Abstract: An imaging system includes a first portion and a second portion that translates and/or rotates with respect to the first portion. A first locking mechanism may prevent the second portion from translating with respect to the first portion, such as during transport of the system. A second locking mechanism may prevent the second portion from rotating with respect to the first portion, such as during transport and/or during an imaging scan. Further embodiments include a cable management system between the first and second portions, a spherically-shaped surface of a support gimbal and a user interface device for an imaging system.

Abstract: A tipping livestock handling apparatus is provided which includes a support frame positioned on the ground. A squeeze chute or other type of animal handling chute is positioned on the chute frame. The chute is pivotally secured to the support frame and is pivoted between an upright position and a horizontally disposed position by way of hydraulic cylinders so that the legs and feet of the animal in the chute are accessible for treatment.

Abstract: An animal restraining chute having a four sided cage with a closeable front and rear opening and two sides constructed from a series of ribs made from a single bent component to provide structural support. A partially closable front gate closes the front opening and restrains the head of the animal, and a curved rear pusher gate secures the hindquarters of an animal. A rotatable belly restraint pins the animal to one of the sides. The chute is rotatably mounted on a vehicle or platform to lay the animal on its side. The chute includes four hydraulic activated leg latches for securing the legs of the animal. There is a movably attached staging area located at the rear of the chute to allow for the positioning of animals waiting to enter the chute. Each of the movable components of the chute are hydraulically and remotely controlled.

Abstract: A chute for immobilizing an animal (e.g. cow) wherein the chute during a hoof-trimming operation or the like. The chute is comprised of an inner wall and an outer wall and a front and rear gate. The inner wall has a rectangular opening near the front thereof with a backing plate having a hole secured over the backside of the opening in the inner wall. A removable pad is comprised of a rectangular frame which fits in the opening in the inner wall. The frame has a flexible cover (e.g. anti-microbial material) secured over its front. An inflatable bladder (e.g. pneumatic inner tube) is inserted through the hole in the backing plate and is positioned within the frame and behind the cover. The bladder is then inflated whereby the bladder expands to produce a pillow-like support for the cow's shoulder while the cow is in the chute.

Abstract: In some aspects, an animal positioning system can include a positioning member positioned relative to a datum structure, the positioning member being configured to limit an available spacing along a floor surface between the positioning member and the datum structure, the positioning member being arranged at an angular bias away from the datum structure relative to a floor surface and being configured to permit unobstructed viewing of a body of an animal positioned in the available spacing.

Abstract: There is provided an animal squeeze having a drop floor and a cradle in which an animal is suspended. A mechanism for altering the positioning of the cradle relative to the drop floor is described. The cradle can be raised or lowered to accommodate animals of differing size. The cradle can also be tilted horizontally to improve access to portions of the animal.

Abstract: There is provided an animal squeeze having a drop floor and a cradle in which an animal is suspended. A mechanism for altering the positioning of the cradle relative to the drop floor is described. The cradle can be raised or lowered to accommodate animals of differing size. The cradle can also be tilted horizontally to improve access to portions of the animal.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for operating the front gate of a chute for immobilizing an animal where the gate can be unlatched/opened or closed/latched in a single operation. The system is comprised of a gate cylinder for opening and closing the gate and a latch cylinder for unlatching and latching the gate wherein the cylinders are interconnected by respective short and longer lengths of hose whereby hydraulic fluid will reach and actuate one of the cylinders (i.e. unlatches the gate or closes the gate) before it flows to and actuates the other cylinder (e.g. opens the gate or latches the gate).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for restraining an animal, comprising (1) an animal receiving table pivotable between a substantially vertical position and a working position which is spaced above the ground, and (2) an animal restraint pad associated with the table and adapted to be moved in both the vertical position and the working position between an open position and a position whereby it can restrain an animal against the table. The invention also relates to a method for restraining the animal.

Abstract: A hydraulically controlled portable dual table with a gate which enables the examination of a calf or a sheep by restraining the animal while the rotatable tables are vertical with neck and body catches of one table. The table and animal are rotated to a horizontal position for examination, branding, dehorning or castration. The table and animal are returned to a vertical position and the neck and body catches released. The second table is employed to restrain the animal with its neck and body catches and lifted to a horizontal position for examination of the other side of the animal. The operation of the hydraulic controls and the examination can be performed by one person.

Abstract: A cattle crush for restraining ruminants has end faces and rear and forward side faces. A hinge is provided in the center of one end face for opening the cattle crush and means for restraining the head of the ruminant are provided in the other end face.

Abstract: A giraffe handling chute designed to confine and secure a giraffe for veterinary and hygienic care includes a confining structure with a frame connecting a fixed wall assembly and an opposing, movable wall assembly. The movable wall assembly is selectively movable toward and away from the fixed wall assembly along the frame to securely hold the giraffe. The confining structure is adjustable vertically via telescoping members at the bottom and top of the frame, and the entire confining structure is rotatable relative to a support assembly such that the confined giraffe can be rotated to a position in which it is lying on its side. Other features include pivoting leg restraints and torso support flaps and a removable neck restraint assembly and neck support assembly for immobilizing and supporting the neck of a confined giraffe during sedation and/or rotation.

Abstract: A portable animal restrainer comprising a flooring surface secured within a stable framework that is rotatable so as to position the animal correctly and less stressfully for oral dosing. A small animal such as a rabbit is placed inside and secured using an adjustable back plate, body and neck straps, and a fixed neck and paw plate, thus restraining the animal from movement while the unit is rotated on the restrainer's rear tracks to position the animal for various dosing techniques.