P/00/01I Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention Title: Improvements in and Relating to Milking System The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 5 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO MILKING SYSTEM Technical Field The present invention is directed to improvements in and relating to milking systems. 10 This invention particularly relates to improvements to rotary milking shed systems and more specifically to the operation of hinged and triggered milking bail gates in use in conjunction with rotary milking shed systems.. 15 It is envisaged the invention will have particular application in relation to milking operations particularly where large herds are being milked and the invention of this present application improves efficiency without the need for additional people to assist with the operation. 20 In addition, the invention relates to an improved hinged milking bail gate which is triggered during the revolution occurring with rotary milking platforms, such that the animal being milked can easily enter and exit the milking bail without the need for assistance from the parties engaged in the milking operation. 25 Background Art Rotary milking sheds have been in existence for many years. However, the milking bail systems associated with these sheds have a number of limitations. 30 For some systems the animals enter the bails face first, but are required to exit the bails by backing out of them. For other systems the animals must back into the milking bails, but can walk out face first. Whilst it is possible to train the animals to either back into or to back out of the milking bails, the arrangement is not particularly satisfactory. Some animals shy away from backing into the bails, the process of loading the bails can be 35 slowed and if the animals have difficulty, it requires additional labour time directed to 5 rectifying the problems instead of the labour being directed to the process of milking, such as attaching the milking cups and so forth. A number of systems have been designed to try to improve either or both the milking bail and the gate of the milking bail to enable an animal to be appropriately positioned and 10 constrained for milking. Accordingly, some systems include bails or stalls which have pivoting barriers gates which are operated via pressure applied by movement of the animal into the stall. A trip bar may be included in the stall which is activated by pressure applied by the animal. 15 Other systems may include an assembly of bails/stalls which are operated such that the bail dividers are raised and lowered in unison. This requires all bails to be occupied by the animals before milking commences and requires animals to wait until the last animal's milking has been completed before the rest of the herd can be released from the bails. 20 Where the herd comprises a large number of animals the time taken for the animals to enter and leave the bails, or the time taken to attend to problem animals, can increase the duration of the milking process. Operators of farms where animals are milked have time constraints on completing milking as well as being generally busy with other tasks on the 25 property. Therefore any system which increases the ease, efficiency and therefore the economics of the milking system, by extension provides an advantage to the operator. It would be useful therefore, to have milking system that: 30 a) Could be used with varyingly sized herds of animals requiring to be milked; and b) c) d) Could enable the animal to walk into and out of the bail instead of requiring the animal to back; and 2 5 e) Could enable the milking process to continue in a smooth and continuous manner without having to stop to let the animals into or out of the bails; and f) Could operate continuously without the need for any labour input on the part of the operator -,other than that required to attach the milking cups; and g) Secured the animals in a required position throughout the milking operation; and 10 h) Was easy to use; and i) Could be automated; and j) Took advantage of the general operational movement of the rotary platform. It would therefore be advantageous to have an invention that offered at least some if not 15 all of the advantages of the above proposed milking system. Ideally the present invention will also provide a system which allows for substantially trouble free installation and use. It is therefore one object of the present invention to consider the above problems and provide at least one solution which addresses a plurality of these problems. It is also a further object of the present invention to at least provide the public with a 20 useful choice or altemative system. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. It should be appreciated that variations to the described embodiments are possible and would fall within the scope of the present invention. 25 Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a milking system for animals for use with a rotary milking platform, said milking system including a milking bail for retaining the animal to be milked in an appropriate orientation during the milking process; said milking bail including a bail gate, said bail gate being operational between a 30 closed and an opened position, said operation of the bail gate being effected by trigger means triggered during the rotational movement of the bail associated with the rotary milking platform; and said milking system characterized by the arrangement of the bail and bail gate enabling the animal to both enter and leave the bail face first. 