AU595253B2

AU595253B2 - Improved sheep race

Info

Publication number: AU595253B2
Application number: AU64518/86A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alexander Mackay Alison; June Anne Alison
Original assignee: A M ALISON
Current assignee: Alison Am; Alison Ja
Priority date: 1985-10-28
Filing date: 1986-10-28
Publication date: 1990-03-29
Anticipated expiration: 2006-10-28
Also published as: AU6451886A

Description

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1952 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

595253 FOR OFFICE USE Application Number: 4 g Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority: Related Art:

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Mattag.t f TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Name of Applicants: .:.'Address of Applicants: Address for Service:

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A.M. J.A ALISON WOODBURN, BARRABA, 2347 ARTHUR S. CAVE CO.

Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 10 Barrack Street SYDNEY N.S.W. 2000

AUSTRALIA

:Complete Specification for the invention entitled "IMPROVED 'SHEEP RACE".

The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me:- 1 -1- ASC 49 2108F/AT -~31~-1-1 L- ~r~li~L~ _Li -1 3053W/KW I~QI~I~LY-IIY _.L1I-.i ii.::.iCi_ ii:) .i -l i. II~ 253 Lbe mrftat ng.

IMPROVED LIVESTOCK RACE ASSEMBLY The present invention relates to an improved livestock race assembly for use in particular, though not exclusively, for sheep dipping and spraying.

Proper care of livestock necessitates regular treatment of external pests such as parasites and treatment for the effects of fly strike which commonly affect sheep for instance impairing wool quality and the general health of the sheep.

The pests which affect stock are generally treated with 10 known chemicals mixed with water according to the desired concentration.

Application of the chemicals to the livestock bodies has in the past been carried out by dipping whereby the stock are guided into a trough filled with a regulated concentration of the chemical. This procedure is usually carried out on sheep with the sheep being usually assisted in their swim along the trough by attendants.

This method of treating sheep has a major shortcoming in that the water in the trough gradually becomes contaminated after many sheep nave passed through the trough. Accordingly, to maintain effective treatment for all sheep the water has to be changed constantly to offset the effects of contaminents such as excrement, dead parasites, fungi, bacteria, maggots and flies which can be transferred from livestock previously dipped in the trough.

An improvement in the method of treating sheep pests was effected with the introduction of the concept of spraying the livestock rather than submerging them in a dip. This procedure 2347 Attorneys

PROVED

invention

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2 1 the fluid is filters are removeable.

A race assembly as hereinbefore described wherein the said livestock are sheen.

I I was found to be suited for most forms' pf livestock.

Under this regime, the livestock are passed through a race assembly comprising a chute which is adapted with a water supply means, a means for mixing the treatment chemical remote from said chute, a means for spraying the livestock a means for drainage of waste water and a means for controlling the water supply to the chute.

There is presently on the market a livestock race which is built in the form of an open channel with each of the aforesaid features and including a means of storing water which is to be pumped through spray nozzles.

This device is also adapted with spring loaded doors which retard and control the movement of livestock through the chute.

One major shortcoming of this device is that there is considerable waste of chemically treated water during the *9*9 treatment process as control over water delivery is effected .9 see*[ manually if at all making it thereby inefficient. This results in water still being sprayed even when livestock are not S9.

present in the race. This waste occurs after each beast has left the spraying area and before the next beast enters the race. If control of waste of chemical and water is to be *see avoided an operator must stand near the race to operate the water supply valve according to whether or not a sheep is in the race. This type of system has inherent inefficiencies. In S practice the water supply is left on resulting in a waste of ater and chemicals.

The present invention seeks to overcome these problems by providing an improved economically constructed race assembly 3 Alfrr which has within the assembly an apparatus for semiautomatically or automatically regulating the flow of the water containing the treatment chemical according to whether or not a beast is present in the race. Thus, the opening and closing of the valve which regulates water flow can be regulated by the beast instead of having a continuous flow which generates waste or a manually operated system requiring an attendant for monitoring the process.

It is therefore an advantage of the present invention that the need for an attendant to regulate water flow can be eliminated. It is a further advantage that water delivery is activated only when a beast is in the chute thereby eliminating waste: of water and the chemical mixed therewith which occurs especially during that period when one beast vacates the chute to make way for a following beast.

In its broadest form the present invention comprises an improved race assembly comprising: a main chute having a livestock access and exit means; a gate adjacent or near said entry means; a means for storing water connected to a water delivery 0 line incorporated within said chute; 9.

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a means for drainage of waste water from the said chute; 0 characterised in that the said race assembly has a fluid •supply control valve in a supply line operationally connected to the said nate, and a by pass valve operationally connected to said fluid supply control valve; wherein when a beast enters the chute via the gate 4 adjacent said access means, the resultant movement of the gate opens said control valve activating water supply to said chute from said water storage means and simultaneously closes said by pass valve; and wherein when said gate is closed, the closure of said control valve opens said by pass valve thereby allowing the water supply to by pass said water delivery system.

In another broad form the present invention comprises an improved livestock race assembly of the type comprising: a main chute having a livestock access and exit means; a gate adjacent or near said access means; *i a means for storing fluid connected to a fluid supply line incorporated with said chute for delivering fluid inside said chute, a means for drainage of waste water from the said chute; characterised in that the said ra-e assembly comprises a fluid supply control valve in said fluid supply line operationally connected to said gate, a drainage grate which o• overlies a waste water receiving first reservoir and which is interconnected with and drains into a second reservoir adapted with an array of filters for filtering the said waste water, said second reservoir being adapted to receive waste water from S said first reservoir and also to receive fluid from a remote i third supply reservoir, and a by-pass means operationally dependant upon said fluid supply control valve; wherein, when the gate is placed in an open position said control valve opens thereby activating said fluid supply to said 0119j it 0

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17TE jii chute from said fluid storage means and simultaneously closes said by-pass means; and wherein when said gate is closed, said control valve closes and said by-pass means simultaneously opens thereby allowing the fluid supply to by-pass said fluid supply line.

In the preferred embodiment the race chute comprises a resilient material which can be either metal or plastic material.

Also, in the preferred embodiment the main chute comprises an upstanding substantially rectangular superstructure adapted to accommodate a variety of livestock S sizes. Attached to the chute at the access is a pivotally acting access gate whose operation controls the delivery of S water into the chute. The floor of the chute has a grate which enables excess water to pass therethrough and return for S recycling into a reservoir attached to the base of the chute structure.

The reservoir is adjacent to a trough which is connected

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thereto. The trough receives water for recirculation from the reservoir and is adapted with an array of filters to filter soiled water from the reservoir. The trough has an inlet line from a replenishing tank in which chemicals are added as well as a known ball valve arrangement to regulate the flew of the water supply, the trough also has an outlet which is connected to a pump to feed the supply pipe reticulation network which is connected to the chute.

The water supply means consists of piping leading to an 5a A0119j 0119j rl-_~LL. 1 I I~ array of spray nozzles positioned inside at the top and sides of the chute. The water supply line has a control valve which is connected preferably by means of a cable or pivotal rod to a gate pivotally attached to the chute entry. The said control valve is interconnected with a by pass valve to relieve the pressure generated in the supply line when the control valve is closed and to allow by pass to a holding reservoir and consequent recycling of water. Thus when the control valve is closed, the by pass valve is open and when the control valve is open the by pass valve is closed. The invention will now be described in detail according to a preferred but non limiting embodiment with reference to the accompanying illustrations .o *9 a o a..

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a. a a o a o wherein: Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of the race assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the gate is open.

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the invention as shown in Fig. 1 with the gate closed; and Fig. 3 shows schematically an alternative arrangement whereby the control valve is linked to an additional valve.

Referring to Fig. 1 there is shown a race assembly comprising a chute 2 having an entrance 3 and an exit 4 connected by a through passage 5 through which livestock travel during the treatment process.

One feature of the race is its simplicity of construction.

