US3916923A

US3916923A - Automatic washing and sanitizing apparatus for a pipeline milking system

Info

Publication number: US3916923A
Application number: US379254A
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald L Branton
Original assignee: Sta Rite Industries LLC
Current assignee: Sta Rite Industries LLC
Priority date: 1973-07-16
Filing date: 1973-07-16
Publication date: 1975-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 1992-11-04

Abstract

An automatic washing and sanitizing apparatus for a pipeline milking system. The apparatus includes a 24 hour timer to automatically start and program the sanitizing operation prior to milking so that the completion of the sanitizing cycle the lines have been drained and the system is ready for milking. After the milking, the washing cycle is initiated and the apparatus automatically programs a first rinse cycle, a wash cycle, and a second rinse cycle with detergent and acid being automatically dispensed into the water during the wash and the second rinse cycle, respectively. A fail safe mechanism is incorporated in the system which will automatcially deenergize the system in the event of a malfunction.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Branton [451 Nov. 4, 1975 [75] Inventor: Donald L. Branton, Delavan, Wis.

[73] Assignee: Sta-Rite Industries, Inc., Delavan,

Wis.

[22] Filed: July 16, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 379,254

3,665,941 5/1972 Griparis 134/58 R Primary Examiner-Edward L. Roberts Attorney, Agent, or FirmAndrus, Sceales, Starke & Sawall [57] ABSTRACT pipeline milking system. The apparatus includes a 24 hour timer to automatically start and program the sanitizing operation prior to milking so that the completion of the sanitizing cycle the lines have been drained and the system is ready for milking. After the milking, the washing cycle is initiated and the apparatus automatically programs a first rinse cycle, a wash cycle, and a second rinse cycle with detergent and acid being automatically dispensed into the water during the wash and the second rinse cycle, respectively. A fail safe mechanism is incorporated in the system which will automatcially de 'energize the system in the event of a malfunction.

3 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 Sheet 2 of3 3,916,923

Sheet 3 of 3 3,916,923

U.S. Patent Nov. 4, 1975 AUTOMATIC WASHING AND SANITIZING APPARATUS FOR A PIPELINE MILKING SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Milking systems, in general, are subjected to extremely rigid cleaning requirements. Following the milking operation it is necessary to completely clean all parts of the system which were in contact with the milk. In addition, vprior to the next milking operation, it is necessary to sanitize the system. In the conventional washing and sanitizing systems, the dairyman is required to manually start both the sanitize and wash cycles and add the necessary quantities of sanitizer for its cycle. Furthermore, when the milk stored in the bulk tank is removed from the tank, the tank must also be cleaned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an apparatus for automatically washing and sanitizing a pipeline milking system. After the milking has been completed, the wash cycle is initiated and the apparatus automatically programs a first rinse cycle, a wash cycle and a second rinse cycle with detergent and acid being automatically added to the water during the wash and second rinse cycles, respectively, to completely clean the pipeline and the other attached milking components.

In addition, the invention includes a 24 hour timer which is programmed to start a sanitizing operation at a preset time prior to milking. At the designated time the apparatus automatically dispenses sanitizer into the wash water, circulates the sanitizer solution through the system and drains the lines so that the system is ready for the milking operation when the dairyman arrives at the barn.

With the apparatus of the invention, given quantities of detergent, sanitizer and acid are programmed to be automatically dispensed at specified periods during the respective cycles.

The apparatus also includes a fail safe mechanism which is tied into the circuitry and includes a timer set for a period slightly longer than the combined washing and rinse cycles. In the event of a malfunction which results in the washing or sanitizing cycle not being completed within the normal period, the timer in the fail safe circuit will time out and open the circuit to the power lines.

By incorporating a 24 hour timer in the apparatus the sanitizing cycle will be automatically initiated at a preset time and will be completed before the dairyman reaches the barn. This is a decided advantage for it means that the dairyman can begin milking immediately upon reaching the barn or milking area and he does not have to wait for a to minute sanitizing cycle to be completed before he can begin milking.

