NZ336294A - Milking cluster washer, unitary moulding with two alternative fluid inlets, and one-way valve in each nipple socket - Google Patents

Abstract

A milking cluster washer is formed from a unitary molding. The molding forms a chamber with outlets to which nipple sockets are attached. The chamber has two inlets, 5, 10. Inlet 5 can be attached to a fluid supply line to which the cluster washer is fixed by saddles 6. The other is for attachment to some other fluid supply line. Only one inlet is used at a time, the other being blanked off. Nipple sockets 3 each have one-way valves.

Description

NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 No: 336294 Date: 15 June 1999 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION "Cluster Washer" We, DEC INTERNATIONAL NZ LIMITED, a company duly incorporated under the laws of New Zealand of 558 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: kscehved The present invention relates to cluster washing apparatus for milking machines and to related methods and assemblies.

With modern milking machines it is usual to provide cluster washer apparatus (or "jetters") which facilitate the cleaning of the milking machine. For example in conventional milking sheds it is usual for jetter units (a) with four nipples (if upwardly directed) (i.e. a "low line" washer) or (b) with four rubber cups (if downwardly directed) (if a "high line" washer), to have each of the four cups brought into engagement sequentially to thereby apply vacuum from the milking machine system into the conduit from whence (when allowed by an appropriate valve) washing water is to be drawn.

The present invention relates to apparatus of this kind having a number of features that offer alternatives to existing types of such apparatus and accordingly provides a range of options.

Accordingly in a first aspect the present invention consists in, in a cluster washer assembly of the kind previously described, the provision of a single piece moulding which defines a (preferably closable) chamber having at least one inlet to the chamber, external means to engage a complementary saddle piece for line engagement or, in the alternative, to engage a mounting plate (or the like) and means defining an array of nipple sockets each of which is in communication from the chamber.

In a preferred form the present invention said apparatus takes a form substantially as hereinafter described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a moulding for incorporation in a cluster washer assembly, said moulding defining a chamber having, disposed to one side, at least one inlet (preferably two) and means to allow the selective engagement of the moulding in conjunction with a complementary saddle piece or pieces to a conduit or to some other mounting and having disposed to the other side, an array of four nipple sockets in a fluid communication with the chamber.

Preferably said chamber has as a low point such that when oriented with one said side downwardly, said at least one inlet feeds from said low point and, when disposed in the reverse, has a low point to drain out of said nipple sockets.

Preferably said nipple sockets are provided with female threading to allow the engagement thereinto of either an upwardly directed nipple or a downwardly directed nozzle (preferably to retain a rubber cup).

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a cluster washer assembly comprising a moulded component or components defining a body having a chamber with an inlet or inlets and having disposed to one side thereof (either upwardly or downwardly) four nipple sockets in communication with said chamber, the assembly being characterised in that there is provided at least one or more of the following features; a) a unitary moulding defining at least a closable said chamber said inlets and said sockets; b) low point drainage from within the chamber whereby liquid that might otherwise pool within said chamber will flow completely out of either (i) at least one said inlet or (ii) at least one said nipple socket; c) said moulding is provided with both (i) a central inlet spigot adapted to receive liquid laterally of a conduit to be clasped to the moulding by a complementary saddle piece or saddle pieces or, in the alternative, and, (ii) a separate inlet, at least one of said inlets (i.e. that not in use) being capable of being plugged by an appropriate plug; d) an adjustment handle, knob or the like externally accessible of said body and which is movable relative to a calibratable (e.g.; by reference to a chart) scale or dial externally visible on the body to move within said chamber a member capable of controlling the amount of pressure and/or water flow that will be allowed through the chamber in use; e) a non return valve disposed in each said nipple sockets either above a downwardly directed nozzle screw engaged or otherwise fitted there into or under an upwardly directed nipple (such a nipple preferably including a means to overlie the nipple socket completely), said non return valve being in the form of a moulded member, and /or f) a pressure adjustment not dependent on rotation of a screw thread engaged member.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in, as an operative assembly, a moulding and/or cluster washer assembly as previously defined in any aspect thereof.

Preferably said operative assembly has any one or more of the features hereinafter described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 is a view of a moulded body in accordance with the present invention from that side having various pedestal forms adapted to either being engaged to a mounting plate, or more preferably, to locate a conduit over the central inlet and to receive a pair of saddles to engage and hold the body in association and in a fluid connection laterally with such a conduit, Figure 2 is a view A-A of the body of Figure 1 but showing the side which is at the top in Figure 1 in a lower condition, i.e.; the nipple sockets are shown upper most which would be the case if the body member were to be mounted to straddle a low line conduit and the nipple sockets of Figure 2 are to have engaged there into appropriate nipples as will hereinafter be described, Figure 3 is a plan view of the arrangement as shown in Figure 1, Figure 4 is a section B-B of the arrangement shown in Figure 3, Figure 5 is a view C-C, Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of an overall assembly showing upwardly directed a nipple which might be used for a low line mounting of the moulded body and showing (to the left) a nipple that might be used in an upwardly directed mounting of the arrangement and showing to the right and an associated rubber cup into which the end of a milking inflation can be inserted for retention, Figure 7 shows a plan view of a preferred non return valve and seal which will be used in each nipple socket as both a seal and a non return valve so as to retain the vacuum within the system during sequential cup engagement with the cluster washer, Figure 8 is a section D-D of the seal and non return valve, Figure 8 showing also how it is that the flap of the valve can be pulled out of its natural position under the action of excessive fluid flow, Figure 9 is a view E-E of the arrangement of Figure 7, Figure 10 is an exploded view of the preferred adjustment "knob" or "actuator" which pops into and engages in a clip fit manner a cam or plate or the like member adapted to effect, dependent on its rotational position, some measure of control of the flow pressures through the system by flow control of a slot provided in the moulded body of Figures 1 through 5, the slot being shown (for its relativity to the cam or plate) in the exploded Figure 10, Figure 11 is a plan view of the plate or cam of Figure 10, Figure 12 is a section at E-E of the moulded member of Figure 11, Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the member of Figures 11 and 12, Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the knob member adapted to clip fit into the member 11, Figure 15 is a view G-G of the arrangement of Figure 14, Figure 16 is a view F-F of the arrangement of Figure 14, Figure 17 is a sectional and diagrammatic view along the axis of a water supply pipe showing how the wash can be through a central inlet spigot and from thence (with the nipple inlet plug) through into the chamber and out of the four nipple sockets in communication with such chamber, Figure 18 is a similar arrangement for that as shown in Figure 17 but showing the appropriate not being supported as part of a saddle assembly about the water supply pipe but rather having a water in feed from a hose connected to the side inlet spigot (the central inlet being plugged) thereby to allow a water flow through into the chamber and from thence out of said nipple sockets, Figure 19 is a similar view to that of Figure 18 but showing the apparatus inverted. In this situation the water flow being an up flow into said chamber and from thence up and out of the nipple sockets, and Figure 20 is a similar view to that of Figure 19 showing a different arrangement for the socket inlets (ie; there being provided a cone seal or the like).

In the preferred form of the present invention in use the assembly comprises a moulded part 1 that presents four nipple sockets 3 on one side and on the other side 4 presents means providing an inlet and means associable with a conduit or a plate.

The side 4 can best be seen by reference to Figures 1 and 3. There is there provided a central inlet spigot 5 which preferably is adapted to penetrate into a conduit to be positioned in the receiving hollow 6 provided by the preferred pedestal members 7. These pedestal members 7 are adapted to co-act with a pair of saddles 8 in a manner whereby a conduit is confined in the enclosure 9 and is adapted to feed liquid in through the central inlet take or inlet spigot 5.

In other forms of the invention however a nipple inlet 10 can be utilised and this is particularly so where, instead of a high or low mounting which will utilise the central inlet spigot 5, instead there is a mounting of the pedestal 7 onto either a plate or to some particular mounting configuration thereby making the nipple inlet 10 a preferred intake for liquid into the body 1.

In the preferred form of the present invention a blank or plug 11 either seals the nipple inlet 10 or the central inlet spigot 5 depending on which one is not being used.

The nipple sockets 3 are preferably of a form best seen by reference to Figures 6 where on the left hand side a nipple of an appropriate rubber 12 is positioned to cover the annular flanges of the nipple socket and at the same time to screw engage down into the inner annular flanges 13. In the right hand side of Figure 6 a nozzle 14 instead is simply screw inserted into the annular flanges.

Interposed between the body 1 and either a nipple 12 or a nozzle 14 is a non return valve 16 which can best be seen by reference to Figures 7 through 9. Such a non return valve made of an appropriate rubber provides both the function of an O ring, i.e.; a seal, as well as a non return valve feature which ensures no overwhelming loss of vacuum from within the system during sequential cup engagement onto either upwardly directed nozzles 12 or downwardly directed cups and nozzles 15 and 14.

A feature of the body is its ability, by virtue of its being moulded preferably as a single piece, to provide low points which will ensure self draining completely of the inner chamber whether out of downwardly directed nipple sockets 3 or downwardly directed inlet 5 or low point feed out outlet 10, whichever might be utilised.

A scale 17A which acts as a dial for the knob member 24 which in turn rotates member 18 is best seen in Figures 11 through 13. Such rotation will have the effect of revealing more or less of a slot 19 in the body 1 through which water can move through the chamber.

Preferably an inspection cover 19 is utilised to close the closable chamber of the preferably unitary moulded body 1.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate how, in use, a number of assemblies as depicted, but dedicated to either a high line or a low line or other mounting, can be positioned. Each assembly should be adjusted so that there is a consistent throughput of washing liquid during the washing cycle. For this purpose it will be possible to provide a calibration chart whereby a different selection for the knob 17 relative to its dial or scale 17A can be chosen, the member 17 of course simply being inserted into the opening 17B shown in Figure 1 to engage the member 18. A conversion chart for different configurations can be provided thus meaning a simple positioning of the handle is all that is required to adapt each assembly for a particular matched throughput with others.

Figures 17 through 20 retain in the figures the drawing references referred to previously as far as the nipple inlet 10, the central inlet 5 and the nipple sockets 3 are concerned.

Figures 19 and 20 show an up flow through the apparatus as a result of an in feed of washing fluids via a hose connection to the side inlet 10, each of Figures 19 and 20 showing different arrangements possible for the nipple sockets (ie; the present invention is independent of the "nipple" form of the nipple sockets between forms depicted in Figures 19 and 20 therefor and of course any other alternative (including hybrids of the arrangements of Figures 19 and 20).

Figures 17 and 18 deal with down flows from a fluid supply. In the case of Figure 17 it is a down flow from a fluid pipe 20 on which the assembly is saddled from below which provides for fluid access in through the central inlet 5. In the case of Figure 18 the mounting is with a plate as shown and the inlet 10 is used in conjunction with a hose 21.

Persons skilled in he art will appreciate that each of Figures 17 and 18 show a form of nipple socket substantially as shown inverted in Figure 19. Please appreciate however that in the inverted form a cone seal 23 can be utilised. Such a cone seal is shown in broken outline in Figure 6 also.

For completeness it should be appreciated that when desired, nipple inlet 10 is plugged by a plug 10A and, when desired, central inlet 5 is plugged with a central inlet plug 5A.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that even other configurations are possible. For example, the arrangement of Figure 17, if desired, could be inverted and, if desired, the nipple socket form shown, for example, in Figure 20 used instead, etc. For each of the configuration knob member 24 is rotatable to rotate the member 18.

In each of the embodiments Figures 17 through 18 the chamber 25 is shown sealed by an appropriate plate and seal 26.

Flow Trial Method: The prototype cluster washer was connected to the cluster wash line of a demonstration milking machine in each of three ways: • by mounting directly onto the cluster wash line as in Figure 17 (for the flow measurements through the tube mount connection), • by connecting to the cluster was line through a WVR Nipple Adapter and about 300 mm of 14 mm ID rubber tubing (for the side mount connection) as in Figure 18, and • by connecting to the cluster was line through a WVR Nipple Adapter and about 900 mm of 14 mm ID rubber tubing (for the side mount connection in the Low Line configuration) as in Figure 19.

A cluster set with our WAIKATO™ NIMBUS™ claw with a shut-off valve was attached to the cluster washers of the present invention in the normal way.

A test bucket was placed in the line between the cluster and the milk line. The long milk tube connecting the cluster with the test bucket was 14 mm I.D. rubber and about 1150 mm long.

With the cleaning system operating, the shut-off valve on the claw was opened for one minute.

The volume of water collected in the test bucket was measured using a two litre measuring beaker with 50 ml graduations.

All measurements were made at a milking vacuum level of 46.5 kPa as measured by the plant vacuum gauge, and with the flow control valve on the prototype cluster washer at its minimum and maximum settings.

Results - Table 1: Flow (litres per minute) Mounting Minimum Setting Maximum Setting Tube 1.2 9.3 Side 1.1 6.0 Side - Low Line 1.0 .5 The minimum flow rates are satisfactory for all mounting options. The maximum flow rates are best for the tube mount connection of Figure 17. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate the benefits systems in accordance with the present invention will provide.

Claims (4)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A cluster washer assembly having a single piece moulding to define at least most of a chamber having two inlets thereto, external means adapted to engage a complementary saddle piece for line engagement of one of the two inlets thereinto or, in the alternative, adapted to engage a complementary mounting member so as to allow the other of the two inlets to the chamber to be engaged into the fluid line, and means defining an array of nipple sockets each of which communicates into the chamber and, wherein, in use, that inlet to the chamber not m communication into the line is closed by appropriate means as is any other opening, other than the other inlet, into the chamber, and wherein, in the assembly, each of said nipple sockets has a nipple or nozzle for engaging a milking cup assembly to be engaged therewith, and wherein, in the assembly, each nipple socket incorporates a non return valve to render one way the fluid flow to or from the said line and from or to the chamber via each nipple socket.

2. An assembly as claimed m claim 1 wherein said moulding has a closure member engaged to close an opening into the chamber which is m addition to said two inlets and each nipple socket.

3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein said moulding is of a form substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

4. A single piece moulding suitable for a cluster washer assembly of claim 1, said moulding being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings