US3603292A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automated stall and milking equipment
Assignee: Alfa Laval AB
•
Filing: 1969-07-17
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Granted: 1971-09-07
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Expires: 1989-07-17
Abstract
Abstract A milking parlor has a forked entry passage feeding two rows of stalls. The passage has an entry separated from each of two outlet legs, respectively leading to the two rows of stalls, by a vertically slidable guillotine-type gate. The exit from each of the outlet legs is controlled by a gate which is also of vertically slidable guillotine type. Each stall includes milk controlled teat cup and claw moving equipment having an articulated linkage arm which moves the claw relative to a support. Automation power means are provided for moving the arm between operative and inoperative milking positions.
Inventors
- 👤 Nigel Finch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:18
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K1/00; A01K1/12; A01J; A01J5/00; A01J5/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
Machine milking equipment including a teat cup cluster carried by a support structure mounted for movement relative to a milking stall between a milking position and an inoperative position, said support structure comprising a generally horizontal support arm which is pivotable between the milking position and the inoperative position, means connecting said cluster to said arm for relative movement therebetween when in the milking position, means firmly holding said cluster to the arm during movement to the inoperative position, and power actuated means associated with said equipment for moving the support structure and cluster away from the milking position at the end of a milking operation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
Machine milking equipment including a teat cup cluster carried by a support structure mounted for movement relative to a milking stall between a milking position and an inoperative position, said support structure comprising a generally horizontal support arm which is pivotable between the milking position and the inoperative position, means connecting said cluster to said arm for relative movement therebetween when in the milking position, means firmly holding said cluster to the arm during movement to the inoperative position, and power actuated means associated with said equipment for moving the support structure and cluster away from the milking position at the end of a milking operation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
Equipment according to claim 1, including a flexible coupling member connecting the cluster to the support arm and a tensioning device for tensioning the coupling member when required to hold the cluster firmly to the arm for movement therewith.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
Equipment according to claim 2 wherein the said power-operated means and the tensioning means comprise separate pneumatic cylinders controlled by solenoid-operated valves.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
Equipment according to claim 1 wherein the support structure comprises a generally horizontally disposed linkage supported for movement about a vertical axis at one side of the stall.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
Equipment according to claim 4 wherein the said linkage is movable along the vertical axis to adjust the height of the support arm and cluster.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
Equipment according to claim 1 including spring means lightly biassing the cluster in a dirEction generally longitudinal of the stall during milking.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
Equipment according to claim 1 wherein movement of the support structure away from the milking position is initiated automatically in response to a reduction in the flow of milk through the cluster.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
90 words
Equipment according to claim 7 wherein the flow of milk from the cluster is led into a vessel having a drainage aperture permitting loss of liquid from the vessel at a rate substantially less than the normal milking rate so that the milk level in the vessel tends to rise at the commencement of milking and to fall when the milking rate is substantially reduced and including means responsive to a reducing quantity of milk in the vessel for initiating movement of the support structure away from the milking position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-06 | 1975-03-08 | 1975-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-06 | 1979-03-08 | 1979-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-06 | 1983-03-08 | 1983-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |