Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus which acoustically monitors a process, specifically an automated milking process. In the process the amplitude differences or the intensity values or both of the sound are measured during the process by a sound sensor comprising a piezoelectric transducer. These measurements which are taken during the entire process either continuously or at least continually at frequent intervals are compared with predetermined threshold values or other reference values or a reference pattern or patterns for the purpose of detecting whether the process is proceeding as it should or there are irregularities such as the presence of disturbances or deviations or both in the course of the process. The piezoelectric transducer is mounted in a housing of sound absorbent material on a good sound conductivity material so that it receives, with minimal attenuation, sounds which emanate from a conduit connected to a teat cup of the milking apparatus when a fluid is flowing through the conduit, which fluid is usually milk during the milking process and air when the teat cup is disconnected from the animal's teat.

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First Claim