Patent Description:
Typically, the teat cup has a flexible inner liner and an inflexible outer shell. The teat cup operates to create a milking action by alternately reducing and increasing the pressure between the liner and the shell, i.e., outside the liner, while a constant reduced pressure is maintained between the liner and the teat, i.e., inside the liner. This formed alternating pressure within the teat cup, in essence, "messages" the animal's teat and enhances the flow of milk. The alternating pressure between the liner and the shell is generally adjusted by a vacuum producing source.

When the system is operated, e.g., prior to the attachment of the teat cups to the teats, or when a teat cup becomes loose and disengages from the teat, the constant reduced pressure between the liner and the teat may cause air and contaminations to be sucked into the system, thereby causing turbulation and contaminating the milk. Accordingly, a valve is typically placed along the milk line between each teat cup and the manifold, ensuring that if there is a pressure drop in a specific teat cup, e.g., in view of poor attachment to the teat, or prior to full attachment, that specific teat cup will essentially be disconnected from the system, such that air and contaminations will not enter the manifold or the milk.

Such valves may be manual or automatic, wherein automatic valves are generally known to be advantageous, since the automatic reaction time is shorter and since they do not require an operator to be onsite, operating each and every necessary valve. On the other hand, automatic valves, which are electronic, have various disadvantages, such as malfunctions when the teat cups are not vertical to the milking platform, as well as requirements for electronic activators or controllers in order to operate the valve, and delicate electronic elements, that may malfunction. In addition, and the requirement of the system to have a valve for each teat cup causes the manifold to be both costly and cumbersome. Further, generally manifold valves operate at a specific predefined pressure that cannot be changed.

<CIT> discloses an automatic shut-off valve for a milk claw of a milking machine that has the function of blocking the milk claw from the vacuum line as soon as the pressure in the milk claw becomes the same as the pressure of the atmosphere, e.g. when a teat cup drops.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a mechanical manifold valve that will operate automatically, will not require an activator or controller, will not be dependent on electronic elements, and that may be changed to operate at various predefined pressures, according to the system requirements.

The invention discloses an automatic mechanical manifold valve according to claim <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the first group of teat cups comprises one teat cup. According to some embodiments, the second group of teat cups comprises one teat cup.

According to some embodiments, the second group of teat cups is coupled to the main milk line indirectly, via the automatic mechanical manifold valve. According to some embodiments, the first group of teat cups is coupled to the main milk line directly, not via the automatic mechanical manifold valve.

According to some embodiments, the automatic mechanical manifold valve comprises:.

and wherein in the closed configuration the covering element covers a passage to the main milk line and wherein in the opened configuration the covering element at least partially does not cover the passage to the main milk line.

According to some embodiments, pin and the covering element are combined in a single pin-covering element.

According to some embodiments, the tension of the spring is adjustable. According to some embodiments, the spring is a variable stiffness spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, or a reset spring.

According to some embodiments, a vacuum in the vacuum chamber exerts a force on the diaphragm, and wherein the spring exerts a counterforce on the pin, which, in turn exerts the counterforce on the diaphragm, such that a balance between the force and the counterforce determines the position of the pin, which in turn determines the position of the covering element in respect to the passage to the main milk line.

According to some embodiments, the covering element is a ball-shaped element, a sphere-shaped element, block-shaped element, or a shutter. According to some embodiments, the covering element is a ball-shaped element.

According to some embodiments, the predefined pressure value is variable. According to some embodiments, the predefined pressure value is varied mechanically. According to some embodiments, the predefined pressure value is varied electronically.

An embodiment of the invention discloses a teat cup assembly according to claim <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the automatic mechanical manifold valve is in the closed configuration when the pressure is above a predefined pressure value; and in the opened configuration when the pressure is below a predefined pressure value.

According to some embodiments, the pin and the covering element are combined in a single pin-covering element.

The invention discloses also a method according to claim <NUM> for controlling milk flow from a second group of teat cups to a main milk line.

According to some embodiments, a vacuum in the vacuum chamber exerts a force on the diaphragm, and wherein the spring exerts a counterforce on the pin, which, in turn exerts the counterforce on the diaphragm, such that a balance between the force and the counterforce determines the movement and final position of the pin, which in turn determines the position of the covering element in respect to the passage to the main milk line.

The subject matter regarded as the invention is defined in the appended claims. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding, analogous or similar elements, and in which:.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn accurately or to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity, or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element.

It is noted that throughout this document, the term "about" is intended to cover ±<NUM>% of the disclosed value. It is further noted that throughout this document, the terms computer system and central computer system are interchangeable and refer to any computerized system that may receive data, store data, perform calculations, and the like. For instance, the computer system, or the centralized computer system, may be a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, a PC, a dedicated computerized system in the milk farm, a remote dedicated computerized system or the like. Further, even where one computer system is mentioned, this is meant to additionally refer to several computerized systems connected to one another, such that, e.g., alerts may be sent to one system, e.g., a user's smartphone, while calculation are performed on a second system, e.g., a dedicated computerized system in the milk farm or remote thereto.

Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the terms "plurality" and "a plurality" as used herein may include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more". The terms "plurality" or "a plurality" may be used throughout the specification to describe two or more components, devices, elements, units, parameters, or the like. Although embodiments of the invention are not limited in this regard, the term "set" when used herein may include one or more items.

It is noted that throughout this document, unless specifically mentioned otherwise, the terms "teat cups", "milking cups" and the like, are interchangeable. It is noted that throughout, term such as "vertical upright holder", "vertical upright teat cup holder", "upright holder", and the like, are interchangeable unless specifically mentioned otherwise or unless a person skilled in the art would understand that any one of those terms has a different and/or broader definition than the other. In this respect it is noted that the vertical upright teat cup holders are defined herein to hold teat cups that are directly connected to the main milk-line; however, other than being connected to the main milk-line, the teat cups held in the vertical upright teat cup holder are not connected to any robotic arm or the like. It is noted that the teat cups may be held/gripped by a robotic arm of the mobile unit; however, they are not connected thereto.

It is noted that the "system" referred to herein may also be referred to as a "milking system", a "teat cup assembly" and any other appropriate term.

In addition, it is noted that, unless specifically mentioned otherwise, or unless would have been understood otherwise by a person skilled in the art, the term "mechanical manifold valve" is interchangeable with "mechanical milking valve", "mechanical milking manifold valve", "automatic manifold valve", "automatic mechanical manifold valve", "automatic mechanical manifold milking valve", "robotic manifold valve", or simply "manifold valve", "valve", and the like.

It is further emphasized that the term "main milk line", as used herein, refers to the milk line leading from various points in the milking parlor to the milking parlor's milk tank, referred to also as the main milk tank. Any portion of the "main milk line" may be referred to herein as the "milk line", "tube", "milk tube", or the like, wherein this may be even a short section of the main milk line, leading, e.g., from each teat cup to the milking manifold.

Although dairy livestock (and in particular, cows) are mainly discussed herein, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be applicable to any type of livestock (e.g., goats, sheep, horses etc.). Particularly, even when cows are specifically related to, the embodiments are intended to cover any other type of livestock as well.

It is further noted that while generally the manifold valve referred to herein are in the context of robotic milking manifold valves, the same valves may be used in any appropriate system, e.g., air systems or sequence systems. Further, while robotic milking systems are mainly referred to herein, the manifold valves of the invention could be used in any appropriate milking system.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to an automatic mechanical manifold valve connected to a plurality of teat cups, wherein the automatic mechanical manifold valve has an opened configuration and a closed configuration and is automatically operated, i.e., changed from the opened configuration to the closed configuration, and vice versa, according to the pressure in at least one of the teat cups in the plurality of teat cups, such that when the pressure in the at least one teat cup is above a predefined value, the manifold valve is automatically moved to the closed configuration, thereby disconnecting the remaining teat cups from the main milk line. It is noted that throughout this document, unless specifically mentioned or understood otherwise, a pressure above a predefined value is equivalent to a vacuum level lower than that predefined value, and vice versa.

