US3919975A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Milker unit
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-08-05
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Granted: 1975-11-18
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Expires: 1994-08-05
Abstract
Abstract A milker unit has a dual chamber arrangement that receives milk directly from an animal and measures the amount of milk that flows to a bulk or collector tank. The milk is normally collected in a lower chamber of the unit until a predetermined level is reached, whereupon the lower chamber is valved open allowing milk to drain to the collector tank. An electric system valves the lower chamber open and also triggers a counter so that the amount of milk draining to the collector tank is automatically recorded. During the draining period, the milk is temporarily collected in the upper chamber until the lower chamber is valved shut, whereupon milk collected in the upper chamber flows by gravity to the lower chamber. The valves in the two chambers are interconnected by a common valve stem having a duct that can equalize the degree of vacuum in the chambers during the draining period of establish ambient atmosphere pressure in the lower chamber to the end that rapid drainage takes place. Differential vacuums or separate vacuum systems can be employed in the unit chambers and the collector line and tank that communicates with the lower chamber.
Inventors
- 👤 Lloyd P Duncan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 13:17
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01J; A01J5/00; A01J5/007; A01J5/01; G; G01; G01F; G01F3/00; G01F3/36; G01F3/38
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
209 words
A milker unit comprising a double chambered container, including an upper chamber positioned over a lower chamber, said upper chamber being connected to milk conduit means which conveys milk to said upper chamber, said lower chamber having a valved outlet at the lower portion thereof connected to a milk collector line, a source of vacuum being in communication with the interior of said upper chamber through a vacuum line, and an opening in the bottom of the upper chamber leading to the interior of said lower chamber, a first valve being seatable on said opening and connected to a second valve that is normally seated on said outlet in the lower chamber, said valves being interconnected by common stem means, whereby the seating of said first valve unseats said second valve and vice versa, said stem means extending upwardly through both chambers to a solenoid, electrical means in said lower chamber for sensing the level of milk in that chamber and signalling said solenoid means to raise said stem means and simultaneously move said valves responsive to a predetermined level of milk, whereby said second valve is unseated and milk drains from the container through said outlet while said first valve seats and milk collects in the upper chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
209 words
A milker unit comprising a double chambered container, including an upper chamber positioned over a lower chamber, said upper chamber being connected to milk conduit means which conveys milk to said upper chamber, said lower chamber having a valved outlet at the lower portion thereof connected to a milk collector line, a source of vacuum being in communication with the interior of said upper chamber through a vacuum line, and an opening in the bottom of the upper chamber leading to the interior of said lower chamber, a first valve being seatable on said opening and connected to a second valve that is normally seated on said outlet in the lower chamber, said valves being interconnected by common stem means, whereby the seating of said first valve unseats said second valve and vice versa, said stem means extending upwardly through both chambers to a solenoid, electrical means in said lower chamber for sensing the level of milk in that chamber and signalling said solenoid means to raise said stem means and simultaneously move said valves responsive to a predetermined level of milk, whereby said second valve is unseated and milk drains from the container through said outlet while said first valve seats and milk collects in the upper chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The unit of claim 1, wherein said stem means has a duct that bridges and chambers and communicates the ambient pressure of said upper chamber to the lower chamber when said first valve is seated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The unit of claim 2, wherein the vacuum in said collector line is at a higher value than the vacuum in said vacuum conduit and the upper chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The unit of claim 1, when said stem means is an elongated stem that has a limit stop or either side of the top of said receiver, said solenoid being supported on said receiver to receive said stem.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
The unit of claim 4, wherein said stem has a duct extending from an opening below said first to a second opening between said two stops, whereby atmospheric pressure is vented to said lower chamber when said first valve is seated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The unit of claim 1, wherein the degree of vacuum in the collector line and in the vacuum conduit is substantially the same.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
The unit of claim 1, wherein said electrical means includes spaced apart electrical probes that are bridged by milk in said lower chamber to complete a circuit when the milk reaches a predetermined level to operate said solenoid and unseat said first valve allowing milk to exit through the collector line.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The unit of claim 7, wherein said electrodes are connected to a counter that records each signal to said solenoid.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-11-17 | 1979-05-19 | 1979-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-17 | 1983-05-19 | 1983-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-17 | 1987-05-19 | 1987-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |