Importance

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Abstract

A barrel claw of increased volumetric capacity without sacrificing ergonomics has a normally horizontally disposed, elongated hollow body having a generally cylindrical central portion and a pair of tapered, conical end portions on opposite sides of the central portion. Viewing windows at opposite ends of the body permit observation of the internal chamber from outside the body. Inlet openings from the teat cups are provided in the top wall section of the body in the tapered end portions thereof so that the inlets are properly angled toward the teats of the cow's udder during use of the claw. An integrated discharge spout and pulsation manifold unit is removably attached to the top of the body in any one of a number of rotative positions so as to most advantageously position the radially projecting spout of the unit relative to the observation windows and other equipment associated with the milking system. Alternative embodiments provide either rigid nipples on the claw body or a nipple-free construction in which teat cup liners are inserted directly into the inlet openings in the body and retained in place by such openings. Other variations include threaded and non-threaded means for securing the spout and manifold unit onto the claw body.

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First Claim