MILKING SYSTEM

Abstract

Improving milking system performance through the incorporation of a source of greater than atmospheric pressure air into a pulsator while limiting total pressure in the teat cup. The system is further improved by providing an improved supply of regulated vacuum to the milking cluster throughout the milking process. The system is further improved with a monitoring and detecting the functional failure of the pulsation assemblies. Additional system improvements are provided with the addition of a fresh air valve assembly, a wireless method of regulating vacuum levels and the remote location of a pulsator assembly in a basement style parlor.

Claims

1. A pulsator for alternatingly supplying air and vacuum to a pulsation chamber to open and close a flexible liner of a teat cup assembly of a milking system attached to an animal comprising: a first valve comprising: a first solenoid housing having a first end open to a channel and a second end; a first solenoid having an interior end, located within the channel of the first solenoid housing; a respective inlet and a respective outlet through which greater than atmospheric pressure air can be respectively supplied to the pulsation chamber of the teat cup assembly; and a first solenoid valve plunger reciprocally movable in the first solenoid housing with a first end in the channel for sealing the inlet from the outlet and a second end opposite the first end; a second valve comprising: a second solenoid housing having a first end open to a channel and a second end a second solenoid having an interior end, within the channel of the second solenoid housing; a respective inlet and a respective outlet through which a vacuum can be respectively supplied to the pulsation chamber of the teat cup assembly; and a second solenoid valve plunger reciprocally movable in the second solenoid housing with a first end in the channel for sealing the inlet from the outlet and a second end opposite the first end; a common outlet operatively connected to both the valves through which air pressure and vacuum are alternately supplied to the pulsation chamber of the teat cup assembly from the first and second valves, respectively; and controller connected to the first solenoid of the first valve and the second solenoid of the second valve, the controller respectively actuating and deactivating the first and second valves to provide alternating supply of greater than atmospheric pressure air and vacuum to the common outlet, with the first and second valve never being simultaneously actuated.

2. The pulsator of claim 1, wherein the first solenoid which controls the greater than atmospheric pressure air is opened for a limited time to regulate an absolute pressure being supplied to the pulsation chamber through the common outlet.

3. The pulsator of claim 1, further comprising a pressure limiting device on the common outlet to limit an absolute pressure supplied to the pulsation chamber.

4. The pulsator of claim 3, wherein the pressure limiting device is a pressure relief valve.

5. The pulsator of claim 3, wherein controller does not deactivate the first solenoid when pressure in the common outlet is approximately at atmospheric pressure.

6. The pulsator of claim 3, wherein the controller deactivates the first solenoid as soon as the pressure in the common outlet is approximately at atmospheric pressure.

7. The pulsator of claim 1, further comprising a flexible sealing material on the interior end of the first solenoid and the second solenoid which cannot be pushed out of the first solenoid by air pressure or impact of the first solenoid valve plunger and cannot be pushed out of the second solenoid by impact of the second solenoid.

8. The pulsator of claim 7, wherein the flexible sealing material is applied to the interior end of the first solenoid and the second solenoid in a flowable state and cured onto the interior end of the first solenoid and second solenoid.

9. The pulsator of claim 1, wherein the controller deactivates the second solenoid as soon as the pressure in the common outlet is approximately at atmospheric pressure.

10. A pulsator for alternatingly supplying greater than atmospheric pressure air and vacuum to a pulsation chamber of a milking system to open and close a flexible liner of a teat cup assembly attached to an animal comprising: a valve comprising: a solenoid housing having a first end open to a channel and a second end a solenoid having an interior end, located around the solenoid housing; a respective inlet and a respective outlet through which greater than atmospheric pressure air can be respectively supplied to the pulsation chamber of the teat cup assembly; and a solenoid valve plunger reciprocally movable in the solenoid housing with a first end in the channel for sealing the inlet from the outlet and a second end in the solenoid housing opposite the first end; a common outlet operatively connected to the valve through which air pressure and vacuum are alternately supplied to the teat cup assembly from the valve; controller connected to the solenoid of the valve, the controller respectively actuating and deactivating the valve to provide alternating supply of air pressure and vacuum to the common outlet, with air and vacuum never being simultaneously actuated; and a pressure limiting device on the common outlet to limit an absolute pressure supplied to the pulsation chamber of the teat cup assembly.

11. The pulsator of claim 10, further comprising a flexible sealing material on the interior end of the solenoid which cannot be pushed out of by air pressure or impact of the solenoid valve plunger.

12. The pulsator of claim 11, wherein the flexible sealing material is applied to the interior end of the solenoid in a flowable state and cured onto the interior end of the solenoid.

13. The pulsator of claim 10, wherein controller does not deactivate the solenoid when pressure in the common outlet is approximately at atmospheric pressure.

14. The pulsator of claim 10, wherein the controller deactivates the solenoid as soon as the pressure in the common outlet is approximately at atmospheric pressure.

15. A volume apparatus for supplying a vacuum to a milking cluster comprising: a body defining a volume having a first port connected to the milking cluster, a second port, and a third port connected to a source of regulated vacuum.

16. The volume apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a pipe received within the volume of the body connected to the first port, the pipe extending within the volume and aligned with the second port, directing the milk to the second port, such that milk received from the milking cluster passes through the pipe to the second port.

17. The volume apparatus of claim 15, wherein the body is connected to and in series with a milk meter, milk sensor or valve, the second port is connected to the milk meter, valve or milk sensor, and the source of regulated vacuum to the third port is in parallel with the milk meter or milk sensor.

18. The volume apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a vent hole in the body to permit a flow of air into the volume.

19. The volume apparatus of claim 15, wherein the third port further comprises a device for vacuum regulation to locally regulate a total pressure within the volume.

20. The volume apparatus of claim 15, wherein the second port is connected to a collection volume.

21. A collection volume apparatus of a milking cluster of a milking system comprising: a body defining a volume having a plurality of hose ports with hose inlet ports for connection to milking hoses of a milking cluster, wherein the hose inlets ports are arranged such that flow through a first hose inlet port does not flow over another hose inlet of another hose inlet port.

22. The collection volume apparatus of claim 21, wherein the body is conical shaped and the host inlet ports are arranged linearly in a vertical row or circumferentially around a perimeter of the body.

23. The collection volume apparatus of claim 21, wherein the body further comprises a port connected to a regulated source of vacuum.

24. The collection volume apparatus of claim 21, wherein in the body further comprises a vent hole in the body to permit a flow of air into the volume.

25. A vacuum pump control system for a vacuum system being used to milk animals comprising: a wireless sensor for sensing vacuum level within the vacuum system provided by a vacuum pump; and a remote control unit for wirelessly receiving the vacuum level of the vacuum system from the wireless sensor; the remote control unit altering a speed of the vacuum pump to provide a desired regulated vacuum level.

26. The vacuum pump control system of claim 25, wherein the vacuum system is part of a milking system having a rotating platform upon which the animals are milked.

27. The vacuum pump control system of claim 26, wherein the wireless sensor is located on the rotating platform and the remote control unit is located remotely from the rotating platform.

28. The vacuum pump control system of claim 26, wherein the vacuum system further comprises a first pump operated at one speed supplying more vacuum than is required for sustaining the milking system regulated by a separate vacuum regulator.

29. The vacuum pump control system of claim 28, wherein the vacuum system further comprises a motor speed controller for operating the vacuum pump at discrete speeds, wherein the motor speed controller further comprises: an electric motor; a controller, connected to the electric motor for controlling the speed of the vacuum pump and setting at least one set point representative of a maximum speed of the motor; and an adjustable frequency drive connected to the controller and to the electric motor for applying a signal representative of the maximum speed of the motor.

30. A method of detecting a failure of at least one solenoid operating in a pulsator used to milk dairy animals comprising the steps of: a computer monitoring electrical resistance of all solenoids connected to a single power source to detect a total current supplied to all of the solenoids connected to the single power source; the computer comparing the total current supplied to all of the solenoids connected to the single power source to a required amount of current to all of the solenoids connected to the single power source; and if the total current supplied to all of the solenoids connected to the single power source is less than the required amount of current to all of the solenoids connected to the single power source, the computer sending an indication representative of a failed solenoid, to a user.

31. A method of detecting a failure of at least one solenoid operating in a pulsator used to milk dairy animals comprising the steps of: a computer determining an expected pressure drop of fresh air supply to the pulsator during a period of time when the pulsator is known to be operating properly; the computer measuring the absolute pressure in the fresh air supply of the pulsator; the computer comparing the expected pressure drop of the fresh air supply to the measured absolute pressure in the fresh air supply of the pulsator; and if the expected pressure drop of the fresh air supply is greater than the measured absolute pressure in the fresh air supply of the pulsator, the computer sending an indication representative of a failed solenoid, to a user.

32. A milking system for milking an animal located in a structure having at least a first floor in which the animal is located and second floor, beneath the first floor comprising: a pulsator located separately from a vacuum supply pipe with a connecting hose or pipe providing vacuum to the pulsator; wherein the pulsator is located near the animal being milked, while the vacuum supply pipe is located in a separate room on the second floor, beneath the first floor in which the animal being milked is located, the separate room on the second floor further comprising a pipe for transporting the milk to a holding tank.

33. A valve assembly for periodically supplying fresh air to a pulsation chamber to open and close a flexible liner of a teat cup assembly of a milking system attached to an animal, the valve assembly being connected to and working in coordination with a pulsator, providing additional fresh air to the fresh air being provided by the pulsator the valve assembly comprising: a solenoid housing having a first end open to a channel and a second end a solenoid having an interior end, located within the channel of the solenoid housing; a respective inlet and a respective outlet through which atmospheric pressure air can be respectively supplied to the pulsation chamber of the teat cup assembly; and a solenoid valve plunger reciprocally movable in the solenoid housing with a first end in the channel for sealing the inlet from the outlet and a second end in the solenoid housing opposite the first end; an outlet operatively connected to the valve through which air pressure is periodically supplied to the teat cup assembly from the valve; and a controller connected to the solenoid of the valve, the controller respectively actuating and deactivating the valve to provide the periodic supply of air pressure to the outlet.

34. The valve assembly of claim 33, wherein the fresh air inlet is connected to the atmospheric air pressure.

35. The valve assembly of claim 34, wherein the solenoid which controls the atmospheric pressure air is opened for a limited time to regulate an absolute pressure being supplied to the pulsation chamber through the outlet.

36. The valve assembly of claim 34, further comprising a pressure limiting device on the common outlet to limit an absolute pressure supplied to the pulsation chamber.

37. The valve assembly of claim 36, wherein the pressure limiting device is a pressure relief valve.

38. The valve assembly of claim 35, wherein controller does not deactivate the solenoid when pressure in the outlet is approximately at atmospheric pressure.

39. The valve assembly of claim 35, wherein the controller deactivates the solenoid as soon as the pressure in the outlet is approximately at atmospheric pressure.

40. The valve assembly of claim 33, further comprising a flexible sealing material on the interior end of the solenoid which cannot be pushed out of the solenoid by air pressure or impact of the solenoid valve plunger.

41. The valve assembly of claim 40, wherein the flexible sealing material is applied to the interior end of the solenoid in a flowable state and cured onto the interior end of the solenoid.

42. The valve assembly of claim 33, wherein the valve assembly is connected in series to the pulsator through a pulsation chamber.

43. The valve assembly of claim 33, wherein the atmospheric air pressure is greater than atmospheric air pressure.

44. The valve assembly of claim 32, wherein the air pressure periodically supplied to the teat cup assembly is at atmospheric air pressure or greater than atmospheric air pressure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the pulsation valve apparatus of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a schematic of a conventional pulsation valve apparatus.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a vacuum controlled volume apparatus of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a schematic of the vacuum controlled volume apparatus of the present invention installed in a milking system.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a schematic of a wireless vacuum control apparatus of the present invention installed in a milking system.

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a schematic of the multi-hose collection volume apparatus of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 7a illustrates a top view of an alternate multi-hose collection volume apparatus of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 7b illustrates a side view of an alternate multi-hose collection volume apparatus of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows a schematic of a failed solenoid detection apparatus of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of a multi-house collection volume apparatus with an alternate vacuum supply regulated feature.

[0029] FIG. 10 shows a schematic of a fresh air supply valve assembly.

[0030] FIG. 11 shows an arrangement of milking clusters relative to a pulsator vacuum source.

[0031] FIG. 12 shows an alternate arrangement of milking clusters relative to a pulsator vacuum source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, a pulsator valving mechanism (16) used in the milking process of animals is shown. The basic design of this pulsator is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,325. Prior art design pulsators, including the one described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,325, utilizes ambient air as the source of fresh air to provide pulsator output or common outlet (10) with atmospheric pressure air during the rest phase of the milking action. Prior art pulsators typically access atmospheric air directly through open ports in the pulsator or through connections to fresh air supply pipes having air filters incorporated to remove airborne debris.

[0033] It is desirable to provide a source of greater than atmospheric pressure air to the pulsator to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air within a filtered fresh air supply to the pulsator and to compensate for the large pressure drop between the pulsator and the cluster as the distance between the two becomes large. The greater than atmospheric pressure air will allow the pulsation chamber to increase from vacuum to atmospheric air pressure more quickly to enable proper liner action.

[0034] The greater than atmospheric pressure air must also subsequently be removed during the next phase of the pulsation cycle when the pulsator applies vacuum to the pulsation chamber. The additional air contained in the system supplied by the greater than atmospheric air must be removed by the vacuum source. This places an additional burden on the vacuum pump to remove that excess air and requires additional time to remove that air resulting in a slower response of the liner to open back into the milk phase. The situation is further worsened with typical conventional pulsators that are designed with one solenoid to control both air and vacuum supply to the pulsation chamber. There is a short time period in which the solenoid is transitioning from air to vacuum that both sources of supply are simultaneously connected causing greater than atmospheric air pressure to be supplied directly to the vacuum system causing even greater demand on the vacuum system and pump.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 1, a pulsator (16) includes three channels, A, B, and C, with channel A controlling the vacuum inlet (7) connected to a vacuum supply and channel B controlling the air pressure inlet (13) connected to air pressure supply (8). Channel A has a chamber or volume (6) and channel B has a chamber or volume (5). Chamber (6) has a vacuum pressure outlet (18) and a vacuum pressure inlet (7). Chamber or volume (5) has an atmospheric air pressure outlet (17) and an atmospheric air pressure inlet (13).

[0036] A first solenoid (2) is received within a first solenoid housing (20) with a first solenoid plunger (4) dedicated to the control of the vacuum supply provided by the vacuum inlet (7). The movement of the first solenoid plunger (4) determines whether vacuum is provided from the vacuum inlet (7) to the vacuum outlet (16). A second solenoid (1) is received within a second solenoid housing (19) with a second solenoid plunger (3) dedicated to the control of the atmospheric air pressure provided by the air pressure inlet (13) from the air pressure supply (8). The movement of the second solenoid plunger (3) determines air pressure is provided from the air pressure inlet (13) to the air pressure outlet (17). The combination of movement of the first and second solenoids (1, 2) control the fresh air and vacuum provided to a common pulsator output (10). This design eliminates a direct connection between the vacuum inlet (7) connected to the vacuum supply and fresh air inlet (13) connected to supply (8), thereby eliminating the problem of conventional pulsation designs when incorporating greater than atmospheric air pressure. The first and second solenoid plungers (3, 4) each have a first end (3a, 4a) and a second end (3b, 4b) with a seal (14, 15). The first and second solenoids (1, 2) may be controlled by a controller (not shown).

[0037] The design in FIG. 1 also allows for the fresh air, second solenoid plunger (3) to be closed when the pressure in the pulsation chamber or volume (5) has risen to and approximately achieved atmospheric air pressure for example 0.25 psi below atmospheric pressure to 1.0 psi above atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing the pulsation chamber or volume (5) itself from achieving an air pressure substantially greater than atmospheric air pressure.

[0038] The innovative design disclosed in FIG. 1 further provides an additional option for limiting the maximum pressure in the air supplied to the pulsation chamber or volume (5). A pressure control or limiting device (9) can be incorporated into the common output (10) of the pulsator. One example of such a device is a one-way valve that permits the flow of air in one direction when the pressure on the supply side exceeds a set value. The one-way valve then prevents the reverse flow of air when the pressure in the pulsator output (10) falls below the set value.

[0039] The innovative design disclosed in FIG. 1 further provides a means of sealing the solenoids (1, 2) to prevent air leakage during the application of positive pressure from supply (8) to the volume or pulsation chambers (5) and (6). A sealing material (11) and (12) is applied to the interior ends of solenoids (1) and (2), which each include their respective plungers (3), (4) to prevent the applied positive pressure air from exiting the pulsator chambers or volumes (5, 6) through the end of the solenoid. The sealing material is flowable at the time of application to the interior ends of the solenoids (1) and (2) and then cures in place. The final cured material must be greater in shape or volume than the size of the opening at the end of the solenoid it is sealing. Any material that can be dispensed (e.g. flowable) and then cure in place may be used as the sealing material. For example, a room temperature vulcanizing material such as silicone based materials may be used or rubber. The sealing material, once it cures cannot be pushed out of the end of the solenoid by either the positive pressure air or the impact of solenoid plungers (3) or (4) when power is applied to the solenoids (1, 2).

