Patent ID: 6161502
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: A01J

Abstract:
Apparatus for use in the milking of an animal which comprises a milking claw having a plurality of inlet paths, a common outlet path, a subsidiary outlet path, a respective transducer associated with each inlet path for providing a quantitative signal representing the magnitude of a property of milk in that path, comparison means for comparing the said signal in each inlet path with a reference, the comparison means providing an output signal which identifies the inlet path in which the milk has a magnitude of the said property differing by more than a predetermined amount from the reference magnitude, and a diverter valve in each of the said inlet paths which diverter valve is operable to divert flow from the inlet path away from the said common outlet path to the said subsidary outlet path, the transducers, respective diverter valves and portions of the inlet and outlet paths associated with the diverter valves all being contained within the milking claw.