Patent ID: 8662013

Claim:
A gripping device for a milking unit for milking an animal, the milking unit provided with a manifold, a pulse tube, shells and teat-cups adapted to be connected to the udder of the animal, said gripping device being applied on a terminal portion of said pulse tube connected to the manifold, said gripping device comprising gripping means and means for a quick replacement and maintenance of the unit or components thereof, said gripping device being characterised in that: said gripping means comprises two half-shells made of plastic material, each said half-shell being in at least one piece and partially embracing said manifold and said pulse tube, the latter being embraced by a length equal to the average dimensions of the hand of an individual in a continuous or discontinuous manner, and in that quick disconnect means is provided for a quick replacement and maintenance of the unit or components thereof, said quick disconnect means being comprised of a connector made in a single piece or defined by a plurality of elements adapted to be reciprocally connected, said connector being positioned inside said two half-shells and connected at one end, with a first section of signal cable of a sensor connected to a control unit and partially inserted in said pulse tube, and at the other end connected to a second section of signal cable of the same sensor.