Patent Description:
In a conventional milking apparatus, a liner of resilient material is housed within a rigid outer body. The liner, which may be, for example, cylindrical or square, is typically mounted in a manner that causes it to be under tension along a longitudinal axis of the outer body, e.g. by stretching between attachment points at opposite longitudinal ends thereof. An animal teat is inserted through an opening in the outer body into the cylindrical liner. Suction is applied at the other end of the cylindrical liner to that in which the teat is inserted, to create a partial vacuum within the liner. This partial vacuum draws milk from the teat, but also causes congestion of teat tissues, arising from the accumulation of blood and other fluids. In order to relieve this congestion, a region between the outer body and the liner (typically referred to as the pulsation volume) is periodically switched between atmospheric pressure and a vacuum condition. When the region between the outer body and liner is at a higher pressure than the volume within the liner, the liner collapses around the teat, thereby providing relief from the suction.

There is a continuing need to improve the devices and methods for extracting milk from animals. Document <CIT> discloses flexible teat cup liners including a structure for creating a differential resistance to inward collapse of the teat-receiving region of the barrel of the liner along its length.

In general, the present disclosure provides a milk liner configured to effect a massage, in particular a peristaltic massage, of the teat of an animal to be milked. This peristaltic massage effect can be performed via two different mechanisms. Firstly, the milk liner can include a first "ribbed" portion and a second "unribbed" portion. The first portion has ribs extending longitudinally along and transversally outward from the first portion, and the second portion has no such ribs. The second and first portions are configured in use to sequentially collapse inwards to cause a peristaltic massage of the teat. Secondly, the milk liner can include a tapering portion configured in use to cause a progressive inward collapse of the milk liner, the progressive inward collapse being directed up the teat to cause a peristaltic massage of the teat. When a conventional liner collapses around the teat, this can cause pinching of the teat end. Furthermore, since the conventional liner collapses simultaneously across the entire teat, the amount by which fluids can be redistributed up the teat is less than optimal. An improved massage as per the present disclosure could therefore further reduce the accumulation of fluids in the teat, reducing congestion and stress on the teat tissue and the animal, and improving milking speed.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there may be provided a milk liner for use in a shell of a milking apparatus. The milk liner comprises a resiliently deformable sleeve extending between a mouthpiece at a distal end and an outlet pipe at a proximal end. The sleeve forms a cavity for receiving a teat of an animal to be milked. The sleeve comprises a first portion having a plurality of ribs, the ribs extending longitudinally along and transversally outward from the first portion. The longitudinal extent of each rib terminates at or before a proximal end of the first portion. The outer end or transversal extent of each rib terminates in a flange for engaging with the shell. The sleeve further comprises a second portion located between a proximal end of the first portion and the outlet pipe. The second and first portions are configured to sequentially collapse inwards when a pressure difference within a predetermined range (or predetermined operation range) is present across a wall of the sleeve, so as to cause a peristaltic massage of the teat.

The varying levels of outward or transverse or cross tension between the first portion (supported by ribs) and the second portion (not supported by ribs) leads to a sequential collapse of the sections to deliver the massage.

A peristaltic massage of this type, which is directed up the teat and towards the animal, can improve circulation in the teat during milking compared to a liner which collapses simultaneously across the entire teat. This improved massage therefore reduces the accumulation of fluids in the teat, reducing congestion and stress on the teat tissue and the animal, and improving milking speed. Furthermore, by collapsing up and onto the teat, the liner can also ensure a better fit with the teat, reducing pinching on the teat end. The ribbed and unribbed portions enable this to be achieved even if the sleeve has a constant (rather than tapering) cross-sectional area.

The pressure difference required to cause the collapse may be, for example, between about <NUM> and <NUM> kPa (or between about <NUM> and <NUM> kPa). It is to be understood that a pressure difference below the predetermined range may be insufficiently large to cause a sequential inward collapse of the sleeve that effects a peristaltic massage, whereas a pressure difference above the predetermined range may be so large that the sleeve collapses all at once (i.e. in a non-sequential manner) such that no peristaltic massage is effected. Additionally, it is to be understood that the values of the predetermined range will vary between liner embodiments, and depend on factors such as the liner's material, construction, and dimensions. By reducing congestion in the teat that can otherwise arise from accumulated fluids at the teat end, milking speed can also be improved.

An outward or transversal extent of each rib may increase towards the proximal end of the first portion. Additionally or alternatively, a width of each rib may decrease towards the proximal end of the first portion. Either of these configurations of rib, which may be employed singly or in combination, causes a progressive decrease in the outward support generated by the rib. This can therefore enable or enhance a sequential or progressive nature of the collapse and hence the peristaltic massage generated by the sleeve.

The flange of each rib may be T-shaped, which can provide a reliable contact with the shell of the milking apparatus.

The first portion and/or the second portion of the sleeve may have a triangular cross sectional shape. A triangular cross-section for a milk liner provides a number of benefits compared to, for example, a circular cross section. It can reduce the amount by which the liner may collapse or pinch onto the teat and teat end, and thereby reduce stress on the teat tissue. Reducing pinching also reduces the risk of hyperkeratosis. It can also allow space for channels close to the vertices of the liner which remain open throughout milking for improved air flow within the milk liner.

The first portion and/or the second portion may taper towards its proximal end. For example, at least one of an internal cross sectional area and an external cross sectional area of the first portion and/or the second portion gradually reduces towards its proximal end.

The liner may comprise three ribs, with each of the ribs extending transversally outward from a different vertex of the first portion.