Other objects and advantages will appear in the course of the following description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipeline milking system incorporating the washing and sanitizing apparatu of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the control apparatus of the invention;

2 FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a vertical section of the wash tank and showing the drain valve and pressure switch mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view of an end of the wash tank showing the heating elements; and

FIG. 6 is a wiring diagram.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a typical pipeline milking system which includes a milk line 1 which extends around the barn or other milking area. Milkers can be attached at various locations throughout the length of the milkline. The

ends

2 and 3 of the milk line 1 are connected to a milk receiving jar 4, and a vacuum line 5 is connected between the upper end of the jar 4 and a vacuum pump unit indicated by 6. A vacuum is drawn in the line 5, jar 4 and the milk line 1, causing the milk from the various individual milkers to be drawn through the line and into the jar 4.

The lower end of the jar 4 is provided with an outlet which is connected to a pump 7, and when the milk level within the jar 4 increases to a predetermined level, the pump 7 is operatedto discharge the milk from the jar and deliver the milk through aline 8 which, during the milking operation, is connected to a bulk storage tank 9.

In addition to the milk line 1, a vacuum line 10 also extends around the barn or other milking area and the vacuum line is connected to the pulsators associated with each individual milking unit. Vacuum line 10 is connected by line 11 to the vacuum pumping unit 6 so that a vacuum will be drawn in the line 10.

During the normal milking cycle, the milk from the individual milkers will be drawn through the milk line 1 to the milk receiving jar 4 and will be pumped from the jar by pump 7 and discharged through line 8 to the bulk storage tank 9.

Following the milking operation the various components of the system which were in contact with the milk have to be thoroughly cleaned or washed and subsequently sanitized prior to the next milking operation. During the washing cycle, a tank 12 is employed which contains the washing solution. A frame 13 is mounted above the tank and a series of milkers 14 are suspended from the frame 13 with the teat cups extending beneath the level of the solution in the tank 12. Only a single milker 14 is shown in FIG. 1, but in practice a number of milkers would be suspended within the tank during the washing cycle. It should be noted that the milker can remain in the barn or parlor and still be washed properly. This is done in a rotary parlor or full-comfort parlor.

Each milker 14 is connected by a hose 15 to one of the nipples on the manifold 16 which, in turn, is connected to the line 2. The connection between

lines

2 and 3 is closed during the washing cycle, and when a vacuum is drawn through line 5, the washing solution is drawn through the milkers l4, hose 15, line 2, milk line 1, and line 3 to the milk jar 4. When the level of the washing solution in jar 4 rises to a preset level, pump 7 operates to discharge the washing solution through the hose 8 which is connected to tank 12, rather than to the bulk storage tank 9, as during the milking cycle. A diverter valve 17 can be located in line 8, and through operation of thevalve 17 the washing liquid flowing within line 8 can either be directed to tank 12, or alternately through line 18 -to floor drain l9.

According to the invention, a control apparatus, indicated generally by 20, is mounted on the wall 21 above tank 12 and acts to automatically program the washing, rinsing and sanitizing cycles. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control apparatus includes an outer casing 22 and a selector switch 23 and a program timer 24 are located on the front face of the casing 22. The selecter switch 23 has three positions, off, wash, and milk, while the program timer 24 includes a dial which establishes the cycles in the operation.

Three

jars

25, 26 and 27 are suspended beneath the casing 22. The neck of each jar is threaded to a cover 28 which is mounted on the bottom wall 29 of the casing 22. The

jars

25, 26 and 27 are adapted to contain given quantities of detergent, acid and sanitizer, respectively.

Cold water is introduced to the control mechanism 20 through a cold water line 30 and hot water is introduced through a hot water line 31, both of which are connected to a valve assembly 32 mounted on wall 29. Valve assembly 32 includes a valve operated by solenoid 33 which, when open, will permit hot water from line 31 to pass through the valve assembly. In addition, the valve assembly 32 also includes a second valve operated by solenoid 34 which, when open, serves to mix hot and cold water from lines 30 and 31 so that warm water will be discharged from the valve assembly 32.

Water from the valve assembly 32 is discharged through line 35 which is connected to a nipple 36 in the upper end of a container or receiver 37 mounted on wall 29. Solenoid-operated valve 35a is located in line 35. The lower end of receiver 37 is provided with an outlet 38 of reduced diameter that extends through an opening in bottom wall 29 and is connected to a hose 39. The lower end of hose 39 is supported by a bracket 40 mounted on the upper edge of tank 12 so that the washing liquid will be discharged through hose 39 into the tank 12.

Three T-fittings 41, 42 and 43 are connected in line 35 and each T-fitting is connected to a

solenoidoperated valve

44, 45, 46 respectively which is mounted on one of the covers 28. Tubes 47 communicate with the

valves

44, 45, and 46 and extend downwardly within the

jars

25, 26 and 27. An outlet line 48 is connected between each cover 28 and a nipple 36 on receiver 37 and serves to discharge liquid from the jars to the receiver.

When valve 44 is open and valve 350 is closed, water from line 35 will pass through T-fitting 41, through open valve 44 into detergent jar 25 where the water will solubilize the detergent and the detergent solution will be discharged from jar 25, through line 48, receiver 37, and hose 39 to tank 12.

Similarly, when valve is open and valve 353 is closed, water from line 35 will flow into jar 26 and the acid solution from jar 26 will be discharged through the receiver 37 to tank 12. In a similar manner, when valve 46 is open, sanitizing solution from jar 27 will be discharged to tank 12.

The receiver 37, having a substantial volume, acts as a sump or reservoir to prevent back-up of solution from hose 39 into the jars. In addition, the hose 39 has a substantially greater diameter than the inlet nipples 36 of receiver 37, and this also serves to prevent back-up of solution into the jars.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the tank 12 includes a drain opening 49 in its lower surfati' which is controlled by a generally conical valve 50 Ea'ri'ied by vertical stem 51.

The upper end of the stem 51 is operably connected to a solenoid 52 disposed within housing 53 carried by plate 54 that is secured to the upper edge of tank 12. A spring 55 located around stem 51 bears between the casing of the solenoid and a spring seat 56, thereby functioning to urge the valve 50 to the downward or closed position. When the solenoid 52 is energized it will act to move the valve stem 51 upwardly to thereby open the valve 50 and permit the water within the tank 12 to drain through the drain 49. A tube 58 communicates with the switch assembly 57 and extends downwardly within the tank 12. The lower end of tube 58 is open, and as the tank 12 fills with water, air trapped within the tube 58 is compressed. When the air is compressed to a pre-set value, the switch 57 will be actuated in a conventional manner. In place of pressure switch 57, a timer mechanism can be utilized in which the water is introduced into the tank for a preset time period.

To heat the water in tank 12, a booster heater unit, indicated generally by 59, can be employed. The heater unit 59 includes a casing 60 mounted on the upper edge of the tank 12 and a series of generally L-shaped heating elements 61 extend downwardly from casing 60 along the end wall of tank 12 and then horizontally along the bottom of the tank. Power is supplied to the heater unit 59 through leads 62.

The wiring diagram for the washing and sanitizing system of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6. The dairyman initially fills the

jars

25, 26 and 27 with the desired quantities of detergent, acid and sanitizer, respectively. To begin operation, the on/off switch is moved to the on position and the selector switch is moved to the milk position, thereby supplying power from power lines 64 and 65 through lines 66 and 67 to light the milk light 68. Supplying power through line 66 also serves to energize the vacuum pump 6 through line 69 so that the pump will operate continuously. Operation of the vacuum pump 6 will create a vacuum in milk line 1 so that milk will be drawn from the individual milkers through line 1 to jar 4. Vacuum pump 6 will operate and the milk light 68 will remain energized until de-energized through manual opening of the selector switch 23. After milking, the selector switch 23 is moved to the wash position, and the program timer 24 is manually moved to the first rinse position. Moving the selector switch 23 to the wash position supplies power through line 70, contact 71, switch 72 and line 73 to line 74.

Moving the program timer to the first rinse position closes the switch 75 with contact 76 thereby supplying power from line 74 through line 77 and line 78 to energize the wash light 79. In addition, power is supplied from line 77 through switch 80 and contact 81 to line 82 which is connected to the fail safe mechanism, indicated generally by 83. Supplying power to the fail safe mechanism through line 82 latches the clutch solenoid 84 in line 85 as well as starting the timer motor 86 which is connected in parallel through normally closed switch 87 with clutch solenoid 84. As hereinafter described in more detail, the fail safe timer motor 86 is set for a predetermined time slightly greater than the combined total of the rinsing and washing cycles so that in the event of a malfunction in which the washing or rinsing cycles fail to terminate at the proper time, the fail safe mechanism, when timed out, will cut out power to the entire unit.

Moving the program timer to the first rinse position also serves to move the switch 89 into engagement with the contact 90 which is connected through line 91 to the electrically'actuated diverter valve 17. Supplying power through line 91 will move the valve 17 to a position where water will be directed through the valve 17 to the tank 12.

Turning the program timer to the first rinse position also engages switch 92 with contact 93 to thereby supply power from line 74 through line 94 to energize the mix solenoid 34 and supply mixed or warm water through line 35 and receiver 37 to the tank 12. In addition, the switch 95 is moved into engagement with contact 96 in line 97 to energize the rinse solenoid 98. When the warm water fills the tank 12 to a pre-set level, pressure switch 57 will be closed to thereby energize the program timer motor 99 through line 100. As the program timer advances, switch 92 is moved out of engagement with contact 93 and into engagement with contact 101, thereby supplying power from line 74 through line 69 to vacuum pump 6 to start the pump and circulate the warm water in tank 12 through the milk line 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the wash water is drawn from the tank 12 through the milker 14 and milker hose 15 to manifold 16 and then to milk line 1. After passing through the milk line, the wash water is conducted to jar 4 and is intermittently pumped from jar 4 through line 8 to the tank 12. Advancement of the program timer also serves to disengage switch 95 from contact 96, and move switch 102 into engagement with contact 103 in line 100 to thereby interlock the program timer when the water level goes down within the tank 12. At this time, the switch 75 is still closed with the contact 76, and switch 89 is still closed with contact 90 so that the diverter valve 17 will direct the wash water back to the tank 12 where it can be recycled through milk line 1.

Further advancement of the program timer 99 will cause the switch 92 to disengage contact 101 to stop operation of the vacuum pump 6. At this time, the switch 95 will close with contact 104 in line 105 to energize the solenoid 52 of drain valve 50, to open the valve and drain the water from the tank 12.

Continued advancement of the program timer motor 99 will open the switch 95, thereby permitting the drain valve 50 to close, and switch 89 will open. In addition, switch 102 disengages contact 103 to stop operation of timer motor 99 and engages contact 106, thereby energizing the hot water solenoid valve 44. This opens valve 44 to permit hot water to enter the jar containing the detergent so that detergent solution is then supplied to the tank 12. When the tank fills to a predetermined level, the pressure switch 57 will close to thereby again operate the program timer motor 99 through line 100. Advancement of the program timer will cause the switch 107 to close with contact 108, thereby supplying power through line 109 to the booster heater 59 to maintain the desired temperature in the detergent solution in tank 12. Advancement of the program timer also closes switch 92 with contact 101 to supply power through line 69 to operate vacuum pump 6. At this time, the switch 102 disengages contact 106 and engages contact 103 to thereby interlock the timer motor 99 when pressure switch 57 opens as the water level in the tank 12 recedes due to operation of the pump 6.

In addition, switch 89 engages contact 90 to thereby supply power through line 91 to diverter valve 17 to 6 move the valve to a position where the detergent solution will be circulated back to the tank 12.

