OVERHEAD VALVE SYSTEM FOR ANIMAL HOOF TREATMENT

Abstract

A method and system that incorporates spaying logic onto the sensor(s) adapted to detect and apply various liquids onto the feet of an animal. The sensor(s) actuate(s) specific valve(s) for application of the medicinal fluid. The operational components for initiating the spray treatment are located away from the treatment zone to protect the components from failures due to environmental conditions in that location. The application of the medicinal fluids can be enhanced by administering them to specific animals by tagging the animals that require more frequent or stronger treatments.

Claims

1. An animal treatment system, comprising: at least one sensor configured to sense a location of at least one foot; at least one nozzle configured to spray treatment fluids onto the located at least one foot; and a remote controller for activating the at least one nozzle based upon a signal from the at least one sensor.

2. The animal treatment system of claim 1 wherein the remote controller is located away from a wet zone.

3. The animal treatment system of claim 1 wherein the remote controller comprises a valve for each nozzles.

4. The animal treatment system of claim 1 wherein the controller further comprises a quick connect hose for attaching to each nozzle.

5. The animal treatment system of claim 1 wherein the at least one nozzle comprises a manifold with a plurality of aimed nozzles.

6. A method of treating animal hooves, the method comprising the steps of: sensing a location of at least one animal hoof; activating at least one predetermined remote valve based on the sensed location; releasing fluids from the activated predetermined remote valve; and spraying the located at least one animal hoof with the released

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the at least one predetermined remote valves comprises a controller located away from a wet zone.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the remote controller comprises a valve for at each nozzle for spraying.

9. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of connecting the predetermined remote valves to a specific spray nozzle with quick connect hoses.

10. The method of claim 6 wherein the step of spraying comprises a manifold with a plurality of aimed nozzles.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, incorporated herein, form a part of the specification, illustrate, several embodiments of the presently claimed invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0024] In the drawings:

[0025] FIG. 1A shows the preferred animal treatment system.

[0026] FIG. 1B shows a blow up of the spray nozzle.

[0027] FIG. 2A shows a portion of the mat without hoof compression.

[0028] FIG. 28 shows a portion of the mat with hoof compression.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows the preferred spray pattern and location on a hoot.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the preferred mat.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the mat and cover.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows the preferred location of the active components for controlling and performing the treatment applications to the spray nozzles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention

[0033] Logical Sensor Mat for Appling Liquids

[0034] As used in this disclosure, the term foot means not only the terminal part of a vertebrate animal's leg, but also the hoof, the pad, the pastern, the dewclaw, the hock and the portion below the knee or hock on an animal such as a domestic bovine. Although the examples discussed in this disclosure are limited to dairy cows, the presently claimed invention includes treatment of any type of animal.

[0035] The presently claimed invention relates to the use of incorporating spraying logic into the sensor mat to detect and apply various liquids onto the feet of an animal or human. The system described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,545 (hereinafter '545 patent) is complex and has sensitive electronics that are not conducive to harsh dairy environments. Another shortcoming is the cost and complexity making it only suitable to be deployed in 500 cows, larger dairies or other large-scale applications. Another disadvantage is that the electronics are very complex and would require a trained technician to service and maintain them. The presently claimed logic-sensing mat solves these problems by eliminating expensive load transferring relays and associated wiring, and vastly simplifies and reduces programmable logic requirements to a very small compact disposable unit that can be replaced by service personal without intensive training.

[0036] In the '546 patent disclosed above, the system used a mat with 11 sensors. When pressure was applied to those sensors, a signal was sent to a processor that would in turn determine which valves where to be opened to spray a desired pattern. In addition, there was settling time to allow the foot to fully land, and for foot rotation time, meaning a continued spray after the foot lifted. All of these events were controlled by a computer. The present design does not require this complex system because the timing can be controlled by the properties of the pressure sensors as well as timers.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a typical system installation. FIGS. 2-5 show the new mat design. In mat 10, the compression of the foot or hoof 12 is studied for depression and load bearing whereby pressure sensors 14 and spray nozzles 16 are placed at the correct spacing and angle to provide the spray coverage necessary. Mat 10 as shown in the figures is configured for dairy cows. Mat 10 in this embodiment has nine (9) pressure sensors 14a through 14i. Each pressure sensor 14 runs along the length of mat 10, as shown. Spacing 18 between each mat is optimized preferably so that each hoof 12 compresses at least two pressure sensors as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Pressure sensors 14 essentially are switches, that when depressed by a weight bearing hoof 12, establishes contact between top contact plate 20 and bottom contact plate 22 that in turn activates corresponding spray nozzles 16. Each pressure sensor 10 is configured to activate at least two spray nozzles, a first nozzle 16 aimed towards a front of hoof 24 and a second nozzle 16 aimed at a rear of the hoof 26.

[0038] Pressure sensors 14 are preferably configured semicircular members 32, although any other configuration can be utilized. Running along length 26 of each sensor 14 is a firm flexible rubber tube 30, in the preferred configuration a PVC pipe, such as a flexible Santoprene tube or the like. Firm flexible rubber tube 30 is embedded within semicircular member 32, as shown. Each semicircular member 32 is constructed from a compressible or highly elastic material, such as rubber. The elasticity or compressibility of the material should be optimized for the weight bearing or force exerted upon it. For example, a full-grown male bovine can weigh up to 3000 pounds and have a vertical jump of 3 feet or more landing with a force of over 20,000 psi. Thus, a thickness and type of compressible material for semicircular member 32 needs to be selected based on these criteria. The depth of firm flexible rubber tube 30 embedded in semicircular member 32 should also be optimized to avoid breaking or damaging firm flexible rubber tube 30 when in use. Also embedded in semicircular member 32 is top contact plate 20. Top contact plate 20 is preferably disposed directly below firm flexible rubber tube 30 so that when pressure is applied to a top of firm flexible rubber tube 30, it forces or pushes top contact plate 20 towards bottom contact plate 22. Once sufficient pressure is applied, contact is made between top contact plate 20 and bottom contact plate 22, essentially dosing a switch. Attached to top contact plate 20 and bottom contact plate 22 can be valve assemblies for allowing the flow of the treatment liquid to hoof 12. Once the downward force is removed when the animal steps off pressure sensor 14, the contact is opened and the spray is stopped. A timer can also be utilized to turn off the spray, if desired. A delay in activating and deactivating the spray nozzles can be included due to the compression properties of the elastomers or via timers as discussed above. In the alternative, instead of the sensors described above, load cells can be utilized to detect pressure of the animal's foot and to activate the spray regime as discussed above.

[0039] Another feature in the presently claimed invention are load bearing or stop bars 34 that are disposed next to each side of each pressure sensor 14, running along length of sensor 28. Stop bars 34 are designed to prevent contraction of pressure sensors beyond a predetermined distance 36. Stop bars 34 prevent damage to pressure sensors 14 and lessen the amount of compressible material required to protect rigid member 30 and top 20 and bottom contact plates 22. Height of stop bars 38 should correspond to distance required for achieving contact between the top contact plate 20 and bottom contact plate 22, hereinafter predetermined distance 36. Stop bars 34 can be constructed from any type of rigid or semirigid material, again depending on the force exerted by the animals being treated.

[0040] Preferably, a top cover 40 is disposed on top of all of pressure sensors 14, as show for additional protection of pressure sensors 14 and to keep debris and moisture from pressure sensors 14. Top cover can be constructed from a compressible or highly elastic material, such as rubber. By using a compressible material for top cover 40, the thickness of semicircular members 32 can be lessened.

[0041] The preferred mat as described above determines a settling time before the valves activate. In addition, the hardness firm flexible rubber tube 30 in mat 10 provides for a specific delay in operating the valves, as discussed above. Thus, no external timing control is required, only different types of material, This material timing system also operates to provide a timing delay in turning off the valves by providing differing rebound times when the force of the hoof is removed causing pressure sensor 14 to return to its original condition.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows the preferred location of the operational components for triggering and controlling the application of the treatment fluids. In this embodiment, the electric components, such as valves and sensor wiring were moved up out of the wet zone, which improved serviceability and performance, The wet zone is defined as a location where liquids are sprayed, or transferred to using the treatment system. It was discovered that over time, a certain number of solenoid coils failed or leaked currently due to the moist conditions. In addition, the induction of magnetic fields can cause electrolysis of the 316 stainless steel used in the control valves, which under normal conditions is impervious to the environments inside dairy barns.

[0043] Moisture and electrical fields directly or indirectly cause corrosion and contact the control valves, causing the failures. It was impossible or very difficult to seal the valves in this environment due to the conditions, and sealing the valves impeded access to the valves for repair or replacement when they failed. The relocation of valves to the top or side of the treatment zone and/or the use of small air lines connected to the valves to the sprayers obviates this problem. Thus, there are no electric or magnetic fields to cause electrolysis.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows an improved footbath system 100 comprising mat 110 with pressure sensors 112 disposed underneath. In addition, nozzle manifolds 114 with aimed nozzles 118 are positioned on footbath system 100 for actuation upon an animal's foot depressing a specific pressure sensor 112. Remote controller 118 houses valves 120, which are actuated by depressed sensors 112. Valves 120 are connected to tubes 122 for transporting treating fluids to specific nozzles 116. Each valve 120 can accommodate one or more nozzles 116. Tubes 122 are run from the nozzle manifold 144, through a raceway 124 and up column 126 to remote controller 118. Similarly, cabling 12 from sensors 112 to valves 120 are run through raceway 124 and column 126. For convenience, column 126 is shown as a cutaway to show the configuration of tubes 122 and cables 128. As shown, tubes 122 and cabling 128 are run in a first direction 130 towards remote controller 118 and in a second direction 132 for the other end of the footbath system 100. Connection from tubes 122 is preferably accomplished with quick couplers 134. Although, the embodiments shown and described use an overhead remote controller, this disclosure is intended to include locating the remote controller to any remote location away from the wet zone.