The sleeve may have a distal wall portion with a first wall thickness and a proximal wall portion with a second wall thickness different than the first wall thickness, the wall thickness undergoing a step change at an interface between the distal wall portion and the proximal wall portion. The distal wall portion may have a constant or substantially constant wall thickness. The proximal wall portion may have a constant or substantially constant wall thickness. The interface may be located within the first portion and in a proximal end region of the first portion. For example, the interface may be located adjacent or close to the junction between the first and second portions. The first wall thickness may be less than the second wall thickness. An increase in wall thickness for the second portion can partially compensate for the lack of support from ribs at a proximal end of the sleeve. Therefore, while the second portion may more readily collapse than the first portion to generate the sequential and peristaltic massage, it can be prevented from collapsing too readily. Alternatively, the first wall thickness may be greater than the second wall thickness, with a decrease in wall thickness further ensuring that the second portion collapses more readily than the first portion. Providing an interface that is differently located to an end of the ribs can assist in smoothing the transition between the first and second portions in terms of elastic properties.

A cross sectional shape of the outlet pipe may be different to the cross sectional shape of the second portion, and the sleeve may further comprise an outlet transition portion located between a proximal end of the second portion and the outlet pipe, the outlet transition portion having a gradual transition of cross sectional shape between the cross sectional shape of the second portion and the cross sectional shape of the outlet pipe. The cross sectional shape of the outlet pipe may be circular. This ensures a smooth transition between the shapes of the milking cavity and the outlet pipe, ensuring consistent flow of milk to the outlet pipe.

A cross sectional shape of the mouthpiece may be different to the cross sectional shape of the first portion, and the sleeve may further comprise a mouthpiece transition portion located between the mouthpiece and the distal end of the first portion, the mouthpiece transition portion having a gradual transition of cross sectional shape between the cross sectional shape of the mouthpiece and the cross sectional shape of the first portion. The optimal shape for the mouthpiece may be different from that of the sleeve. Having a smooth transition portion between the two ensures a reliable fit between the milk liner and the teat, and avoids sharp transitions in internal shape that could either place stresses on the teat or make cleaning of the liner more challenging. In some embodiments, the cross sectional shape of the mouthpiece may be circular, which can allow better fitting to the teat of the animal to be milked. The mouthpiece transition portion can therefore also function as a guide for the teat to ensure it correctly enters the first portion of the sleeve.

The mouthpiece transition portion may also define an expansion volume into which the teat may expand while undergoing the peristaltic massage. In other words, the volume defined by the mouthpiece transition portion may create a space or void around an upper portion of the teat. When the teat is massaged during milking, it may be pushed up and into this expansion volume. This can reduce the level of constriction on the teat, which can enable a higher milking speed or milking rate.

An internal cross sectional area of the mouthpiece transition portion may taper towards the proximal end of the sleeve. This can further enable the mouthpiece and any expansion volume defined by the mouthpiece transition portion to be increased, while still enabling a smooth transition between the different portions of the sleeve. A smooth transition may be preferable for increased ease of cleaning and improved guiding of the teat between the different portions, for example, since no ridges or other projecting or recessed features are created on the sidewall of the milk liner.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a milk liner for use in a shell of a milking apparatus. The milk liner comprises a resiliently deformable sleeve extending between a mouthpiece at a distal end and an outlet pipe at a proximal end, the sleeve forming a cavity for receiving a teat of an animal to be milked. The sleeve comprises a tapering portion configured to cause a progressive inward collapse of the sleeve when a pressure difference within a predetermined range (or predetermined operation range) is present across a wall of the sleeve, the progressive inward collapse being directed towards the distal end of the sleeve so as to cause a peristaltic massage of the teat.

As with the first aspect of the present disclosure, this provides a milk liner which can deliver an improved massage of the teat, increasing milking efficiency and speed and reducing stress on the animal.

The pressure difference required to cause the collapse may be, for example, between about <NUM> kPa and <NUM> kPa (or between about <NUM> and <NUM> kPa). It is to be understood that a pressure difference below the predetermined range may be insufficiently large to cause a progressive inward collapse of the sleeve that effects a peristaltic massage, whereas a pressure difference above the predetermined range may be so large that the sleeve collapses all at once (i.e. in a non-progressive manner) such that no peristaltic massage is effected. Additionally, it is to be understood that the values of the predetermined range will vary between liner embodiments, and depend on factors such as the liner's material, construction, and dimensions. By reducing congestion in the teat that can otherwise arise from accumulated fluids at the teat end, milking speed can also be improved.

The tapering portion may be configured such that an internal cross sectional area of the tapering portion of the sleeve gradually reduces towards the proximal end of the tapering section.

The tapering portion may be configured such that an external cross sectional area of the tapering portion of the sleeve gradually reduces towards the proximal end of the tapering section.

The rate of taper of the tapering portion can influence the peristaltic massage generated by the milk liner (for example the rate of massage or the extent of collapse). The rate of taper is affected by the rates of taper of the internal and external cross sections of the sleeve.

The tapering portion may be configured such that a wall thickness of the tapering portion of the sleeve remains constant or substantially constant. Providing a tapering portion with a constant wall thickness can ensure a predictable and constant rate of collapse during the peristaltic massage.

The tapering portion of the sleeve may have a triangular cross sectional shape. The advantageous effects of a triangular cross section are as discussed in view of the first aspect of the invention.

The milk liner may further comprise a plurality of ribs extending longitudinally along and outwardly or transversally outward from the tapering portion of the sleeve, the outer end or transversal extent of each rib terminating in a flange for engaging with the shell. By engaging with the shell, the ribs may provide support to resist or lessen the collapse of the sleeve by exerting a transverse or outwards tension on the sleeve. This can enable, for example, a liner with a thinner wall thickness to have improved flexibility, without causing excessive collapse or pinching onto a received teat. Thinner walls may, for example, collapse more quickly, or respond more readily to smaller changes in pressure across them. The number and location of the ribs around the sleeve can thereby influence the collapsed shape of the sleeve.

An outward or transversal extent of each rib may increase towards the proximal end of the tapering portion. A width of each rib may decrease towards the proximal end of the tapering portion. Either of these configurations of rib, which may be employed singly or in combination, causes a progressive decrease in the outward support generated by the rib, which can assist or enhance the peristaltic massage generated by the sleeve.

The flange of each rib may be T-shaped. A T-shaped flange, wherein the rib terminates in a cross-piece with flanges extending to both sides of the rib, ensures effective contact between the flange and the shell.

The liner may comprise three ribs, and each of the ribs may extend transversally outward from a vertex of the tapering portion. This can ensure that the liner will collapse to a triangular cross section.

Each of the plurality of ribs may have a longitudinal extent that terminates at the proximal end of the tapering portion. The sleeve may further comprises an unribbed portion (i.e. a portion of sleeve that is not supported by ribs) located between the proximal end of the tapering portion and the outlet pipe. By having a portion that is not supported by ribs, the transverse or outwards tension on the sleeve differs between the ribbed and unribbed portions. This can ensure that the unribbed portion collapses first when the pressure difference is applied across the sleeve. The unribbed portion may thereby initiate the collapse of the sleeve and hence the peristaltic massage of the teat.

The unribbed portion may have the same cross sectional shape as the tapering portion.

The unribbed portion may taper towards the proximal end of the sleeve. For example, the internal and/or external cross-sectional area of the unribbed portion may gradually reduce towards the proximal end of the sleeve.

The unribbed portion may taper at an equal rate to the tapering portion.

The choice of tapering rates, and in particular of relative tapering rates between the tapering portion and the unribbed portion can influence and affect the peristaltic massage delivered by the milk liner.

The sleeve may have a distal wall portion with a first wall thickness and a proximal wall portion with a second wall thickness different to the first wall thickness, the wall thickness undergoing a step change at an interface between the distal wall portion and the proximal wall portion. The distal wall portion may have a constant or substantially constant wall thickness. The proximal wall portion may have a constant or substantially constant wall thickness. This change in wall thickness at the interface can further influence the collapse of the sleeve and the resultant peristaltic massage. For example, it may be desirable for the wall to be thicker in the unribbed portion to prevent a premature collapse of the sleeve. In other words, it may be preferable to compensate partially for the reduction in transverse or outward tension on the sleeve resulting from the absence of ribs on the unribbed portion, while still retaining the requisite properties of the unribbed portion which enable it to initiate the progressive collapse. Conversely, it may be desirable for the wall to be thinner in the unribbed portion to further ensure that the collapse begins in the unribbed portion. The interface may be located within the tapering portion and in a proximal end region of the tapering portion. For example, the interface may be located adjacent or close to the junction between the tapering portion and the unribbed portion. This can ensure that the unribbed portion is adequately supported, while not requiring a simultaneous step change in wall thickness and end of the ribs. In an embodiment, the distal wall portion may have a first wall thickness of about <NUM> and the proximal wall portion may have a second wall thickness of about <NUM>.

A cross sectional shape of the outlet pipe may be different to the cross sectional shape of the unribbed portion, and the sleeve may further comprise an outlet transition portion located between the proximal end of the unribbed portion and the outlet pipe, the outlet transition portion having a gradual transition of cross sectional shape between the cross sectional shape of the unribbed portion and the cross sectional shape of the outlet pipe. The advantageous effects of this configuration are as discussed in view of the first aspect of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the cross sectional shape of the outlet pipe may be circular.

A cross sectional shape of the mouthpiece may be different to the cross sectional shape of the tapering portion, and the sleeve may further comprise a mouthpiece transition portion located between the mouthpiece and a distal end of the tapering portion, the outlet transition portion having a gradual transition of cross sectional shape between the cross sectional shape of the mouthpiece and the cross sectional shape of the tapering portion. The cross sectional shape of the mouthpiece may be circular.

The mouthpiece transition portion may define an expansion volume into which the teat may expand while undergoing the peristaltic massage. An internal cross sectional area of the mouthpiece transition portion may taper towards the proximal end of the sleeve. These features and configurations have also been discussed in view of the first aspect of the present disclosure, and the advantageous effects apply equally here.

The following optional features can be included or applied to embodiments according to either the first or second aspects of the present disclosure.

The milk liner may comprise a vent located in a sidewall of the mouthpiece or mouthpiece transition portion for admitting ambient air into the cavity of the sleeve. By allowing a flow of air into a distal part of the cavity, the vent enables a number of advantages. For example, the air coming from the vent can push the milk away from the teat and reduce respray risk. Respray occurs when milk is not all extracted via the outlet, but instead is rebounded or resprayed back onto the teat. This not only reduces the efficiency of milking (since milk remains in the liner rather than being collected), but can also lead to cross-contamination between animals (if milk residue remains inside the liner), disease or conditions such as mastitis, or require more extensive cleaning. Ensuring that the teat remains dry during milking can also reduce stress on the animal and on the teat tissue. A wet teat during milking can cause the milk liner to slip on the teat, which can cause lesions or blistering, or more generally reduce the milking efficiency. Where the sleeve of the milk liner has a triangular cross section, the collapse is such that channels are left along the sleeve at the vertices of the triangle. Air can thereby flow from the mouthpiece vent and along the sleeve to assist in pushing milk towards the outlet.

