CA1075632A - Method and apparatus for milking - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for milkingInfo
- Publication number
- CA1075632A CA1075632A CA286,894A CA286894A CA1075632A CA 1075632 A CA1075632 A CA 1075632A CA 286894 A CA286894 A CA 286894A CA 1075632 A CA1075632 A CA 1075632A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum
- inflation
- exterior
- teat
- teat cup
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01J—MANUFACTURE OF DAIRY PRODUCTS
- A01J5/00—Milking machines or devices
- A01J5/007—Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines
- A01J5/0075—Monitoring milking processes; Control or regulation of milking machines with a specially adapted stimulation of the teats
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The invention provides for a method and apparatus for milking an animal such as for example a cow. The method includes applying a teat cup to a teat of a cow, or similar animal, the teat cup having an infla-tion; the interior of the inflation being in communi-cation with a milk line connected to a source of vacuum. The exterior of the inflation is in communi-cation with a pulsating vacuum source and the method is characterised in that before milking commences the exterior of the inflation is subject of a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation.
The apparatus provides means for controlling a vacuum level applied exteriorly to an inflation of a teat cup. The apparatus includes a housing; an inlet port capable of being connected to a source of applied vacuum; and an outlet port capable of being connected to the exterior of a teat cup inflation. A valve is provided which is capable of moving in response to applied vacuum, to restrict or close off the inlet port and means are provided for gradually increasing the movement of the valve to increase the vacuum level.
The invention provides for a method and apparatus for milking an animal such as for example a cow. The method includes applying a teat cup to a teat of a cow, or similar animal, the teat cup having an infla-tion; the interior of the inflation being in communi-cation with a milk line connected to a source of vacuum. The exterior of the inflation is in communi-cation with a pulsating vacuum source and the method is characterised in that before milking commences the exterior of the inflation is subject of a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation.
The apparatus provides means for controlling a vacuum level applied exteriorly to an inflation of a teat cup. The apparatus includes a housing; an inlet port capable of being connected to a source of applied vacuum; and an outlet port capable of being connected to the exterior of a teat cup inflation. A valve is provided which is capable of moving in response to applied vacuum, to restrict or close off the inlet port and means are provided for gradually increasing the movement of the valve to increase the vacuum level.
Description
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This invention xelates to a method and apparatus for milking and more particularly concerns a method and apparatus of milking w~ereby vacuum damage to an animals teats can be minimised.
It is believed that high vacuum in a milk line connected to 5.a teat cup, for example approximately 15 inches of mercury, can lead to v~cuwm damage and inflamation of the teat if high vacuum is applied to an unstimulated or "slack" teatO In the case o~
an unstimulated teat, the teat may be slack enough to be drawn down into the teat cup interior, with possible stretching of the 10. teat as the teat cup "crawls" up the teat. In such a case, the weight of the teat cup is supported by the mouth piece of the teat cup gripping the base of the teat. To overcome cup crawl it has been known to weight the teat cup, with consequent pressure on the base of the teat and discomfort to the anlmal.
15. In addition, existing teat cups ~equire hard mouth pieces to grip the base of the teat under hi~h vacuum~ This can also give rise to discomfort.
Apart from possible discomfort to an animal and loss of milk production, the exposure of an unstimulated teat to high vacuum 20. can stretch the teat, particularly the base of the teat, leading to cracking and the presence of a blue or discoloured region. In addition, the high vacuum may give rise to vacuum damage at or inside the teat orifice, such as by back jetting. This damage and possible back ietti~g of milk into an unstimulated teat 25. increases the likelihood of mastitus.
Others have sought to minimise vacuwm damage by reducing the milk line vacuum; For example, New Zealand patent specifi-cation No. 158416 to Alfa Laval A~B. teaches the use o~ high and low vacuum lines which can be alternatively coupled tQ the milk 30. line ~epending upon milk flow xate. Apart rom the expense and i extra equipment required this proposal has not proved to be entirely satis~actory as tha teat is still subjact to the milk line vacuwm.
I~ is an object of this in~ention to go ~o~ne way towards ; ~ -2-~L~7~i~3Z
overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages in providing an improved method and apparatus for milking~
In accordance with one broad aspect, the invention relates to a method of milking an animal including applying a teat cup to a teat to be milked; the teat cup having an inflation; the interior of the inflation being in communication with a milk line connected to a source of vacuum; the exterior of the inflation being in communication with a pulsating vacuum :
~:~ source; characterised in that before milking commences, the exterior of the inflation is subject to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation and wherein -:
the level of the vacuum (or pressure) applied to the exterior ..
: of the inflation is controlled by a regulator positioned in a vacuum line between a pulsator and the exterior of the inflation.
According to another aspect of this invention, there .:.
is provided a method of milking an animal including applying a ::
teat cup to a teat to be milked, the teat cup having an infla-tion, the interior of the inflation being in communication with a milk line connected to a source of vacuum, the exterior of ~.
the inflation being in communication with a pulsating vacuum source; characterised in that before milking commences, the exterior of the inflation is subject to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation to close the inflation about the teat and to prevent milk from entering the ~.
milk line. .
.~ By subjecting the exterior of the teat cup inflation ~, to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior r the teat cup inflation can close snugly about the teat and may effectlvely close off the milk line vacuum from the teat. At 30 the same time the pulsator can continue to operate to beat or .
move the inf1ation about the teat to stimulate the teat so that ~milk is let down. After a predetermined time, or when the ~75632 milk has been let down into the teat, the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the teat can be reduced so that the vacuum applied to the exterior of the teat cup inflation is increased thus allowing the inflation to open and milk to be removed by the milk line vacuum.
According to another aspect of this invention, there i s :
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'~ -3a provided apparatus for controlling a vacuum level applied exteriorly to an inflation of a teat cup; including a housing, an inlet port, capabla of being connected to a source o~ applied vacuum and an outlet port capable of being connected to the 5. exterior of said teat cup inflation; a valve capable o moving i~ respo~se to applied vacuum to re~strict or close off the inlet port; and means for gradually moving the valve to increase the vacuum level at the outlet port.
By providing means for gradually moving the valve, the 10. vacuwm level applied to the exterior of the teat cup infla~ion can be gradually increased thus changing over from stimulation to milking.
Other aspects of this invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following 15. description, which is given by wày of example only, with refer-ence to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fiqure 1: illustrates a sch~matic milking installation.
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Fi~ure 2: illustrates a preferred vacuum regulator constructed in accordance with one fonm of 20~ this invention~
Turning now to figure 1, there is illustrated a single teat cup 1 connected to vacuum lines. It will be appreciated that similar connections may be made to other teat cups and preferably in the case of cows, four teat cups can be provided for each cow, 25. the teat cups being coupled to a vacuum regulator.
As is well known, a teat cup such as 1, has a mouth piece
This invention xelates to a method and apparatus for milking and more particularly concerns a method and apparatus of milking w~ereby vacuum damage to an animals teats can be minimised.
It is believed that high vacuum in a milk line connected to 5.a teat cup, for example approximately 15 inches of mercury, can lead to v~cuwm damage and inflamation of the teat if high vacuum is applied to an unstimulated or "slack" teatO In the case o~
an unstimulated teat, the teat may be slack enough to be drawn down into the teat cup interior, with possible stretching of the 10. teat as the teat cup "crawls" up the teat. In such a case, the weight of the teat cup is supported by the mouth piece of the teat cup gripping the base of the teat. To overcome cup crawl it has been known to weight the teat cup, with consequent pressure on the base of the teat and discomfort to the anlmal.
15. In addition, existing teat cups ~equire hard mouth pieces to grip the base of the teat under hi~h vacuum~ This can also give rise to discomfort.
Apart from possible discomfort to an animal and loss of milk production, the exposure of an unstimulated teat to high vacuum 20. can stretch the teat, particularly the base of the teat, leading to cracking and the presence of a blue or discoloured region. In addition, the high vacuum may give rise to vacuum damage at or inside the teat orifice, such as by back jetting. This damage and possible back ietti~g of milk into an unstimulated teat 25. increases the likelihood of mastitus.
Others have sought to minimise vacuwm damage by reducing the milk line vacuum; For example, New Zealand patent specifi-cation No. 158416 to Alfa Laval A~B. teaches the use o~ high and low vacuum lines which can be alternatively coupled tQ the milk 30. line ~epending upon milk flow xate. Apart rom the expense and i extra equipment required this proposal has not proved to be entirely satis~actory as tha teat is still subjact to the milk line vacuwm.
I~ is an object of this in~ention to go ~o~ne way towards ; ~ -2-~L~7~i~3Z
overcoming the abovementioned disadvantages in providing an improved method and apparatus for milking~
In accordance with one broad aspect, the invention relates to a method of milking an animal including applying a teat cup to a teat to be milked; the teat cup having an inflation; the interior of the inflation being in communication with a milk line connected to a source of vacuum; the exterior of the inflation being in communication with a pulsating vacuum :
~:~ source; characterised in that before milking commences, the exterior of the inflation is subject to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation and wherein -:
the level of the vacuum (or pressure) applied to the exterior ..
: of the inflation is controlled by a regulator positioned in a vacuum line between a pulsator and the exterior of the inflation.
According to another aspect of this invention, there .:.
is provided a method of milking an animal including applying a ::
teat cup to a teat to be milked, the teat cup having an infla-tion, the interior of the inflation being in communication with a milk line connected to a source of vacuum, the exterior of ~.
the inflation being in communication with a pulsating vacuum source; characterised in that before milking commences, the exterior of the inflation is subject to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation to close the inflation about the teat and to prevent milk from entering the ~.
milk line. .
.~ By subjecting the exterior of the teat cup inflation ~, to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior r the teat cup inflation can close snugly about the teat and may effectlvely close off the milk line vacuum from the teat. At 30 the same time the pulsator can continue to operate to beat or .
move the inf1ation about the teat to stimulate the teat so that ~milk is let down. After a predetermined time, or when the ~75632 milk has been let down into the teat, the pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the teat can be reduced so that the vacuum applied to the exterior of the teat cup inflation is increased thus allowing the inflation to open and milk to be removed by the milk line vacuum.
According to another aspect of this invention, there i s :
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'~ -3a provided apparatus for controlling a vacuum level applied exteriorly to an inflation of a teat cup; including a housing, an inlet port, capabla of being connected to a source o~ applied vacuum and an outlet port capable of being connected to the 5. exterior of said teat cup inflation; a valve capable o moving i~ respo~se to applied vacuum to re~strict or close off the inlet port; and means for gradually moving the valve to increase the vacuum level at the outlet port.
By providing means for gradually moving the valve, the 10. vacuwm level applied to the exterior of the teat cup infla~ion can be gradually increased thus changing over from stimulation to milking.
Other aspects of this invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent from the following 15. description, which is given by wày of example only, with refer-ence to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fiqure 1: illustrates a sch~matic milking installation.
~ .
Fi~ure 2: illustrates a preferred vacuum regulator constructed in accordance with one fonm of 20~ this invention~
Turning now to figure 1, there is illustrated a single teat cup 1 connected to vacuum lines. It will be appreciated that similar connections may be made to other teat cups and preferably in the case of cows, four teat cups can be provided for each cow, 25. the teat cups being coupled to a vacuum regulator.
As is well known, a teat cup such as 1, has a mouth piece
2 and an inflation 3 which is resilient and can fit about a teat.
The interior of the teat cup inflation is indicated at 4 and is connected via an outlet 3a to a milk line 6. Tha exterior of , ~ 30. the teat cup inflation 3 is indicated at 5 and is in communicat-ion with an air line 7~
The milk line 6 is conneated to a milk receptacle 8 with a milk outlet 9. A branch vacuum line 10a is connected t~ a main vacuum line 10.
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The interior of the teat cup inflation is indicated at 4 and is connected via an outlet 3a to a milk line 6. Tha exterior of , ~ 30. the teat cup inflation 3 is indicated at 5 and is in communicat-ion with an air line 7~
The milk line 6 is conneated to a milk receptacle 8 with a milk outlet 9. A branch vacuum line 10a is connected t~ a main vacuum line 10.
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The air line 7 from the exterior 5 of the teat cup inflation 3 is connected via a pulsator 11 to a branch vacuum line lOb and thus to the main vacuum line 10. The purpose of the pulsator, is to perio~ically reduce the vacuum in the air line 7 to cause the teat cup inflation 3 to contract about a cows teat to promote milking.
A vacuum regulator 12 is situated in air line 7 between the pulsator 11 and the teat cup 1. Connected to the vacuum regulator 12 is means 13 for gradually increasing the vacuum level applied to the exterior 5 of the teat cup infla-tion 3.
The operation of such a milking installation will now be described by way of example. The main vacuum line 10 is provided with a constant vacuum of the order of for example only, 15 inches of mercury. The pulsator 11 is set to periodically introduce air to reduce the vacuum in the air line 7 to cause the inflation 3 to squeeze about the teat ~not shown) and to then release as the vacuum in the air line 7 . I . , increases once again. The milk line vacuum provides an almost constant suction.
When the teat cup 3 is applied to a teat, the vacuum regulator 12 is set so that a vacuum differential appears ; across the teat cup inflation. That is to say, the pressure on the exterior S of the teat cup inflation 3 is maintained higher or the vacuum lower than the pressure or vacuum within the teat cup inflation so that the inflation 3 closes about the teat and closes off or substantially closes off communica-tion between the milk line vacuum and the teat within the inflation 3. By way of example the regulator 12 can be set initially so that the maximum vacuum applied to the exterior -~ ', .
~L~7S632 5 of the teat cup inflation 3 is less than about 5 inches of mercury and preferably is of the order of 3 inches of mercury.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the main vacuum line is, by way of example, of the order of 15 inches of mercury and that with no milk in the milk line 6, the milk line vacuum will be equivalent to that in the main vacuum line `.
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~75632 10. The pressure differential between the interior 4 and the exterior 5 of the teat cup inflation 3 is thus such as to close off the inflation 3 about a teat and prevent or at least substant-ially reduce the milk line vacuum from causing vacuum damage to 5. the teat.
As the vacuum regulator 12 is positioned between the pulsator ll and the teat cup 1, the pulsator 11 will continue to operate and thus the teat cup inflation 3 will gently stimulate the teat by squeezing thereagainst.
10. After a time, the setting of the vacuum regulator 12 can he gradually increased so that the teat cup inflation 3 opens and the vacuum in the milk line 6 can withdraw milk from the teat.
It will be appreciated that this operation allows the teat to be stimulated prior to milking and in addition, enables the teat cup 1~. 1 to fit snugly about an unstimuIated teat when first applied.
~s milk rises in milk line 6 to the milk receptacle 8 the head of milk in the milk line 6 will cause the vacuum in the , milk line 6 to drop below the level in the main vacuum line lOoWith this in mind, it is preferred that the vacuum regulator 12 20. is set so that the maximum vacuum level applied to ~he exterior 5 of the teat cup 3 during milking is just below or equal to the vacuum in the milk line 6 at, or adjacent the outlet 3a of the teat cup. It will be appreciated, that this level can be determined ~y su~tracting the head of milk in milk line 6 from ., 25. the vacuum level in the main vacuum line 10. By this means, the invention enables milking to continue without the teat cup inflation "ballooning" away from the teat.
It will be appreciated that "ballooning" of the inflation can occur when there is a slight positive pressure at the 30. interior 4 o inflation 5, (iqe. a lower vacuum than is applied to the exterior of t~e inflation~. "Ballooning" o~ the inflation is undesirable as i~ can give rise to vacuum damage to the teat by stretching the teat, or by allowing the milk line vacuum to enter the mouth ~iece area of the teat cup.
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Moreover, if the air line vacuum level is set at a level equal to or below the vacuum level in the milk line when ull of milk ~say for example ~3 inches of mercury), then when millc flow stops and milk is removed rom the milk line 6, the vacuum 5. at the interior 4 of the inflation 3 will increase to say for example 15 inches of mercury. When this occurs the increased pressure dif~erential across the inflation will cause the inflation 3 to close snugly against the teat.
Turning now to figure 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated lOo a preferred form of a vacuum regulator 1~. The vacuum regulator is shown as having a housing which includes an upper housing portion 12a and a lower housing portion 12b. 'Fhe upper and ! lower housing portions are adapted to be clamped together about, for example, the seal 18 of the diaphragm valve (as will be 15. described by way of example hereinafter). This is by way of example only. In addition, the two housing portions can be formed with a bayonet type connection. Other means of connec-tion can however be used to advantage.
The regulator 12 shown in figure 2 of the accompanying 20. drawings is preferably used to control for example a cluster I
of ~our teat cups. Provision can be made to enable two or more units to be coupled together. Raference to figure 2 of the drawings sh~ws that holes or recesses 31 are provided so that two similar units can be coupled together to provide a dou~le 25. xegulator if re~uired. It is envisaged that this will be suitable ~r a type of milXing plant where double pulsators are used, one pulsator being used for each pair of teat cups.
The regulator 12 has an air line passing therethrough, the air line being in the form of an inlet port 14 and an outlet , 30. port 15; the inlet port 14 leading into a valve cha~ber 17 and being connected to the outlet poxt 15 by an outlet passage 16.
. , The inlet port 14 leads into and define~s a valve seat 48 in the form of a shoulder.
The lower wall ~9 vf the valve ahamber L7 defines a hole or .
~a~7563Z
bore 20 passing therethrough.
A valve 21 such as for example a diaphragm valve is mounted within the valve chamber 17 and is secured in position about the ; wall o-f the valve chamber, such as by suitable seals~ A valve 5. stem 22 is connected to an under side of the diaphragm valve 21 and passes out through the wall 19 of the housing by way o the hole or bore 20.
, , An actuating lever 23 is attached to a lower end of the valve `, stem 22 and is pivotally mounted to the housing as shown in ~igure 10, 2 of the accompanyin~ drawings. The actuating lever 23 is preferably elongate in formation.
~¦ A valve spring 24 is located about the valve stem 22 between ¦ the a~tuating leYer 23 and the under side of the housing surroun-~¦ din~ the hole or bore 20.
15~ A side portion of the housing is formed so as to accommodate and locate means ~or moving the lever 23; for example a timing mechanism 13 which is provided with a suitable cord 26 which runs from the timing mechanism 13 and is attached to a distal end 23a , . . .
I o the actuating lever~23. The cord 26 then passes through or 20. is attached to, and extends away from, the distal end 23a of the actuating lever 23 and can be provided with a suitable handle or ' ~rip 27 i~ desired.
i A lower portion of the housing mounts two spaced apart limit stops 28 and 29. The limit stops 28 and 29 are in the form of 25. elongate members having an elongate body and a head portion with - a cam face~ The limit stops 28 and 29 are position`ed so as to be ,¦ at least one above and at least one below a butt end 23b of ~he ~`' actuating lever 23 and the l~mit stops 28 and 29 are pivotally mounted to the housing~ -30. Each limit stop is associated with a plurality of spaced apart protrusions or setting members 30. In use, the body portions of the pivotally mounted limit stops 28 and 23 can be located between two spaced apart protrusions 30 and held in a predetermined or desired position.
.
`~: . ' '. ' ' ' ' ' ' , ~7~63;2 In use, the vacuum regulator 12 can be installed in an air line 7 such as in the position shown in figure 1 of the accom-panying drawings.
A teat cup is applied to a teat; and the cord 26 is pulled 5. downwardly, thus moving the actuating lever 23 in a dcwnward direction as shown in the arrow "A" in figure 2 of the accompany-I ing drawings. This movement is im~arted to the vaive stem 22 which causes the diaphra~m valve 21 to move upwardly in the ~i direction o the arrow "B" shown in figure 2 of the accompanying 10. drawings and thus into juxtaposition with the valve seat 48 at the shoulder of the inlet port. This will then allow only a very small amount of vacuum to pass from the vacuum inlet port 14, through the vacuum passage 16 and to the outlet port 15. A
setting such as this maintains a low vacuum at the exterior of the 15. teat cup inflation for a predetermined or desired period of time. I
The downward movement o the cord 26 will cause the butt end 23b of the actuating lever to move upwardly and this movement will be I controlled by the butt end 23b coming into contact with a cam " face of the limit stop 28. Thus movement of the limit stop 28 20. between various protrusions 30, and thus the adjustment of the ~ cam face of the limit stop 28 can serve to "fine tune" the initial j , inlet of vaauum following the pulling of the cord 260 i The pulling of the cord 26 will cause the cord 26 to come out of the timer 13 and the timing arrangement i5 such as to then 25~ cause the cord 26 to be pulled back into the timer; this will also cause the lever to be gradually moved or pulled upwardly. Any suitable txpe of timer can be used, but the timer could for example, be a clockwork timer and may lf desired, have a visual or audio indicator. In another form of the invention it is 30. envisaged ~hat the timer can be in the form of a music box, and , ' ll the playing of the music can also have a ~herapeutic and restful e~ect on co~s.
Following the pulling of the cord 26 and ~he movement of the diaphragm valve ~ into juxtaposi~ion with the va:Lve seat 48~ a ' ~L~7~63~
small amount of vacuum passes through the passage 16 and into the vacuum outlet 15. If the vacuum in the inlet port increases, the increased differential pressure across the diaphragm 21 will cause it to seal and abut against the valve seat 48; atmospheric 5. pressure being applied to the lower face of the diaphragm whilst the upper is subjected to vacuum.
As the timer operates, the cord 26 is withdrawn into the timer and thus the actuating lever 23 is moved upwardly in the direction of the arrow "C" shown in figure 2 of the drawings.
10~ This movement is imparted to the valve stem 22 and the diaphragm valve 21, which is caused to move in a downward direction, as indicated by arrow "D" and thus away from the valve seat 48 and the shoulder. This then increases gradua~ the amount of vacuum available for passing through the passage 16 into the 15. vacuum outlet 15.
The butt end 23b of the actuating lever 23 is caused to move downwardly in the direction of the arrow "E" and its downward ~` movement can be controlled by the cam face of the second or lowerlimit stop 29 w~ich can be positioned to "~ine tune" the move-20. ment, by being positioned between desired or predetermined, and . spaced apart protrusions 30. The movement of the le~er 23 will be limited and will cease once the butt end 23b comes into contact with the cam ~ace of the lower limit stop 29.
; I Sultable means of controlling the operation of the timer 13 ; 25. can be provided, for example suitable clockwork timers and the ~;~ like can be provided so that the movement of the valve 21 is such that the vacuum will gradually increase to enable the milking to commence, over a predetermined ox desired period of time. For example, it has been found that in some cases a period of three 30. minutes provides ade~uate time for stimulation prior to milking~
This can vary however, depending upon various cows.
The sqtting of the second or lower limit stop 29 can be suc~
as to provide individual adjustment o an air line 7, during milking for a paxticular cow. For example, teat sizes vary .; .
. ~ - . , - , ~7563Z
between breeds and cows, and teat cups do not always fit as snugly as is desirable, particularly when a teat is small.
By adjusting the lower or second limit stop 29 the vacuum on the exterior of the inflation during milking can be set lower 5~ than normal (by causing a lesser opening of the valve) to thus permit the inflation to fit snugly about a small teat. On the other hand, the pressuxe differential on the inflation can be reduced by setting the stop 29 at a highar vacuum limit (by permitting a greater opening o~ the valve) where the teat is 10. large.
In addition, the setting of the limit stop 29 can take ' I account of the reduction of the milk line vacuwm applied to the I interior of the 'inflation when a head of milk is present in the ¦ milk line. Thus, the setting of limit stop 29 can be 5uch that ¦ 15. the vacuum level at the exterior of the in~lation is always less , than or equal to the minimum vacuum present at the interior o~
,~ I the in~lation during mil'king.
It should be appreciated that this invention has been described by way of example only. In particular it should be 20. appreciated that re~erences to examples such as mercury limits , ~ and the like are by way o~ example only and can vary from situation to situation. 'The claims ~orm part o~ the disclosure.
It should be appxeaiated that improvements znd modifications can ' ' be made to the invention without departing ~rom the scope 25. thereof as defined by the appended claims.
, .
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The air line 7 from the exterior 5 of the teat cup inflation 3 is connected via a pulsator 11 to a branch vacuum line lOb and thus to the main vacuum line 10. The purpose of the pulsator, is to perio~ically reduce the vacuum in the air line 7 to cause the teat cup inflation 3 to contract about a cows teat to promote milking.
A vacuum regulator 12 is situated in air line 7 between the pulsator 11 and the teat cup 1. Connected to the vacuum regulator 12 is means 13 for gradually increasing the vacuum level applied to the exterior 5 of the teat cup infla-tion 3.
The operation of such a milking installation will now be described by way of example. The main vacuum line 10 is provided with a constant vacuum of the order of for example only, 15 inches of mercury. The pulsator 11 is set to periodically introduce air to reduce the vacuum in the air line 7 to cause the inflation 3 to squeeze about the teat ~not shown) and to then release as the vacuum in the air line 7 . I . , increases once again. The milk line vacuum provides an almost constant suction.
When the teat cup 3 is applied to a teat, the vacuum regulator 12 is set so that a vacuum differential appears ; across the teat cup inflation. That is to say, the pressure on the exterior S of the teat cup inflation 3 is maintained higher or the vacuum lower than the pressure or vacuum within the teat cup inflation so that the inflation 3 closes about the teat and closes off or substantially closes off communica-tion between the milk line vacuum and the teat within the inflation 3. By way of example the regulator 12 can be set initially so that the maximum vacuum applied to the exterior -~ ', .
~L~7S632 5 of the teat cup inflation 3 is less than about 5 inches of mercury and preferably is of the order of 3 inches of mercury.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that the main vacuum line is, by way of example, of the order of 15 inches of mercury and that with no milk in the milk line 6, the milk line vacuum will be equivalent to that in the main vacuum line `.
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~75632 10. The pressure differential between the interior 4 and the exterior 5 of the teat cup inflation 3 is thus such as to close off the inflation 3 about a teat and prevent or at least substant-ially reduce the milk line vacuum from causing vacuum damage to 5. the teat.
As the vacuum regulator 12 is positioned between the pulsator ll and the teat cup 1, the pulsator 11 will continue to operate and thus the teat cup inflation 3 will gently stimulate the teat by squeezing thereagainst.
10. After a time, the setting of the vacuum regulator 12 can he gradually increased so that the teat cup inflation 3 opens and the vacuum in the milk line 6 can withdraw milk from the teat.
It will be appreciated that this operation allows the teat to be stimulated prior to milking and in addition, enables the teat cup 1~. 1 to fit snugly about an unstimuIated teat when first applied.
