Patent Description:
During a milking operation, the milk obtained from an animal is typically transferred to a local milk receiver. When the milking operation has been finished, a milk pump feeds the milk from the local milk receiver to a milk tank configured to receive milk from several local milk receivers. From the milk tank, the milk may then be delivered to the dairy industry for further processing. Before or during feeding of the milk to the milk tank, milk samples of individual animals may be taken. The milk samples may be subjected to various analyzes of traditional milk parameters reflecting the quality of the milk, such as the content of fat, protein and lactose.

The milk to be analyzed may be distributed to different analyzing units via a distribution unit. <CIT> discloses an example of such a distribution unit for milk samples, which comprises a flow passage, a valve controlled milk inlet port through which milk is delivered to the flow passage, a pump port through which a sampling pump communicates with the flow passage, and at least two valve controlled milk sampling outlet ports through which milk samples are delivered from the flow passage to a respective milk sample analyzing unit. The flow passage has a longitudinal extension between a first end and a second end. The milk sampling outlet ports are connected to the flow passage in positions located between the connection position of the milk inlet port and the connection position of the pump port.

A more advanced milk analyzing unit, configured for analyzing more advanced milk parameters such a progesterone, LDH - Lactate Dehydrogenase, Urea, BHB - Beta Hydroxy Butyrate, etc., may be connected to the distribution unit. The analysis of these parameters is more time consuming than the analysis of the traditional milk parameters such as fat, protein and lactose contents. Consequently, when a milk sample is delivered to the more advanced milk analyzing unit, a situation may occur that the more advanced analyzing unit is busy, and that the milk sample cannot be received and analyzed by the further analyzing unit. Thus the distribution units known from the prior art cannot secure an advanced analysis of all milk samples.

<CIT> discloses a fluid conveying device comprising a pump having an inlet connected to an induction system and an outlet connected to a discharge system, the induction system having supply paths arranged to selectively connect the pump inlet to a a plurality of fluid sources including a milk source, and the discharge system having a plurality of discharge paths arranged to successively deliver discrete milk samples to the respective discharge paths for analysis.

The purpose of the present invention is to remedy the problem discussed above, and provide a distribution unit which enables an efficient analysis of advanced parameters of the milk without negatively affecting the analysis of the traditional milk parameters.

This purpose is achieved by the milk sampling device according to claim <NUM>.

By providing the second distribution portion, milk samples to be subjected to a more advanced and time consuming analysis may be transferred from the flow channel of the first distribution portion to the flow channel of the second distribution portion, where these milk samples may be stored and treated consecutively without affecting the work flow for analyzing the milk samples from the first distribution portion.

According to an embodiment, each of the milk samples to be delivered to the further milk analyzing unit has a determined volume being sufficient for permitting the further milk analyzing unit to perform a milk analysis, wherein the second distribution portion provides a milk storing volume that is greater than said determined volume. In such a way, it is possible to store at least one milk sample in the second distribution portion at the same time as the preceding milk sample is analyzed in the further milk analyzing unit.

According to an embodiment, the second distribution portion provides a milk storing volume that is at least twice said determined volume. Thus, it may be possible to store at least two milk samples waiting for being analyzed by the further milk analyzing unit. Advantageously, the second distribution portion may provide a milk storing volume that is at least three times greater than said determined volume, at least four times greater than said determined volume or at least five times greater than said determined volume.

According to an embodiment, the second distribution portion comprises an outlet conduit connecting the milk outlet port to the further milk analyzing unit, wherein the outlet conduit provides the milk storing volume and thus has an internal volume that is greater than said determined volume.

According to an embodiment embodiment, the further milk analyzing unit is located at a remote position at a distance from the distribution unit, and from the second distribution portion. The further milk analyzing unit may for instance be located at a central control space common for a plurality of milk stations. The first distribution portion and the second distribution portion as well as a milk receiver may be located at local position at or in a milking station.

According to an embodiment, said distance may be at least <NUM>, at least <NUM> or at least <NUM>.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the ports of the second distribution portion also comprises a liquid inlet port, connected to a liquid source via a liquid inlet valve, and a gas inlet port, connected to a gas source via a gas inlet valve.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the distribution unit comprises a control unit configured to permit liquid to be delivered from the liquid source to the flow channel of the second distribution portion by opening the liquid inlet valve.

According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to open the liquid inlet valve after said determined volume of milk has been delivered from the flow channel of the first distribution portion to permit a volume of liquid to be introduced into the flow channel of the second distribution portion and to be located behind the said determined volume of milk in the flow direction. The volume of liquid may thus create a limit of said determined volume of milk to permit said determined volume of milk to be separated from the following milk sample.

According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to permit pressurized gas to be delivered from the gas source to the flow channel of the second distribution portion by opening the gas inlet valve.

According to an embodiment, the control unit is configured to open the gas inlet valve after said volume of liquid has been delivered from the liquid source to permit pressurized gas to be introduced into the flow channel of the second distribution portion in order to push said volume of liquid and said determined volume of milk in the flow direction towards the further milk analyzing unit. The pressurized gas from the gas source may thus provide the transport of the milk samples separated from each other from the flow channel of the second distribution portion to the further milk analyzing unit via the outlet conduit.

According to the invention, the flow channel of the second distribution portion is separated from the flow channel of the first distribution portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the first distribution portion comprises an upper part through, which the ports of the first distribution portion extend, and the second distribution portion comprises an upper part, through which the ports of the second distribution portion extend, wherein the upper part of the first distribution portion is separated from the upper part of the second distribution portion.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the flow channel of the first distribution portion and the flow channel of the second distribution portion extend in parallel with a common longitudinal axis.

<FIG> discloses a milk receiver <NUM> collecting milk from animals milked by milking machine. The milk receiver <NUM> may be located at a local position at or in a milking station, in which the animal is milked, for instance a voluntary robotic milking station.

A milk line <NUM> is connected to a bottom portion of the milk receiver <NUM>. The milk line <NUM> comprises a valve <NUM> and a milk pump <NUM>. When the valve <NUM> is in an open position and the milk pump <NUM> is activated, milk is pumped from the milk receiver <NUM>, via the milk line <NUM>, to a milk tank (not disclosed) that may be arranged to collect milk from several milk receivers <NUM>.

<FIG> also discloses a milk sampling device <NUM> configured to receive milk samples of the milk from the milk receiver <NUM> before the milk is transported to the milk tank. The milk sampling device <NUM> comprises a distribution unit <NUM>, which is disclosed more in detail in <FIG>. A main valve <NUM> is provided for opening and closing the transport of milk from the milk receiver <NUM> to the milk sampling device <NUM>. Also, the distribution unit <NUM> may be located at a local position at or in the milking station.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the distribution unit <NUM> comprises a first distribution portion <NUM> and a second distribution portion <NUM>.

The first distribution portion <NUM> comprises a flow channel <NUM> and a plurality of ports <NUM>-<NUM>, which communicate with the flow channel <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the flow channel <NUM> has an elongated shape and extends along a longitudinal axis x.

The ports <NUM>-<NUM> are configured to permit various media, such as milk, washing liquid, water, gas and/or pressurized air, to be delivered to and from the flow channel <NUM>.

More specifically, the ports <NUM>-<NUM> comprise a milk inlet port <NUM>, permitting milk to be delivered to the flow channel <NUM>, four milk outlet ports <NUM>-<NUM>, permitting milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel <NUM>, a first pump port <NUM>, a second pump port <NUM>, a drain port <NUM> and a bleed port <NUM>.

The number of milk outlet ports <NUM>-<NUM> may be less or more than four depending on the number of different tests to be made on the milk.

The milk inlet port <NUM> is connected to the milk receiver <NUM> via an inlet conduit <NUM>. The main valve <NUM> is provided on the inlet conduit <NUM>. By opening the main valve <NUM>, milk is permitted to be delivered from the milk receiver <NUM> to the flow channel <NUM>. An inlet valve <NUM> is provided to open and close the inlet port <NUM>.

The milk outlet port <NUM> is via a first outlet conduit <NUM> connected to a first milk analyzing unit <NUM>, and permits milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel <NUM> to the first milk analyzing unit <NUM>. A first outlet valve <NUM> is provided to open and close the milk outlet port <NUM>.

