Abstract: The head gate element comprises a frame (1), a control bar (13), a movable bar (10) able to take three positions and receiving a locking fork joint (11) carrying a slide (15) guided in translation by means situated on the internal face of each of the plates (11a, 11b) of the fork joint (11).

Abstract: Cattle stanchion apparatus in which a plurality of fixed and release stanchions define a row of head openings for animals, the release stanchions tending to pivot to open positions. A pair of latch fingers at the upper extremities of the release stanchions are engageable with locking pegs secured to a moveable positioner rod. An operating mechanism is actuable to move the positioner rod and engage the locking pegs into and out of possible engagement with the latch fingers. The arrangement give the dairyman the capability of moving all of the release stanchions to closed positions to lock the animals in the feeding stalls, or allowing the animal's individually to actuate the system to lock themselves in, or allowing the animals to enter and leave the stalls as they wish. The latch fingers are also manually manipulatable to quickly and safely release downed cattle from individual feeding stalls.

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 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 cattle stanchion which has posts (24) supporting a top and bottom rail (20) and (22) with spacing bars (26) in between. A number of head openings permit animal feeding through the stanchion. Each head opening includes a side bar (36) and a swing bar (46) which is supported by a pivot bar (38). The swing bar has a yoke (40) on the top aligning and retaining one end onto the top rail. A guide block (54) attached between the forked fingers (42) of the yoke slidably receives a floating locking latch (62) that interfaces with notches (72) in a drawbar positioned above the top rail. An optional lever arm (88) slides the drawbar from an open to a closed position fop each head opening and individual locking latches may be disengaged for sorting animals or if an animal is down. A rotating handle (84) permits the drawbar to be manually pivoted disengaging the locking latches from the notches providing a free feeding position for the stanchion.

Abstract: A cattle stanchion for restraining the head of an animal. The stanchion includes a coplanar frame having an upper frame member and a pair of side frame members depending from the upper frame member and defining one stanchion opening therebetween. A restraining bar disposed in the stanchion opening is pivotally mounted to one side frame member for movement between a first position with the restraining bar extending diagonally across the stanchion opening and a second position with the restraining bar having a substantially vertical orientation. The stanchion also includes a securement assembly for securing the restraining bar in the second position.

Abstract: An improved livestock handling apparatus and method include a frame mounted on wheels having a plurality of stanchions arranged in side-by-side relationship along sides thereof such that livestock can place their heads through the stanchions in a first position, and reach feed placed in troughs and bales placed on rails spaced interiorally to the apparatus. Locking mechanisms, each comprising a pivotally mounted latch abutting an upper end of a pivotable sidebar of each of the stanchions, automatically lock the sidebar in a second position such that an animal cannot pass its head into, or remove its head from, one of the stanchion. A deactivator, including an axially rotatable rod having nubs spaced therealong, interacts with the latches to deactivate the locking mechanisms such that the livestock can pass their head through and remove their head from the stanchions.