Abstract: A dairy milker unit detacher having a milker unit support arm that resists damage and breakage by incorporating a breakaway mechanism that disengages and then automatically or easily returns the support arm to a functional arrangement when a dairy animal or other force engages the support arm.

Abstract: A dairy milker unit detacher having a milker unit support arm that resists damage and breakage by incorporating a breakaway mechanism that disengages and then automatically or easily returns the support arm to a functional arrangement when a dairy animal or other force engages the support arm.

Abstract: A switch for use in dairies with reduced cost, improved reliability, and minimal hysteresis. The switch includes a paddle having a first end and a second end. The second end is contacted by another device or animal, and the first end is thereby moved relative to an inductive sensor.

Abstract: A rotary milking parlor milker detacher having a pivoting support arm and retracting chain arrangement that is synchronized with a rotating platform position to move the detacher between a storage position, a presentation position, and a milking position to protect the detacher from damage and provide a superior ergonomic design that reduces operator fatigue and turnover.

Abstract: A rotary milking parlor milker detacher having a pivoting support arm and retracting chain arrangement that is synchronized with a rotating platform position to move the detacher between a storage position, a presentation position, and a milking position to protect the detacher from damage and provide a superior ergonomic design that reduces operator fatigue and turnover.

Abstract: A rotary milking parlor milker detacher having a pivoting support arm and retracting chain arrangement that is synchronized with a rotating platform position to move the detacher between a storage position, a presentation position, and a milking position to protect the detacher from damage and provide a superior ergonomic design that reduces operator fatigue and turnover.

Abstract: A milk machine detaching mechanism suitable for use in a sloping splash panel or other vertically limited space, having a pair of opposing components that can transfer load in the vertical direction, but which slide relative to one another in a lateral direction. The detacher is capable raising a milk machine support arm in a smooth and arc-shaped direction to avoid contact with a cow or a cow support platform as the support arm is being withdrawn. The detacher includes a folding arm assembly to minimize potential pinch points.

Abstract: A milk machine detaching mechanism suitable for use in a sloping splash panel or other vertically limited space, having a pair of opposing components that can transfer load in the vertical direction, but which slide relative to one another in a lateral direction. The detacher is capable raising a milk machine support arm in a smooth and arc-shaped direction to avoid contact with a cow or a cow support platform as the support arm is being withdrawn. The detacher includes a folding arm assembly to minimize potential pinch points.

Abstract: A non-intrusive milk flow sensor includes first and second cylindrical nipples of a conductive material. Each of the first and second cylindrical nipples has an inner diameter. A molded rubber body has a passage therethrough joining the first and second nipples. The body fixes the first cylindrical nipple inline with the second cylindrical nipple and is bonded with the nipples. The body has an inner diameter defined by the passage equal to the inner diameter of the first and second cylindrical nipples. The molded rubber body insulates the first cylindrical nipple from the second cylindrical nipple. A first electrical lead is connected to the first cylindrical nipple. A second electrical lead is connected to the second cylindrical nipple.

Abstract: A support for positioning a milker unit beneath a cow has a shaft which is vertically movably mounted on a base. An arm on the shaft supports a milker unit beneath a cow. Air pressure is applied to the shaft to hold the shaft and arm at a desired vertical position. A control automatically adjusts the vertical position of the support so that when the milker unit is attached to a cow's teats the weight of the milker unit is applied solely to the cow's teats. The control includes a pair of valves each connected to a supply of air under pressure. A first of the valves has an open position in which the amount of pressure applied to the support decreases and the support is permitted to lower. A second of the valves has an open position in which air from the supply moves the first valve from a normally closed position to the open position thereof. The control has a lever mounted on the arm for moving the second valve to the open position thereof when the milker unit applies force to the lever.

Abstract: The position and movement of cows in a herringbone type milking parlors is controlled with a brisket bar apparatus having a barrier which extends along the length of the milking parlor at the height of the brisket of the cows to hold the cows in their proper position within the milking parlor during the milking operation. The brisket bar barrier can be formed of sheet metal having sloped surfaces facing the cows so that no sharp edges or corners are presented to the cows on which the cows could be injured, and to make it difficult for the cows to obtain a foothold to try to climb over the brisket bar barrier. The brisket bar barrier is mounted between vertical support posts on swinging channel members that allow the barrier to be driven a selected distance inwardly toward the cows after they have entered the milking parlor to urge the cows into the proper alignment.