Abstract: A three-way valve includes a rotatable shaft positioned within a cylindrical, linear bore within a housing. A fluid pressure source is coupled via an input port to an inner end of the bore which includes a valve chamber. An output port coupled to a pressure-operated device is also disposed in the housing and is connected to the valve chamber, as is a drain port. Attached to the shaft's inner end is a first seal, while a second seal is attached to the shaft in closely spaced relation to the first seal. Rotational displacement of the shaft clockwise causes the first seal to seal off the source of fluid pressure from the valve chamber, while allowing for fluid discharge through the drain port. Rotational displacement of the shaft in a second, opposed direction connects the pressure-operated device to the pressure source via valve chamber and isolates valve chamber from drain port.

Abstract: A three-way valve includes a rotatable shaft positioned within a cylindrical, linear bore within a housing. A fluid pressure source is coupled via an input port to an inner end of the bore which includes a valve chamber. An output port coupled to a pressure-operated device is also disposed in the housing and is connected to the valve chamber, as is a drain port. Attached to the shaft's inner end is a first seal, while a second seal is attached to the shaft in closely spaced relation to the first seal. Rotational displacement of the shaft clockwise causes the first seal to seal off the source of fluid pressure from the valve chamber, while allowing for fluid discharge through the drain port. Rotational displacement of the shaft in a second, opposed direction connects the pressure-operated device to the pressure source via valve chamber and isolates valve chamber from drain port.

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: 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 method of separating from ruminant animal feces the undigested fibrous material that is preponderantly short pieces which consist of bundles of capillary tubes. The feces are mixed with urine, water from animal washing and preparation for milking, and with other water if needed, to form a homogeneous slurry which is run through tandem perforate drum and roller squeezers that heavily compress the short pieces to express liquid from them while continuously draining off a filtrate of liquid and fine solids which is ultimately put into a pond for use as liquid fertilizer. This leaves a filter mass which is preponderantly the short pieces. The filter mass is mixed with clean water to form a suspension which is run through tandem perforate cylinder roller pressers that compress the short pieces under several times heavier pressure to produce a cleansed filter mass and a filtrate which is combined with the original slurry.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for separating from ruminant animal feces the undigested fibrous material that is preponderantly short pieces which consist of bundles of capillary tubes. The feces are mixed with urine, water from animal washing and preparation for milking, and with other water if needed, to form a homogeneous slurry which is run through tandem perforate drum and roller squeezers that heavily compress the short pieces to express liquid from them while continuously draining off a filtrate of liquid and fine solids which is ultimately put into a pond for use as liquid fertilizer. This leaves a filter mass which is preponderantly the short pieces The filter mass is mixed with clean water to form a suspension which is run through tandem perforate cylinder roller pressers that compress the short pieces under several times heavier pressure to produce a cleansed filter mass and a filtrate which is combined with the original slurry.