Abstract: A control system for milking parlors. The control system allows the neck rails move from an open position to a predetermined time period after the operator presses an open all gates button. The lowering of the neck rail is restricted or slowed such that the cow has time to exit the milking stall and any contact by the neck rail with the cow is gentle.

Abstract: A milking parlor assembly including a brisket rail therefor. The brisket rail is formed of sheets of steel that are bent into six-sided segments that are relatively easy to manufacture and, when assembled into the brisket rail, very easy to clean and maintain.

Abstract: A composite material usable for producing gaskets, the composite material being composed of a perforated metal core sheet sandwiched between facing layers having sealing properties and compression-laminated thereto. The core sheet is provided with a uniform array of square holes, each bordered by a set of four triangular tangs whose apex portions are flared outwardly with respect to the hole, the tang sets from alternate holes projecting from one side of the core sheet and the tang sets from the other holes projecting from the other side thereof. When the sandwich is subjected to compression, the tang sets on opposite sides of the core sheet then pierce the related layers and are caused to bend downwardly and thereby clinch the layers to the core sheets whereby the tang sets are then being embedded within the layers, each tang set affording an omnidirectional holding force.