[0045] It is also known that cows are very sensitive to stray voltage and thus AC currents that could be used to stop the electrolysis process should not be used especially in grounding and high moisture conditions.

[0046] Modern advances in material science have allowed proper long term seals that are cost effective and will withstand years of service and ease of operation, one of these such devices is an all polymer quick coupler which allows easy removal of the tubes when sediment builds up.

[0047] These advancements negate the need for costly and complex electronics, thereby reducing the cost and simplifying the device to he used by smaller facilities, and applications that are mom diverse. Without the overhead valve design, it would not be practical to field large numbers of units as the service required to maintain the units would be cost prohibitive and thus advances the art.

Topical Anti-Inflammatory/Vaso Dilator

[0048] During acidosis, brought on by slug feeding bovines, acidic levels changes and trigger histamine reactions within its body, one of the points that are sensitive to this change are in its hooves. During those changes, capillaries reacting to histamines constrict to stop blood flow and release microphages and other white blood cells to counter what the animal's body is reading as a forging invasive organism. This leads to swelling in a space where a stiff horn wall surface does not allow expansion. As swelling starts, the swelling leads to compression and hemorrhaging of the cells on the micro level, leading to laminitis, lameness, white line disease, abscess, and ulcers on the macro level.

[0049] It was discovered in the field that the frequent use of topical anti-inflammatory/vase dilation could successfully prevent this condition to a large degree. Therefore, a solution of 1.5%-7.5% of magnesium sulfate in water was used in the field test. Although this disclosure discusses magnesium sulfate, a well-known anti-inflammatory solution can be used. The number of treatments applied by a hoof trimmer to correct laminitis issues to a herd of 3200 cows was as follows:

[0050] In 2011, untreated animals required 462 surgical operations that were performed to remove large amounts of the cow's foot so that the blood and inflammation could drain and then a block was adhered to the treated foot to remove the pressure from the surgical site over a 5-month period.

[0051] In 2013, with treatment using the disclosed topical anti-inflammatory in the same herd, only 237 cows required surgical operations described above for a similar 5-month period.

[0052] Thus, a difference of 48.7% between untreated cows to treated cows.

Identification for Treatment of Specific Animals

[0053] In dairy herds, there are different hoof problems that exist that only affect a small number of animals in a herd at a given time; typically, the number would be 30-100 incidents per 1000 cows. A footbath is common for the prevention of these diseases, meaning only after the cow has a lesion of 4 mm or larger will these prevention methods be ineffective. After that, a stronger and more concentrated formula must be used to cure these diseases. Typically, these cows are introduced into the herd when they start their first lactation or during non-lactating periods and then re-introduced into the herd. During these times, preventative hoof treatments stop and re-infection can and does occur. This system gives the producer the ability to tag or choose an animal that the system will recognize and alter its normal preventative function to an effective treatment function. This can be seen in FIG. 1A. A tag 42 can be placed on an animal for this special treatment. Tag 42 can be a transmitting sensor recognized by receiver 46 causing a computer or controller to initialize the treatment system for actuation upon hoof pressure on the mat as disclosed above. Tag 42 can be a microchip using radio frequency identification (RFD) or any other well-known system. The tag can also be visual or audio, whereby a user can manually initiate the treatment system. Another benefit of this treatment on dairy animals is stress that can induce worse problems such as laminitis, abscesses, ulcers, and white line, but can be prevented by allowing the treatment to be done without disrupting the animal's normal eating, routine.

[0054] Without this system, an animal that has an infection needs to be sorted out of their pen, and placed in a pen where a hoof trimmer comes and cuts away the lesion, then applies a concentrated topical powder, and then wraps the hoof. During this time, the animal is under stress, in a strange area with strange cows, which are seeking to establish a new social order, causing the cows to reduce feeding until the order is established. By the time this happens, the treatment has been done and the animal is moved back to their original pen, and the process repeats itself anew, to a smaller degree, setting up a situation for slug feeding that can lead to acidosis and the accompanying laminitis. Thus, the presently claimed invention provides for tagging only the animals that require treatment and applying the medicinal fluid only to these animals.

[0055] Although the presently claimed invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the presently claimed invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of a references, applications, patents, and publications cited above, are hereby incorporated by reference.