3 5 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a milking system substantially as described above wherein the bail includes a rear rail to inhibit rearwards movement of the animal in the bail. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a milking system 10 substantially as described above wherein the bail gate includes a breast rail to appropriately position the animal in the bail. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a milking system substantially as described above wherein the bail gate optionally includes a self-leveling 15 feed bin. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a milking system substantially as described above wherein the trigger means is actuated via the inclusion on the bail gate of trigger actuating means. 20 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a milking system substantially as described above wherein there is more than one the trigger means. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a milking system 25 substantially as described above wherein the trigger means are actuated at at least one of the vicinity of entry or exit of the animal into and out of the bail. The present invention will be described with reference to rotary milking sheds, where the platform on which the animal stands for milking rotates, yet is a milking system with one 30 or more milking bails into which the animals can enter and leave face first. The rear of the animal is presented to the operator to enable the attachment of the milking cups. The milking bails are preferably discrete stalls, each having its own gate and each being configured to incorporate within its design at least one appropriate bail divider to separate 4 5 the individual animals. The one divider structure of one bail may be relevant for at least one immediately adjacent bail. Preferably each bail/bail gate structure includes a breast rail against which the animal rests when enclosed within the bail. The breast rail, the bail dividers, the bail gate all 10 operate to contain the animal in an appropriate position and with minimal opportunity for movement. The gates of the individual bails are preferably pivoting. Preferably, the gates pivot through a vertical plane. Preferably the gates are attached to the bail structure in a 15 manner which enables the gate to pivot up to open the bail to entry and exit of the animal. Preferably each gate operates as a pendulum which swings down when the gate is moving to its closed position, but is raised up when the gate is triggered to be opened. 20 The gate trigger means is preferably triggered to lower and raise the gate in conjunction with the positioning of the bail adjacent to the entry or exit point of the milking shed. The trigger means is preferably incorporated into a structure of the milking shed. The trigger means may either be located relative to a fixed track suspended above the bail 25 arrangement, or may be incorporated into the discrete structural arrangement adjacent the entry and exit point of the milking shed. Where the trigger means is associated with a fixed track suspended above the bail arrangement, each bail gate is configured to include a wheel which engages with the track 30 such that the wheel moves around the track in conjunction with the overall rotary movement of the rotary platform. Where the trigger means is associated with discrete structural arrangement adjacent the entry and exit point of the milking shed, each bail gate is configured to include a means 5 5 which engages with the discrete structural arrangement to trigger raising or lowering of the bail gate. Where the system includes a fixed track and the bail gate include a wheel, then at the point of entry into the milking shed, the track includes a trigger means which contacts the 10 wheel of each bail gate and causes triggering of the bail gate to pivot down. The overall arrangement of the bail however enables the animal to walk into the bail as opposed to having to back into the bail. The animal is facing outward and its breast is positioned close to the breast rail of the bail gate. As the bail continues to move with the rotary platform, the animal is appropriately positioned for attachment of the milking cups for 15 milking. When milking has finished, the rotary platform will deliver the bail to the exit point of the shed. At that stage a second trigger included on the track contacts the wheel and triggers the bail gate to pivot upwards thus effecting opening of the bail via the bail gate. This enables the animal to leave the bail face first. 20 It is typical during a milking operation for the animals to be so accustomed to the procedure that they line up and wait in turn for the opportunity to move forward into a respective empty bail, for milking. The present invention enables a substantially seamless operation whereby the animal is presented with a bail. The next animal in line simply enters the bail. There is no need to operate a release mechanism manually to open 25 the bail to allow entry of the animal, or to operate a release mechanism to allow the animal to leave the bail after milking is finished. The system requires no additional labour input. The animals simply walk into and out of the bail and the triggering means operating on contact with a portion of the bail gate during rotation of the bails in conjunction with the rotating milking platform, enables this to occur. 30 In preferred embodiments of the present invention the bail gate may also include a self leveling feeder bin, which enables the animal to feed whilst the animal is in the bail. There are a number of features of the present invention which assist smooth milking 35 operation and calm animals. For example, the bail structure divides the animals and stops 6 5 them from pushing against each other during milking. The breast rail acts as a stop for the animal's entry into the bail. The feeder bins enable the animal to be occupied feeding if required. The walk in entry and exit of the bails is a more natural movement for the animals than having to train them to back into or out of the bails. 10 It should be appreciated that whilst one configuration of the milking bail, milking gate and trigger means has been described, this does not limit the scope of the present invention. The trigger means as currently described is a mechanical system. Other trigger means 15 may be used with, or adapted for use with the present invention. For example the trigger means may operate on a pneumatic or hydraulic system whereby pistons are employed to apply the required pressure to raise or lower the bail gate. Electronic trigger means may also be employed and may be operated via an appropriate 20 microprocessor programmed to control one or more of the opening and closing of the bail gate, the speed of opening/closing, the location of opening/closing and so forth. Electric signals, in visual or auditory form (such as a light, an LCD display, a buzzer or tune), may trigger the operation of the bail gate. 25 Whilst the previous description discusses the trigger means associated with a track located above the gate/bails, or associated with a discrete structural element in the milking shed, the gate trigger means may also be located in a lower portion of the rotary platform system and be triggered by a portion o the bail or bail gate structures. 30 Whilst some embodiments of the present invention may operate via mechanical and/or electromechanical means, including levers, relays, cams, springs and the like. Progression to the use of electronic components, including integrated circuits, offers improved reliability. 7 ver Further with the advent of advanced integrate circus so forth enable systems to be used havin grate crit technology, g icroprocesson and more efficient and cost-effective Processing. greater flexibility, greater functionality and Appropriate computer systems with relevant 10 Overall milking evant a software may be mlydt oto h erals mig system and as such may be specifically adapted to e tro means of raising and lowering the bail gate via appropriate electronic trigger means, t s jeappre a so that the present invention lends itself to m ore 15 application For example, the configuration of the bail gate may vary as ethan one when the system is adapted for use with different aima y var as may be expected horses and the like. animals - such as cows, sheep, goats, Hence the invention may be adapted through a change to one or more, or a combination of, any dimensions, ug nCobatn 0D appreciated vaSizes Of bails, control systems and so forth. As can o be app eci tedvariations to and from the above described em bodim ents m y t e e o e b made without deviating from the scope of the Present invention. m ay therefore be The various features of the milking ystem such as the bail Structure, the bail gate, the track relevant to which the gate moves, the trigger means and th forth may be built from any suitable material including, but not limited o or combination of both, thermoplastics s or nonferrous metals, a opatc'acrylics, fibreglass or wood. The exterior may be powder coated, re e to a y . p, painted, varnished, electroplated and so forth as require to obtain the desired finish. Typically however nd rfr the structural feaue, ft clyhwvr given the hygin aeurmns th should f atures of the milking system may be built using stainless steel. o ue further be appreciated a variety of different embodiments, uses, and applications Of the present invention therefore exist, even within theabtothaovdscid lifting apparatus system. e ambit of the above described 8 COMs ID N' Cn 5 Various embodiments of the present invention will now be given by way of example only, to help better describe and define the present invention. However, describing the specified embodiments should not be seen as limiting the scope of this invention. Brief Description of Drawings 10 Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of the milking system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 15 Figure 2 is a top plan view of the milking system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating the ability of the animal to leave the bail by simply walking forward once the bail gate is lifted; and Figure 3 is a side view of the milking bail and bail gate employed in the milking system of Figure 1 in accordance with that preferred embodiment of the 20 present invention; and Figure4 is a side view of the milking bail and bail gate employed in the milking system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention and which shows constructional elements of the rotary platform of the milking system; and 25 Figure 5 is a front side view of another embodiment of the milking bail and bail gate employed in the milking system of Figure 1 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention 30 With reference to the diagrams (Figures 1 to 5) by way of example only, there is provided a milking system (generally indicated by arrow 1 in Figures 1, 2 and 4) designed for use with a milking bail/bail gate system as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 (at (2)). 9 5 The present invention is designed for use with rotary milking sheds, where the platform (1a) on which the animal stands for milking rotates, yet is a milking system with one or more milking bails into which the animals can enter and leave face first. The rear of the animal is presented to the operator to enable the attachment of the milking cups. 10 The milking bails (3) are preferably discrete stalls, each having its own gate (4) and each being configured to incorporate within its design at least one appropriate bail divider (5) to separate the individual animals. The one divider structure of one bail may be relevant for at least one immediately adjacent bail. 15 Preferably each bail/bail gate structure (illustrated by arrow 2) includes a breast rail (6) against which the animal rests when enclosed within the bail, and a rear rail (6a) which prevents the animal from moving backwards when in the bail. The breast rail, the bail dividers, the bail gate and the rear rail, all operate to contain the animal in an appropriate position and with minimal opportunity for movement as shown in Figure 2. 20 The gates of the individual bails are preferably pivoting. Preferably, the gates pivot through a vertical plane as illustrated in Figure 3 and 5. Preferably the gates are attached to the bail structure in a manner which enables the gate to pivot up to open the bail required for entry and exit of the animal. 25 Preferably each gate operates as a pendulum which swings down when the gate is moving to its closed position as shown in Figures 3 and 4, but is raised up when the gate is triggered to be opened. The gate is preferably triggered to be raised and lowered in conjunction with the positioning of the bail adjacent to the entry (7) or exit (8) point of 30 the milking shed as shown in Figure 1. The trigger mechanism is preferably incorporated into the rotary structure of the milking shed. Preferably the trigger mechanism is incorporated into the upper structural arrangement of the shed as shown in Figure 1 at (9). 35 10 5 As such there is included a fixed track (9) suspended above the bail arrangement. Each bail gate is configured to include a wheel (10) as shown in Figure 3 and 4 which engages with the track such that the wheel moves around the track in conjunction with the overall rotary movement of the rotary platform. 10 At the point of entry (7) into the milking shed, the rotary track includes a trigger point (illustrated at 11 in Figure 1) which contacts the wheel of each bail gate and causes triggering of the bail gate to pivot down, the arrangement of the bail enables the animal to walk into the bail. 15 The animal is facing outward and its breast is positioned close to the breast plate of the bail gate. As the bail continues to move with the rotary platform, the animal is appropriately positioned for attachment of the milking cups for milking. When milking has finished, the rotary platform will deliver the bail to the exit point (8). 20 At that stage a second trigger included on the rotary track (illustrated at 12 in Figure 1) contacts the wheel and triggers the bail gate to pivot upwards thus effecting opening of the bail via the bail gate. This enables the animal to leave the bail face first. The bail gate may also include a self-leveling feeder bin (13) as illustrated in Figure 2, 25 which enables the animal to feed whilst the animal is in the bail. The bail gate is typically adapted to receive the feeder bin (as illustrated at 14 in Figure 3). It is to be appreciated that a potentially realisable advantage of the present invention is the ability of the animal to simply walk into and walk out of the bails face first. This not only complements the animals preferred behaviour (rather than reversing), but it positions 30 this invention appropriately for use with fully automated electronically operated milking systems where there is less requirement for individual handling of the animals as compared with many existing milking systems today which by comparison are labour intensive. 11 5 It is to be appreciated that whilst two embodiments of the bail and bail gate arrangement have been described, a variety of different embodiments of the present invention exist, even within the ambit of the above described system. It should also be understood that the term "comprise" where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, 'comprise' does not represent nor 10 define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list. This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being an authoritative disclosure of the true state of the prior art but rather as referring to considerations in and brought to 15 the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications, additions and variations to and from the above described embodiments may be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 20 12