Abstract:
An applicator has an outer body which holds a channeled insert which in turn channels teat disinfectant to the brushes by way of a annular reservoir contained within the periphery of the snap on top, the body of the apparatus is in turn connected to a squeezable bottle that acts as reservoir for the disinfectant supply and when squeezed delivers the disinfectant through the apparatus and onto the brushes. This apparatus and method of use therefor is concerned with the treatment of animal teats, especially although not necessarily exclusively in connection with a milking operation. The treatment involves the application of a disinfectant to the outer skin surfaces and in part to the teat orifice normally at the end of milking, although the invention can also be employed for a treatment as a preliminary step prior to milking.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS, IF ANY 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/247,431, filed Sep. 30, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     37 C.F.R. §1.71(e) AUTHORIZATION 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the US Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX, IF ANY 
     Not applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates, generally, to veterinary and animal care systems, apparatus and methods. Particularly, the invention relates to devices and method for supporting and maintaining proper care of udders and teats in lactating animals. 
     2. Background Information 
     For the health and safety of milk producing animals as well as those persons and animals that consume the milk products derived from these animals, the udders and teats of milk producing animals must be kept clean and healthy. This is particularly true in the bovine dairying industry where complications such as mastitis, swollen or cracked teats, and dirty and unclean teats can cause bacterial contamination of entire vats of milk. This contamination can render hundreds or even thousands of gallons of milk useless and can have severe economic effect on the dairyman who depends upon the sale of acceptable uncontaminated milk as a source of income. The economic impacts of contaminated or unacceptable milk can be devastating. 
     In order to prevent mastitis and other complications and to maintain a healthy milk supply, the care, cleaning and hygiene of the teats and udders of the animals being milked is of particular importance. In order to prevent the onset of mastitis, a variety of procedures are utilized to stimulate, clean and disinfect the teats of the animal. Most mastitis infections are related to conditions that expose the teat end to bacteria and to situations that make it easier for these bacteria to penetrate the teat canal. These bacteria then travel into the mammary gland where the infection causes an inflammatory response that can cause destruction of milk secreting cells as well as contaminating any of the milk that comes from these infected cows. 
     While various precautions have been taken to prevent the cow from developing mastitis, such as pre-washing, stripping, and sanitizing of the milking equipment, the most effective way of preventing the onset of mastitis involves the use of so called teat-dip to apply a germicide to the teat both prior to and after milking. The application of teat dip prior to milking typically requires that a teat be dipped into a cup having a germicidal solution. The teat is then coated and after about 30 seconds the germicide is dried off of the teat with a paper or cloth towel. This germicide destroys those microorganisms that contaminate the teat skin between milkings. After milking has been completed, the teats are again dipped into these cups and coated with a germicide. This germicide prevents the growth and proliferation of organisms that can cause mastitis. 
     The application of teat dip to the teat is of utmost importance. It is crucial that the entire teat be completely covered and that a residue is left on the teat so that the anti-microbial action is still present when the cow lies down in a free stall or any other place where sanitary conditions are less than ideal. Barrier teat dips generally contain germicides, skin conditioners and protective film so that the teat end is sealed from mastitis-causing bacteria. These barrier teat dips do inhibit bacterial multiplication on the teat skin under the film. 
     One of the known methods and devices for applying teat dip is to utilize a dip cup of a sprayer to coat the teat. The teat is typically dipped into the cup or sprayed so as to apply the germicide. This presents several problems. First, obtaining the proper coverage over the teat is not always accomplished, as the location of the germicide upon the teat is dependent upon the skill of the person applying the solution to the teat. Thus, locations or areas of the teat may not be covered and may be left exposed. These uncovered areas provide locations wherein bacteria can congregate and proliferate. When this occurs, the effectiveness of the teat dip as a whole has been compromised. 
     Both the dip and the spray method that exist in the prior art cause substantial amounts of waste to take place. This waste occurs as excess material does not adhere to the teat, falls off of the teat and on to the floor where it is subsequently washed away. This germicide is a highly corrosive material that can then cause various economic and environmental damage to the areas in which it contacts. This problem is exacerbated by the spreading of the wasted solution, which is then washed into ponds of manure pits, and then spread upon the ground. These germicides are hazardous to clean water and the raising of crops on the earth. 
