Fluid Application Systems And Methods And Milking Systems And Methods

Abstract

A fluid application system for automatically applying a fluid to the teats of an animal subsequent to the milking of the animal comprises a fluid delivery arrangement comprising a plurality of applicators, wherein each of the applicators is arranged in connection with a respective teat cup and is provided for applying the fluid to a teat of the animal, to which the respective teat cup is attached during the milking of the animal, in connection with a detachment of the teat cup from the teat. A control arrangement is provided for (i) determining, for a detachment of a teat cup from a teat, whether that detachment is a normal detachment or an abnormal detachment, and (ii) controlling, for the detachment of the teat cup from the teat, the applicator arranged in connection with that teat cup to apply the fluid provided that the detachment is a normal detachment and to not apply the fluid provided that the detachment is an abnormal detachment.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation and claims benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 768,093, filed Jun. 25, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is related generally to dairy farming.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Cleaning, disinfecting, and / or protecting the teats of the animals is an important part in dairy farming. The use of disinfectant and / or skin conditioner can prevent the teats of the animals from becoming infected or dry, or otherwise affected by environment, e.g. dry, chapped, frost-bitten, etc.[0004]It is standard practice in conventional systems where skin conditioner and / or skin disinfectant are applied manually using a cup-dipping (submersion) that the fluid be applied within seconds of removal of the milking teat cup. The primary reason is that the teat orifice remains stretched and distended as a result of the pneumatic / mechanical action of milking. The...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes an improved system for applying fluid to the teats of an animal after milking. The system detects abnormal detachment of the teat cup and controls the application of fluid accordingly. This prevents contamination of the milk and avoids the need for pre-charging, reducing workload and costs. The system is flexible, efficient, accurate, and easy to use. Overall, the patent provides a dynamic and dynamic solution for applying fluid to the teats of animals during the milking process.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, when the teat cup is then re-attached to re-establish milking since such milk may otherwise be contaminated by the discharged solution.

If the detached teat cup is to be cleaned before being re-attached to the teat valuable time is lost, the work load is increased and so are the overall costs for milk production.

In some markets pre-dipping is illegal and thus the teat cup cannot be re-attached to the teat even if it would be needed.

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