Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for milking animals such as cows, components of the apparatus and methods of milking animals employing the apparatus. The apparatus comprises at least two resilient membranes having a space therebetween into which the teat of the animal may be inserted. The membranes are held by a support structure under tension in a direction transverse to the direction of insertion of the teat, to protect the teat from excessive force when the membranes fall onto the teat.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention concerns a milking unit comprising a milk-collecting component and at least two milk tubes which are connected to the milk-collecting component.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention relates to a milking cup having a milking cup sleeve in which a teat rubber is arranged.

Abstract: A teat dip applicator and method direct a teat dip to a teat cup liner head that defines a chamber and nozzle through which teat dip flows to coat an animal teat prior to and during detachment of a milker unit from a dairy animal.

Abstract: A device for selectively inserting or removing cup liners having a generally elongated cylindrical body, a front cup and a rear lip from a milking cup apparatus. The device having a frame, a force-applying device pivotally connected to the frame and a liner holding device, connected in sliding engagement to the frame. The liner holding device is configured to connect with the liner and to pull the liner through the hard milk shell cup when activated by a user.

Abstract: A milk collecting piece comprises a kink element having a bending edge which ensures reliable kinking and thus maintenance of the operating vacuum in milk tubes which are guided outwards in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the milk collecting piece comprises a connection surface provided with an opening into which an end portion of the milk tube is introduced, so that a reliable function is obtained due to the provision of the kink element, whereby due to the manner in which the milk tube is mounted on the collecting piece, a smaller amount of milk coating collects and deposits on transition areas. In a further embodiment, the bending edge of the kink element is positioned in such a manner that said edge efficiently prevents the milk tube from getting detached from connection elements which are guided outwards in an oblique manner, and ensures vacuum-tight kinking of the milk tube at the same time.

Abstract: A teatcup assembly includes a shell having a liner, and a pressure responsive valve movably mounted in the shell for movement between open and closed positions at the beginning and end of a milking interval.

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 triangular 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 vent plug for a milking liner has an inlet that faces the outer surface of the liner. The position of the vent inlet reduces the likelihood that it will become clogged with debris from the floor of the milking parlor. In one embodiment, the vent plug has a plurality of redundant inlets that allow the vent plug to function if one of the inlets becomes clogged. In another embodiment, the inlet is angled at a nonparallel angle with respect to the vent passage.

Abstract: A vent plug for a milking liner has a shielded inlet that reduces the likelihood that it will become clogged with debris from the floor of the milking parlor. In one embodiment, the vent plug has a plurality of redundant inlets that allow the vent plug to function if one of the inlets becomes clogged. In another embodiment, the inner flange of the body of the vent plug is at least twice the thickness of the body tube to help secure the vent plug in the milking liner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional health protection device for udders of cows. The device comprises a brassiere, which is provided at its lower portion with circular openings (5) corresponding to four teats of a cow. The four circular opening (5) are equipped with teat cups (8). There is a hole at the fore end of each teat cup (8). The brassiere is formed by the inner and outer hoods (1, 2). An electrical heater (4) is mounted between the inner and outer hoods (1,2). Permanent magnets, which are winded with coils, are arranged around the outer wall of the inner hood and the circular openings. An electrical vibrator (6) may be provided at the centers of the four circular openings between the inner and outer hoods. A plurality of conductive rubber electrode (7) is mounted on the inner wall of the inner hood. A removable cup (9) for containing sterilizing agent is installed in the brassiere (8). A ring seal (11) with a central hole is provided at the upper part of the removable cup.

Abstract: A method of reducing infection of a bovine teat is described. This method may include providing a surfactant for reducing infection of a bovine teat, creating a foam with a mixture of surfactant and compressed gas, extracting milk from the teat of a bovine, and, following cessation of milking the teat, placing the foamed surfactant on the teat from which milk was extracted. In some instances the foamed surfactant may form a bead at an end of the teat. The method may further include using a compressor to compress the gas, leaving the foam on the teat for more than one minute, and using a hand-held teat cup that can massage the teat as the foam is applied.

Abstract: A hose device includes a hose portion (3), at least a first end portion (2) and a channel (5) which extends along the hose device (1) through the first end portion and the hose portion. The hose device has flexible and elastic properties. The first end portion (2) of the hose device is in a mounted state arranged to be attached to a tubular connection member (7) by having the connection member introduced in the channel (5). The hose device has a transition portion (4), which is located between the first end portion (2) and the hose portion (3). The channel (5) thus extends also through the transition portion and has, at the transition portion (4), in a non-mounted state a non-circular cross-sectional shape and in the mounted state a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, which permits a free liquid flow through the channel (5).

Abstract: A teat cup assembly comprises an inflation having a plurality of radially-extending longitudinal ribs circumferentially spaced about the inflation and having a T-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for milking milk residues to achieve the extraction of as much of the milk as possible that is preset in the udder. According to the method, a rubber teat element (10) in a teat cup (1) is displaced in a milking motion by a negative suction pressure caused by adjustable pulse phases consisting of alternating suction and pause phases and of a pulse intensity, in order to a volumetric flow of milk. The volumetric flow is continuously recorded and if it decreases, the motion of the rubber teat element is modified in a targeted manner.

Abstract: A milking and applicator teat cup is configured to receive an animal teat within a liner located in a shell. At the openings of the liner and shell where the teat is received, there is an applicator configured to dispense disinfectant, conditioning, and/or cleaning solution to the animal teat. The applicator is designed to discharge the solution horizontally across the openings of the liner and the shell. Such a teat cup can be integrated into a milking system having a valve manifold coupled to a number of teat cups and controlling flow of milk from the number of teat cups and flow of fluid to the applicators, and a controller including logic configured to provide control signals to the valve manifold. The controller signals the valve manifold to pre-charge a hose or line delivering fluid to the applicator and signals the valve manifold for the end of milking and begin delivery of the fluid from the applicator.

Abstract: A method for producing a foamed bovine teat dip is provided. This method may include providing a teat cup configured to surround a bovine teat wherein the teat cup may have an open end sized to accept a bovine teat. This method may also include providing a source of teat dip remote from the teat cup, advancing teat dip from the source of teat dip towards the teat cup, providing a source of compressed fluid remote from the teat cup, sending compressed fluid from the source of compressed fluid towards the teat cup and creating a foam by mixing compressed fluid from the source of compressed fluid with teat dip. Milking the bovine may shortly follow this foaming method.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing and removing a teat cup liner (or “inflation”) from a shell has a fixture which holds and retains the shell in position. A pair of shoes is capable of moving to engage a portion of the liner projecting from the shell to pull the liner downwardly. In an installation mode, the liner is pulled so that a sealing ring on the liner moves through a restricted opening into a sealing relationship with the shell at one end. The resiliency of the liner also causes a seal to be formed at the other end of the shell. In a removal mode, the liner is stretched by movement of the shoes in the same way as installation. A cutter of the apparatus is then activated to sever an end portion of the liner, including the sealing ring from the remainder of the liner, releasing the liner from the shell.

Abstract: The invention refers to a teatcup liner, a teatcup and a milking member. The liner (1) is mountable in a teatcup shell (2) having a first end (3) and a second end (4) to extend through the shell, and forms an inner space to receive a teat and an outer space (6) between the shell and the liner. The liner includes an opening at the first end for introducing a teat into the inner space. The liner includes a grip area (10) to be gripped by a grip portion (11) of the shell. The grip area has a non-circular shape. The liner includes a connection portion (15) arranged to connect the liner to the first end and including an annular recess. The connection portion includes a bridge of material (18) arranged to define at the most two possible rotary positions for the liner in relation to the teatcup shell. The bridge extends in the annular recess and is arranged to engage a corresponding recess (19) extending from the first end of the shell.

Abstract: An automatic milking plant is provided with a short milk hose, which, due to spaced-apart elevations in its center piece, has sufficient mechanical stability vis-a-vis pressure differences as well as a high flexibility. The use of the short milk hose according to the present invention leads to a reduction of the mechanical strain on the udder and thus also reduces irritations of the animal to be milked.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for checking the teat rubber of a teat cup. The object of this invention is providing a simple and reliable method for checking the teat rubber and a device suitable for implementing the method. In this respect, this invention suggests that the behavior of the teat rubber is acquired with a pressure difference profile acting between the pulse cavity and the pressure cavity and this currently determined behavior is compared with a reference behavior. The device according to the invention comprises a device for the direct checking of the teat rubber behavior.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for checking the teat rubber of a teat cup. The object of this invention is providing a simple and reliable method for checking the teat rubber and a device suitable for implementing the method. In this respect, this invention suggests that the behavior of the teat rubber is acquired with a pressure difference profile acting between the pulse cavity and the pressure cavity and this currently determined behavior is compared with a reference behavior. The device according to the invention comprises a device for the direct checking of the teat rubber behavior.

Abstract: A method for producing a foamed bovine teat dip is provided. This method may include providing a teat cup configured to surround a bovine teat wherein the teat cup may have an open end sized to accept a bovine teat. This method may also include providing a source of teat dip remote from the teat cup, advancing teat dip from the source of teat dip towards the teat cup, providing a source of compressed fluid remote from the teat cup, sending compressed fluid from the source of compressed fluid towards the teat cup and creating a foam by mixing compressed fluid from the source of compressed fluid with teat dip. Milking the bovine may shortly follow this foaming method.

Abstract: A teatcup liner series, having n liners L1 through Ln, enables selection of faster milking or less liner slip. A liner and/or the series is provided with variable groove width and/or material. A cost advantaged manufacturing method is provided.

Abstract: A liner for use with a teat cup having a rigid hollow shell having a central aperture is shown. The liner comprises a teat chamber having an opening which extends axially therethrough and terminates in a distal end and which has an axial length greater in length than a length of a teat terminating in a distal tip which is to be inserted into the teat chamber. The liner includes a transition chamber having an axially extending reducing inner passageway which has an inlet contiguous to and communicating with the opening in the distal end. The transition chamber defines thereon a circumferentially extending cuff member configured to be passed through a central aperture in a shell and to them surround and urge the cuff member against a shell. A milk tube communicates with the outlet of the transition chamber.

Abstract: A teatcup liner and teatcup assembly are provided with controlled collapse constructions including ribs, notches, sleeves, and thickness variations.

Abstract: The lip of the upper mouthpiece of a teatcup liner is provided with controlled deflection for controlling slip along the teat of the mammal being milked. The deflection control is provided by various embossed patterns and/or inserts.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a foam surfactant suitable for a bovine teat dip having a compressor for air pressurization of a surfactant solution containing a germicide, disinfectant, biocide, etc., wherein the air-surfactant mixture is passed through a flow or line mixer to a foam holding cup adjacent the teat are, and wherein the mixture is expanding in the holding cup to produce an adherent surfactant foam product with reduced run off, which both protects and reduces infection of the teat and surrounding udder area.

Abstract: A teatcup liner has an upper mouthpiece and a barrel depending downwardly from the upper mouthpiece, the barrel extending axially along an axis for receiving a teat inserted axially thereinto through the mouthpiece, the barrel being defined by a barrel wall having an inner surface defining a hollow interior in the barrel. An embossed pattern is provided along the inner surface of the barrel wall. A raised pattern provides faster milking, and reduces liner slip. A recessed pattern reduces liner slip.

Abstract: A variable shut off teat cup liner has a mouthpiece, a barrel and a short milk tube adapted for mounting onto milking claw. The short milk tube includes a segment for engagement with an edge of a claw nipple defining an opening, the segment being intended for bending over the opening to substantially close it to passage of vacuum-drawn air therethrough when the teat cup liner is in a non-milking generally downwardly bending position. The segment has circumferentially extending grooves and longitudinally extending grooves which form lugs which provide improved cut resistance. The circumferentially extending grooves have different axial spacing whereby the amount of overlap of the short milk tube over the nipple may be varied to provide the proper amount of bending.

Abstract: A device for injecting a fluid into a system comprising at least one milk cup and one milk line connected to the milk cup for discharging milk from the milk cup, the milk cup being provided with an open end for receiving a teat of an animal in the milk cup, the device being provided with an injector for injecting, at an injection position, the fluid into the system, the device being further provided with a closing valve for closing the milk line during injection, the closing position being at a position such that the injection position is located between the open end of the cup and the closing position, characterized in that the closing valve is designed to be closable while being driven by the fluid to be injected.