The manifold valve of the invention has an opened and closed configuration and is connected to a plurality of teat cups, wherein the plurality of teat cups includes a first group of teat cups and a second group of teat cups, and wherein each one of the first group of teat cups and the second group of teat cups includes at least one teat cup. Further, the pressure in the first group of teat cups causes the manifold valve to change from the opened configuration to the closed configuration, and vice versa, wherein a pressure in the first group of teat cups that is above a predefined value causes the manifold valve to be set at the closed configuration, while a pressure in the first group of teat cups that is below a predefined value, causes the manifold valve to be set at the opened configuration. When the manifold valve is closed, the second group of teat cups is essentially disconnected from the main milk line, such that practically no matter, including milk, air, contaminations, or the like, passes from the second group of teat cups into the main milk line, via the milking manifold. In contrast, when the manifold valve is opened, the second group of teat cups is connected to the main milk line, such that milk may flow from the second group of teat cups, via the milking manifold, to the main milk line. Thus, essentially, the pressure in the first group of teat cups controls the flow in the second group of teat cups. In this respect it is noted that the flow in the first group of teat cups may be controlled, e.g., by coupling those teat cups to any appropriate type of sensor. Such a sensor may, e.g., detect a pressure increase in the first group of teat cups, causing, e.g., a shutter to close, causing a vacuum valve to close, notifying a human operator or any type of system, and the like, such that flow is essentially stopped, automatically or by human intervention, in the first group of teat cups, such that practically no matter, including milk, air, contaminations, or the like, passes from the first group of teat cups into the main milk line, via the milking manifold. It is noted that once the flow in the first group of teat cups is stopped, the pressure may be raised to above the predefined value, as detailed above, thereby changing the manifold valve to the closed configuration and stopping the flow in the second group of teat cups as well.

According to some embodiments, the first group of teat cup comprises only one teat cup, referred to herein as a first teat cup, and the second group of teat cups comprises only one teat cup, referred to herein as a second teat cup. According to such an embodiment, the automatic mechanical manifold valve is coupled to a first teat cup and a second teat cup, wherein both the first teat cup and the second teat cup are coupled to the main milk line and to a vacuum system creating low pressure in each of the first teat cup and the second teat cup. Further, before the vacuum builds up, i.e., when the pressure in the first teat cup is above a predefined value, the valve is automatically set to the closed configuration, thereby essentially disconnecting the second teat cup from the main milk line, that is, not allowing the flow of matter from the second teat cup into the main milk line. In contrast, when the pressure in the first teat cup is below the predefined value, i.e., vacuum has built up, the valve is automatically set to the opened configuration, thereby allowing flow of milk from the second teat cup into the main milk line.

It is noted that the operation of the valve, i.e., moving between the closed and opened configurations, is, according to some embodiments, a mechanical type of operation, not electronic or the like, wherein the pressure in the first group of teat cups, or the first teat cup, operates the valve, and wherein the operation of the valve essentially controls the flow in the second group of teat cups of second teat cup, such that when the valve is closed matter essentially cannot flow from the second group of teat cups (or the second teat cup) to the main milk line, and when the valve is opened matter can flow from the second group of teat cups (or the second teat cup) to the main milk line. Thus, the automatic manifold valve of the invention is such that its mechanical operation is determined according to the pressure in a first, or a first group of, teat cups, and controls the flow in a second, or second group of, teat cup. Therefore, in a system in which the valve of the invention is used, the pressure in a first, or first group of, teat cups essentially determined the flow in a second, or second group of, teat cups.

The value of pressure in the first, or first group of, teat cups that determines whether the valve is in the closed configuration or in the opened configuration is referred to herein as the "predefined pressure", "predefined pressure value", "predefined value", "predefined operation pressure", "predefined valve operating pressure", "operating pressure", and the like. According to some embodiments, the predefined operation pressure is constant. According to other embodiments, the predefined operation pressure is variable. According to some embodiments, the variance in the predefined operation pressure is achieved mechanically. According to some embodiments, the variance in the predefined operation pressure is achieved electronically. According to some embodiments, a human operator may set the predefined operation pressure, according to, e.g., the needs or setup of the system. According to other embodiments, a sensor may be coupled to the valve, such that data received, e.g., pressure values, causes a variation in the predefined operation pressure.

Variation in the predefined operation pressure may be performed prior to the setup of the system and/or at any time point during the operation of the system, e.g., according to values received from a sensor, according to needs detected by human operators, and the like.

