Abstract: A pet pee pad pen assembly includes a pen which comprises a plurality of walls being hingedly coupled together. In this way the pen forms a rectangular shape to shelter an animal. A respective one of the walls has a plurality of openings each extending therethrough to facilitate the animal to enter or exit the pen. A base is provided that can be positioned on a support surface and the pen is positioned on the base. A pad is positionable on the base and the pad is comprised of a fluid absorbent material to absorb the pet urine. An insert is positionable on the pad thereby inhibiting the pad from being displaced on the base.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for a virtual burrow assay for a diversity of neurological and psychiatric disorders. For example, a virtual burrow array device including a virtual, burrow, a linear actuator and one or more sensors is provided.

Abstract: A method of artificially inseminating a hen includes the steps of securing a male bird, applying a semen extender liquid to a tip of a cloacal protuberance of the male bird, squeezing the cloacal protuberance to extract semen from the male bird into the semen extender liquid to form a mixture, applying a tip of a pipette to the mixture, drawing the mixture into the pipette, securing the hen, inserting the pipette into the hen's cloaca, and squeezing a bulb of the pipette to inject the mixture from the pipette into the cloaca. A holding device for restraining a bird during sperm collection and artificial insemination procedures has a base, an arm extending upward from the base, and an open-ended receptacle connected to the upper end of the arm. The holding device is useful in mitigating injury to the bird and the handler during the procedures.

Abstract: A rodent immobilizing apparatus for use during experimental procedures, dissection, and sample procurement. The apparatus has two (2) points of adherence to the dissection board, one at the head/jaw region and one at the tail region. Generally, the rodent immobilizing apparatus includes a base, a bed positioned atop the base, a bank disposed along one side of the bed, another bank disposed along the opposite side of the bed, a string/wire hook affixed to each bank with string/wire therebetween, and a tail clip/clamp positioned at an inferior portion of the bed. The bed is slidable along the banks to accommodate different sized rodents. In operation, an anesthetized/euthanized rodent is positioned supine on the bed. The bed slides along the banks, so that the string/wire is hooked within the rodent's jaw. The tail is clamped to the bed, and the bed is pulled back to stretch out the rodent, thus immobilizing the rodent completely and rapidly.

Abstract: An adjustable leg assembly for a loading dock ramp member having an elongate, adjustable housing with incremental slots, a hydraulic system having a hydraulic pump with a cylinder fully contained within the housing and a handle for operation of the hydraulic system. The leg assembly also includes a lock bracket for insertion into the slots to contact the cylinder for even distribution of compression loads. A user pumps the handle to actuate the hydraulic system and thereby adjust the loading dock to the desired height.

Abstract: An improved squeeze chute provides compliance between the side gates or side panels of the squeeze chute. Squeeze chutes generally include pivoting side panels that move between an open position and a closed position. A hydraulically driven rock shaft assembly is rotated by an actuator and is connected by linkages to the upper ends of the pivoting side panels. Compliance in the closing action of the panels is provided by interposing a compliant torsion assembly between the actuator and the rock shaft. The compliant torsion assembly has a first portion that surrounds the rock shaft and a second portion which surrounds the first portion. Elastic elements are interposed between the first portion and the second portion. A tab extends from the second portion to which one end of the actuator is attached. The other end of the actuator is attached to the frame of the squeeze chute.

Abstract: The invention facilitates transport of an immobilized, anesthetized small animal across multiple single-modality or multiple-modality imaging workstations at the same or different physical locations without loss of subject positional information. The animal holder is compatible with preclinical animal imaging stations such as micro-CT, micro-MR, micro-PET, micro-SPECT, and FMT. The animal holder is configured to be accommodated by (for example, fit within) individual imaging chambers of such instruments and is fabricated from materials that are compliant with all of the imaging modalities used. In certain embodiments, an integrated set of fiducial marker wells accommodates the dispensing of markers that are picked up by several modalities simultaneously in multiple planes. The fiducial markers then are aligned in standard image processing or image analysis software with simple image translation and rotation operations, without the need for more advanced scaling, distortion or other operations.

