GB1305849A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1305849 Milking apparatus P DOUZIECH 2 Sept 1971 [7 Sept 1970 13 Oct 1970] 40997/71 Heading A1M A milking plant particularly for ewes comprises radially disposed stalls 1 on a platform 2 rotated by a motor 21. Ewes enter the stalls 1 via a trench 3 and a ramp 4, a gate 5 being operated by electric contacts 7, 8 which are themselves actuated by open stall gates 25 which when closed hold the ewes by the neck. Ewes alight, after milking, at ramp 9 passing through non-return gate 10. Each gate 25 includes a roller which normally travels in a circular guide 29 thereby keeping the stalls 1 closed. Each revolution of the platform 2 causes a shaft mounted beneath the platform 2 to rotate through a predetermined arc until one of two pins on the shaft elevates one of two respective arms. This raised arm contacts projections on alternate stalls 1. Each such contact actuates a switch 31, causing the gate roller to travel along a spur 30 thereby opening the respective stall 1 and allowing exit of a ewe. The roller then travels along a spur 32, which closes the stall 1 and actuates the contacts 7, 8 allowing access to the now empty stall 1. The intervening stalls are opened and closed on the next revolution of the platform, subsequent revolutions not operating the gates until a complete revolution of the shaft is effected. Automatic filling of troughs 12 occurs when the open gates 25 pass through hoppers 11. Milking apparatus 13 is connected to milking cups via a central joint 14 and a mobile conduit 15 which is supported by a rigid fitting 16. In a modification, a larger number of stalls is worked by two sets of diametrically opposed ramps and spurs.