Automated system for measuring internal tissue characteristics in feed animals

A system for measuring internal tissue characteristics in feed animals, comprising:

• a conveyor for delivering animals to a tissue analysis zone and rendering the animals incapable of independent movement;
• a carrier arm for placing a saddle on feed animals in the tissue analysis zone;
• an ultrasound transducer coupled to the saddle;
• an ultrasound transducer positioner operably coupled to the ultrasound transducer for positioning the transducer on an animal in a manner allowing for tissue analysis;
• and
• a control computer electrically coupled to the carrier arm, saddle, ultrasound transducer and ultrasound transducer positioner for positioning the carrier arm, saddle, and ultrasound transducer, and for controlling the functions of the transducer.

A method for measuring internal tissue characteristics in animals, comprising:

• conveying animals seriatim to a tissue analysis zone;
• providing an ultrasound transducer comprising a reservoir containing a conductive liquid, an ultrasonic transducer, a housing for the transducer further comprising a dispenser for dispensing conductive liquid from the reservoir onto the livestock, a liquid pump liquidly connected to both the reservoir and the dispenser;
• providing a remotely actuatable positioner coupled to the transducer for positioning the transducer properly on an animal in a manner allowing for tissue analysis;
• positioning the ultrasound transducer on an animal's hide so that the transducer is substantially focused on a rib-eye muscle;
• dispensing conductive liquid from the reservoir through the dispenser and onto the hide by actuating the pump;
• and
• obtaining an ultrasound image.

A system for measuring internal tissue characteristics in feed animals, comprising:

• a conveyor for delivering a feed animal to a tissue analysis zone from a remote location;
• a tissue analysis device;
• and
• a remotely actuatable positioner coupled to the analysis device for positioning the device on the animal at the tissue analysis zone in a manner allowing for tissue analysis.