Appeal 2006-2786
Application 10/240,329
the signal produced by the optical sensing means and detects a
predetermined change in the transparency sensed by the optical sensing
means, the control means operating the flow directing device to terminate
the flow of milk into the branch line and to direct the milk to flow through
the main milk line in response to the predetermined change in the milk
transparency being detected.
15. An automatic milking method in which premilking is performed to
remove foremilk prior to a main milking stage, wherein transparency of the
milk is sensed at least during an initial period of the main milking stage and
therefrom it is determined whether premilking was carried out correctly.
19. An automatic milking apparatus comprising means for premilking
a teat from an udder, a teat cup for attachment to the teat after premilking for
carrying out a main milking stage in which milk extracted by the teat cup is
conducted through a milk line to a container, and a transparency sensing
means for sensing the transparency of the milk extracted from the teat by the
teat cup, wherein the transparency sensing means produces a signal
dependent on the milk transparency, and a control device is provided to
receive the signal produced by the transparency sensing means and detect a
predetermined change in the transparency sensed by the transparency
sensing means whereby the transparency falls initially and then rises at the
beginning of milk extraction during the main milking stage, and wherein a
means controlled by the control device is provided to interrupt delivery of
milk to the container in response to the predetermined change in
transparency detected by the control device.
The Examiner relies on the following prior art references as evidence
of unpatentability:
Tamas US 4,190,020 Feb. 26, 1980
Brayer US 5,116,119 May 26, 1992
Petterson WO 99/31966 Jul. 1, 1999
The rejections as presented by the Examiner are as follows:
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