DESC:DESCRIPTION
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to automation and computer system
and more particularly to the system and method for monitoring quality of milk at collection and
distribution thereof.
RELATED ART
[0002] Milk is very important commodity and is widely consumed in India. Conventionally milk is
collected manually from the farmers (milk producers) at local centres. The local centres test the
quality of milk using different techniques and instruments. The farmers are paid (price of the milk)
for the milk based on the quality (fat content) of the milk hence measured/determined using verity
of techniques. Existing milk testing machines use direct ultrasonic sensor values and give fat and
SNF output from the milk sample. These are used to determine milk quality in terms of different
solids content. These readings are not accurate and are different for different samples of same milk.
The output data and weight readings need to be manually saved.
[0003] In certain large scale processing centres, the milk so collected are pasteurised and
packetized for distribution over larger area. Such pasteurisation of milk results in the loss of original
taste and flavour.
[0004] In certain situation, the farmers distribute the milk directly to the consumers requiring fresh
milk (direct distribution). However, such direct distribution by the farmers has been a subject of
lack of quality/consistency, adulteration and lack hygiene. Thus, placing the large scale a fresh milk
supply a challenge. Further, inconsistency in the milk quality measuring technique and instruments
result in attributing unfair price to the milk sold by the farmers. Such inconsistency often is due to
the calibration of the tool not adjusted to operating condition.
[0005] Thus, a computerised automation system is presented to atomise both collection and
distribution fresh milk with dynamically calibrating the tool for providing accurate price to the
farmers.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to the invention there is provided a method for monitoring milk quality, the
method comprising locating a milk quality sensing means for monitoring at least one characteristic
of milk indicative of the quality of the milk in at least one of a milk storage tank in which the milk
is stored and a delivery pipeline through which the milk is delivered to the milk storage tank,
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configuring a signal processor to read signals indicative of the at least one monitored characteristic
of the milk from the milk quality sensing means, configuring the signal processor to determine from
the signal read from the milk quality sensing means data indicative of the milk quality and to store
the data indicative of the milk quality, and providing access to at least one authorized user to the
signal processor to read the data indicative of the milk quality.
[0007] In one aspect of the invention the data indicative of the milk quality is stored in a storing
means.
[0008] Preferably, data indicative of the monitored characteristics of the milk read from the milk
quality sensing means is stored in a storing means. In another aspect of the invention the milk
quality sensing means comprises one or more of the following sensors: a total bacteria count sensor
for detecting the total count of bacteria in the milk, an antibody sensor for detecting a specific
antibody in the milk, a milk composition sensor for determining the quantity of at least one
component of the milk, as a percentage of the milk, a protein sensor for monitoring the quantity of
protein in the milk as a percentage of the milk, a fat content sensor for monitoring the fat content in
the milk as percentage of the milk, a sensor for detecting an operational parameter of the milk
storage tank, such as the temperature of the milk in the milk storage tank and/or the time taken to
cool the milk to a predefined chilled temperature, and a sensor which would detect any other
parameter or characteristic of the milk which would affect the quality of the milk.
[0009] Preferably, the signal processor is configured to determine the data indicative of the milk
quality as one of a plurality of milk quality categories from the signals read from the milk quality
sensing means indicative of the characteristics of the milk. Advantageously, the signal processor is
configured to determine the data indicative of the milk quality as being one of a low milk quality
category and a high milk quality category, the quality of the milk of the high milk quality category
being of higher quality than the milk of the low milk quality category. Preferably, the signal
processor is configured to determine the data indicative of the milk quality as being one of the low
milk quality category, the high milk quality category, and an intermediate milk quality category,
the quality of the milk of the intermediate milk quality category being less than the quality of the
milk of the high milk quality category, and being greater than the quality of the low milk quality
category. In one aspect of the invention the milk is delivered to the milk storage tank directly as it
is being milked from an animal.
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[0010] In another aspect of the invention the milk storage tank forms a part of a milking system,
whereby the milk, milked from one or more animals is delivered info the milk storage tank and
stored therein. Preferably, the milk storage tank is located in a milking parlour.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention the milk quality sensing means comprises at least one tank
milk quality sensing means configured for locating in or adjacent the milk storage tank, and for
monitoring at least one characteristic of the milk in the milk storage tank.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention the milk quality sensing means comprises at least one
pipeline milk quality sensing means configured for locating in or adjacent the milk delivery pipeline
through which milk is delivered into the milk storage tank for monitoring at least one characteristic
of the milk flowing through the milk delivery pipeline.