~s milk rises in milk line 6 to the milk receptacle 8 the head of milk in the milk line 6 will cause the vacuum in the , milk line 6 to drop below the level in the main vacuum line lOoWith this in mind, it is preferred that the vacuum regulator 12 20. is set so that the maximum vacuum level applied to ~he exterior 5 of the teat cup 3 during milking is just below or equal to the vacuum in the milk line 6 at, or adjacent the outlet 3a of the teat cup. It will be appreciated, that this level can be determined ~y su~tracting the head of milk in milk line 6 from ., 25. the vacuum level in the main vacuum line 10. By this means, the invention enables milking to continue without the teat cup inflation "ballooning" away from the teat.
It will be appreciated that "ballooning" of the inflation can occur when there is a slight positive pressure at the 30. interior 4 o inflation 5, (iqe. a lower vacuum than is applied to the exterior of t~e inflation~. "Ballooning" o~ the inflation is undesirable as i~ can give rise to vacuum damage to the teat by stretching the teat, or by allowing the milk line vacuum to enter the mouth ~iece area of the teat cup.
-6~
- , ~ .: . , ., - . ,.
.
~7563Z
:
Moreover, if the air line vacuum level is set at a level equal to or below the vacuum level in the milk line when ull of milk ~say for example ~3 inches of mercury), then when millc flow stops and milk is removed rom the milk line 6, the vacuum 5. at the interior 4 of the inflation 3 will increase to say for example 15 inches of mercury. When this occurs the increased pressure dif~erential across the inflation will cause the inflation 3 to close snugly against the teat.
Turning now to figure 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated lOo a preferred form of a vacuum regulator 1~. The vacuum regulator is shown as having a housing which includes an upper housing portion 12a and a lower housing portion 12b. 'Fhe upper and ! lower housing portions are adapted to be clamped together about, for example, the seal 18 of the diaphragm valve (as will be 15. described by way of example hereinafter). This is by way of example only. In addition, the two housing portions can be formed with a bayonet type connection. Other means of connec-tion can however be used to advantage.
The regulator 12 shown in figure 2 of the accompanying 20. drawings is preferably used to control for example a cluster I
of ~our teat cups. Provision can be made to enable two or more units to be coupled together. Raference to figure 2 of the drawings sh~ws that holes or recesses 31 are provided so that two similar units can be coupled together to provide a dou~le 25. xegulator if re~uired. It is envisaged that this will be suitable ~r a type of milXing plant where double pulsators are used, one pulsator being used for each pair of teat cups.
The regulator 12 has an air line passing therethrough, the air line being in the form of an inlet port 14 and an outlet , 30. port 15; the inlet port 14 leading into a valve cha~ber 17 and being connected to the outlet poxt 15 by an outlet passage 16.
. , The inlet port 14 leads into and define~s a valve seat 48 in the form of a shoulder.
The lower wall ~9 vf the valve ahamber L7 defines a hole or .
~a~7563Z
bore 20 passing therethrough.
A valve 21 such as for example a diaphragm valve is mounted within the valve chamber 17 and is secured in position about the ; wall o-f the valve chamber, such as by suitable seals~ A valve 5. stem 22 is connected to an under side of the diaphragm valve 21 and passes out through the wall 19 of the housing by way o the hole or bore 20.
, , An actuating lever 23 is attached to a lower end of the valve `, stem 22 and is pivotally mounted to the housing as shown in ~igure 10, 2 of the accompanyin~ drawings. The actuating lever 23 is preferably elongate in formation.
~¦ A valve spring 24 is located about the valve stem 22 between ¦ the a~tuating leYer 23 and the under side of the housing surroun-~¦ din~ the hole or bore 20.
15~ A side portion of the housing is formed so as to accommodate and locate means ~or moving the lever 23; for example a timing mechanism 13 which is provided with a suitable cord 26 which runs from the timing mechanism 13 and is attached to a distal end 23a , . . .
I o the actuating lever~23. The cord 26 then passes through or 20. is attached to, and extends away from, the distal end 23a of the actuating lever 23 and can be provided with a suitable handle or ' ~rip 27 i~ desired.
i A lower portion of the housing mounts two spaced apart limit stops 28 and 29. The limit stops 28 and 29 are in the form of 25. elongate members having an elongate body and a head portion with - a cam face~ The limit stops 28 and 29 are position`ed so as to be ,¦ at least one above and at least one below a butt end 23b of ~he ~`' actuating lever 23 and the l~mit stops 28 and 29 are pivotally mounted to the housing~ -30. Each limit stop is associated with a plurality of spaced apart protrusions or setting members 30. In use, the body portions of the pivotally mounted limit stops 28 and 23 can be located between two spaced apart protrusions 30 and held in a predetermined or desired position.
.
`~: . ' '. ' ' ' ' ' ' , ~7~63;2 In use, the vacuum regulator 12 can be installed in an air line 7 such as in the position shown in figure 1 of the accom-panying drawings.
