Abstract: A livestock tracking system includes the collection of animal data upon loading of the livestock for transport and the collection of similar data upon unloading, thereby monitoring and tracking same. Livestock is transported from a grouped plurality to individual animals capable of being weighed and then put into transport containers. Each transport container is readily identifiable throughout the process such that upon the unloading of the livestock the information pertaining to the livestock within each container can be compared to data collected upon loading and therefore traced. While the most important data is weight, other measurements may be utilized. A method incorporating this system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheelchair for animals includes a harness support frame having first and second lateral supports spaced from each other and a width extender adjustably connected between the first and second lateral supports, first and second knuckle clamp assemblies where each one of the first and second knuckle clamp assemblies has a first clamp component and a second clamp component, a plurality of harness connectors attached to the harness support frame, first and second leg assemblies where the second clamp components receives a leg assembly proximal end of one of the first and second leg assemblies, first and second wheels where each one of the first and second wheels is rotatably connected adjacent to a leg assembly distal end of one of the first and second leg assemblies, and a harness assembly detachably connected to the harness support frame.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a pet curtain and methods for its use. In other embodiments the invention is directed to a door or window frame assembly for permitting the ingress or egress of pets between a room and a desired location.

Abstract: A system and method for the sorting of livestock including a livestock processing station, a computer network system, and a trolley system. The livestock processing station confines the individual livestock, allowing individual livestock data to be collected and analyzed. The computer network system includes a first computer for data input at the livestock processing station and a second computer coupled to the first computer via a computer network, the second computer for storing and analyzing individual livestock data and assigning livestock to pens. The trolley system is controlled by the computer network system for transporting livestock from the livestock processing station to the assigned livestock pen. Such system includes a plurality of trolley cars for containing livestock and a conveyor system coupled to the plurality of trolley cars for transporting livestock to the assign livestock pen.

Abstract: A dual purpose portable apparatus is provided for carrying a harvested game animal or for providing a protective shelter for a person. The apparatus includes a housing formed of a flexible, foldable material defining a chamber therein, the chamber adapted to receive a body and head portion of the harvested game animal or the person seeking shelter therein. Openings are provided for receiving the hind and fore legs of the harvested game animal and a gap formed in a forward end of the housing allows for passage of the antlers. Edges of the housing are disposed above the openings when the housing is in a closed configuration so as to substantially retard leakage of fluid through the openings and between the edges of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for a weave trainer for demonstrating animal agility. In one embodiment, the weave trainer includes a rail with a set of adjustable poles. Attached to the rail are telescoping legs extending away from the centerline of the rail. The legs are grooved for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a vertical projection that engages a pole. With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. In one such embodiment, the legs are removable. In another embodiment, the angle of the projection is adjustable such that the engaged poles are movable to selected angles from vertical. In another embodiment, two rails are connected by a hinge that allows the two rails to fold.

Abstract: A small animal restraining tube comprises a tube configured to receive a small animal therein; a nosecone within the tube and coupled thereto and configured to abut the animal within the tube to confine the animal on one side of the tube; an endplate coupled to the tube and configured to confine a body portion of the animal on a side opposite the nosecone, whereby the body of the animal is confined within the tube between the nosecone and the endplate, the endplate including an opening there through configured to receive a tail of the animal when the animal is confined within the tube; and a tubular loader mechanism selectively coupled to the tube, wherein the loader mechanism is configured to selectively receive the animal therein and configured to transfer the animal to the retraining tube.

Abstract: A calf catching apparatus that attaches to an ATV or similar vehicle and operates along the side of the vehicle. The calf catching apparatus has a pair of doors or gates that open to the front and are operated from ATV. The operator drives along side the cow/calf pair until the calf is inside the pen. The gates are closed and the calf is caught and separated from the cow. The operator can enter into the pen and treat the calf. If the calf needs to be transported, the calf is placed on a transportation platform and a gate is closed to restrain the calf on the platform. The calf catching apparatus can also be transformed to a tow behind version to minimize the width and bring the unit down the road behind a vehicle. There is also a fold-up embodiment that allows for the pen to be folded beside the ATV to reduce the overall width of the ATV and calf catching apparatus for traveling through narrow openings or on roads without unhooking from the ATV.

