Patent ID: 6920840
Filing Date: 2005-07-26
Classification: A01J

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for manipulating a teat cup assembly used for milking a domestic animal, the teat cup assembly including a shell and a resilient liner adapted to receive the animal's teat, the liner being capable of extending through the shell while being retained by the shell, the apparatus comprising a frame, a fixture mounted on the frame, the fixture being sized and shaped for receiving and holding the shell having the liner therein, and a puller mounted on the frame relative to the fixture to grip and pull the liner and move the liner and shell relative to each other to stretch the liner to a position in which the liner is capable of being at least one of installed on and removed from the teat cup, wherein the puller is moveable relative to the fixture for stretching the liner, and the puller includes at least one shoe positioned relative to the fixture for pinching the liner to grip the liner and for moving away from the fixture to stretch the liner.