Abstract: An apparatus including a first compartment and a second compartment is disclosed through which livestock animals move. The first compartment includes a first extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. The second compartment is vertically movable and includes a second extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. A method includes positioning a first end of an apparatus proximate a doorway of a building that contains a plurality of livestock animals; extending a first extension to the doorway; positioning a vehicle proximate a second end of the apparatus; moving at least one of the livestock animals from the building and into a first compartment; moving the animal from the first compartment to a second compartment; vertically moving the second compartment to a level of a deck of the vehicle; extending a second extension to the deck; and moving the animal from the second compartment onto the vehicle deck.

Abstract: A panel assembly is provided comprising a first face having an outer perimeter and a second face having an outer perimeter, the second face being directly opposite the first face and having a substantially smooth surface, the first and second faces forming a first panel thickness. A plurality of borders surround the perimeters of the first and second faces. At least one support member is attached and arranged perpendicular to the first face, the at least one support member extending parallel to at least one border, the at least one support member and the second face forming a second panel thickness, the second panel thickness is greater than the first panel thickness.

Abstract: An animal transporting system for efficiently loading, unloading, sorting, separating and transporting animals within an enclosed structure. The inventive device includes a frame attached to a truck, a ramp movably attached to the frame that is extendable from the frame, a plurality of holding pens within the frame defined by a plurality of partitions, and a plurality of doors pivotally attached to the partitions. Each of the doors are manipulated by an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. A stimulator system is positioned within each of the holding pens to humanely encourage an animal to exit the holding pen.

Abstract: The invention is a utility trailer incorporating a flatbed trailer combined with a detachable stock trailer shell, a removable center divider and a removable fabric roof cover, allowing use of the trailer as an open flat bed, an open stock trailer with one or two stalls, or a covered stock trailer.