The milk outlet port <NUM> is via second outlet conduit <NUM> connected to a second milk analyzing unit <NUM>, and permits milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel <NUM> to the second milk analyzing unit <NUM>. A second outlet valve <NUM> is provided to open and close the milk outlet port <NUM>.

The milk outlet port <NUM> is via third outlet conduit <NUM> connected to a third milk analyzing unit <NUM>, and permits milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel <NUM> to the third milk analyzing unit <NUM>. A third outlet valve <NUM> is provided to open and close the milk outlet port <NUM>.

The milk outlet port <NUM> is via fourth outlet conduit <NUM> connected to a milk inlet port <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM>, and permits milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel <NUM> of the first distribution portion <NUM> to the second distribution portion <NUM>, and from the second distribution portion <NUM> to a further milk analyzing unit <NUM>. A fourth outlet valve <NUM> is provided to open and close the milk outlet port <NUM>.

The first pump port <NUM> is connected to a milk sampling pump <NUM> via a first pump conduit <NUM>, and permits milk and/or washing liquid to be transported between a first chamber 50A of the milk sampling pump <NUM> and the flow channel <NUM>, see <FIG>.

The second pump port <NUM> is also connected to the milk sampling pump <NUM> via a second pump conduit <NUM>, and permits milk and/or washing liquid to be transported between a second chamber 50B of the milk sampling pump <NUM> and the flow channel <NUM>.

The milk sampling pump <NUM> comprises a piston 50C separating the first and second chambers 50A and 50B. The piston 50C is driven by an actuator 50D.

The drain port <NUM> is via a drain conduit <NUM> connected to a drain outlet <NUM>. A drain valve <NUM> is provided to open and close the drain port <NUM>.

The bleed port <NUM> is via a bleed conduit <NUM> connected to a bleed outlet <NUM>. A bleed valve <NUM> is provided to open and close the bleed port <NUM>.

The first pump port <NUM> thus communicates with the first chamber 50A to suck milk into the flow channel <NUM> from the milk receiver <NUM> to the flow channel <NUM>, and to push milk from the flow channel <NUM> to the milk outlet ports <NUM>-<NUM> via the first pump conduit <NUM> and to the drain outlet <NUM> via the drain port <NUM>.

The first distribution portion <NUM> comprises a membrane <NUM> having an elongated shape and extending in the flow channel <NUM> in parallel with the longitudinal axis x. The membrane <NUM> has a first side <NUM> facing the ports <NUM>-<NUM> and a second side <NUM> being opposite to the first side <NUM>. The membrane <NUM> may be made of a rubber-like material.

The first distribution portion <NUM> comprises an upper part <NUM> and a lower part <NUM>. The ports <NUM>-<NUM> extends through the upper part <NUM> as can be seen in <FIG>. The lower part <NUM> is configured as a console supporting the upper part <NUM> and the valves <NUM>-<NUM>.

The first side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> is smooth and turned towards the flow channel <NUM> and the upper part <NUM> of the first distribution portion <NUM>. The flow channel <NUM> is thus defined by the upper part <NUM> and the first side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM>.

Each of the ports <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> is associated with and provided adjacent to a seat surface <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the pump port <NUM> is located close to, or adjacent, the seat surface <NUM>, which is primarily associated with the drain port <NUM>.

Each of the valves <NUM>-<NUM> comprises a valve body <NUM> acting on the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> for closing and opening the ports <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

Each of the valve bodies <NUM> is attached to the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> to permit the valve body <NUM> to push the membrane <NUM> against the respective seat surface <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> for closing the respective port <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, and to pull the membrane <NUM> away from the respective seat surface <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> for opening the respective port <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the membrane <NUM> comprises a plurality of engagement elements <NUM> protruding from the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM>. Each of the valve bodies <NUM> is attached to the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> via a respective one of the engagement elements <NUM>, see <FIG>, <FIG>.

Each of the engagement elements <NUM> comprises, or defines, a cavity <NUM>, see <FIG>. Each of the valve bodies <NUM> comprises an end portion <NUM> forming an upper end of the valve body <NUM>. Each of the end portions <NUM> is received in a respective one of the cavities <NUM>. The end portion <NUM> may thus be gripped by the cavity <NUM>, and may snap into the cavity <NUM>.

Each of the engagement elements <NUM> comprises a wall member <NUM> extending from the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> to an end of the wall member <NUM>. The end of the wall member <NUM> is thus located at a distance from the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM>. The wall member <NUM> surrounds at least partly the cavity <NUM>.

Each of the engagement elements <NUM> comprises a projection <NUM> extending inwardly from the end of the wall member <NUM>, and wherein the projection <NUM> projects into a depression <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>, see <FIG>, <FIG>. The projection <NUM> forms a flange having an annular shape. The flange extends around and define an opening <NUM> to the cavity <NUM>.

Each of the end portions <NUM> has an outer peripheral side surface <NUM>. The depression <NUM> extends through the outer peripheral side surface <NUM>. The depression <NUM> is annular and extends around the outer peripheral side surface <NUM> of the end portion <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>. Thus the annular flange of the projection <NUM> of the engagement element <NUM> extends into and around the annular depression <NUM> of the end portion <NUM>, when the membrane <NUM> is attached to the valve body <NUM>, see <FIG>.

The cavity <NUM> has a substantially plane bottom surface <NUM>, whereas the end portion <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> has a convexly domed end surface <NUM>, which may abut the plane bottom surface <NUM> when the membrane <NUM> is attached to the valve body <NUM>, see <FIG>. The convexly doomed end surface <NUM> and the plane bottom surface <NUM> provides an air cushion between the valve body <NUM> and the plane bottom surface <NUM>.

The wall member <NUM> extends around and encloses the cavity <NUM> and has a varying wall thickness in a circumferential direction. In particular, the wall member <NUM> may comprise two first wall portions 69A which are located opposite to each other and are intersected by the longitudinal axis x, or a line being parallel to the longitudinal axis x, see <FIG>, and two second wall portions 69B, which are located opposite to each other and provided between, and possibly, connecting the first wall portions 69A, see <FIG>. The wall thickness of the first wall portions 69A are thicker than the wall thickness of the second wall portions 69B as can be seen in <FIG>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the seat surface <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> of each of the milk outlet ports <NUM>-<NUM> and the second pump port <NUM> is annular and surrounds an opening of the respective milk outlet port <NUM>-<NUM> and second pump port <NUM>. When the membrane <NUM> is pushed against one of the seat surface <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, the first side <NUM> will abut the respective seat surface <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> and enclose the opening of the respective port <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, thereby closing the respective port <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>. The flow channel <NUM> will still permit passage of milk or washing liquid to pass beside the seat surface <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> of the closed port <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, to permit the milk or washing liquid to pass to and through another one of the ports <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>.

The seat surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> adjacent to and associated with milk inlet port <NUM>, the drain port <NUM> and the bleed port <NUM>, respectively, are provided beside the respective port <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> and extends transversely to the flow channel <NUM>. When the membrane <NUM> is pushed against one of the seat surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the first side <NUM> will abut the respective seat surface <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and close the opening of the respective port <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from the flow channel <NUM>.

Each of the valves <NUM>-<NUM> comprises a valve housing <NUM> in which the valve body <NUM> is provided. The valve body <NUM> is movable in the valve housing <NUM> in a first direction by supply of pressurized gas and in an opposite second direction by means of a compression spring <NUM>, see <FIG>. The pressurized gas is supplied from a source (not disclosed) via an inlet nozzle <NUM>, see <FIG>.

In the valves <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, the first direction is towards the respective seat surface <NUM>-<NUM>. In the valve <NUM>, the second direction is towards the seat surface <NUM>.

The first, second and third milk analyzing units <NUM>-<NUM> may include means for analyzing for instance the following traditional milk parameters: fat content, protein content, lactose content, etc. As mentioned above, the invention is not restricted to the number of milk analyzing units disclosed but may be modified to include more milk analyzing units and thus also more milk outlet ports and valves from the first distribution portion <NUM> than those disclosed.

The milk sampling device <NUM> comprises a control unit <NUM> configured for controlling the operation of the milk sampling device <NUM> and the distribution unit <NUM>, in particular for controlling the valves <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and the actuator 50D of the milk sampling pump <NUM>.

The second distribution portion <NUM> comprises a flow channel <NUM> and a plurality of ports <NUM>-<NUM>, which communicate with the flow channel <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, also the flow channel <NUM> has an elongated shape and extends along the longitudinal axis x. The flow channel <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM> is separated from the flow channel <NUM> of the first distribution portion <NUM>.

More specifically, the ports <NUM>-<NUM> comprise a milk inlet port <NUM>, a milk outlet port <NUM>, a gas inlet port <NUM> and a liquid inlet port <NUM>.

The milk inlet port <NUM> is connected to the milk outlet port <NUM> of the first distribution portion <NUM> via the fourth outlet conduit <NUM>, and permits milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel <NUM> of the first distribution portion <NUM> to the flow channel <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM>.

The milk outlet port <NUM> is via an outlet conduit <NUM> connected to the further milk analyzing unit <NUM> and permits milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel <NUM> to the further milk analyzing unit <NUM> via the outlet conduit <NUM> in a flow direction F.

The liquid inlet port <NUM> is via a liquid conduit <NUM> connected to a liquid source <NUM> and permits liquid, preferably water, to be delivered to the flow channel <NUM>. A liquid valve <NUM> is provided to open and close the liquid inlet port <NUM>.

The gas inlet port <NUM> is via a gas conduit <NUM> connected to a gas source <NUM> and permits gas, preferably pressurized gas or pressurized air, to be delivered to the flow channel <NUM>. A gas valve <NUM> is provided to open and close the gas inlet port <NUM>. The gas inlet port <NUM> is located upstream the liquid inlet port <NUM> in relation to the flow direction F.

Each of the milk samples to be delivered to the further milk analyzing unit <NUM> has a determined volume being sufficient for permitting the further milk analyzing unit <NUM> to perform a milk analysis on the milk sample. The second distribution portion <NUM> provides a milk storing volume that is greater than said determined volume of each milk sample. Preferably, the milk storing volume of the second distribution portion <NUM> may be at least twice said determined volume of each milk sample, or at least three times greater than said determined volume, at least four times greater than said determined volume or at least five times greater than said determined volume of each milk sample.

According to the embodiment disclosed, the outlet conduit <NUM> provides the milk storing volume. Thus, the outlet conduit <NUM> has an internal volume that is greater than said determined volume, at least twice or at least three, four or five times said determined volume of each milk sample.

According the embodiment disclosed, the further milk analyzing unit <NUM> may thus be located at a remote position at a distance from the second distribution portion <NUM>. The further milk analyzing unit <NUM> may for instance be located at a central control space (not disclosed) that is common for a plurality of milk stations.

Also the second distribution portion <NUM> comprises a membrane <NUM>, see <FIG>, having an elongated shape and extending in the flow channel <NUM> in parallel with the longitudinal axis x. The membrane <NUM> has a first side <NUM> facing the ports <NUM>-<NUM> and a second side <NUM> being opposite to the first side <NUM>. The membrane <NUM> may be made of a rubber-like material.

The second distribution portion <NUM> comprises an upper part <NUM> supported by and attached to the lower part <NUM>. The ports <NUM>-<NUM> extends through the upper part <NUM> as can be seen in <FIG>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the upper part <NUM> of the first distribution portion <NUM> is separated from the upper part <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM>.

The first side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> is smooth and turned towards the flow channel <NUM> and the upper part <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM>. The flow channel <NUM> is thus defined by the upper part <NUM> and the first side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM>.

Each of the liquid inlet port <NUM> and the gas inlet port <NUM> is associated with and provided adjacent to a seat surface <NUM> and <NUM>, see <FIG>.

Each of the liquid inlet valve <NUM> and the gas inlet valve <NUM> comprises a valve body <NUM> acting on the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> for closing and opening the respective ports <NUM> and <NUM>.

Each of the valve bodies <NUM> is attached to the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> to permit the valve body <NUM> to push the membrane <NUM> against the respective seat surface <NUM> and <NUM> for closing the respective port <NUM> and <NUM>, and to pull the membrane <NUM> away from the respective seat surface <NUM> and <NUM> for opening the respective port <NUM> and <NUM>.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the membrane <NUM> comprises two engagement elements <NUM> protruding from the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM>. Each of the valve bodies <NUM> of the valves <NUM>, <NUM> is attached to the second side <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> via a respective one of the engagement elements <NUM>, see <FIG>.

The engagement element <NUM> of the membrane <NUM> have the same configuration as the engagement elements <NUM> and the membrane <NUM> of the first distribution portion <NUM> and are attached to the valve bodies <NUM> in the same way as the engagement elements <NUM> of the membrane <NUM>. The above description with respect to <FIG> thus applies also to the membrane <NUM> and the second distribution portion <NUM>. The valves <NUM>, <NUM> have the same configuration as the valves <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

The further milk analyzing units <NUM> may include means for analyzing milk samples, in particular for making more complicated and time consuming analyzes of more advanced milk parameters, such a progesterone, LDH - Lactate Dehydrogenase, Urea, BHB - Beta Hydroxy Butyrate, etc. The analysis of these more advanced milk parameters is more time consuming than the analysis of the traditional milk parameters such as fat, protein and lactose contents. The further milk analyzing unit <NUM> may comprise a so called Herd Navigator™.

The control unit <NUM> is configured for controlling also the operation of the second distribution portion <NUM>, in particular for controlling also the liquid inlet valve <NUM> and the gas inlet valve <NUM>. Thus, the control unit <NUM> is configured to permit liquid to be delivered from the liquid source <NUM> to the flow channel <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM> by opening the liquid inlet valve <NUM>. In the same way, the control unit <NUM> is configured to permit pressurized gas to be delivered from the gas source <NUM> to the flow channel <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM> by opening the gas inlet valve <NUM>.

The milk sampling device <NUM> and the distribution unit <NUM> may be operated as follows. Initially, all valves <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> are in a closed position. The control unit <NUM> initiates a rinsing process of the flow surfaces of the distribution unit <NUM> and the milk sampling pump <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> opens the main valve <NUM> and opens the inlet valve <NUM>. The flow channel <NUM> is then open and flow communication is created between the inlet conduit <NUM> and the entire flow channel <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> activates the actuator 50D of the milk sampling pump <NUM> to move the piston 50C from an initial position in which the first chamber 50A has a minimal size. The movement of the piston 50C expands the first chamber 50A and a low pressure is created in the first chamber 50A, the first pump conduit <NUM>, the flow channel <NUM> and the inlet conduit <NUM>.

When the piston 50C has reached a determined position and the first chamber 50A has received a determined quantity of milk, the control unit <NUM> closes the inlet valve <NUM>. The milk flow from the inlet conduit <NUM> to the flow channel <NUM> ceases. The control unit <NUM> activates the actuator 50D to move the piston 50C in an opposite direction back towards the initial position. This movement of the piston 50C provides a milk flow from the first chamber 50A, via the first pump conduit <NUM> and the first pump <NUM>, to the flow channel <NUM>. All valves <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> are closed and the pressure increases in the flow channel <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> opens the drain valve <NUM> and the milk leaves the flow channel <NUM> via the drain conduit <NUM> to the drain outlet <NUM>. This initial milk flow to the first distribution portion <NUM> cleans the inner surfaces of the first distribution portion <NUM> from milk residues of the previous milk sample. When the piston 50C has reached the initial position, the first chamber 50A of the milk sampling pump <NUM> has been emptied of rinsing milk.

Then the milk sampling process proper is initiated. The control unit <NUM> again opens the inlet valve <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> activates the actuator 50D to move the piston 50C from the initial position. The first chamber 50A expands and a low pressure is created in the first pump conduit <NUM>, the flow channel <NUM> and the inlet conduit <NUM> which creates a milk flow from the milk receiver <NUM> to the first chamber 50A via the inlet conduit <NUM>, the flow channel <NUM> and the first pump conduit <NUM>.

When the first chamber 50A has received a determined quantity of milk, the control unit <NUM> closes the inlet valve <NUM>. The determined quantity of milk, now contained in the first chamber 50A, or a part of the determined quantity of milk, may then be delivered to any one of the first milk analysing units <NUM>-<NUM>, for instance the first milk analysing unit <NUM>. In this case, the control unit <NUM> opens the first outlet valve <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> activates the actuator 50D to move the piston 50C in the direction towards the initial position. The piston 50C creates a milk flow from the first chamber 50A, via the first pump conduit <NUM>, the first pump port <NUM>, the flow channel <NUM>, the milk outlet port <NUM>, the first outlet conduit <NUM>, to the first milk analyzing unit <NUM>.

It should be noted that the determined quantity of milk contained in first chamber 50A could be supplied to more than one of the milk outlet conduits <NUM>-<NUM> and thus be distributed to several of the milk analysing units <NUM>-<NUM>.

In a corresponding manner, milk may be supplied to the flow channel <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM> via the outlet port <NUM>, the fourth outlet valve <NUM> and the fourth outlet conduit <NUM>.

When milk has been received in the flow channel <NUM> of the second distribution unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> closes the outlet valve <NUM> and opens the liquid inlet valve <NUM> in order to permit a volume of liquid to be introduced into the flow channel <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM> and to be located, seen in the flow direction F, behind a determined volume of milk contained in the flow channel <NUM> and the outlet conduit <NUM>. The volume of liquid may thus create a limit of said determined volume of milk to permit said determined volume of milk to be separated from the following milk sample.

The control unit <NUM> may then close the liquid inlet valve <NUM> after said volume of liquid has been delivered from the liquid source <NUM> and open the gas inlet valve <NUM> to permit pressurized gas to be introduced into the flow channel <NUM> of the second distribution portion <NUM> from the gas source <NUM> in order to push said volume of liquid and said determined volume of milk in the flow direction F in the outlet conduit <NUM> towards the further milk analyzing unit <NUM>.

One or more of said determined volumes of milk may then be introduced and transported into the outlet conduit <NUM>, wherein each volume is separated from adjacent volumes by a volume of liquid introduced from the liquid source <NUM> via the liquid inlet conduit <NUM>.

The distribution unit <NUM> and the conduits <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be washed at regular intervals. When a washing process is to be performed, the control unit <NUM> opens the inlet valve <NUM> to permit introduction of a washing liquid from a washing liquid source (not disclosed) via the inlet conduit <NUM>. Then, the control unit <NUM> may open one or several of the valves <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in order to provide a washing liquid flow through one or several of the ports <NUM>-<NUM> and the conduits <NUM>-<NUM>. The washing liquid flow ceases when the control unit <NUM> closes the inlet valve <NUM>. In a corresponding manner, it is possible to supply and wash the pump conduits <NUM>, <NUM> and the chambers 50A and 50B and the piston 50C of the pump <NUM> with washing liquid.

Claim 1:
A milk sampling device (<NUM>) comprising at least two milk analyzing units (<NUM>-<NUM>) and a distribution unit (<NUM>) for milk samples comprising a first distribution portion (<NUM>) comprising
a flow channel (<NUM>), and
a plurality of ports (<NUM>-<NUM>) adjoining and communicating with the flow channel (<NUM>), the ports (<NUM>-<NUM>) comprising at least
a milk inlet port (<NUM>), permitting milk to be delivered to the flow channel, and
at least two milk outlet ports (<NUM>-<NUM>) connected to the at least two milk analyzing units (<NUM>-<NUM>) and permitting milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel (<NUM>) to the respective milk analyzing unit (<NUM>-<NUM>),
characterized in that the milk sampling device (<NUM>) comprises a further milk analyzing unit (<NUM>) and the distribution unit (<NUM>) comprises a second distribution portion (<NUM>) comprising
a flow channel (<NUM>), wherein the flow channel (<NUM>) of the second distribution portion (<NUM>) is separated from the flow channel (<NUM>) of the first distribution portion (<NUM>), and
a plurality of ports (<NUM>-<NUM>), which adjoin and communicate with the flow channel (<NUM>) of the second distribution portion (<NUM>) and comprise at least
a milk inlet port (<NUM>), permitting milk to be delivered from the flow channel (<NUM>) of the first distribution portion (<NUM>) to the flow channel (<NUM>) of the second distribution portion (<NUM>), and
a milk outlet port (<NUM>) connected to the further milk analyzing unit (<NUM>) and permitting milk samples to be delivered from the flow channel (<NUM>) of the second distribution portion (<NUM>) in a flow direction (F) to the further milk analyzing unit (<NUM>).