Abstract: A system for managing objects is provided. The system comprises a data collection gateway and a plurality of apparatus. Each of the plurality of apparatus obtains parameters relating to objects in a farm from a server through the data collection gateway. The parameters include a reference threshold weight of the objects. Each of the plurality of apparatus collects weights of the objects through sensors. Also, each of the plurality of apparatus adjusts the reference threshold weight based on the obtained parameters to generate an adjusted threshold weight. Further, each of the plurality of apparatus sorts the objects to different areas in the farm based on the adjusted threshold weight and the collected weights.

Abstract: A feed intake system comprising one or more feeding stations comprising a trough with an animal feeding access, a support frame surrounding the trough, a base frame supporting the trough, a scale unit between the base frame and the support frame enabling the scale unit to weigh the contents of the trough, a station frame with an animal feeding access, a sensor assembly including a sensor or antenna located near the station frame animal feeding access, a control panel and a timestamp generator operationally associated with the sensor assembly and the scale unit, a CPU/processing computer operationally associated with the control panel, one or more animals, each having a RFID tag which transmits RFID signal and tag data, wherein the weight of the feed in the trough is collected and stored in a log file and wherein RFID signal and tag data are collected and stored in a log file.

Abstract: A method of generating and storing three-dimensional digital data indicative of a sporting trophy is provided. The method may be implemented in relation to a wide variety of sporting trophy applications. A sportsman can provide a sporting trophy to a scanning system to obtain three-dimensional image data relative to the sporting trophy. Sporting-relevant measurements can be computed based on the stored three-dimensional image data.

Abstract: A mechanical scale has a weighing basket with a platform having entrance and exit ends. A hanging assembly for supporting the weighing basket includes a break-over beam. A counterweight assembly is connected to the break-over beam and is adjustable to select a threshold scale weight required to trigger a scale-operated feature, such as a spray marking mechanism. The counterweight assembly has a weight selection device bracket pivotally mounted to the frame assembly about a pivot point, and a freely moveable counterweight mass supported by the bracket. The freely moveable counterweight mass is moveable from a first position to a second position when the threshold scale weight is exceeded in the weighing basket, thereby causing an abrupt triggering of the scale-operated feature when the threshold scale weight is exceeded in the weighing basket. The freely moveable counterweight mass is a rolling spherical member enclosed within a hollow chamber inside the bracket.

Abstract: A system includes sensors for transmitting data on a low power and/or short range transmission link, and one or more coordinators in wireless communication with the sensors. The coordinators convert signals received via the low power and/or short range transmission link to a longer range transmission link. A base station is in wireless communication with the coordinators via the longer range transmission link so that data generated by the sensors is transferred to the base station via the coordinators.

Abstract: Described herein is a marking system for marking animals. The marking system comprises a restraining device, a controller, and a robot assembly wherein the robot assembly comprises a robotic arm, a marking device attached thereto, and one or more actuators for manipulating the robotic arm and marking with the marking device; the robot assembly and the restraining device are positioned in a fixed manner relative to one another; the restraining device is sized and configured for restraining an animal or animal body part thereof and oriented such that the marking device can make a mark on a substrate portion of the animal body part; and the controller is configured to control the position of the marking device and to make a mark on the substrate portion of the animal body part by actuating the one or more actuators. Also described herein are media transfer assemblies and animal restraints.

Abstract: A livestock animal scale platform includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a front edge, a rear edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A plurality of lateral supports is mounted on the top side and extends from the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge. A plurality of longitudinal supports is mounted on the bottom side and extends from the front edge to the rear edge. A plurality of fasteners extends through the panel and each of the fasteners engages one of the lateral supports and one of the longitudinal supports. A barrier coating is positioned on and covers entirely the top side. The panel is placed upon one or more load cells to measure a weight of an animal standing on the panel.

Abstract: A poultry weighing apparatus includes a support surface configured to permit at least one fowl to stand thereon. A force sensor is operably connected with the support surface, and detects the weight of the fowl or fowls on the support surface. A second sensor is operably connected with the support surface, and detects at least one additional physical characteristic, other than weight, of the fowl or fowls standing on the support surface.

Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.

Abstract: A livestock feeding station includes an entrance raceway, an exit raceway arranged at an angle relative to the entrance raceway, and a feeder located at an intersection between the entrance and exit raceways. A feed dispensing mechanism selectively dispenses an allotted amount of feed into the feeder. A scale assembly having a platform located in the entrance raceway is used to individually weigh animals within the feeding station. The scale assembly includes a hinged scale platform to allow for easy cleaning, and a cantilevered scale platform extension that extends past an end of the entrance raceway and the feeder to provide a weighing platform assembly that continues to hold an entire animal during normal feeding functions. The scale assembly also includes a basket assembly construction to ensure that an accurate weight measurement can be made even if an animal is leaning against a back or front side of the station.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of sorting, treating, and feeding a group of bovine animals in a feed lot, wherein the method may include the steps of determining an ob genotype of each animal, comparing the relative weight and back fat of each animal with the other animals, dividing the animals into subgroups based on weight, back fat, and ob genotype. Zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) may be added to a feed ration fed to animals only in selected subgroups. Each group is fed a finishing period and then moved lot to slaughter. Each slaughter date and finishing period is independent of other subgroups.

Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.

Abstract: Gestating sows are housed in a series of gestation stalls arranged in a row and backing onto an open alley along a rear of the row of stalls into which the sow can enter by backing out of the stall. A common trough extends along the front of the stalls and is fastened to the floor by fasteners which connect trough sections end to end. The common trough provides a support for the front end of the side walls defining the stalls. A rear gate closes the rear of each stall and connects to a front gate of the stall operable to close the rear gate by the sow as it moves in the stall toward the front. The rear gate latches closed to prevent entry of another sow but is releasable by rear pressure on the rear gate from the sow backing out.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting animals includes a housing having a basket area and a measuring device. An entry gate is mounted to the housing and is moveable between open and closed positions. A sort gate is mounted to the housing and moveable between a first and a second position based on a measurement taken by the measuring device. A trainer gate is mounted to the housing and moveable through an operating position whereby the trainer gate contacts an animal in the basket area and urges the animal toward the sort gate. A programmable controller communicates with the measuring device, the entry gate, the sort gate and the trainer gate and controls actuation of the entry gate, the sort gate and the trainer gate.

Abstract: An entrance gate for a livestock sorter which includes a pair of entrance gate members which are movable between open and closed positions. The amount of opening movement of the gate members is selectively adjustable without the need of a wrench or the like.

Abstract: Computer executable instructions adapted to control an animal's access to a channel leading to a remote resource, the instructions being adapted to execute steps of: retrieving a specific animal record based on the output of an identification component, and issuing a control signal to an animal selection system to allow an animal access to the remote resource if the retrieved animal selection record indicates priority animal status, and that an existing number of animals present in the channel is below a queue threshold value.

Abstract: An entrance gate for a livestock sorter which includes a pair of entrance gate members which are movable between open and closed positions. The amount of opening movement of the gate members is selectively adjustable without the need of a wrench or the like.

Abstract: A weigh scale and a sorter unit mounted at a front gate for guiding the animal after weighing when the animal emerges from the front gate is transported from pen to pen within a barn on ground wheels with the sorter unit being mounted so as to be movable from a deployed position to a retracted transport position by folding or sliding, in which a total length of the weigh scale and sorter unit is reduced relative to a total length thereof in the deployed position for maneuvering the weigh scale with sorter unit attached during transportation.

Abstract: A cattle management system and method are provided for managing numerous routine and non-routine management activities. The system and method incorporate a data processing system wherein comprehensive data is gathered and maintained on each individual animal as well as on selected groups of animals. Preferably, a central database is used which allows enhanced functionality with respect to not only data entry and data transfer, but also with respect to providing system generated management recommendations. Some significant functionality of the present invention includes the ability to track the location of each individual animal by utilizing unique identification data for each animal, recording all monitored events that take place at each location during the animal's production cycle, and reporting the events and locations as required to government entities, financial institutions, and other entities within the cattle industry.

Abstract: A system that compares, ranks, sorts and grades animals into groups of like kinds according to previously determined predicted maximum values. The system uses a single method such as multi-dimensional single voxel(s) of MR, NMR, MRI, ultrasound, C.A.T. scan, CT scan, P.E.T. scan, or a combination of these, or any equivalent internal measuring device, on a single occasion, to evaluate the animal and determine a number of days the animal must be fed to reach a maximum value. The system also combines internal evaluation with an external animal evaluation system to refine the number of days remaining for the animal to reach a maximum value, and the system, when used in a feedlot, will direct the animal to a feed pen based on the number of days remaining for the animal to reach maximum value.

