Abstract: An improved livestock latch assembly which includes a latch pin receiver assembly coupled to a rotatable camshaft, which moves the latch pin receiver assembly in a linear fashion between, deployed and retracted positions. In a deployed position, a latch pin receiver locks a pivotable restraining stanchion into a substantially vertical position when moved by an animal or operator. In a retracted position, a latch pin receiver assembly releases a pivotable restraining stanchion to freely pivot about its arc of swing. The improved latching mechanism may also include a decoupling member that allows a user to move a selected latch pin receiver assembly to a retracted position by uncoupling a selected latch pin receiver from a camshaft.

Abstract: A cattle stanchion has a frame supporting animal restraint mechanism which includes an enclosed latching and release mechanism and an enclosed lockout means capable of operating in various positions. The frame is comprised of relatively thin welded section materials providing strength and rigidity while retaining light weight. The animal restraint mechanism is comprised of a support bar attached to the frame and a rocker arm pivotally mounted on the support bar. The enclosed latching and release mechanism is mounted on the top of the frame and cooperates with the rocker arm to perform the cattle stanchion's free feed, self-catch, single release, and group release functions. The stanchion's lock-out function is performed by the lock-out means.