Abstract: A livestock squeeze chute is operable in parallel-squeeze, V-squeeze and inverted-V squeeze configurations, and has a head gate with a novel guide track construction for robust rolling support of the gate panels, and a neck extender having uniquely positioned actuators that pull the neck extender upwardly into its working position. The squeeze panels are supported in suspended and hinged fashion from a set of movable supports that are displaceable laterally back and forth along a set of overhead support tracks. A pair of upper actuators are operable to move the hinged-equipped supports, and thereby relocate the tops of the squeeze panels, while a set of lower actuators are operable to relocate the bottom ends of the squeeze panels. The head gate's guide track uses two L-shaped bars and a cooperating U-channel to define a pair of enclosed channels in which roller carriages of the two gate panels are respectively received.

Abstract: A livestock head holder features a top holding member, a bottom holding member and an intermediate link connecting same. An operating lever connected to the bottom holding member so that downward pulling of the operating lever performs a closing stroke of the head holder that swings both holding members into place against the animal's neck. A lock and release mechanism automatically blocks the linkage from performing a reverse opening stroke that withdraws the holding members away from one another under raising of the operating lever. The operating lever is arranged to release the locking action during initial raising of lever to enable completion of the opening stroke, thereby using the same lever for all opening, closing and unlocking functions, whereas prior designs required a separate lock-release mechanism.

Abstract: A head gate assembly for restraining the head of an animal during ritual and humane slaughter includes first and second head gates including sliding plate supported for relative sliding movement between restraining and release positions. Each head gate includes a chin lift arm and a pivot assembly mounting the chin lift arm to the associated sliding plate. Each pivot assembly includes a bushing block welded to the associated sliding plate. The bushing block carries a bushing and pivot pin that is received in a mounting portion defined on the end of the chin lift arm. A neck restraint includes a neck tube supported by a support disposed to be located rearwardly of the head of, and in non-contacting relation with the neck of, an animal being restrained by the head gate assembly, maximizing access to a rearward portion of the head of the animal to facilitate stunning of the animal.

Abstract: A bail assembly including bail means moveable between operative engaged positions and a disengaged position; all actuating means for quickly moving the bail means between the operative engaged positions and the disengaged position, and holding means for holding the bail means at any selected operative engaged position. Preferably the holding means is a selectively releasable self locking hydraulic cylinder assembly which includes adjustable holding means, a locking chamber associated with the adjustable holding means which may be filled to lock the adjustable holding means, control means for controlling flow of fluid to and from the locking chamber, and actuating means for selectively actuating the control means.

Abstract: A bail assembly including bail members moveable between operative engaged positions and a disengaged position; bail actuating structure for quickly moving the bail members between the operative engaged positions and the disengaged position, and holding devices for holding the bail members at any selected operative engaged position. Preferably the holding device is a selectively releasable self locking hydraulic cylinder assembly which includes adjustable holding device, a locking chamber associated with the adjustable holding device which may be filled to lock the adjustable holding device, control structure for controlling flow of fluid to and from the locking chamber, and actuating structure for selectively actuating the control structure.