     The economic impact of this waste is also great. The dairy industry has become extremely economically conservative because of low prices received for their product. Therefore, the ability to reduce waste is of great value. A gallon of post dip for example, varies in price from between $5 and $15 dollars per gallon. A typical 1,000-head milking herd may require an average of about 350 gallons per month. Thus, the cost of utilizing this dip may be between about $1,750 and $5,250 per month. The ability to reduce this cost would greatly benefit a user and could provide, in some instances, the difference between a farm surviving or failing. 
     Existing technology also includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,165,510 entitled Bovine Germicide Application Device and U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,086 entitled Bovine Germicide Application Device and Method of applicant(s). 
     All US patents and patent applications, and all other published documents mentioned anywhere in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides bovine germicide application apparatus and method which are practical, reliable, accurate and efficient, and which are believed to fulfill the need and to constitute an improvement over the background technology. 
     The largest and most expensive challenge to milk producing farms is a disease called mastitis. Mastitis is caused by unsanitary conditions, especially during the milking process. Bacteria can easily enter the teat during the harvesting of the milk. A pre-dip of germicide is applied to the skin of the teat prior to the milking process to kill the bacteria that is on the skin of the teat. After the germicide has had sufficient contact time with the skin of the teat to kill all bacteria the germicide is wiped from the teat. The milk is then harvested and a post dip is then applied to the skin of the teat to kill all milk cells left behind from harvesting and leave a protective coating of germicide on the entire surface of the teat. 100% skin coverage of the teat is required to reduce the chances of mastitis for both pre and post dipping. The dairy industry is suffering through the worst financial crisis in history. With the serious economic conditions dairymen are facing the bacteria laden environmental conditions that the female lactating animal lives in, the apparatus and method of the invention solves both problems. It provides substantially 100% skin coverage by the germicide and reduces the amount used to 0.04 ounces per cow. For example, the 1,000 cow dairy, milking 2 times per day, using the standard open top dipper uses 450 gallons of pre and post germicide per month. The 1,000 cow dairy milking 2 times per day using the invention gets 100% skin coverage and uses only 80 gallons of pre and post germicide per month. This is a savings of 315 gallons per month at an average cost of $6.00 per gallon or $870.00 per month or $10,440.00 per year. 
     In one aspect the invention provides an apparatus comprising a body having an interior cavity, an article ingress/egress aperture, a material input and at least one channel for conveying material from the material input to the article ingress/egress aperture, and a wiping element disposed near the article ingress/egress aperture, the wiping element receiving material from the channel, and the wiping element contacting an article entering or leaving the article ingress/egress aperture and applying material to the article. 
     In another aspect the invention provide a bovine germicidal teat dip applicator apparatus, comprising: 
     (a) a body having an interior cavity, a teat ingress/egress aperture, a teat dip input and a plurality of channels for conveying teat dip from the teat dip input to the teat ingress/egress aperture, wherein:
         (i) the body comprises an outer element and an inner element disposed within the outer element, and wherein the at least one channel is formed between the outer element and the inner element, and   (ii) a reservoir disposed between the inner and outer elements, the at least one channel extending from the reservoir to the teat ingress/egress aperture, the teat dip input being communicatively connected to the reservoir;       

     (b) a wiping element disposed near the teat ingress/egress aperture, the wiping element receiving material from the channels, and the wiping element contacting an teat entering or leaving the teat ingress/egress aperture and applying teat dip to the teat; and 
     (c) a cap communicatively connected to the body at the teat ingress/egress aperture, the cap comprising a teat dip distribution cavity surrounding the teat ingress/egress aperture, the channels being communicatively connected to the teat dip distribution cavity and the wiping device receiving teat dip from the teat dip distribution cavity. 
     The aspects, features, advantages, benefits and objects of the invention will become clear to those skilled in the art by reference to the following description, claims and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1A  is illustrates an embodiment of the germicidal teat dip applicator device of the present invention in use. 
         FIG. 1B  is a front, elevation view of the applicator device with the squeeze bottle member removed to show the draw tube. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the applicator device. 
         FIG. 3  is a crossectional view of the applicator device taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the applicator device, without the bottle member. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a main, outside cup member of the applicator device. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the outside cup member. 
         FIG. 7  is a end view of the outside cup member. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the outside cup member. 
         FIG. 9  is a crossectional view of the outside cup member taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the outside cup member. 
         FIG. 11  is a detailed view of the area designated— 11 —in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an inside cup member of the applicator device, which is particularly useful for applying medicament to the teat of a cow prior to milking (Pre). 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the inside cup member. 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the inside cup member. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of the inside cup member. 
         FIG. 16  is a crossectional view of the inside cup member taken along line  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a detailed view of the region designated— 17 —in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cap member of the applicator device. 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom view of the cap member. 
         FIG. 20  is an end view of the cap member. 
         FIG. 21  is an opposite end view of the cap member. 
         FIG. 22  is a crossectional view taken along line— 22 - 22  of  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 23  is a detailed view of the area designated— 23 —in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wiper member of the applicator device. 
         FIG. 25  is an alternative embodiment of the inside cup member of the applicator device, which is particularly useful for dosing after milking (Post). 
         FIG. 26  is a side view of the inside cup member. 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom view of the inside cup member. 
         FIG. 28  is a top view of the inside cup member. 
         FIG. 29  is a crossectional view of the inside cup member taken along line  29 - 29  of  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 30  is a detailed view of the region designated— 30 —in  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cap member of the applicator device for use with the inside cup member of  FIGS. 25-30 . 
         FIG. 32  is a bottom view of the cap member. 
         FIG. 33  is an end view of the cap member. 
         FIG. 34  is an opposite end view of the cap member. 
         FIG. 35  is a crossectional view taken along line— 35 - 35  of  FIG. 32 . 
         FIG. 36  is a detailed view of the area designated— 36 —in  FIG. 35 . 
         FIG. 37  is a further alternative embodiment of the inside cup member of the applicator device, having longitudinal fluid channels that extend further downwardly on the cup. 
         FIG. 38  is a side view of the inside cup member. 
         FIG. 39  is a bottom view of the inside cup member. 
         FIG. 40  is a top view of the inside cup member. 
         FIG. 41  is a crossectional view of the inside cup member taken along line  41 - 41  of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 42  is a detailed view of the region designated— 42 —in  FIG. 41 . 
         FIG. 43  is a front view of another embodiment of the applicator device of the present invention which is useable with a powered medicament supply and delivery system. 
         FIG. 44  is a top view of the applicator device of  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 45  is a front view of an embodiment of a cup member of the powered device. 
         FIG. 46  is a front view of an embodiment of a cap member of the powered device. 
         FIG. 47  is an end view of the cap member. 
         FIG. 48  is a top view of the cap member. 
         FIG. 49  is a top view of an embodiment of a handle member of the powered device. 
         FIG. 50  is a front view of the handle member. 
         FIG. 51  is an end view of the handle member. 
         FIG. 52  is an opposite end view of the handle member. 
         FIG. 53  a further end view of the handle member. 
         FIG. 54  is a front view of an embodiment of a supply conduit of the powered applicator device. 
         FIG. 55  is a front view of a gasket of the handle member. 
         FIG. 56  is a side view of the gasket. 
         FIG. 57  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the cup for use with the powered device. 
         FIG. 58  is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the cap for use with the powered device. 
         FIG. 59  is a top view of a gasket for use with the cap and cup of  FIGS. 57 and 58 . 
         FIG. 60  is a side view of the gasket. 
         FIGS. 61A  and B illustrate yet another embodiment of the applicator device and system for applying form-type medicament, particular form teat dip. 
         FIGS. 62A  and B illustrate delivery of foam teat dip via the applicator system. 
         FIG. 63  illustrates still another embodiment of the inner cap member the applicator device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of the bovine germicide application apparatus  10  of the present invention. The apparatus  10  generally comprises an applicator assembly  20  and a germicide source  21 , preferably in the form of a squeeze bottle. The apparatus  10  is shown engaging a teat  11  of an udder  12  of a cow. The apparatus  10  is hand holdable and actuatable. Germicide or another medicament or fluid is contained in the bottle  21 . The bottle is squeezed by hand by the user and, as is described in detail below, germicide flows upwardly into the applicator  20 . Germicide is applied to the teat  11  during engagement and in static state shown. As the apparatus  10  is removed, the entire teat  11  is further coated by germicide and simultaneously substantially all excess germicide is removed from the teat and re-captured by the apparatus  10 . The bottle  21  is preferably constructed of a polymeric material such as polyethylene (preferably clear or translucent) which is flexible. Bottles of differing degrees of flexibility may be provided to accommodate the user&#39;s hand size and strength, and other actuation factors. The bottle  21  preferably has a volume of approximately 250 ml. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 2-4 , the applicator assembly  20  comprises an upper, outer cup member  30 , inner cup member or catch cup  31 , a brush or wiper assembly  32 , a cap or ring member  33 , and a delivery tube  34 . The bottom end of the outer member  30  releasably connected, preferably by screw threaded connection  22 , to the top of the squeeze bottle  21 . The deliver or draw tube  34  is connected to (preferably via a friction fit) and extends from the bottom of the outer member  30 . It has a predetermined length which extends into the bottle  21  to a point near the interior bottom to maximize contact with fluid in the bottle  21 . The top end of the outer member  30  is open ended and receives the inner cup  31 . The wiping member  32  is placed on top of the inner cup  31 . And the cap  33  is place over the open top of the outer member  30 . 
     As is best shown in  FIG. 3 , in an operative state, the inner cup  31  is retained completely within the outer member  30 . Further, the lateral inside dimensions of the outer member  30  is substantially the same dimension as the lateral outside dimensions of the inner cup  31  such that they are laterally tightly, sealing fit together. The inner cup  31  has an open top and a teat cavity  35  of a predetermined dimension to receive and accommodate the teat  11 . The bottom end of the inner cup  31  rests above the bottom of the interior of the outer member  30  to thereby form a dip chamber or reservoir  36 . Compression of the squeeze bottle  21  causes fluid to travel up the draw tube and into the chamber  36 . From there, it travels up vertical fluid delivery channels formed by grooves  70  in the inner cup  31 . Fluid travels upwardly and substantially longitudinally to the cap  33  where it is distributed laterally inwardly and then over the wiping device  31 , also as described and shown further below. The wiping device  31  applies fluid to the teat  11  both during placement on the teat  11  (engagement) and during retraction (removal) from the teat  11 . Excess fluid wiped off of the teat  11  by the wiper  32  drops into the inner cavity  35  of the inner cup  31  where it may be applied to succeeding teats  11 . The inner and outer members  31  and  30  are preferably constructed of a clear or substantially clear material so that the user can visualize contact with the teat  11  and movement of fluid. Most preferably, the bottle  21  is also clear so that the user can monitor fluid supply level. 
     Referring also to  FIGS. 5-11 , the outer member  30  preferably has a handle  43 . The outer member  30  is preferably constructed of a polymeric material, preferably copolymer of polypropylene. It is also preferably constructed via a molding process. The outer member  30  is shown to have cylindrical lower portion  40 , a tapered middle portion  41  and a short conical upper portion  42 . These form open topped interior cavity  55  with lateral inside dimensions substantially equivalent to the outside lateral dimensions of the inner cup  31 . The upper portion  42  has an flat upper edge  56  that sealingly mates with the cap  33 . On the interior side of the member  30  the upper portion has a recess ring  57  that cooperates with the cap  33  to distribute fluid around the entirety of the upper end of the device  20 .  FIGS. 9 and 11  shows the bottom of the outer member  30  having a recess  50  with female threads  51  for engagement with the male threads  22  of the bottle  21 . Ring  52  aids in sealing the connection between the bottle  21  and the outer member  30 . Draw tube connector  53  with aperture  54  are disposed at the bottom and connect to draw tube  34 . 
       FIGS. 12-17  show the inner member  31 , which is also preferably constructed of a polymeric material, preferably copolymer of polypropylene. It is also preferably constructed via a molding process. The inner member  31  is shown to have cylindrical lower portion  60 , upper radiused throat  64 , a tapered upper portion  61 , lower radius edge  63 , and a generally flat bottom  62 . These form open topped interior cavity  35  with lateral outside dimensions substantially equivalent to the inside lateral dimensions of the outer cup  30 . The upper portion  61  has a short cylindrical area  65  terminating in a flat upper edge  66  that also sealingly mates with the cap  33 . As is best shown in  FIG. 17 , the interior side of the upper portion  61 / 65  has a fluid recess ring formed by inset edge  68  and the interior lateral wall above it extending to detent ring  69  that cooperates with the cap  33  to distribute fluid around the entirety of the upper end of the device  20 . When the outside of wall  65  abuts the inside of wall  42  of outer cup  30 , recess  57  forms fluid channel  96  shown in  FIG. 3 . Vertical, longitudinal grooves  70   a - f  in the outside wall extend from the bottom  62  to the top  65 . When the inner cup  31  is operatively disposed in the outer cup  30 , the grooves  70  define fluid channels extending from the dip reservoir  36  to the fluid recess ring (formed at  68 / 69 ). The grooves shown have dimensions for metering germicide fluid (for example an iodine based composition) for treatment of teats prior to milking, also known as pre-treatment. Since the cavity  35  is closed with respect to the channels  70 , teat dip enters the cavity by excess dip being wiped from the teat  11  by the brushes  33  upon retraction of the device  10 . Alternatively, referring to  FIG. 63 , one or more apertures  71  may be deployed in each groove/channel  70  to permit some fluid being pumped upwardly to enter the cavity  35  directly. Fluid in the cavity  35  is then used to further coat the teat  11 . The placement of the aperture  71  may be varied vertically to control the amount or level of the liquid in the cavity  35 . For example, a higher aperture  71  along the length of the channel  70  permits a higher level of liquid in the cavity  35  and a lower placement will lower the level. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 24 , the brush or wiper assembly  32  is disposed on the top of the inner member  31 . The brush assembly  32  preferably has an outer ring  80  and a plurality or array of flexible bristles  81  which extend radially inwardly from the outer ring  80 . The bristles  81  terminate inwardly to form a central teat receiving aperture  82 . The ring  80  may be constructed of metal, such as stainless steel. The ring  80  may be split or continuous. The ring  80  is operatively placed on edge  68  of inner cup  31 . Example wiper assemblies  32  are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,165,510 and 7,387,086, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The bristles  81  receive fluid at their outer circumference and top, outward end, pumped from reservoir bottle  21  and convey it inwardly to be applied to passing teat  11  skin. 
     The cap or ring member  33  is shown in further detail in  FIGS. 18-23 . The cap is also preferably constructed of polypropylene. Cap  33  is disposed over the assembly of outer cup, inner cup and wiping member  30 / 31 / 32  and holds them together and in place. Cap  33  has a circular configuration with a bottom end  91  for connection to the remaining elements of the assembly  20  and a top end  90  for engagement with a teat  11 . The cap  16  has a circular, vertical outer wall  92  and inwardly extending flat, horizontal wall  96 . Wall  96  has a central aperture  97 . As is best shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the interior surface  94  of wall  92  extends vertically to horizontal wall  96 . Wall  96  has a flat ring surface area  96  which sealingly mates with edges  56  and  66  of outer and inner cups  30  and  31  respectively as shown in  FIG. 3 . Inwardly extending detent ring  95  creates a circumferential fluid distribution channel for fluid pumped upwardly in channels  70 . Radially, inwardly oriented grooves  100   a - l  in wall  96  form fluid delivery veins which direct fluid inwardly therefrom over the top surface of wiper  32 . The veins  100  shown have dimensions to cooperate with the channels  70  of inner cup  31  for pre-treatment. 
     Handle or tab  98  extends from the bottom of the side wall  92  to aid in connection and disconnection from the assembly  20 . Notch  99  is shown disposed in side wall  92  and is aligned to permit connection of handle  43  of outer member  30 . 
     In summary, in use, the teat of a cow is inserted through the brushes  32 . The outer member  30  holds the channeled inner insert cup  31  which in turn channels teat disinfectant longitudinally to the brushes  32  by way of an annular reservoir contained within the periphery of the snap on top  33 . The body  20  of the apparatus  10  is in turn connected to the squeezable bottle  21 . When the bottle  21  is squeezed, it delivers fluid disinfectant through the tube  34  into the space  36  at the bottom of the assembly  20  between the inner and outer members  30  an  31 , then through the longitudinal channels  70 , then into the top circumferential channel, and then to the radial veins  100 , and finally onto the application brushes  32 . 
       FIGS. 25-30  show an alternative embodiment of the inner cup  105 . The cup  105  has a substantially similar construction, arrangement and dimensions to those of inner cup  31  described above except that longitudinal/vertical grooves  106   a - f  have larger dimensions for metering more germicide/conditioner fluid for treatment of teats after milking, also known as post-treatment. 
       FIGS. 31-36  show an alternative embodiment of the cap  110 . The cap  110  has a substantially similar construction, arrangement and dimensions to those of cap  33  described above except that radial veins  111   a - l  have dimensions (larger) to cooperate with the channels  106  of inner cup  105  for post-treatment. 
       FIGS. 37-42  show an alternative embodiment of the inner cup  115 . The cup  115  has a substantially similar construction, arrangement and dimensions to those of inner cups  31  and  105  described above except that longitudinal/vertical grooves  116   a - f  extend all of the way to the bottom of the cup. 
     With respect to fluid supply, the squeeze bottle  21  may be replaced by other fluid sources and delivery systems including a hand held lever actuated valve that is connected to a hose by a pressurized pump.  FIGS. 44-55  show a powered pumping system  120  for use with standard wiping assemblies and inner cups described above, including an outer cup or body  125 , a cap  130 , a handle assembly  140 , and a delivery conduit assembly  135 .  FIGS. 57-60  show alternative embodiments of the outer cup  145 , cap  150  and washer  155  for powered fluid delivery. 
     The teachings of this invention for liquid teat dips and other liquid compositions are also applicable to foam germicides and compositions.  FIGS. 61 and 62  show a system for foam application including outer cups, inner cups, wiping device disclosed above, and further including a foam pump, regulator and mixing valve. Foam oozes on top of the brushes. 
     The advantages of the invention include, but are not limited to:
         1) The apparatus provides substantially 100% teat dip coverage on the skin of the teat.   2) The operator never carries a catch cup full of dip which is easily spilled. The apparatus can be turned upside down and never spill more than a few drops of fluid.   3) By applying teat dip to the topside of the wiper it makes the apparatus a minimum of 50% more economical in teat dip usage than the known devices.   4) Its unique design allows the operator to see through the transparent upper, outer chamber and inner catch cup so that he can see that a minimal amount of teat dip is being collected in the catch cup. This is vital information to the saving of teat dip.   5) Because of its unique design, if the operator excessively squeezes the bottle and applies an excess of dip to the top of the wiper, as soon as the pressure is released from the bottle, the excess dip is retrieved back into the upper chamber by the negative pressure created in the bottle.   6) The outer ridge of the exterior on the cap is elevated so that any excess dip is retained on the brush and not spilled.   7) The catch cup is uniquely designed to catch excess drips and excess application to the top of the wiper. That dip can be used to rehydrate the wiper by laying the dip cup horizontally in your hand and rotating. Therefore, dip is never wasted.   8) Each bottle of fluid will treat approximately 150 cows.   9) The transparent upper chambers give vital information to managing savings. Teat dip originates from the top of the brush and paints the dip on the teats, which is new and unique.       

     Although the apparatus  10  is described with respect to delivery of a germicide, it is within the purview of the invention that it can deliver other fluids. 
     The embodiments above are chosen, described and illustrated so that persons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention and the manner and process of making and using it. The descriptions and the accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and not the exhaustive or limited sense. The invention is not intended to be limited to the exact forms disclosed. While the application attempts to disclose all of the embodiments of the invention that are reasonably foreseeable, there may be unforeseeable insubstantial modifications that remain as equivalents. It should be understood by persons skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments than those disclosed which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where a claim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function it is intended that such claim be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof, including both structural equivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents and equivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts.