Abstract: The present invention relates to preparing dairy animal teats for being milked, and more particularly to teat preparation, rinsing, and milking that all take place in a milking machine teat cup liner. Such a method includes: applying a teat sanitizer to the teat; injecting air into the liner to force the teat sanitizer toward a waste milk line connected to the liner; pulsating the liner at a first pulsation rate; drawing a rinsing milk from the teat; directing the teat sanitizer, the air, and the rinsing fluid to the waste milk line; pulsating the liner at a second pulsation rate to draw additional milk from the teat; and directing the additional milk to a good milk line.

Abstract: A milk pump that is connected to, but electrically isolated from dairy lines, pipes, and other electrically conductive components using insulators in the milk pump between a motor and a pump.

Abstract: A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow.

Abstract: A milking machine teat cup liner having a dome and a barrel, and the barrel has an upper transition portion and a lower square portion. The transition section mates with the round cross-section of the dome and the square cross-section of the lower square portion to provide superior vacuum seal with less irritation and damage to teat tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a dairy harvesting facility including valves and valve assemblies that prevent contaminants from reaching a central milk collection system.

Abstract: A teat dip applicator and method direct a teat dip to a teat cup liner head that defines a chamber and nozzle through which teat dip flows to coat an animal teat prior to and during detachment of a milker unit from a dairy animal.

Abstract: A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow.

Abstract: A milking machine teat cup liner having a dome and a barrel, and the barrel has an upper transition portion and a lower square portion. The transition section mates with the round cross-section of the dome and the square cross-section of the lower square portion to provide superior vacuum seal with less irritation and damage to teat tissue.

Abstract: A teat dip applicator and method direct a teat dip to a teat cup liner head that defines a chamber and nozzle through which teat dip flows to coat an animal teat prior to and during detachment of a milker unit from a dairy animal.

Abstract: A short milk tube for providing a conduit between a teat cup assembly and a milker claw that defines a number of ribs that import structural rigidity along a longitudinal axis and in predetermined directions relative to the longitudinal axis to maintain adequate cross-sectional flow area when in the milking position, and a vacuum seal when in the non-milking position.

Abstract: A short milk tube for providing a conduit between a teat cup assembly and a milker claw that defines a number of ribs that import structural rigidity along a longitudinal axis and in predetermined directions relative to the longitudinal axis to maintain adequate cross-sectional flow area when in the milking position, and a vacuum seal when in the non-milking position.