[0013] In one aspect of the invention each milk quality sensing means is hardwired to the signal
processor.
[0014] Alternatively, each milk quality sensing means is configured to communicate wirelessly
with the signal processor. Preferably, each milk quality sensing means is configured to
communicate with the signal processor through a near field communications protocol.
[0015] In a further aspect of the invention, access to the signal processor by at least one authorized
user is provided to the first signal processor.
[0016] Preferably, the first signal processor is configured to store data values of the signals
indicative of the monitored characteristics. Advantageously, the first signal processor is configured
to determine the data indicative of the milk quality. Ideally, the first signal processor is configured
to store the data indicative of the milk quality.
[0017] In one aspect of the invention the first signal processor is configured to determine the milk
quality category of the milk in the milk storage tank. Preferably, the first signal processor is
configured to store data indicative of the milk quality category of the milk in the milk storage tank.
[0018] Advantageously, the first signal processor communicates data indicative of the determined
milk quality category to the second signal processor. Advantageously, the first signal processor
communicates with the second signal processor wirelessly. Advantageously, the first signal
processor communicates with the second signal processor via a communications network. In
another aspect of the invention the first signal processor communicates with the second signal
processor via a mobile phone network.
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[0019] Preferably, the first signal processor communicates with the second signal processor via the
internet. In one aspect of the invention the second signal processor comprises a central server.
[0020] In one aspect of the invention the signal processor is configured to compare signals read
from the pipeline milk quality sensing means with signals read from the tank milk quality sensing
means which is configured to monitor similar characteristics of the milk as those for which the
pipeline milk quality sensing means is configured to monitor for determining if the quality of the
milk in the milk storage tank is different to the l o quality of the milk being delivered to the milk
storage tank through the milk delivery pipeline.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention the milk quality sensing means is hardwired to the signal
processor. Alternatively, the milk quality sensing means is configured to communicate wirelessly
with the signal processor.
[0022] In one aspect of the invention the signal processor is configured as a first signal processor
and a second signal processor, the first signal processor being configured to read signals from the
milk quality sensing means indicative of the monitored characteristic of the milk and being
configured to communicate with the second signal processor for communicating data indicative of
the milk quality to the second signal processor. Preferably, the first signal processor is configured
to determine the milk quality from the signals read from milk quality sensing means, and to store
data indicative of the milk quality.
[0023] Advantageously, the first signal processor is configured to communicate the data indicative
of the milk quality to the second signal processor.
[0024] Preferably, the first signal processor is configured to determine the milk quality category of
the milk in the milk storage tank.
[0025] In one aspect of the invention the first signal processor is configured to communicate data
indicative of the determined quality milk category of the milk in the milk storage tank to the second
signal processor.
[0026] Several aspects are described below, with reference to diagrams. It should be understood
that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full
understanding of the present disclosure. One who is skilled in the relevant art, however, will readily
recognize that the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific details,
or with other methods, etc. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown
in detail to avoid obscuring the features of the present disclosure.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a milk collection and distribution system in one embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 1B illustrates the manner in which the data of the homogenous milk may be managed
and operated.
[0029] FIG. 2 is an example milk collection unit in an embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 3 is an example milk selling unit.
[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates an example farmer unit.
[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates an example consumer unit.
[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates example control unit operative to control the dispensation of the milk.
[0034] FIG. 7 is an example central server operation. FIG. 2A is an example output spectrum of
ideal radar receiver.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES
[0035] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0036] The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the
components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of
distinguishing one component from another.
[0037] The terminology used in this application is used only to describe a specific embodiment and
is not intended to limit the invention. The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the
context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, the terms "comprise" or "having" and
the like are used to specify that there is a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a
component or a combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence
or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, or
combinations thereof.
[0038] Hereinafter, an embodiment of separation tube for investigating storage stability of modified
asphalt binder according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings. In the following description, and redundant explanations thereof will be
omitted.
[0039] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a milk collection and distribution system in one embodiment.
