In-line sensor, milking cluster and associated methods

Abstract

An in-line milk sensor is configured to measure a property of milk collected from a lactating animal. The in-line milk sensor comprises an elongated housing defining a continuous and substantially straight internal bore extending between an inlet configured to receive a pulsed milk flow from a milking cup and an outlet configured to discharge the pulsed milk flow toward a claw. One or more sensor elements are exposed to the continuous and substantially straight internal bore. At least one flow-diverting formation projects from an internal wall into the continuous and substantially straight internal bore at or upstream of the one or more sensor elements. During each pulse, the at least one flow-diverting formation interferes with a minor portion of the pulse and urges the minor portion toward the one or more sensor elements while a majority of the pulse continues as an unimpeded main flow.

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