Abstract: A system and method for the sorting of livestock including a livestock processing station, a computer network system, and a trolley system. The livestock processing station confines the individual livestock, allowing individual livestock data to be collected and analyzed. The computer network system includes a first computer for data input at the livestock processing station and a second computer coupled to the first computer via a computer network, the second computer for storing and analyzing individual livestock data and assigning livestock to pens. The trolley system is controlled by the computer network system for transporting livestock from the livestock processing station to the assigned livestock pen. Such system includes a plurality of trolley cars for containing livestock and a conveyor system coupled to the plurality of trolley cars for transporting livestock to the assign livestock pen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a releasing device and more particularly a releasing device used to release fish in water. Deep-water fishes such as rockfish often exhibit the effects of rapid water pressure change such as expelled gas bladder, protruded eyes when brought to the surface. The fish releasing device of the present utilizes a jaw assembly, a weight, and other components to clamp onto a fish. The device is dropped into the water which pulls the fish beneath the surface of the water and automatically releases the fish upon the opening of the clamping jaw.

Abstract: Poultry processing methods and systems that provide for the processing of poultry at a plurality of processing stations, with the poultry being transferred between stations using an automated conveying system. Each individual poultry is retained in a poultry carrier designed to be conveyed by the automated conveying system. Each of the poultry carriers is preferably designed to retain only one individual poultry at a time. The systems and methods may also include identification tags that may be used to direct the poultry through the processing system with the automated conveying system. The identification tags may be associated with the poultry themselves or they may be associated with the poultry carriers.

Abstract: A method for making a sex determination in avian hatchlings involves the following activities. A process line is equipped to process an endless plurality of hatchlings. The process line has an ultrasound inspection station for the hatchlings. The ultrasound inspection results are analyzed to find the presence of given sex-determinative structure for each hatchling. If the given sex-determinative structure is found then a first category assignment is made. The hatchling is sorted according to its category assignment. The category assignments might number two or three or so including positively-identified one sex, positively-identified other sex, and default to waste for any of various reasons.

Abstract: A moble cattle hospital that is adapted to be located near a pen of cattle for treatment operations. A gooseneck trailer forms a platform upon which various gates, fence panels, a squeeze chute, a squeeze pen and supplies are located for the treatment, or working, operations. The trailer is further configured to selectively raise and lower, sitting on the ground during working operations to make easier the movement of the cattle on and off the trailer.

Abstract: An animal management system provides an alley to control the handling of animals when procedures are to be performed on the animals by veterinarians or cattle producers. The alley is formed by a base frame, and included therewith are a headgate and preferably two wedge-shaped access doors rotatably mounted with the base frame. The headgate is movable between an entrapping position to a releasing position for an animal, and coordinated movement of the at least one access door ensures that a lead animal is properly positioned while other down line animals do not interfere with care given to, or procedures performed on, the lead animal in the headgate. Each access door allows convenient access for persons to the lead animal, and the selective use of one of two doors at a time facilitates the access to and movement of animals of different sizes in the alley.

Abstract: An apparatus for urging livestock animals includes at least one alleyway which is defined by a frame having a stationary portion and a reciprocating portion. The reciprocating portion includes a paddle assembly including spaced pairs of pivtobably mounted paddles. The reciprocating frame swings between a rear position and a forward position. The paddles are mounted to the reciprocating frame such that the paddles may pivot forward but not backward to permit forward motion of a livestock animal and to apply force to the hind quarters of the livestock animal when the reciprocating frame moves forward or to prevent rearward movement of the livestock animal in the alleyway.

Abstract: The present invention includes a portable alley way having openings at one end. A collapsible crowding tub is connected to the alley way and includes an opening communicating with the opening of the alley way. The collapsible crowding tub includes a plurality of curved panels which are connected together in a substantially semi-circular pattern surrounding a fifth wheel hitch. An end curved panel is connected to the alley way adjacent the opening of the alley way. An extension panel has one end connected to the alley way on the opposite side of the opening of the alley way and has a second end connected to the fifth wheel gooseneck. A gate has one end pivotably attached to the fifth wheel gooseneck and is sized to swing in an arc within the semi-circular pattern of the curved panels. A latch is provided for latching the gate to a selected curved panel.

Abstract: Device for driving animals in an oblong corridor section using a driving gate which can be moved from one end to the other of the corridor section. A first transport arrangement moves the driving gate in the corridor section in a longitudinal direction of the section, and moves the gate in the opposite direction after it has been brought outside the corridor section. A second transport arrangement pulls the gate sideways out from the corridor section in the plane of the gate through a gap in one side wall of the corridor section.

Abstract: A milking parlor for presenting an animal to be milked rearwardly loads the animal into a milking stall through an ingress/egress gate and forwardly unloads the animal from the milking stall through the same ingress/egress gate to pass along a unique exit path to a released area.

Abstract: An elevator-type mechanism which raises and lowers an animal into desired vertical position to facilitate treatment of injuries, treatment of illnesses, grooming, and the like of the animal.

Abstract: A louvered ramp, that serves as a cat's paw-cleaning entry and exit ramp, ascending to, and descending from, a cat litter box.

Abstract: A method of isolating a newborn calf from the calf's mother. A rigid pen, including an outer frame defining an open floor attached to a motorized vehicle. The vehicle is operated to raise the pen off the ground and deliver the raised pen to an area at which the calf and the mother cow are located. The vehicle then positions the raised pen over the calf. Finally, the pen is lowered such that the calf is inside of the pen and the mother cow is outside of the pen. In one embodiment, the frame defines an opening at a side adjacent the motorized vehicle, with the method further including the vehicle operator entering the pen via the opening. In one embodiment, the pen further includes a foldable inner cage attached to an interior of the frame.

Abstract: An elevator-type mechanism is disclosed which raises and lowers an animal into desired vertical position to facilitate treatment of injuries, treatment of illnesses, grooming, and the like of the animal.

Abstract: An animal transportation and tracking system for efficiently tracking and tracing livestock during transportation thereof. The inventive device includes a frame attached to a truck, a ramp attached to the frame that is extendable from the frame, a computer, a primary transceiver in communication with the computer, an animal transponder in communication with the primary transceiver, a secondary transceiver in communication with the computer, and a position localizer in communication with the secondary transceiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for transporting an animal container with a towing vehicle is disclosed. The animal container is rotatable about an axis from (1) an upright position disposed on a support surface, to (2) a tilted transportable position. The apparatus includes a tongue having a pivot end pivotally connected to the animal container and an opposite towing end selectively connectable to the towing vehicle. A stop is connected to the animal container, wherein when the animal container is in the upright position and the towing end of the tongue is pulled by the towing vehicle in a direction away from the animal container, the stop engages the support surface thereby enabling the rotation of the animal container about the axis.

Abstract: A mobile cattle hospital that is adapted to be located near a pen of cattle for treatment operations. A gooseneck trailer forms a platform upon which various gates, fence panels, a squeeze chute, a squeeze pen and supplies are located for the treatment, or working, operations. The trailer is further configured to selectively raise and lower, sitting on the ground during working operations to make easier the movement of the cattle on and off the trailer.

Abstract: The bird vaccinating device comprises a frame, a drum or carosel rotatable on a vertical axis or this frame, schackle means for attaching birds, and being angularly spaced on said drum, motor means to rotate said drum, to present the bird successively to different operating stations, wherein said drum has a polygonal shape, preferably octagonal, each lateral side of the polygon providing a flat surface, said schackle means protruding from said surface so that an attached bird can be backed on to this flat surface by the vaccinator for proper vaccination. Preferably means are provided to cause the drum to stop if grasped by a vaccinator and to release automatically the vaccinated bird, preferably on a slide, as well as to count the vaccinated birds.

Abstract: A game animal lift assembly for all terrain vehicles (ATVs) that is used to lift the carcass of a dead game animal from the ground up onto the carrying rack of an ATV. The game animal lift assembly includes a winch assembly having a flexible winch tether, a receiver hitch connecting assembly, a lifting mechanism horizontal support rod, two height adjustable vertical ground support bar assemblies, an adjustable length chassis support bar assembly, and a pivoting game animal lifting mechanism pivotally attached to the lifting mechanism horizontal support rod.

Abstract: An animal transporting system for efficiently loading, unloading, sorting, separating and transporting animals within an enclosed structure. The inventive device includes a frame attached to a truck, a ramp movably attached to the frame that is extendable from the frame, a plurality of holding pens within the frame defined by a plurality of partitions, and a plurality of doors pivotally attached to the partitions. Each of the doors are manipulated by an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. A stimulator system is positioned within each of the holding pens to humanely encourage an animal to exit the holding pen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transporting a large number of live poultry from one location to another. Using a tray, the birds are loaded and transported to the new location where the tray is lifted upward and/or laterally into a position for unloading which is convenient relative to the features present at the new location. When the apparatus reaches the new location, a gate on the leading edge of the tray is opened and the birds are forcibly moved across the floor of the tray through the open gate and into the desired location. Movement of the birds is caused in one disclosed embodiment by equipping the tray with a slippery floor and tilting the tray toward the open gate. In one alternative disclosed embodiment, movement of the birds is caused by equipping the floor of the tray with a conveyor belt and a rake to gently push the birds toward the open gate.

Abstract: A trailer mountable portable corral system for enclosing animals. The system has, a first portion of the corral system having at least one corral panel and a corral gate, a first lifting mechanism mounted to the trailer and connected to the panel of the first portion of the corral system at an end not connected to another panel or gate, a second portion of the corral system having at least one corral panel and a second lifting mechanism mounted to the trailer and connected to the panel of the second portion of the corral system at an end not connected to another panel. A user operating either the first or second lifting mechanism may cause lifting and lowering of either portion of the corral system connected thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for loading poultry into containers (6). Via a supply track (7, 7′) and buffers (19, 20), animals are gathered to form groups and brought into containers (6). A distributing conveyor (33) groups animals alternately in the one and the other one of the buffers (19, 20) and extends from the one buffer to the other buffer. The downstream end (14) of the supply track (7, 7′) links up with the distributing conveyor (38) at a point between the buffers (19, 20). The conveying direction of the distributing conveyor (33) is reversed for switching from the conveyance of animals to the one buffer (19, 20) to the conveyance of animals to the other buffer (19, 20). The moment at which a switch is made from transferring animals to the other one of the buffers can be accurately determined, while the supply of animals is continued uninterruptedly. The apparatus can be made of short and compact design.

Abstract: A method for loading live animals on a transport vehicle where the method comprises providing a transport vehicle for transporting the live animals, the vehicle having at least one compartment for containing the animals and which is partially open to the external environment. The method further includes providing a ventilation vehicle adjacent to the transport vehicle, the ventilation vehicle including at least one fan and then loading at least one animal into the compartment. While the loading is being conducted, the fan of the ventilation vehicle is operated to generate a flow of air toward and into the compartment of the transport vehicle. By use of the method, overheating of the animals while the vehicle is stationary is reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transporting a large number of live poultry from one location to another. Using a tray, the birds are loaded and transported to the new location where the tray is lifted upward and/or laterally into a position for unloading which is convenient relative to the features present at the new location. When the apparatus reaches the new location, a gate on the leading edge of the tray is opened and the birds are forcibly moved across the floor of the tray through the open gate and into the desired location. Movement of the birds is caused in one disclosed embodiment by equipping the tray with a slippery floor and tilting the tray toward the open gate. In one alternative disclosed embodiment, movement of the birds is caused by equipping the floor of the tray with a conveyor belt and a rake to gently push the birds toward the open gate.

Abstract: A method for moving chickens or other poultry, wherein the chickens are moved upwards from the floor (3) by means of a conveyor (4), to a level on which the bottom of a collecting space (5) is positioned. A vehicle, in which the conveyor (4) and the collecting space (5) are mounted, is thereby driven through a poultry house. Several collecting spaces (5, 9, 10) are disposed one above the other, and the collecting spaces are moved in vertical direction in such a manner that various collecting spaces can successively be positioned in relationship with the sloping surface (4). The chickens are led from said collecting spaces (5) into transport spaces (17)), which are mounted on a lorry. From said transport spaces the chickens are led into accommodation spaces (22), which form part of a slaughterhouse.

Abstract: Automation of delivery of newborn avian chicks into grow-out houses is accomplished by use of a delivery vehicle which has a powered telescoping conveyor mounted to this vehicle. The vehicle is positioned at one of the personnel doors of a grow-out house and the conveyor extended into the interior of the building. A moving blower is provided at the discharge end of the telescoping conveyor to distribute the chicks over the floor of a grow-out house in such a manner as to prevent piles of chicks from forming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting livestock such as hogs, sheep, cows, and poultry within an enclosure and guiding the livestock to an exit opening therein is disclosed. The present invention includes an elongated, foldable livestock barrier constructed of a durable plastic material which may be attached to a perimeter wall of a livestock enclosure adjacent an exit opening therein and gradually unfolded and extended to a remote position along an opposite wall of the enclosure to separate the livestock into groups to be sorted. Thereafter, the flexible barrier is gradually refolded to shorten its effective length and moved along the perimeter wall toward the exit opening of the enclosure to gradually reduce the confined area wherein the animals to be sorted are contained. Using this technique the animals are guided out of the exit opening to an alternate floor within the livestock facility without injury to either the animal or the worker.

Abstract: An animal chute with animal-actuated gates at each end and a data collection area. The animal enters the chute through one of the gates and both gates automatically lock the animal in the data collection area until the data is collected. The opposite gate then unlocks in order to let the animal exit the chute. The animal chute also has a side safety gate which breaks away upon pressure from the animal in order to allow it to escape. Data such as animal identification and weight is gathered in the data collection area. The gates may be operated with a linkage system and electric linear actuators. The data may be transmitted to a personal computer in order for the data to be stored and analyzed. The chute may be controlled with a programmable logic controller. The chute may be used in conjunction with additional directing devices in order to sort animals which pass through the chute.

Abstract: A livestock herding cart with a chassis having forward and rearward wheel assemblies that allows movement upon a raised track. Connected to the chassis is a seat and moveable gate. The seat is positioned above the chassis and the gate extends below the chassis. The cart is used by releasing a group of livestock into a center alleyway of the raised track. The cart is then moved toward the livestock group with the gate extending substantially perpendicular to the chassis until the group exits the center alleyway. Then a second group of livestock are released into the center alleyway and the operator raises the gate and moves the cart to a position behind the second group of livestock. The operator then lowers the gate and moves towards the second group repeating the process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading a batch of turkeys or other cargo into multilayer containers. A method of unloading the turkeys or cargo from the multilayer containers. Each container or coop includes a liftable gate at each end that enables access into the container through either end, and a slidably moveable floor positioned over a rigid permanent floor. As the turkeys are introduced into the containers, the slideable floor is retracted into the container, pulling the bird farther back into the container. Similarly, to unload the turkeys, the slideable floor is extracted from the container, moving the birds out of the container. A removable holding wall may be located at the end of the slideable floor to urge any hesitant turkeys out of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for animal-appropriate conveying, in which animals are conveyed in conveying channels, the animals being advantageously conveyed separated from one another in columns and the animals are guided at a drive mechanism (49) onto a platform (49.3), which is swivelled and the animals are driven into a conveying space (50).

Abstract: A portable corral which is folded into a retracted position behind a towing vehicle for transport from one location to another, and is folded to an expanded, usable configuration for movement along side the path of travel of the towing vehicle to trap cattle or the like who may, for example, be feeding in the path of movement of the corral.

Abstract: An adjustable width livestock working alley for handling various size animals including a stationary support frame supporting a first arcuate-shaped stationary outer wall and a second arcuate-shaped moveable inner wall including multiple sections, pivotally joined together at the ends of the sections so that the effective radius of the overall inner wall can be changed. A series of connecting links, connecting the support frame to the multiple arcuate sections at their pivot joints with each connecting link starting with the first link having the shortest length with the links of each additional section being proportional to the accumulated changes in the circumferential length of the wall sections as the effective radius of the inner wall is changed and power means connected to the multiple sections for moving those sections radially and longitudinally to change the effective radius of the inner wall.

Abstract: An animal sorting module including a general frame (1) assembly defining a passageway (2) through which an animal can travel, the frame having a single entry point opening (3) at or near a first end (4) and two exit point openings (6) at or near a second end (7) wherein the entry point and at least one of the exit points are defined by a pair of elongate substantially cylindrical rollers (8) which can be moved between a first position occluding the opening and a second position exposing the opening.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting poultry and transporting the poultry to a slaughterhouse, in which the birds are at least partially made unconscious prior to their arrival at the slaughterhouse. Prior to or during their collection, the birds can be conveyed through a tunnel containing a stunning gas. A goods vehicle for carrying crates or containers with poultry to a slaughterhouse can be provided with means for introducing a stunning gas into the crates or containers.

Abstract: A tailgate for preventing cattle from backing up while in a guide chute is described. The tail gate comprises a tube, angle brackets and a gate section. The angle brackets are arranged to be fitted into the tube such that the angle brackets can be attached to horizontal or vertical surfaces. The gate section is arranged to pivot about the tube from one side of the tube only so that cattle may pass freely from one side of the tail gate but are prevented from passing from the opposite side. As a result of this arrangement, cattle contacting the gate from the opposite side of the tail gate will reflexively remain in place. This in turn prevents the cattle from backing up and speeds up the flow of cattle through the chute. The tail gate is arranged to be fitted into chutes of various widths at any point along the chute fitting and the height of the gate section can be varied for use with animals of different sizes.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing animals, having a stall, such as a milking stall with an automatic milking machine. The stall comprises an entrance and an exit and is provided for housing one single animal. One or more enticing devices are provided to entice the animal to approach or to leave the stall.

Abstract: A turkey loading apparatus and method for loading turkeys includes a support structure adapted to the position at a gathering location. A conveyer conveys the turkeys to a dumping end. A loading box is operatively connected to the support structure. The loading box is moveable between a first and second position. A loading box has an exit, wherein when the exit is opened the turkeys are unloaded into the coop.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for loading a poultry coop. Each compartment in the coop has a rectangular frame opening which is blocked or unblocked by a pivoted door. A flexible vision blocking curtain is hung across the opening to prevent the escape of any poultry during the loading procedure.

Abstract: In a method for conveying live animals, a conveying channel having a dosing belt is moved in a conveying direction and side walls extending along the dosing belt separated by animal shoulder widths confine the animals. Standing animals are loaded onto the belt in a column with the head of each animal oriented in a desired direction relative to the conveying direction and with separation between the animals. Separating barriers transversely across the dosing belt are moved with the dosing belt and the animals to maintain separation between the animals. A chest belt can be employed to carry the animals, substantially fixing their positions.

Abstract: A crowd gate suspended pivotally from an overhead carriage driven along a track above a herding area from an entry to an exit by an endless chain slidably coupled to the carriage. The central portion of a lift chain connected on its bottom end to the bottom of the gate and on its top end to the drive chain and arranged to be arrested by a hanger as the carriage moves toward the entrance allowing the drive chain to continue travel resulting in the lift chain being drawn upwardly to draw the gate upwardly to clear a path to receive a group of animals thereunder from the entrance to then be herded toward the exit as the gate is advanced by such drive chain toward the exit. A lost motion device may be incorporated to permit the gate to, upon contacting an animal in the herding area, pivot rearwardly relative to the carriage to prevent damage to the gate. In one embodiment, the gate is electrified to provide a goading shock to the animals.