The liner may be formed as a unitary component. In an environment where sterility may be important, forming the liner as a single object rather than as a set of assembled components can ensure that there are no interface portions such as gaps or seams between components which can harbour contamination, residues, dirt, or microbes.

The liner may also be formed as a plurality of components. These components, which may include a plurality of sleeve segments, may be joined together by gluing or welding, or held together by cooperating components such as pins and slots. Assembly may be completed as a stage of manufacture, or immediately prior to usage. This may allow, for example, improved configurability of the liner to meet the specific requirements of the animal to be milked.

The liner or liner components may be moulded. The liner could be formed from a polymeric material. This material could be a rubber, such as a synthetic rubber, a thermoplastic, or a silicone, and in general is an elastic or resiliently deformable material. Designing the milk liner to be manufactured in this way ensures a simple and consistent means for manufacturing.

The shell may be cup-shaped, and the mouthpiece may comprise a skirt configured to overlap and hold a rim of the shell. The skirt may instead be a pocket which extends fully or partially around a circumference of the mouthpiece to receive a rim of the shell. This therefore provides a mounting point at a distal end of the milk liner to a distal end of the shell, enabling the shell and liner to be assembled together.

The outlet pipe may comprise an outwardly extending flange for engaging with a base of the shell at a proximal end of the shell. This can be used to lock the outlet pipe in place through the base of the shell, ensuring that the liner is correctly positioned and held or supported by the shell.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a teat cup of a milking apparatus, the teat cup comprising a cup-shaped shell and a milk liner according to the first or second aspects of the present disclosure. The milk liner is mounted in and to the shell so as to define an air-tight chamber between the milk liner and the shell. The shell comprises a vent in fluid communication with the chamber. The vent is used to introduce or remove air from the chamber, and in particular to do so periodically or cyclically, thereby generating the required pressure difference (i.e. a pressure difference within the predetermined range) across the wall of the sleeve to produce the peristaltic massage.

The milk liner may be mounted to each of a rim of the shell (at its distal end) and a base of the shell (at its proximal end), and the shell may be sized to impose a longitudinal stretch on the mounted milk liner. A longitudinal stretch of the shell can ensure that the sleeve of the liner will rapidly and reliably return or rebound to a relaxed and non-collapsed configuration when the pressure difference is removed. A slow opening of the liner to its relaxed position can lead to greater average constricting forces on the teat, which can stress the teat tissue and/or slow the milking rate. The stretching may also reduce the force generated by the collapsing liner on the teat, enabling greater control over the different parameters influencing collapse. As an example, this can enable a higher pressure difference to be used for more rapid massage without leading to a corresponding increase in compression force on the teat. This is because any collapse of the sleeve of the liner requires stretching of the liner wall, and the longitudinal stretch therefore leads to an outward or transverse force.

A longitudinal strain in the milk liner introduced by the longitudinal stretch (or, in other words, the additional length of the stretched liner compared to the unstretched liner) may be greater than <NUM>%, preferably greater than <NUM>% and more preferably greater than <NUM>%. The longitudinal stretch may be less than <NUM>%, preferably less than <NUM>% and more preferably less than <NUM>%. A higher stretch can lead to more rapid opening from a collapsed state, which may be advantageous. Conversely, if the stretch is too great, the ability of the liner to collapse may be compromised or affected. Furthermore, a larger or longer stretch may lead to excessive strain on the milk liner, which could lead to premature failure, and/or make the liner more difficult to locate in the shell when assembling the teat cup.

In a teat cup wherein the sleeve of the milk liner comprises a plurality of transversally outward extending ribs, the outer end or transversal extent of each rib terminating in a flange, the shell may comprise corresponding slots for receiving and engaging with the flanges. The interaction between the flanges and the slots can therefore provide a supporting outward or transverse force on the sleeve via the ribs. The shell and the slots may be located such that, at rest, no stretch is imposed by the ribs. In other words, the ribs are in a relaxed state when no pressure difference is applied across the sleeve. Alternatively, the slots of the shell may be spaced to impose a transverse stretch to the sleeve of the milk liner via the received ribs even when no pressure difference is applied. This can improve the reactivity of the liner, and in particular the opening of the liner when the pressure difference is removed.

A transverse strain in the milk liner introduced by the flanges engaging with the slots may be less than <NUM>%, preferably less than <NUM>% and more preferably less than <NUM>%. As with the longitudinal stretch, a higher stretch can lead to more rapid opening from a collapsed state, while an excessive stretch can affect the liner collapse.

The teat cup may further comprise an auxiliary module mounted on the shell, the auxiliary module being configured to access the cavity of the sleeve. This auxiliary module may therefore be used to detect, monitor or control conditions inside the cavity, to improve quality of milking. For example, the auxiliary module may comprise a sensor for detecting a property of the cavity. The sensor may be a longitudinal array of probes configured to detect the property of the cavity along the length of the sleeve. Therefore, the conditions such as pressure, collapse force, temperature, or humidity may be monitored along the sleeve to detect equipment or animal issues during milking. The auxiliary module may comprise a camera for capturing an image of the cavity. This may be used, for example, to monitor animal health or milking progress.

The auxiliary module may comprise an auxiliary module vent controlled by a valve to fluidly connect the cavity and an environment outside the teat cup. The auxiliary module can be configured to operate the valve to selectively permit fluid communication via the vent. This provides an additional means to control the pressure inside the sleeve, for example to prevent an excessive vacuum on the teat or pressure difference across the sleeve.

