Patent ID: 8210128
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
1. A counterweighted, crowd gate device adapted for use in a milking parlor, the counterweighted, crowd gate device comprising: parallel overhead tracks extending from an entrance end to an exit end of a holding area of the milking parlor; a wheeled carriage assembly extending between and riding on the tracks; a motor mounted on the wheeled carriage and activated to drive the wheeled carriage assembly from the entrance end to the exit end of the holding area and return; a gate pivotally attached to the wheeled carriage assembly and extending perpendicularly therefrom; a counterweight mounted on the gate, above the level of attachment of the gate to the wheeled carriage assembly, the counterweight being essentially equal to the weight of that part of the gate hanging below the level of attachment; the gate and attached counterweight pivotally attached to the wheeled carriage assembly by a plurality of electrically insulating bushings to electrically isolate the gate and attached counterweight from the wheeled carriage; a gate latching operative to latch and to secure the gate in a vertical position during travel of the wheeled carriage assembly to the exit end of the holding area; and a control panel for controlling the motor; whereby an operator manually operates the latch and pivots the gate to a substantially horizontal position so that the gate may pass over an animal in the holding area, on the return of the wheeled carriage assembly to the entrance end of the holding area.