May 13, 1965
1'. ALBERS
3,183,890
AUTOMATIC SPRAY WASHING DEVICE FOR COWS
Filed Sept. 5, 1961
3 Sheets-Sheet l
TEL/N/S .ALBE/QS
INVENTOR
H6
5y
F'ULWIDEFZ, MATTINGLYQ‘
H U NT'LEY
ATTORNEYS
May 18, 1965
,T. ALBERS
3,183,890
AUTOMATIC SPRAY WASHING DEVICE FOR COWS
Fil_ed Sept. 5, 1961
3 Sheets-Sheet 2
-2
I:
'
.
TEu/v/s ALBE/QS
‘-
INVENTORY
BY
FULWIDEE , MATTINGLY &‘ HUNTLEY
ATTORN 5Y5
May 18, 1965
T. ALBERS
3,183,890
AUTOMATIC SPRAY WASHING DEVICE FOR COWSK“
Filed Sept. 5, 1961
5 Sheéts-Sheet 3
QXWél?wmN
BY FULWIDE R, MATTINGUM
HUNTLEY
ATTORNEYS
United States Patent 0 ”
3,l83,8%
Patented May 18, 1965
2
1
3,183,890
AUTOMATIC SPRAY WASHING DEVICE
FOR COWS
Tennis Albers, 21205 Norwalk Blvd, Artesia, Calif.
Filed Sept. 5, 1961, Ser. No. 136,989
1 Claim. (Cl. 119-159)
This invention relates generally to cow washing ma
chines and particularly to automatically operating devices
FIGURE 3 is an perspective enlarged view of the auto
matic cow scrubbing mechanism of FIGURE 1; and
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view partially in section of
a second embodiment of a multiple jet water frame and
cow positioning stall.
Referring to FIGURES 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings in
which a/?rst embodiment of the invention isyshown, a
multiple jet water frame is generally referred to as F. It
is intended that the frame F completely surround a cow
for cleansing and brushing a string of cows before milk 10 stall generally referred to as S. A Water valve controlled
by a conventional electronic eye device is generally re
ferred to as I. The general arrangement of parts permits
This is a continuation-in-part of my copending appli
a string of cows to pass through the stall S and be in
cation Serial No. 34,025, ?led June 6, 1960 for Cow
dividually and automatically soaked and cleaned by si
Washing Device, now abandoned.
It is imperative from a sanitary standpoint that cows 15 multaneous blasts of water from nozzles directed at parts
of the cow that normally collect ?lth. The rapidly ap
coming from pasture be cleaned before the milking op
plied water washes the cow of accumulated ?lth. It is
eration. Various devices including manual hosing have
contemplated that an electric eye operated scrubbing and
and are being used for removing accumulated ?lth from
brushing device B will be disposed forwardly of the wash
cows returning from pasture. All previous devices and
manual operations have been unsatisfactory and expen 20 ing frame if additional cleansing is desired or required.
The frame F is composed on either side of identical
sive. Labor costs and the great expense of improperly
tubular elements which will be referred to by single nu
applied water has rendered obsolete earlier cow washing
merals. A horizontally disposed pipe or tube 10 has de
operations when taken in consideration with applicant’s
pending legs 12 aud 14 connected thereto by dual elbows
economical and practical solution of the problem.
16 and 18, respectively. Elbows 20 and 22 on the lower
The present invention contemplates that a string of
ends of legs 12 and 14, respectively, provide ground sup
cows coming from pasture will be directed individually
port for the frame F. Dual inwardly projecting water
‘through a specially designed automatically operating
jets or nozzles 24 and 26 on the elbows 20 and 22, respec
washing device that will thoroughly soak and cleanse the
tively, provide means for washing the cow’s chest, belly,
cows in a sanitary manner prior to the milking operation.
bag and teets.
Additional mechanism is provided and may be used to
A four way coupling 28 on the horizontal pipe 10 has
scrub and brush down the soaked and rinse cows.
a downwardly extending short tube 30. The tube 30 has
One of the main objects of the invention is to provide
a nozzle 32 connected thereto by means of an elbow 34.
mechanism that directs the'string of cows through a wash
The nozzle 32 is adapted to direct a water spray against
ing machine that automatically applies a sudden, swift
the sides of the cow when standing in the stall S. A pair
and complete discharge of water individually over parts
of inwardly directed spray nozzles or jets 36 and 38 are
of a cow’s body upon which dirt and ?lth normally ac
coupled at 40 and 42, respectively, to the pipe 10 adjacent
cumulate.
