Abstract: The present invention is an improved trailer for processing items. The trailer includes a frame, translating wheel assemblies and a pivoting hitch assembly. Each translating wheel assembly includes a stationary portion fixed to the frame and a translating portion for carrying at least one wheel. The translating portions of the wheel assemblies move up and down between a first extended position in which the wheels support the frame of the trailer and a second retracted position in which the frame sits on the ground. The hitch assembly includes an arm for coupling the trailer to a tractor vehicle. The arm moves between a first trailering position and a second stowed position. The arm is pivoted into the stowed position so that it does not interfere with process items entering or leaving the trailer.

Abstract: An improved squeeze chute includes opposing neck bar assemblies. Each neck bar assembly is mounted to a head door of a cattle chute of the type where the head doors pivot in unison between open and closed positions. Each neck bar assembly may be independently actuated to move the neck bar from a first position close to the head door and separated from the center line of the squeeze chute to a second position spaced away from the squeeze chute and closer to the center line of the squeeze chute.

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: A system and method for moving livestock includes a sequence of interconnected enclosures in which the periphery of each enclosure extends generally to the center of the next enclosure. At the center of each enclosure is a turret unit including a support frame, a turret frame and a panel. The panel extends generally to the edge of the enclosure. The turret frame and panel are capable of two modes of movement: a sweeping mode and a shuttle mode. In the sweeping mode, the turret frame rotates the extended panel as the panel sweeps around the semicircular enclosure. In the shuttle mode the panel is translated across the enclosure from one side of the turret frame to the other side of the turret frame. Panels can thus be alternately swept around their respective enclosures and shuttled across their respective enclosures to present translating enclosed areas for livestock as the livestock progress through a series of interconnected semicircular enclosures.