Abstract: A livestock sorting system that uses an activity-based controller for receiving sort signals, opening a sort gate in response to each of said signals, and closing the sort gate only when no sort signals are pending.

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in a smooth and arc-shaped direction to avoid contact with a cow or a cow support platform as the support arm is being withdrawn.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 dairy pipeline wash system for monitoring and controlling the wash cycle of a dairy harvesting facility including a user interactive data processor for receiving and storing wash parameters, monitoring wash conditions, comparing monitored wash conditions to wash parameters, and controlling wash conditions to comply with wash parameters. The dairy pipeline wash system may include a closed loop or fuzzy logic system to vary wash conditions as dairy pipeline conditions change.

Abstract: A dairy chemical dispensing system for supplying an amount of at least one chemical to a utilization point in a dairy wash system, comprising: (a) an operator input controller for receiving operator input comprising input of a given amount of chemical to be supplied to the utilization point, and providing a signal corresponding to the operator input; and (b) a chemical dispenser in operative contact with the operator input controller, comprising a chemical source conduit, a pump connected to the chemical source conduit and to a chemical output conduit for supplying the chemical at a predetermined flow rate to the utilization point, a flow sensor connected to the output conduit for measuring an actual flow rate of the chemical through the output conduit, and a data processor electrically coupled to the pump and the flow sensor, where the data processor(1) receives the signal from the operator input controller, and based on that signal, determines a pump activation time necessary to supply the given amount of c

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: An aqueous germicidal composition for the treatment or prevention of infectious diseases of the hoof in animals, comprising a copper salt, a quaternary ammonium compound, and a peroxide is disclosed. A method for treating or preventing infectious diseases of the hoof in animals, comprising topically administering an effective amount of an aqueous germicidal composition comprising a copper salt, a quaternary ammonium compound, and a peroxide is also disclosed.

Abstract: A milking machine pulsation control includes a microcontroller which generates a pulse width modulated drive signal to control current to pulsator valves, with a high current for pull-in and a lower current for holding. The pulse width modulated drive signal is based on line voltage and compensated for supply frequency. A zero crossing circuit controls internal switching at zero volts to reduce noise. A watchdog circuit resets the computer in the event of latch-up as a result of circuit transients. An over-current shut-down circuit the switches that operate the valve. Synchronism is provided with other pulsation controls. Operator input switches and visual displays are multiplexed to the microcontroller.

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: An ultrasound teat dip comprises a dip cup having a well adapted to receive a supply of a germicide and an upper opening for receiving a teat to be dipped in the germicide, in use. A sonic transducer is operatively coupled to the well to sonically vibrate the well to produce cavitation in the germicide supply. A storage vessel defines a reservoir for storing a supply of germicide. The storage vessel is secured to the dip cup. A flow tube transfers germicide stored in the reservoir to the well to refill the dip cup with germicide.

Abstract: An infrared light sensor outside the milk flow path is connected with an end of milking indicator. The light sensor is connected with a milk flow detector which actuates the indicator giving a visual or audible signal when milk flow ceases. Vacuum is shut off and the milker is retracted. Electrical power for the light source, light sensor and indicator circuit is derived from the milker pulsator signals.

Abstract: A method of milking is disclosed for a double action milking system having teat cups which alternate time periods of release and squeeze of the teat to allow milk to flow and to provide for rest respectively. Milking is initiated at one ratio of milk period to rest period and then increased to a selected higher ratio. Milking is then done at the selected higher ratio for a selected segment of time or until the milk flow rate falls below a predetermined value, after which the ratio is decreased so that milking is completed at a lower ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring predetermined amounts of liquid additives, such as a detergent, acid, and/or a sanitizer which may then be automatically dispensed during a cleaning cycle of the dairy pipeline cleansing system. The apparatus includes metering chambers for each of the liquid additives which are connected by a supply line to respective bulk containers. A vacuum source is connected to the metering chambers through an intermediate trap chamber. A valve assembly is provided within each of the metering chambers to block off the vacuum source once the chambers are filled to the desired level. Valves are provided in each of the metering chambers for dumping the respective liquid additive into the cleaning system tank at a selected time.

Abstract: A support structure for an arm adjustably supporting a hose at a stall of a cow milking system is disclosed. The structure includes a leg carried by a ball and having a tubular section within which the arm may be adjustably secured. The ball is received in a bracket permitting universal rotation with respect to the stall, the bracket frictionally securing the ball in whatever position it is placed. The arm may be moved manually or may be moved automatically by a retractor cylinder activated upon the completion of milking.

Abstract: A stall for a milking parlor having an elevated cow platform with an operator's floor along one side. The stall has a series of post assemblies to which longitudinal elements are secured. Each of the intermediate post assemblies has a pair of posts secured to the platform on the side remote from the operator's floor. A cantilever member has an arched portion extending from the laterally spaced posts across the cow platform to the side adjacent the operator's floor. A post portion extends downwardly with its lower end spaced above the cow platform affording the operator ready access to the cows.

Abstract: A stall cock and pulsator for a milker. The stall cock is mounted on the pulsation vacuum line and has an electrical terminal connected with a source of pulsation control signals. The pulsator has a vacuum inlet for connection with the vacuum outlet of the stall cock and an electrical terminal for connecting the pulsation signal from a stall cock terminal to the pulsator valve. The stall cock vacuum outlet and pulsator vacuum inlet are square in cross section and when mated align the pulsation signal terminals on the stall cock and pulsator for interconnection. The stall cock has a cable connector with conductors in the stall cock body that have ends projecting from the connector to pierce the insulating covering of the conductors of the pulsation signal cable. A clamp holds the cable in the cable connector. The ends of the conductors in the stall cock body are laterally spaced from the stall cock vacuum outlet and generally parallel with the pipeline.

Abstract: An independent quarter milker has four teat cups with individual conduits connected from the teat cups to a manifold mounted on the stall structure. Milk from the manifold flows through a pipeline to a collection tank. A flow sensor and shutoff valve in each milk conduit adjacent the manifold provides individual quarter milking control remote from the teat cups. One or more of the milk conduits may be connected with a milk collection chamber so that the milk from a single quarter may be separately collected, as when one quarter of the cow is infected.

Abstract: A teat cup has an inflation with an intermediate portion sealed against the shell, defining a space adjacent the bottom of the shell, separate from the pulsation space. Holes through the shell and the inflation wall below the intermediate seal admit air to the inflation aiding the flow of milk. An air filter keeps dirt from the milk.

Abstract: A pump control for a pipeline milking system in which milk collects in a receiver and is pumped out periodically. The control has a liquid level sensing circuit connected with an electrode in the receiver. The sensing circuit includes a transistor amplifier, a source of alternating signal, a circuit connecting the source through the electrode and liquid with the base of the transistor and a sensitivity resistor connected in shunt with the transistor base. A timer actuated by conduction of the transistor controls the pump operation. The circuit has provision for control of the pump operation during washing with a switch selecting the milk or wash control electrode and selecting the appropriate time period for the timer.