GB378424A - A foaling alarm or signal for veterinary use - Google Patents

Abstract

378,424. Signalling movements of animals. BROWN, J. P., Dipple Farm, Fochabers, and SOUTER, J. S., Greyfriars Ironworks, Greyfriars Street, Elgin, both in Elginshire. May 9, 1931, No. 13761. [Class 81 (ii).] An alarm for veterinary use is operated by a flexible connection to the animal, the signal being actuated only when the connection is drawn downwards by the animal changing to a reclining or semi-reclining position. In the construction shown, the flexible connection is secured to the animal at a point above its shoulders in any convenient manner and is connected at its upper end to the signal-actuating mechanism in a casing 6 which is attached to a suitable overhead structure. The connection may be taken directly to the casing or led along a radial horizontal arm 7 which rotates in bearings 31. The signal-actuating mechanism consists of a winding drum 10 driven by a spring 13. On rotation of the drum, against the spring, by the animal moving, the travelling nut 17 moves outwards and engages a contact nut 20, the position of which is adjustable on the screwed pin 21 so that no contact can occur until the animal lies down, and closes an electric circuit, thus operating an alarm, such as a bell. A visible indicator may be included in the circuit, and a switch may be placed near the animal for testing the circuit. When the animal rises, the connection is rewound on the drum and the alarm contact is opened. Alternatively, the drum may drive a brush contact, through a reduction gearing, over an insulated disc having a metal segment, the brush contact being adjustable according to the length of connection to be unwound before the alarm operates.