Importance

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Abstract

In apparatus and methods for applying treatment and cleaning fluid to cows teats and the teat cups of milking equipment, post-milking, each teat cup (1) has a nozzle (13) in the head portion (6) of the flexible liner (3) of the teat cup for delivering fluid internally of the teat cup. The nozzle is directed so as to discharge fluid towards the discharge end (4) of the teat cup. When milking is terminated, treatment fluid is injected through the nozzle (13) into the head portion of the liner (3) just prior to and/or as the teat cup is being withdrawn from the teat and, as a result, the teat cup wipes the injected fluid down the teat so as substantially to coat the teat with the treatment fluid. When the teat cup (1) falls into an inverted rest position, after take-off, the interior of the liner (3) may be flushed and dried with disinfectant, water and compressed air discharged upwardly into the liner by the nozzle (13). Flushing fluid can then drain downwardly from the liner and through its mouth (7). The discharge end (4) of the teat cup may be fitted with a shut-off valve (20) which can be actuated to prevent ingress of treatment and cleansing fluids into the milk tubes during the treatment and cleansing cycle.

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First Claim