Abstract: An animal stanchion having fixed stanchion structure and a pivotal release stanchion laterally spaced apart to define a head opening. The animal stanchion further comprises an upper top control rail which is configured to interact with a latch to selectively hold and release various portions of the pivot rod from connection with the latch. This device further comprises a plurality of individual locking brackets which are configured to interact with handle catch devices so as to hold various devices within their designated location within the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing the passage of small animals into tubular structures. with a plurality of contoured sections, contoured sections fitting against inside of tubular structure, contoured sections in opposing arrangment, cylinder nubs connected to the contoured sections, threaded rods connect the contoured sections by fitting into the cylinder nubs, nuts at each end of rod, contoured sections adjusted by changing position of nuts on connecting rods, and contoured sections, cylinder nubs, threaded rods, and nuts made from a plurality of materials. In the preferred embodiment this apparatus is installed in the exhaust outlet of a marine vessel where it prevents small animals such as muskrats, beavers, otters, and rats from entering the exhaust system. In other embodiments it would be installed it piping, hoses, duct work, drainage systems, sewer systems, where it would prevent the passage of small animals while allowing the passage of gases and fluids.

Abstract: A headlock stanchion panel has latch and release mechanism situated along the top rail for each release stanchion, and is adapted for individual or gang release. There are a pair of release latches each having a tongue that engages a latch member that extends from the end of the release latch. The latch members are mounted on the outsides of respective latch supports, and pivot on bushings. Finger lift members on the pivot latches facilitate individual release. Ear guards are provided to block access from the head side of the top rail to the pivot latches to prevent self-release of the cows.

Abstract: Cow stanchion apparatus having a fixed support structure that carries a plurality of pairs of like double release stanchion bars which simultaneously swing towards and away from one another to control movement of cattle relative to such apparatus. The stanchion release bars are disposed in the path of vertically movable flaps which lock and unlock the stanchion release bars for relative swinging movement. The flaps are operatively connected to a positioner rod that is manipulated by a dairyman.

Abstract: A cow indexing and positioning system comprising a first and second actuating systems where the first actuating system repositions a cow brisket bar assembly in the horizontal plane to index the cows located in a stall to be milked. When the cows are finished being milked the first actuating system then disengages from the cows' briskets and the second actuating system vertically raises the cow brisket bar assembly to allow the cows to pass thereunder.

Abstract: An animal stanchion having fixed stanchion structure and a pivotal release stanchion laterally spaced apart to define a head opening and a latching mechanism which includes a first latch coupler attached to the fixed stanchion structure for receiving and releasably holding a second latch coupler and a control rod mounted adjacent to the first latch coupler for rotatable positioning to a first position to make contact with the second latch coupler at any point along the control rod's longitudinal axis to release it and to rotate to a second position to permit engagement of the second latch coupler with the first latch coupler.

Abstract: A pivot arrangement for holding structural members, such as cattle stanchions, in pivotal engagement, with improved durability and wear resistance at the pivot point. In the stanchion (25) containing the pivot holes (36) and (37), an ultrahigh molecular weight, high density resin plastic insert (38) is positioned on the interior of the stanchion in the area surrounding the pivot holes (36) and (37). The resin insert has wear-resistant properties greater than the metal material from which the stanchion (25) is made. A pre-drilled bearing channel (42) in the plastic insert (38) is aligned to register concentrically with the pivot holes (36) and (36), and the plastic insert is secured in this position by dimples in the walls of the stanchion (25).

Abstract: A front positioning rail for a diagonal milking parlor, in which cows stand alongside one another at an angle to the curb, is movable between a milking position and a release position. In the milking position the rail restrains the cows with their heads projecting over the rail with the briskets of said cows contacting the rail. In this rail assembly an elongated rail member extends laterally, and has a proximal generally vertical side and a horizontal upper edge. A plurality of vertical positioning loops rise above the upper edge and define head positions for the cows. The loops preferably have one vertical side and one sloping side, so that cows are discouraged from turning around in the parlor, but can slide down if they enter a position ahead of an unoccupied position. The positioning loops are spaced from one another at a predetermined interval. An air cylinder or other mechanism moves the rail member between the milking position and the release position so that said cows can exit said parlor.