The auxiliary module may comprise a fluid delivery mechanism for injecting or otherwise directing a sanitisation fluid (e.g. iodine) onto the teat, e.g. when the milking process is complete. This can therefore improve the animal hygiene as a part of the milking process.

A wall of the shell may narrow towards a proximal end of the shell. This can reduce the overall weight of the shell, preventing excessive force on the teat of the animal from the weight of the teat cup. Where a milking cluster, comprising multiple teat cups, is used, the excess force generated by a heavier set of shells can otherwise cause stress on the teat, or cause the liner and teat cup to slip down or off the teat during milking. This can lead to blistering or grazing of the teat, which may increase the likelihood of conditions such as mastitis.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a milking apparatus comprising a teat cup according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, a suction source for applying a suction force to the outlet pipe of the milk liner, and a pressure source for applying a cyclically varying pressure to the vent of the shell. The milking apparatus may comprise a plurality of teat cups, which may be grouped as a milking cluster comprising a number of teat cups corresponding to the udder of the animal to be milked. The suction pressure applied to the outlet pipe may be, for example, a vacuum or suction pressure of <NUM>-<NUM> kPa, and may be varied as required for the specific animal or animal species being milked. Typical vacuum ranges for a cow are <NUM>-<NUM> kPa, for a buffalo are <NUM>-<NUM> kPa, and for a sheep or goat are <NUM>-<NUM> kPa. The cyclical pressure variation may be, for example, a step change between two pressure values (i.e. a square wave pressure profile), or a ramped change such as a sawtooth or sinusoidal wave. The two pressure values may be, for example, atmospheric pressure and a pressure approximately equal to the suction pressure. However, an elevated pressure may be used for the higher value (i.e. above atmospheric pressure) and a reduced pressure may be used for the lower value (i.e. a greater vacuum than the suction pressure).

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a milking apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, comprising the steps of applying a suction force to the outlet pipe of the milk liner, and applying a cyclically varying pressure to the vent of the shell to cause a progressive and/or sequential collapse of the sleeve of the milk liner, the progressive and/or sequential collapse being directed towards the mouthpiece of the sleeve so as to cause a peristaltic massage of the teat. The cyclical pressure variation may be, for example, a step change between two pressure values (i.e. a square wave pressure profile), or a ramped change such as a sawtooth or sinusoidal wave.

The present diclosure includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

Embodiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:.

An embodiment of a milk liner <NUM> according to the present invention is illustrated in <FIG>. The liner comprises a resiliently deformable sleeve <NUM> which extends between a mouthpiece <NUM> at a first, distal end of the liner <NUM> and an outlet pipe <NUM> at a second, proximal end of the liner <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is connected to the mouthpiece <NUM> by a mouthpiece transition portion <NUM>, and to the outlet pipe <NUM> by an outlet transition portion <NUM>. The milk liner <NUM> can be mounted to a rigid shell <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to form a teat cup for a milking apparatus. In use, a suction is applied to the outlet pipe <NUM> to extract milk from the teat <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The suction pressure applied to the outlet pipe <NUM> may be, for example, a vacuum or suction pressure of <NUM>-<NUM> kPa, and may be varied as required for the specific animal or animal species being milked. A cycling or periodic pressure is applied to a space <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) between the shell <NUM> and the milk liner <NUM>. In this way, the sleeve <NUM> periodically and progressively or sequentially collapses and retracts from the teat <NUM>, generating a massaging effect on the teat <NUM> for improved milk delivery and reduced stress on the teat tissue and the animal to be milked. The progressive or sequential collapse of the sleeve <NUM> occurs when the pressure difference is within a predetermined operating range, which may be, for example <NUM> kPa to <NUM> kPa (or <NUM> kPa to <NUM> kPa). A pressure difference above this range may cause the sleeve to collapse all at once (i.e. not progressively or sequentially) such that no peristaltic massage is effected, whereas a pressure difference below this range may result in either no collapse or a collapse of insufficient magnitude to cause a massaging effect. The values of the predetermined operating range for an embodiment will depend on various features and characteristics of the milk liner, such as, for example, size, shape, dimensions, material composition, etc..

The minimum pressure difference required to cause the liner to collapse is termed the touch-point pressure (as defined in ISO <NUM>:<NUM>, point <NUM>), and is the pressure difference that causes the walls of the liner to touch when a static vacuum is applied to the outlet pipe <NUM> of the milk liner. The difference between the touch-point pressure and the suction pressure (i.e. the pressure difference over and above the touch-point pressure across the sleeve <NUM>) is then indicative of the effective massage pressure on the teat <NUM> of the animal.

The mouthpiece <NUM> is configured or designed to receive the teat <NUM> of an animal to be milked, which might be, for example, a cow, sheep, goat, horse, buffalo, or camel. The mouthpiece comprises an aperture <NUM> through which the teat <NUM> can pass. The aperture <NUM> is configured to closely surround and abut the teat <NUM>, such that an airtight or substantially airtight seal is formed between the mouthpiece <NUM> and the teat <NUM>. In use, the milk liner <NUM> grips the teat <NUM> via this contact between the teat <NUM> and the mouthpiece <NUM>, and a good contact is therefore desirable to avoid the milk liner <NUM> from slipping off the teat <NUM> during milking. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal cross sectional area of the mouthpiece <NUM> is larger than that of the aperture. The aperture <NUM> is therefore defined by a flange <NUM> which extends inwards from an outer edge or surface of the milk liner. In other embodiments, the mouthpiece may instead have the same size as the aperture, and may therefore continue directly from the aperture <NUM>.

The mouthpiece <NUM> comprises a vent <NUM>. The vent <NUM> allow air to enter the cavity around the teat <NUM>, leading to an airflow from the distal end towards the proximal end of the liner <NUM> during milking. This is as indicated by the arrows <NUM> in <FIG>. This airflow assists in directing milk away from the teat <NUM> and towards the outlet pipe <NUM>. Therefore, vent <NUM> can reduce or prevent respray of milk from the outlet pipe <NUM> towards the teat <NUM>. This can ensure, for example, that the teat <NUM> remains dry during milking, which can reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination between animals for improved hygiene. By ensuring that milk flows readily towards the outlet pipe <NUM> and is not resprayed into the milk liner <NUM>, the speed and efficiency of milking are also improved. In other embodiments of the invention, the vent <NUM> may be omitted.

The mouthpiece <NUM> further comprises a circumferential pocket which is defined by a skirt <NUM> which is configured to receive, overlap and hold the rim <NUM> of a shell <NUM> of a teat cup. The skirt <NUM> extends fully around the perimeter or circumference of the mouthpiece <NUM>. When the milk liner <NUM> and shell <NUM> are assembled, the skirt <NUM> forms an airtight seal with the rim <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. Other mounting arrangements may also be used, provided that they fulfil the required functions of mounting the milk liner <NUM> to the shell <NUM>, and forming an airtight seal between the two.

The outlet pipe <NUM>, which may also be referred to as a short milk tube is a pipe that is connectable to a source of suction. This may be, for example, the claw of a milking apparatus. A constant vacuum is applied to the outlet pipe <NUM>, and milk from the teat <NUM> is drawn or sucked along the outlet pipe <NUM> by this suction. The outlet pipe <NUM> and/or the outlet transition portion <NUM> comprises a projection or flange <NUM> for engaging with a base of a shell <NUM> to form a teat cup, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The flange <NUM> may take the form of a ring (e.g. a projection) extending around the outlet pipe <NUM>. Alternatively, the flange <NUM> may be replaced with a slot (e.g. a recess). When the milk liner <NUM> and shell <NUM> are assembled, the flange <NUM> forms an airtight seal with the base of the shell <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> of the milk liner of the present embodiment comprises a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the sleeve <NUM> has a triangular cross section, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a cross section of the first portion <NUM>, while <FIG> illustrates a cross section of the second portion <NUM>. Each of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are tapered towards the proximal end or outlet pipe <NUM> end of the milk liner <NUM>, and in this embodiment the portions taper at the same rate. The taper of the first <NUM> or second <NUM> portions may be at different rates. In the present embodiment, the wall thickness of the sleeve <NUM> is substantially constant along a part of its length, and the inner and outer cross sections decrease at an equal rate towards the proximal end of the sleeve <NUM> to form the taper. In other embodiments, the wall may narrow or thin towards the proximal end of the sleeve <NUM>, for example, with the outer cross section tapering at a greater rate than the inner cross section.

A triangular cross section for the sleeve <NUM> is advantageous for milking efficiency. As illustrated in <FIG>, which shows the sleeve in its collapsed state, indicated by lines <NUM>, while the sleeve <NUM> collapses sufficiently to close onto the teat <NUM>, it does not pinch or overly compress the teat <NUM>, and in particular the teat end. Furthermore, channels <NUM> remain at the outer extent of the collapsed sleeve <NUM>. These can, for example, allow air from vent <NUM> to pass along the sleeve <NUM>, pushing the milk away from the teat end to reduce respray from the outlet pipe <NUM>.

As seen more particularly on <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> includes a plurality of outwardly extending ribs <NUM>, while as seen more particularly on <FIG> the second portion <NUM> is unribbed. The ribs <NUM> therefore terminate at a proximal end of the first portion <NUM>. As seen more particularly on <FIG>, the ribs <NUM> may longitudinally terminate in a rounded end <NUM> for ease of mounting in the shell <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> extend outward from each of the vertices of the triangular sleeve, and terminate out an outer end in a flange <NUM> for engaging with the shell <NUM>. Where the sleeve <NUM> has a different cross sectional shape, such as a polygon with a different number of sides, a different number of ribs <NUM> may be provided. The ribs <NUM> may extend from the sides of the sleeve <NUM> rather than, as shown in <FIG>, from the vertices or corners. In some embodiments, the sleeve <NUM> may be circular, and the ribs <NUM> may be positioned around the circular sleeve <NUM> to effect a desired collapse shape. For example, three equally spaced ribs <NUM> around a circular sleeve <NUM> can enable a triangular collapse. The illustrated flanges <NUM> are a T-shaped flange, with a cross bar extending across the end of the rib <NUM>. In other embodiments, different forms of flange <NUM> may be used. The ribs <NUM> narrow in width and increase in outward extent or transverse extent towards the proximal end of the sleeve <NUM>. This is illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>.

The function of the ribs <NUM> is to provide an outward or transverse tension on the sleeve <NUM>, and to thereby control, regulate, resist or reduce the level of collapse. A longer or narrower rib <NUM> provides a lower level of support, and hence a variation of rib dimensions along the rib can lead to a progressive change in cross tension, and readiness to collapse. Providing ribs <NUM> on the liner <NUM> also enables a thinner wall of the liner to be used for the same level of collapse. A thinner wall may be preferable, as it can react more quickly to changes in pressure across the wall. Therefore, the use of ribs <NUM> enables a more reactive liner without leading to higher pressure or stress on the teat <NUM>. In other words, the touch-point pressure may be maintained or even raised while still allowing for a more reactive liner.

The second portion <NUM>, which is unribbed, may have a thicker wall than the first portion <NUM>. This can partially compensate for the lack of support from ribs, leading to a section or portion that can collapse more readily than the ribbed portion, while still not being affected by pressure below a threshold value. For example, the wall may be thicker by <NUM>-<NUM>%, and in the present embodiment by about <NUM>%. The change in wall thickness may be a step change, and may occur at an interface <NUM>. At the interface <NUM>, the step change may be outwards from the sleeve <NUM> to maintain a smooth inner surface. The interface <NUM> may be located within the first portion <NUM>, and within the longitudinal extent of the ribs <NUM> to reduce any end effects on the level of cross tension from the end of the ribs. For example, the interface <NUM> may be positioned distally of the proximal end of the first portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the interface <NUM> may be positioned between about <NUM> and about <NUM> (preferably about <NUM> to about <NUM>) from the proximal end of the first portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second portion <NUM> may have a thinner wall than the first portion <NUM>, where this is necessary to further ensure the collapse of the second portion <NUM>.

The combined effect of the tapering cross section, and of the location and form of the ribs <NUM> is to generate a varying level of transverse or cross tension along the sleeve <NUM>. In this way, when a pressure difference is created across the wall of the sleeve <NUM>, the result is a progressive collapse towards the distal end of the sleeve <NUM>, providing a peristaltic massage of the teat <NUM>. In other words, the liner closes progressively onto and up the teat <NUM>. This massage achieves a number of functions. Firstly, since the closing or collapse of the sleeve is progressive, the sleeve <NUM> can automatically adjust to teats of different lengths, or for teat movement during milking. The progressive collapse of the sleeve <NUM> causes the liner to collapse onto the teat end regardless of where the teat end is located along the sleeve <NUM>. Furthermore, the peristaltic massage of the teat can assist in preventing blood and fluids from pooling close to the teat end. This therefore reduces stress on the teat tissue, improving animal health, and improving milking efficiency.

The features can be combined in different ways to achieve the same effect. Therefore, in some embodiments of the invention, the sleeve <NUM> may have a ribbed portion and an unribbed portion, but not have a tapering cross section. In some embodiments, no ribs are present, and the progressively varying cross tension is caused by the tapering of the sleeve <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> may instead have a constant cross section rather than lengthening and/or narrowing towards a proximal end of the sleeve <NUM>. By configuring the sleeve <NUM> to have an appropriate combination of these features, the peristaltic massage effect of the sleeve <NUM> may be controlled and optimised as required for the particular animal to be milked and/or according to the operating parameters of the milking apparatus.

The mouthpiece transition portion <NUM> is located between the sleeve <NUM> and the mouthpiece <NUM>. The cross sectional shape of the mouthpiece transition portion changes gradually and progressively from that of the mouthpiece <NUM> to that of the sleeve <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the mouthpiece is circular, while the sleeve <NUM> is triangular. The mouthpiece transition portion <NUM> therefore transitions from circular to triangular along its length. This is shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The mouthpiece transition portion <NUM> fulfils two functions in this way. Firstly, it improves the guiding of the teat <NUM> into the sleeve <NUM> by providing a smooth inner surface having a gradually changing shape, rather than a step change in shape. Secondly, it creates an additional volume within the liner <NUM> compared to a continuation of the sleeve <NUM>. When the teat <NUM> is massaged by the sleeve, this can push the teat <NUM> upwards, or towards the distal end of the liner <NUM>. The mouthpiece transition portion <NUM> and the mouthpiece <NUM> can therefore provide an expansion volume into which the teat <NUM> may expand. This therefore reduces the level of constriction on the teat <NUM>, which can enable faster milking. The ribs <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> may continue at least part of the way along the mouthpiece transition portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece transition portion <NUM> may be omitted, and the sleeve <NUM> may instead connect directly to the mouthpiece <NUM> with a step change in shape rather than the gradual transition provided by the mouthpiece transition portion <NUM>.

The outlet transition portion <NUM> is located between the sleeve <NUM> and the outlet pipe <NUM>. As with the mouthpiece transition portion <NUM>, the outlet transition portion <NUM> provides a smooth and gradual change of shape from that of the sleeve <NUM> to that of the outlet pipe <NUM>. The outlet pipe <NUM> is typically circular. The outlet transition portion <NUM> therefore presents a smooth inner surface of the liner <NUM> to avoid projections or obstructions which could otherwise obstruct or affect milk flow to the outlet pipe <NUM>. In some embodiments, the outlet transition portion may be omitted, and the sleeve <NUM> may connect directly to the outlet pipe <NUM>.

In order to be used with a milking apparatus, the liner <NUM> is mounted to a shell <NUM>, which may be a rigid shell, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, forming a teat cup. The shell <NUM> is cup shaped. The wall thickness of the shell <NUM> may narrow towards a proximal end of the shell, as illustrated in <FIG>. The rim <NUM> of the shell <NUM> is placed underneath the skirt <NUM> of the liner <NUM> (e.g. within the pocket defined by the skirt <NUM>), and the outlet pipe <NUM> is drawn through an aperture or hole in the base of the shell until it is locked in place by the flange <NUM>. The rim <NUM> of the shell <NUM> engages with the underside of the skirt <NUM>, the latter forming a stop surface <NUM> or mounting point for the liner <NUM> on the shell <NUM>. The rim <NUM> and base of the shell are spaced such that a longitudinal stretch is imposed on the liner <NUM> when the teat cup is assembled. The longitudinal stretch places a tension on the walls of the liner <NUM>. This tension aids the walls in returning or rebounding to their relaxed or open state when the pressure difference is removed, that is, when the pressure difference falls below the predetermined operational range. The longitudinal strain is preferably greater than <NUM>%, more preferably greater than <NUM>%, or <NUM>%.

The flange <NUM> and skirt <NUM> also form an airtight seal between the liner <NUM> and the shell <NUM>. A sealed chamber <NUM> is thereby formed between the shell <NUM> and the liner <NUM>. The shell <NUM> comprises a port or pipe <NUM> which is connected to this chamber <NUM>, and which can be used to supply or remove air, gas, fluid or liquid from the chamber <NUM>. This pipe <NUM> therefore enables the pressure in the chamber <NUM> to be varied, which, in turn, varies the pressure difference across the wall of the liner <NUM>. In use, a periodic or cyclical pressure is applied to the chamber <NUM> via the pipe <NUM>, to cause a regular or repeating collapse of the liner <NUM> and hence a peristaltic massage of the teat <NUM>. The chamber <NUM> may be referred to as a pulsation chamber.

The ribs <NUM> of the liner are received in corresponding slots <NUM> of the shell <NUM>. The slots <NUM> have a cooperating or corresponding shape to the flanges <NUM> of the ribs <NUM>, and engage with the flanges <NUM> to hold the ribs <NUM> in place. Therefore, by engaging with the slots <NUM>, the ribs <NUM> can provide the requisite support to the sleeve <NUM>. The slots <NUM> may be arranged such that an amount of transverse tension is applied to the ribs <NUM> even at rest, or when no suction or pressure is applied to the liner <NUM>. This tension may be, for example, between <NUM>% and <NUM>%.

The shell <NUM> may further comprise an auxiliary module (not illustrated). For example, the auxiliary module may be mountable to the shell <NUM>, or may be an integral component of the shell <NUM>. The auxiliary module may provide additional functionality to the teat cup. In an example, the auxiliary module may include a sensor configured to capture information about the internal volume of the liner <NUM>, e.g. by measuring one or more properties of the internal volume. Such information may include, for example, the temperature, pressure, humidity, position, or contact force between the liner and the teat <NUM>. The sensor may be, for example, a probe or an array of probes which extend through the liner <NUM> into the internal volume. An array of probes can be arranged to capture the information along the whole length of the inner barrel. This may be useful for comparing properties at different positions, e.g. at the tip of the teat compared with elsewhere.

In another example, the auxiliary module may comprise a camera configured to capture an image of the internal volume.

In a further example, the auxiliary module may be configured to selectively permit fluid communication between the internal volume of the liner and an environment outside the teat cup. This arrangement may be used instead of or in addition to the vent <NUM> in the mouthpiece <NUM>.

In yet a further example, the auxiliary module may comprise a fluid delivery mechanism for injecting or otherwise directing a sanitisation fluid (e.g. iodine) onto the teat <NUM>, e.g. when the milking process is complete.

Any combination of the above examples of functions for the auxiliary module may be provided in the same unit.

A teat cup, or more typically a set of teat cups forming a milking cluster may form part of a milking apparatus. The milking apparatus comprises means such as one or more pumps for generating suction on the outlet pipe <NUM>, and for supplying or removing air from the chamber <NUM> via pipe <NUM>, in addition to control systems for the pumps. In use, the teat cups may be placed on the teats <NUM> of an animal to be milked. The milking process is indicated schematically in <FIG>. In step S300, suction is applied to the outlet pipe <NUM> to extract milk. In other words, a reduced pressure is generated within the outlet pipe <NUM> and sleeve <NUM>. In steps S302-S308, a varying or pulsing or cycling or periodic pressure is applied to the chamber <NUM> via pipe <NUM>, causing a pressure difference across the wall of the liner <NUM> to effect a peristaltic massage of the teat <NUM>. The cyclical pressure variation may be, for example, a step change between two pressure values (i.e. a square wave pressure profile), or a ramped change such as a sawtooth or sinusoidal wave. Steps S302-S308 are repeated for at least a part of the milking process.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A milk liner (<NUM>) for use in a shell (<NUM>) of a milking apparatus, the milk liner (<NUM>) comprising:
a resiliently deformable sleeve (<NUM>) extending between a mouthpiece (<NUM>) at a distal end and an outlet pipe (<NUM>) at a proximal end, the sleeve (<NUM>) forming a cavity for receiving a teat of an animal to be milked, wherein the sleeve (<NUM>) comprises:
a tapering portion (<NUM>) configured in use to cause a progressive inward collapse of the sleeve (<NUM>) when a pressure difference within a predetermined range is present across a wall of the sleeve (<NUM>), the progressive inward collapse being directed towards the distal end of the sleeve (<NUM>) so as to cause a peristaltic massage of the teat, the peristaltic massage being directed up the teat and towards the animal; characterized in that the sleeve (<NUM>) further comprises:
a plurality of ribs (<NUM>) extending longitudinally along and transversally outward from the tapering portion (<NUM>) of the sleeve (<NUM>), the transversal extent of each rib (<NUM>) terminating in a flange (<NUM>) for engaging with the shell (<NUM>);
wherein the combined effect of the tapering portion (<NUM>) of the sleeve (<NUM>) and the location and form of the ribs (<NUM>) in use is suitable to generate a progressively increasing transverse tension towards a distal end of the sleeve (<NUM>) when mounted in the shell (<NUM>) of the milking apparatus to thereby effect said progressive inward collapse of the tapering portion (<NUM>).