Abstract: A manure scraper moves along an alleyway divided into sections by a plurality of gates or partitions and as the scraper passes under each partition, a wire brush or the like attached to the gate but insulated therefrom, engages the upper surface and electrifies the scraper so that an animal touching or being engaged by the scraper, receives an electric shock. The wire brush is connected to a shocking transformer which in turn is connected to a source of electrical energy.

Abstract: An electrode, connected to a fence charger or the like is secured across the bottom of a gate, fence or the like. A shield partially surrounds the electrode to prevent animals from contacting the electrode unless the animals attempt to put their heads under the gate or fence or attempt to crawl under the gate or fence.

Abstract: The drive motor is pivotally supported axially within the frame so that it rotates slightly if the torque of the motor increases due to the scraper assembly being impeded by animals, equipment, broken slats or the like. This actuates a reversing switch thus reversing the movement of the scraper assembly. If desired, an electric shock circuit can be included which is actuated first, in case the obstruction is an animal. If the animal moves away from the scraper then the scraper proceeds as the reversing switch has not been actuated at this time.

Abstract: A T-shaped scraper assembly is operatively connected to a drive unit via a cable assembly and is adapted to be pulled along the floor in one direction thus scraping manure or debris from the floor, and in the opposite direction to return the scraper assembly to the starting position. When moving in the non-scraping direction, means are provided to elevate the scraper blades slightly above the floor level. The scraper blades are floatably mounted vertically thus allowing them to follow the floor contours within limits and the width is adjustable within limits also. The drive unit includes a resilient or nonmetal main, grooved cable pulley and a resilient or nonmetal idler pulley situated at an angle so that the cable engaging around these pulleys runs relatively freely aligned in the cable grooves. The angling of the idler pulley relative to the main drive pulley reduces side friction between the cable and the grooves and between the cable portions where same cross one another.

Abstract: A circular area is provided having the floor sloping inwardly towards the center and having manure and urine disposal means within the center. A boom is pivotally mounted by one end thereof in the center and extends radially outwardly to the outer boundary of the area to be cleaned and a scraper component is supported by the boom and contacts the floor surface. The boom is operatively connected to a source of power for rotating same and the scraper is either straight or curved with the inner end secured at a point offset from the axis of the boom pivot so that when rotated, the outer end of the scraper is in advance of a radius line extending upwardly from the pivot and the inner end of the scraper is behind the same radius line extending from the pivot. An alternative embodiment provides a floor sloping outwardly from the central pivot to an annular sump or collector under which circumstances, the relation of the scraper is reversed.

Abstract: An animal facility, having a movable assembly and means for moving it along an alleyway, is equipped with means for emergency reversal of the direction of travel of the assembly at any point in its path of movement. The emergency reversal means comprises a stress balance means which normally remains in a balanced condition, but shifts to an unbalanced condition when the normal movement of the assembly is obstructed. The unbalanced condition is sensed; and actuating means responsive to the sensing is relied upon to effect reversal of travel.