After a predetermined time of circulation of the detergent solution, switch 107 disengages contact 108 to shut off power to the booster heater, and simultaneously switch 89 disengages contact 90 and engages contact 1 10 in line 111 to thereby supply power to the diverter valve to move the valve to the diverting position so that the detergent solution will then be discharged through the line 18 to the floor drain 19.

Subsequent advancement of the program timer disengages switch 92 from contact 101 to shut ofi power to the vacuum pump 6. At the time the pump is stopped, switch 95 then engages contact 104 to operate the drain valve solenoid 52 to open the drain valve 50 in tank 12 to permit the detergent solution to drain from the tank. In this situation, the use of the diverter valve 17 facilitates draining of the detergent solution from the system in that a substantial portion of the solution will be diverted through valve 17 to floor drain 19 so that the entire quantity does not have to drain through the drain valve 50 in tank 12. After a sufficient period to permit complete draining of the detergent solution, switch 89 opens to close off diverter line 18, switch 95 opens to de-energize drain valve solenoid 52 and close drain valve 50, and switch 102 disengages contact 103 to de-energize timer motor 99.

At this time switch 92 is moved into engagement with contact 93 to thereby actuate solenoid 34 and supply warm water to line 35. Simultaneously the switch 107 engages contact 112 is line 113 to energize solenoid valve 46 so that warm water from line 35 will be supplied to the acid jar 26. The resulting acid solution then passes through receiver 37 and hose 39 to the tank 12.

When the tank fills with the acid solution to the predetermined level, pressure switch 57 will close to thereby operate the program timer motor 99 through line 100. Advancement of the program timer moves switch 92 into engagement with contact 101 to supply power to the vacuum pump 6 and also moves switch 102 into engagement with contact 103 to interlock the motor 99, as the liquid level recedes within the tank 12. Switch 89 closes with contact 90 to move the diverter valve to the straight-through position so that the acid solution is recirculated to the tank 12. In addition, switches 92 and 107 open to cut off the supply of acid solution to tank 12. I

After a preset period of circulation of the said solution, switch 89 disengages contact 90 and engages contact 110 to thereby move the diverter valve to the bypass position so that the acid solution will be diverted through line 18 to the floor drain l9. Continued advancement of program timer will move the switch 92 out of engagement with contact 101 to stop operation of the vacuum pump 6, and simultaneously switch 95 is closed with contact 104 to energize the drain solenoid 52 and open the drain valve 50 in the tank 12 to discharge the acid solution from the tank. After the pump 6 stops, the switch 75 disengages contact 76 to thereby disconnect the fail safe mechanism 83. Switches 89 and 95 are then opened to close off diverter line 18 and close drain valve 50.

Continued advancement of the program timer acts to close the switch 114 with contact 115 in line 116.

As previously noted, a 24 hour timer is incorporated in this system so that the sanitizing cycle will be automatically initiated at a preset time and will be completed before the dairy man reaches the barn to begin the milking operation. The 24 hour timer 118 is connected in line 119, which in turn is connected to the power line 64. When the timer 118 times out, the contact 120 in line 121 is closed,.which acts to supply power through line 117 and interlock switch 114, which is closed with contact 115, to energize the timer motor 99.

As line 121 is connected to line 77, power is supplied to start the fail safe mechanism 83.

As the timer motor 99 advances, the switch 92 is moved into engagement with contact 93 to thereby energize solenoid 34 and supply warm water to the line 35. Advancement of the timer motor also moves switch 75 into contact with contact 76 to supply power to line 77 to thereby maintain energization of the fail safe mechanism 83.

Advancement of the program timer also moves switch 114 out of engagement with contact 115 and into engagement with contact 122, thereby energizing the solenoid valve 47 in line 123 to permit the warm water from line 35 to enter the sanitizing jar 27. The sanitizing solution then is discharged from the jar through the receiver 37 to the tank 12. As the tank 12 fills to the preset level with the sanitizing solution, the pressure switch 57 will close, thereby energizing the timer motor.

Simultaneously switch 114 will open to de-energize solenoid 49 and close the valve to the sanitizing jar 27. At the same time, switch 102 is moved into engagement with contact 103 to interlock the timer motor 99, and the switch 92 is moved into engagement with the contact 101 to begin operation of the vacuum pump 6. In addition, switch 89 closes contact 90 to supply power through line 91 and move the diverter valve 17 to the straight-through position in which the sanitizing solution is recirculated back to the tank 12.

After a period of operation, switch 89 closes with contact 110 to divert the sanitizing solution through line 18 to the floor drain 19. Subsequently, switch 92 opens, which stops the vacuum pump 6, and switch 95 closes with contact 104 to open the drain valve solenoid 52 and permit the water in the tank 12 to drain from the tank. After a period sufficient to drain the water from the tank, the switch 95 opens to thereby close the drain valve and the switch 89 returns to engagement with contact 90 to move the diverter valve to the straight-through position.

Continued advancement of the timer motor then acts to open the switch 75 to drop out the fail safe mechanism 83, and subsequently the switch 102 opens to cut off power to the program timer motor 99 to complete the cycle of operation.

As previously noted, the fail safe mechanism 83 is employed to cut off power to the system in the event of a malfunction in which the wash and rinse cycles are not completed within the normal time. The fail safe timer 86 is set for a predetermined time which is greater than the combined time of the first rinse, wash and second rinse cycle and generally about ninety minutes. In the event of a malfunction, the timer motor 86 will will time out, thereby closing the normally open contacts 122 which are located in line 123 connected at the common terminal 124 with lines 82 and 85. In addition, timing out of the motor 86 acts to open the normally closed contacts 87 in line 88. When this oc- 8 curs, power will be supplied through line 82, line 23, line 126 to thereby light the fail safe light 127.

Timing out of the timer motor 86 also acts to close the switch 128 of the double pole, double throw switch unit with the contact 129 and to close the switch 130 with contact 131. Simultaneously,.the switch is disengaged from contact 81. This acts to shut off power to the system while energizing the fail safe mechanism 83 through line 70, contact 131, switch 130, line 133, contact 129, switch 128, line 134 and line 82. Thus, the timing out of the fail safe motor 86 acts to interlock the fail safe mechanism 83, while cutting off power to the unit, thereby stopping operation of the system.

The system of the invention supplies given quantities of the detergent, sanitizer and acid to the wash tank at selected time intervals during the respective cycles. in addition, the 24 hour timer is utilized to initiate the sanitizing cycle prior to the milking operation so that the milk line will be completely sanitized and drained prior to milking so that the dairy man does not have to wait for the sanitizing cycle to be completed before he can start the milking operation.

The fail safe mechanism includes a timer motor which is set for a selected period of time greater than the combined rinse and wash cycles so that in the event of a malfunction, where the rinse or wash cycles would not be stopped at the desired time, the fail safe mechanism will cut off power to the unit.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is the invention.

I claim:

1. An apparatus for cleaning and sanitizing a milking system, comprising washing means for flowing a washing solution through a milking system in a washing cycle, rinsing means for flowing a rinsing solution through said system in a rinsing cycle, sanitizing means for flowing a sanitizing solution through said system in a sanitizing cycle, control timer means to operate said washing means, said rinsing means and said sanitizing means to sequentially program said washing cycle, rinsing cycle, and sanitizing cycle, means responsive to completion of the rinsing cycle for deactivating said control timer means, second timer means capable of being set for a given time and operably connected to said control timer means, means responsive to said second timer means timing out for reactivating said control timer means whereby the control timer means acts to initiate operation of the sanitizing means to flow the sanitizing solution through said system for said sanitizing cycle and safety timer means preset for a period of time greater than the combined period for said washing and rinsing cycle, said safety timer means being operably connected to said washing means and said rinsing means and arranged to deactivate said washing means and said rinsing means when said safety timer means times out in the event the washing and rinsing cycles are not concluded through a malfunction.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second timer means includes a twenty-four hour timer capable of being set for a given time of day.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, and including means responsive to termination of said rinsing cycle for deactivating said safety timer means.