FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to dairy apparatus suitable for use in dairy sheds, including those incorporating automated milking systems. The invention comprises apparatus for applying a dosing material to the teat and udder regions of animals, and typically those in a stall.

BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION

Dairying is a significant industry worldwide. While the present invention was developed for bovine dairy cows, the most common dairy animal, the present invention may be used for other dairy animals.

Problems of the teat and udder regions, such as mastitis, is the bane of most dairy farmers. While environmental factors may cause or exacerbate many problems, cross- infection by pathogens is also a significant issue. The vector, for most cross-infections of the teat, is milking apparatus and equipment. While improved equipment and milking techniques can help reduce and manage infection and cross-infection, such issues are always a consideration when animals are milked. Accordingly, it is still relatively common for farmers to have to apply various medicaments or agents to the teats and/or udders of animals - whether in the form of treatments, or prophylaxis. These may include medications for controlling mastitis, through to various other agents to alleviate issues such as chafing, etc.

The application of dosing materials is a problem in the industry. For convenience, most farmers prefer to spray teats and udders while they are contained in the dairy shed, and typically while still in the milking stall. This is more convenient than treating animals in the field, who may be difficult to approach, as well as the issue of double dosing, or missing the dosing, of animals in a herd. Additionally, most animals (especially dairy cattle) do not like being sprayed in the teat and udder regions, and can become wary of approaches by the farmer and can respond by kicking out - for this reason the confined space of a stall in a dairy shed is often preferred. However, even in the confines of the dairy stall, cows kicking out and stomping around can damage equipment - particularly available prior art spray applicators which can have a relatively short life span due to their proximity to the hind legs of an animal.

One available prior art device the applicant is aware of is wall mounted, or to available mounting points at the rear of a stall. A swing arm, which normally hangs down, swings up between the legs of an animal to spray the teat. The potential issues which such devices is, that if the animal is not accurately positioned and aligned, the swing arm hits a rear leg of the animal rather than passing between the legs. Not only is dosing not completed, the animal can then become agitated and wary of the device - which makes subsequent treatment (either immediately after, or in future visits to the dairy shed) more difficult. Further, the swing arm arrangement is readily damaged when is it pivoted up, and can be easily damaged by an animal.

Accordingly there is a need for an improved dosing applicator suitable for spraying the underside of dairy animals (particularly in a milk shed), and which is either or both of more resistant to damage by an upset animal, or less vulnerable to being positioned where it can be damaged.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to address the above problems.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved dosing applicator for dairy animals which has reduced vulnerability to damage by an upset animal using its hind legs to protest. At the very least it is an object of the present invention to provide the public with a useful alternative choice.

Aspects of the present invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the ensuing description.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus comprising a body, an extensible arm portion connected at one end to said body and supporting at least one dosing applicator at or near its distal end; said extensible arm portion including at least one sleeve portion which is connectable to both a reduced pressure and an increased pressure source, the arrangement characterised such that extension and retraction of the extensible arm portion can be effected by controlling the connection of the interior of a said sleeve portion to said reduced pressure and increased pressure sources;

there also being included valve means for controlling the connection of the interior of a said sleeve portion to said reduced pressure and increased pressure sources.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said reduced pressure source is capable of reducing the pressure within a said sleeve portion to 200 Torr or less.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said reduced pressure source is capable of reducing the pressure within a said sleeve portion to 20 Torr or less.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said reduced pressure source comprises a vacuum line on automated dairy milking apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which an increased pressure source comprises a pressurised gas. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which an increased pressure source introduces gas into a said sleeve portion at a pressure of at least 1.5 atmospheres.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which an increased pressure source introduces gas into a said sleeve portion at a pressure of at least 2.5 atmospheres.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is associated with a sleeve portion a venting valve which relieves pressure once a predetermined threshold has been exceeded. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the interior of a said sleeve portion is substantially air tight to allow it to be inflated and deflated to effect extension and retraction respectively of the sleeve portion. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the sleeve portion comprises a material is either of both of flexible, and resilient.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the sleeve portion comprises a material which is resistant to chemicals and agents commonly used in an automated milking shed.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the sleeve portion includes an extensible stiffening component which aids the sleeve portion extending into a substantially linear arm when extended as a consequence of the introduction of an increased pressure internally.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the sleeve portion defines a pneumatic cylinder. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, wherein a said extensible stiffening component comprises at least one spring.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, wherein a said spring is a coil spring. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, wherein a said spring is biased to pull the sleeve into a fully or partially retracted position. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said sleeve comprises a concertinaed tube with an internal coil spring.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the dosing applicator comprises a spray applicator.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which associated with the dosing applicator is at least one delivery conduit supplying dosing material from a dosing material source.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said delivery conduit is housed substantially within a said sleeve portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said delivery conduit comprises a flexible tube.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said delivery conduit comprises an extensible tube. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said delivery conduit is of one or more of the following materials: a silicone, a synthetic rubber.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is a control means controlling valve means associated with each of said reduced pressure and increased pressure sources, and the delivery of dosing material to said dosing applicator. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said control means and one or more valve means are housed within said body.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said body includes mounting means for mounting to a floor or platform.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said body is constructed to be resistant to, and to protect its contents from, chemicals and agents commonly used within an automated milking dairy shed.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which said body is constructed to be impact resistant.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which full extension of the extensible arm portion occurs in less than 1 second.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which retraction from full extension, of the extensible arm portion, occurs in less than 1 second. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which an operation comprising extension, dosing, and retraction occurs in less than 2 seconds.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, which includes heating means for heating a material to be dosed prior to expulsion from said dosing applicator.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said sleeve portion comprises a concertinaed tube with an internal coil spring, and which is coupled at one end to said body;

the sleeve portion housing a flexible delivery conduit leading from valve means within said body to the dosing applicator;

the body housing said valve means and control means therefor;

the body being mountable to the ground, platform, or work surface.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the extensible arm retracts substantially within the body when not extended. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the body includes a replaceable protective outer shell.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the extensible arm retracts substantially within the protective outer shell when not extended.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, including control means for controlling operation of the apparatus, and wherein said control means includes provision for sensor data and which aborts, delays, or alters a dosing operation in response to said sensor data.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which sensor data is receivable indicating the presence or absence of an animal.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which sensor data is receivable indicating the presence of an animal or animal body part in a position which will interfere with extension or retraction of the extensible arm. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the used of dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in a dairy shed for the application of a dosing material to animals.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of dosing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the body is positioned rearwardly of the typical standing position of an animal to be treated and oriented such that the extensible arm can extend forwardly between the legs of said animal, the positioning being such that nominally the dosing applicator will apply dosing material to the teat and/or udder regions of said animal. While various embodiments of the present invention exist, a typical and preferred embodiment includes a body portion with an extensible arm (more than one is possible in various embodiments) mounted or coupled thereto. The body generally houses and protects components of the device, particularly in relation to the environment in which it may be used. For simplicity of description, we shall use the example of an embodiment which is to be used in a dairy milking shed, for bovine cows.

In such an environment, the abuses which the housing needs to protect sensitive components against include water and chemicals commonly used for cleaning, animal urine and faeces, and impacts - typically from the hooves and feet of animals who may be protesting. Hence the housing will tend to be relatively fluid tight and impact resistant.

In some embodiments a replaceable outer shell may be used, similar to the shell on a bicycle helmet or a turtles shell. This may be sacrificial and able to be replaced after severe enough damage. The shell may also extend the area of impact protection to protect a retracted arm portion which may not retract fully into the main body. The shell may comprise a suitable plastics material, as may the material of the body (though this may comprise other materials as well).

The body preferably also provides for secure mounting to the ground, a work surface, or platform so as to anchor the apparatus. This may simply be provided for by mounting apertures allowing bolts to pass through, though other known fastening and mounting arrangements may be relied upon. Integral with the body, though this may also comprise a separate piece, can be a leg spreading portion. In simple embodiments this may comprise a floor or surface mountable element or elements capable of defining a guide channel into which the extensible arm portion can extend. The use of a leg spreading portion defining such a guide channel can provide several potentially realisable benefits. For instance, it can help guide the extension of a retracted arm portion in a linear fashion as it begins its extension. In embodiments where the sleeve portion is flexible and/or resilient, this extension may start off in a slightly non linear fashion, particularly in a well used device where, over time, the sleeve material and any stiffening springs or elements have become less resilient and more relaxed. This can help an extending extensible arm portion hitting the hoof or lower part of an animal's leg as it extends and straightens out.

