILKING DEVICE AND METHOD THEREWITH - The invention provides a receptacle for receiving cleaning concentrate, the receptacle comprising a concentrate discharge and a container having an opening, wherein a block-shaped cleaning agent is disposed on the opening in a replaceable manner, a liquid supply which is arranged for a washing out action, wherein liquid is sprayed through the opening onto the cleaning agent in order to wash out the cleaning agent and to form a cleaning concentrate, wherein a valve is provided in the concentrate discharge, which valve is controlled by a control device, wherein the control device is arranged to keep the valve closed during the washing out action, and wherein the device further comprises a signal supplier which is arranged to give a first warning signal after a predetermined phase of the washing out action. | 12-09-2010 |
20100306362 | METHOD OF AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR MANAGING ONE OR MORE AGRICULTURAL DEVICES - A system and method for managing an agricultural device, including connecting the agricultural device to a network, collecting operational data relating to the agricultural device, | 12-02-2010 |
20100236486 | IMPLEMENT FOR KEEPING DAIRY ANIMALS - An implement for keeping dairy animals, provided with a first and a second production unit and with a care unit having a plurality of subunits, wherein each production unit is provided with at least one accommodation area for a production group, which comprises a group of lactating dairy animals, and with a milking implement for milking the production group, wherein the subunits of the care unit at least include a calving unit for separately accommodating dairy animals in a calving period, and a milking implement for milking newly calved dairy animals, and an infirmary unit for separately accommodating sick animals, and wherein the care unit forms a connection between the production units. There is thus provided a compact disposition, comprising efficient and short distances, for dairy animals requiring care. | 09-23-2010 |
20100230930 | DRAWN AGRICULTURAL MACHINE - A drawn agricultural machine comprising a carrier frame for carrying processing members, the carrier frame supportable on the ground, at least during transport, by means of a wheel set comprising at least a wheel, a coupling frame for coupling the agricultural machine | 09-16-2010 |
20100230183 | Unmanned autonomous vehicle for displacing feed - An unmanned autonomous vehicle for substantially lateral displacement of feed lying on a ground, comprising two wheels separately drivable by separate drive units, a torque difference adjusting device for adjusting the torque difference between the wheels, a control unit for controlling the vehicle and moving it in a direction of travel by controlling at least one of the separate drive units, a feed displacing device for substantially lateral displacement of the feed, and an adjusting device which is arranged to adjust the height and/or the position of a lowest point of the feed displacing device. The adjusting device comprises a vehicle tilting device which is arranged in such a manner that the lowest point will be located at least substantially off the center line of the vehicle. | 09-16-2010 |
20100192862 | MILKING IMPLEMENT - The present invention provides for a milking implement for automatically milking a dairy animal. The implement includes a measuring device for measuring a position of an object such as at least one of a displaceable element of the milking implement and a teat of the dairy animal, and a control device for controlling at least the measuring device. The control device is configured to take at least one measurement, using the measuring device, on at least one point on the object in order to obtain a position information regarding the object, compare the obtained position information with a known position information regarding the object, and calibrate the measuring device on the basis of the comparison between the obtained position information and the known position information. | 08-05-2010 |
20100175623 | CLOSING DEVICE FOR MILKING DEVICE - Closing device assembly for systems for milking animals, provided with at least one primary passage and at least two secondary passages, wherein the primary and secondary passages are provided with first and second connecting edges, respectively, with respective openings each having an axis, further provided with at least one closing device for at least one unused, non-selected secondary passage, which closing device is provided with a closing edge, wherein of each set of connecting edges and closing edges to be connected to each other in each case at least one is provided with a seal, wherein the closing device assembly further comprises a first drive unit for mutual displacement of the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge of a selected secondary passage from an uncoupled position in which the axes of their openings are not in line with each other to a position in which the axes of their openings are in line, a coupling line, with each other, and a second drive unit for bringing said connecting edges against each other. | 07-15-2010 |
20100175358 | Haymaking implement for displacing crop lying on the ground - A haymaking implement for displacing crop lying on the ground has a rotor and at least one tine arm, wherein the tine arm is pivotable with respect to the rotor about an associated pivot axis, for movement between a gripping position for gripping and taking along crop lying on the ground and a release position for releasing the crop. The tine arm has an outer arm portion carrying a plurality of tines, wherein each tine comprises a tine point for contact with the crop. In the gripping position, an innermost tine point positioned relatively closest to the rotor axis is located on or in front of the pivot axis with respect to the direction of rotation (R), while an outermost tine point positioned relatively distant from the rotor axis is located behind the pivot axis. | 07-15-2010 |
20100126423 | Feed displacement device and an assembly therewith - The invention provides a feed displacement device for picking up, displacing and dispensing material, in particular livestock feed, including a rail system and a trolley with a gripping device, which trolley is movable over the rail system, and is configured to pick up and dispense the material, wherein the rail system includes a fixed rail part and a displaceable rail part which is connectable to the latter, wherein the trolley is movable directly over the fixed and displaceable rail parts, and in such a manner that the trolley can cover a surface area for picking up the material from various positions. The trolley is easily positionable over an area where material, such as feed, is to be picked up. As a result thereof, no robot arm or the like has to swing out sideways and thus no unnecessarily large forces act thereon. In addition, the device overall is compact since the trolley is in effect displaceable in two directions by combining the displaceability along the displaceable rail part and the displaceability of the displaceable rail part itself. | 05-27-2010 |
20100076641 | UNMANNED VEHICLE FOR DISPLACING MANURE - An apparatus and method for an unmanned vehicle for displacing manure includes navigating an unmanned vehicle, further including detecting an animal, determining whether a current course of the unmanned vehicle will lead to a collision with the animal. If this is the case, the method continues by: determining at least a first priority parameter from a set of priority parameters, wherein the first priority parameter is a standing condition of the detected animal, deciding, on the basis of the set of priority parameters, whether the course of the unmanned vehicle will be adjusted to avoid the animal, wherein the course will be maintained if the set of priority parameters meets a predetermined collision criterion, and the course will be adjusted to avoid the animal if the set of priority parameters does not meet the predetermined collision criterion, wherein the set of priority parameters only meets the collision criterion if at least the standing condition is that the animal is standing. | 03-25-2010 |
20100071331 | AGRICULTURAL MACHINE - An agricultural machine, comprises a frame, two or more processing members, which are movably attached to the frame, and a drive device which is configured to drive the processing members. The drive device comprises a main drive shaft, two drive sections connected to the main drive shaft, which drive sections are each configured to drive one or more of the two or more processing members, wherein each drive section comprises a drive shaft. The drive device further comprises a protective device which enables a certain angular rotation between the two drive shafts in the case of an overload of one of the two drive shafts, and a coupling brake device which is configured to effect, at the angular rotation between the two drive shafts, a coupling between the other drive shaft and a part of the agricultural machine that is not co-rotatable with the two drive shafts | 03-25-2010 |
20100060174 | METHOD OF AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING SHED LIGHTING - A method of, and a device for controlling a shed lighting, and a shed provided therewith. To support daylight, lamps are switched on, but only in the case when the measured intensity is too low and, moreover, the time in which the daylight intensity could become sufficient is too short to achieve a desired period of time with a minimum light intensity. This saves energy and service life of lamps. | 03-11-2010 |
20100050947 | AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATIC MILKING DEVICE - An automatic milking device for milking a dairy animal, comprising a control device and a weighing floor with weight sensors for supplying weight signals, and with a filter for filtering the weight signals into a filtered signal indicative of the position of the centre of gravity of the dairy animal, wherein the control device is configured for controlling the milking by the automatic milking device on the basis of the weight signal filtered by the filter. The control device is arranged for controlling the automatic milking device on the basis of the unfiltered weight signal after the milking has been finished. As a result thereof, it is possible to respond more quickly to movements of the dairy animal, without the filter having a delaying effect. | 03-04-2010 |
20100031891 | DEVICE FOR DISPENSING FEED - A device is provided for dispensing feed to feed troughs for animals such as cows. In one embodiment, the feed troughs are separate from the frame. Furthermore, the frame may be provided with a number of storage boxes for storing a supply of feed. The storage box has an outlet. The feed can be removed from the storage box via the outlet. The device furthermore comprises a conveying device for conveying feed from the storage boxes to respective feed troughs. The conveying device comprises a receptacle or container for temporarily accommodating feed. This receptacle is movable along a guide provided on the frame. The receptacle is movable from a position downstream of the outlet of the storage box to positions upstream of the respective feed troughs. The guide comprises at least two tracks, which extend substantially parallel to one another. As a result, a stable guide for the receptacle can be provided along which the receptacle is movable. | 02-11-2010 |
20100019698 | AUTOMATIC ADAPTION OF SHED LIGHTING - The invention relates to a method, a control system and a shed wherein the lighting is adjusted depending on the presence of an animal in a specific section of a shed. The shed is divided into a number of sections, for example a separation section. When no cows have access to the separation section and the section is therefore empty, the control system ensures that the lighting in the respective section is switched off. As the control system according to the invention controls both access to the section and lighting thereof, it is possible to dispense with movement sensors for controlling lighting in the respective sections. | 01-28-2010 |
20090271033 | METHOD FOR PERFORMING AN ANIMAL-RELATED OPERATION AND IMPLEMENT FOR PERFORMING THE METHOD - A method for controlling a robot arm arranged to bring animal operation device to a specific position relative to an animal body part, the robot arm being controlled to maintain a certain position relative to the animal body part during the animal-related operation, the robot arm being controlled not to perform a movement unless the body part lies outside a tolerance range around a current position of the robot arm, wherein the boundaries of the tolerance range are determined repeatedly in dependence on at least the current position and the current speed of the animal body part. Hence, the tolerance range is dynamic, and dependent on the measured movement of the body part or body part reference point. By taking such movement into account, it has proved possible to reduce robot arm movements, both in number and in covered distance. The invention also provides an implement arranged to perform the method. | 10-29-2009 |
20090205305 | MOWING DEVICE - Mowing device for plants, comprising at least one rotor with a rotor axis, in particular a vertical rotor axis or first rotation axis, and at least one blade which is driven in rotation by the rotor, in which the blade is attached to a blade holder, which is attached to the rotor so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis which is situated at a radial distance from the rotor axis. | 08-20-2009 |