WO1996013153A1

WO1996013153A1 - Dairy stall mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO1996013153A1
Application number: PCT/AU1995/000708
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher John Larsen; Timothy George Larsen; Steven Maxwell Larsen; Owen Maxwell Larsen
Original assignee: Pendulum Dairy Gates Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1994-10-28
Filing date: 1995-10-26
Publication date: 1996-05-09
Also published as: AUPM910594A0; NZ294547A

Abstract

The invention provides a mechanism for the control of cows within a milking shed, the mechanism including a plurality of dividers (112), said dividers (112) being spaced apart so as to provide milking stalls for said cows. Each divider (112) having pivotally mounted thereto a barrier gate (132) pivotable between a transverse position and a position approximately parallel with a respective divider (112) by movement of cow into the stall immediately past a respective divider (112). Each stall includes at least one flexible projection (150, 152, 154) extending from a respective divider (112) into said stall but opposite the respective barrier gate (132), said at least one flexible projection (150, 152, 154) acting as a guide to assist a smaller cow to enter its stall correctly. An extension pivotally mounted at one end of the barrier gate (132) may also be provided to contact the shoulder of an entering cow.

Description

DAIRY STALL MECHANISM This invention relates to milking sheds and refers particularly, though not exclusively, to mechanisms for controlling the movement of cows in milking sheds. In our early Australian Patents Nos 547204, 534372 and

559348; as well as applications PCT/AU92/00335 and 68762/94, there are described and illustrated various gates and the like for the controlling of access to and departure from milking sheds by cows. The contents of these patents and patent applications are herein incorporated into this specification. It is most desired to control the access to and departure from the milking shed by the cows so that the dairy farmer can more easily control their movement so that he is able to control the rate of access and therefore his speed of work. However, there is no known mechanism for the controlling of the cows within the shed. This can cause certain problems. Some cows are more timid than others, and others more aggressive. This is relevant because the more aggressive cows attempt to bully past the more timid cows to arrive at a milking stall at the earliest possible opportunity so they can have a greater share of the feed waiting there. If not controlled, this can cause a reduction in the milk obtained from the cows, and a significant increase in the excreta which no doubt passes on to the milking shed floor. This increases the work for the farmer as well as his costs for a lower return. The solution provided in PCT/AU92/00335 and 68762/94 has been very successful in herd management in the milking shed. The movement of cows into their stalls is very orderly and the cows can only proceed in single file. The use of dividers having pivotally mounted thereon a respective carrier gate allows only one cow to enter a stall at a time. The following cow cannot enter her stall until the preceding cow has settled. The addition of a projecting member on each barrier gate (see Australian Patent Application No. 68762/94) further assists the cow entering the stall and ensure proper operation of the barrier gates.

Unfortunately all cows are not the same size, especially width, and so each stall must be wide enough to accommodate the largest cow. If there is a mixture of sizes of cows entering the milking shed the operation of the barrier gates may not be as effective for smaller size cows. If the smaller cow enters her stall and moves very close to the divider next to the cow preceding her, the barrier gate may not be rotated in a positive manner. It is an object of the invention to overcome this problem.

With this object in view the present invention in one preferred aspect provides a mechanism for the control of cows within a milking shed, said mechanism including a plurality of dividers mounted so as to be moveable from a first or raised position whereupon cows can move beneath said dividers, to a second or lower position where said dividers are capable of preventing movement by said cows; said dividers being spaced apart so as to provide milking stalls for said cows; each of said dividers having an outer end, each outer end having pivotally mounted thereto a barrier gate pivotable between a transverse position and a position approximately parallel with a respective divider by movement of a cow into the stall immediately past said respective divider, each stall including at least one flexible projection extending from a respective divider into said stall but opposite the respective barrier gate, said at least one flexible projection acting as a guide to assist a smaller cow to enter its stall correctly.

Preferably said flexible projection is of U-shape and formed of plastics material, rubber, rope or other suitable material. The projection in use, will force a smaller cow to stand away from the adjacent divider to allow the barrier gate to be positively activated. A large cow will merely bend the flexible projection as it enters its stall.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a mechanism for the control of cows within a milking shed, said mechanism including a plurality of divider spaced apart so as to provide milking stalls for said cows, each of said dividers having an outer end, each outer end having pivotally mounted thereto a barrier gate pivotable between a transverse position and a position approximately co-planar with a respective divider, by movement of a cow into the stall immediately past said respective divider each of said barrier gates having an extension pivotally mounted at one end thereof to contact the shoulder of an entering cow.

In order that the invention may be clearly understood there shall now be described by way of non-limitative examples only preferred constructions of a milking shed incorporating the principal features of the present invention. The description is with reference to the accompanying illustrative drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of part of a prior art milking shed where the present invention may be used; Figure 2 is an end view of the milking shed of Figure 1

(without the cows) showing the dividers in the first and second positions;

Figure 3 is an enlarged plan view of one section of the milking shed of Figure 1 (without the cows); Figure 4 is an enlarged end view corresponding to that of

Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a view corresponding to that of Figure 1 but showing the flexible extensions disclosed in Australian Patent Application No. 68762/94 fitted; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the barrier gate of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a side view of the barrier gate of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is an end view of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a plan view of part of a milking shed incorporating the present invention;

Figure 10 is a side view of a first embodiment of a divider having the flexible projections; Figure 1 1 is a side view of a second embodiment of a divider having the flexible projections;

Figure 12 is a side view of a third embodiment of a divider having the flexible projections;

Figure 13 is a plan view of part of a milking shed showing an improvement to the barrier gate showing its use with slimmer cows;

Figure 14 is a similar view to that of Figure 13 showing its use with larger cows;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the barrier gate of Figure 13 in the direction of arrow 1 5; and

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the barrier gate of Figure 14 in the direction of arrow 16.

To refer firstly to the prior art illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 there is shown a milking shed in which a number of cows are desired to be located so as to be milked. The prior art is fully disclosed in PCT/AU92/00335 and assists in the understanding of the invention. Access to the milking shed would be as desired but preferably in accordance with one of our earlier mentioned Australian Patents. The milking shed has a wall 10 to which is mounted all of the control mechanisms, including the dividers 12. Although most milking sheds are designed as double sheds - being a row on each of the opposite walls - it is preferable that a control rail 14 be used so that the distance from the wall 10 to the control rail 14 is only marginally greater than the length of a normal cow. Naturally there is provided a feed trough 16 mounted to the wall 10, and a brisket rail 18 also attached to the wall 10. These are in accordance with normal constructions and are known.

The dividers 12 are mounted to the wall 10 by virtue of a hinged connection 20 and are operated by a vacuum ram 22 acting through a rod 24 pivotally attached to the upper rail 26 of each divider 12. Naturally a vacuum ram 22 may be provided for each divider 12, or they may be operated in sets. This would depend very much upon the requirements of the individual milking shed or the farmer concerned.

Each divider 12 has the upper rail 26 and depending therefrom a plurality of vertical rails 28 connecting to a lower rail 30. The sizing of the dividers 12 is such as to make it clear that when in the lower position (see Figures 2 and 4) the divider 12 will prevent movement by a cow other than through the gap between the end of the gate 12 and the rail 14.

As is clearly illustrated in Figure 2, the gate is moveable between a second or lower position and a first or raised position. When in the raised position, it is clear that a cow can pass under the divider 12 to continue movement through the milking shed.

At the end of each divider 12 is mounted a barrier gate 32. The barrier gate 32 is pivotally mounted so that it can move from its transverse position as shown in Figure 1 at the left end to an almost co-planar position as is shown in the right end of Figure 1 . A small stop 34 is provided on each divider 12 to prevent the barrier gate 32 from moving past the transverse position. In other words, it is moveable only from that position as shown on the left of Figure 1 to that position shown at the right of Figure 1 .

The nature of these barrier gates 32 is clearly shown in Figure 3 in that they are in an overlapping relationship.

The operation of the system is that if one considers Figure 1 to be the end of the milking shed, the cow marked (a) will proceed into the milking shed from the left and enter the first stall. The first stall will have a divider 12 on its left but not on its right - the positioning of the cow being controlled by an exit gate in accordance with one of our earlier mentioned patents. In entering the first stall, the left shoulder of the cow will press against the barrier gate 32 and move it to the position shown. This therefore means that access to the second stall is therefore possible as the substantial part of the stall is available to the cow (b) . Also, the barrier gate 32 protects the shoulder of cow (a) . Cow (b) would therefore enter the second stall thus moving the barrier gate 32.

This would allow cow (c) to gain access to the third stall, and cow (d) to gain access to the fourth stall. Naturally, all of the dividers 12 would be in the lowered position at this time. Once the cows are in position - and this may be for the entire side or for only part of the side - feed is released into the feed trough 16. The normal procedures resulting in milking can therefore commence.

By adopting this procedure, the cows can only proceed along the milking shed in single file. It only takes the lead cow to be trained to go into the first feeding stall for the entire system to work. There can be no jostling for position or the like due to the single file proceeding. It is advantageous that the cows be introduced in batches and that the stalls - particularly the dividers 12 - be operated in sets so that the number of milking stalls operated by a single vacuum ram or a number of vacuum rams working simultaneously, is equal to the number of cows. This makes it far easier for the farmer. However, they can be individually controlled if desired.

Once the normal milking operation has been concluded, the exit gate can be raised. The cow (a) would therefore leave the milking shed. At this time the vacuum ram can be operated to raise or attempt to raise the dividers 12. As the barrier gate 32 is pressing against the side of a cow (a), the divider 12 will not raise until the cow (a) moves to leave the milking shed. This would therefore allow the divider 12 between cows (a) and (b) to lift. This would therefore enable cow (b) to leave. As cow (b) leaves, the divider 12 between cow (b) and (c) would therefore be able to lift and therefore this would allow cow (c) to leave. This would naturally proceed through the set. As can be seen, this means that the cows will leave the milking shed in single file. Again, this results in far less bullying, jostling and the like and therefore the cows are far more contented. The barrier gates 32 are normally manufactured as a rectangular construction, of tubular metal or the like. They may be planar as long as they have slight overlapping relationship to prevent jamming as the dividers 12 were lowered, or pivotally attached to the dividers 12, and are moveable from a transverse position to a position approximately parallel with the dividers 12. The prior art construction shown in Figures 5 to 8 and in Australian Patent Application No. 68762/94 varies slightly from that of Figures 1 through to 4. However, there is still provided a feeding trough 1 16 and a brisket rail 1 18. The dividers 1 12 are basically the same and the mechanism is mounted to the wall 1 10. The barrier gates 132 operate in a very similar manner but they are of slightly different construction. As is clear from Figure 5, rather than being a rectangular construction, they are of rectangular construction (as is similar to Figures 1 to 4) with an additional projecting member 1 36 projecting transversely therefrom. This is so that the gate 132 will more closely follow the shoulder of a cow proceeding into a milking stall to make sure that the barrier gates 1 32 fully swing to the approximately co-planar position and to thus allow a cow to more easily enter the adjacent stall. They also allow for different size cows due to their flexibility. In this regard it is to be noted that the gates 132 are not co-planar as is clear from Figure 5. In addition, the stops 1 34 are of slightly different construction, as is clear from Figure 5. This is to ensure that the gates 1 32 do not swing past the transverse position as shown in Figures 5 and 6 to prevent one gate 132 jamming on top of an adjacent gate 132 as the dividers 1 12 are lowered. Also, it is to be noted that there is now no overlap of the gates 132 as is clear from Figure 5, and there is a gap between them.

It is to be noted that the dividers 1 12 are angled to allow cows easier access to the individual stalls. This is done by having the first portion of the dividers adjacent the wall in the same form as the dividers of Figures 1 to 4 and then at approximately its mid¬ point angling the divider 1 12 towards the direction from which the cows would approach.

To facilitate the easy lifting of the dividers 1 12 to release the cows after milking, the barrier gates 132 pivot through the dividers 1 12 as can be shown for the second top divider in Figure

5. This relieves any pressure the cow may have on the barrier gate 132 to thus assist in the lifting. Furthermore, the additional projecting members 136 can fold back due to being made of a flexible material and this will allow for larger cows to enter as can be seen at the lower part of Figure 5. Being preferably made of a relatively soft material, the additional projecting members 136 cause no irritation to a cow.

The ratio of the stall gate length to the passage width is important. The passage width is the distance between the barrier gate 136 and the opposite wall. The cows enter through this passage. By having the width the correct size in relation to the divider length, the cows although having extra space, do not have sufficient space for crowding, pushing or shoving to occur. This also allows for the cows to walk along to the relevant stall and to encourage them to stand in the desired position as is clearly indicated in Figure 5. The additional projecting members 136 are more clearly shown in Figure 6 to 8. As can be seen, the additional projecting members 136 are approximately U-shaped and are securely attached to the barrier gate 132 by a flexible mounting 138. The barrier gate 132 preferably has a return spring which can be mounted on a return spring holder 140. The barrier gates 132 may have a plate 142 together with a screw 144 so that the gate can be adjusted. The barrier gates 132 are mounted by a hinge 146. Test results have shown that after a few uses of a milking shed in which this mechanism is used, even the most unruly herd of cows will enter and leave the milking stalls in a very controlled manner with very little jostling or bullying, and with minimal or no excreta left on the floor of the milking shed.

If desired, there may be incorporated a cover 40 for the feeding trough 16. The purpose of the cover 40 is to cover the feeding trough 16 while the cows are entering and/or leaving the milking shed. The covers 40, like the dividers 12 of Figures 1 to 4, may be controlled in batches or as individual segments for each animal. As a further alternative, the cover 40 may be operated in a single entity. The cover 40 would be moveable between a first position (see Figure 2) wherein it covers the feeding trough 16 and a second position where the cows could gain easy access to feed placed in the trough 16. The cover 40 should be in the first position covering the trough 16 when the cows are entering the milking shed so that they will not be tempted to stop early to try and feed on any remnants of feed in the feed trough 16. Only when in position, be it for an individual cow or for a batch of cows or for all of them, would the trough cover 40 be raised and access to the feed in the trough 16 be allowed. The cover 40 would be again raised to the first position when milking had concluded so that the cows would no longer try and feed on any remnants and would also cause the later cows leaving to not hesitate to try and remove remnants of feed left by other cows. This provides for far more orderly entry and exit from the milking shed.

The cover 40 may be linked with the dividers 1 2 and thus operate with them. In other words, the cover would be moved from the first to the second position as the dividers are lowered. As the dividers are raised at the end of the milking, the cover would be moved back to the first position. As an alternative, the cover 40 may be operated manually or totally independently. Furthermore, each divider 12, 1 12 may have a locking mechanism so that, when lowered, the lock under the brisket rail 18, 1 18. In this way a cow cannot place her head under a divider 12, 1 12 and force it upwards.

The description in relation to Figures 1 to 8 illustrates the type of milking shed in which the present invention may be used. In Figures 9 to 15 the same reference numerals have been used to identify the identical numbered integers in Figures 5 to 8 to avoid duplication of description. The difference between the disclosure in Figures 5 to 8 and Figures 9 to 1 5 is the inclusion of flexible projections 150, 1 52 and 154. The projections can be formed of any suitable material, for example, rubber, plastics materials, rope, etc. The projections 1 50, 1 52, 154 are preferably of a U-shape but the invention is not limited to this shape. The flexible protrusions may be mounted on pins (not shown) on the end rail 128 or elsewhere on divider 1 12. The flexible protrusions are best mounted at or adjacent the end of divider 1 12 and project inwardly towards its respective barrier gate 132. The orientation of the flexible projections is not critical. In the Figures projection 150 (Figures 9, 10) is horizontally mounted; projection 1 52 (Figures 9, 1 1 ) is vertically mounted; and projection 1 54 (Figures 9, 12) angularly mounted.

