at the same time he was producing his steam cars, reid was also developing a mechanical milking machine. innovations included were a variable-speed pulsator and rubber cups with reinforced sections which simulated the natural sucking action of a calf. mechanical milkers of the time were difficult to clean and therefore created a danger of contaminated milk. reid's awr machine was designed to be easy to clean. he founded the awr milking machine company limited to produce and market the machine. he also had it patented. the first awr machines came on the market in about 1907 and were sold as far away as australia. the application for a patent for his machine was challenged in australia in 1913 with the commissioner of patents. reid was granted a hearing.