Patent ID: 7540258
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: A01J

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for removing milk from an animal teat having an end and a barrel, comprising: an outer body having an opening therein into which the teat is insertable in a first direction; at least two resilient membranes within the body, the membranes forming a space therebetween into which the teat is receivable when it is inserted into the opening, the membranes are transversely stretched to place them under tension in a direction transverse to said first direction when there is the same pressure across the membranes; and a pressure generating device for applying a pressure difference across the membranes to reduce the space between the at least two membranes; whereby forces exerted by the application of the pressure difference across the membranes on the end of the teat is reduced, yet a useful massage pressure is applied to the barrel of the teat when the differential pressure is applied across the membranes.