Abstract: A primate restraint device capable of restricting the movement of a monkey and, particularly, capable of facilitating transnasal intragastric administration or oral administration. A primate restraint device comprising: a containing body having both side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a door provided to the rear surface side of the containing body and capable of opening and closing the rear surface side of the containing body by sliding up and down; and a partition wall which is formed so as to close the inside of the containing body from the front surface side and to be movable forward and backward within the containing body and which is configured to be able to be affixed at a desired position within the containing body.

Abstract: An animal restraint, or “head bail” apparatus for a livestock handling device has two opposed gates to trap the neck of an animal. The gates are pneumatically operated and lockable at any position by a brake caliper assembly that locks onto a releasable braking member, which slides as the gates operate. The bail apparatus can be used with a cattle crush although it may also be used in applications other than with a cattle crush.

Abstract: An encapsulatable life support mechanism (ELSM) for an analyzed animal, including: a cradle or bed adapted by means of size and shape to accommodate the animal; an anesthetization gas mask (AGM) characterized by a cup with conic cross section, comprising a plurality of apertures located at the outer circumference of the cup; a fluid supplying mechanism (FSM) in which the AGM is placed, the FSM is in a continuous fluid communication with (i) an anesthetization gas inlet positioned outside the ELSM and an outlet located within the ELSM; (ii) an air suction scavenging device positioned outside the ELSM and a mask and an air suction outlet located within the ELSM; and a plurality of (iii) air conditioning tubes; and an airtight shell enveloping the same. The airtight ELSM prevent leakage of anesthetization gas.

Abstract: Kick bar assemblies mounted to an opposite side walls of a squeeze chute structure each include an upright shaft that is rotatably mounted to the squeeze chute wall. Each kick bar assembly connects at one end to an actuator for rotating the shaft and at the other end to a kick bar which may be pivoted by the actuator between a first retracted position, a second normal extended position in which the kick bar is generally normal to the wall of the squeeze chute and a third forward position in which the kick bar is rotated forward of the normal position and defines an acute angle with the squeeze chute wall. The actuators controlling the motion of the kick bars are capable of being simultaneously remotely controlled to act in unison.

Abstract: Kick bar assemblies mounted to an opposite side walls of a squeeze chute structure each include an upright shaft that is rotatably mounted to the squeeze chute wall. Each kick bar assembly connects at one end to an actuator for rotating the shaft and at the other end to a kick bar which may be pivoted by the actuator between a first retracted position, a second normal extended position in which the kick bar is generally normal to the wall of the squeeze chute and a third forward position in which the kick bar is rotated forward of the normal position and defines an acute angle with the squeeze chute wall. The actuators controlling the motion of the kick bars are capable of being simultaneously remotely controlled to act in unison.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laboratory animal retaining appliance for laboratory animal retention. The retaining appliance includes a plate-shaped body, and a hind leg hole which has a diameter for at least the knee of a hind leg of the laboratory animal to pass therethrough and which is formed at a position apart from a center line passing through the center of the body by a predetermined distance to at least one of the left and right of the center line.

Abstract: A portable chute for immobilizing an animal having a frame structure configured to receive an animal, an entrance gate having a movable retainer member associated therewith for selectively engaging the rear portion of the animal, an exit gate having a selectively movable stanchion member for adjustably controlling the size of an opening associated therewith for immobilizing the head and neck area of the animal, at least one belly strap associated with an elongated arm operatively coupled thereto for engaging the animal's midsection when positioned within the frame structure, and an arm assembly operatively connected to the frame structure for pivotally rotating the entire chute between an upright vertical loading/unloading position and a horizontal operative position for treating the hooves of the animal. The chute assembly can be mounted to the bed of a vehicle and is always maintained in its vertical position above ground level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable pet grooming aid device comprising a substantially rectangular piece of flexible fabric comprising four sides, two sides joined creating a tubular flexible body having a top face, an inner face, a head end and a tail end, the ends comprising a seam, an elastic cord threaded inside of the seam, two apertures on the top face, the apertures affording a user's hands access to the interior of the device to handle an animal inside of the device during a grooming process, the animal's head exposed outside of the device at the head end, the elastic cord securely tied around the animal's neck.

Abstract: A fully automated, sensor-driven, catch system for a hydraulic livestock squeeze chute which includes a plurality of spaced-apart sensors positioned on the chute. One of the sensors is positioned just outwardly of the tail gate assembly of the chute and another sensor is positioned just inwardly of the tail gate assembly of the chute. A plurality of middle sensors are positioned between the tail gate and head gate assemblies of the chute. One of the sensors is positioned just inwardly of the head gate assembly and another sensor is positioned just outwardly of the head gate assembly. The sensors send signals to a control module which controls the hydraulic cylinders of the tail gate assembly, the side squeeze panels and the head gate assembly. The sensors sense the movement of the animal as it passes through the chute.

Abstract: The present invention is an animal processing cradle that includes an aluminum crossing support structure with a top portion and a plurality of ends and a support sheet that is sewn over the top portion of the crossing support structure to form a permanent attachment to the top portion of the crossing support structure. The animal processing cradle also includes a hook and loop fastener to secure the animal's neck to the animal processing cradle and a plurality of rubber support caps that are disposed on the ends of the crossing support structure to prevent the animal processing cradle from slipping or sliding, while being set on a surface.

Abstract: An animal restraint, or “head bail” apparatus for a livestock handling device has two opposed gates to trap the neck of an animal. The gates are pneumatically operated and lockable at any position by a brake caliper assembly that locks onto a releasable braking member, which slides as the gates operate. The bail apparatus can be used with a cattle crush although it may also be used in applications other than with a cattle crush.

Abstract: An upper bucket has a closed top, an open bottom and a side wall. A lower opening is cut into the side wall of the upper bucket. The lower opening has a lower slit at a lower extent of the side wall. The lower opening has an arcuate slit. The slit extends upwardly from the lower slit. A flat, generally circular plate has laterally extending pivot pins. Pivot apertures extend through the upper bucket at diametrically opposed locations adjacent to the lower slot. The pivot apertures rotatably receive the pivot pins for effecting movement of the plate between a horizontal orientation and a pivoted orientation.

Abstract: An encapsulatable life support mechanism (ELSM) for an analyzed animal, including: a cradle or bed adapted by means of size and shape to accommodate the animal; an anesthetization gas mask (AGM) characterized by a cup with conic cross section, comprising a plurality of apertures located at the outer circumference of the cup; a fluid supplying mechanism (FSM) in which the AGM is placed, the FSM is in a continuous fluid communication with (i) an anesthetization gas inlet positioned outside the ELSM and an outlet located within the ELSM; (ii) an air suction scavenging device positioned outside the ELSM and a mask and an air suction outlet located within the ELSM; and a plurality of (iii) air conditioning tubes; and an airtight shell enveloping the same. The airtight ELSM prevent leakage of anesthetization gas.

Abstract: An animal handling system (AMS), useful positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device, comprises at least one inner shaft, and at least one outer shaft, the at least one outer shaft telescopically maneuverable along the at least one inner shaft to provide a telescopic mechanism of variable (proximal-) length, the proximal portion; and a distal portion comprising a configurable encapsulatable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable and/or linearly reciprocatable along the main longitudinal axis of the shafts by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism of the proximal portion. The proximal portion further comprising indicia indicating the linear displacement and rotation of the ELSS of the distal portion, such that the ELSS is accurately and reversibly configured within the medical device to optimized animal analyses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a laboratory animal retaining appliance for laboratory animal retention. The retaining applicance includes a plate-shaped body, and a hind leg hole which has a diameter for at least the knee of a hind leg of the laboratory animal to pass therethrough and which is formed at a position apart from a center line passing through the center of the body by a predetermined distance to at least one of the left and right of the center line.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an animal isolator and method for isolating one or more animals from a herd. The animal isolator comprises a meshing enclosure for confining the animals. The meshing enclosure comprises a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of opposing side walls, a partially closed base partially closing a first end of the open ended enclosure, a vehicle mounting assembly, and a gate. The meshing enclosure is detachably attached to the rear end or the front end of a vehicle using the vehicle mounting assembly and is raised above ground surface. The vehicle is driven through the herd. The meshing enclosure is then lowered over the animals and the animals are captured through the opening of the partially closed base. The captured animals are driven onto the platform and are confined to a region defined by the platform using the gate.

Abstract: An animal restraint system for use during the transportation of animals comprising a region in which an animal is confined, one or more inflatable restraining means located within the region, at least one regulator for selectively increasing and/or decreasing the size of the one or more restraining means, and wherein a preselected value of inflation or deflation of the restraining means is maintained by the regulator.

Abstract: Kick bar assemblies mounted to an opposite side walls of a squeeze chute structure each include an upright shaft that is rotatably mounted to the squeeze chute wall. Each kick bar assembly connects at one end to an actuator for rotating the shaft and at the other end to a kick bar which may be pivoted by the actuator between a first retracted position, a second normal extended position in which the kick bar is generally normal to the wall of the squeeze chute and a third forward position in which the kick bar is rotated forward of the normal position and defines an acute angle with the squeeze chute wall. The actuators controlling the motion of the kick bars are capable of being simultaneously remotely controlled to act in unison.

Abstract: The invention facilitates transport of an immobilized, anesthetized small animal across multiple single-modality or multiple-modality imaging workstations at the same or different physical locations without loss of subject positional information. The animal holder is compatible with preclinical animal imaging stations such as micro-CT, micro-MR, micro-PET, micro-SPECT, and FMT. The animal holder is configured to be accommodated by (for example, fit within) individual imaging chambers of such instruments and is fabricated from materials that are compliant with all of the imaging modalities used. In certain embodiments, an integrated set of fiducial marker wells accommodates the dispensing of markers that are picked up by several modalities simultaneously in multiple planes. The fiducial markers then are aligned in standard image processing or image analysis software with simple image translation and rotation operations, without the need for more advanced scaling, distortion or other operations.

Abstract: A device for the safe handling of nonhuman primates includes a transparent elongated body having a top end and a bottom end. A ventilated lid is attached to the top end of the body by means of a hinge and includes a positive locking arrangement. The bottom end of the body is removably connected to a base which has first and second springs attached thereto. The body includes a plurality of apertures into which are positioned a plurality of inserts. Inserts proximate the bottom of the body include projections which are positioned under the first and second springs to maintain the body on the base.

Abstract: An adjustable livestock alleyway includes an alleyway frame, a center frame and first and second panels which define two side by side alleyways within the alleyway frame. The first and second panels are pivotably mounted to the center frame to pivot between a first open position in which the panels are pivoted toward the center frame and a second constricted position in which the panel are pivoted away from the center frame. A linkage connecting between the center frame and the first and second panels is powered by an actuator in order to pivot the first and second panels between the first and second positions such that the widths of both side by side alleyways may be changed to a desired width.

Abstract: A restraint device for primates capable of providing accurate visual psychological results of experiment by reducing stress given to the primates as subjects and stabilizing the psychological state of the primates. A box-like body (12) formed of a transparent material comprises foot stands (70), a waist stand (72), a first restraint (40) for restraining a body, and a second restraint (42) for restraining a neck in this order starting at the lower part. In both restraints, the first cutout parts (40aa, 42aa) of first plate-like bodies (40a, 42a) and the second cutout parts (40bb, 42bb) of second plate-like bodies (40b, 42b) are mutually overlapped with each other in the directions reverse to each other to form a first hole (50) for restraining the body and a second hole (52) for restraining the neck while adjusting their sizes. The heights and the inclinations of the first and second restraints can be adjusted.

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: A device (10) for receiving and confining an animal, such as a bail, is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a pen (12) having at least two elongate walls (21, 22) spaced apart to define a space into which the animal is received. An entry gate assembly (24) is located at a first end of the pen (12) and is movable between an open position, which permits entry of the animal into the pen (12), and a closed position. An exit gate assembly (26) is located at a second end of the pen (12) and movable between an open position, which permits the release of the animal from the pen (12), and a closed position, which prevents release of the animal from the receiving pen (12). At least one of the entry gate assembly (24) and the exit gate assembly (26) includes a pair of door members (30), each having a substantially vertically extending planar surface (32).

Abstract: An animal restraint includes first and second upright plates. A plurality of bars, each having a first end mounted to the first plate and a second end mounted to the second plate, form an enclosure that is dimensioned to closely receive an animal. The plurality of bars further include at least one gate bar having a first end that is slidably mounted to the first plate and a second end that is slidably mounted to the second plate. The gate bar is slidable along a defined path between a closed position, in which the gate bar blocks an opening in the enclosure, and an open position, in which the gate bar is clear of the opening.

Abstract: A mobile support apparatus for an animal comprising an adjustable frame for securing the animal in position, a tailgate assembly for preventing egress of a secured animal from the adjustable frame and protects an individual positioned at the posterior of the secured animal, an adjustable head support, a hydraulic system for adjusting the frame and at least one pair of wheels. The support apparatus may further comprise a power supply for powering the hydraulic system and a storage compartment.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for operating the front gate of a chute for immobilizing an animal where the gate can be unlatched/opened or closed/latched in a single operation. The system is comprised of a gate cylinder for opening and closing the gate and a latch cylinder for unlatching and latching the gate wherein the cylinders are interconnected by respective short and longer lengths of hose whereby hydraulic fluid will reach and actuate one of the cylinders (i.e. unlatches the gate or closes the gate) before it flows to and actuates the other cylinder (e.g. opens the gate or latches the gate).

Abstract: An animal restraining apparatus is disclosed which provides head, tail, and hind leg apertures for gaining access to an animals head, tail and perianal area, and hind legs for physiological and pharmacological studies of awake animals using direct mechanical, thermal, chemical and/or pharmacological stimuli.

Abstract: A small animal restraining device for the veterinarian treatment of small animals provides an enclosure having an opaque integrated front panel having a plurality of access panels, a rear panel, a floor panel and a cover lid forming a rectangular box defining an interior cavity, a first door panel attached to the rear panel and a second door attached to the rear panel, each door having a head engaging apparatus within a head opening, and a central interior squeeze panel pivotally and adjustably anchored within the interior cavity to the floor panel, the central interior squeeze panel urged towards the front panel to secure a body portion of the small animal between the central interior panel and the front panel while securing a head portion of the small animal within the head opening of either the first door or the second door, the head openings of the first door and second door providing the only light to the interior cavity, except for when one or more of the access panels are open to access the body portio

Abstract: An animal restraining apparatus and animal restraining procedure for using the same are provided. The experiment begins by preparing a live experiment animal, such as a mouse or rat coupled to a femoral vein/artery catheter via surgery. The experiment animal in a conscious state is then placed in a restraining apparatus. The restraining apparatus comprises a plurality of partitioning boards to partition the restraining space, such that the animal is restrained in the restraining space to prevent interference and infection from other animal, a supporting structure to carry the experiment animal, a rack for food and water, a signal receiver base, and a tail-fixing component fitted below or above the supporting structure.

Abstract: The specification discloses 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: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for holding a subject body (or body portion, generally termed “body”) at a desired stereotaxic orientation relative to a known reference point, in three-dimensional space, where a reference X-axis, a reference Y-axis, and a reference Z-axis mutually intersect. The reference point can be co-positioned with a target point on or in the subject body so as to place the body in a reference position used in a corresponding anatomical atlas or other locational index. With the body so positioned, a probe or other tool can be inserted into the body to a desired locus with high accuracy (in hitting the desired locus) and with high precision (from one animal to the next). The methods and apparatus have especial utility in surgical and diagnostic interventions, including such interventions involving the central nervous system encased in surrounding skull or the like.

Abstract: An inoculation device and method are provided. The device includes a hypodermic syringe with a hollow needle that is positioned to inject a small animal in its abdominal area with an inoculant. A work platform supports the animal during inoculation in a back down, face up orientation. Air flow sensing activation means is positioned adjacent a portion of the animal. When the animal is moved into contact with the activation means, drive means connected to the hypodermic syringe moves the needle forward to penetrate the animal after which the inoculant is injected.

Abstract: An improved portable squeeze chute apparatus includes a chute having an entrance end, an exit end, opposing sidewalls, a base and a frame. Each of the sidewalls has a plurality of openable and removable upper panels and openable lower panels for accessing upper portions and lower portions of an animal positioned in the chute. Each of the sidewalls is selectively positionable along a generally horizontal axis in order to immobilize lateral movement of an animal positioned in the chute. An exit gate is positioned at the exit end of the chute to prevent the animal from exiting forwardly from the chute. An entrance gate has interconnected entrance gate side portions for selectively preventing the animal from exiting rearwardly from the chute. Various portions of the apparatus are each controllable by a respective hydraulic chain drive assembly. One such portion includes a pair of arcably pivoting neck stretchers for selectively immobilizing the animal's head and neck while the animal is being worked.

Abstract: An improved portable squeeze chute apparatus includes a chute having an entrance end, an exit end, opposing sidewalls, a base and a frame. Each of the sidewalls has a plurality of openable and removable upper panels and openable lower panels for accessing upper portions and lower portions of an animal positioned in the chute. Each of the sidewalls is selectively positionable along a generally horizontal axis in order to immobilize lateral movement of an animal positioned in the chute. An exit gate is positioned at the exit end of the chute to prevent the animal from exiting forwardly from the chute. An entrance gate has interconnected entrance gate side portions for selectively preventing the animal from exiting rearwardly from the chute. Various portions of the apparatus are each controllable by a respective hydraulic chain drive assembly. One such portion includes a pair of arcably pivoting neck stretchers for selectively immobilizing the animal's head and neck while the animal is being worked.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for restraining wildlife with minimal trauma to the animal. The apparatus includes a housing having open front and rear ends allowing the entry and exit of a target animal, while the rear end includes an openable/closable door effective for controlling the egress of the target animal from the housing. To immobilize the animal, a deer lift is disposed within the interior of the housing having opposed, outwardly and upwardly inclined surfaces which are vertically movable between a first, lower position and a second, raised position. The opposed surfaces are spaced from one another with the space therebetween defining a narrow passageway allowing the target animal to walk between the opposed surfaces in the lower position. However, the width between the opposed surfaces is sufficiently close such that they engage the trunk or body of the animal when raised.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for holding a subject body (or body portion, generally termed “body”) at a desired stereotaxic orientation relative to a known reference point, in three-dimensional space, where a reference X-axis, a reference Y-axis, and a reference Z-axis mutually intersect. The reference point can be co-positioned with a target point on or in the subject body so as to place the body in a reference position used in a corresponding anatomical atlas or other locational index. With the body so positioned, a probe or other tool can be inserted into the body to a desired locus with high accuracy (in hitting the desired locus) and with high precision (from one animal to the next). To such end, at least one tool is mounted to an implement especially configured to be mounted to a manipulator so as to present the tool(s) to the body at respective loci on or in the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for restraining an animal within an animal squeeze. The animal squeeze has a “V” shaped passage in which the animal is suspended by relative movement of the sidewalls and the floor. A pressure member is movable into an operative position engaging a back of the animal and restraining the animal. An animal, such as a deer, suspended in a “V” shaped passage, will normally continue to struggle. However, when pressure is exerted upon the back of the deer by the pressure member, the deer ceases to struggle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for restraining an animal, comprising (1) an animal receiving table pivotable between a substantially vertical position and a working position which is spaced above the ground, and (2) an animal restraint pad associated with the table and adapted to be moved in both the vertical position and the working position between an open position and a position whereby it can restrain an animal against the table. The invention also relates to a method for restraining the animal.

Abstract: A portable apparatus (20) for containing an animal includes a stock (22) for receiving the animal, a tongue (24) pivotally connected to the stock (22), and a variable length controller (26) connected between the stock (22) and the tongue (26). The opposite towing end (30) of tongue (24) is connected to a towing vehicle (500). When the variable length controller (26) is placed in an extended position, stock (22) pivots about first (38) and second (42) wheels to a substantially vertical position suitable for receiving an animal. When variable length controller (26) is placed in a retracted position, stock (22) pivots to a substantially horizontal position above tongue (24), and may be conveniently towed between locations.

Abstract: An animal catching and carrying device for mounting to a vehicle. The inventive device includes a cage extending from the front of a vehicle. The cage has a back portion and a pair of sides extending from the back portion. The back portion of the cage has a mounting member that is coupled to the vehicle. First and second gate members are pivotally coupled to the sides of the cage. The gate members are positionable between a catching position and a trapped position. The front ends of the gate members are spaced apart when the gate members are in the catching position. The front ends of the gate members are positioned together when the gate members are in the trapped position.

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 expandable pet cage for animals, and a method for house-training pets of various sizes comprises two complimentary compartments that are in telescopic relation to each other, thereby providing an adjustable composite volume to house a pet. The adjustable composite volume facilitates using the natural instincts of the pet to resist excreting in the volume of the confinement, thus resulting in house-training the pet. The adjustable volume also can be relied on to hold an animal securely and safely during transporting, and provides an efficient enclosure for drying a pet after grooming. Also, the adjustable composite volume provides the pet owner with the convenience of only having to purchase one cage even if dogs of various sizes are to utilize the cage at different times and for different purposes.