The operation of the invention will be described with reference to Figure 9. Cow (a) represents a large cow whilst cow (b) is a slimmer animal. As can be seen flexible projection 1 54 is pushed out of the way and folds back. The bulk of cow (a) will allow this cow not to be intimidated by projection 1 54. Cow (b) is a slimmer animal and will shy away from flexible projection 152. The projection 1 52 will encourage cow (b) to stand away from the divider next to cow (a) and allow her to enter her stall more centrally than if projection 152 were omitted. The closer cow (b) stands to its barrier gate 132, the more effective the closure of the barrier gate will be. Projection 152 will limit the space available to it in the stall by standing clear of projection 1 52. Accordingly, the invention provides the capability of artificially varying the spacings by narrowing the space for smaller cows whilst folding out of the way for larger cows.

In Figures 13 to 16 a variation of barrier gate 1 32 shown in Figures 5 to 8. Additional projecting member 1 36 is pivotally mounted in Figures 13 to 16 rather than being fixed as in Figures 5 to 8. The same reference numbers have again been used to identify the identical numbered integers in Figures 1 to 12. In this embodiment a sleeve 160 is rotatably located over a pivot pin 162 affixed to barrier gate 132. Attachment pins 164 are provided on sleeve 160 to capture the ends of additional projecting member 136. A bracket 166 is welded to sleeve 160 and has a hole 168 for receiving a free end 170 of linkage pin 172.

A bracket 174 is welded to end rail 128 and includes a socket 176 at its free end. A support socket 178 swings about a pivot pin 180 which is received in socket 176. Support socket 178 includes an end flange 182 which acts as a stop for spring 184. Linkage pin 172 extends through support socket 178 and has a nut 1 86 secured to the free end thereof. A flange 1 88 on linkage pin 172 acts as the other stop for spring 184. As linkage pin 172 slides within support socket 178 a lost coupling connection is formed whereby the additional projecting members can be pivoted towards dividers 1 12 under spring bias.

The operation of the barrier gate 132 in Figures 13 to 16 will now be described. Figure 1 3 shows cow A entering its stall. Barrier gate 132 extends across the stall with additional projecting member 136 also extending across the opening of the stall. As can be seen in ghosted lines, additional projecting member 136 will flex and further movement of cow A into the stall will cause pivoting of barrier gate 132 towards divider 1 12. Rotation of barrier gate 132 will cause additional projecting member 136 to pivot with respect to barrier gate 132 because of its offset orientation. Additional projecting member 136 will pivot towards cow A. This pivoting action will reduce the opening for the cow and prevent two cows entering the same stall. In view of the offset orientation, additional projecting member will swing further towards the cow and then swing away from the cow as further rotation occurs.

Cow B in Figure 13 has nearly completed entry into her stall and the pivoting nature of additional projecting member 1 36 is clearer. Linkage pin 172 together with rotation of barrier gate 132 will cause the pivoting action of additional projecting member 136. In Figure 14 cow C is substantially larger than cows A or B. Additional projecting member 136 will be pushed towards divider 1 12 despite against its pivotal action towards the cow by the sheer bulk of the cow. Linkage pin 172 will be pushed further through support socket 178 with nut 186 no longer abutting support socket 178. This anti-clockwise movement of additional projecting member 136 will be against the bias of spring 184 through the lost coupling action of support socket 178 and linkage pin 172. Without the anti-clockwise movement of additional projecting member 136 a larger cow would put increased pressure on member 136. The lost coupling motion will relieve this pressure. This embodiment is very successful for mixed herds which include both small and large cows.

Cow D in Figure 14 is in the completed entry position for a smaller cow. The angle of the additional projecting member 136 with respect to barrier gate 132 can be varied to suit requirements.

In the final position additional projecting member 136 will swing away from the cow with little if any bias from spring 1 84.

A spring (not shown) will bias barrier gate to the closed position (cow A). Barrier 1 12 may be raiseable, if required, but this is not essential.

Whilst there has been described in the foregoing description a preferred construction of a milking shed incorporating certain features of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the technology concerned that many variations or modifications and details of design or construction may be made without departing from the essential features of the present invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:-

1 . A mechanism for the control of cows within a milking shed, said mechanism including a plurality of dividers mounted so as to be moveable from a first or raised position whereupon cows can move beneath said dividers, to a second or lower position where said dividers are capable of preventing movement by said cows; said dividers being spaced apart so as to provide milking stalls for said cows; each of said dividers having an outer end, each outer end having pivotally mounted thereto a barrier gate pivotable between a transverse position and a position approximately parallel with a respective divider by movement of a cow into the stall immediately past said respective divider, each stall including at least one flexible projection extending from a respective divider into said stall but opposite the respective barrier gate, said at least one flexible projection acting as a guide to assist a smaller cow to enter its stall correctly.

2. The mechanism of claim 1 , wherein said flexible projection is of U-shape and formed of plastics material, rubber, rope or other suitable material.

3. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein said flexible projection is horizontally mounted.

4. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein said flexible projection is vertically mounted.

5. The mechanism of claim 2, wherein said flexible projection is angularly mounted.

6. A mechanism for the control of cows within a milking shed, said mechanism including a plurality of divider spaced apart so as to provide milking stalls for said cows, each of said dividers having an outer end, each outer end having pivotally mounted thereto a barrier gate pivotable between a transverse position and a position approximately parallel with a respective divider by movement of a cow into the stall immediately past said respective divider, each of said barrier gates having an extension pivotally mounted at one end thereof to contact the shoulder of an entering cow.

7. The mechanism of claim 6, wherein said extensions are flexible.

8. The mechanism of claim 6 or 7, wherein said extension is U-shaped and formed of a plastics material, rubber, rope or other suitable material.

9. The mechanism of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said projection extends outwardly in the transverse barrier gate position substantially parallel to said barrier gate.

10. The mechanism of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein said extension is coupled to a linkage means bridging said extension and its respective divider.

1 1 . The mechanism of claim 10, wherein pivotal movement of said barrier gate will cause a predetermined relative angular movement of its extension during movement of said barrier gate via said linkage means.

12. The mechanism of claim 1 1 , wherein said predetermined relative angular movement of said extension is towards the entering cow to minimise the gate opening for the cow.

13. The mechanism of claim 12, wherein said linkage means includes a biased lost coupling means whereby said extension can be forcibly moved away from said cow when a predetermined force is applied to said extension by a larger cow.

14. The mechanism of any one of claims 6 to 1 3, further including at least one further flexible projection extending from a respective divider into said stall but opposite the respective barrier gate, said at least one further flexible projection acting as a guide to assist a smaller cow to enter its stall correctly.

1 5. The mechanism of any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein said dividers are mounted so as to be moveable from a first or raised position whereupon cows can move beneath said dividers, to a second or lower position where said dividers are capable of preventing movement by said cows.

16. A mechanism for the control of cows within a milking shed, said mechanism including a plurality of dividers, said dividers being spaced apart so as to provide milking stalls for said cows, each of said dividers having an outer end, each outer end having pivotally mounted thereto a barrier gate pivotable between a transverse position and a position approximately parallel with a respective divider by movement of a cow into the stall immediately past said respective divider, each stall including at least one flexible projection extending from a respective divider into said stall but opposite the respective barrier gate, said at least one flexible projection acting as a guide to assist a smaller cow to enter its stall correctly.