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4 a vacuum controlled volume apparatus (22) of the present invention used in the milking process of animals is shown installed in a typical milking system. The typical conventional milking system has a hose (26) connected to an assembly referred to as a milking cluster (21) such that the hose (26) provides a flow path for milk from the milking cluster (21) and that flow path also provides a vacuum from a vacuum source. Hose (26) is then connected to either a larger pipe (25) to transport the milk to a collection tank (not shown) or is connected to other milking system components such as milk flow sensors (24), milk meters and shut off valves (23). Those other components create flow path restrictions that result in the milk flow velocity being reduced and the vacuum supplied to the cluster being restricted resulting in undesirable drops and fluctuations. It should be noted that several hose connections are shown in FIG. 4, but that there is only one hose connection (26) to the milking cluster (21).

[0041] The vacuum controlled volume apparatus (22), shown in greater detail in FIG. 3 of the present invention has a connection (31) that provides a means of connecting volume (36) to an alternate vacuum source either shut off valve (27) or pipe (25) of FIG. 4. Volume (36) provides a common chamber to interconnect connection (32) to the milking cluster (21) and to connection (31) that connects to an alternate vacuum source and finally to connection (37) that connects to the milk flow sensor (24) or milk meter and the pipe (25) to transport the milk to a collection tank (not shown).

[0042] The vacuum controlled volume apparatus (22) may also include a vent hole (34) and a vacuum regulation feature (33). The vacuum regulation feature (33) or vacuum limiting device can be incorporated into the connection (31) to the alternate vacuum source. One example of such a device is a one-way valve that permits the flow of air in one direction when the pressure on the supply side exceeds a set value. The valve then prevents the flow of air when the pressure in volume (36) falls below the set value. The absolute pressure in volume (36) must be the same as or greater than that of the source for output through connection (37) to maintain flow of milk from volume (36) through the connection (37). The vent hole (34) provides an alternate means of limiting vacuum level within the volume (36).

[0043] The vacuum controlled volume apparatus (22) may include pipe (35), attached to connection (32), to provide a means of limiting the unintended flow of milk into connection (31). During periods of high milk flow it is possible that milk could flow towards connection (31) instead of through connection (37). The addition of pipe (35) directs the incoming flow of milk from inlet connection (32) towards outlet connection (37).

[0044] The vacuum controlled volume apparatus (22) of the present invention reduces vacuum reductions and fluctuations in the claw of the milking cluster (21) by providing an alternate source of vacuum (31) to the hose connection (26) supplied to the milking cluster (21). The alternate source of vacuum is provided by a connection to vacuum source (25) or through shut off valve (27) that is connected to a vacuum source (25) to provide a path that does not flow through the milk flow sensors (24) or milk meters of the existing milking system.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows a wireless vacuum control apparatus of the present invention configured in a typical rotary milking facility. Typical milking facilities incorporate variable speed vacuum pump control technology to minimize the electrical energy required to provide vacuum. This is accomplished by continuously monitoring the system operating vacuum level and adjusting pump motor speed to vary the supply of vacuum to the system. A means of measuring vacuum level is required and is typically accomplished with the use of a vacuum transducer. Rotary style milking facilities utilizing this technology typically have the transducer installed at location (48) as shown in FIG. 5. This is because the rotation of the platform requires slip bands in the center (47) of the rotary (41). The electrical noise generated by those slip bands creates voltage errors that make variable speed control difficult, if not impossible, resulting in the transducer being placed at location (48) or another location between location (48) and pump (49).

[0046] Large rotary parlors can milk many animals (42) at one time, and therefore the diameter of the rotary (41) is large and the length of vacuum supply pipes (43) and (44) are also very long resulting in large distances between the vacuum pump (49) and the individual milking clusters on each animal (42). The milk collecting volume or receiver (46), is the central collection point for milk on the rotary platform (41) and is the source of stable vacuum for the individual milking clusters (21) attached to each animal (42) being milked. It is desirable to sense the vacuum level as close as possible to the receiver (46) and to regulate vacuum pump speed based on that measured value to achieve the most stable vacuum for the milking system.

[0047] The present invention provides a wireless transducer assembly (45) near the receiver (46) for measuring the vacuum level at or near the receiver (46). This assures the most accurate sensing of vacuum level at the receiver (46) while also regulating the vacuum in the receiver (46) directly without the added burden of directly regulating vacuum in the pulsation system also, as is done with the transducer located at location (48).

[0048] The present invention may further include a variable speed vacuum control system as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,331, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The variable speed vacuum control system of the present invention controls a variable speed vacuum pump with the combination of a transducer, in this case the wireless transducer assembly (45) of the present invention and a mechanical vacuum regulator (40) located between the center (47) of the rotary (41) and the milk collection volume or receiver (46). The mechanical regulator (40) provides for the regulation of vacuum very close to receiver (46) by allowing the operating speed of the vacuum pump (49) to supply more vacuum than is required by the rotary (41) for most of the milking time. The speed of the pump (49) is only increased to address situations requiring additional vacuum as detected by transducer (45) with the variable speed pump controller (50) adjusting the adjustable frequency motor drive and control circuits to vary fluid pump motor speeds based on system fluid demand monitored by a sensor as described by U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,331.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows a multi-hose collection volume apparatus (51) of the present invention. Typical conventional milking systems include a milking cluster (21) that provides a collecting volume for the flow of milk from multiple liners with a single outlet hose interface to extract the milk from the volume. Robotic milking systems do not utilize a cluster and instead have very long hoses connected to each individual teat cup with those hoses connected to milk flow sensors and shut off valves with some robots having a collecting volume apparatus. The design of the collecting volume apparatus typically results in the flow from each individual hose connection interfering with the milk and vacuum flow of the other hoses as the flow from one hose flows over the entry point of another hose within the collection volume apparatus.

[0050] The multi-hose collection volume connects the individual hoses connections (52a-52n) from hoses of the robotic milking systems into a single collecting volume (54) with an outlet (53) in a manner in which the flow of milk from one hose inlet connection (52a) of a hose (52) does not directly flow over an entrance port of another hose inlet connection (52b-52n). While only four hose inlet connections (52a-52n) are shown two or more connections may be part of the multi-hose collection volume (51), as long as the inlet connection does not directly flow over an entrance port of another hose inlet connection. The proposed invention may be further improved by combining the innovations of FIG. 6 with those disclosed in FIG. 3 as is shown in FIG. 9. The multi-hose collection volume (51) of FIG. 9 adds an alternate vacuum supply regulated feature (33) through a connection (31) at the top of the multi-hose collection volume (51). The connection (31) is connected to an alternate vacuum source.

[0051] FIG. 7a-7b provides an alternate configuration of the multi-hose collection volume (61) of FIG. 6 in which hose inlet connections (62a-62n) are arranged radially around the collecting volume (64) with an outlet (63). While only four hose inlet connections (62a-62n) are shown, two or more connections may be part of the multi-hose collection volume (61), as long as the inlet connection does not directly flow over an entrance port of another hose inlet connection.

[0052] FIG. 8 shows a failed solenoid detection apparatus (71) of the present invention. A typical milking system will have more than one pulsator (16) connected to a common power source (73) with the pulsator have one or more solenoids with wound coils (72) connected to the power source (73). The power source (73) may contain a computer with a failed solenoid detection program. Each solenoid has a known electrical resistance and therefore a known amount of electrical current required to be supplied to the solenoid by the power source (73).

[0053] The present invention employs a method of detecting a failed solenoid by a failed solenoid detection program of the computer of the power source (73) monitoring the total current supplied to group of solenoids of a pulsator by the power source and then the failed solenoid detection program either continuously or periodically compares an applied (measured) current of the pulsator to a known (expected) required current of the groups of solenoids. If the comparison of the measured total current is not equal to or is less than the expected total current, the failed solenoid detection program sends an indication of a group of solenoid failures to a user, for example through a visual indicator on the pulsator, such as an LED light.

[0054] If the comparison of the applied (measured) current of the pulsator to a known (expected) required current of the groups of solenoids is equal, the failed solenoid detection program continues or periodically monitors the total current being supplied.

[0055] A failed solenoid may also have a plunger that is stuck in the pulled in condition. Referring to FIG. 1, if the first plunger (3) is stuck in the pulled-in condition (e.g. where the seal (14) of the first plunger (3) does not contact seal off the fresh air supply from the common pulsator output (10)) then a continuous connection to the air supply (8) and vacuum source through vacuum inlet (7) will exist whenever the second plunger (4) is lifted. This will result in an excess volume of fresh air being consumed which can be detected by a pressure transducer measuring, for example by a computer with a failed solenoid detection program, a pressure drop in the positive pressure source (8). The known pressure drop characteristics of pressure source (8) can be monitored, for example by the solenoid detection program, to determine if and when the stuck plunger condition exists. The same monitoring approach can be applied with a stuck plunger on the vacuum side of the pulsator if the second plunger (4) becomes stuck in the pulled-in condition.

[0056] FIG. 10-FIG. 12 show arrangements of milking clusters (21) relative to pulsator vacuum source (83). Some milking facilities are designed such that the distance between cluster (21) and vacuum source (83) are very large (greater than 8.5 feet) causing air flow restrictions in the hoses (89) connecting the pulsation chambers of the clusters to the pulsator (82). The present invention seeks to address this problem that exists in many milking facilities which includes rotary parlors (41) and basement style parlors (87).

[0057] In one embodiment, a separate fresh air valving mechanism (80) is located between cluster (21) and pulsator (82). This fresh air valving mechanism (80) has a function similar to that of chamber B of pulsator (16). Solenoid plunger (93) is received within a solenoid housing (99) and controls chamber 91. The movement of the solenoid plunger (93) determines air pressure is provided from the air pressure inlet (95) to the air pressure outlet (98) and to outlet port (97) connected to pulsation chamber(s) of the cluster (21). The solenoid plunger (93) has a first end (93a) and a second end (93b) with a seal (94). The solenoid (92) may be controlled by a controller (not shown). The solenoid (92) is sealed to prevent air leakage during the application of positive pressure from the fresh air supply (95) to the volume or chambers (91). A sealing material (94) is applied to the interior end of the solenoid (92), to prevent the applied positive pressure air from exiting the chamber or volume (91) through the end of the solenoid. The sealing material is flowable at the time of application to the interior end of the solenoid (92) and then cures in place. The final cured material must be greater in shape or volume than the size of the opening at the end of the solenoid it is sealing. Any material that can be dispensed (e.g. flowable) and then cure in place may be used as the sealing material. For example, a room temperature vulcanizing material such as silicone based materials may be used or rubber. The sealing material, once it cures cannot be pushed out of the end of the solenoid by either the positive pressure air or the impact of solenoid plunger (93) when power is applied to the solenoid (92).

[0058] The separate fresh air valving mechanism (80) will have an inlet port (96) to connect to the outlet port of pulsator (82) and an outlet port (97) to connect to pulsation chamber(s) of cluster (21) or the individual pulsation chambers of a robotic milking system.

[0059] The plunger (93) is operated in unison with plunger (3) to simultaneously connect fresh air sources (13) and (95) to the pulsation chamber(s) of cluster (21).

[0060] An additional option for limiting the maximum pressure in the air supplied to the pulsation chamber or volume (91) may be supplied. A pressure control or limiting device (9) can be incorporated into the output (98) of the pulsator. One example of such a device is a one-way valve that permits the flow of air in one direction when the pressure on the supply side exceeds a set value. The one-way valve then prevents the reverse flow of air when the pressure in the pulsator output (98) falls below the set value.

[0061] It should be noted that the fresh air valve mechanism (80) may incorporate the greater than atmospheric air as discussed above in reference to chamber B of the pulsator (16). For example, the solenoid plunger (93) may be closed when the pressure in the pulsation chamber or volume (91) has risen to and approximately achieved atmospheric air pressure for example 0.25 psi below atmospheric pressure to 1.0 psi above atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing the pulsation chamber or volume (91) itself from achieving an air pressure substantially greater than atmospheric air pressure.

[0062] In another embodiment, the milking system is a basement style parlor (87) in which the animal being milked is located on a first floor (86) with the milking cluster (21) and the pulsator (82). The pulsator (82) is located separately from the vacuum source or vacuum supply pipe (83). A pipe or hose (88) provides vacuum from the vacuum source (83) to the pulsator (82) between the floors and may be present in a channel (87). The vacuum source or vacuum supply pipe (83) is located in separate room on a separate floor (90) than the animal being milked. The separate room on the separate floor (90) also includes a pipe for transporting the milk to a holding tank. Fresh air is supplied to pulsator (82) in a manner similar to pulsator (16).

[0063] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.