Secondly, the leg spreading portion can help provide some additional protection to an extended arm portion should the animal move or stomp about. Thirdly, the leg spreading portion can help position the animal within a stall (or other location), and to keep their legs spread apart. Hence, a higher rate of successful spraying is possible when the animal is in a suitable stance and accurately positioned.

More information will be given on the leg spreading portion later in this specification.

From the body portion can extend one (or more) extensible arm portions - for simplicity we shall refer to the more common example of a single arm portion. This may be fixed to retract fully within the body, though may not (see also the use of a protective shell of larger area above).

Ideally the arm can retract - ideally to a position where it cannot be readily damaged by a protesting animal, though this is also dependent upon the mounting position of the body portion. It must also be able to extend, to at least a length where it can position a dosing applicator in the correct position on the underside of an animal - typically the teat and udder region. The dosing applicator is typically at or near the end of the extensible arm. In preferred embodiments the extension and retraction of the arm is fluid operated - i.e. pneumatically or hydraulically (which can include any liquid fluid). Preferably, as most dairy sheds include a vacuum line, pneumatic operation is preferred. As the general principles of pneumatic and hydraulic embodiments are similar, we shall refer to a pneumatic version for simplicity of description.

Typically there are associated with an arm, one or more sleeves. These sleeves (once installed in the apparatus) are generally air or fluid tight, as well as being extendible and retractable. Extension is typically performed by applying an increased pressure to the interior of the sleeve, while retraction is effected by reducing the pressure - such as applying a vacuum. Hence, a primary motive force for extension and retraction of the arm portion is the sleeve, or sleeves.

While an arm might comprise a rigid telescoping element with one or more associated sleeves, preferred embodiments use a sleeve with a stiffening element(s). The stiffening element helps ensure that when extended, the dosing applicator is roughly in the correct position. For most cases, this means the full extended arm is substantially straight (though more complex designs can be used in various embodiments).

The preferred embodiment employs a single sleeve comprising a flexible tube of a resilient material with a concertinaed surface. This allows the tube to be contracted (retracted) and extended in length. The stiffness of the material, concertina profile, etc. can affect the retracted and extended lengths, as well as other parameters. There is reasonable scope for a user to specify a particular set of sleeve parameters to fit a particular need or set of requirements.

The sleeve of the preferred flexible tube also includes a stiffening agent in the form of a coil spring of, typically, commensurate diameter to the inside of the tube/sleeve. The spring should have a bias allowing it to be extended. The natural rest state of the coil spring may be fully retracted, though typically is in a position which is intermediate between full extension and retraction.

The effort needed to extend and retract such a sleeve needs to be considered. For instance the available vacuum (reduced pressure available) needs to be sufficient to contract the sleeve by the required amount. Ideally a versatile embodiment may operate with a reduced pressure as high as 200 Torr, or less. A more common embodiment will likely work with a reduced pressure of 20 Torr or less.

Similarly the available pressure needs to extend the sleeve by the required amount. A versatile embodiment may work on pressures as low as 1.5 atmospheres, though more common embodiments may preferably run on pressures of 2.5 atmospheres or higher. Accordingly, some optimisation may be need to be performed by a user to meet their preferred requirements for a particular installation. Pressure ranges outside the values mentioned above may be used on some embodiments.

The diameter of the sleeve also needs to be considered as it influences volume which needs to be filled and evacuated. Larger volumes can slow operation, which is generally unwanted as it is desirable that the extension and retraction operations are relatively swift. Further,, if a contained pressurised gas supply is used as the increased pressure source, then the life of the gas bottle will be shortened with larger volumes. Hence, optimisation between volume, specific sleeve parameters, and the ability of the sleeve to move the dosing applicator, may be required for specific embodiments.

Valve means are typically used to control the connection of the interior of a sleeve to either reduced pressure (e.g. vacuum) or increased pressure (e.g. a pressurised air or gas source). These are readily available off the shelf.

Control means is typically used to control the valve means. Such control means may include trigger means (which may merely be a switch to commence an operation). Typically a control means will operate a valve to effect arm extension, followed by a dosing application, followed by arm retraction. A valve may be used to control the supply of dosing material from a pressurised source to the dosing applicator - this being a preferred method as it allows fast dosing application times. Alternatively the control means may activate a motor to deliver dosing material to the dosing applicator.

The control means may also include sensors or sensor inputs. These may include proximity sensors to detect whether an animal is present (and potentially abort an operation if it is not). Sensors may also detect if an animal is in the wrong position - e.g. that arm extension may impact a hoof or leg in the wrong place. In such a case a dosing operation may be delayed until desired sensor data is achieved. Warnings (audible and/or visible) may be given in cases where anomalies (such as just described) exist or other adverse situations arise.

The dosing applicator may take many forms. It may include some form of applicator (e.g. a spray nozzle), motor, and reservoir. This more complicated version is less preferred as it tends to be heavier, slower (considering also the increased inertia of the dosing applicator during arm extension and retraction operations) and exposes more components to potential damage by a protesting animal. Accordingly a more preferred embodiment employs a suitably oriented spray nozzle connected to a delivery conduit leading to a dosing material source. The delivery conduit may be a flexible tube leading to a reservoir within the body portion or even external thereto. The flexible tube may be within the interior of the sleeve, or external thereto. It may typically comprise a flexible tube of a silicone material.

In practice the body portion is mounted such that the extensible arm can extend through the rear legs of an animal (though approach from the side is also a possibility). Use of flexible and resilient components for the extensible arm, and also dosing applicator, can also reduce potential damage should they be impacted by a protesting animal. However, their primary protection does lie within the speed by which they extend , and contract - particularly the latter. Most animals protest when they sense something foreign where they believe it shouldn't be, and typically after material is sprayed in their teat and udder regions. A quick retraction, ideally 1 second or less, is thus preferred. A quick extension (again preferably 1 second or less) is also preferred to reduce the knowledge of an animal that something is happening. Quick spray/dosing application is also desirable so that the arm can retract safely out of the way. A number of parameters can be influenced in the design of different embodiments to optimise and reduce the total time taken for a dosing operation.

Another modification to reduce potential damage is to provide a small heating element to preheat dosing material prior to application. A warmer applied material may evoke less protest from an animal than an icy cold spray of fluid. Previously mentioned within the specification are leg spreading portions, which may act in the role of a guide channel and leg spreader to provide for a higher successful teat spraying rate.

The leg spreading portion may take several forms. In its simplest form it comprises a leg spreading element which ideally is installed in pairs. With suitable design the same leg spreading element can be used as both members of a pair.

The elements or leg spreading portion may also be associated with a base unit, which can help ensure they are positioned in one or more ideal positions relative to each other. The base unit may also facilitate mounting to a work surface such as the floor, or a platform, etc. The base unit may also accommodate the mounting of the dosing apparatus, and can be useful for ensuring the various portions of an installation are accurately positioned and aligned - such as ensuring the extensible arm portion of a dosing unit does not impact the leg spreading portion.

The leg spreading portion may also comprise a substantially unitary leg spreading unit which combines the features of a pair of leg spreading portions such as mentioned above. Again, such a unit may be installed with, or without, the aid of a base unit.

In each case the installed embodiments of the leg spreading portionwill resemble each other in terms of features and functions - the different choices of construction (as separate elements or combined units) provides useful advantages with respect to manufacture (particularly from different materials which may lend themselves better to some embodiments), transport, and installation.

Various materials may be used for manufacture of the leg spreading portion, and can include various metals, various plastics (such as impact resistant plastics, tough plastics, resilient plastics), various rubbers (including synthetic rubbers), and so on. The chosen material(s) should be resistant to the environment of a typical milking shed (or the intended application) as well as able to withstand an animal stepping repeated onto it.

In its simplest form a leg spreading portion, when viewed in plan, has what shall be referred to as a first long edge. This is typically linear, but need not be so. When viewed from the end it can be seen this nominal first long edge marks the boundary of a raised portion - it should be noted that the first long edge may not be a physical edge of the element (for instance in an integral unit comprising a pair of elements, these first long edges will be near the middle of the unit and will not represent physical edges of the unit).

The raised portion rises steeply from the first long edge, and by steeply is meant an angle of 55° or more. This is measured with respect to the basal portion of the element, which is typically the underside and normally substantially parallel, when installed, to the work surface to which it is mounted. The height of the raised portion above the basal portion varies but is nominally at least 35mm, and more preferably at least 50mm.

The raised portion then descends towards an edge other than said first long edge at a shallower angle, and by this is meant 55° or less, and more preferably 45° or less. Typically this other edge is opposite the first long edge, and again this other edge need not be a physical edge of the element.

