US3664306A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for the detection of mastitis in milk animals
Assignee: NAT RES DEV
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Filing: 1969-10-23
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Granted: 1972-05-23
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Expires: 1989-10-23
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus are described for detecting mastitis in milk animals. Milk from different teats of the animal is passed through conductivity cells and if the conductance of the milk from one teat is different from that of milk from other teats a mastitis infection is likely. A convenient method of comparing conductances using an electrical bridge is described, as is a suitable conductivity cell.
Inventors
- 👤 Joshua Creer Quayle
- 👤 Graham Roland Greatrix
- 👤 Ronald Alan Coombe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:17
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/02; G01N27/04; G01N27/06; G01N27/08; A; A01; A01J; A01J5/00; A01J5/013; A01J5/0133; A61; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/05; A61D; A61D1/00; A61D1/02; G01N33/00; G01N33/02; G01N33/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
98 words
Apparatus for comparing the electrical conductivities of milk samples taken as the cow is being milked, including at least two sensing means, each allowing milk from a different teat of a milk animal to flow continuously therethrough during milking and each sensitive to the electrical conductivity of the milk sample therein, a four-arm electrical bridge in which each of at least two of the arms include one of the sensing means which receive the milk, and means for sensing imbalance in the bridge as an indication of the relative conductivities of the milk flowing from the different teats.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
98 words
Apparatus for comparing the electrical conductivities of milk samples taken as the cow is being milked, including at least two sensing means, each allowing milk from a different teat of a milk animal to flow continuously therethrough during milking and each sensitive to the electrical conductivity of the milk sample therein, a four-arm electrical bridge in which each of at least two of the arms include one of the sensing means which receive the milk, and means for sensing imbalance in the bridge as an indication of the relative conductivities of the milk flowing from the different teats.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, further including tube means for separately coupling teats of the udder of a cow individually to the sensing means, and means for aspirating milk from the udder through the sensing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
108 words
Apparatus for the detection of mastitis in cows comprising a separate attachment and pipe for each of the four teats of a cow, four electrical conductivity means whose electrical conductance varies in accordance with the electrical conductivity of milk therein, means for aspirating milk from each teat to flow continuously through the respective one of said electrical conductivity means particular thereto, a four-arm electrical bridge in which each bridge arm includes a respective one of the electrical conductivity means, and means for sensing imbalance in the bridge as an indication of the relative conductivities of the milk flowing through the respective electrical conductivity means from tHe four teats.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
108 words
Apparatus for the detection of mastitis in cows comprising a separate attachment and pipe for each of the four teats of a cow, four electrical conductivity means whose electrical conductance varies in accordance with the electrical conductivity of milk therein, means for aspirating milk from each teat to flow continuously through the respective one of said electrical conductivity means particular thereto, a four-arm electrical bridge in which each bridge arm includes a respective one of the electrical conductivity means, and means for sensing imbalance in the bridge as an indication of the relative conductivities of the milk flowing through the respective electrical conductivity means from tHe four teats.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which each electrode assembly comprises a body portion of plastics material, defining a smooth-interiored cavity, with electrodes of conducting, non-electrolizable material in the wall of said cavity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the cavity is of U-tube formation the milk entering one leg of the U and its conductivity being measured in the other leg.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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US2837271A
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US2898549A
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Cited
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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) | 1975-05-23 | 1975-11-22 | 1976-05-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-23 | 1979-11-22 | 1980-05-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-23 | 1983-11-22 | 1984-05-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |