Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for automatically milking animals, such as cows, wherein the milking parlor contains a feeding apparatus for providing, in particular, concentrate. The apparatus has at least one hopper for storing the feed and at least one metering unit for metering the feed from the hopper into at least one conveyor channel. From the conveyor channel, the feed is received by a manger. The feeding apparatus comprises several embodiments of cleaning devices for preventing the conveyor channel from collecting undesired substances that may contaminate or clog the channel or cause both problems. The cleaning device may be an air blower which blows air through perforations in the wall of the conveyor channel towards the manger, the perforations being in the form of lamellae. Also an air blower may move air through a channel which debouches proximate the manger. Restrictions may be provided in the conveyor channel to prevent undesired substances such as exhalations of animals feeding at the manger from moving upwardly through the conveyor channel. Brushes or wipers to clean the conveyor channel may also be provided. Still further, drivable supply members such as brushes, augers or cam wheels may be provided. In addition, the apparatus may include detection means which detects and provide a signal when the conveyor channel is clogged or otherwise contaminated.

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First Claim