This prototype, designed by Laurits Denis Soren Dinesen, was one of the first automatic milking machines in the US. Dinesen emigrated from Vejle, Denmark in 1912 with this prototype, which he had invented in 1909.  As part of the Perfection Milking Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he further developed the machine.

This automatic milker would sit on top of a large tank for milk collection. The four nozzles on one side would connect to hoses that were placed on a cow’s udder.  The mechanisms of this machine would turn, helping to milk the cow.  Milk would likely flow through the vertical brass tube and into the tank below.

By the 1890’s Denmark had become a leading dairy producer. Danish immigrants could then share their knowledge and further the development of the dairy industry in the U.S. Many dairy companies today, including Land O’ Lakes, are still based on Danish social and technological models.

Milking Machine
Vejle, Denmark 
1909 
Iron, Brass
Gift of Dr. Harald L. Dinesen
1990.067.001