Abstract: An improved squeeze chute apparatus, which may be portable or stationary, includes a frame having an entrance end, an exit end, a first side, a second side, an upper end and a lower end. A first upstanding sidewall is positioned at the first side of the frame and a second upstanding sidewall is positioned at the second side of the frame. The sidewalls are movable between inner and outer positions with respect to the frame. First and second entrance gate members, which are movable between open and closed positions, are positioned at the entrance end of the frame. First and second exit gate members, which are movable between open and closed positions, are positioned at the exit end of the frame. The gate members and sidewalls are operated by hydraulic cylinders having resilient mounts at the base and rod ends thereof. Each of the gate members has two hydraulic cylinders connected thereto. Each of the sidewalls has four hydraulic cylinders connected thereto.

Abstract: A portable chute for immobilizing an animal having a frame structure configured to receive an animal, an entrance gate having a movable retainer member associated therewith for selectively engaging the rear portion of the animal, an exit gate having a selectively movable stanchion member for adjustably controlling the size of an opening associated therewith for immobilizing the head and neck area of the animal, at least one belly strap associated with an elongated arm operatively coupled thereto for engaging the animal's midsection when positioned within the frame structure, and an arm assembly operatively connected to the frame structure for pivotally rotating the entire chute between an upright vertical loading/unloading position and a horizontal operative position for treating the hooves of the animal. The chute assembly can be mounted to the bed of a vehicle and is always maintained in its vertical position above ground level.

Abstract: In a small animal imaging system (10) at least one modality (12) and a docking station (36) are provided. The docking station (36) provides a workspace (47) and docking ports (48) for preparation and holding of anesthetized animals that are awaiting imaging. For the duplication of positions, a subject mold (26) is provided that holds the subject in a reproducible position on a subject bed (16). Vital signs monitoring is also provided for subjects awaiting scans. The bed (16) includes fiducials (28) to aid in registration of like modality images and different modality images. A capsule (14) can encapsulate a single bed (16), or for tandem imaging, the capsule can encapsulate multiple-bed configurations, such as two, three, or four beds (16). For better positioning and ease of user access, a positioner (34) positions the capsule (14) from the rear of the modality (12).

Abstract: A method of feeding an animal in a feeding box. The method comprises at least the following steps, the steps a-c not necessarily taking place in the given sequence: a) identifying the animal in the feeding box, b) closing the feeding box, in such a way that access to the feeding box is impeded for an animal outside the feeding box, c) supplying feed to the animal in the feeding box in a chosen eating period of time. An installation for feeding an animal, which installation is provided with a frame that encloses at any rate at least partially a frame area. A neutral position means for positioning a passage means into one particular neutral position.

Abstract: A hoof trimming stall has a front gate having two pivotally mounted spaced-apart doors for swinging inwardly and outwardly. The doors are movable between a catching position in which the doors point inwardly for receiving a head of the animal entering the stall, a closed position for holding the animal in the stall with the neck of the animal caught in a gap between the doors, and an open position in which the doors point outwardly for permitting the animal to exit. A door lock/release mechanism has a slider arm movable forward and backward, a hydraulic cylinder for moving the slider arm forward and backward, a rear catcher mounted on the slider arm for preventing the doors from moving from the closed position to the catching position, a front catcher mounted on the slider arm for preventing the doors from being opened by the animal when the doors are in the closed position, and a release mechanism for permitting the doors to move from the open position to the catching position.

Abstract: This invention is a livestock feeder comprising a top gate, a bottom gate, a center gate disposed between the top gate and the bottom gate. The top gate, bottom gate, and center gate define a gate system. The bottom gate can swing inward when the feed is eaten. Then after the livestock eat the feed when the gate is swung inward, the gate can be “reset” to the vertical position, and then the gate system can be moved closer to the feed. The gate system can move in a horizontal direction by a hand crank. This livestock feeder can be in a covered environment such as a pole barn. The size of the livestock feeder can vary depending on the livestock herd, the property, and the feed. A sloped floor helps prevent waste accumulation where the livestock feed.

Abstract: A stanchion bumper is provided for use with a cattle stanchion having a head opening typically defined by a stationary, vertically-oriented stanchion and a pivotal release stanchion which, when tilted in one direction, enlarges the upper part of the opening so that the animal can insert its head through the opening, a closed position where the pivotal stanchion is vertical and defines a head opening through which an animal cannot withdraw its head, and a downed animal position wherein an enlarged lower opening exists so that a downed animal can withdraw its head. The stanchion bumper is positioned below the pivot point of the release stanchion, such that the lower portion of the release stanchion will engage the stanchion bumper when the animal inadvertently moves the release stanchion past the closed position toward the downed animal position.

Abstract: A brisket barrier for milking parlors includes a transverse bar mounted for sliding movement on vertical supports. The bar has a release position at floor level, a retaining position at brisket level, and an index position where it presses rearward against the brisket. The arrangement provides for uniform positioning of cows in standard stalls, regardless of the cows' size. The cows simply step over the lowered bar to exit the stall.