It should also be noted that the steep and shallow inclined sides need not meet - their highest points may be separated, such as by a plateaued portion.

Further, it should be also appreciated, particularly in the case of quadrilateral elements (when viewed in plan) that the edges perpendicular to said first long edge may have associated inclined sides (of the raised portion) which can be steep or shallow or of any inclination- the preferred embodiments have inclinations on all sides (other than the inclined side associated with the first long edge) which are substantially the same in inclination.

It should be noted that inclined sides need not be planar or of constant inclination. In such cases the average inclination of the side should be considered. Sides may also be convex, concave, or of more complex formation when viewed from their end. Again the average angle of inclination should be considered when considering 'steep' and 'shallow'. Where inclined sides end, they may be radiused to avoid sharp edges which might injure an animal.

An anti-slip finish may be applied to exposed surfaces to prevent an animal slipping if it steps on an element. Such finishes might comprise textures (for example cross- hatching) fashioned or formed into the surface of the element, though may also comprise coatings and attached layers of gripping materials, such as rubbers, plastics, meshes, etc.

To facilitate the sampling of individual animal's milk (a common requirement in some countries), preferred embodiments of a leg spreading portion include fluid sampling means. In the simplest form this may comprise a depression or well formed into an element and into which a sample of milk can be placed and captured. Quite simply, the farmer may squeeze the teat to squirt a sample of milk into the well. This can be collected later on, such as when an animal is released from the stall. For a rotary platform, a person stationed near the exit/entry can recover the milk sample, place it safely for collection, and clearly identify which animal it came from. Different procedures may be implemented in different milking sheds according to user preference. The potentially realisable advantage here, is that the sample remains with the animal until recovered/collected and avoids having loose samples spread around the shed. After recovery of the sample, the well is cleaned out by the typical hosing of the stall to clean it before the next animal enters, though individual procedures can vary.

As a preferred variation, the well or depression can contribute to holding a sampling container such as a cup. Individual cups can be placed in the depression for the milk sample to be collected. This also helps avoid potential cross contamination of milk samples if a well is not cleaned out properly. The sample containers may optionally has an associated lid which can be closed to prevent further contamination once the sample is taken.

In preferred embodiments, individual leg spreading elements are installed as a pair to form the leg spreading portion. Accordingly the fluid sampling means on each element comprises a depression capable of at least partially holding a sampling receptacle. As will be more clearly seen in the drawings, each depression in an element (in an installed pair) supports substantially opposite sides of a sampling container, while one element alone cannot fully support the container.

Typically such depressions which partially support a sampling receptacle will be present in the steep side associated with a said first long edge, though the steep edge may extend outwardly in this region to better support or position the receptacle. As can be appreciated, there are a number of implementation variations to achieve the same principle.

As previously mentioned, the basal portion (i.e. bottom) of a leg spreading portion may sit on the work surface to which it is to be mounted, or may attached to a separate base plate or element. This base plate or element may also help position and mount a pair of leg spreading portions.

As has also been mentioned, a single unitary unit (which may or may not also have a base plate) can be manufactured which has the features of a pair of leg spreading portions. Again, this is a matter of user choice. In the example of a pair of leg spreading portions, the pair may be installed such that the first long edges are adjacent and close to each other. However, it is more typical for a gap to be present between the first long edges. The size of the gap can reflect the size and type of animal.

As can be appreciated, various embodiments exist and can be implemented. It is anticipated that the skilled reader, with the description contained herein, should be able to produce various embodiments suitable for their specific purposes.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a preferred embodiment of the present

invention, Figure 2 is a plan diagrammatic view of the embodiment of figure 1 with an

embodiment of a protective channel device shown, Figure 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of a preferred embodiment of a leg spreading portion, showing the position of a partially extended extensible arm of a preferred embodiment of dosing apparatus, and

Figure 4 is an end diagrammatic view of a further embodiment of a leg spreading portion.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The main body portion (generally indicated by arrow 1) comprises a housing (2) which encloses and protects various components (see below). A replaceable shell (3) of an impact resistant plastics material provides further protection to the apparatus. This shell (3) may extend substantially over the apparatus like a turtle's shell, and also protects the retracted arm portion (generally indicated by arrow 4).

Mounting feet (5) with apertures (6) allow the body portion (1) to be securely mounted to a work surface such as the platform in a rotary milking shed. The arm portion (4) comprises a flexible tube (7) of a chemical resistant material such as a synthetic rubber. The walls of the tube (7) are concertinaed (8) to aid in expansion and retraction of its length.

