DEVICE FOR RESTRAINING AND MOVING AN ANIMAL

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a device and method for moving an animal to present for medical treatment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present invention.

The raising of livestock requires proper medical care for the benefit of both animal and consumer. Medical treatments, such as vaccinations, early in an animal’s life help to ensure the animal’s health and growth. In terms of meat production, animals that are healthier and less stressed provide higher quality meat.

The administration of vaccinations to piglets at weaning age is currently performed by either an operator bending down to vaccinate the piglets at ground level, or by having a second person available to pick up the piglets to bring to the operator. Both methods are slow, physically cumbersome, and provide less than ideal and inconsistent injections due to the piglet’s movement.

Conveyance systems have been sought to move and restrain animals for various animal care treatments, such as vaccines, weight measurement, and ultrasonography. For instance, patents EP1347275A1 and US2185949 A describe an animal conveyance means that comprises two conveyor belts placed in a V-shape. However, the V-shape arrangement of conveyor belts does not provide access to much of the animal for inspection or medical treatment. For instance, much of the animal’s sides are blocked, and in the case of piglets, vaccines should be given to a side of an animal’s neck while holding the injector perpendicularly to the injection site. Obtaining this angle is difficult, if not impossible, for a person standing adjacent a system with an animal in a V-shape arrangement of conveyor belts with walls that are high enough to ensure that the animal stays contained. Even with an animal held at the end of the conveyor belts where its neck would be exposed, the animal may likely become agitated and move its head.

In view of the forgoing, one objective of the present invention is to provide a device and method for moving and restraining animals to present them for medical treatments. This device comprises an elevated platform having a single, thin conveyor belt that lies under the animal’s chest and belly and between its legs, while side supports provide stability to the animal. Animals on this type of conveyor belt remain calm, and because most of the animal is not blocked by a structure, the animal is readily available for medical treatment, especially vaccine injections, or other handling such as animal identification.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a device for moving an animal. The device has an elongated platform with a first end and a second end. A conveyance system is attached along a longitudinal length of the elongated platform. The conveyance system comprises a motorized belt configured to contact an animal’s underside and support a weight of the animal. The device also has a pair of adjustable barriers attached to a top surface of the elongated platform. The adjustable barriers are attached on opposing sides of the belt and are laterally moveable towards and away from the belt.

In one embodiment, the belt has a width in a range of 1.7 - 2.7 cm.

In one embodiment, the animal has a total weight in a range of 3 - 12 kg.

In a further embodiment, the pair of adjustable barriers have a height in a range of 10

- 50 cm.

In a further embodiment, the pair of adjustable barriers have a spacing from each other in a range of 10 - 50 cm.

In one embodiment, a segment of the belt near the first end has an upwards slope in the direction of the second end. This slope creates a distance between a top of the belt and the top surface of the elongated platform, and the slope is configured to provide a transition for the animal being supported from its feet to being supported from its underside by the top of the belt.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a second pair of walls attached to the top surface between the first end and the pair of adjustable barriers and located on opposing sides of the belt. The second pair of walls are configured to contact the sides of an animal.

In a further embodiment, the second pair of walls each have a height in a range of 20

- 70 cm.

In a further embodiment, the second pair of walls each have a flat surface, the flat surfaces being substantially parallel with each other.

In a further embodiment, the second pair of walls each have a flat surface, the flat surfaces being angled away from each other with an increasing height.

In one embodiment, the elongated platform has a total length in a range of 1.5 - 3.0 m. In one embodiment, the elongated platform is supported from a bottom side having four or more legs, and wherein the legs have a height so that a top of the belt is configured to be 70 - 100 cm above a floor.

In a further embodiment, a top of the belt is substantially parallel with the ground level.

In one embodiment, the device also has an entrance ramp connected to the first end, and an exit ramp connected to the second end.

In a further embodiment, the entrance ramp has an incline of no greater than 20°.

In a further embodiment, the entrance ramp, the exit ramp, or both are pivotally attached to the elongated platform.

In one embodiment, the conveyance system further comprises a variable speed motor attached to and driving the motorized belt, and a first speed controller connected to the elongated platform and electrically connected to the variable speed motor.

In a further embodiment, the conveyance system is configured to carry a total load of at least 75 kg.

According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of restraining an animal for vaccination using the device of the first aspect. The method involves directing an animal to walk to a part of the elongated platform near the first end, wherein a top of the belt contacts the underside of the animal and moves the animal to a location between the adjustable barriers towards the second end; and administering a vaccination while the animal is at the location.

According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of restraining a quadrupedal animal. This method involves positioning an animal on a substantially horizontal longitudinal support. The longitudinal support is in contact with an underside of an animal and along a length of the animal, so that the animal’s legs straddle the longitudinal support. The longitudinal support is attached to a pair of elongated barriers extending in a direction substantially parallel with and on opposing sides of the longitudinal support, the elongated barriers configured to contact an animal’s sides.

