MilkHub
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System Components |
Sensing Unit |
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| A Sensing Unit is used for each bail in the dairy. The unit monitors all fluid flow through the equipment associated with the bail to derive the measurements used to characterise the cow and plant performance. The advanced technology used includes a patented multiple sensor array and high speed signal processing.The unit communicates to the rest of the MilkHub system using built-in network interface hardware. The unit consists of a rugged cylinder with a food grade plastic manifold and clear inspection end caps. It has a large flow area for negligible head loss and CIP cleaning. To ensure maximum reliability, measurements are made without moving parts and no sensors make contact with the milk. |
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Network Interface |
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| A common 2-wire loop connects the sensing units to a single Network Interface. This provides a wireless connection to the rest of the MilkHub system. The wireless connection simplifies installation and eliminates the need for cabling off the rotating platform. |
Display Unit |
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The Display Unit forms the standard in-dairy operator interface. This presents information through a large format character display and audible sounder. It also provides for operator input from a pull-cord or push button. The operational display modes are: During milking - Alert of infected or low yielding cows During cleaning - Display of circulating cleaning solution temperature Between milkings - Scrolling display bulletin of information from the last milking, including cow alerts, plant and cleaning exceptions |
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The Display Unit also has modes to configure and commission the MilkHub system. An installation will have one or more Display Units. Each Display Unit has the connection for a nearby operator pull cord and is connected to a mains power supply. One display is used for connection to the overhead RFID reader. The function of each display can be individually configured using web-based management tools. For example a display at entry could be used to display cows with mastitis and a display at the exit could be used for heat detection. The Display Units connect to the MilkHub wireless network. |
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Pull-Cord and Keypad |
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| The pull cord and keypad provide an easy to use interface for the in-dairy operator to enter information into the MilkHub system. The function depends on the plant operation. During milking information in generally specific to the cows being milked and is used to identify cows of interest by bail or cow number and add any issues of interest associated with the cow. At any time similar information can be entered or the interfaces can be used to configure and control the automatic operation of the system. | |
Command Unit and System Software |
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| The Command Unit forms the central system “brain” communicating with and controlling all other components. It collects and stores information from the Sensor Units to build up a database. It is the real time analysis of this database that results in alerts for infected and low yield cows, poor plant and cleaning performance. The Command Unit is typically located in the dairy office. |
Web-Based Management System |
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| The MilkHub system is a new generation product which provides continuous reporting via the internet. This valuable information is available in minutes and can be accessed on-line, anywhere, day or night, on or off the farm. Information is made available on the internet by the Command Unit and associated cellular network connection. (Note: cellular coverage must be available at the location of the shed to provide this feature). This information is targeted at the farm manager to support decisions based on cow and plant performance. Data can be shown in the form of tables or graphs for the ease of interpretation. The information is comprehensive and easy to analyse using the powerful set of tools provided. Decisions can be readily turned into actions in the dairy shed by booking alerts and drafting. |
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