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    • 专利摘要:
    An apparatus 1 for use in docking sheep has a chute portion with a surface for receipt of a sheep thereon, and a weighing section 99. The weighing section 99 has a first frame 101, a second frame 121 that supports a surface for receipt of a sheep 5 thereon which is generally aligned with the surface of the chute portion, and at least one load cell 111 that operatively connects the first frame 101 and the second frame 121 to provide an output indicative of the weight of a sheep on the surface of the weighing section.
    公开号:AU2013206076A1
    申请号:U2013206076
    申请日:2013-05-30
    公开日:2014-01-16
    发明作者:John Edwin Fenemor
    申请人:John Edwin Fenemor；
    IPC主号:A01K15-04
    专利说明:
    Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: JOHN EDWIN FENEMOR Actual Inventor: John Edwin FENEMOR Address for service AJ PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT in Australia: 2601, Australia Invention Title: Sheep Docking Apparatus The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us.
    2 SHEEP DOCKING APPARATUS Field of the Invention The invention relates to apparatus for use when removing the tails of sheep (commonly known as "docking" or "tailing"). 5 Background If the tail of a lamb is not removed, that will increase the occurrence of dags (faeces stuck to the sheep's wool), which in turn may increase fly-strike and lead to infection. Conventionally, the docking of sheep has been a labour intensive task, as it is necessary to restrain the sheep in a desired position and hold the sheep 10 relatively still as the tail is removed, as well as separately spraying the tail area of the sheep to reduce the chance of infection. New Zealand patent number 228036 describes a docking station having a frame with a number of rollers arranged for receipt of a sheep thereon. During use, the 15 sheep is manually restrained on its back on the rollers while the tail is removed, and following the docking procedure the sheep either simply falls off the end of the docking station onto the floor (on its back), or is manually hauled out of the docking station and put on the ground. This procedure can cause injury to the person handling the sheep if it kicks out whilst having its tail removed. 20 New Zealand patent number 522108/523155 and Australian patent number 2003235060 describe a sheep docking apparatus having a pivoting cradle for use with a docking station, which enables the sheep to be gently lowered to the ground following a docking procedure. 25 In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources 30 of information is not to be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art. It is desirable to have a record of the weight of livestock such as sheep. Weight information can be useful for providing an indication of the state of health of the 35 sheep. The weighing is generally done using a separate weighing apparatus, 3 requiring additional steps and additional handling of the sheep. It would be desirable to provide an apparatus that can be used for both docking and weighing of sheep, to improve efficiencies of livestock processing and to minimise extra handling of the sheep. 5 An object of at least a preferred embodiment of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for use in docking and weighing sheep which addresses at least one of the problems outlined above and/or which at least provides the public with a useful choice. 10 Summary of the Invention In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for use in docking sheep, comprising: a chute portion comprising a surface for receipt of a sheep thereon; and 15 a weighing section comprising a first frame, a second frame that supports a surface for receipt of a sheep thereon which is generally aligned with the surface of the chute portion, and at least one load cell that operatively connects the first frame and the second frame to provide an output indicative of the weight of a sheep on the surface of the weighing section. 20 In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a frame that supports the chute portion. In an embodiment, the first frame of the weighing section is integral with the frame that supports the chute portion. In an alternative embodiment, the first frame of the weighing section is coupled to the frame that supports the chute 25 portion. The first frame of the weighing section may be retrofittable to the main frame of an existing apparatus for use in docking sheep. The weighing section may comprise a single load cell. Alternatively, the weighing section may comprise a plurality of load cells. Preferably, the weighing section 30 comprises at least two load cells. Preferably, the weighing section comprises four load cells, with one load cell positioned at or toward each corner of the second frame of the weighing section. Such an arrangement will accommodate a load that is offset in a transverse and/or longitudinal direction of the surface of the weighing section. 35 4 Preferably, the load cell comprises at least one compression load cell. Alternatively or in addition, the load cell may comprise at least one suspension load cell. Alternatively or in addition, the load cell may comprise at least one platform or single point load cell. Alternatively or in addition, the load cell may comprise a 5 bending load cell. Preferably, the load cell comprises a plurality of compression load cells. Preferably, the weighing section is provided at an end of the main chute portion of an apparatus for docking sheep. Alternatively, the weighing section may be 10 provided in an intermediate section of the main chute portion; i.e. the main chute portion may be formed as two parts. Preferably, the weighing section comprises a spreader to assist with holding the sheep in position in the weighing section, with the spreader supported from the 15 second frame of the weighing section. In an embodiment in which the chute portion comprises an elongate main chute portion supported by a main frame, the apparatus may further comprise a cradle including an area for receipt of a sheep thereon, the cradle pivotally attached by 20 attachment means substantially in line with and at an end of the main chute portion or the weighing section, and a retainer to assist in restraining the sheep in the cradle during the docking procedure, wherein the attachment means is configured such that the cradle is pivotable from a docking position to an unloading position angled down towards the ground from the main chute portion or the weighing 25 section. Preferably, the weighing section is positioned at one end of the main chute portion, and the cradle is positioned at the opposite end of the main chute portion. Alternatively, the weighing section may be positioned between the main chute portion and the cradle. 30 In an embodiment, the weighing section may be incorporated into the cradle, with the surface for receipt of a sheep of the weighing section being generally aligned with the surface of the main chute portion when the cradle is in the docking position.
    5 Preferably, the retainer is pivotable from a first position for retaining the sheep in the cradle during the docking procedure to a second position to enable release of the sheep from the cradle. 5 The attachment means may be configured such that the cradle is pivotable from a docking position wherein it is substantially aligned with the elongate main chute portion or the weighing section to the unloading position angled towards the ground. In the embodiment in which the retainer is pivotable from a first position for retaining the sheep in the cradle during the docking procedure to a second 10 position to enable release of the sheep from the cradle, the cradle is preferably configured so that the retainer automatically moves from the first position when the cradle is in the docking position to the second position as the cradle moves to the unloading position. 15 A cradle actuator is preferably provided to move the cradle between the docking position and the unloading position. The cradle actuator preferably includes a lever. In one embodiment, the cradle includes a cradle frame, and said area for receipt of 20 a sheep in the cradle is a chute portion that is defined by a plurality of rollers which are rotatable relative to the cradle frame. The rollers are advantageously arranged in pairs in a substantially V-shaped configuration. In an alternative embodiment, the chute portion of the apparatus is provided by a 25 cradle that is pivotally attached by attachment means substantially in line with and at an end of the weighing section, the cradle further comprising a retainer to assist in restraining the sheep in the cradle during the docking procedure, wherein the attachment means is configured such that the cradle is pivotable from a docking position to an unloading position angled down towards the ground from the 30 weighing section. The attachment means may be configured such that the cradle is pivotable from a docking position wherein it is substantially aligned with the weighing section to the 35 unloading position angled towards the ground.
    6 The cradle may have any one or more of the features described herein. In an embodiment, the cradle comprises a frame that supports the chute portion. In an embodiment, the first frame of the weighing section is pivotally coupled to 5 the frame that supports the chute portion. The first frame of the weighing section may be retrofittable to the frame that supports the chute portion. The area for receipt of a sheep in the weighing section is preferably defined by a plurality of rollers which are rotatable relative to the second frame. The rollers are 10 advantageously arranged in pairs in a substantially V-shaped configuration. The area for receipt of a sheep in the chute portion is preferably defined by a plurality of rollers which are rotatable relative to the frame that supports the chute portion. The rollers of the chute portion are advantageously arranged in pairs in a 15 substantially V-shaped configuration. The cradle preferably includes an applicator configured to automatically apply a fluid to the tail area or wound area of the sheep during or after the docking procedure. The applicator is advantageously configured to apply the fluid as the 20 cradle is moved toward the unloading position and/or the retainer is moved toward the second position. The applicator may be configured to apply the fluid to the wound area of the sheep as it is released from the cradle. 25 A suitable fluid may be a disinfectant or antibacterial fluid, insect repellant, or a combination of those fluids. The applicator preferably includes a fluid nozzle arranged to dispense the fluid, and 30 a fluid actuator which is configured to automatically apply the fluid through the nozzle in response to movement of the cradle to the unloading position and/or the retainer to the second position. The fluid actuator may include a drench gun mechanism which is in fluid connection with the fluid nozzle. The cradle is preferably provided in combination with a tank for storage of the fluid, the fluid 35 actuator being in fluid connection with the tank and nozzle.
    7 The fluid nozzle may be positioned on the retainer. A camming member is preferably provided which is arranged to apply pressure to the fluid actuator as the cradle is moved to the unloading position. 5 The retainer may include a first pair of arms which are pivotally connected to the cradle, and a second pair of arms extending at an angle from the first pair of arms, such that the retainer is generally L-shaped in side view. In one embodiment, the second pair of arms are adjoined at their ends distal from the first pair of arms, so 10 that the retainer is substantially U- or V-shaped in plan view. The fluid nozzle is preferably positioned at or towards the distal end of the second pair of arms. The second pair of arms may provide a surface against which a sheep will tip when being released from the cradle, so that the sheep will generally land on its feet on 15 the floor as it is released from the cradle. A linkage arrangement is preferably operatively connected to the cradle actuator, the cradle, and the retainer such that movement of the actuator moves the cradle and retainer simultaneously. An automatic return mechanism is preferably 20 provided to return the cradle from the unloading position to the docking position once the sheep has left the cradle. The automatic return mechanism preferably includes a biasing means. The biasing means may be a spring extending between a cradle frame and a linkage member of the linkage arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the spring is a tension spring which pulls upwardly on the linkage 25 member relative to the cradle frame to revert the docking cradle to the docking position and the actuator to its initial position when the sheep has exited the cradle. In a preferred embodiment, the docking cradle is pivotally mounted at an end of the main frame, and the main frame is arranged such that it is angled downwardly 30 toward the docking cradle. In a preferred embodiment, the weighing section is mounted at the opposite end of the main frame. The weighing section is preferably coupled to and/or in communication with a processing device. The preferred form processing device includes a processor, a 35 memory and a display. The processing device preferably includes or is in communication with a user input device.
    8 In one embodiment, for example, the display is touch sensitive. The user input device is implemented by means of the processor programmed to cause the display to function as a user interface. 5 In another embodiment the user input device comprises a keyboard or keypad in wireless or wired communication with the processor. A scanner is also preferably in communication with the processing device. The scanner may be adapted to identify and capture unique identifiers for respective 10 sheep. The scanner in one embodiment comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver. The RFID receiver is adapted to obtain a unique identifier from an RFID transmitter attached to a sheep. Preferably the RFID transmitter comprises an ear tag attached to the ear of a sheep. It will be appreciated that the RFID receiver could alternatively or additionally be adapted to read a subcutaneous 15 transmitter or microchip within the sheep. The scanner alternatively may be configured to read a bar code, alphanumeric characters or other indicia printed on or forming part of an ear tag attached to the sheep. 20 The scanner is preferably hand held. Alternatively, the scanner is fixably mounted. In use the processing device preferably receives a unique identifier. The unique identifier is obtained from a sheep using the scanner. 25 In use, the processing device preferably further receives one or more weight measurements from load cell(s) associated with the weighing apparatus. It will be appreciated that the weight measurements may precede the unique 30 identifier and vice-versa. In use, the weight measurements and the unique identifier are preferably stored in the memory and additionally displayed on the display. In use, a date/time value is also preferably stored. The processing device is preferably configured to calculate a weight for a sheep 35 from the weight measurement(s) for the sheep. One preferred technique is to calculate the weight for a sheep as an average of the weight measurements from a plurality of load cells.
    9 Preferably an operator is able to influence the weight using the user input device and the display. For example, the operator may wish to delete one or more inaccurate weight measurements for a sheep. The operator may wish to add 5 additional information for example sheep age and/or health, scanning data, and date last shorn. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a weighing section for use in the apparatus as outlined in relation to the first aspect 10 above that comprises a frame that supports the chute portion, the weighing section comprising: a first frame that is attachable to the frame that supports the chute portion, a second frame that supports a surface for receipt of a sheep thereon and that is configured to be generally aligned with the surface of the chute portion when the 15 first frame is attached to the frame that supports the chute portion, and at least one load cell that operatively connects the first frame and the second frame to provide an output indicative of the weight of a sheep on the surface of the weighing section. 20 The weighing section may comprise a single load cell. Alternatively, the weighing section may comprise a plurality of load cells. In a preferred embodiment, the weighing section comprises four load cells, with one load cell positioned at or toward each corner of the second frame of the weighing section. 25 The weighing section may comprise a spreader to assist with holding the sheep in position in the weighing section, with the spreader supported from the second frame of the weighing section. The area for receipt of a sheep in the weighing section may be defined by a 30 plurality of rollers which are rotatable relative to the second frame. The rollers may be arranged in pairs in a substantially V-shaped configuration. The weighing section may have any one or more features outlined in relation to the first aspect above. 35 10 In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of docking a sheep, including placing a sheep in the weighing section of the apparatus outlined in relation to the first aspect above, determining the weight of the sheep using the load cell(s), moving the sheep from the weighing section, and 5 removing the tail of the sheep. The method may comprise, either before or after the step of determining the weight of the sheep, tagging the sheep with a unique identifier. The tagging preferably occurs while the sheep is in the weighing section. The step of tagging 10 may comprise, for example, attaching an identifier to the sheep or subcutaneously inserting an identifier into the sheep. Preferably, the method further comprises recording the weight of the sheep in the memory of the processing device. 15 The method preferably further comprises the step of determining an updated weight of the sheep in the weighing section at a time interval after the docking procedure, and comparing the updated weight with the weight recorded during the docking procedure, to provide an indication of growth rate. The method preferably 20 further comprises storing the updated weight and/or the indication of growth rate in the memory of the processing device. The method preferably further comprises repeating one or more of these steps to provide further indications of growth rate after further time intervals. The time interval may for example be monthly or bi monthly. 25 In an embodiment having a cradle with a retainer, the step of moving the sheep preferably comprises locating the sheep on its back in the cradle and maintaining the sheep therein with the retainer, and the method preferably further comprises using a cradle actuator so that simultaneously a fluid is applied to the tail area or 30 wound area of the sheep as the sheep is released from the apparatus. The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term "comprising", other features besides the features prefaced 35 by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in a similar manner.
    11 It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) 5 and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. 10 As used herein the term "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular form of that noun. As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or where the context allows both. 15 The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only. Brief Description of the Drawings The invention consists of the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which 20 the following gives examples only. Figure 1 is an overhead perspective view of a docking station having a docking cradle, which includes the preferred weighing section 99 at an end thereof; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the docking cradle of Figure 1; Figure 3 and 4 are right side elevation views of the docking station with the docking 25 cradle in a docking position; Figure 5 is a right side elevation view of the docking station with the docking cradle in an unloading position; Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, but from the opposite side; Figure 7 and 8 are right and left side elevation views respectively showing an 30 operator moving the docking cradle into the unloading position; Figure 9 is an overhead perspective view showing a sheep in the docking cradle following a docking procedure; Figures 10 to 12 progressively show the sheep being released from the docking cradle as it is moved from a docking position to an unloading position; 35 Figure 13 is a schematic right side elevation view showing an alternative locking mechanism for the docking cradle; 12 Figure 14 is a right side perspective view of the preferred weighing section of the docking station of Figure 1; Figure 15 is a right side elevation view of the preferred weighing section; Figure 16 is a detailed view of the mounting of one of the load cells of the preferred 5 weighing section; Figure 17 is an overhead perspective view similar to Figure 16; Figure 18 is an underside perspective view of part of the preferred weighing section; and Figure 19 is an underside view of part of the preferred weighing section. 10 Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments With reference to Figure 1, a docking station is indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The docking station includes a main frame 3 mounted on legs 5. A plurality of pairs of rollers 7 are rotatably mounted to the frame 3, and define an 15 elongate main chute portion having a substantially V-shaped rolling area for receipt therein of a sheep. The docking station is arranged on an angle relative to the floor or ground surface such that the docking station has a first lower end 11 and a second upper end 9. Alternatively, the docking station may be substantially horizontal relative to the floor or ground. The angle of the docking station relative 20 to the floor or ground may be adjustable. The docking station has a spreader comprising a pair of elongate substantially parallel bars 8 positioned above the rollers to separate the legs of a sheep. The spreader is preferably supported from the main frame 3 in the same manner described below for supporting the weighing section spreader from the moveable weighing section frame. 25 Pivotally attached to the first end 11 of the docking station is a docking cradle indicated generally by reference numeral 21. The docking cradle includes a cradle frame 23 and a chute portion defined by a plurality of pairs of rollers 25 arranged to provide a substantially V-shaped rolling area for receipt therein of a sheep. The 30 rollers 25 are rotatably supported by the cradle frame 23. The cradle also includes a retainer generally indicated by reference numeral 27 and a cradle actuator indicated generally by reference numeral 29. As can be seen from Figure 1, the retainer 27 is preferably substantially V- or U 35 shaped in plan view, and is preferably generally L-shaped in side view. The preferred retainer has a first pair of arms that are pivotally connected to a lower end of the frame of the cradle, and a second pair of arms extending at an angle to 13 the first pair of arms, the second pair of arms being connected together at or adjacent an end thereof. The retainer 27 is pivotable relative to the cradle frame 23 from a first retaining 5 position as shown in Figures 1 and 3 to a second releasing position as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The cradle 21 is pivotable relative to the docking station 1, from a docking position as shown in Figures 1 and 3 wherein the cradle and the docking station are substantially aligned, to an unloading position as shown in Figures 5 and 6 wherein the cradle is angled towards the floor. The apparatus is configured to 10 lock the cradle in the docking position shown in Figure 1, and it may only be moved upon use of the actuator 29 (Figure 3). The actuator 29 includes a lever 31 with a handle part 31a at its upper end for gripping by an operator, the lever being operably connected to a linkage 15 arrangement 33. With reference to Figure 3, the linkage arrangement includes a first linkage 35 formed as an integral part of the lever 31 and extending in a substantially V-shaped configuration therefrom. The lever 31 is pivotally connected relative to the frame 3 of the docking station 1 at pivot 32, as is most readily apparent from Figure 5. A second linkage 37 is substantially L-shaped in 20 configuration and includes a first arm 38 and a second arm 39. The first arm 38 is pivotally connected to the first linkage 35 at pivot 40. The L-shaped second linkage 37 is pivotally connected to the frame of the docking cradle at pivot 41. The second arm 39 of the linkage 37 is pivotally connected to a third linkage 43 via a pivot 45, which may move relative to the frame of the docking cradle. A rod 47 is 25 pivotally connected to the third linkage 43 and is operably connected to the retainer 27, so that as the rod 47 rotates, the retainer 27 pivots. Due to the arrangement of the first linkage 35 and the second linkage 37, when the cradle is in the docking position shown in Figure 3, the cradle is unable to pivot 30 relative to the docking station as in order to do so it would be necessary for joint 40 to move downwards. However, as the lever 31 is moved to the left (in the orientation shown in Figure 3) this causes the first linkage 35 and second linkage 37 to pivot relative to each other and for the joint 40 to move downwardly, thereby allowing pivotal movement between the cradle and the docking station 1. As the 35 lever is moved from the position shown in Figure 3 to the position shown in Figure 5, due to the linkage arrangement the cradle is moved from the docking position to 14 the unloading position, and simultaneously the retainer is moved from the first retaining position to the second releasing position. As can be seen most clearly in Figure 7, a stopper 48 is provided on a fixed part of 5 the apparatus to prevent the linkage arrangement from inverting. In particular, in the orientation shown in Figure 3, the stopper 48 prevents the first linkage 35 from moving too far upwardly. The apparatus also includes a fluid applicator, which in the preferred embodiment 10 includes a fluid spray nozzle 51 mounted on the retainer, a fluid tank 53 as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the nozzle being in fluid communication with the tank 53 via a tube 55, and a fluid actuator indicated generally by reference numeral 57 in Figure 6. The preferred fluid actuator 57 is a modified drench gun, and is configured to automatically deliver fluid to the fluid nozzle 51 as the cradle is moved from the 15 docking position to the unloading position and the retainer is moved from the retaining position to the releasing position. As can be seen from Figures 7 and 8, the fluid actuator 57 is mounted on an arm 58. A camming member 59 (Figure 8) extends from the underside of the cradle 21. 20 When the cradle is in the docking position, the camming member 59 does not apply pressure to the handle of the fluid actuator 57. As the cradle is moved to the unloading position, the camming member 59 applies pressure to the handle of the actuator 57, causing fluid to be administered to the sheep through the nozzle 51. As the cradle is moved back to the docking position, that releases pressure from 25 the actuator handle, allowing the actuator to refill to the required dosage. Figures 7 and 8 show an operator altering the angle of the cradle 21 relative to the docking station 1 being altered. It can be seen that the cradle can be moved from the docking position to an intermediary position (Figure 7) to a more extreme 30 unloading position (Figure 8) depending on the amount of movement of the actuating lever 31. The cradle 21 may be attachable to an existing docking station 1 as an aftermarket fitment, suitably through the use of bolts or other fasteners for example. In the 35 embodiment shown, the preferred apparatus includes a frame member 60 which is attached to the frame 3 of the docking station by connectors in the form of substantially L-shaped rods 61 which extend from the frame member 60 and are 15 inserted into apertures in the frame 3 of the docking station. The frame member 60 is attached to the rods with nuts 62. Although not apparent from the figures, the lower part of the frame member 60 is also attached to the frame 3 of the docking station by a fastener such as a bolt. The fluid actuator mounting arm 58 5 may be rigidly attached to the frame member 60, or alternatively may be floating and configured to allow some limited movement therebetween (although not enough movement to prevent the camming member 59 from applying pressure to the fluid actuator in the unloading position). The cradle frame 23 may be pivotally attached at the lower end of the frame member 60 via a shaft 63 (Figure 10) to 10 form a hinged interconnection, and the mounting arm 58 is also mounted on the shaft 63. Alternatively, the docking cradle 21 could be formed as part of the docking station 1 during manufacture, in which case the frame member 60 may not be required, 15 and the cradle could be pivotally connected directly to the frame of the docking station. Figure 13 shows a modified form of the docking cradle. Unless otherwise described below, the parts can be considered the same as that of the docking cradle 20 described above, and like reference numerals indicate like parts (with the addition of '). A number of the parts of the docking cradle have been excluded for the purposes of clarity. The docking cradle is attachable to the docking station in the manner described above. In the orientation shown in the figure, the right end of the docking cradle will be pivotally attached to the docking station. The lever 31' is 25 pivotally attached at pivot 32' to an extension member 101 which extends rigidly downwardly from the docking cradle frame 23'. A first linkage 35' is again formed as an integral part of the lever 31' and extends in a substantially V-shaped configuration therefrom. A second linkage 37' is again substantially L-shaped in configuration and includes a first arm 38' and a second arm 39'. The second 30 linkage 37' is pivotally connected relative to the cradle frame 23'. An attachment member 103 is mounted to the frame and fastened in position thereon by a fastener such as a bolt 105. A rigid extension member 107 extends downwardly from the attachment member 103, and forms the pivot point 41' with the second linkage 37'. By loosening the fastener 105, the attachment member 103 can be 35 moved along the upper member of the frame 23' to fine-tune the tilting adjustment of the cradle relative to the docking station.
    16 One end of a biasing means in the form of a tension coil spring 109 is attached to the frame 23', and the lower end of the spring is attached to the arm 38' of the second linkage 37'. It should be noted that other than the spring attachment, that end of the second linkage arm 38' is floating relative to the cradle frame 23'. 5 However, the lower end of the second linkage arm 38' preferably abuts against part of the frame or the extension member 101 (as shown) when the cradle is in the position shown to prevent the pivot 40' from moving too high, and thereby prevents the linkage mechanism from inverting. 10 As the handle is tilted in the direction of the arrow in the figure, that tilts the cradle relative to the docking station 1, as the pivot point 40' between linkages 35' and 37' drops below the over-centered position shown in the figure. As the pivot point 40' drops, the second link 37' will move clockwise about its pivot 41', increasing the tension in spring 109. Although not shown in the figure, the second linkage will be 15 attached to further linkages as described for the previous embodiment above, and tilting the cradle will result in movement of the retainer from the first retaining position to the second releasing position. The spring tension is preferably selected so that if the lever is not manually 20 maintained in the lowered configuration, once the lamb exits the docking cradle, the spring force will be sufficient to lift linkage arm 38' to revert the cradle to the position in which it is substantially aligned with the docking station, thereby providing an automatic return mechanism for the cradle. This automatic return mechanism means that an operator can concentrate on moving the next lamb 25 towards the docking cradle once the previous lamb has been ejected from the cradle. Attached to the second end 9 of the docking station is a preferred embodiment weighing section 99, as shown in Figures 14 to 19. 30 The weighing section 99 has a first frame or base frame 101 that has two spaced apart longitudinally extending parallel side members 103. The side members 103 are fixed to the side members 3' of main frame 3 via respective upright connection members 105, to fix the first frame 101 to frame 3 and support the weighing 35 section 99 from the main frame 3. Alternatively, the weighing section 99 may be attachable to an existing docking station 1 as an aftermarket fitment, suitably through the use of bolts or other fasteners for example. The bolts or other 17 fasteners may be used to fix the first frame 101 of the weighing section to the main frame 3 of the docking station for example. The first frame 101 further has two spaced apart transverse members 106 that 5 connect the side members 103. The main frame 3 and thereby the weighing section 99, are supported in a raised position above the ground by legs 5. One of the spaced apart transverse members 106 may be rested on a fence to support the weighing section 99 end of the apparatus above the ground. 10 Each side member 103 has two spaced apart inwardly directed mounting plates 109, which can be seen more clearly in Figure 19 for example. The mounting plates are mounted to and support the lower ends of respective load cells 111. The load cells may be fastened to the mounting plates by suitable fasteners such as bolts or screws for example. The load cells are coupled to and/or in communication 15 with a processing device 115 (shown schematically in Figure 15) by cables 113 for example. The weighing section 99 further comprises a second frame 121 that is supported from the first frame 101 by the load cells 111. The second frame 121 may be 20 moveable relative to the first frame 101. The second frame 121 has a central longitudinally extending base member 123, and a pair of spaced apart longitudinally extending parallel side members 125. The side members 125 are supported in a position transversely outwardly from, and vertically higher than, the base member 123, by supports 127 that extend outwardly and upwardly from the base member 25 123 to the side members. Base parts 129 of the supports 127 form mounting plates which are mounted to the upper ends of respective compression load cells 111. The load cells support the load of second frame 121 via the mounting plates 129. The load cells may be fastened to the mounting plates 129 by suitable fasteners such as bolts or screws for example. The extent of movement (if any) of 30 the second frame 121 relative to the first frame 101 will be dependent on the type of load cell(s) used. A plurality of pairs of rollers 107 are rotatably mounted to the second frame 121, by being rotatably supported by the base member 123 and the side members 125. 35 The rollers 107 define a weighing section chute portion having a substantially V shaped rolling area for receipt therein of a sheep. The weighing section chute 18 portion, and thereby the weighing section rolling area, is substantially aligned with the main chute portion and rolling area provided by the rollers 7. The length L of the weighing section chute portion is preferably sized to enable a 5 single sheep to be received in the weighing section chute portion. For example, the length of the weighing section chute portion is preferably at least about 750 mm and preferably less than about 1000 mm. The length L of the weighing section chute portion will be chosen so as to be long enough for the full weight of a single sheep to be carried by the weighing section chute portion, but not so long as to 10 enable more than one sheep to be positioned on the weighing section chute portion at one time, or to require a shortening of the length the main chute portion of the docking apparatus. The main chute portion is preferably of a suitable length to enable two or three sheep to be positioned in the main chute portion, so may for example be 2-3 times the length of the weighing section chute portion. The length 15 of the cradle 21 chute portion is preferably sized to enable a single sheep to be received in the cradle 21. A spreader comprising a pair of elongate substantially parallel bars 138 are positioned above the rollers 107 to separate the legs of a sheep, and to help retain 20 the sheep on its back in a desired position in the weighing section 99. While the bars 138 are aligned with the bars 8 above the main chute portion, they are preferably supported separately from those bars 8. In the preferred form shown, an upright support 140 is mounted to one of the side members 125 of the second frame 121. The support 140 has an inwardly directed member 144 at its upper 25 end, and a mounting plate 146 extends centrally over the weighing section chute portion. The mounting plate 146 supports two spaced apart downwardly biased suspension members 148, which support ends of the substantially parallel bars 138. The biased suspension members 148 allow movement and for some shock loading to be absorbed if the bars 138 are knocked as a sheep is loaded into the weighing 30 section 99. While the spreader could instead be supported from the first frame 101 of the weighing section or from the main frame 3 as a continuation of bars 8, that would likely reduce the accuracy of weight measurements, as the reaction force from a 35 sheep applying force against the spreader would increase the force measured by the load cells.
    19 The load cells 111 can be any suitable type to provide an indication of the weight of the sheep in the second frame 121. A load cell is a transducer that converts force into a measurable electrical output. 5 The load cells 111 are preferably compression load cells, which output a signal upon compression of the load cell due to the weight of the sheep in the second frame 121 of the weighing section 99. By way of example, the compression load cells could be any of the following load cells available from Iconix New Zealand Limited, of Oamaru, New Zealand (part number/load capacity): 0141700/300kg, 10 0112175/750kg, 0157558/750kg, 0145388/1500kg, 0148068/1500kg. The compression load cells can fit in the restricted space between the second frame 121 and the first frame 101. Alternatively, the load cells 111 could be suspension load cells that operate in 15 tension. By way of example, the load cells could be G05501 S-beam load cells with 500kg load capacity, from Gallagher Group, of Hamilton, New Zealand. If suspension load cells are used, the second frame 121 and/or first frame 101 will be modified so that the second frame 121 effectively hangs from the first frame 101 via the load cells. 20 As another alternative, the load cells 111 could be platform or single point load cells. As another alternative, bending load cells could be used. Alternatively, a combination of compression, suspension, bending, and/or platform 25 or single point load cells could be used. Alternatively, the second frame 121 could be supported from the first frame 101 by one or more commercially available load bars or platforms that comprise one or more load cells. 30 If necessary, the load cells 111 could be provided with shock absorbing means, such as rubber or elastomeric mounts or sleeves, to enhance weighing accuracy and/or prevent damage to the load cells. 35 The weighing section may comprise a single load cell 111. Alternatively, the weighing section may comprise a plurality of load cells. Preferably, the weighing 20 section comprises at least two load cells. In that embodiment, the load cells are preferably spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the weighing section. Preferably, the weighing section comprises four load cells, with one load cell positioned at or toward each corner of the second frame 121. Such an 5 arrangement will accommodate a load that is offset in a transverse and/or longitudinal direction of the surface for receipt of the sheep in the weighing section. Additionally, with four load cells the weighing section will settle quickly following any movement, thereby enabling the weight of the sheep to be determined quickly. 10 If required for accurate determination of weight, if the apparatus is inclined at an angle relative to the ground or floor, the mounting plates 109, 129 for the load cells may be angled relative to the first frame 101 and second frame 121, so that load on the second frame 121 is applied axially along a central axis of the load cells. Alternatively, when the weighing section is coupled to and/or in communication 15 with a processing device 115, the processing device may be programmed or otherwise configured to determine accurate sheep weight despite the load not being applied axially through the load cells. In an embodiment having an adjustable main frame 3 angle, or in case the 20 apparatus is positioned on a sloped surface, the angles of the mounting plates 109, 129 for the load cells may be adjustable relative to the first frame 101 and second frame 121 to be substantially horizontal, so that load weight force is applied axially along a central axis of the load cells. Alternatively, when the weighing section is coupled to and/or in communication with a processing device 115, the processing 25 device may be programmed or otherwise configured to accommodate changes in load angles applied through the load cells, to determine accurate sheep weight despite the load not being applied axially through the load cells. Alternatively, an operator may be able to enter the main frame 3 or weighing section 99 angle, and the processing device 115 will calculate the weight of the sheep, taking into account 30 the output from the load cells 111 and the entered main frame 3 or weighing section 99 angle. Alternatively, the operator could adjust the legs 4 so that the weighing section is substantially horizontal for weighing procedures, and then incline the main frame 3 35 and weighing section 99 for other applications.
    21 The preferred form processing device 115 includes a processor, a memory and a display. The processing device preferably includes or is in communication with a user input device. 5 In one embodiment for example the display is touch sensitive. The user input device is implemented by means of the processor programmed to cause the display to function as a user interface. In another embodiment the user input device comprises a keyboard or keypad in 10 wireless or wired communication with the processor. Also in communication with the processing device is a scanner 116. The scanner 116 is shown schematically in Figure 15 and is coupled to and/or in communication with a processing device 115 by cable 118 for example. 15 The scanner is adapted to identify and capture unique identifiers for respective sheep. The scanner in one embodiment comprises an RFID receiver. The RFID receiver is adapted to obtain a unique identifier from an RFID transmitter attached to a sheep. Preferably the RFID transmitter comprises an ear tag attached to the 20 ear of a sheep. It will be appreciated that the RFID receiver could alternatively or additionally be adapted to read a subcutaneous transmitter or microchip within the sheep. Alternatively, the scanner is configured to read a bar code, alphanumeric characters 25 or other indicia printed on or forming part of an ear tag attached to the sheep. The scanner is preferably hand held. Alternatively, the scanner is fixably mounted to part of the apparatus. 30 In use the processing device receives a unique identifier. The unique identifier is obtained from a sheep using the scanner. The processing device further receives one or more weight measurements from load cells associated with the weighing apparatus. 35 It will be appreciated that the weight measurements may precede the unique identifier and vice-versa. The weight measurements and the unique identifier are 22 preferably stored in the memory and additionally displayed on the display. A date/time value is also preferably stored. A weight for a sheep is preferably calculated from the weight measurements for the 5 sheep. One preferred technique is to calculate the weight as an average of the weight measurements from the load cells. Preferably an operator is able to influence the weight using the user input device and the display. For example, the operator may wish to delete one or more 10 inaccurate weight measurements for a sheep. The operator may wish to add additional information for example sheep age and/or health, scanning data, and date last shorn. A preferred method of docking a sheep using the preferred apparatus is as follows. 15 Initially, the sheep will be placed on its back in the chute region of the weighing section 99 with its legs separated by the spreader to hold the sheep in position in the weighing section. The sheep can then be tagged using a suitable unique identifier. The weight of the sheep in the chute region will cause the load cells 111 to output signals corresponding to the weight of the sheep, which signals are 20 received by the processing device 115. The weight of the sheep and the sheep's unique identifier will be recorded by the processing device. Once the sheep's weight has been measured and recorded, and any necessary tagging has been completed, the sheep will be moved along into the main chute 25 portion, and another sheep can be placed in the weighing section 99. Alternatively, in an embodiment without a main chute portion and that instead has the cradle 21 pivotally attached to the weighing section 99, the sheep can be moved into the chute portion of the cradle 21 from the weighing section, and another sheep can be placed in the weighing section. 30 In an embodiment without a cradle, the sheep's tail can be removed in the main chute portion. Alternatively, in an embodiment having a cradle 21, the sheep can be moved along into the cradle. As shown in Figure 9, the sheep is positioned in the cradle on its back, and is restrained therein by the retainer 27. It can be seen 35 that the substantially U- or V-shaped retainer separates the sheep's legs and exposes the sheep's tail, which would extend through the space between the first pair of arms of the retainer. This minimises the chances of an operator getting 23 kicked by the sheep during the docking procedure, and makes the tail easily accessible for docking. A single operator can then easily remove the tail of the sheep. 5 Once the tail has been removed, the operator can move the actuation lever towards the lower end of the cradle, which increases the angle of the cradle and therefore the sheep's body from a lying position towards a sitting position as shown in Figure 10. Upon further movement of the actuator to the position shown in Figure 11, the angle of tilt of the cradle is further increased, and the sheep tips forward against 10 the second pair of arms of the retainer. As can be seen from Figure 12, upon further tilting of the cradle, the sheep can then step directly off the retainer onto the floor. As this movement occurs, the fluid applicator also applies the treatment fluid to the 15 wound region of the sheep. Such a treatment may be a disinfectant or antibacterial fluid, insect repellent or a combination of the above. Such a treatment suitably improves wound healing and minimises fly-strike once the sheep is back in a paddock. 20 The docking station or cradle may be provided with an additional fluid applicator that is actuated in a similar manner to that described for the first fluid applicator, to apply an additional fluid to the sheep. For example, the device may be provided with a second fluid applicator on its underside to automatically apply a coloured dye to the back of the animal as the cradle is tilted downwardly, to provide a coloured 25 visual indicia on the sheep. Following release of the sheep from the retainer, the operator then moves the actuator back towards the docking station, such that the cradle reverts to the docking position substantially aligned with the docking station, at which time 30 another sheep can be slid down the rollers of the main chute part of the docking station and the cradle and restrained therein for docking by the retainer. As discussed above, the weighing procedure is preferably repeated at suitable time interval(s), to obtain a record of the growth rate of the sheep. 35 The above describes preferred embodiments only and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.
    24 It is not necessary that a lever 31 be used to actuate the cradle, and alternatively a hand wheel could be used for example. Further, rather than using the linkage arrangement, a gear mechanism or similar could be used to simultaneously move 5 the retainer as the cradle part is moved. Alternatively, an electric motor could be provided to move the cradle between the two positions. Rather than being provided on the retainer, the nozzle of the first fluid applicator could be mounted on a different part of the cradle (for example, the frame), 10 provided that it is arranged to apply fluid to the wound or tail area of the sheep. While the weighing section 99 is described as being used in a docking apparatus having a chute and a pivoting cradle, it could alternatively be provided in a docking apparatus that does not have a pivoting cradle, such as the type described in NZ 15 patent number 228036 for example. Alternatively, the weighing section could be provided in a docking apparatus that does not have an elongate main chute portion, and that instead has the cradle 21 pivotally attached to the weighing section 99. As another example, the weighing section is described as being provided at an end 20 of the main chute that is opposite to the pivoting cradle. The weighing section could be provided elsewhere in the docking apparatus, such as between the main chute and the pivoting cradle for example. This arrangement might avoid shock loadings that occur when the weighing section is positioned at the end of the apparatus where the sheep are loaded into the apparatus, as the sheep will travel 25 along the main chute and then into the aligned chute of the weighing section. However, it is preferred that the weighing section is provided in the position shown, for manufacturing simplicity. As another example, the weighing section may be incorporated into the cradle, with 30 the surface for receipt of a sheep of the weighing section being generally aligned with the surface of the main chute portion when the cradle is in the docking position. In such an embodiment, the cradle will be configured with components including a first frame 101, second frame 121, and load cell(s) 111 as described above. 35 25 Rather than having the rollers in the substantially V-shaped configuration in the weighing section, main chute, and pivoting cradle, a shaped channel could be provided in the weighing section, main chute, and/or pivoting cradle to form the respective chute portion(s), such as aluminium or stainless steel sheet. However, 5 the rollers are the preferred configuration. To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in 10 the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. 15
    权利要求:
    Claims (45)
    [1] 1. An apparatus for use in docking sheep, comprising: a chute portion comprising a surface for receipt of a sheep thereon; and a weighing section comprising a first frame, a second frame that supports a 5 surface for receipt of a sheep thereon which is generally aligned with the surface of the chute portion, and at least one load cell that operatively connects the first frame and the second frame to provide an output indicative of the weight of a sheep on the surface of the weighing section. 10
    [2] 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a frame that supports the chute portion.
    [3] 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first frame of the weighing section is integral with the frame that supports the chute portion. 15
    [4] 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first frame of the weighing section is coupled to the frame that supports the chute portion.
    [5] 5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the weighing 20 section comprises a single load cell.
    [6] 6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the weighing section comprises a plurality of load cells. 25
    [7] 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the weighing section comprises four load cells, with one load cell positioned at or toward each corner of the second frame of the weighing section.
    [8] 8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least 30 one load cell comprises compression load cell(s).
    [9] 9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the weighing section comprises a spreader to assist with holding the sheep in position in the weighing section, with the spreader supported from the second frame of 35 the weighing section. 27
    [10] 10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the chute portion comprises an elongate main chute portion supported by a main frame, and the apparatus further comprises a cradle including an area for receipt of a sheep thereon, the cradle pivotally attached by attachment 5 means substantially in line with and at an end of the main chute portion or the weighing section, and a retainer to assist in restraining the sheep in the cradle during the docking procedure, wherein the attachment means is configured such that the cradle is pivotable from a docking position to an unloading position angled down towards the ground from the main chute 10 portion or the weighing section.
    [11] 11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the attachment means is configured such that the cradle is pivotable from a docking position wherein it is substantially aligned with the elongate main chute portion or the 15 weighing section to the unloading position angled towards the ground.
    [12] 12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the weighing section is positioned at one end of the main chute portion, and the cradle is positioned at the opposite end of the main chute portion. 20
    [13] 13. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the weighing section is incorporated into the cradle, with the surface for receipt of a sheep of the weighing section being generally aligned with the surface of the main chute portion when the cradle is in the docking position. 25
    [14] 14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the chute portion is provided by a cradle that is pivotally attached by attachment means substantially in line with and at an end of the weighing section, the cradle further comprising a retainer to assist in restraining the sheep in the 30 cradle during the docking procedure, wherein the attachment means is configured such that the cradle is pivotable from a docking position to an unloading position angled down towards the ground from the weighing section. 35
    [15] 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the attachment means is configured such that the cradle is pivotable from a docking position wherein 28 it is substantially aligned with the weighing section to the unloading position angled towards the ground.
    [16] 16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the area for 5 receipt of a sheep in the weighing section is defined by a plurality of rollers which are rotatable relative to the second frame.
    [17] 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the rollers are arranged in pairs in a substantially V-shaped configuration. 10
    [18] 18. The apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the area for receipt of a sheep in the chute portion is defined by a plurality of rollers which are rotatable relative to the frame that supports the chute portion. 15
    [19] 19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the rollers of the chute portion are arranged in pairs in a substantially V-shaped configuration.
    [20] 20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the weighing section is coupled to and/or in communication with a processing device. 20
    [21] 21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the processing device includes a processor, a memory and a display.
    [22] 22. The apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising a scanner 25 that is in communication with the processing device.
    [23] 23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the scanner is adapted to identify and capture unique identifiers for respective sheep. 30
    [24] 24. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the scanner comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver, that is adapted to obtain a unique identifier from an RFID transmitter attached to a sheep.
    [25] 25. The apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the scanner is configured to 35 read a bar code, alphanumeric characters or other indicia printed on or forming part of an ear tag attached to the sheep.
    [26] 26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the processing device, in use, receives a unique identifier that is obtained from a 40 sheep using the scanner. 29
    [27] 27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the processing device, in use, receives one or more weight measurements from load cell(s) associated with the weighing apparatus. 5
    [28] 28. The apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the processing device is configured to calculate a weight for a sheep from the weight measurement(s) for the sheep. 10
    [29] 29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein the processing device is configured to calculate the weight for a sheep as an average of the weight measurements from a plurality of load cells.
    [30] 30. A weighing section for use in the apparatus according to claim 2, wherein 15 the weighing section comprises: a first frame that is attachable to the frame that supports the chute portion, a second frame that supports a surface for receipt of a sheep thereon and that is configured to be generally aligned with the surface of the chute portion when the first frame is attached to the frame that supports the chute 20 portion, and at least one load cell that operatively connects the first frame and the second frame to provide an output indicative of the weight of a sheep on the surface of the weighing section.
    [31] 31. The weighing section according to claim 30, wherein the weighing section 25 comprises a single load cell.
    [32] 32. The weighing section according to claim 31, wherein the weighing section comprises a plurality of load cells. 30
    [33] 33. The weighing section according to claim 32, wherein the weighing section comprises four load cells, with one load cell positioned at or toward each corner of the second frame of the weighing section.
    [34] 34. The weighing section according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the 35 weighing section comprises a spreader to assist with holding the sheep in position in the weighing section, with the spreader supported from the second frame of the weighing section. 30
    [35] 35. The weighing section according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the area for receipt of a sheep in the weighing section is defined by a plurality of rollers which are rotatable relative to the second frame. 5
    [36] 36. The weighing section according to claim 35, wherein the rollers are arranged in pairs in a substantially V-shaped configuration.
    [37] 37. A method of docking a sheep, including placing a sheep in the weighing section of the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 29, determining the 10 weight of the sheep using the load cell(s), moving the sheep from the weighing section, and removing the tail of the sheep.
    [38] 38. The method according to claim 37, comprising either before or after the step of determining the weight of the sheep, tagging the sheep with a unique 15 identifier.
    [39] 39. The method according to claim 38, wherein the tagging occurs while the sheep is in the weighing section. 20
    [40] 40. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the weighing section is coupled to and/or in communication with a processing device including a processor, a memory, and a display, wherein the method comprises recording the weight of the sheep in the memory of the processing device. 25
    [41] 41. The method according to claim 40, further comprising the step of determining an updated weight of the sheep in the weighing section at a time interval after the docking procedure, and comparing the updated weight with the weight recorded during the docking procedure, to provide an 30 indication of growth rate.
    [42] 42. The method according to claim 41, further comprising storing the updated weight and/or the indication of growth rate in the memory of the processing device. 35
    [43] 43. The method according to claim 41 or 42, further comprising repeating one or more steps to provide further indications of growth rate after further time intervals. 31
    [44] 44. The method according to any one of claims 37 to 43, wherein the apparatus comprises a cradle with a retainer, and wherein the step of moving the sheep preferably comprises locating the sheep on its back in the cradle and 5 maintaining the sheep therein with the retainer.
    [45] 45. The method according to claim 44, wherein the method further comprises using a cradle actuator so that simultaneously a fluid is applied to the tail area or wound area of the sheep as the sheep is released from the 10 apparatus.
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    同族专利:
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    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    CN104285881A|2014-08-21|2015-01-21|中国科学院东北地理与农业生态研究所|Fat-tailed sheep docking method|US3752126A|1972-01-26|1973-08-14|H Rhoades|Animal handler|
    GB2020952B|1978-03-30|1982-05-12|Langley Ghl|Cattle handing pen|
    NZ228036A|1989-02-17|1989-06-28||Tailing chute for lambs: parallel rows of rollers in v-configuration|
    GB9612888D0|1996-06-20|1996-08-21|Samuel Harold R|Improvements in and relating to sheep handling|
    AU2003235060C1|2002-10-21|2006-01-12|John Edwin Fenemor|Sheep Docking Apparatus|
    GB201104146D0|2011-03-11|2011-04-27|Mcgillivray David J|Livestock conveyor|
    法律状态:
    2017-09-28| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    NZ60060412||2012-06-13||
    NZ600604||2012-06-13||
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