Sequencing gate for milking parlor
AssigneeNorbco, Inc.
InventorJoseph R. Moreau
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sequencing gate for a side-by-side milking parlor employs a gate member formed as a loop having an open center. The gate member has lower and upper rail portions with a distal portion joining the distal ends of the upper and lower portions, and a proximal portion joining the proximal ends of these portions. A vertical pivot member extends downward from the lower horizontal rail portion into a supporting journal member but does not extend into the open central part of the loop. With this arrangement, the cows can be positioned to stand with their barrels touching one another through the open center of the gate. The gate has no fixed vertical member which would obstruct movement of the cow's barrel as she enters or exits the milking parlor stall.
Claims6
Sequencing gate of a side-by-side milking parlor arrangement which is comprised of a plurality of side-by-side cow stalls, said gate having a normal first position across an associated one of the cow stalls and defining an entry aisle into said stalls, and swingably movable to a second position blocking said entry aisle for directing cows entering the parlor into the farthest unoccupied stall along said entry aisle;
- said sequencing gate comprising a gate member formed as a loop having an open center, including a lower horizontal rail portion, an upper horizontal rail portion, a distal portion joining distal ends of the upper and lower horizontal portions, and a proximal portion joining proximal ends of the upper and lower horizontal portions;
- a vertical pivot member extending outward from one of said horizontal rail portions but not extending between said horizontal rail members, said pivot member defining a vertical swing axis for said gate member;
- a support member affixed onto said milking parlor arrangement;
- a journal member supported on said support member and journalling said pivot member;
- and means yieldably biasing said gate member to said first position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.