GB2314250A

GB2314250A - Sheep handling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2314250A
Application number: GB9712890A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harold Robin Samuel
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-06-20
Filing date: 1997-06-20
Publication date: 1997-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2017-06-20
Also published as: GB9712890D0; GB2314250B; GB9612888D0

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a work station 1, a race 2 leading to the work station which has an open mesh floor, and a gate at the entry to the work station. A three-way drafting gate 3 is disposed at the exit from the work station. The entry gate and the drafting gate are controlled by a single person from the work station. The work station incorporates a turning frame (73,123) for use in inverting a sheep, and weighing apparatus. The turning frame may incorporate gas struts (101,103 fig 12).

Description

TITLE: Improvements in and relating to sheep handling DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to a method of sheep handling and to apparatus for use in handling sheep.

There are numerous reasons for handling sheep which require each sheep in a flock to be handled in turn. Other than for those operations where blanket treatment is required, the handling will involve some sort of examination with a view to separating out sheep into certain categories ready for subsequent treatment or separating out those which are ready for market.

This is performed in a small pen, with the operator working through each sheep in turn and marking each one in turn. Typical operations include weighing, crutching or foot paring, passing through a foot bath or drenching.

With the traditional method any turning of the sheep is done manually and the sheep has to be held at ground level so the operator is constantly bending or stooping. Traditionally each of these operations has been performed at separate times and with little or no requirement for specialised apparatus save for perhaps a race through which sheep pass from a holding pen to a drafting gate when each sheep in the group has been marked. The traditional drafting gate enables sheep to be split two ways.

The traditional methods involve repetitive handling of sheep and it is an aim of the present invention to provide a more efficient sheep handling system. Sheep will be seen with numerous coloured markings which signifies the different number of times they have been handled.

Accordingly, a first aspect of invention provides sheep handling apparatus comprising a work station preceded by a race and followed by a drafting gate, and in which there is a respective openable and closable barrier to the upstream and downstream ends of the work station.

Provision of a work station between the race and the drafting gate gives an operative an option to hold a sheep and this in turn gives plenty of time to operate the drafting gate. Marking of the sheep is not necessary since each one has to pass through the work station. The barrier to the downstream end is preferably provided as part of the drafting gate.

Preferably the drafting gate is a three-way drafting gate as described in my U.K. Patent No. 2237598B. Preferably a floor of the work station is elevated above ground level. This makes it easier to work on a sheep. The work station is preferably equipped for performing one or more specialised tasks. The preferred embodiment includes weighing scales, for example built into the floor of the work station, and a turning frame which is useful for performing crutching or foot baring operations. The work station may also include trays and/or hook racks for drenching equipment etc. This is not essential for the work station to be adapted to perform any or all of these tasks.

The race is preferably of adjustable width. It is also preferred to incorporate one or more non-return gates along the length of the race. These are conveniently disposed in pairs to opposite sides of the race. The gates are biased to a position intermediate their fully open and closed positions. It is also preferred to provide the race with an open mesh floor which is useful for cleaning mud off the feet of the sheep. Conveniently the floor of the race is inclined upwardly from an entry point to the work station.

The barrier to the upstream end of the work station is conveniently movable sideways and it is convenient to have the movement controlled by a foot pedal. Conveniently the upstream barrier is mounted for pivotal movement. A gas strut or other biasing means is used to hold the gate in either of its open or closed positions.

Conveniently the turning frame is provided to one side of the work station and is mounted for pivotal movement of 90". At least part of the weight of a sheep can be taken by a gas strut.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of handling sheep in which sheep are passed along a race from a holding pen to a work station at which sheep can be held for whatever purpose prior to splitting using a drafting gate.

The facility for holding the sheep at the work station gives an operator time to work on an individual sheep. Using this method, the number of operators can be reduced. Since each sheep passes through the work station in turn marking of the sheep is not necessary. The upstream and downstream barriers are controlled by a single operator from the work station as is the drafting gate.

Another aspect of the invention provides a sheep race comprising a frame of fixed or variable width for channeling sheep from an entry end to an exit end in which the race is provided with at least one non-return gate and in which the gate is biased to a position intermediate its open and closed positions.

