Rotolactor
Machine for milking cows
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Through Hygiene
History
The Rotolactor was the first invention for milking a large number of cows using a rotating platform. It was invented by Henry W. Jeffers. The Rotolactor was initially installed in Plainsboro, New Jersey. The rotating mechanical milking machine was first used by the Walker-Gordon Laboratories dairy and was put into operation on November 13, 1930.
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Description
The Abstract of the 1930 Cow Milking Apparatus (Rotolactor) patent states:
"The object of this invention is to provide an apparatus whereby an indefinitely large number of cows may be milked successively and largely automatically..."
The Rotolactor held 50 cows and could produce 26,000 quarts of milk. After each cow received a bath, their udders and flanks were cleaned.
The August 1931 issue of the American Journal of Public Health and the Nation's Health described the Rotolactor as an advance in cleanliness and hygiene for milk production.
Legacy
The Rotolactor was featured at the 1939 New York World's Fair in the Borden's exhibit. The Walker-Gordon farm in Plainsboro later became a museum. The farm building in Plainsboro containing the Rotolactor had an observation room to accommodate visitors, including large groups of school children.
A 1930 film was titled: "New Jersey. 'The Rotolactor' - hygiene's latest - automatically washing and milking 50 cows at one time in 12 1/2 minutes - inaugurated by Mr. Thomas Edison."
The Walker-Gordon farm stopped producing dairy products on June 18, 1971.