Abstract: An automated braiding machine for applying a braided cover to an elongate structure includes a barrel through which the elongate structure passes and a bobbin orbiting assembly configured to orbit a plurality of bobbins around the barrel. Each of the bobbins unwinds a corresponding thread having a portion extending between a rim of the barrel and the elongate structure. A first robotic arm assembly is configured to pull the elongate structure in a longitudinal direction thereof. A speed at which the elongate structure is pulled in the longitudinal direction thereof is dependent on a measured angle of one of the portions of the thread relative to a plane defined by the rim of the barrel.

Abstract: An automated braiding machine for applying a braided cover to an elongate structure includes a barrel through which the elongate structure passes and a bobbin orbiting assembly configured to orbit a plurality of bobbins around the barrel. Each of the bobbins unwinds a corresponding thread having a portion extending between a rim of the barrel and the elongate structure. A first robotic arm assembly is configured to pull the elongate structure in a longitudinal direction thereof. A speed at which the elongate structure is pulled in the longitudinal direction thereof is dependent on a measured angle of one of the portions of the thread relative to a plane defined by the rim of the barrel.

Abstract: A livestock positioning apparatus for data collection and subsequent sorting is provided including a singulating transport, a livestock data collection station, and a sorting transport. The singulating transport singulates livestock from a collection thereof and feeds them into the data collection station. The data collection station positions the livestock through a pair of body conveyors and accumulates specific measurements thereof. The sorting transport then moves the livestock along the path determined by the collected data as compared to any predetermined parameters.

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 livestock unloading system for unloading livestock from a storage unit of a transport vehicle to a processing plant or storage facility. The unloading system includes a conveyor system whereby livestock ride from the storage unit to their destination. The conveying system includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from a coop during the unloading process. A truck positioner positions the transport vehicle for the proper unloading process.

Abstract: A livestock unloading system for unloading livestock from a storage unit of a transport vehicle to a processing plant or storage facility. The unloading system includes a conveyor system whereby livestock ride from the storage unit to their destination. The conveying system includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from a coop during the unloading process. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of unloading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A livestock unloading system for unloading livestock from a storage unit of a transport vehicle to a processing plant or storage facility. The unloading system includes a conveyor system whereby livestock ride from the storage unit to their destination. The conveying system includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from a coop during the unloading process. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of unloading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A livestock loading/unloading system for transporting livestock from/to a confinement area to/from a transport vehicle to allow transport from farm-to-farm, from farm-to-processing plant or from processing plant-to-farm. The livestock loading/unloading system includes a mobile conveying apparatus whereby the livestock ride a conveyor from/to the confinement area to/from a transport vehicle. Such a transport vehicle may be specially adapted for use in conjunction with the conveying apparatus, or may be of the conventional livestock transporting type. The conveying apparatus includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from the coops of the transport vehicle. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A livestock unloading system for unloading livestock from a storage unit of a transport vehicle to a processing plant or storage facility. The unloading system includes a conveyor system whereby livestock ride from the storage unit to their destination. The conveying system includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from a coop during the unloading process. A truck positioner positions the transport vehicle for the proper unloading process.

Abstract: A livestock loading/unloading system for transporting livestock from/to a confinement area to/from a transport vehicle to allow transport from farm-to-farm, from farm-to-processing plant or from processing plant-to-farm. The livestock loading/unloading system includes a mobile conveying apparatus whereby the livestock ride a conveyor from/to the confinement area to/from a transport vehicle. Such a transport vehicle may be specially adapted for use in conjunction with the conveying apparatus, or may be of the conventional livestock transporting type. The conveying apparatus includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from the coops of the transport vehicle. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A poultry loading apparatus for transporting poultry from a confinement area such as a poultry house to a transport vehicle to allow transport of poultry from farm-to-farm or from farm-to-processing plant. The mobile poultry loading apparatus includes a conveyor system whereby poultry ride from a confinement area to the transport vehicle during loading. The conveying system includes a telescoping end that extends into and retracts from a coop during the loading process. A system of hydraulics controls the speed of the conveyor, aids in the transverse leveling of the machine, adjusts both the angle and tier of loading, and levels and controls the telescoping end of the conveyor.