Method and apparatus for freeze branding and dehorning
OwnerJoseph Pfistershammerinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In one form the invention resides in a freeze branding and/or dehorning apparatus for use with a dispenser having a nozzle for dispensing a cooling medium, said apparatus comprising a contact element comprising a delivery zone formed with an open face which is to be applied to an animal's hide or horn bud, a support for said contact element, said support being receivable on the dispenser such that the contact element is opposed to said nozzle and said nozzle is adapted to deliver the cooling medium to the delivery zone of the contact element.
Claims14
A freeze branding and/or dehorning apparatus for use with a dispenser having a nozzle for dispensing a cooling medium, said apparatus comprising a contact element comprising a delivery zone formed with an open face which is to be applied to an animal's hide or horn bud, the perimeter of the open face of the delivery zone is defined by a sharp raised serrated lip, a support for said contact element, said support being receivable on the dispenser such that the contact element is opposed to said nozzle and said nozzle is adapted to deliver the cooling medium to the delivery zone of the contact element wherein the contact element is supported by said support by a pivotable means enabling movement of the nozzle transversely to an axis extending between the nozzle and the contact element.
A method of freeze branding comprising applying to the treatment area means for defining a treatment zone having the configuration of an alpha numeric character or combination of characters wherein said means is able to restrict liquid flow beyond the perimeter of the treatment zone via a serrated lip, said defining means being open to atmosphere, said method further comprising delivering throughout the length of the treatment zone a cooling medium having a boiling point substantially less than 0.degree. C., the delivery of said cooling medium being periodic whereby a controlled quantity of cooling medium is delivered to the treatment zone and the delivery of said cooling medium is for an interval of time sufficient to lower the temperature of the skin in the treatment zone sufficient to destroy the pigmentation function of the hair follicles but not destroy the hair follicles.
A method of dehorning livestock comprising applying to the horn bud, means for defining a treatment zone closely surrounding the horn bud wherein said defining means is able to restrict liquid flow beyond the perimeter of the treatment zone via a serrated raised edge, said defining means being open to atmosphere, said method further comprising delivering throughout the length of the treatment zone a cooling medium having a boiling point substantially less than 0.degree. C., the delivery of said cooling medium being periodic whereby a controlled quantity of cooling medium is delivered to the treatment zone and the delivery of said cooling medium is for an interval of time which is sufficient to lower the temperature of the tissue at the treatment zone sufficiently to destroy the growth function of the horn bud.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.