Abstract: Cattle stanchion apparatus in which a plurality of fixed and release stanchions define a row of head openings for animals, the release stanchions tending to pivot to open positions. Double latches at the upper extremities of the release stanchions are engageable by couplers carried by a rotatable and axially movable positioner. An operating mechanism is actuable to axially move the positioner and engage the latches of the release stanchions to move them in unison, and an associated rotating mechanism is actuable to rotate the positioner and thereby move the couplers into and out of possible engagement with the latches. The arrangement gives the operator the capability of moving all of the release stanchions to closed positions to lock the animals in the feeding stalls, or allowing the animals individually to actuate the system to lock themselves in, or allowing the animals to enter and leave the stalls as they wish.

Abstract: Cattle stanchion apparatus in which a plurality of fixed and release stanchions define a row of head openings for animals, the release stanchions tending to pivot to open positions. Latches at the upper extremities of the release stanchions are engageable by couplers carried by a rotatable and axially movable positioner. An operating mechanism is actuable to axially move the positioner, and a locking system is actuable to rotate the positioner and thereby move the couplers into and out of a path of engagement with the latches of the release stanchions. The arrangement gives the operator the capability of moving all of the release stanchions to closed positions to lock the animals in the feeding stalls, or allowing the animals individually to actuate the system to lock themselves in, or allowing the animals to enter and leave the stalls as they wish. The locking system can be placed in a locked position to disable the operating mechanism.

Abstract: Cattle stanchion apparatus in which a plurality of fixed and release stanchions are located adjacent one another to define a row of head openings for the animals. The release stanchions are simultaneously pivotable between open and closed positions by a reciprocable release rod. Decouplers are operative upon movement of the release stanchions to their open positions to permit the release rod to be moved back to its previous position independently of the now open release stanchions. Each release stanchion is pivotable to its closed position by the animal as it dips its head to feed. In their closed positions the release stanchions reengage the release rod and, depending upon the position of the release rod, thereby automatically lock the cattle in place. When desired, the apparatus can be arranged so that the cattle cannot lock themselves in the apparatus until the release rod is moved by the operator.

Abstract: A waste treatment system and method for anaerobic fermentation of animal excreta. The system includes a collection gutter for containing the excreta until a predetermined portion becomes liquified. When the liquid excreta reaches a predetermined level it passes from the gutter into one end of an elongated, collapsed bag. The bag progressively fills, the liquid excreta being maintained at a temperature conducive to fermentation. After a predetermined degree of fermentation has been achieved, the liquid excreta is tapped off for use as fertilizer. Gases formed in the process are vented off and can be burned to provide heat for maintaining the liquid excreta at the desired fermentation temperature.

Abstract: Cattle stanchion apparatus in which a plurality of fixed and release stanchions define a row of head openings for animals, the release stanchions tending to pivot to open positions. Double latches at the upper extremities of the release stanchions are engageable by couplers carried by a rotatable and axially movable positioner. An operating mechanism is actuable to axially move the positioner and engage the latches of the release stanchions to move them in unison, and an associated rotating mechanism is actuable to rotate the positioner and thereby move the couplers into and out of possible engagement with the latches. The arrangement gives the operator the capability of moving all of the release stanchions to closed positions to lock the animals in the feeding stalls, or allowing the animals individually to actuate the system to lock themselves in, or allowing the animals to enter and leave the stalls as they wish.