Preferably at least one pair of return gates are provided with a gate to each side of the race. More preferably, a plurality of pairs of non-return gates are provided at spaced intervals along the race. Preferably the nonreturn gates are biased to hold the gates at approximately 45" away from sheep entering the race. The return gates are pivotable in both directions from the rest position, the pivoting being limited in the return direction by a stop after a predetermined rearward movement.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a sheep race comprising opposite sides for channelling sheep between an entry position and an exit position and wherein the base of the race is made from an open mesh.

The use of the open mesh is advantageous in cleaning the feet of sheep as they pass along the race. The mesh is sufficiently small to prevent sheep's feet being trapped.

Another aspect of the invention provides a sheep turning frame comprising a cradle mounted for pivotal movement through approximately 90".

Conveniently the frame comprises two side members whose spacing is adjustable and conveniently webbing straps or other flexible fabric or sheeting cooperating with at least one of the side members for supporting the sheep.

In one embodiment, one of the two side members is manually adjustable. In another embodiment, one of the two side members is fixed and the other is movable with respect to the other and conveniently is mounted for pivotal of movement with respect to the frame whereby it can be moved towards and away from the fixed side member. More preferably the movable side member is acted on by an actuating strut, eg. a gas strut, on pivoting movement of the turning frame from a first position to a second sheep supporting position to move said side member into contact with a sheep thereby automatically adjusting the distances between said two side members to suit the sheep being turned.

The various aspects of the present invention will now be described further, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a three quarter perspective view of sheep handling apparatus according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of the sheep race, Figures 3, 4 and 5 are detailed views of a non-return gate used with the sheep race, Figures 6, 7 and 8 show details of a back gate for the work station or handling pen, Figures 9, 10 and 11 illustrate in further detail one embodiment of weighing platform for the work station, Figure 12 illustrates in further detail a turning frame for the work station, Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of turning frame with the frame shown moved to its sheep supporting position, Figure 14 is a fragmentary detail view of part of the frame support mechanism shown in a position corresponding to Figure 13, Figure 15 is a fragmentary detailed view of the frame supporting mechanism of Figure 14 for the opposite end position of the turning frame corresponding to the position shown in Figure 1, Figure 16 is a front view of sheep handling apparatus according to the invention, Figure 17 is a front view of the main work station of the apparatus of Figure 16, Figure 18 is a plan view of the work station of Figure 17, Figure 19 is a side view of a detail of the turning frame operating mechanism, and Figure 20 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of back gate.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates sheep handling apparatus comprising a work station shown generally at 1, a race 2 leading to the work station and a drafting gate 3 leading from the work station. The race is intended to channel sheep from a holding pen (not illustrated) to the work station or handling pen. The race comprises opposite side elements 5, 7 and a base 9. A male/female box section 11, 13 allows the race to be adjusted for various sizes of sheep and can be locked at a chosen width by a drop bolt. The floor of the race is formed from a close open mesh structure which is close enough to prevent foot penetration but, at the same time, serves to clean mud from the feet of the sheep. The floor is inclined from the entry end A of the race upwardly to the exit end. The sides of the race extend upwardly from the floor at an inclined angle - see Sa in Figure 4 and then turn to be disposed perpendicular to the base as at Sb.

A further feature of the race is the provision of non-return gates comprising at least a pair of paddles 11 mounted on a spindle 13 for pivotal movement with respect of the race. The gates are pivoted to move through an angle of 90" between fully open and fully closed positions. The most downstream pair of gates in Figure 2 are shown in the fully closed position whilst the preceding pair of gates are shown in the fully open position. With no sheep present in the race, the gates are biased to an intermediate position as indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 2. A spring 13 provides for biasing of the gates to the intermediate position. Journals for the spindle 13 are shown at 15 in Figure 3 and carried from a framework of the race. The spindle carries an upper radially extending arm 14 and this is arranged to make cooperating engagement with a stop 16 to limit rearward movement extending across the race as shown for the upper (downstream) pair of gates in Figure 2. By arranging for the gates to be biased towards the intermediate position the sheep is not presented with a barrier on entry to the race but with a view through to the end and can displace the gate to a fully open position to permit passage along the race. In the illustrated embodiment, three pairs of gates are provided at spaced intervals along the race. The respective stop levers 14 are shown in Figure 1. The spacing corresponds to the typical length of a sheep so longer races can have a correspondingly greater number of gates.

Reference is now made to Figure 1 and Figures 6, 7 and 8 which illustrate in further detail the construction of back gate as disposed at the upstream end of the work station and its mode of operation. The back gate reference 21 provides an openable and closable barrier between the race and the work station. The gate comprises a framework, conveniently of tubular steel infilled with mesh 21a. In Figures 6 and 7, the work station is shown in dotted outline and the framework of the gate is provided with a pair of arms 23, 25 which are mounted with respect to the work station for pivotal movement at 26. The pivot axis is substantially vertical whereby the gate is pivotable into and out of the path of the sheep as denoted by arrow B in Figure 8. Pivotal movement is controlled by way of a foot pedal 29 accessible from a front side of the work station and pivotably mounted at 28, to a structural part of the work station. An L-shaped link member 27 has one end 27b connected to the frame 24 joining arms 23, 25 and its other end is disposed for cooperating engagement with the foot pedal 29. A fulcrum 30 is provided for the L-shaped arm 27 whereby downward movement of the foot pedal 29 causes the gate 21 to move into position closing access to the work station from the race whilst upward movement causes it to be displaced into its open position as illustrated in Figure 7. Figure 7 also illustrates the provision of a gas strut 31 which serves to hold the gate 21 in its open and closed positions. It will be apparent that the gate 21 serves to prevent sheep reversing out of the work station and to control entry of another sheep from the race.

Referring now to the constructional features of the work station, it conveniently comprises four vertical post elements 61 which in practice may form part of the proceeding race 2 or the succeeding drafting gate 3. The work station has a raised floor 63 and conveniently comprises an open mesh structure in the same manner as that of the floor 9 of the race 2. In Figures 9 and 10 the platform 64 is shown in dotted outline. Figures 9, 10 and 11 illustrate now the platform 64 is mounted in a way which enables weighing to take place when a sheep is stood on the platform. In the illustrated embodiment, a support structure for the platform comprises frame elements 62 and 66 which are pivotally interconnected at 68 and which are individually pivotally connected to a framework of the work station - see pivot axis 63 and 67 respectively in Figure 9. Figure 9 shows the support framework for the sheep support platform 64 in its unloaded condition whilst Figure 10 shows it in a loaded position. With a sheep on the support platform 64 the framework can move downwardly. In the illustrated embodiment, movement is against the resistance of weighing scales to which the motion is communicated by way of connection cord 70. Thus, the motion is translated into a weight. Of course, electronic load cells could be used for weight measurement.

Attention is now directed to Figure 12 which illustrates, in isolation, the turning frame of the work station 1. The turning frame, reference numeral 73 is pivotally mounted at 75 to a horizontal frame member 77 running along a front side of the work station 1. A corresponding frame member 77a is provided along the rear side of the work station. Downwardly extending and inwardly inclined wall sections 78 are mounted from the respective members 77, 77a. An upwardly extending wall section is provided at 79 to the rear of the work station. At the front of the work station two spaced apart flexible wall elements 81 are provided. A cradle 85 of the turning frame occupies a space between the flexible wall elements 81 in a first position thereof as illustrated in Figure 1. The cradle is pivotable as denoted by arrow C through 90" to a position illustrated in Figure 12. The cradle conveniently comprises two shaped bar elements 87, 89 with element 87 being fixedly secured with respect to turning framework 73 by hoop elements 91. Cradle element 89 is slidably moveable on spurs 73a to adapt the width of the cradle to the size of sheep being handled.

Webbing straps 93 extend between cradle element 87 and frame 73 and further longitudinal webbing elements 95 interconnect hoops 91.

Alternatively a fabric material may be employed. A gas strut 101 operable between the turning frame 73 and framework 61 of the work station serves to keep the turning frame in a vertical orientation as illustrated in Figure 1 when not in use. A further gas strut 103 is provided to take approximately half the weight of a sheep when it is in the position shown in Figure 12 and in addition acts on lever arm 29a of foot pedal 29 to keep the back gate in the closed position. Strut 103 is mounted to a lever 105 pivoted to arm 29a at 107 so that when the turning frame is in its upright position, the pedal 29 operates independently, ie. the ram only operates on the pedal 29a when in a position shown in Figure 12.

Trays 109 and hooks 111 provide storage locations for ancillary equipment such as drenching equipment, paring tools etc.