The system 100 is shown comprising milk collection unit 110, milk selling unit 120, central
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combiner 130, consumer hand set 140, farmer handset 150, selling unit controller 160, central server
170 and communication channel 180. Each element is described below in further detail.
[0040] The milk collection unit 110 receives the milk and measures the quality of the milk and the
weight (quantity). The measured quality, the quantity, location data, user data etc., are transmitted
to the central server 170 over the communication channel 180. In one embodiment, the milk
collection unit adjusts the calibration for measuring the quality based on the data received from the
central server 170 particular to a user and/or location. Further, it displays the quantity and the quality
parameters visual acknowledgement.
[0041] The milk selling unit 120 dispenses the milk stored in the container as per the instruction
received from at least one of the central server 170 and selling unit controller 160. In one
embodiment, the milk selling unit receives data comprising a set of location points, quantity of
milk to be dispensed at each location point, user details etc. In one embodiment, the dispensing unit
dispenses the measured quantity to a container on determining the placement of the container for
collection. In certain embodiment, the quantity and dispensing is controlled at every location or at
a new location by the selling unit controller 160. According, the selling unit controller may
additionally dispense milk to plurality of container at a single place or at a new place/location that
is not preconfigured for dispensing.
[0042] The central combiner 130 receives the milk from plurality of the milk collection units 110
and combines the milk to form homogenous combined milk. The quality of the homogenous milk
is measured along with the measurement of combined new quantity. The homogeneity is achieved
by stirring the milk and cooling to maintain the taste as collected. The data of the newly measured
quality, quality and the temperature of the homogenous milk is transferred to the central server. The
homogenous milk is loaded to the milk selling unit 120. The quantity of milk loaded and the time
of loading the milk into the selling unit is measured and transferred to the central server 170. The
FIG. 1B illustrates the manner in which the data of the homogenous milk may be managed and
operated. As shown there, the parameter 191 displays the quality parameter after combining.
Similarly, the quantity 192 displays the overall quantity of the combined milk on a date and time
basis.
[0043] The consumer hand set 140 receives the order for a milk requirement. The consumer handset
may provide the order with the schedule and location (consumer location) for delivery of the order.
Optionally, the consumer handset may monitor the milk selling unit 120 assigned to the consumer
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location. Thus, the consumer unit track the milk selling unit 120 to know the estimated time of
arrival and current location of the milk selling unit. Further the consumer hand set 140 receives the
acknowledgement on dispensing and payment of the milk (bill/receipt).
[0044] The farmer handset 150 receives the details of the milk supplied to the milk collection unit
110 and maintains the record of the milk supplied, rate of milk, quality of milk and payment
made/pending on current and historic basis. The details are received from the central server in
continuation to the corresponding data being transmitted to the central server 170 by the milk
collection unit 110.
[0045] The selling unit controller 160 control dispensing of milk in the milk selling unit 120. It
controls the opening and closing of the milk dispensing nozzle to dispense the milk appropriately
without the human intervention. In certain embodiment, the selling unit controller receives the preset
locations to drive the selling 120 through the route covering the pre-set locations. Further, the
selling unit controller 160 may assist the diver (when the selling unit is mounted on a vehicle) to
reach the consumer handset 140 that has placed the order for milk.
[0046] The communication channel 180 provides the means for transferring the data by and
between one or more units 110-170. The communication channel may comprise any wireless
channels including GSM (mobile phone network/cellular network), LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth etc.
in certain embodiment, the units 110-170 are implemented with the corresponding
modems/transceivers to transmit/receive data in accordance with the corresponding standards and
protocol.
[0047] The central server 170 receives the data from the milk collection unit 110, milk selling unit
120, central combiner 130, consumer hand set 140, farmer handset 150, and selling unit controller
160 to process the data to determine one or more of calibration parameters for quality measurement,
price of the milk, route for milk selling unit and other statistics. Accordingly, the information
pertaining to every unit is transmitted in real time or in advance for effective fresh milk collection
and delivery in time without human intervention. Thus, every farmer receives the correctly
calibrated quality parameters for the milk submitted by him and thus, an accurate pricing is provided
to the farmer. Further, both collection and dispensing of milk is managed in single system, the
centralised end is milk management made possible. The centralized server 170 is operative to record
data and use data analysis in the back-end to find out an optimized result for each farmer whose
milk is being tested. It also compares the current test result of that farmer with the optimized data
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for that farmer and with result of previous farmers. This helps in assigning a particular weight to
the current sensor data for that farmer’s milk and optimized data for that farmer. Combining all
these, system provides a better result for the farmer’s milk. This helps avoid dissatisfaction in
farmers due to erratic result given by testing machine and to prevent losses to company.