Reference is now made to <FIG> presenting a side view of system <NUM> including two milk tubes <NUM> and <NUM> each coupled on one end to a teat cup (not shown) and on the other end, via manifold valved <NUM> and milk tube <NUM> to the main milk line (not shown). Although not shown it should be understood that each one of milk tubes <NUM> and <NUM> is connected to a teat cup, such that when an animal is milked, milk from each of those teat cups flows via tubes <NUM> and <NUM> to the main milk line via manifold valve <NUM> and milk tube <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross section of system <NUM> presented in <FIG>, showing the direction of the flow of matter, e.g., milk (see arrows), from milk tube <NUM> via chamber <NUM>, which is, at least partially, essentially the inside of tube <NUM>, and from there to the main milk line (not shown). Further, as shown, milk flows from milk tube <NUM> via chamber <NUM>, which, as detailed herein, according to some embodiments, includes mechanical elements of manifold valve <NUM> (not shown), to chamber <NUM>, and from there to the main milk line (not shown). As will be shown herein, the pressure in chamber <NUM> activates manifold valve <NUM> (not shown), moving it from the closed configuration to the opened configuration, and vice versa. When manifold valve <NUM> is in the closed configuration passage <NUM> is blocked such that matter essentially cannot flow from chamber <NUM> to chamber <NUM>, causing tube <NUM> to be essentially disconnected from the system. Thus, when manifold valve <NUM> is in the closed configuration, matter is essentially blocked from flowing from tube <NUM> to chamber <NUM> and from there to tube <NUM> and the main milk line. In contrast, when manifold valve <NUM> is in the opened configuration, matter may flow from chamber <NUM> to chamber <NUM> and from there to the main milk line (not shown).

Reference is now made to <FIG>, which are cross-sectional views of system <NUM> as if looking directly down tubes <NUM> and <NUM> (not shown), i.e., a view that is turned about <NUM> degrees in comparison to the views presented in <FIG>.

<FIG> presents an embodiment of the closed configuration of manifold valve <NUM>. In this closed configuration, as presented in <FIG>, ball <NUM> blocks opening <NUM>, thereby essentially cutting off the passage of matter, e.g., flow of milk, from chamber <NUM> to chamber <NUM>. As presented in <FIG>, system <NUM> further includes chamber <NUM>, coupled to chamber <NUM> via tube, chamber, passage, or opening <NUM>. In addition, other than ball <NUM>, manifold valve <NUM> includes pin or piston <NUM>, coupled to diaphragm <NUM> and to spring <NUM>. As known to those familiar in the art, milking systems operate using vacuum pressure, thereby allowing the milking operation. The vacuum pressure in various parts of the system may vary over time, e.g., when the teat cup (not shown) connected to tube <NUM> (not shown) is attached to the teat of the animal, vacuum builds up in chamber <NUM>. Although not detailed herein and not shown in the figures, as known to those familiar in the art, milking systems are operated using vacuum pressure, such that the system herein includes any necessary vacuum inlets/outlets and any other elements necessary for creating the necessary vacuum.

As long as the pressure in chamber <NUM> remains above a predefined value, i.e., vacuum has not yet build up, manifold valve <NUM> remains in the closed configuration. As the vacuum rises in chamber <NUM>, it rises in passage <NUM> and chamber <NUM> as well, since chambers <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to one another via passage <NUM> such that air may flow between chambers <NUM> and <NUM>. When vacuum rises, i.e., when pressure drops, in chamber <NUM>, diaphragm <NUM> is pulled towards chamber <NUM>, thereby moving pin <NUM> towards ball <NUM>. Spring <NUM> is coupled to pin <NUM> such that the movement of pin <NUM> towards ball <NUM> exerts a force on spring <NUM>, causing spring <NUM> to be compressed. As shown in <FIG>, when the vacuum in chamber <NUM> rises to above a certain value, such that the pressure in chamber <NUM> is below a predefined pressure, diaphragm <NUM> is pulled towards chamber <NUM>, thereby moving pin <NUM> towards ball <NUM> in a sufficient manner to move ball <NUM> from opening <NUM>, allowing matter to flow from tube <NUM> (not shown) to chamber <NUM>, through opening <NUM> to chamber <NUM> and from there on into the main milk line (not shown).

