WO1997043898A1

WO1997043898A1 - Sheep dipping apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1997043898A1
Application number: PCT/GB1997/001400
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Gerard Mcgonigle
Original assignee: P & I Engineering Limited
Priority date: 1996-05-23
Filing date: 1997-05-22
Publication date: 1997-11-27
Also published as: AU2909397A

Abstract

A mobile sheep dip apparatus comprising a tank (2) for containing a bath of dip, the tank having an entrance (6) and an exit (8) for the passage of sheep through the tank, the tank being mounted on a trailer (24), and having a cover means (14) wholly or substantially thereover, and one or more shower means (20) within the tank and/or cover positioned to spray dip on top of the sheep as they pass through the tank is described. The apparatus can include covered entrance (6) and exit passages (8). The apparatus allows sheep to be dipped whilst avoiding contact between farmers and dip. It is therefore safer to use than open dipping tanks.

Description

SHEEP DIPPING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to an animal, particularly sheep, dipping apparatus.

Sheep scab is a highly contagious ectoparasitic disease affecting sheep of all ages. Sheep are therefore regularly 'dipped', i.e. plunge-dipped, into a tank of iiquid disinfectant commonly termed 'dip'. From a pen the sheeo are guided and kept moving along an elongate entrance passage and then fall into the tank As sheep float, long hooks are used by farmers alongside the tank to force the sheep's head (and thus its back also) fully into the dip. The sheep then climb an internal ramp to exit the tank, and then escape along an exit passage. However, with this proximity to the tank and the sheep farmers are continually exposed to the dip either by the sheep splashing or by fumes The main dips used until recently were certain organo-phosphates These are still considered the most effective method of controlling blow fly. but they have oeεn banned by the UK Government after findings showed that farmers using their dip tanks on a regular basis were suffering from certain CNS disorders. New organo-phosphate dips have been licensed by the Government, but these have been found to be insufficiently effective against the parasites, and sheep are therefore now being lost

Farmers have also been recommended to use protective clothing, but the amount of clothing needed for this is so significant as to be too cumbersome and awkward in use.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile sheep dip apparatus comprising a tank for containing a bath of dip, the tank an having an entrance and an exit for the passage of sheep through the tank, the tank being mounted on a trailer, and having a cover means wholly or substantially thereover, and one or more shower means within the tank and/or cover positioned to spray dip on top of the sheep as they pass through the tank.

The present invention thus provides an enclosed tank in which that part of the sheep not inherently soaked by the dip in the tank is sprayed. All of the sheep's body will therefore be fully treated without direct human assistance. The farmer need not therefore be close by. Also, by being enclosed, fumes and splashes do not escape from the tank as before, and the attendant farmer is not therefore exposed to the dip. It is hoped that the Dresent invention will allow stronger disinfectants to be (re)used. The cover is preferably openable, e.g. hinged on one side, so that ready access is still possible during use. It is also preferably transparent so that activity in the tank can still be monitored by the farmer. This may be assisted by one or more lights within the cover, especially for night-time use The cover preferably sits directly on the sides or edges of the tank. The shower means may be located at any suitable posιtιon(s) within the tank and/or cover which allows it or them to spray sufficiently and effectively the top of the sheep. The 'top' of a sheep is generally the head the back ana possiDly the tail, i.e those parts of the sneep not above the level of the dip in the tank The dip for the shower means may be pumped from the tank The head(s) of the shower means may be any suitable size, shape or design. The head(s) could be of a shape ^'so as to create an elongate and narrow bar spray to correspond to the shape of the top of a sheep. Alternatively the head(s) could be so as to create a transverse cascade or wall of dip across the path of the sheep.

Within the tank there is preferably an internal ramp by which the sheep escape the dip bath and reach the tank's exit. The ramp may be stepped or ribbed. Although sheep generally will escape the dip bath without needing any assistance, the ramp could also have a moving floor. The or each shower means is preferably positioned above or at the end of the internal ramp. The sheep can then be sprayed as they exit the bath or deeper part of the tank, and where the sheep are in a known attitude and position.

Similar to known sheep dipping tanks, the tank of the apparatus of the present invention is generally attached to or located against restricted elongate entrance and exit passages such as ramps. The passages may be horizontal or inclined. The apparatus preferably has an entrance ramp and an exit ramp, relocatable or separable from the tank.

According to an embodiment of the present invention the apparatus includes an entrance passage having a moving floor adapted to convey sheep into the tank. The moving floor is preferably a conveyor belt, possibly ribbed The moving floor is designed to convey sheep to the tank without requiring direct human assistance (usually needed to encourage or force the sheep forward) The farmer may thus keep further away from the tank, and any harmful splashes or fumes therefrom The entrance passage could also be covered like the tank to reduce the spreading of any fumes coming from the entrance port in the tank Preferably, any exit ramp used is covered also, and there are flaps or other flexioie covering means between the different parts of the apparatus to provide complete or substantial cover around the passage of the sheep through the apparatus. This reduces splashes and fumes to a minimum.

The apparatus of the present invention is mobile, and therefore may be used anywhere, most conveniently in the fields where the sheep graze Preferably, the external ramps are collapsible and/or storable either in the tank or on the trailer when not in use. The tank and/or external ramps may include one or more timer gates to regulate the passage of sheep through the apoaratus Such gates assist ensuring the sheep are dipped for the required time period According to another embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a drip pen directly after the tank. The drip pen gives time for excess dip to run from the sheep, which excess dip can then be recycled back into the tank system. Preferably, the dπp pen accommodates a plurality of sheep so that a batch of sheep can be draining at one time and/or each sheep spends longer in the drip pen prior to exiting.

A foot bath may be located at the tank exit or at the end of the exit passage. The foot bath could be for the prevention of diseases such as foot rot. Time and effort can be saved by having this treatment carried out contemporaneously whilst the sheep have been collected together for the dipping

Heretofore, sheep dips require the sheep to travel single file through the tank to allow the farmer time and room to 'dip' or submerge fully each sheep The tank and entrance and exit passages have therefore been the width of one sheep However, the present invention does not require human assistance for full soaking of the sheep Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile sheep oip apparatus comprising a tank for containing a bath of dip having an entrance and an exit for the passage of sheep through the tank, the tank being mounted on a trailer, wherein the tank, entrance and exit have increased width to accommodate a plurality of sheep side by side. Any entrance and exit passages used may also have increased width. This increases the rate of sheep flow through the tank, and hence decreases the overall dipping time (which can be days) The tank and passages can be partitioned longitudinally to create a series of single-files of sheep.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dipping sheep wherein the sheep pass through a covered tank of dip whilst the tops of the sheep are sprayed with dip by one or more showers means. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:-

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sheep dipping apparatus ready for use according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Fig 1 ready for transportation; and

Fig. 3 is a perspective and simplified view of apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a mobile sheep dipping apparatus comprising a tank 2 able to contain a bath of dip, e.g. of 100 gallons. The tank 2 has an entrance 6 and exit 8, and is attached to a corresponding external entrance ramp 10 and exit ramp 12, to create a passage for the sheep through the tank 2. Between the tank 2 and exit pump 12 is a dπp pen 4. The drip pen 4 is supported by the tank 2 and detachable supporting legs 5. The entrance ramp 10 also has storable legs 11 to hold its lowest edge at a convenient height in use Part of the dπp pen 4 may be clear to allow viewing of the sheep whilst they are draining

The tank 2 has a cover 14 which encloses the top of the tank 2 The cover 14 is made of transparent perspex to aliow the farmer to still see the sheep in the tank 2. The cover is readily openable by hinges and may be secured in place by catches, bolts etc.

The exit ramp 12 is boxed, i.e. solid walled, and the entrance ramp 10 has a perspex cover 16 thereover. Between the entrance ramp 10. its' cover 16 and the tank 2 is a rubber flap 17 to cover any gap. The top of the tank cover 14 also extends downwardly at the exit 8 to meet the lids 25 of the dπp pen 4 There is thus complete cover throughout the apparatus from the first entrance of the sheep into the entrance ramp 10 to their exit from the exit ramp 12. There is therefore little if any contact, especially through fumes or splashing from the tank bath, between the farmer and the dip.

The tank 2 has an internal stepped ramp (the location of which is shown by "arrow 18) for the sheep to exit the bath and travel to the drip pen 4 Positioned above the end of the internal ramp is a shower means 20 comprising an elongate, U- shaped, stopped pipe with inward and downwardly facing holes therein to create a wall of spray The shower means 20 is positioned to spray dip onto the top of the sheep as they travel up and off the internal ramp On the ramp the sheep are in a known altitude and position for the shower to fully and accurately spray the too of the sheep and thus sufficiently soak those parts of the sheep which were not submersed in the bath.

The entrance ramp 12 has a moveable conveyor belt flooring 22 to ensure the sheep can and do enter the tank 2 without human encouragement or force Once in the apparatus, the sheep continue to move along due to the pressure of more sheep behind, and because they follow the sheep in front The farmer need not then come close to the apparatus to assist passage of the sheep through the apparatus The belt flooring 22 is powered by hydraulics from a neighbouring tracior The hydraulic piping 23 for this is shown in Fig 2 Once at the exit 8 the sneep will willingly run into the drip pen 4 and away via the exit ramp 12 by themselves There can be a controlling gate between the drip pen 4 and the exit ramp 12

The tank 2 is located on a trailer base 24 which may have stabilising legs when required. The exit ramp 12 is detachable and foldable and is stored on the trailer using brackets (not shown) The entrance ramp 10 is storable inside the tank 2 by sliding movement on bearings Fig 2 shows the entrance ramp 10 stored in the tank 2 The dπp pen 4 is moveable from a storage position in Fig 2 to a use Dosition in Fig 1 by sliding it at 45° along runners on the tank 2 The two half lids 25 of the drip pen 4 then fold over in use The whole apparatus is therefore mobile The apparatus includes a pump unit inside the tank 2 for the shower means 20, the unit being powered by battery and a water reserve tank 26 holding e.g. 120 gallons. The conveyor belts have sealed bearings and drum motors, and may be sensor operated. The tank 2 can be made from galvanised steel. A drain 30 is located between the drip pen 4 and tank 2 for the return of dip from exiting sheep. The apparatus thus retains and recycles all dip.

In use, sheep are herded towards the entrance ramp 10, and once on it, they are automatically conveyed into the tank 2. In the tank 2, the majority of their body is soaked by the bath of dip. As they exit the dip bath on the internal ramp, the sneep are sprayed from above by the shower means 20 to ensure total soaking of their tops (especially head and back) also. At the exit 8, the sheep drain excess dip in the drip pen 4, and then travel down the exit ramp 12. At the foot of the exit ramp 12 is an optional footbath 31 , after which the sheep are directly back into their grazing field. Fig. 3 shows in simplified form a mobile multi-file sheep dipping apparatus. The entrance ramp 32 is a combination of three conveyor belts 34 witn partitions 36 (only one shown) thereinbetween The tank 38 (with cover 40) also has partitions 42 (only one snown) for each file of sheep and for each internal ramp 44 Each file has its own external exit ramp 46. The tank 38 is again on a trailer base 48 for mobility and possible use in the fields. The shower means are not shown in Fig. 3. The present invention thus provides apparatus for dipping sheep whilst avoiding the present contact between farmers and dip It is therefore safer to use than the present 'open' dipping tanks, and may allow the previously effective but considered unhealthy disinfectants to be reused.

Variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention described above.

Claims

1. A mobile sheep dip apparatus comprising a tank for containing a bath of dip, the tank having an entrance and an exit for the passage of sheep through the tank, the tank being mounted on a trailer, and having a cover means wholly or substantially thereover, and one or more shower means within the tank and/or cover positioned to spray dip on top of the sheep as they pass through the tank.

2. A sheep dip as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the cover is openable.

3. A sheep dip as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the cover is transparent.

4. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of Claims 1. 2 or 3 wherein the cover sits on the sides or top edges of the tank.

5. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein dip for the or each shower means is pumped from the tank.

6. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the head of the or each shower means is an elongate and narrow bar spray

7. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the tank includes an internal ramp for exit of the sheep from the tank.

8. A sheep dip as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the or each shower means is positioned above or at the end of the ramp in the tank

9. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the tank is attached to or located against restricted elongate entrance and/or exit passages.

10. A sheep dip as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the entrance and/or exit passages are relocatable or separable from the tank.

11. A sheep dip as claimed in Claim 9 or 10 wherein the entrance and/or exit passages are covered.

12. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 11 wherein flexible covering means are located between the tank and entrance and/or exit passages.

13. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 12 wherein the entrance and/or exit passages are collapsible and/or storable either in the tank or on the trailer

14. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of Claims 9 to 13 wherein the entrance passage has a moving floor adapted to convey sheep into the tank.

15. A sheep dip as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the moving floor is a conveyor belt.

16. A sheep dip as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the conveyor belt is ribbed.

17. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the tank and any entrance and/or exit passages include one or more timer gates to regulate the passage of sheep through the apparatus.

18. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the apparatus includes a drip pen.

19. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the apparatus includes a foot bath.

20. A sheep dip as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the tank includes one or more lights within the cover

21. A mobile sheep dip apparatus comprising a tank for containing a bath of dip having an entrance and an exit for the passage of sheep through the tank, the tank being mounted on a trailer, wherein the tank, entrance and exit have increased width to dip a plurality of sheep side by side.

22. A sheep dip as claimed in Claim 21 and any one of Claims 1 to 20 where applicable.

23. A method of dipping sheep wherein the sheep pass through a covered tank of dip whilst the tops of the sheep are sprayed with dip by one or more showers means

24. A method of dipping sheep using the apparatus descnbed in any one of Claims 1 to 22 wherein the sheep pass through the tank and the tops of the sheep are sprayed with dip by the or each shower means

25. A mobile sheep dip apparatus substantially as herein defined with reference to Figs. 1 and 2.

26. A mobile sheep dip apparatus substantially as herein defined with reference to Fig.3.