[0048] FIG. 2 is an example milk collection unit in an embodiment. The milk collection unit 200 is
shown comprising collection tank 210, quality testing unit 220, quantity testing unit 230, processor
240, transceiver 250, data storage 260, display unit 270 and keypad 280. Each element is further
described below.
[0049] The collection tank 210 stores the milk collected after quality and quantity testing and
approval. The collection tank may be made of stainless-steel material and/or any food grade
material approved for storage of milk. The collection tank may be integrated with the other unit to
provide a single unit effect. The collection tank may have wide inlet and outlet for easy intake and
delivery of the milk. The collection tank may also have filters to remove the debris and other
particles from the milk while receiving.
[0050] The quality testing unit 220 test the quality of the milk. The unit 220 may be configured to
test, the fat content, protein, water content, etc. In one embodiment, the quality testing unit is an
ultrasonic sensor for determining the fat content in the milk. It transmits an ultrasonic sound trough
the sample milk to determine the parameters of the milk. As may be appreciated, it is necessary to
send an ultrasonic signal of a particular frequency and amplitude to effectively determine the
parameters such as fat and proteins. Accordingly, quality testing unit adjusts its parameters (referred
to as weights) to send an appropriate ultrasonic sound through the testing milk. The quality testing
unit may receive the input from the central server to adjust/alter the calibration parameter (weight)
for every user.
[0051] In one embodiment, the milk quality testing unit may comprise sensing means that may
include one or more of sensors such as total bacteria count sensor for detecting the total count of
bacteria in the milk, an antibody sensor for detecting a specific antibody in the milk, a milk
composition sensor for determining the quantity of at least one component of the milk, as a
percentage of the milk, a protein sensor for monitoring the quantity of protein in the milk as a
percentage of the milk, a fat content sensor for monitoring the fat content in the milk as percentage
of the milk, a sensor for detecting an operational parameter of the milk storage tank, such as the
temperature of the milk in the milk storage tank and/or the time taken to cool the milk to a
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predefined chilled temperature and a sensor which would detect any other parameter or
characteristic of the milk which would affect the quality of the milk.
[0052] The quantity testing unit 230 determine the quantity of the milk submitted. In one
embodiment, the quantity testing unit is a weighing machine (often referred to as load cell) operative
to determine the quantity in Kilograms. The quantity testing unit may convert the Kilogram to litres
based on the density determined by the quality testing unit. Thus, the quality testing and quantity
testing unit are integrated on a single system, and they interact and exchange the information.
[0053] The processor 240 is operative to control and manage the quality testing unit 220 and
quantity testing unit 230 and determine the price of the milk based on the quality and quantity
determined. In one embodiment, as an example, the processor may operate to generate the ultrasonic
sound (vibration)/signal for testing the quality of the milk (in general, the calibration parameter).
The processor receives the calibration parameters from server and operates to transfer the data of
milk to the central server via the transceiver 250 to the central server. The transceiver 250 may be
implemented to convert the data to corresponding wireless signal employing the protocol as defined
for the channel 180. The storage 260 may locally store the data comprising quality, quantity, time,
user data, location, price etc.
[0054] Similarly, FIG. 3 is an example milk selling unit comprising milk storage tank 310,
dispensing unit 320, measurement unit 330, processor 340, transceiver 350, data storage 360,
display unit 370 and keypad 380. In that, the dispensing unit 320 may comprise dispensing nozzle
electronically operated to open and close for dispensing the milk into a vessel. The measurement
unit 330 measure the quantity of the milk being dispensed and controls the dispensing unit for
closing and opening the nozzle. The processor is operative to compare the value received from the
measurement unit with the pre-set value for operating the nozzle or valve. The pre-set value may
be received from the server 170, control unit 160, or keypads 380. Display unit 370 displays the
status of dispensing, quantity dispensed and the cost for visual acknowledgement of the operation.
