Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for automatically positioning a milking cluster at a preselected milking position is provided. A milking cluster is connected to a moveable cylinder which may be retracted at the conclusion of milking. Prior to milking, the moveable cylinder shifts into engagement with a sensor at a location corresponding to the preselected milking position. The movement of the cylinder is halted to locate and maintain the milking cluster at a height predetermined to be generally appropriate for the animals in the herd. The cylinder is counterbalanced to remain at the preselected height, or may be manually adjusted and remain counterbalanced at the adjusted height. At the conclusion of milking, the milking cluster may drop from the animal and cylinder retracted to a retracted position. The apparatus of the invention includes an arm connected to a milking cluster and a moveable member such as a pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder is coupled to a sensor and a motor including a pneumatic air logic circuit. The pneumatic cylinder may fall from a second upper position toward a first lowermost position under the influence of gravity until the sensor is engaged at a preselected third milking height. The sensor causes low pressure air to be supplied from the air logic circuit to the cylinder to counterbalance the cylinder and milking cluster at the preselected height. Upon the conclusion of milking, the milking cluster falls free from the animals teats and high pressure air is introduced to retract the cylinder to the second position.

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First Claim