After manifold valve <NUM> is opened, as shown in <FIG>, if pressure rises again in chamber <NUM>, e.g., due to disconnection of the teat cup connected to tube <NUM> (not shown) from the teat, the pressure will be raised in passage <NUM> and chamber <NUM> as well. This rise of pressure will cause the force exerted by the vacuum on diaphragm <NUM> to be decreased, such that spring <NUM> is extended and relaxed, thereby moving pin <NUM> away from ball <NUM> and causing diaphragm <NUM> to be pulled away from chamber <NUM>. Once the pressure rises above a predefined pressure, the movement of pin <NUM> away from ball <NUM> is sufficient for ball <NUM> to block opening <NUM>, thereby returning manifold valve <NUM> to its closed configuration, as shown in <FIG>.

It is noted that once pin <NUM> is sufficiently pulled away from the direction of ball <NUM>, such that ball <NUM> may block opening <NUM>, the movement of ball <NUM> to block opening <NUM>, may be according to any appropriate means. For instance, ball <NUM> may be coupled to pin <NUM>, such that when pin <NUM> moves in one direction, e.g., to the left, ball <NUM> moves to the left as well, and vice versa, when pin <NUM> moves to the right, ball <NUM> moves to the right as well. According to other embodiments, the lower surface of chamber <NUM> is designed such that ball <NUM> naturally sits upon opening <NUM>, essentially blocking that opening. For instance, the bottom of chamber <NUM> may be tapered such that is declines towards opening <NUM>, allowing ball <NUM> to roll onto opening <NUM>, unless force is exerted on ball <NUM>, moving it away from opening <NUM>. According to this embodiment, pin <NUM> may exert force of ball <NUM>, moving it from opening <NUM>, when diaphragm <NUM> is sufficiently pulled into chamber <NUM> in view of the pressure in chamber <NUM> dropping below a predefined pressure, as detailed herein.

According to some embodiments, spring <NUM> is set with a certain preload tension that essentially calibrates the system, essentially determining the predefined operating pressure that causes the valve to be set to the opened or closed configuration. As further detailed hereinbelow, a spring lock, or the like, may be coupled to spring <NUM>, thereby changing the preload tension of spring <NUM>. The tension of spring <NUM> essentially determines the predefined pressure value, above which manifold valve <NUM> is closed and below which manifold valve <NUM> is opened. Particularly, since pin <NUM> is couped both to diaphragm <NUM> and to spring <NUM>, the forces exerted on diaphragm <NUM> and by spring <NUM>, determine the position of pin <NUM>. Thus, if the force from the low vacuum pressure in chamber <NUM>, which is exerted on diaphragm <NUM> (and from diaphragm <NUM> on pin <NUM>) is higher than the counterforce exerted on pin <NUM> by spring <NUM>, valve <NUM> is opened, and vice versa, if the force from the vacuum in chamber <NUM> exerted on diaphragm <NUM> (and from diaphragm <NUM> on pin <NUM>) is lower than the counterforce exerted on pin <NUM> by spring <NUM>, valve <NUM> is closed. Therefore, the predefined valve operating pressure is defined according to the balance between the force of the spring and the force of the vacuum. The shape and material from which the diaphragm is prepared may also influence the balance of forces and may also, at least partially, define the predefined valve operating pressure.

The type of spring used for spring <NUM>, as well as any permanent pressure exerted thereon, e.g., installment such that spring <NUM> is partially compressed, may determine the predefined pressure value controlling valve <NUM>. According to some embodiments, the tension of spring <NUM> may be changed, e.g., by a human operator, an electronic control, and the like, thereby changing the predefined pressure value controlling valve <NUM>. According to such embodiments, valve <NUM> may be set to be operated at different pressures, according to system requirements and the like. According to some embodiments, spring <NUM> is coupled to a spring lock (not shown), wherein the spring lock may be set to different positioned along the length of spring <NUM>, thereby determining the tension of spring <NUM>, and in turn determining the predefined pressure operating valve <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the manifold valve does not include a spring; rather, the diaphragm itself is designed such that the properties of the diaphragm determine the predefined pressure operating valve <NUM>. The material from which the diaphragm is prepared, as well as the shape, size, and thickness thereof, may, at least partially, determine the predefined operating pressure of valve <NUM>. Further, the properties, e.g., diameter, or passage <NUM> may also, at least partially, determine the predefined operating pressure of valve <NUM>.

It is noted that the use of different types of springs and diaphragms may also influence the predefined operating pressure. It is further noted that while <FIG> refer to a system comprising ball <NUM>, any other appropriate element may replace ball <NUM>, as long as that element may be moved by pin <NUM> to open valve <NUM> and be moved back to cover opening <NUM>, thereby closing valve <NUM>. For instance, pin <NUM> may be coupled to a covering element, such as a block, sphere, or any other shaped object that may cover opening <NUM> and be removed therefrom in view of the movement of pin <NUM>, thereby operating valve <NUM>, as detailed herein. Further, pin <NUM> may be coupled to any type of shutter or cover that may cover opening <NUM> and be removed therefrom in view of the movement of pin <NUM>, thereby operating valve <NUM>. Further examples could have a single element replacing pin <NUM> and ball <NUM>, wherein that element would be moved, similarly to pin <NUM>, by the movement of diaphragm <NUM> and spring <NUM>, and would further include a covering element portion, such that the movement of the single element could cover/uncover opening <NUM>, thereby operating valve <NUM>.

According to some embodiments, the manifold valve comprises a pin coupled both to a diaphragm and to a spring, and wherein the diaphragm is further coupled to a vacuum chamber. According to some embodiments, a force is exerted on the diaphragm by the vacuum in the vacuum chamber, while a counterforce is exerted on the pin by the spring. Since the pin is coupled to the diaphragm, the counterforce is, in turn, exerted by the pin, on the diaphragm. Thus, in essence, the force of the vacuum is exerted on the diaphragm in one direction, while the counterforce of the spring is, indirectly (via the pin), exerted on the diaphragm in the opposite direction. Generally, the force and the counterforce are exerted on the diaphragm essentially along (at least about) the same axis, though in (at least about) opposite directions. The pin, which is coupled to the diaphragm is movable along that axis, wherein the direction of movement, and the point at which the pin may be positioned, is determined by the balance between the force and the counterforce. This embodiment is clarified in <FIG> presenting a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention. As shown in <FIG>, manifold valve <NUM> comprises pin <NUM> that is coupled both to diaphragm <NUM> and to spring <NUM>. Diaphragm <NUM> is further coupled to vacuum chamber <NUM>.

For sake of simplicity vacuum chamber <NUM> is referred to as a single chamber; however, as presented, e.g., in <FIG>, the vacuum chamber <NUM> may be comprised of several regions, e.g., chamber <NUM>, chamber <NUM> and passage <NUM>. It is noted in this respect that <FIG> present a particular embodiment of vacuum chamber <NUM>, which may be designed in any other appropriate manner as well.

The vacuum in vacuum chamber <NUM> exerts force on diaphragm <NUM>, which, since coupled to pin <NUM>, in turn exerts force <NUM> on pin <NUM>. Further, spring <NUM> exerts counterforce <NUM> on pin <NUM>. The balance between force <NUM> and counterforce <NUM> determines the position of pin <NUM> at any given moment. If there are no force changes, once equilibrium is reached, pin <NUM> will assume a specific position and remain there in view of the balance between force <NUM> and counterforce <NUM>. Any change in the force or counterforce, e.g., change in pressure in vacuum chamber <NUM>, will change the balance between force <NUM> and counterforce <NUM> and accordingly, the position of pin <NUM> will change as well. For instance, if air enters vacuum chamber <NUM>, raising the pressure, <NUM> force, exerted by the vacuum, will be reduced, causing pin <NUM> to move in the direction of counterforce <NUM>. When vacuum is resumed in vacuum chamber <NUM>, force <NUM> will be increased, causing pin <NUM> to move in the direction of force <NUM>. Changes in spring <NUM>, e.g., by externally compressing or extending spring <NUM>, or assembling manifold valve <NUM> with a spring of different force, cause a change in counterforce <NUM>. Spring <NUM> may be a variable stiffness spring, e.g., wherein the resistance of the spring to load (forces exerted on the spring) may be dynamically varied, e.g., by a control system, the turn of an element coupled to the spring, such as a screw or spring lock, and the like. According to some embodiments, spring <NUM> may be a compression spring, an extension spring, a reset spring, or any appropriate spring known in the art.

Since pin <NUM> is coupled to any appropriate type of covering element (or is replaced by a single element comprising a pin portion and a covering portion), e.g., ball <NUM>, the movement of pin <NUM>, along the axis of force <NUM> and counterforce <NUM>, determines whether manifold valve <NUM> is in the closed or opened position, as detailed herein.

Reference is now made to <FIG> showing an approximately <NUM> degree view of system <NUM>, in respect to the systems presented in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, including manifold valve <NUM>, wherein <FIG> presents the outside view of the system, and <FIG> presents a partial cross sectional view. It is noted that <FIG> are approximately <NUM> degrees view in respect to <FIG> and <FIG>, and <FIG> are a view that is about <NUM> degrees from each of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> (counterclockwise from <FIG>, and clockwise from <FIG> and <FIG>).

<FIG> presents a view of system <NUM>, including manifold valve <NUM>, milk tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, through which milk enters system <NUM> from two separate teat cups (not shown), as well as tube <NUM>, through which milk flows from milk tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, via manifold valve <NUM>, to the main milk line (not shown). The cross-sectional view of <FIG> clearly shows milk tube <NUM>, leading to chamber <NUM>, from where milk flows via tube <NUM> (chamber <NUM>) to the main milk line (not shown). Further, milk tube <NUM> leads to chamber <NUM>. In order for milk to flow from chamber <NUM> view tube <NUM> (chamber <NUM>) to the main milk line, ball <NUM> must be "pushed aside" by piston <NUM>, thereby leaving opening <NUM> opened and clear for milk flow (this is the opened configuration of valve <NUM>). If the pressure rises in chamber <NUM>, this may indicate that air (and contaminations) are entering the system, and therefore, it should be "cut off" from the main milk line. Thus, as detailed herein, when the pressure in chamber <NUM> rises above a certain predefined value, pin <NUM> is moved in the direction of spring <NUM>, allowing ball <NUM> to drop and cover opening <NUM>, thereby essentially blocking the flow of matter from tube <NUM>, via chamber <NUM>, to the main milk line. It is noted that a shutter, or the like, may be installed, e.g., in tube <NUM> or in chamber <NUM>, in order to block the entrance of milk from tube <NUM> to the main milk line via tube <NUM> (chamber <NUM>). Such a shutter (or any other appropriate element) may be operated by any means, such as sensors, and the like.

It is noted that while the embodiments depicted in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> show the pressure in one chamber (<NUM>) operating valve <NUM>, such that flow is stopped from one tube (<NUM>) into the system, further embodiments may be contemplated. For instance, any number of tubes connected to system <NUM> above tube <NUM> may also be activated by the operation of valve <NUM>.

<FIG> are similar in the perspective they present to <FIG>, respectively; however, the embodiment of system <NUM> presented in <FIG> includes two teat cups in the second group of teat cups and one teat cup in the first group of teat cups. While the teat cups themselves are not shown in <FIG>, the tubes leading from those teat cups to manifold valve <NUM> are presented. Namely, milk tube <NUM>, belonging to the first group of teat cups, leads from a teat cup (not shown) to chamber <NUM>, from where milk flows via tube <NUM> (chamber <NUM>) to the main milk line (not shown). Further, milk tube <NUM> and milk tube <NUM>, both belonging to the second group of teat cups, lead, each from one teat cup (not shown) to chamber <NUM>. It is noted in this respect that while <FIG> presents both milk tubes <NUM> and <NUM> are leading milk to a single chamber, namely chamber <NUM>, it is possible that each one of milk tubes <NUM> and <NUM> lead to a separate chamber, such that the flow from each of those separate chambers to the main milk line is controlled by manifold valve <NUM> or by any other appropriate manifold valve embodiment that is closed and opened according to the pressure in the first group of teat cups, as detailed herein.

Similarly to the embodiment presented in <FIG>, in order for milk to flow from chamber <NUM> view tube <NUM> (chamber <NUM>) to the main milk line, ball <NUM> must be "pushed aside" by piston <NUM>, thereby leaving opening <NUM> opened and clear for milk flow (this is the opened configuration of valve <NUM>). If the pressure rises in chamber <NUM>, this may indicate that air (and contaminations) are entering the system, and therefore, it should be "cut off" from the main milk line. Thus, as detailed herein, when the pressure in chamber <NUM> rises above a certain predefined value, pin <NUM> is moved in the direction of spring <NUM>, allowing ball <NUM> to drop and cover opening <NUM>, thereby essentially blocking the flow of matter from tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, via chamber <NUM>, to the main milk line.

Since milk from both milk tube <NUM> and milk tube <NUM> flows into chamber <NUM>, the pressure in chamber <NUM> essentially controls the flow from both milk tubes <NUM> and <NUM> via chamber <NUM>, and from there to chamber <NUM> and the main milk line.

Further, it is noted that the pressure in chamber <NUM> is mainly dependent on the pressure in the first group of teat cups (in the presented embodiments - the teat cup (not shown) connected to milk tube <NUM>), such that essentially, the pressure in the first group of teat cups, e.g., the teat cup connected to milk tube <NUM>, controls the flow from the second group of teat cups, namely the teat cups connected to milk tube <NUM> and milk tube <NUM>. Therefore, if, for instance, the teat cup connected to milk tube <NUM> is not yet connected to, or becomes even partially disconnected from the animal's teat, the pressure in chamber <NUM> may be above the predefined value, causing manifold valve <NUM> to be in the closed configuration and not allowing milk to flow from tubes <NUM> and/or <NUM> into the main milk line.

While not presented in the Figures, the first group of teat cups may also include two or more teat cups, such that more than one tube (<NUM>) will lead to chamber <NUM>, e.g., new tube <NUM>, not presented. In such an embodiment, the pressure in both, or either one of, the tubes leading to chamber <NUM>, e.g., tube <NUM> and tube <NUM> (not presented) controls the operation of manifold valve <NUM>, and therefore controls the flow of milk from the first group of teat cups, e.g., the teat cup connected to milk tube <NUM> and, if existent, as in <FIG>, the teat cup connected to milk tube <NUM>. It is further noted that each one of the tubes leading from the teat cups in the first group of teat cups may lead to a separate chamber, wherein the pressure in each of those chambers operates manifold valve <NUM>, as similarly described for chamber <NUM>.

Unless explicitly stated, the method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Additionally, some of the described method embodiments or elements thereof can occur or be performed simultaneously, at the same point in time, or concurrently.

Claim 1:
An automatic mechanical manifold valve (<NUM>) having an opened configuration and a closed configuration,
wherein said automatic mechanical manifold valve (<NUM>) comprises:
a milk tube (<NUM>) for coupling to a first group of teat cups, a milk tube (<NUM>) for coupling to a second group of teat cups, and a tube (<NUM>) for coupling to a main milk line; and
a covering element (<NUM>) moveable between a closed configuration in which the covering element (<NUM>) disconnects the milk tube (<NUM>) from the tube (<NUM>) while still allowing the milk tube (<NUM>) to connect with the tube (<NUM>), and an opened configuration in which the covering element (<NUM>) allows both milk tube (<NUM>) and milk tube (<NUM>) to connect with the tube (<NUM>);
such that when a vacuum is applied to the tube (<NUM>) so as to create a vacuum pressure in the milk tube (<NUM>) and the milk tube (<NUM>), the covering element is configured to move to the closed configuration when the pressure in the milk tube (<NUM>) is above a predefined pressure value, and to the opened configuration when the pressure in the milk tube (<NUM>) is below said predefined pressure value;
wherein when the covering element (<NUM>) is in the closed configuration, the milk tube (<NUM>) is essentially disconnected from the tube (<NUM>), such that matter cannot flow from the milk tube (<NUM>) into the tube (<NUM>); and
wherein when the covering element (<NUM>) is in the opened configuration, the milk tube (<NUM>) is essentially connected to the tube (<NUM>), allowing the flow of milk from the milk tube (<NUM>) to the tube (<NUM>).