| 摘要 |
Example embodiments of the present invention refer to a milk sampling apparatus and method for use with an automated milking system. The apparatus comprises a cassette ( 7 ) wherein milk sample collecting elements ( 9 ) are placed, and at least one filling member ( 27 ) capable of being placed above a selected one of the milk sample collecting elements ( 9 ) by a positioning system, and capable of bringing a milk sample, representatively taken from milk yielded during the milking of an animal by the automated milking system, into the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements ( 9 ). The positioning system comprises an arm ( 34 ) extending in a first dimension (Y) in a plane (XY) above the milk sample collecting elements ( 9 ) and being movable in a second direction (X) in the plane (XY), the first (Y) and second (X) directions being orthogonal; a runner ( 32 ) holding the filling member ( 27 ) and being movable along the arm ( 34 ); and first ( 29 ) and a second ( 31 ) drives, wherein the first drive ( 29 ) is effective to move the arm ( 34 ) and the second drive ( 31 ) is effective to move the runner ( 32 ) such that filling member ( 27 ) is positioned above the selected one of the milk sample collecting elements ( 9 ). |