Abstract: The invention refers to a teatcup liner, a teatcup and a milking member. The teatcup liner is mountable in a teatcup shell, having a first end and a second end, such that in the mounted state it extends through the teatcup she 1 and forms an inner space for receiving a teat and an outer space between the teatcup shell and the teatcup liner. The teatcup liner also includes a grip area which has a non-circular shape in cross-section and is arranged to be gripped by a grip portion of the teatcup shell such that the grip area is surrounded by and abuts the grip portion. The teatcup liner has a connection portion for connection to a teatcup claw and includes structure for defining a rotary position for the teatcup liner in relation to the teatcup claw.

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: Inner and outer shield parts of a breastshield are joined to form an enclosure defining a pressurizable chamber. The inner shield part has at least a portion thereof movable relative to the outer shield part when the chamber is subject to a negative or a positive pressure. A first pressure port is in communication respectively with the chamber for connection with a fluid pressure source of a first pressure. A second pressure port is in communication with the interior for connection with a pressure source of a second pressure. The breastshield is thus capable of being subjected to two different pressures, such as a positive pressure to move (expand) the chamber into the interior, so as to compress or massage the nipple/breast, and a negative pressure in the interior to draw the nipple/breast further therein for the expression of milk. The pressures can be independently controlled, and may furthermore alternate being negative and positive through the same pressure port.

Abstract: Device for pneumatically milking a cow, including a number of milk extractors, each having a teat cup as well as a milk line connected to the lower end of the teat cup, which leads from the teat cup to a collection chamber for the milk from the teat cups. Each milk extractor is provided with a supply for a cleansing medium, such as a disinfectant, to the teat cup in particular to the teat present in the teat cup. The supply has a line which at the location of an outlet debouches into the milk extractor, in particular the milk line, and each milk extractor is provided with structure for closing off the milk extractor near or downstream of the outlet when discharging the cleansing medium through the outlet. The structure for closing off the milk extractor is preferably arranged near the transition of the teat cup to the milk line.

Abstract: According to the invention, a liner is provided for use with a substantially undeformable teatcup shell (40), for forming a two-chambered teatcup, by means of which milk is extracted from a teat (Z) in a suction milking process through a milking vacuum provided during a milking phase, and the teat is massaged during a rest phase, wherein the liner comprises a head part (12) that is substantially rotationally symmetrical relative to its longitudinal axis and a barrel part (14) that is connected to the head part (12) by means of a transitional part (22), the barrel part (14) is flexible, surrounds the teat and reacts to alternating changes in pressure during the milking and rest phases by changing its form, the head part (12) is formed as an annular tube (16), which forms an insertion opening (18) for the teat (Z), and which ensures sealing relative to the milking vacuum and the best possible grip of the liner to the teat without excessively constricting the teat during both the milking and the rest phases, the

Abstract: A liner for use with a teat cup having a rigid hollow shell having a central aperture is shown. The liner comprises a teat chamber having an opening which extends axially therethrough and terminates in a distal end and which has an axial length greater in length than a length of a teat terminating in a distal tip which is to be inserted into the teat chamber. The distal tip of a teat is positioned in a spaced relationship from the distal end of the teat chamber. The liner includes a transition chamber having an axially extending reducing inner passageway which has an inlet contiguous to and communicating with the opening in the distal end. The inner passageway inlet has a dimension substantially equal to the opening and decreases in dimension to an outlet having an outlet dimension less that the inlet dimension.

Abstract: According to the invention, a liner is provided for use with a substantially undeformable teatcup shell (40), for forming a two-chambered teatcup, by means of which milk is extracted from a teat (Z) in a suction milking process through a milking vacuum provided during a milking phase, and the teat is massaged during a rest phase, wherein the liner comprises a head part (12) that is substantially rotationally symmetrical relative to its longitudinal axis and a barrel part (14) that is connected to the head part (12) by means of a transitional part (22), the barrel part (14) is flexible, surrounds the teat and reacts to alternating changes in pressure during the milking and rest phases by changing its form, the head part (12) is formed as an annular tube (16), which forms an insertion opening (18) for the teat (Z), and which ensures sealing relative to the milking vacuum and the best possible grip of the liner to the teat without excessively constricting the teat during both the milking and the rest phases, the