.
the ends thereof. The nozzles 36 and 38 are directed at
Another object of the invention is the provision of a de
the fore and hind quarters of the cow when in the stall
vice that de?nitely stations individual cows in such posi
S. A vertically extending pipe 44 connected at its lower
tion that a water blast from multiple jets cleans ?lth ac
end to the coupling 28 has an elevated elbow connec
cumulated parts prior to the milking operation. _
tion 46 with a cross pipe or tube 48. The pipe 48 se
Still another object of the invention is to provide multi
cures the spaced identical side frame elements heretofore
ple water jets about a cow passageway and positioning
ing.
.
.
device, the jets being actuated automatically when the
described. An overhead downwardly projecting nozzle
45 50 coupled at 52 to the cross pipe 48 directs a water spray
cow walks therethrough.
discharge upon the back of the ‘cow standing in the
stall S.
A water inlet pipe 54 connected to any suitable supply
parts of a cow that normally collect ?lth that must be re
has a standard valve .56 connected therewith. A pipe 58
moved before the milking operation.
A further object of the invention lies in an automatical 50 has an elbow 60 and stub pipe 62 connection with the
valve 56. An elbow 6'3 and stub pipe 64 provide attach
ly actuated multiple jet water frame that permits con
ment means for the other end of the pipe 58 with'a
trolled and directed passage of a cow therethrough and
coupling 66 in the vertical Water tube or pipe 44.
complete cleansing of ?lth accumulated parts.
The stall S is formed by identical side forming or tubu
A still further object of the invention is in the pro~
lar elements which will again be described for abbrevia
vision of an automatically operated cow washing frame
tion by single numerals. Spaced parallel disposed stall
and an associated mechanism for automatically scrubbing
2 bars or tubes 68 have outwardly projecting arms 70 and
and brushing the thoroughly soaked cow prior to the milk
Yet another object of the invention is in the provision
of a tubular water frame having multiple jets directed at
72 that telescope tubes 74 and 76, respectively.
,
_
The tubes 74 and '76 are pivotally connected at '78 and
With the foregoing objects in view, and such other ob
jects and advantages as will become apparent to those 60 80, respectively, with bracket clamps 82 and 84, respec
tively. The bracket clamps are ?xedly secured at 86 and
skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this
83 to the horizontal pipes 10. The telescoping pipes 70
speci?cation proceeds, the invention consists essentially
and '72 and tubes 74 and 76, respectively, are maintained
in the arrangement and construction of parts all as here
in conventional tensioned relationship by plural standard
inafter more particularly described, reference being had
coil tension springs 99. Means for sustaining the stall
to the accompanying drawing in which:
bars 68 in lowered or elevated position is provided in
in g operation.
FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a ?rst embodi
ment of a combined automatically operating cow washing
chains 92 connected at one end to an eye 94 on the inside
of bar 68 and at the other end to a chain notch 96 in a
and scrubbing device;
bracket 98 welded to the vertical pipe 44. When the bars
FIGURE 2 is an enlarged perspective view partially. 70 68 are raised for return passage of the cows to pasture,
they are sustained in spring latches 100 connected at 132
in section of the multiple jet water frame and cow posi
tioning stall of FIGURE 1;
‘
to the upper ends of the vertical pipes 44.’
I
3,183,890
3
Automatically operating conventional electronic eye
4
the washing frame if additional cleansing is desired or
devices 104 are bracketed at 1% on the opposed horizon
required.
tal pipes 10. A tube 1418 connects the electronic mecha
nism 104 to the standard water valve 56.
The operation of the device of FIGURES 1 and 2 is
readily apparent, it is contemplated within the scope of
simple.
The leading cow of a string returned from
Further, as will hereinafter become more
this invention that electric switch means referred to as
W’ in FIGURE 4 may be substituted for the electric eye
operators 110 and 112 of FIGURE 3.
It is believed that
pasture for milking walks into the stall S and its head
operates the electronic eye mechanism to actuate the water
FIGURE 3 will be apparent following the description of
valve 56 and thus permit multiple discharges of water
the water frame F’ of FIGURE 4.
against the cow’s body. The washing is complete, rapid 10
and a large’ amount of water is saved by the forward
such modi?cation of the scrubbing and brushing device of
v
The frame F’ of FIGURE 4 is formed on either side
with tubular elements including a horizontally disposed
pipe or tube 269 having depending legs 262 and 204.
movement of the cow away from the electronic eye.
It is also intended under some circumstances that the
Elbows 2116 and 2&8 at the lower ends of legs 202 and
cows be brushed and scrubbed following the washing
264, respectively, afford means for supporting the frame
operation. Applicant therefore provides additional mech 15 F’. Water jets or nozzles 219 and 212 are connected
anism forwardly of the automatic washer through which
to legs 202 and 204 by the respective elbows for pro
the string of cows must pass. Spaced conventional elec
tronic eye elements 110 and 112 are attached to vertical
rods 114 and 116, respectively, which are supported in
viding a washing spray for the underside of the cows.
A four-way coupling 214 is interposed in each of the
horizontal pipes 200 for retaining a downwardly extending
base plates 113 and 120, respectively. A brushing and 20 short pipe or tube 216 and an upwardly extending pipe
scrubbing device generally referred to as B comprises
218. The lower end of pipe 216 is provided with a nozzle
vertical tubular members 122 and 124 connected at their
upper ends by a cross bar 126. The tubular members 122
and 124 are supported in base plates 126 and 128.
A pair
220 for spraying the side of the cow whereas the upwardly
extending pipe 218 is provided with means affording a
horizontally disposed pipe 222 connected to a valve 224
of tubular arms 130 and 132 are pivotally mounted at 25 in a manner similar to that shown in FIGURES l and 2
134 and 136, respectively, on the cross bar 126. The
of the drawings.
forward ends of the arms 13% and 132 carry a horizontally
The upwardly extending pipes 218 on either side of
disposed back scrubbing brush 135 on a shaft 136. The
frame F’ are connected by a cross pipe 226 having a down
rearward extension of the arm 132 has a weighted counter
wardly projecting nozzle or jet 228 for spraying the back
balance 138 thereon. The rearward extension of the
of a cow standing in the stall S’.
arm 13% has a conventional electric motor 137 attached
At the opposite ends of each of the horizontally dis
thereto. A motor shaft 146 within the tubular arm 139
posed pipes or tubes 200 is mounted a nozzle 239' and 232
connects the motor 137 with a bevel gear 142 which
for spraying the rear and forward quarters of the cow
engages a bevel gear 144 on the end of the shaft 135. A
while in the stall as shown in FIGURE 4.
standard air, water or mechanical operated cylinder 146 .
In a manner similar to the above described ?rst em
is connected to any power means to force the brush 135
bodiment, the second embodiment of FIGURE 4 is pro
downwardly upon the cow’s back as she passes thereunder.
vided with a pair of oppositely disposed U-shaped frame
A pair of horizontally disposed tubular arms 14% and
members 234 and 236. U-shaped frame member 234
150 are pivotally supported at 152 and 154, respectively,
comprises a tube 238 the opposite ends of which telescope
on the vertical standards 122 and 124, respectively. Con 40 over short sections of pipe which are pivotally mounted
ventional electric motors 156 and 158 on the rear ends of
on horizontal pipe 2110. Additionally, frame member 238
the arms 148 and 150, respectively, actuate shafts 161}
carries a guard as at 240 which acts as a bumper for the
and 162 which have bevel geared connections 164 and
cows as they enter stall S’. A chain 242 supports the pipe
166 with vertically disposed shafts 168 and 170 supported
in any desired position, there being a latch 244 fas
in gear boxes 172 and 174, respectively. Scrubbing 45 238
tened to pipe 218 for retaining pipe 238 in retracted posi
brushes 176 and 178 are attached to the vertical shafts
tion as above explained with reference to the embodiment
16S and 170 respectively. Standard air, water or mechan~
shown in FIGURE 2 of the drawings.
'
ically operated cylinders 18!? and 132 attached to any
In similar manner, frame 236 comprises a substantially
suitable power means connect the vertical standards 122
and 124 with the horizontal arms 148 and 156, respec 50 U-shaped pipe or tube 246 the opposite ends of which may
be telescopically ?tted over shorter sections of pipe which
tively, and urge the scrubbing brushes 176 and 178 against
are pivotally attached to the corresponding pipe 200. Such
the sides of the cows passing therethrough.
.
U-shaped pipe carries a guard member 248 and is held
The operation of cow brushing and scrubbing device
in position by a chain 250. Latch. means 252 is operable
is simple. After the individual cow has been thoroughly
7
washed, she may pass to the scrubbing device, if such 55 to retain pipe 246 in its retracted position.
Switch means W’Vis mounted onsuitable bracket means
additional-mechanism is desired. The electronic eye actu
?xed to U-shaped pipe 238 of frame member 234. Such
ates the conventional air cylinders and electric motors to
bracket means is shown at 254. Switch W’ is waterproof
rotate the brushes and urge them against the sides and
in construction, having an actuating lever 256a extending
back ofthe cow. The cow is thus scrubbed and partially
from one end thereof into the stall S’. Actuating lever
dried.
'
60 256w is pivotally mounted in an end wall of switch 256
Referring to FIGURE 4 of the drawings, it shows a
for toggle movement in any direction, thereabout. That
second form or embodiment of the water frame as shown
is, it is contemplated that switch 256 may be operated by
in FIGURES 1 and 2. This embodiment comprises a
forward movement, downward movement or upward
frame F’ of similar design and construction to that shown
in FIGURES 1 and 2 in that it completely surrounds a 65 movement of operating lever 256a. Due to this arrange
ment, regardless of the size or shape of the cow passing
cow stall'generally referred to as S’. However, in this
through stall S’, the switch 256 will be actuated. .
embodiment there is a water valve controlled by a water;
proof electric switch which is generally referred to as ‘V’.
Switch 256 is connected to valve 224 by suitable leads
The general arrangement'of ‘ parts in the second embodi
258. ,Thus as a cow enters‘the stallS’ it engages lever
merit permits a string of cows to pass through the stall
70 256m of switch 256 to cause the latter to open valve 224
S’ and to be individually and automatically soaked and
thereby affording the multiple discharges of water against
cleaned as above explained with reference to the ?rst '
the cow’s body as hereinbefore explained with reference
embodiment. It’ is contemplated that an electric eye
operated scrubbing and brushing device as shown in FIG
to the ?rst embodiment of this invention. 7 After the cow
URE 3 of the drawings may be disposed forwardly of,
has been thoroughly soaked, she proceeds through stall
S" whereupon the switch actuating lever 256:: will be re
3,183,890
6
turned to its intermediate position as soon as the cow’s
body is moved out of the way. This action of course shuts
off valve 224 whereupon the water sprays as above de
scribed are turned off. a
l
'
By substituting a switch such as shown at W’ in FIG- '
URE 4 for the electric eye units 110 and 112 of FIGURE
3, it is seen that there can be provided a brushing and
scrubbing unit which is operated by contact of the cow’s
body. Under certain conditions, this may be desirable
where for one reason or another the electric eye operators 10
do not operate satisfactorily.
The automatic cow washing devices are fashioned to
form a narrow gate through which a string of cows re
turning from pasture must pass. The stall S when in a
lowered position forces the individual cow into the auto- .
matic washer. However, when the cows are returning
to pasture, the stall S is raised and latched to form an
open gate with the surrounding tubular water frame.
Since various modi?cations can be made in my inven
tion as hereinabove described, and many apparently wide 20
ly diiferent embodiments of same made within the spirit
and scope of the claim without departing from such spirit
and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the
accompanying speci?cation shall be interpreted as illustra- _
tive only and not in a limiting sense.
I claim:
cows passing through said gateway and a lowered
position to narrow said gateway so that only one cow
can pass therethrough abreast;
bias means interposed between said mounting means
and said stall bar means and biasing said stall bar
means towards said gateway in said lowered position
for resilient retraction of said stall bar means to ac~
commodate different size cows;
a plurality of water nozzles coupled to said portions
of said frame;
a Water valve operative to supply water under pressure
to said portions of said frame;
and switch means coupled to said water valve and lo
cated for actuation by a cow passing said stall bar
means to operate said valve.
References Cited by the Examiner
UNITED STATES PATENTS
1,505,641
1,568,226
1,620,013
2,524,641
2,542,280
2,665,665
8/24
1/26
3/27
10/50
2/51
1/54
Hendrickson ________ __ 119-159
Larson ______________ __ 119—83
Eckerman __________ __ 119-159
Suttles _____________ __ 119-—159
Knapp _____________ __ 119--159
Jones ______________ __ 119—159
2,684,658
7/54
Richardson et al ______ __ 119—-159
A cow washing device, comprising:
FOREIGN PATENTS
a tubular frame including portions adapted to convey
849,881 9/60 Great Britain.
water and further including mounting means, said
frame de?ning a relatively wide gateway through 30 T. GRAHAM CRAVER, Primary Examiner.
which more than one cow can pass abreast;
CARL W. ROBINSON, ALDRICH F. MEDBERY,
stall bar means carried by said mounting means and
ARNOLD‘ RUEGG, Examiners.
pivotable between a raised position out of the way of I