The race is constructed substantially in the shape of a rectangle with a roof 6 and wall members 7 and 8.

The walls can be disposed either vertically or angled 6 7 1 I 71-1 4r~) il 1 outwards away from the lateral centre of the race according to need. At the base of each wall are baffles 7a and 8a to assist the drainage passage of water.

The walls are preferably constructed of a rust resistant metallic material or of a resilient plastics material and are of relatively lightweight construction. The walls and roof can be a continuous structure or in the alternative there can be a constructed junction between each of the walls and the roof.

The lightweight constraction of this race is envisaged to facilitate ease of transportation and relocation when required.

It is intended that the floor of the race, which can either form part of the structure of the race itself or be formed by a separate base (such as concrete with a channel formed therein), drain away the waste water during the I treatment of the sheep.

o For this purpose the chute is adapted with a grate 9 in its floor which facilitates the nassace of water which is to be *O.9 oelo 9 .b 25.9 9 9 9.

99 25 recirculated.

It is preferable that the grate 9 is configured such that the feet of the beast will not be directly submerged in the waste water which passes under the grid.

To receive waste water the chute 2 is provided with a reservoir 10. Water falling immediately onto the grate 9 falls through the spaces and directly into the reservoir. Water collected in the reservoir 10 drains via outlet orifice 11ii into filtration tank 12. Tank 12 is adapted with an array of filters 13. When water from reservoir 10 enters tank 12 the water gravitates to end 14 after passing progressively through 7

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L I 1~4 go", Aleach filter. This cleanses the water prior to recirculation.

Each of the filters are removable for replacement or cleaning when necessary.

The water supply to the chute is provided by a pipe network which terminates in an array of spray nozzles located near the roof 6 of the race. The number and configuration of spray nozzles is variable and the selection is dictated by need. The water for spraying is mixed with treatment chemicals inside a tank 16 which can be remote from the race assembly. The water is transferred from the tank 16 via tank 12 to the chute by means of a known pump 17 connected in the water supply line.

In use, the livestock are introduced into the entrance of the race individually. Each beast remains inside the race long enough for the treatment to be carried out. This time period is determined by an attendant.

.o o" As a beast enters the chute, it must pass through a gate located near the entrance.

According t) one aspect of the present invention an 9.

apparatus is set up in conjunction with the gate to regulate 9**9 S the flow of water into the chute and to provide a by pass facility to conserve water. This precludes any need to continually turn off the pump 17 to conserve water.

The race assembly is initially charged with water from o storage tank 16. Chemicals for use in the treatment of livestock are added to the tank at this stage.

The filtration tank 12 is first filled with water from tank 16. The maximum amount of water which enters tank 12 is 8 v 4 0* 0 0 9

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0009 C S *O.0 *e Oh J 900000 *00000 9 h 9 regulated by a known ballcock float valve 21.

Water is pumped from the tank 12 by pump 17 via inlet line 22. Water enters the water reticulation system via pump discharge line 23.

Fig. 2 shows the assembly of Fig. 1 with the gate 18 closed and pivotally connected to the chute by means of spring hinges 19 and 20. In operation a beast pushes against gate 18 whilst in the closed attitude as shown in Fig. 2.

Alternatively, an operator can open the gate 18 to assist passage of the beast. The gate can either be manually held open or it can be adapted with a ratchet for this purpose.

The beast enters the chute and is sprayed by water emanating from nozzles 15. The time for spraying is nominated by an operator according to requirements. A water line 24 runs in close proximity to the gate and this line feeds the tributory lines which lead to the spray nozzles The main line 24 is adapted with a valve 25. Between valve 25 and gate 18 there is an interconnection means 27 which is preferably comprised of a resilient stiff material or a cable. Alternatively member 27 is an articulated arm attached to the gate. The valve 25 can be adapted for by-pass operation. When the gate is in the closed position as shown in Fig. 2 the valve 25 is closed preventing water from running to the spray nozzles Normally when sheep dipping for instance takes place, according to prior art methods, the pump 17 is running continuously creating an excessive waste of water and excessive pump wear. When the gate closes and shuts off the water, it is 9 undesirable to have the pump operating thereby pressurising the water line upstream of the closed valve 25. To overcome this problem a by pass line 26 is provided to relieve pressure build up. As an alternative the pump can be adapted with a cut out pressure switch.

In the Fig. 2 gate configuration by-pass takes place.

Water travels via pump discharge line 23 and approaches valve Valve 25 is either be adapted with a by-pass means within the valve or another valve in tandem as shown schematically in Fig. 3 can be inserted in line 24.

When the valves are in tandem they are interconnected in such a way that when valve 25 is closed the secondary valve 31 is open and when valve 25 is open the secondary valve 31 is *:coo: closed. When valve 25 is closed, i.e. when the gate is closed as in Fig. 2 water cannot proceed in line 29. However, as valve 31 is caused to open by the closure of valve 25, pumped water from the storage tank 12 is re-routed so that it passes along pipes 26 and 28 in the direction of the arrow In the preferred embodiment valve 25 is a two way valve 0 enabling clear passage of liquid to line 29 when the gate is open and by-pass through pipe 26 when the gate is closed.

Pipe or hose 28 is connected to a manually operated tap 32 of a known kind enabling uncoupling of hose 28 where necessary. The hose 28 is connected to the tap and is fed into the storage tank 12 so that water which by-passes can be recycled. Sometimes delays occur in urging livestock into the chute. This leads to waste of water as pumps are left running continually. The present invention allows for recycling of the 10 water when this and other problems occur in urging livestock into a race. Water is no longer wasted during the performance of wetting in the chute.

In an alternative embodiment when dipping is in progress, the gate 18 is adapted with a ratchet 33 keep the gate in the open position. The ratchet can be operated manually by a person guiding the livestock into position within the chute.

A feature of the invention is that when a beast enters the chute 2, as it opens the gate, the water supply is activated by the opening of valve The gate is kept open by the ratchet and can be allowed to close automatically under the assistance of the spring hinges 19 and Tests have shown that the race assembly is capable of 4 processing at least 600 700 sheep per hour and its use has considerably reduced the cost of spraying livestock.

It will be recognised by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the Ses *present invention as broadly described herein such as but not limited to, altering the configuration of the interdependant valves, without departing from the overall spirit and scope of a the invention as broadly described herein.

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Claims

2. A race assembly according to claim 1 wherein the fluid is water having chemical admixtures.
3. A race assembly according to claim 2 wherein the said fluid supply line is connected at one end to a pump, the other end terminating in an array of discharge nozzles located within the chute at or near the top or bottom.
4. A race assembly according to claim 3 wherein the said fluid supply line also has a by-pass line leading to said second reservoir said by-pass line being connected to said supply line between said control valve and said pump. A race assembly according to claim 4 wherein the said supply line having said control valve positioned between said pump and said nozzles, said control valve being linked to said gate by means of an actuating arm. 0*00
6. 'A race assembly according to claim 5 wherein the said control valve has a means to block the passage of fluid to said nozzles in response to closure of said gate.
7. A race assembly according to claim 6 wherein the supply 0000 00 line has in addition to said control valve, a second valve both eo 00 0 of which valves are interdependant upon each other and linked 0 a to the said gate.
8. A race assembly according to claim 7 wherein the said second valve is adapted to close when said control valve is open and to open when said control valve is closed, said 0 opening and closing of both of the control valves being controlled by the opening and closing of said gate.
9. A race assembly according to anyone of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that each of the filters in the said array of Z7 13 0119 I filters are removeable. A race assembly as hereinbefore described wherein the said livestock are sheep.
11. A race assembly as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying illustrations, DATED this 20th day of December, 1989. A.M. and J.A. ALISON By Their Patent Attorneys ARTHUR S. CAVE CO. o C 0*0 C a 0u *CCC C SO CC C CC C S C OC N *i C C C CC c *C 14 0119j .L I C~I tL3_1.