The various aspects of the inventions provide a number of advantages over the known methods of transporting and/or vaccinating animals. They allow for a higher number of vaccinations per hour than existing methods, which reduces cost and increases efficiency on the farm. They eliminate the physical stress on human operators from repeated manual lifting of animals such as piglets in order to perform vaccination. They allow for much more uniform and consistent vaccination of the animals than prior art methods due to having the animals in a relaxed and consistently accessible position so that each animal can be vaccinated in the same location and in the same way as other animals. Finally, the inventions keep the animals being vaccinated much more relaxed, and less stressed, than existing methods of vaccination.

It should again be understood, that vaccination is only one application of the inventive device and method. The inventions could also be used to perform other operations, including but not limited to marking of animals, reading RFID tags, and sorting of animals.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side view of the device.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view from the entrance ramp.

Fig. 3A shows a top view with the first end oriented towards the top of the page.

Fig. 3B shows a zoomed in view of Fig. 3A, showing the belt at the junction between the adjustable barriers and the second pair of walls.

Fig. 4A is a side view of a piglet being restrained on a longitudinal support.

Fig. 4B is a top view of the piglet in Fig. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown.

The present disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following definitions. As used herein, the words“a” and“an” and the like carry the meaning of“one or more.” Within the description of this disclosure, where a numerical limit or range is stated, the endpoints are included unless stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms

“comprises” and/or“comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the words“about,”“approximately,” or“substantially similar” may be used when describing magnitude and/or position to indicate that the value and/or position described is within a reasonable expected range of values and/or positions. For example, a numeric value may have a value that is +/- 0.1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-

1% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 2% of the stated value (or range of values), +/-

5% of the stated value (or range of values), +/- 10% of the stated value (or range of values),

+/- 15% of the stated value (or range of values), or +/- 20% of the stated value (or range of values). Within the description of this disclosure, where a numerical limit or range is stated, the endpoints are included unless stated otherwise. Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out.

According to a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a device 10 for moving an animal. The animal may be a livestock, such as a pig, a goat, or a sheep. Preferably the livestock is young and/or small, for instance, having a total weight in a range of 3 - 12 kg, preferably 5 - 10 kg, or about 8 kg. The animal may be at weaning age, or 3 - 5 weeks old, or at least 3 weeks old. However, in alternative embodiments, the device 10 may be modified to handle livestock having a weight greater than 12 kg. Preferably the animal is a quadruped.

The device has an elongated platform 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16.

The elongated platform may have a total length in a range of 1.5 - 3.0 m, preferably 1.7 - 2.7 m, more preferably 1.8 - 2.5 m, though in alternative embodiments, the elongated platform may have a length shorter than 1.5 m or longer than 3.0 m. Preferably the elongated platform is elongated straightly in one direction, forming a shape similar to a rectangular prism.

However, in alternative embodiments, the platform may be curved, for instance, curved along an arc.

The elongated platform may be elevated like a table. In one embodiment, the elongated platform is supported from a bottom side having four or more legs 18, and wherein the legs have a height so that a top surface 28 of the elongated platform is 70 - 160 cm, preferably 80 - 140 cm, more preferably 90 - 120 cm above a floor. This height may enable the top of a conveyor belt on the elongated platform (the conveyor belt to be described later) to have a height of 70 - 100 cm, preferably 72 - 98 cm, more preferably 75 - 90 cm, and most preferably about 80 cm above a ground level. This height is intended to enable animal handlers to easily provide medical care to the animal, for instance, vaccinations, without having to bend down to the animal’s level or having to pick up the animal by hand.

In some embodiments, the device 10 has an entrance ramp 30 connected to the first end 14 and/or has an exit ramp 32 connected to the second end 16. In one embodiment, the platform has both an entrance ramp and an exit ramp. In one embodiment, the entrance ramp

30 has an incline of up to 40°. In one embodiment, the entrance ramp 30 has an incline of no greater than 20°, preferably no greater than 18°, more preferably no greater than 16°. In one embodiment, the entrance ramp 30 has an incline in a range of 5° - 60°, preferably 10° - 50°, more preferably 12° - 40°, even more preferably 13° - 30°, even more preferably 14° - 20° even more preferably 15° - 18°. In one embodiment, the entrance ramp may be flared outwards towards the ground, for instance, the width of the entrance ramp at the ground may be the width of the entrance ramp at the first end multiplied by a factor of 1.1 - 3.0, preferably 1.2 - 2.5. The entrance ramp being flared outwards may assist in reducing a group of animals entering the entrance ramp to a single file line. Additionally, the entrance ramp may be textured, for instance, with horizontal cleats, so that the animals do not slip when walking up the ramp. In one embodiment, the walls of the entrance ramp may have heights of

10 - 50 cm, preferably 15 - 45 cm, more preferably 20 - 40 cm. In one embodiment, the walls may have a height above the head of the animal walking up the ramp, so that the animal is blinded from the sides, or prevented from jumping off. The entrance ramp may have a total length in a range of 200 - 500 cm, preferably 210 - 400 cm, more preferably 220 - 350 cm.

Fig. 2 shows a view of the device 10 from the perspective of the entrance ramp 30.

The exit ramp 32 may be of similar angles or have a steeper incline than the entrance ramp, and may also be flared towards the ground. However, in one embodiment, the width of the exit ramp does not change appreciably. In one embodiment, the exit ramp 32 has a smooth surface so that animals slide down the exit ramp. Alternatively, the exit ramp is textured or has cleats so that animals walk down the ramp.

In one embodiment, a thickness of the walls and surfaces comprising the elongated platform 12, entrance ramp 30, and exit ramp 32 may each independently be in a range of 0.1

- 50 mm, preferably 0.5 - 25 mm, more preferably 0.8 - 5 mm, even more preferably 1 - 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the entrance and exit ramps are attached by one or more hinged segments 20 so that they are pivotally attached and can be turned relative to the elongated platform 12. This may enable the device to more easily fit into confined spaces, and in some cases, animals may feel more relaxed when walking up an entrance ramp 30 that has a turn.

However, the device may be used with either or both ramps straight and in line with the elongated platform.

In one embodiment, the elongated platform 12, entrance ramp 30, and/or exit ramp 32 may have a roof or barrier along a total length or a partial length of the respective elongated platform, entrance ramp, and/or exit ramp. For instance, a roof or barrier may have a length that is 10 - 100%, 25 - 90%, or 40 - 75% of the total length of the elongated platform or ramp. This roof or barrier may have a similar function as the walls discussed above in preventing animals from jumping or climbing out from the elongated platform or ramps, and may be made of a similar material and thickness as described for the device 10, walls, and ramps. In one embodiment, the roof or barrier is made of a transparent or semitransparent material in order to allow an operator to see the animals. In another embodiment, the roof or barrier, or a portion thereof, is made of an opaque material. The roof or barrier may have an additional function of preventing animals from climbing over each other by limiting vertical clearance. The roof or barrier may be used to create a tunnel for the animals. In another embodiment, the roof or barrier may be made of a fabric mesh or netting. In one embodiment, the roof or barrier is only at the first end 14 of the elongated platform.

In one embodiment, the elongated platform 12, entrance ramp 30, and/or exit ramp 32 may have a blinder, curtain, or door in order to limit the forward vision of animals on the device 10. In one embodiment, the curtain may have hanging elements, similar to a strip door or a strip curtain used for cold rooms or walk-in refrigerators. In another embodiment, a door may be a swinging, hinged panel attached to an interior wall or interior surface of the elongated platform or ramp. In another embodiment, a blinder, curtain, or door may be attached and hanging from a roof or a crossbeam perpendicular to the length of the elongated platform or ramp. In a preferred embodiment, a blinder, curtain, or door may be attached at or near the first end 14 of the elongated platform so that an animal at the entrance ramp does not see another animal either on the conveyor belt 50 or getting onto the sloped segment of the conveyor belt 48. In another embodiment, a blinder, curtain, or door may be attached at one or more positions along the elongated platform so that two or more animals on the conveyor belt or elongated platform do not see each other. In another embodiment, a blinder, curtain, or door may be attached at or near the exit ramp 32 or at or near the second end 16 of the elongated platform. A blinder, curtain, or door may be made of a similar material and thickness as described for the device 10, walls, and ramps.

In alternative embodiments, the device 10 may be used without either entrance or exit ramp, or without both ramps. For example, the elongated platform 12 may be placed at ground level. Alternatively, either end of the elongated platform may be placed against some other elevated animal walkway, or elevated animal carrier.

The elongated platform comprises a conveyance system 22 attached along a longitudinal length (i.e. longest length) of the platform. The conveyance system comprises a motorized belt 24 configured to contact the animal’s underside and support a weight of the animal. The belt may have a width in a range of 1.7 - 2.7 cm, preferably 1.8 - 2.6, preferably

2.0 - 2.5 cm. Depending on the animal species, some animals may be conveyed with belts smaller than 1.7 cm width or greater than 2.7 cm width. However, for piglets, a width in a range of 1.7 - 2.7 cm is preferred. Preferably, the conveyance system 22 is able to support multiple animals simultaneously, and in one embodiment is able to carry a total load of at least 75 kg, preferably at least 80 kg, more preferably at least 90 kg. The belt 24 may have a thickness of 0.05 - 0.5 cm, preferably 0.1 - 0.4 cm, and may be textured with ridges 26, knurls, and/or bumps that have heights in a range of 0.1 - 1 cm, preferably 0.2 - 0.6 cm. The conveyance system 22 may be able to move the belt at speeds of up to 0.10 m/s, preferably up to 0.12 m/s, more preferably up to 0.16 m/s, or up to 0.20 m/s, or up to 0.30 m/s, or up to 0.33 m/s, or up to 0.40 m/s, or up to 0.45 m/s, or up to 0.50 m/s, or up to 0.60 m/s. In one embodiment, the conveyance system 22 may be able to move the belt at speeds in a range of

0.05 - 0.60 m/s, preferably 0.10 - 0.50 m/s, more preferably 0.20 - 0.45 m/s, more preferably

0.30 - 0.40 m/s, or about 0.33 m/s.

The belt 24 may comprise an elastomeric compound, such as natural rubber, polyisoprene (for example, cis-1,4-polyisoprene natural rubber and trans-1,4-polyisoprene gutta-percha), synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber (for example, polychloroprene, NEOPRENE, BAYPREN), butyl rubber (copolymer of isobutylene and isoprene), halogenated butyl rubbers, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber (copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile), hydrogenated nitrile rubbers (for example, THERBAN and

ZETPOL), ethylene propylene rubber (a copolymer of ethylene and propylene), ethylene propylene diene rubber (a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene, and a diene-component), epichlorohydrin rubber, polyaciylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomers (for example, VITON, TECNOFLON, FLUOREL, AFLAS, and DAI-EL), perfluoroelastomers (for example, TECNOFLON PFR, KALREZ, CHEMRAZ, and PERLAST), polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (for example,

HYPALON), ethylene-vinyl acetate, thermoplastic elastomers, resilin, elastin, polysulfide rubber, elastolefin, and combinations thereof. However, in other embodiments, the belt 24 may comprise a natural or synthetic fabric and may not necessarily comprise an elastomeric compound. In one embodiment, the belt may comprise leather. In one embodiment, the belt may be flexible. In alternative embodiments, the belt may comprise rigid segments similar to chain links, and these chain links may each have a length in a range of 0.3 - 10 cm, preferably 0.5 - 5 cm, more preferably 0.6 - 2 cm. Preferably, the belt is made of a material that can be readily cleaned and disinfected. In some embodiments, the belt may be detachable from the conveyance system for cleaning or replacing. In an alternative embodiment, the conveyance system may comprise a rigid segment much longer than that used in a chain link, for instance, the rigid segment may be 80 - 200 %, preferably 85 - 150% the length of the animal. This rigid segment may be thought of as a bar or a pipe, similar to the longitudinal support 58 shown in Fig. 4B. As a part of the conveyance system, this rigid segment may be connected to a belt, chain drive, wheels, rails, or linear actuator in order to ferry an animal. In other alternative embodiments, the animal may slide against the rigid segment.

In one embodiment, the belt 24 may be stretched or positioned from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the elongated platform 12, however, in some embodiments, the belt may protrude from or be recessed from either end of the elongated platform. For instance, the belt may be positioned 5 - 20 cm from the first end. In alternative embodiments, the belt 24 may extend to a middle portion of either or both entrance 30 and exit ramps 32. In one embodiment, a top side of the belt is substantially parallel with the floor or ground on which the device is placed, meaning that the height from any point of the top side to the ground varies by less than 10 cm, preferably by less than 7 cm. However, depending on applications, the device may intentionally be positioned or constructed so that the belt has an incline or decline, either throughout its entire length or a portion of its length. In one embodiment, the belt may be positioned so that the top of the belt 50 is at the top surface of the elongated platform 28. However, in other embodiments, the top of the belt may be positioned below the top surface of the elongated platform by 1 - 20 cm, or 2 - 15 cm, and in alternative embodiments, may be positioned above the top surface of the elongated platform.

In one embodiment, the belt connects only two gears or wheels 34, each positioned near opposing ends of the elongated platform 12, without having additional support to the belt. The gears or wheels may be positioned so that their axis of rotation is below, at, or above the level of the top surface of the elongated platform. These gears or wheels 34 may have diameters in a range of 2 - 15 cm, preferably 3 - 10 cm. In some embodiments, one of the gears may be connected to a counterweight to help maintain tension in the belt when conveying one or more animals. In other embodiments, the belt has two gears or wheels at each end of the elongated platform, but has additional wheels, gears, rollers, or smooth surfaces to support the middle of the belt. Similarly, in one embodiment, the belt is connected to a load cell, which is configured to measure a total weight of the animal on the belt. The load cell may be attached to the gear or wheel 34 at one end of the belt in order to measure the tension on the belt (which can be converted into the weight of the load on the belt), or the load cell may contact the belt directly to measure a tension or a weight. In one embodiment, the belt may connect to the load cell simply by the belt sliding over a digital scale having a load cell. In some embodiments, the top surface is a continuous surface from the first end to the second end (with the exception of holes for the belt and/or gears). In other embodiments, the top surface may form a floor near the first end and/or near the second end. In some embodiments, the top surface of the elongated platform may be thought of as the top edge of the elongated platform. In some embodiments, the space under an animal receiving an injection is adjacent to a top surface of the elongated platform. In other embodiments, the top surface may not be present below the animal receiving the injection.

In one embodiment, the conveyance system 22 further comprises a variable speed motor 36 attached to and driving the motorized belt 24. Preferably the variable speed motor is housed within a waterproof or water resistant housing. The variable speed motor may be an

AC asynchronous motor, such as a shaded pole motor, or an AC synchronous motor, such as a hysteresis motor, or some other AC motor, and preferably is able to be powered from a standard 120 or 240 V outlet or powerline. In alternative embodiments, the motor 36 may run on DC power or a rechargeable battery, and may be a brushed or brushless DC motor, a switched reluctance motor, a universal motor, or an axial rotor motor. In some embodiments, a gear train exists to reduce the rotational motion coming directly from the motor, or instead the motor may be connected directly to the gear or wheel of the belt. Alternatively, the motor may be a third gear or wheel in contact with and driving the belt. In some embodiments, the device consists of only one motor and/or only one belt. The motor may be attached above, below, or at the top surface of the elongated platform.

The variable speed motor may electrically connect to a first speed controller 38 connected to the elongated platform 12. This speed controller 38 may comprise one or more buttons, switches, or dials to increase or decrease the speed of the belt. The speed controller may also comprise an on/off switch, or a panic button to turn off the power. In a further embodiment, the conveyance system 22 further comprises a second speed controller electrically connected to the variable speed motor. Here, the first speed controller and the second speed controller are each connected at different locations on the elongated platform

12. For instance, the speed controllers may be positioned on opposite sides of the belt and/or near opposite ends of the elongated platform. In some embodiments, a speed controller may be in the form of a foot pedal, and may be connected by a length of wiring. In alternative embodiments, the device may comprise cameras or sensors to sense the movement or presence of animals on the belt or on either ramp. These cameras or sensors may connect with a computing device that is able to adjust the speed of the variable speed motor automatically.

The device also has a pair of adjustable barriers 40 attached to a top surface 28 of the elongated platform 12. The adjustable barriers are attached on opposing sides of the belt 24 and are laterally moveable towards and away from the belt. In one embodiment, the adjustable barriers are attached to the elongated platform by clamps 42, so that the adjustable barriers 40 may be positioned manually. Alternatively, the adjustable barriers 40 may be attached by other means, such as pegs, rails, or hinges. The adjustable barriers 40 may be attached at or near the second end 16 (such as 2 - 10 cm from the second end), and in some embodiments, may span the entire length of the elongated platform 12. Alternatively, the adjustable barriers may span most of the length of the elongated platform, for instance, 80 -

99% or 85 - 95% of the length. However, in some embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1, the adjustable barriers 40 may only extend to a middle segment of the elongated platform, for instance, at a location that is 20 - 80% or 25 - 75% of the total length of the elongated platform from the second end.

The adjustable barriers 40 may have a spacing from each other in a range of 10 - 50 cm, preferably 15 - 35 cm, more preferably 20 - 32 cm. This spacing may be adjusted in order to accommodate the width of different animals on the belt 24. For instance, the adjustable barrier spacing for some ages and sizes of piglets may be about 25 cm. In one embodiment, the adjustable barriers 40 are close enough to secure the animal on the belt 24 and keep the animal from swaying or wobbling, yet without being so close as to cause discomfort to the animal by friction or squeezing. In some embodiments, a gentle pressure on the sides of the animal from the adjustable barriers may help calm the animal. In one embodiment, the adjustable barriers 40 are laterally moveable by an automatic mechanism, for instance, which may adjust the spacing as needed to the size of one or more animals.

Preferably the adjustable barriers 40 are positioned so that they are mirror images of one another, with the belt 24 in the plane of reflection.

In one embodiment, the adjustable barriers 40 are planar and positioned vertically. In a further embodiment, the adjustable barriers are positioned parallel to one another. However, in other embodiments, the adjustable barriers may be slightly angled in order to have a decreasing spacing towards the second end 16. Similarly, in some embodiments, the adjustable barriers may be positioned at an angle off the vertical, for instance, forming a V shape. The adjustable barriers may have a height in a range of 10 - 50 cm, preferably 15 - 40 cm, more preferably 20 - 35 cm. Preferably this height is measured from the top of the adjustable barrier 40 to the top surface 28 of the elongated platform. The adjustable barriers may have flat tops with a constant height, or in other embodiments, the top of the walls may be angled or sloping. Preferably the adjustable barriers have a height that is low enough to allow an animal handler access to an animal on the belt, for instance, for the purpose of administering a vaccination.

In one embodiment, the adjustable barriers 40 may each be in the form of a rail or bar, and may be similar to the elongated barrier 56 shown in Figs. 4A and 4B. The rail may have a rounded or flat surface configured to contact the side of an animal on the belt, in a similar manner as the adjustable barriers just described. Where the rail has a flat surface, the flat surface may have a height or thickness in a range of 2 - 15 cm, preferably 4 - 10 cm, and a gap of 2 - 30 cm, preferably 4 - 15 cm, more preferably 5 - 10 cm, may exist between the rail and the top surface of the elongated platform 28. Additionally, a rail may have a top or bottom edge connected to a surface angled away from the belt. In some embodiments, the rail having a rounded surface may be in the form of a cylindrical pipe, or a half pipe, having an outer diameter in a range of 2 - 15 cm, preferably 4 - 10 cm. However, rounded surfaces besides cylindrical surfaces are also possible. In an alternative embodiment, one or more rolling surfaces or wheels may contact the sides of the animal, in addition to or in place of the adjustable barriers 40 and/or a second pair of walls, in order to support the animal being moved on the belt without requiring the animal to be rubbed against the sides. It is imagined that these rolling surfaces or wheels may be passively rotated, or may be moved by a motor.

In one embodiment, the adjustable barriers may be adjusted by moving on a hinge, for instance, to open or close on the sides of an animal.

In an alternative embodiment, for instance, where the animal is located on a rigid segment rather than a belt, the adjustable barriers may move along with the animal and the rigid segment. In this embodiment, the rigid segment and adjustable barriers may be connected to each other by crossbeams, struts, or some other frame. The rigid segment and adjustable barriers may be moved by some other belt, cable, wheel, chain drive, or linear actuator.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a second pair of walls 44 attached to the top surface 28 of the elongated platform between the first end 14 and the pair of adjustable barriers 40. These walls 44 are located on opposing sides of the belt 24 from each other. The second pair of walls 44 may have an end attached at the first end 14 of the elongated platform, or the second pair of walls may be attached with a gap of 2 - 15 cm from the first end of the elongated platform. Preferably the second pair of walls 44 and the adjustable barriers 40 overlap or contact each other. In one embodiment, the second pair of walls 44 may have a fixed position, while in other embodiments, the second pair of walls may be adjustable similar to that described for the adjustable barriers. The second pair of walls may each have a height in a range of 20 - 70 cm, preferably 30 - 60 cm, more preferably 35

- 55 cm, though in some embodiments, the walls may have heights smaller than 20 cm or larger than 70 cm, and/or may have heights that are constant or varying. Preferably, the second pair of walls 44 have an end attached at the first end 14 of the elongated platform, which end is also attached to the entrance ramp 30. Here, the second pair of walls have a height similar to the sidewalls of the entrance ramp, in order to form a continuous blinder or side barricade to animals walking up the ramp. An example of this is shown in Fig. 1. In one embodiment, the second pair of walls are positioned parallel to one another and have a spacing in a range of 10 - 50 cm, preferably 15 - 35 cm, more preferably 20 - 32 cm. In one embodiment, the spacing of the second pair of walls may be smaller than the spacing of the adjustable barriers, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B.

In one embodiment, the second pair of walls 44 each has a side edge 46 protruding in a direction towards the belt 24, and parallel with the top surface 28 of the elongated platform.

These side edges 46 may extend along a length of the second pair of walls, and may extend to a distance of 1 - 9 cm, preferably 2 - 6 cm, or about 4 cm from the belt. In some embodiments, these side edges 46 may extend under the belt and meet to form a floor under the belt. In a similar embodiment, the second pair of walls 44 may not have the side edges as described, but may attach to a top edge or top surface 28 of the elongated platform that already has a floor or surface under the belt. As described here, the side edges or floor extending under a belt in the form of a closed loop includes both the sides edges or floor extending through the loop or the sides edges or floor extending under both top and bottom layers of the loop. In an alternative embodiment, a single wall of varying height and distance may be placed on each side of the belt and provide the same functions as the adjustable barriers and the second pair of walls. In some embodiments, the walls or barriers may have breaks, gaps, or windows, in order to allow an operator access to an animal for treatment.

In some embodiments, the entire top surface of the belt 50 may be substantially horizontal and parallel with a side edge or floor below. However, in more preferred embodiments, the belt and the floor have an increasing separation from the first end in the direction of the second end. This separation eases the animal from a standing or walking position into a position of being carried on the belt, and this separation may be created by inclining the belt, declining the floor or side edges, or both.

In one embodiment, as mentioned, a segment 48 of the belt near the first end 14 has an upwards slope in the direction of the second end 16. This slope creates a distance between a top of the belt 50 and the top surface of the elongated platform 28, and the slope is configured to provide a transition for the animal being supported from its feet to being supported from its underside by the top of the belt. This sloping segment 48 is shown in Fig. 1.

In an alternative embodiment as mentioned, the side edges 46 may have a slope downwards in the direction of the second end 16, and may be thought of as side ramps. The slope creates a separation between a top of the belt 50 and the side ramps, and the slope is configured to provide a transition for the animal being supported from its feet on the side ramps to being supported from its underside by the top of the belt.

Following this transitional slope of the belt and/or floor or side edges, the animal is then carried on a substantially horizontal segment of the belt. The sloped segment of the belt

48 and/or floor may be sloped for a distance of 10 - 150 cm, preferably 20 - 100 cm, more preferably 30 - 90 cm, and the slope of the belt and/or floor may be at an angle of 5° - 40°, preferably 8° - 30°, or 10° - 20° from the horizontal plane. To facilitate a sloping segment in the belt, more than two gears or wheels 34 may need to be in contact with the belt.

In one embodiment, the entire device 10 is water resistant or waterproof, and preferably its operation is not affected by dirt or debris on the animals. Preferably the device

10 is able to be used indoors or outdoors, and is able to be placed on uneven surfaces, for instance, in an animal pen. Preferably the device has a total weight in a range of 10 - 150 kg, preferably 12 - 100 kg, more preferably 13 - 80 kg, and is able to be moved by a single person. In some embodiments, the bottom of the legs 18 may have wheels 52 for ease of moving the device 10.

In some embodiments, the device 10 may be cleaned without disassembling, though in other embodiments, some parts such as the adjustable barriers 40 or the ramps 30/32, may be disassembled and cleaned separately. The device 10 may be cleaned by a hose, a water jet, or a spraying device. In some embodiments, the device may be cleaned with a mild detergent, or the device may comprise corrosion resistant materials and may be cleaned with acidic or basic solutions. The device may comprise materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, cobalt, zirconium, titanium, polylactic acid (PLA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polytetrafluoroethylene

(PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polycarbonate (PC), glass, carbon fiber, and/or ceramic.

According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of restraining an animal for vaccination using the device 10 of the first aspect. The method involves directing an animal to walk to a part of the elongated platform near the first end 14, wherein a top of the belt 24 contacts the underside of the animal and moves the animal to a location between the adjustable barriers 40 towards the second end 16; and administering a vaccination while the animal is at the location. Where the device has an entrance ramp 30, the animal may walk up the entrance ramp to the first end 14 of the elongated platform. The transition from the animals being supported on its feet to being supported by the belt 24 occurs between the second pair of walls 44, which are sufficiently high and narrow in order to prevent the animal from jumping off or turning around, while at the same time subduing the animal by limiting its view. In some embodiments, the belt may operate at a constant speed, a variable speed, or may start and stop. The variable speed of the belt (including stopping the belt), may be controlled by an operator, though in some embodiments, may be controlled automatically by circuitry that may use cameras or other sensors to determine the location of the animals. It is envisioned that for the application of administering intradermal vaccine injections to piglets (one injection per piglet), the device 10 may be able to operate at a speed that allows for at least 320 injections per hour, preferably at least 400 per hour, more preferably at least 500 per hour, even more preferably at least 600 per hour, or at least 650 per hour, or about 700 per hour. However, depending on the manner of injection, speeds in a range of 600 - 700 per hour, 650 - 750 per hour, 700 - 800 per hour, 750 - 850 per hour, 800

- 900 per hour, 850 - 950 per hour or 900 - 1,000 injections per hour may be possible.

Preferably the device 10 operates quietly so as not to startle the animals. In some embodiments, to manage greater numbers of animals, a device may be configured with two or more belts running side by side. Here the animals may enter from a wider ramp, and may be staggered across the two belts.

As mentioned previously, a vaccine may be administered by injecting the side of an animal, preferably the side of an animal’s neck, and more preferably at a perpendicular angle to obtain a correct injection depth. The vaccine may be administered by hand, though in alternative embodiments, an automatic injector may be used. Preferably, the injections may be given using a device such as the SMARTVAC, available from Ceva. A vaccine administered by hand may come from an injection device further comprising a counterweight for ease of handling. The vaccine may include anti-viral agents, vitamins, minerals, antibiotics, hormones, or other medicinal compounds. In some embodiments, more than one vaccine is administered by one or more people. In some embodiments, an animal may be marked, for instance with a non-toxic or temporary ink, in order to indicate that it has been vaccinated. While an animal is restrained at a location between the adjustable barriers, one or more other operations may be performed on the animal, in place of or in addition to vaccination. These operations include but are not limited to weighing, imaging, temperature reading, blood collection, tagging (such as clipping a tag to an animal’s ear, or implanting a subdermal RFID tag), grooming, and sexing.

After the vaccination or some other operation, the animal exits by the exit ramp 32.

The conveyance system 22 may terminate right at the second end 16, or beyond the second end by 4 - 10 cm, so that the animal is gently dropped on the exit ramp 32 and immediately slides down. Alternatively, the conveyance system 22 may terminate before reaching the second end 16, and the animal may be given an opportunity to stand on its own. In this embodiment, the distance between the top surface of the belt 50 and the floor may be decreased by having the belt slope down towards the second end and/or by having the floor slope up towards the belt. The animal may then slide or walk down the exit ramp.

In some embodiments, the conveyance system may direct the animal to an exit ramp among two or more exit ramps, or alternatively, a device at the end of the exit ramp may direct the animal on one of two or more directions. The device may involve moveable walls, barriers, or gates, and in some embodiments, the belt may split into two or more directions. In these embodiments, animals being carried on the conveyance system are able to be sorted into different groups, and this sorting may depend on characteristics determined from the previously mentioned operations, or from some other characteristic. This sorting may occur automatically through the use of a computing system, or the operator may have a control to sort each animal to a different group after its inspection. For example, animals may be sorted by weight, sex, health, or tag reading. More advanced systems are imagined where computer vision systems enable the device to sort on appearance or behavior of the animal. According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of restraining a quadrupedal animal. The quadrupedal animal may be a sheep, pig, horse, llama, goat, cow, dog, cat, or some other animal. The restraining may be done for transporting the animal, or for providing grooming or medical care. Preferably the animal is domestically raised, though in alternative embodiments, the animal may be taken from a wild environment. This method involves positioning the animal on a substantially horizontal longitudinal support 54. The longitudinal support is in contact with an underside of the animal and along a length of the animal, so that the animal’s legs straddle the longitudinal support 54, and the animal’s legs are lifted off the ground and dangle. The longitudinal support 54 is attached to a pair of elongated barriers 56 extending in a direction substantially parallel with and on opposing sides of the longitudinal support, the elongated barriers configured to contact an animal’s sides. In some embodiments, a cage around the animal is not required. Figs. 4A and 4B show an example of a piglet 52 being held by the longitudinal support 54 and elongated barriers 56.

The longitudinal support may have a width as described for the belt 24, or may be wider for larger animals. For instance, the longitudinal support may have a width of 5 - 20 cm, or 6 - 18 cm. The longitudinal support 54 may be a strap like the belt, as previously described, or may be a rigid support, such as a cylindrical pipe or a rectangular bar. The longitudinal support 54 may comprise cushioning or padding for the animal’s comfort. In one embodiment, there are no other straps or supports on the underside of the animal besides the longitudinal support 54. The elongated barriers 56 may be as those embodiments previously described for the adjustable barriers and provide the same function. These elongated barriers may also be cylindrical pipes or rectangular bars. Fig. 4B shows an embodiment where both elongated barriers 56 and longitudinal support 54 are cylindrical pipes. The elongated barriers

56 and longitudinal support 54 may have a length that is 75 - 300%, preferably 80 - 200% the length of the animal. However, similar to the device 10 as described above, the elongated barriers 56 and longitudinal support 54 may be significantly longer and may be able to accommodate more than one animal simultaneously. The elongated barriers may be elevated by 4 - 50 cm, preferably 5 - 30 cm above the plane containing the top surface of the longitudinal support, and in some embodiments, this elevation may be adjustable. The spacing of the elongated barriers may be as that previously discussed for the adjustable barriers, and may likewise be adjustable. However, for larger animals, the spacing may be in a range of 50 - 150 cm, preferably 60 - 120 cm. The longitudinal support 54 and the elongated barriers 56 may be connected by crossbeams 58 or struts for stability, and an example is shown in Figs. 4A and 4B.

In some embodiments, the longitudinal support 54 may be raised off the ground, for instance, by a spacing of 50 - 150 cm, preferably 60 - 100 cm. In some cases, the spacing may be adjustable. Preferably the longitudinal support 54 is elevated so that an animal’s feet are lifted off the ground, or are dangling. In some embodiments, the longitudinal support 54 and elongated barriers 56 may be attached to a vertical lifting mechanism so that an animal may be hoisted off the ground. Alternatively, the longitudinal support 54 and elongated barriers 56 may be attached to one another in a frame, and the frame may be moved horizontally, vertically, or in any direction while restraining an animal.

For instance, the method may further comprise moving the longitudinal support 54 and the elongated barriers 56 horizontally after the positioning. Preferably these are moved in the same direction, so that the animal is also moved horizontally.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises a step of performing an action on the animal after positioning the animal on the longitudinal support 54. This action may be vaccination, weighing, imaging, temperature reading, blood collection, tagging (such as clipping a tag to an animal’s ear, or implanting a subdermal RFID tag), grooming, sexing, stunning, or some other action. Preferably the action is administering a vaccination. LISTING OF FIGURE ELEMENTS

10 device

12 elongated platform

14 first end

16 second end

18 leg

20 hinged segment

22 conveyance system

24 belt

26 ridges on belt

28 top surface of elongated platform

30 entrance ramp

32 exit ramp

34 gear/wheel

36 motor

38 speed controller

40 adjustable barrier

42 clamp

44 second pair of walls

46 side edge

48 sloped segment of belt

50 top surface of belt

52 piglet

54 longitudinal support 56 elongated barriers

58 crossbeam