The drafting gate 3 comprises a pair of spaced posts 106 from which a pair of gates 108 are hinged in a parallelogram manner, being connected by a top bar 110. Hinged from one of the gates 108 is a barrier 112 which forms the downstream barrier for the work station. A handle 114 which is rotatable and is carried from gate 112 controls pivotal movement of the gates 108 either clockwise or anti-clockwise as viewed in Figure 1 as well as pivoting movement of gate 112. Latch element 116 receives a Tshaped end portion 118 of arm 114 to hold the drafting gate in a closed position according to the station of the handle. The three-way drafting gate enables discharge of sheet from the work station either straightahead when gate 112 is open, to the left when gates 108 are moved in an anti-clockwise direction and to the right when gates 108 are moved in a clockwise direction.

Note that in the illustrated embodiment a floor to the drafting gate is inclined downwardly from the level of the work platform 64 and the gates 108 are provided with corresponding inclined portions.

Referring now to Figures 13, 14 and 15, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of turning frame which can replace that illustrated in Figure 1 and 12. Like parts have received corresponding reference numerals and it will be apparent that the previous description is applicable. Arms 73a of the turning frame are modified, now referred to as 73a' and extend from the pivot points 75 and curve around at the ends to support the outer curved support member 87. A canvas material or other flexible fabric sheet 131 extends from outer curved support member 87 to the horizontal frame member 77. A first inner curved support member 89' is carried at opposite ends by respective over centre lower arms 135, 137 pivotally connected at 139 to arms 73a' respectively. A cam plate 141 extends from arm 135 and provides a selection of mounting holes for the end of the support strut 130.

The other end of the support strut engages arm 105 and 29a as previously described. Advantageously a further curved inner support bar 89" is provided at a position radially inwardly of bar 89'. It has a complimentary curved configuration. There is slack in the connections of the inner support member with the arms 73a' which is advantageous for adapting the frame to different shapes of sheep.

In operation, as the turning frame is moved from its upright position (corresponding to the position shown in Figure 1 and 15) with a sheep half out. Strut 130 acts on the foot pedal 29 after approximately 30 of movement. The inner curved support member or sheep clamp bar 89' stays folded until about 45C of movement of the turning frame has taken place whereafter the gas strut pressure acting as the over centre arm 135 pushes the inner sheep clamp bar against the side of the sheep and by the time the frame is at 90 , the sheep is squeezed between the inner and outer clamp bars with her back resting on the canvas 131. This helps to restrain the sheep on its back more effectively and it also accommodates sheep of different sizes as the gas strut acts as a resilient biasing means for the inner support bar.

Refering now to Figures 16 to 20, there are illustrated alternative constructional features for sheep handling apparatus according to the invention. The alternatives may be incorporated into the first mentioned embodiment. Corresponding parts use the same reference numerals. The race 2 is substantially the same as that described previously, as is the drafting gate 3. The work station 1 incorporates a modified turning frame, further illustrated in Figures 17, 18 and 19, and a modified back gate 21' illustrated in Figure 20. The apparatus further includes a footbath 160 upstream of the drafting gate 3.

The footbath 160 comprises a trough 162 having sides 166 extending upwardly therefrom. The trough accommodates a layer of sponge or foam rubber 165 which is held down at the opposite ends by a bar of a respective lever 166 pivoted to the sides 166. The upstream end of the foot bath is provided with a pivoted gate 170. An actuating lever 172 for the gate 170 is positioned at the work station and cooperates with the same via an operating linkage, part of which is shown at 174. The footbath is provided with a pair of adjustable feet 176 to each of its ends.

The back gate 21' at the entry to the work station is mounted for pivoting movement about axis 181 (extending out of the plane of the paper) and pivoting is controlled by a foot pedal 29'. This axial pivotting simplifies the construction. A stop 183 limits rearward pivoting of the back gate.

Thus the gate pivots in a plane normal to the direction of movement of sheep through the apparatus.

The turning frame comprises first longitudinal member 177 mounted for pivotal movement about its longitudinal axis and having two parallel spaced apart curved arms 173 extending therefrom. The ends of arms 173 remote from the pivot axis are connected by a curved bar 187.

Extending between the arm 177 are a plurality of elasticated elements 176.

These are overlayed with a sheet of fabric (not illustrated), one edge of which is secured to the curved bar 187 and the other edge is connected to a curved bar 189 which is carried at each end by a crank arm 191 mounted pivotally on respective arm 173. A respective gas strut 200 acts on the crank arm and its other end is pivotally mounted to the frame of the work station.

The crank operates in an over centre manner and controls both pivotting of the turning frame and activation of the arm 189 to embrace the sheep.

Horns for hanging drenches are shown at 111, and lipped shelves at 210. The upstream end of the work station is provided with a pair of telescopically adjustable levelling legs 176'.

With the described apparatus a single operator located at the work station can carry out a plurality of operations which previously would have required several operations or successive handling routines.

Claims

1. A sheep handling apparatus comprising a work station preceded by a race and followed by a drafting gate, and in which there is a respective openable and closable barrier to the upstream and downstream ends of the work station.

2. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the barrier to the downstream end of the work station is provided as part of the drafting gate.

3. A sheep handling apparatus is claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the drafting gate is a three-way drafting gate.

4. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in anyone of claims 1, 2 or 3 in which a floor of the work station is elevated above ground level.

5. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the work station is equipped for performing one or more specialised tasks and includes at least one of weighing scales and turning frame.

6. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which the turning frame is provided to one side of the work station and is mounted for pivotal movement through 90

7. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6 in which a gas strut acts on the turning frame to take at least part of the weight of a sheep.

8. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the work station further comprises one or more trays and/or hook or racks.

9. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the race is adjustable in width.

10. A sheep apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the race incorporates one or more non-return gates along the length thereof.

11. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 in which the non-return gates are disposed in pairs to opposite sides of the race.

12. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11 in which the non return gates are biased to a position intermediate their fully open and closed positions.

13. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the race has an open mesh floor.

14. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in claim 13 in which the floor of the race is inclined upwardly from an entry point to the work station.

15. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the barrier to the upstream end of the work station is movable sideways and it's movement is controlled by a foot pedal.

16. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which the upstream barrier is mounted for pivotal movement.

17. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims in which a gas strut or other biasing means is used to hold the gate in either of its open or closed positions.

18. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims and further comprising a foot bath down stream of the drafting gate.

19. A sheep handling apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which an openable and closable gate is provided downstream of the foot bath and a lever for actuation of same is accessible at the work station.

20. A method of handling sheep in which sheep are passed along a race from a holding pen to a work station at which sheep can be held for whatever purpose prior to splitting using a drafting gate.

21. A method of handling sheep as claimed in claim 20 in which upstream and downstream barriers are controlled by a single operator from the work station, as is the drafting gate.

22. A sheep race comprising a frame of fixed or variable width for channelling sheep from an entry end to an exit end in which the race is provided with at least one non-return gate and in which the gate is biased to a position intermediate its open and closed positions.

23. A sheep race as claimed in claim 22 in which at least one pair of return gates are provided with a gate to each side of the race.

24. A sheep race as claimed in claim 22 or 23 in which a plurality of pairs of non return gates are provided at spaced intervals along the race.

25. A sheep race as claimed in anyone of claims 22, 23 or 24 in which the non return gates are biased to hold the gates at approximately 45 away from sheep entering the race.

26. A sheep race as claimed in claim 25 in which the return gates are pivotable in both directions from the rest position, the pivoting being limited in the return direction by a stop after a predetermined rearward movement.

27. A sheep race for channelling sheep between an entry position and an exit position and comprising opposite sides and wherein a base of the race is made from an open mesh.

28. A sheep turning frame comprising a cradle mounted for pivotal movement through approximately 9ova.

29. A sheep turning frame as claimed in claim 28 in which the frame comprises two side members whose spacing is adjustable and webbing straps or other flexible fabric or sheeting cooperating with at least one of the side members for supporting the sheep.

30. A sheep turning frame as claimed in claim 29 in which one of the two side members is manually adjustable.

31. A sheep turning frame as claimed in claim 29 in which one of the two side members is fixed and the other is movable with respect to the other and is mounted for pivotal of movement with respect to the frame whereby it can be moved towards and away from the fixed side member.

32. A sheep turning frame as claimed in claim 31 in which the moveable side member is acted on by an actuating strut, on pivoting movement of the turning frame from a first position to a second sheep supporting position to move said side member into contact with a sheep thereby automatically adjusting the distances between said two side members to suit the sheep being turned.

33. A sheep handling apparatus, a sheep race or a sheep turning frame constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated to the accompanying drawings.

34. A method of handling sheep using a work station substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.