Patent ID: 9706748
Date: 2017-07-18
CPC Classifications: A01K

Claim:
1. A heat exchanger for livestock comprising: an elastic mat having an upper surface sized to substantially support a dairy cow reclining on the elastic mat, and in contact with the elastic mat over a contact area, with the elastic mat incorporating beneath the upper surface at least one elastic channel; at least one inlet connecting with the at least one elastic channel and adapted to connect to a water supply line; at least one outlet connecting with the at least one elastic channel and adapted so that it can be connected to a water drain line; wherein the at least one elastic channel is adapted to conduct water beneath the upper surface over an area substantially greater than the contact area to cool a dairy cow reclining on the elastic mat; wherein the elastic mat comprises a closed-cell, elastomeric foam inner portion having upwardly open troughs defining the at least one elastic channel and the open troughs are directly contacted by a continuous, solid, cell-free elastomeric sheet defining the upper surface; wherein a portion of the elastic mat beneath the at least one elastic channel is adapted to deform upon contact with the claws of a rear hoof of a cow standing up from a lying position on the elastic mat in order to distribute forces over the entire hoof; wherein a portion of the elastic mat beneath the at least one channel with respect to the upper surface is thicker than a portion of the elastic mat above the channels with respect to the upper surface before deformation by a cow on the elastic mat; and wherein the elastomeric sheet includes a layer reducing the elasticity of the sheet in a direction parallel to its broad surface.