Milking machine with non-return valves - is fitted in unions between teat cups and milk pipe

摘要

The milking machine has a number of teat guides accommodated for most of their length inside teat cups, and with hose-type lower ends protruding beyond the cups. The guides are of rubber, and are connected at the lower ends to a milk pipe under vacuum during milking. A non-return valve (20) is fitted in the union (13) between each guide (12) and the milk pipe (6), typically in the hose-type lower end. The valve can have a cylindrical housing (21) clamped in the lower end, or its seat can be formed by a shoulder integral with the guide. The design avoids any risk of milking flowing back into the guide and bringing with it bacteria causing mastitis or other infection in the process.