Abstract: A lightweight teatcup for use with a milking machine is described herein. The teatcup includes a teatcup shell having two ridges circumferentially spaced apart on the exterior of the body portion of the teatcup shell. The ridges extend along less than the length of the milking teatcup shell. Excluding the ridges, the outside diameter of the teatcup shell of the teatcup is significantly narrower than a diameter of comparable existing milking teatcup shells, hence this milking inflation and shell has a positive impact on the ergonomic factors.

Abstract: A non-toxic, germicide, fungicide and healing composition and a method of topically applying the composition in powdered form to the skin of domesticated farm animals including dairy cattle are disclosed. The composition comprises (a) finely divided, particulate chlorhexidine-containing material, (b) finely divided, particulate zinc-containing material and (c) an inert powdered carrier, with the chlorhexidine-containing material and the zinc-containing material being present in an amount to achieve effective germicidal activity. The chlorhexidine-containing material is preferably chlorhexidine acetate. The zinc-containing material is preferably selected from the group consisting of zinc stearate, zinc chloride, zinc nitrate, zinc oleate, zinc oxide, zinc phosphate, zinc peroxide, zinc iodide, elemental zinc and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A non-toxic, germicide, fungicide and healing composition and a method of topically applying the composition in powdered form to the skin of domesticated farm animals including dairy cattle are disclosed. The composition comprises (a) finely divided, particulate chlorhexidine-containing material, (b) finely divided, particulate zinc-containing material and (c) an inert powdered carrier, with the chlorhexidine-containing material and the zinc-containing material being present in an amount to achieve effective germicidal activity. The chlorhexidine-containing material is preferably chlorhexidine acetate. The zinc-containing material is preferably selected from the group consisting of zinc stearate, zinc chloride, zinc nitrate, zinc oleate, zinc oxide, zinc phosphate, zinc peroxide, zinc iodide, elemental zinc and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A milking inflation fits over the upper end of a teat cup shell, with a peripheral shoulder and cuff adapted to surround and sealingly engage the upper rim of the shell. A substantially flat, relatively thin section (mouthpiece) extends radially inwardly from the shoulder and toward a center portion which defines a circular central opening or mouth for receiving a teat of a lactating animal. A plurality of geometrically-shaped indentations are aligned in a circumferentially extending pattern around the mouth. The indentations are formed integrally in a broad surface of the mouthpiece and extend radially inwardly from the shoulder and cuff toward the center portion and central opening. The inward tips of the geometrical indentations leave a substantially raised portion around the center opening, and due to the alignment of the geometrical indentations there is an immediate raised portion around the central opening of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A milking inflation fits over the upper end of a teat cup shell, with a peripheral shoulder and cuff adapted to surround and sealingly engage the upper rim of the shell. A substantially flat, relatively thin section (mouthpiece) extends radially inwardly from the shoulder and toward a center portion which defines a circular central opening or mouth for receiving a teat of a lactating animal. A plurality of geometrically-shaped indentations are aligned in a circumferentially extending pattern around the mouth. The indentations are formed integrally in a broad surface of the mouthpiece and extend radially inwardly from the shoulder and cuff toward the center portion and central opening. The inward tips of the geometrical indentations leave a substantially raised portion around the center opening, and due to the alignment of the geometrical indentations there is an immediate raised portion around the central opening of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An inflation for an automatic milking machine is molded as an integral unit from an elastomeric material. The inflation is formed to have an elongate, hollow barrel. The barrel has a substantially square cross-sectional shape and terminates in open upper and lower ends. A substantially cylindrical head is molded integrally to the upper end of the barrel. The head has a substantially cylindrical side wall. A diaphragm-like mouthpart is positioned across the otherwise open, upper end of the cylindrical side wall, with the mouthpart having a central opening that is adapted to accommodate the teat of an animal to be milked. A transition section is molded in the head so as to connect the upper end of the barrel with an inner surface of the side wall to form an internal, mouthpiece chamber between the transition section and the mouthpart.

Abstract: A modified milking machine claw having ferrules or connectors with an aperture in the surface of each ferrule to allow complete sanitation of milk lines and removal of debris from pockets between the ferrule and the tube lumen of short milk tubes.