While other units operative similarly to the corresponding operation described with respect to the
FIG.2, however in conjunction with the operation of dispensing.
[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates an example farmer unit. As shown there the farmer unit receives the details
of the milk supplied (sold) and displays the quality parameter 401, price 402, total price 403,
payment made 404 and payment due 405. In one embodiment, the farmer unit may be a mobile
phone operative receive the data and provide the display as shown. In certain embodiment, the
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farmer unit location, ID, and phone number are captured and stored in the server 170 as primary
identity of the farmer and all the data corresponding specific farmer (ID) may be grouped or
retrieved from server for providing the display. In a similar manner, FIG. 5 illustrates an example
consumer unit. In that, the consumer receives the message on successful dispensing of the milk.
[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates example control unit operative to control the dispensation of the milk. As
shown there the 601 depicts the location of the predetermined places/orders for dispensing milk.
602 depict the order of dispensing points. 603 illustrate the manner in which the user of the control
unit may select the quantity and send the instruction to dispense the milk.
[0057] FIG. 7 is an example central server operation. In block 710, the server receives the quality
of the milk, quantity of the milk, user ID, location and time data from the milk collection unit 110.
In that, optionally server may first receive the user ID to send the calibration data for quality
measurement and then subsequently may receive the quality and the quantity of the milk
corresponding to the user. In the block 720, the server 170 determines the price and total value of
the milk. The server sends the same to the farmer handset and the collection unit 110. The block
710 and 720 are repeated for plurality of locations for plurality of user IDs.
[0058] In block 730, server receives the quality and quantity of the combined milk from the
combiner unit 160. In block 740, the server sets the selling price based on the received quality
parameters. In block 750, server determines the quantity of milk to be loaded to each of the selling
unit 120. In block 760, server 170 transfers the set of destination locations preconfigured for
dispensing the milk. The server may also send the quantity to be dispensed at each location. In block
770, server receives dispensing details from selling unit. In block 780, server 170 sends the message
to the customer with the quantity dispensed and amount payable/paid/deducted/debited. Thus, the
fresh milk is dispensed in a single system.
[0059] Above description merely illustrates the steps adopted while monitoring the quality of milk
stored in a milk storage tank. The milk is collected from a particular farmer/milkman and tested
using the quality analysis test machine. The test results are stored in the centralized server for
further analysis. The test result is compared with the earlier stored data from the same
farmer/milkman and other farmer’s/milkman as well. Based on the analyzed data the results are
shared with the milkman from whom the milk is procured for testing. The updated results are
further stored in the centralized repository so that it can be used to compare in future with the same
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farmer/milkman or other farmer/milkman to provide optimized results. The data is uploaded to the
centralized repository very frequently using the wireless module.
[0060] Additionally, in this embodiment of the invention the microprocessor is programmed that
at the end of each milking session when the data indicative of the milk quality category of the milk
in the milk storage tank has been determined and stored in the memory, to operate the
communications module to transmit to the central server the data indicative of the milk quality
category and the data indicative of the monitored characteristics of the milk in the milk storage
tank. Additionally, the microprocessor is programmed at appropriate times, typically on
completion of each wash and rinse cycle to which the milk storage tank is subjected, to operate the
communications module to transmit to the central server data stored in the memory relating to
values of the monitored characteristics read and determined which may be downloaded by the
farmer as desired.
[0061] It is envisaged that while specific milk quality sensing means which produce signals which
are indicative of milk quality characteristics have been described, other sensors which would also
produce a signal indicative of a characteristic of the milk which would give an indication of the
quality of the milk may be provided, for example, sensors which would measure the impedance
and/or conductivity of the milk, or which would measure the impedance and/or the conductivity
of the milk at a plurality of predefined frequencies may also be provided, which could be
configured to produce signals indicative of specific aspects of the milk, which would give an
indication of the quality of the milk.
[0062] It may also be appreciated that the components used for monitoring the quality of milk
stored in a milk storage tank. The milk is collected from the farmers in the milk collection unit and
then a sample of milk is sent to the centralized server. The milk collection unit in turn has the
inbuilt weighing scale which collects the data of the amount of milk procured from the farmer.