Abstract: The invention refers to a teatcup liner (3), a teatcup (1) having teatcup shell (2) and such a teatcup liner (3), and a milking member with at least two such teatcups (1). The teatcup liner (3) includes a head portion (3b), which is provided at a first end of the teatcup liner, and a pipe portion (3c), which extends from the head portion to a second end along a longitudinal axis (z) of the teatcup liner and which defines an inner space (5) arranged to receive a teat of an animal. The longitudinal axis forms a center axis of the inner space. The head portion includes an opening (9), which is intended to permit the introducing of said teat into the inner space (5). The head portion (3b) consists of a first part (10), which extends from a first side of a plane including the longitudinal axis (z), and a second part (11), which extends from the other side of said plane and which is larger than the first part.

Abstract: A milking method in which at least one teat cup is connected to a teat of the animal to be milked and milked milk is discharged from the teat cup, and in which upon cessation of the flow of milked milk a cleaning medium is passed via a supply line into the teat cup. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an apparatus which is suited for carrying out the method and comprises at least one teat cup which communicates with a milk line conducting milked milk and in the interior of which a supply line ends via which cleaning medium which has been discharged from a source can be introduced into the teat cup. The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for preventing dirt and germs from penetrating into the milked milk with more reliability. According to the invention the cleaning medium as well as air introduced for discharging the milked milk are introduced via the supply line into the teat cup.

Abstract: A device for milking animals, such as cows, which device comprises at least one teat cup and a foremilk reservoir for containing a certain amount of foremilk, substantially obtained at the beginning of the milking process. The foremilk reservoir is provided with an inlet and an outlet with an outlet-closing means for the foremilk. The device is provided with a milk container for containing milk obtained, and with at least one milk line connecting the teat cup to the milk container. The foremilk reservoir is integrated in the teat cup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for minimizing or even avoiding the transfer of an infection from an infected teat/quarter udder to a healthy teat. The invented method for cleaning the teats (9) of a dairy animal's udder is controlled by a robot means (6) for carrying and operating a cleaning means (8, 14) to clean said teats (9) in succession. This is accomplished by first cleaning one or more healthy teat(s), and then cleaning one or more teat(s) being subjected to various levels of infection. The invented apparatus for cleaning the teats of a dairy animal's udder comprises a control unit (1), a cleaning means (8, 14), a robot means (6) controlled by the control unit (1), a robot arm (7) arranged on the robot means (6) to carry and operate the cleaning means (8, 14) so as to clean the dairy animal's teats in succession.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a foam surfactant suitable for a bovine teat dip comprises means for air pressurization of a surfactant solution containing a germicide, disinfectant, biocide, etc., means for passing the air-surfactant mixture through a flow or line mixer to a foam holding cup adjacent the teat area and means for expanding the mixture in the holding cup to produce an adherent surfactant foam product with reduced run off, which both protects and reduces infection of the teat and surrounding udder area.

Abstract: A teat cup comprising a liner having movable thin-wall portions which are adapted to be differently pressurized is disclosed.

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: The invention refers to a device which is arranged to carry a set of teatcups arranged to be attached to a respective teat. The device includes a carrying member, which is displaceable between at least a first inactive position beside the animal to be milked and a second active milking position and on which the teatcups are mounted via a respective flexible conduit member. The conduit member includes at least a milk conduit and is designed to permit a certain movability of the teatcup in relation to the carrying member. Each conduit member extends upwardly from the carrying member and connects to a side portion of the respective teatcup.

Abstract: Inner and outer shield parts of a breastshield are joined to form an enclosure defining a pressurizable chamber. The inner shield part has at least a portion thereof movable relative to the outer shield part when the chamber is subject to a negative or a positive pressure. A first pressure port is in communication respectively with the chamber for connection with a fluid pressure source of a first pressure. A second pressure port is in communication with the interior for connection with a pressure source of a second pressure. The breastshield is thus capable of being subjected to two different pressures, such as a positive pressure to move (expand) the chamber into the interior, so as to compress or massage the nipple/breast, and a negative pressure in the interior to draw the nipple/breast further therein for the expression of milk. The pressures can be independently controlled, and may furthermore alternate being negative and positive through the same pressure port.