Associated with the walls of the tube (7) is a coil spring which is also able to expand and contract, though helps resist compression of the tube (7). Such tubing is readily available for use in the food industry and other applications. For the preferred embodiment a 40mm diameter tubing is used, and cut to length so that nominally it is around 130-150mm in length when fully compressed (retracted) and able to extend up to around 280-350mm when the chosen internal pressure is applied.

At one end the tubing is clamped to a plug (11) fastened to the body (2). Through this plug are introduced conduits (12, 13) for the vacuum (decreased pressure) and pressurised (increased pressure) lines respectively. A feed (14) for delivery conduit (15), comprising a flexible tube of a silicone rubber, is also present. At the alternate end of the tubing (7) is a second plug (16) to which the tubing is attached by a circular clamp (17). Within this plug is attached a spray nozzle (18), though multiple nozzles may be used for effective spread. These are connected to the delivery conduit (15) which feeds them. A valve (20) controls the supply of dosing material to the nozzle(s) (18). This valve is controlled by control means (21) which oversees the timing and duration of its (20) opening.

A flexible bag (22) containing dosing material is positioned within a pressurisable container (23). The headspace (24) above the bag (22) is maintained under pressure by the pressurised air source (not shown) and which may be an available compressed air line, or gas bottle. This pressure (24) provides the impetus to deliver dosing material to the nozzle(s) (18) and expel the dosing material so as to dose an animal. Conduit (25) connects the headspace to the pressurised supply line (26).

Valve (27) controls the introduction of pressurised air into the interior (28) of the tubing (7) to cause it to inflate and extend. The pressure should be nominally matched to the tubing (7) to ensure it reaches the desired extended length - some optimisation may be required. Again, the control means (21) controls the timing and duration of valve (27) operation.

Retraction of the tubing (7) is governed by valve (30) which allows evacuation of the tubing's interior (28) to a reduced pressure or vacuum line (31). Again, the control means (21) controls the timing and duration of valve (30) operation.

The control means (21) which may be a PLC or dedicated unit, also (in this embodiment) has inputs (32) for sensors (33, 34) comprising a first proximity sensor (33) for detecting the presence of an animal, and a second proximity sensor (34) to detect obstructions in the path of the extending arm portion (4) when it extends - e.g. an animal with its leg in the way. Appropriate sensors are readily available off the shelf and may be utilised. The optimal positioning of the sensors may need to be experimented with as each installation (due to different dairy shed designs) may require slightly different setups. One or both sensors could be mounted on the body portion (2), the shell (3), or even on the extending arm portion (4). Again, there is a degree of user choice available to meet specific needs.

In a typical operating sequence the control means (21) may require a trigger signal from a suitable source (35). This may be a manually pressed switch on the apparatus, or a signal from an automated system (e.g. the milking system, or a platform control system).

Assuming sensor input (33, 34) is favourable, a spraying operation may commence. If the sensor (33, 34) data is unfavourable a signal may be sent to an audible and/or visible warning device (36), which could simply be a buzzer in combination with a red lamp. The sensor (33, 34) information may be periodically or continuously rechecked to see if spraying should commence - in the absence of an animal then the entire operation may be aborted until the next trigger signal (35) is received.

Once favourable conditions exist, the control means (21) opens valve (20) for 8μίίίϋίεηί time to ensure the tubing (7) is inflated. The valve (20) may be kept open until, or shortly before, evacuation via valve (30) begins. Alternatively it (20) may be kept open until spraying is complete, or it (20) may be merely closed after a predetermined period of time. Various options exist.

Valve (27) is opened to initiate spraying. Depending on the precise setup, valve (27) may open shortly prior to the expected full extension of tubing (7) to compensate for any lag of dosing material beginning to be expelled from nozzle(s) (18). Again this is something for optimisation and will balance factors such as completing spraying in the shortest time possible, versus wasting dosing material by spraying outside of the target zone.

Valve (30) will generally open at or near the end of spraying and will cause the tubing (7) to retract - ideally back within the protection of the shell (3).

As an option the valve (20) may include or be used in conjunction with a heating unit (40) to pre-warm dosing material and to reduce 'spraying shock' on the animal. A small heating unit (40) is shown prior to the valve (20) and may merely comprise a length of resistive wire coiled about the fluid line (41) to the reservoir (22), though other options (and positioning options) exist.

Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of the embodiment of figure 1. Here, a leg spreading portion (50) is also used. This can be attached to (54), or integral with, the body (2) and may comprise a base plate (54) which the body (2) is positioned on top of prior to bolting or mounting to a work surface.

The leg spreading portion (50) comprises an element having a channel (53) intermediate two raised ridge portions (51, 52). The resultant guide channel ^" accommodates the extending arm portion (4) and helps provide further protection to the arm portion. The height of the ridges should be at least 50% of the height of the extending arm portion (4) (measured at its top) when it is extended, relative to the floor or work surface. Ideally it is at least 85% of the height of the arm portion (4). The leg spreading portion should also be of an impact resistant material. It could also be manufactured to be integral with the shell (3). Figure 3 illustrates a pair of a preferred embodiments of leg spreading elements (generally indicated by arrow 301) which are identical in construction. They are moulded from either an aluminium alloy, iron, or an impact resistant plastics. Corrosion resistant coatings are applied as required. The visible surfaces in the figure have also be textured with a sand-like texture to improve slip resistance for an animal stepping on to them.

Each element (301) has a first long edge (302a, 302b) which when installed are adjacent but separated. The nominal distance in this example is approximately 55 mm. This is sufficient to allow the extending arm (320) or a proprietary teat sprayer to pass therebetween, but can be varied according to need. Extending upwardly from each long edge (302a, 302b) is a steep side (303a, 303b) which has an inclination of around 70 - 80°. This extends to a flattened plateau portion (304a, 304b).

The plateaus (304a, 304b) extend downwardly at a more relaxed angle on their shallow sides (305a, 305b) which is around 30°. The ends (306, 307) of the element (301) which are perpendicular to the first long edge (302a, 302b) in the figure, also have inclined sides which are of an angle intermediate the steep (303) and shallow (305) sides of the element (301).

Fluid sampling means (308a, 308b) comprising a recess in the steep side (303) portion of the elements (301) are provided to support a sampling receptacle (310) which can be inserted and removed as required. A simple milk test which might commonly be performed on milk captured in the receptacle (310) is the rapid mastitis test.

Mounting holes (311) are provided to allow the elements (301) to be bolted to a floor or platform. Figure 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present invention in end view. Here there is an integral leg spreading unit (101) which has the general features of the pair of leg spreading elements of figure 1.

There are present the first long edges (102a, 102b) which in this case are joined and separated by a thin web (118) of the material from which the unit (101) is formed. The distance of separation allows a teat sprayer arm (120) to pass therebetween. There are the steep sides (103a, 103b), optional plateaus (104a, 104b), and shallow sides (105a, 105b) of the embodiments of figure 3. The inclinations and dimensions are, for this example, the same as in figure 3.

There are also the depressions (108a, 108b) for holding a removable receptacle (110), which is shown with a clip on lid (112). The receptacle is maintained at a height above the path of travel of the teat sprayer (120).

Also provided on this example are optional wells (114) which can be used for holding a milk sample (with or without a receptacle) if the user does not wish to use a centrally placed receptacle (110). Also present in this embodiment is a mounting base plate (116). These can be initially installed in the correct (and accurate) positions in a milking shed. The leg spreading units (101) can be subsequently attached to the base plate (116), or through the base plate (116) directly into the floor or platform. Such base plates (116) can also be used in conjunction with the elements (301) of figure 3 for their correct positioning and location.

While, for a rotary dairy platform, individual dosing apparatus may be installed in every stall, the rotary dairy platform allows for single (or several) dosing apparatus to be positioned adjacent the circumferential perimeter of the platform. In such a case the externally mounted device can spray the animal in each stall as it moves past. However, as the platform and animal are moving, relative to the external dosing apparatus, the timing of the triggering of the dosing apparatus can be critical (if done automatically). Accordingly, some type of positioning controlling device, such as described in the control initiation apparatus of the applicant's co-pending applications based on NZ Patent Application No. 580616, should be considered.

In such rotary platform arrangements (of the preceding paragraph) the leg spreading elements can become more important, as they help accurately position and align the animal within the stall. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as described herein.

It should also be understood that the term "comprise" where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, 'comprise' does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being authoritative disclosure on the true state of the prior art but rather as referencing considerations brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention.