Abstract: A milk flow indicator comprises a housing in which the milk is adapted to flow upwardly through a seat coacting with a non-return valve having a density higher than that of the milk. The valve is movable upwardly by said milk flow to a first, open position and is movable downwardly, upon cessation of said milk flow, to a second, closed position under the influence of gravity, the sinking velocity and distance of movement of the valve being such that movement of the valve means to said second position takes place after a predetermined time delay.

Abstract: An outlet from the claw housing is controlled by a valve which allows a small discharge flow even in its closed position. The valve is operated by a pneumatic member comprising two flexible diaphragms defining between them a working chamber, the diaphragms having unequal areas and being exposed outside the working chamber to the pressure in the milk manifold of the claw. Thus, the valve operating member is actuated by changes in the difference between the pressures in the manifold and the working chamber.

Abstract: A mobile milking unit has a pipe rigidly secured to a first connection means coacting with a second connection means at the inlet of a valve through which the unit can be releasably connected to a vacuum line, a valve body in the valve housing normally closing the passage between the valve inlet and the vacuum line. When the two connection means are coupled together, the valve body is automatically moved to open said passage and thus create in the valve housing a vacuum which serves to hold the two connection means together with a pierced truncated cone of the second connection means closely fitted into a socket of the first connection means, one of said connection means being elastic to facilitate its release from the other connection means.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the operation of a pneumatically actuated device such as a milking machine has two chambers one of which has an adjustable throttle valve in a connection to a vacuum line. The other chamber has a connection to the atmosphere and another connection to the vacuum line. A valve controlled by the pressure in the first chamber controls alternatively the flow through the lines to the second chamber. A signal in a control device of the milking machine connects the vacuum line to the throttle valve connection for the evacuation of the first chamber.

Abstract: A teat cup liner is formed at the tube end with a series of external elongated projections of elastic material extending lengthwise of the liner and distributed evenly around the circumference of the tube end to provide it with a shock absorber.

Abstract: A primary valve has an open position for effecting operation of a milking means remover upon completion of a milking operation. A secondary valve has a first position for causing a pneumatic actuator to maintain the primary valve closed in response to normal milk flow from the milking means and has a second position for causing the actuator to open the primary valve in response to substantial cessation of the milk flow. Means associated with the actuator are operable upon said opening of the primary valve to keep it open regardless of the position of the secondary valve.