Both the weighing data along with the sample of collected milk is sent to the centralized server
and the remaining milk is sent to the milk storage. This server has an inbuilt sensor which tracks
the This centralized server has the facility to store the data and send it to the data analysis unit for
further analysis. This data analysis unit has record of the earlier samples collected from the farmer
using the code assigned to them earlier and the optimized history of data is used to compare the
quality of the milk collected from the farmer recently. The data is also compared with the results
of the other farmer’s milk quality data and then the final optimized quality data is sent to the
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optimized result unit. A wireless connectivity module is present in the milk collection unit which
helps in uploading the data to the centralized server all the time when network connectivity is up.
When the connectivity is low, the system works in offline mode and uploads the data when the
internet connectivity is re-established. The optimized results which provide the quality
measurement of the milk connected from the farmer is provided to the farmers through available
communication modes like SMS, WhatsApp and not limited to these modes alone.
[0063] In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the disclosure explicitly set forth
herein or in the attached drawings, on the one hand, and any materials incorporated by reference
herein, on the other, the present disclosure shall take precedence. In the event of any conflict or
inconsistency between the disclosures of any applications or patents incorporated by reference
herein, the more recently filed disclosure shall take precedence.
[0064] Several different embodiments of the present invention are described above, with each such
embodiment described as including certain features. However, it is intended that the features
described in connection with the discussion of any single embodiment are not limited to that
embodiment but may be included and/or arranged in various combinations in any of the other
embodiments as well, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0065] Similarly, in the discussion above, functionality sometimes is ascribed to a particular
module or component. However, functionality generally may be redistributed as desired among
any different modules or components, in some cases completely obviating the need for a particular
component or module and/or requiring the addition of new components or modules. The precise
distribution of functionality preferably is made according to known engineering tradeoffs, with
reference to the specific embodiment of the invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the
art.
[0066] Thus, although the present invention has been described in detail regarding the exemplary
embodiments thereof and accompanying drawings, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art
that various adaptations and modifications of the present invention may be accomplished without
departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited
to the precise embodiments shown in the drawings described above. Rather, it is intended that all
such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope
thereof as limited solely by the claims appended hereto.
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[0067] While various examples of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be
understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth
and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above described examples,
but should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. ,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We Claim,
1. A method for monitoring milk quality, the method comprising locating a milk
quality sensing means for monitoring at least one characteristic of milk indicative of the quality of
the milk in at least one of a milk storage tank in which the milk is stored and a delivery pipeline
through which the milk is delivered to the milk storage tank, configuring a signal processor to read
signals indicative of the at least one monitored characteristic of the milk from the milk quality
sensing means, configuring the signal processor to determine from the signal read from the milk
quality sensing means data indicative of the milk quality and to store the data indicative of the
milk quality, and providing access to at least one authorized user to the signal processor to read
the data indicative of the milk quality.
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 in which the data indicative of the milk quality is
stored in a storing means.
3. A method as claimed in Claim 1 in which data indicative of the monitored
characteristics of the milk read from the milk quality sensing means is stored in a storing means.
4. A method as claimed in any Claim 1, wherein the milk quality sensing means
comprises one or more of the following sensors:
a total bacteria count sensor for detecting the total count of bacteria in the milk;
an antibody sensor for detecting a specific antibody in the milk;
a milk composition sensor for determining the quantity of at least one component of the
milk, as a percentage of the milk;
a protein sensor for monitoring the quantity of protein in the milk as a percentage of the
milk, a fat content sensor for monitoring the fat content in the milk as percentage of the
milk, a sensor for detecting an operational parameter of the milk storage tank, such as the
temperature of the milk in the milk storage tank and/or the time taken to cool the milk to a
predefined chilled temperature; and
a sensor which would detect any other parameter or characteristic of the milk which would
affect the quality of the milk.
5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the signal processor is configured to
determine the data indicative of the milk quality as one of a plurality of milk quality categories
from the signals read from the milk quality sensing means indicative of the characteristics of the
milk.
6. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the signal processor is configured to
determine the data indicative of the milk quality as being one of a low milk quality category and a
high milk quality category, the quality of the milk of the high milk quality category being of higher
quality than the milk of the low milk quality category.
7. A method, system and Apparatus comprising one or more features as described in
the sections of the disclosure.