A teat cup is applied to a teat; and the cord 26 is pulled 5. downwardly, thus moving the actuating lever 23 in a dcwnward direction as shown in the arrow "A" in figure 2 of the accompany-I ing drawings. This movement is im~arted to the vaive stem 22 which causes the diaphra~m valve 21 to move upwardly in the ~i direction o the arrow "B" shown in figure 2 of the accompanying 10. drawings and thus into juxtaposition with the valve seat 48 at the shoulder of the inlet port. This will then allow only a very small amount of vacuum to pass from the vacuum inlet port 14, through the vacuum passage 16 and to the outlet port 15. A
setting such as this maintains a low vacuum at the exterior of the 15. teat cup inflation for a predetermined or desired period of time. I
The downward movement o the cord 26 will cause the butt end 23b of the actuating lever to move upwardly and this movement will be I controlled by the butt end 23b coming into contact with a cam " face of the limit stop 28. Thus movement of the limit stop 28 20. between various protrusions 30, and thus the adjustment of the ~ cam face of the limit stop 28 can serve to "fine tune" the initial j , inlet of vaauum following the pulling of the cord 260 i The pulling of the cord 26 will cause the cord 26 to come out of the timer 13 and the timing arrangement i5 such as to then 25~ cause the cord 26 to be pulled back into the timer; this will also cause the lever to be gradually moved or pulled upwardly. Any suitable txpe of timer can be used, but the timer could for example, be a clockwork timer and may lf desired, have a visual or audio indicator. In another form of the invention it is 30. envisaged ~hat the timer can be in the form of a music box, and , ' ll the playing of the music can also have a ~herapeutic and restful e~ect on co~s.
Following the pulling of the cord 26 and ~he movement of the diaphragm valve ~ into juxtaposi~ion with the va:Lve seat 48~ a ' ~L~7~63~
small amount of vacuum passes through the passage 16 and into the vacuum outlet 15. If the vacuum in the inlet port increases, the increased differential pressure across the diaphragm 21 will cause it to seal and abut against the valve seat 48; atmospheric 5. pressure being applied to the lower face of the diaphragm whilst the upper is subjected to vacuum.
As the timer operates, the cord 26 is withdrawn into the timer and thus the actuating lever 23 is moved upwardly in the direction of the arrow "C" shown in figure 2 of the drawings.
10~ This movement is imparted to the valve stem 22 and the diaphragm valve 21, which is caused to move in a downward direction, as indicated by arrow "D" and thus away from the valve seat 48 and the shoulder. This then increases gradua~ the amount of vacuum available for passing through the passage 16 into the 15. vacuum outlet 15.
The butt end 23b of the actuating lever 23 is caused to move downwardly in the direction of the arrow "E" and its downward ~` movement can be controlled by the cam face of the second or lowerlimit stop 29 w~ich can be positioned to "~ine tune" the move-20. ment, by being positioned between desired or predetermined, and . spaced apart protrusions 30. The movement of the le~er 23 will be limited and will cease once the butt end 23b comes into contact with the cam ~ace of the lower limit stop 29.
; I Sultable means of controlling the operation of the timer 13 ; 25. can be provided, for example suitable clockwork timers and the ~;~ like can be provided so that the movement of the valve 21 is such that the vacuum will gradually increase to enable the milking to commence, over a predetermined ox desired period of time. For example, it has been found that in some cases a period of three 30. minutes provides ade~uate time for stimulation prior to milking~
This can vary however, depending upon various cows.
The sqtting of the second or lower limit stop 29 can be suc~
as to provide individual adjustment o an air line 7, during milking for a paxticular cow. For example, teat sizes vary .; .
. ~ - . , - , ~7563Z
between breeds and cows, and teat cups do not always fit as snugly as is desirable, particularly when a teat is small.
By adjusting the lower or second limit stop 29 the vacuum on the exterior of the inflation during milking can be set lower 5~ than normal (by causing a lesser opening of the valve) to thus permit the inflation to fit snugly about a small teat. On the other hand, the pressuxe differential on the inflation can be reduced by setting the stop 29 at a highar vacuum limit (by permitting a greater opening o~ the valve) where the teat is 10. large.
In addition, the setting of the limit stop 29 can take ' I account of the reduction of the milk line vacuwm applied to the I interior of the 'inflation when a head of milk is present in the ¦ milk line. Thus, the setting of limit stop 29 can be 5uch that ¦ 15. the vacuum level at the exterior of the in~lation is always less , than or equal to the minimum vacuum present at the interior o~
,~ I the in~lation during mil'king.
It should be appreciated that this invention has been described by way of example only. In particular it should be 20. appreciated that re~erences to examples such as mercury limits , ~ and the like are by way o~ example only and can vary from situation to situation. 'The claims ~orm part o~ the disclosure.
It should be appxeaiated that improvements znd modifications can ' ' be made to the invention without departing ~rom the scope 25. thereof as defined by the appended claims.
, .
; .-
Claims (8)
1. A method of milking an animal including applying a teat cup to a teat to be milked; the teat cup having an infla-tion; the interior of the inflation being in communication with a milk line connected to a source of vacuum; the exterior of the inflation being in communication with a pulsating vacuum source;
characterised in that before milking commences, the exterior of the inflation is subject to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation and wherein the level of the vacuum (or pressure) applied to the exterior of the inflation is controlled by a regulator positioned in a vacuum line between a pulsator and the exterior of the inflation.
characterised in that before milking commences, the exterior of the inflation is subject to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation and wherein the level of the vacuum (or pressure) applied to the exterior of the inflation is controlled by a regulator positioned in a vacuum line between a pulsator and the exterior of the inflation.
2. A method of milking an animal, including applying a teat cup to a teat to be milked; the teat cup having an infla-tion; the interior of the inflation being in communication with a milk line connected to a source of vacuum; the exterior of the inflation being in communication with a pulsating vacuum source;
characterised in that before milking commences, the exterior of the inflation is subject to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation to close the inflation about the teat and to prevent milk from entering the milk line, and wherein the level of the vacuum (or pressure) applied to the exterior of the inflation is controlled by a regulator positioned in a vacuum line between a pulsator and the exterior of the inflation.
characterised in that before milking commences, the exterior of the inflation is subject to a lower vacuum (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation to close the inflation about the teat and to prevent milk from entering the milk line, and wherein the level of the vacuum (or pressure) applied to the exterior of the inflation is controlled by a regulator positioned in a vacuum line between a pulsator and the exterior of the inflation.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the vacuum level applied to the exterior of the inflation is increased gradually.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the vacuum level applied to the exterior of the inflation is increased gradually to a level equal to or below the minimum milk line vacuum present at the interior of the inflation during milking.
5. A method of milking an animal including applying a teat cup to a teat to be milked; the teat cup having an inflation; the interior of the inflation being in communication with a milk line connected to a source of vacuum; the exterior of the inflation being in communication with a pulsating vacuum source; characterised in that before milking commences, the exterior of the inflation is subject to a lower vacuum, (or higher pressure) than the interior of the inflation and is controlled by a regulator positioned in a vacuum line between a pulsator and the exterior of the inflation; the maximum level of vacuum applied to the exterior of the inflation before milking commences being less than about 5 inches of mercury; the vacuum level applied to the exterior of the inflation being gradually increased to a level equal to or below the minimum milk line vacuum present at the interior of the inflation during milking.
6. Apparatus for controlling a vacuum level applied exteriorly to an inflation of a teat cup; including a housing;
an inlet port capable of being connected to a source of applied vacuum; and an outlet port capable of being connected to the exterior of said teat cup; a valve capable of moving in response to applied vacuum to restrict or close off the inlet port; and means for gradually moving the valve to increase the vacuum level at the outlet port.
an inlet port capable of being connected to a source of applied vacuum; and an outlet port capable of being connected to the exterior of said teat cup; a valve capable of moving in response to applied vacuum to restrict or close off the inlet port; and means for gradually moving the valve to increase the vacuum level at the outlet port.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 and wherein the valve is connected to a pivotally mounted lever; a pair of limit stops being provided adjacent one end of the lever and each limit stop being capable of adjustment to control an initial low level of vacuum and an increased vacuum level.
8. Apparatus for controlling a vacuum level applied exteriorly to an inflation of the teat cup; including a housing; an inlet port capable of being connected to a source of applied vacuum; and an outlet port capable of being connected to the exterior of said teat cup inflation; a valve capable of moving in response to applied vacuum to restrict or close off the inlet port; and means for gradually moving the valve to increase the vacuum level at the outlet port; said means being in the form of a pivotally mounted lever connected to the valve and connected to means to control movement of said lever and valve; the lever being capable of moving between a pair of limit stops pivotally mounted to the housing to control an initial low level of vacuum and an increase vacuum level.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ18113876A NZ181138A (en) | 1976-10-14 | 1976-10-14 | Method of milking teat cup pulsation chamber subjected to lower vacuum than interior of liner or inflation before commencement of milking apparatus therefor |
| NZ183708A NZ183708A (en) | 1976-10-14 | 1977-03-28 | Method of milking teat cup pulsation chamber subjected to lower vacuum than interior of liner or inflation before commencement of milking apparatus therefor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1075632A true CA1075632A (en) | 1980-04-15 |
Family
ID=26649570
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA286,894A Expired CA1075632A (en) | 1976-10-14 | 1977-09-16 | Method and apparatus for milking |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU516844B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1075632A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2746310A1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK458577A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1592408A (en) |
| IE (1) | IE45586B1 (en) |
| NL (1) | NL7711267A (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ185091A (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE3047579C2 (en) * | 1980-12-17 | 1986-01-30 | Biomelktechnik Swiss Hoefelmayr & Co, Niederteufen, Appenzell Außerrhoden | Method and device for mechanical milk withdrawal |
| DK152321C (en) * | 1980-01-21 | 1988-07-11 | Hoefelmayr Bio Melktech | PROCEDURE AND APPARATUS FOR MACHINE MILKING |
| DE102005018335A1 (en) | 2005-04-20 | 2006-11-02 | Lactocorder Ag | Device for stimulating an udder during a milking process |
| US8468970B2 (en) | 2008-01-24 | 2013-06-25 | Delaval Holding Ab | Method and arrangement for controlling the milking by a milking machine |
-
1977
- 1977-03-28 NZ NZ185091A patent/NZ185091A/en unknown
- 1977-09-13 IE IE188477A patent/IE45586B1/en unknown
- 1977-09-15 AU AU28836/77A patent/AU516844B2/en not_active Expired
- 1977-09-16 CA CA286,894A patent/CA1075632A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-09-23 GB GB3981477A patent/GB1592408A/en not_active Expired
- 1977-10-13 NL NL7711267A patent/NL7711267A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1977-10-14 DK DK458577A patent/DK458577A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1977-10-14 DE DE19772746310 patent/DE2746310A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2746310A1 (en) | 1978-04-20 |
| NL7711267A (en) | 1978-04-18 |
| GB1592408A (en) | 1981-07-08 |
| IE45586B1 (en) | 1982-10-06 |
| AU2883677A (en) | 1979-03-22 |
| NZ185091A (en) | 1981-05-15 |
| DK458577A (en) | 1978-04-15 |
| AU516844B2 (en) | 1981-06-25 |
| IE45586L (en) | 1978-04-14 |
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| MKEX | Expiry |