GB1017567A - Improvements in or relating to methods of and/or apparatus for flushing the teat cups of milking machines - Google Patents

Abstract

1,017,567. Milking machines. NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT PROPERTY CORPORATION. Sept. 26, 1963 [Oct. 18, 1962], No. 38003/63. Heading A1M. The teat cups 4 of a milking machine are cleaned by a liquid supplied through a pipe 21 having a controllable outlet 13 connectable with valve means 5 controlling communication between the flexible claw milk tube 3a and the milk line 2, the arrangement being such that when the valve means is in one position milking proceeds and when the valve means is operated to another position the cleaning liquid passes from the outlet 13 through the connecting piece 8 on the valve means to the milk tube 3a, claw milk passages and the interiors of the inflations and is discharged through the open mouths of the inflations. The valve means 5 is connected to the dropper 1 and comprises a two-way valve, the connecting piece 8 being inserted in a resilient sleeve 10 on outlet 13 to operate a spring loaded valve located within the outlet to allow discharge of the liquid. Preferably the cleaning liquid is water obtained from the outflow connection 22 of a milk cooler 23, a T-piece 24 being provided so that when the valve in outlet 13 is closed water is discharged through outlet 26. An extension tube 17 with a valve controlled outlet nozzle 18 is connected to outlet 13 and provides a source of water for udder washing. A sterilising agent may be contained in tank 20 and discharged into the water supply line 21 by means of a venturi injector. A three-position valve may be used in which case the third position isolates the dropper 1 from the milk tube 3a without connecting the tube to the connecting means 8. The apparatus may be extended to allow washing of more than one set of teat cups.