Abstract: An animal run having first and second side panels operable to be pivotally mounted along a central plane. A front panel is pivotally coupled with one of the side panels and operable to be detachably coupled to the other side panel. The side panels are moveable between a stored position, in which each side panel is positioned parallel the central plane, and an operational position, in which they extend outward at an angle from the central plane. The front panel is moveable between a stored position, in which it is positioned parallel the central plane, and an operational position, in which it is positioned at an angle from the side panel to which it is coupled and is detachably coupled with the other side panel. The side panels and front panel define an interior space for housing an animal when in their operational position.

Abstract: In a farrowing pen which includes a pit and over the pit a first floor portion on which the sow can stand and lie and two further floor portions on each side of the first floor portion for receiving piglets of the sow and confining walls for locating the sow on the first floor portion there is provided an apparatus for lifting the sow away from the piglets to prevent crushing. The apparatus includes a base carries above the pit on a cradle and a gas bag lift mechanism carried on the base above the manure and arranged to raise a plate carrying two parallel rails with the first floor portion thereon. An air valve extends through the flooring and is operated by pressure from contact with the sow for actuating the controlling the flow of the air. The rate of lifting is faster than the rate of lowering. A scissors lever arrangement mounted on the base above the pit acts to support and guide the floor on the bag.

Abstract: A calving enclosure which is adapted to be placed permanently on the ground or which may be moved from one location to another for use during calving operations. The enclosure includes a pivotal alleyway which may be moved from a stowed position to an operative position so that the width of the enclosure is reduced for transport purposes. The enclosure includes multiple confinement pens or areas as well as a tack or warming room and a headgate assembly.

Abstract: A device for confining an animal such as a dog is disclosed. The device consists of a plurality of sides, an unstable support element attached to each of the plurality of sides and a plurality of couplers for coupling each of the plurality of sides. The couplers allow relative movement of the sides such that pressing against one of the plurality of sides produces movement that discourages contact with the plurality of sides. If a dog contained in the device attempts to escape by scaling a side of the device, the relative movement of the plurality of sides will startle the dog. Consequently, the dog immediately moves away from the side and within minutes typically abandons any attempt to escape.

Abstract: A kennel system for confining domestic dogs consisting of four panel members (FIG. 5A) attached through a spring biasing element (FIG. 8) is presented. Each panel member consists of a first and second vertical corner post attached to upper and lower horizontal members. Each horizontal member contains a behavioral modification element (FIG. 4) for allowing each panel member to balance about a point. Consequently, when the contained animal brushes against the panels, they oscillate. This oscillatory motion startles the animal causing it to move away from the panels and towards the center of the kennel, thus, reinforcing desired behavior. Since the kennel system works in conjunction with the dog's natural instinct to move away from unstable objects, the top of the kennel is eliminated and the panels are lowered to allow for human interaction with the animal while it is confined.