Abstract: An electrically controlled dedicated pulsator suitable for use as one of several pulsators in a milking machine. The pulsator includes a computerized processor and a timer. The computerized processor determines the pulsation sequence and the start delay of the pulsation sequence. In particular, the computerized processor determines the start time by reference to the timer which is initiated solely by reference to the commencement of electrical energization of the electrically controlled pulsator.

Abstract: A claw for use in a milking system. The claw includes claw bowl member defining a sump having a claw milk line outlet; and a claw body member engageable with or engaged with the claw bowl member to define together with the sump a chamber. The claw body member has four claw milk nipples to allow in use a stream of milk ingress from each respective inlet inwardly into the chamber. The claw is characterized by the claw body member having surface defining arrangement (whether in the form of webs, vanes or otherwise and whether interrelated or otherwise) that in use provide for each stream an (at least partly) inwardly extending surface which in use provides (at least in part) for a locus (e.g. by curving) of substantially non-turbulent milk flow down into the bowl, and including at least one removable weight housed therein but not in communication with the chamber(s).

Abstract: A fluid pressure controlling unit including a housing defining at least one substantially fluid tight chamber having first, second and third ports. An arm is disposed, at least in part, in the at least one substantially fluid tight chamber and is capable of being moved between positions which close either the first or the second port. A spring biases the arm to close either the second port or the first port (preferably the second port). An electrically actuable device is capable of moving the arm to close the first port. When the arm closes the second port, the first and the third ports are in communication via the chamber(s), and, when the arm closes the first port, the second and the third ports are in communication via the chamber(s).

Abstract: An assembly or a container including such an assembly which allows powder contents to be dispensed into a cap prior to the removal of the cap, the position of the thread engaged cap relative to the body of the container determining, to some extent, the volume of the materials being dispensed, the container otherwise being closable prior to the removal of the cap with the dispensed contents.

Abstract: A retention device which can be removably retained in a body cavity has branch members which are movably connected to each other such that two relative configurations may be obtained. In one configuration the branch members are nested inside one another for inserting the retention device in a cavity. Once in a cavity an operating member is used to displace the branch members to form the second configuration, in which parts of the branch members are expanded to bear against the walls of the cavity and retain the device.

Abstract: The device for insertion into a body cavity e.g. the rumen of an animal for example a cattle beast is in the form of a resilient helical coil with bio-degradable portions. The device is deformable to have a smaller dimension to enable insertion through a body passage into the animal cavity. The device carries a drug e.g. progesterone and is retained in the body cavity for a time during which the drug is active. After time has passed the device is broken up by bio-degrading activity into pieces small enough to be discharged naturally by the animal. An applicator is provided.