Abstract: A system for weighing a plurality of quadruped animals is for use in a pen confining the animals. The pen has at least first and second segregated spaces with a first one-way chute allowing animal passage from the second space to the first space. A weighing station is located within a passage having an entrance and an exit, and that allows animal passage from the first area to the second area. The weighing station includes a weighing platform within the passage over which an animal must pass when passing from the first to the second space. The weighing platform has inlet and exit scales that support the weighing platform adjacent to inlet and exit ends thereof, and provides inlet and exit weight signals. A controller receives the inlet and exit weight signals and uses them in an iterative process to determine the presence of a single animal on the weighing platform. Once that determination is made, the sum of the inlet and exit weight values is very likely to accurately provide the animal weight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting animals includes a housing having a basket area and a measuring device. An entry gate is mounted to the housing and is moveable between open and closed positions. A sort gate is mounted to the housing and moveable between a first and a second position based on a measurement taken by the measuring device. A trainer gate is mounted to the housing and moveable through an operating position whereby the trainer gate contacts an animal in the basket area and urges the animal toward the sort gate. A programmable controller communicates with the measuring device, the entry gate, the sort gate and the trainer gate and controls actuation of the entry gate, the sort gate and the trainer gate.

Abstract: A livestock management system is provided that sorts animals for split-weight feeding based on a calculated median weight of a herd. The system includes a pen area partitioned into a first feeding area containing at least a first feeder, a second feeding area containing at least a second feeder, and a common watering area containing at least one waterer. First and second one-way gates are respectively provided between the feeding areas and the watering area allowing animals to pass from the feeding areas into the watering area. A walk-through scale has an inlet open to the watering area, and first and second outlets open to the first and second feeding areas, respectively. The walk-through scale has a sort gate for selectively directing animals into the first and second feeding areas based on a comparison of a detected weight of the animal and a calculated median weight of the herd.

Abstract: A system for weighing a plurality of quadruped animals is for use in a pen confining the animals. The pen has at least first and second segregated spaces with a first one-way chute allowing animal passage from the second space to the first space. A weighing station is located within a passage having an entrance and an exit, and that allows animal passage from the first area to the second area. The weighing station includes a weighing platform within the passage over which an animal must pass when passing from the first to the second space. The weighing platform has inlet and exit scales that support the weighing platform adjacent to inlet and exit ends thereof, and provides inlet and exit weight signals. A controller receives the inlet and exit weight signals and uses them in an iterative process to determine the presence of a single animal on the weighing platform. Once that determination is made, the sum of the inlet and exit weight values is very likely to accurately provide the animal weight.

Abstract: A tattoo mark is applied to a hog prior to sending the hog to market within a sorting cage with a weigh scale for detecting a weight of the hog and a sorting gate operated by a control unit in response to the detected weight. The mark is applied by a tattoo head having marking members thereon by which impact of the tattoo head on the skin of the hog applies a tattoo mark to the skin and a drive mechanism for driving movement of the tattoo head from a retracted position to an operating position for impacting the skin, the drive mechanism being mounted on a mounting assembly separate from and attached to the confining cage at the confining cage. The control unit is arranged, in response to the determination of a hog weight above the predetermined limit, to operate the drive mechanism to apply the tattoo head to the skin to apply the mark to the hog for market while operating the gate to release the hog to the market pen.

Abstract: A system that compares, ranks, sorts and grades animals or carcasses into groups of like kinds according to previously determined predicted maximum values. For live animals, the system uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a single occasion to evaluate the animal and determine a number of days the animal must be fed to reach a maximum value. For carcasses, the system evaluates the carcass to grade the quality and quantity of meat the carcass will provide. The system also combines MRI imaging with a three-dimensional system to refine the number of days remaining for the animal to reach a maximum value, and the system, when used in a feedlot, will direct the animal to a feed pen based on the number of days remaining for the animal to reach maximum value.

Abstract: A highly automated non-confining system to continuously, or at selected time intervals identify, measure, monitor and manage the consumption behavior, substance intake, body weight and growth of individual animals in their usual production environment including range, pasture, feedlot, dairy and farm without disruption to typical behaviors in order to determine, analyze, model and predict a variety of conditions relating to animal health, productivity, efficiency and quality. A transmitter generally attached to the animal identifies the individual animal by a unique individual code. A weighing device measures animal weight while an animal is consuming substances. An antenna receives the unique signal from the transmitter and a transmitting and receiving device sends acquired signals to a computer and receives instructions from a computer.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for estimating the weight of horses. To estimate the weight of a horse, a girth, a length, and a height of the horse are measured. The measurements can be taken with commercially available measurement tapes, for example. The weight of the horse is then estimated based on the girth, the length and the height of the horse. The present invention will be utilized in the care and management of horses thereby resulting in advanced equine health and nutrition, better training results, and improved overall health monitoring.

Abstract: A livestock weighing and sorting apparatus includes a frame, a weighing station supported by the frame and defining inlet and outlet openings and a passageway extending therebetween for permitting an animal to go through the weighing station and be weighed while therein, dual inlet gates mounted to the frame side-by-side one another adjacent to the inlet opening and movable toward and away from each other between opened and closed positions, a first actuator mechanism actuatable to move the dual inlet gates between the opened and closed positions, an outlet sort gate mounted to the frame adjacent to the outlet opening and movable between a centered closed position and either a first opened position or a second opened position, and a second actuator mechanism actuatable to move the outlet sort gate between the centered closed position and either the first or second opened positions.

Abstract: A livestock management system is provided that sorts animals for split-weight feeding based on a calculated median weight of a herd. The system includes a pen area partitioned into a first feeding area containing at least a first feeder, a second feeding area containing at least a second feeder, and a common watering area containing at least one waterer. First and second one-way gates are respectively provided between the feeding areas and the watering area allowing animals to pass from the feeding areas into the watering area. A walk-through scale has an inlet open to the watering area, and first and second outlets open to the first and second feeding areas, respectively. The walk-through scale has a sort gate for selectively directing animals into the first and second feeding areas based on a comparison of a detected weight of the animal and a calculated median weight of the herd.

Abstract: A livestock weighing and sorting apparatus includes a frame, a weighing station supported by the frame and defining inlet and outlet openings and a passageway extending therebetween for permitting an animal to go through the weighing station and be weighed while therein, dual inlet gates mounted to the frame side-by-side one another adjacent to the inlet opening and movable toward and away from each other between opened and closed positions, a first actuator mechanism actuatable to move the dual inlet gates between the opened and closed positions, an outlet sort gate mounted to the frame adjacent to the outlet opening and movable between a centered closed position and either a first opened position or a second opened position, and a second actuator mechanism actuatable to move the outlet sort gate between the centered closed position and either the first or second opened positions.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating animals that are milked in an automated milking system. For the animals involved or groups of such animals, there is stored a predetermined desired weight pattern for such animals or groups of animals, which weight pattern is based on the animal's actual weight pattern which extends over a relatively long period of time including, at least, each animal's last lactation period, into a computer memory. An animal is weighed in a milking compartment where it is simultaneously milked and fed two to four times in each twenty-four hour period. On the basis of the animal's ongoing weights, having in view its earlier established desired weight values, there is determined average actual weight values taking into account the weight variations due to contents of the animal's digestive tract and udder to provide expected variations around the average value.

Abstract: A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculated the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements.

Abstract: A gestation sow feeding system has a sow bedding enclosure, a gated scale weighing station, an alley connecting the scale weighing station with two separate feeding pens having entry and exist gates, and a bypass gate connecting the alley and the bedding enclosure. The traffic of sows through the system is monitored and controlled by a computer which controls the gates of the system, measures the weight and average daily gain of each sow weighed, and directs the weighed sow to the feeding pen for a ration of feed to permit the sow to adjust to a targeted average daily weight stored in the computer.

Abstract: A detection and weighing device for selectively distinguishing two groups of animals, such as for instance cocks and hens, one of the groups to be distinguished being provided with a detection element, for instance a label, consisting of or provided with amorphous magnetic material. This material is recognized with the aid of an alternating magnetic field and a receiving coil suitable for that purpose, and the presence or absence of the detection element, together with the weight determined by the weighing device on which the detection system is arranged, indicates whether an animal from one group or the other group is involved, so that, for instance, the average weight of the two groups can be determined. Instead of being used in combination with a weighing device, this detection device can also be used while being coupled to other presence-detection devices.