Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system (10) for storing a plurality of information items on a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (12). In this but not all embodiments, the RFID tag (12) is attached to an animal (15). The system (10) comprises a processor (12). The processor (12) comprises non-transitory processor readable tangible media in the form of flash memory (14) including program instructions which when executed by the processor (12) causes the processor to perform an embodiment of a method. Also disclosed herein is a method for storing information items.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag insertion cartridge configured for use in implanting a flexible RFID tag into a small animal using a needle-retraction implant tool. In embodiments, the cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a bevel cap. In embodiments, the cartridge housing is configured to receive a carriage portion inserted into a first end of the cartridge housing with a retractable needle extended out of a second end of the carriage portion to present the retractable needle in an extended position with the RFID tag carried within the retractable needle. In embodiments, the bevel cap has a proximal portion with a mating feature configured to mate with the cartridge housing and one or more needle capture elements configured to selectively couple to the needle in the extended position in a side-mountable manner without a direct axial force being exerted on the needle.

Abstract: An improved passive RFID tag configured for needle implantation in a tail of a rodent using a small diameter needle provides for increased read distances and effectiveness. In various embodiments, the RFID tag is comprised of an elongated flexible substrate having a pair of opposed surfaces with a UHF RFID chip positioned on a first of the opposed surfaces and is directly electrically connected to a closed-loop multi-layer folded dipole antenna disposed on both of the opposed surfaces of the substrate. An antenna is electrically connected to the RFID chip and includes at least an inductor as part of the closed-loop antenna. In embodiments, the RFID tag can be read with at least 90 percent effectiveness by a 30 dB RFID tag reader at least 5 cm from a tail of the rodent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an RFID tag insertion cartridge comprising a hollow needle in which an RFID tag is disposed. The cartridge comprises an optional housing in the form of a shell that is shown transparently. The cartridge comprises a carriage that is movably mounted and to which the hollow needle is attached for withdrawing the needle. Also disclosed herein is a RFID tag insertion tool.

Abstract: An improved passive RFID tag configured for needle implantation in a tail of a rodent using a small diameter needle provides for increased read distances and effectiveness. In various embodiments, the RFID tag is comprised of an elongated flexible substrate having a pair of opposed surfaces with a UHF RFID chip positioned on a first of the opposed surfaces and is directly electrically connected to a closed-loop multi-layer folded dipole antenna disposed on both of the opposed surfaces of the substrate. An antenna is electrically connected to the RFID chip and includes at least an inductor as part of the closed-loop antenna. In embodiments, the RFID tag can be read with at least 90 percent effectiveness by a 30 dB RFID tag reader at least 5 cm from a tail of the rodent.

Abstract: A pump jack with counterbalance system is provided, including a supporting structure, a linear actuator with a housing and a shaft, a first pulley carried by the shaft, a second pulley fixed above the first pulley, an elongate flexible member, and a weight cared by the shaft. The housing is vertically oriented and mounted to the supporting structure above a ground surface. The shaft has a first end received within the housing and a connection end that extends out of the housing and carries the first pulley and the weight. The linear actuator drives the shaft between extended and retracted positions. The elongate member passes around the pulleys and has a first end fixed relative to the housing and a second end connected to a surface rod, such that reciprocating movement of the shaft causes the surface rod to move vertically and the weight to act as a mechanical counterbalance.

Abstract: A radio device for implantation in an animal. The radio device comprises a capsule encapsulating at least one of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter. Also disclosed herein is a method for making a radio device for implantation in an animal, a method for providing electrical power to a radio device attached to an animal, and a method for implanting a radio device into an animal.

Abstract: A system for ascertaining the mass of an animal having attached thereto a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The system comprises a scale for supporting the animal and generating mass information indicative of the mass of the animal when so supported. The system comprises a RFID reader for interrogating the RFID tag which when interrogated generates a RFID tag signal from which the RFID reader can derive animal identification information indicative of the identity of the animal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a consumable cartridge removably attachable to an animal marking apparatus. The consumable cartridge comprises a movably mounted needle and a biasing element operatively coupled to the movably mounted needle to withdraw the needle to a withdrawn position. Also disclosed herein is a method for marking an animal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a laboratory equipment interface comprising at least one communication interface for receiving information from a plurality of animal laboratory device. The laboratory equipment interface comprises a communications interface for communicating with a remote data store. The laboratory equipment interface comprises a processor). The laboratory equipment interface comprises tangible media including program instructions which when executed by the processor causes the processor to perform the steps of an embodiment of a method.

Abstract: A pump jack with counterbalance system is provided, including a supporting structure, a linear actuator with a housing and a shaft, a first pulley carried by the shaft, a second pulley fixed above the first pulley, an elongate flexible member, and a weight cared by the shaft. The housing is vertically oriented and mounted to the supporting structure above a ground surface. The shaft has a first end received within the housing and a connection end that extends out of the housing and carries the first pulley and the weight. The linear actuator drives the shaft between extended and retracted positions. The elongate member passes around the pulleys and has a first end fixed relative to the housing and a second end connected to a surface rod, such that reciprocating movement of the shaft causes the surface rod to move vertically and the weight to act as a mechanical counterbalance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an RFID tag insertion cartridge comprising a hollow needle in which an RFID tag is disposed. The cartridge comprises an optional housing in the form of a shell that is shown transparently. The cartridge comprises a carriage that is movably mounted and to which the hollow needle is attached for withdrawing the needle. Also disclosed herein is a RFID tag insertion tool.

Abstract: A radio device for implantation in an animal. The radio device comprises a capsule encapsulating at least one of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter. Also disclosed herein is a method for making a radio device for implantation in an animal, a method for providing electrical power to a radio device attached to an animal, and a method for implanting a radio device into an animal.

Abstract: A system for locating a plurality of animals distributed between a plurality of enclosures. The plurality of animals have attached thereto a plurality of RFID tags for identifying each of the plurality of animals. The system comprises a plurality of RFID tag detection zones distributed between the plurality of enclosures. Each of the plurality of RFID tag detection zones have an RFID antenna for receiving a radio signal comprising animal identity information generated by any one of the plurality of RFID tags attached to the plurality of animals when interrogated. The RFID antenna of each RFID tag detection zone are in signal communication with at least one RFID reader for receiving the radio signal comprising animal identity information.

Abstract: A system for ascertaining the mass of an animal having attached thereto a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The system comprises a scale for supporting the animal and generating mass information indicative of the mass of the animal when so supported. The system comprises a RFID reader for interrogating the RFID tag which when interrogated generates a RFID tag signal from which the RFID reader can derive animal identification information indicative of the identity of the animal.

Abstract: A system for attaching a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag to an animal when received thereby. The system is configured for mounting thereto a RFID tag magazine comprising a plurality of cannulas that each contain at least one RFID tag (15), wherein the RFID tag magazine is configured for presentation of any one of the plurality of cannulas to the animal when so received.

Abstract: The present invention provides power for electronic devices in connection with a light electric vehicle. A power system is connected the high voltage battery pack of the light electric vehicle. The power system includes a converter for providing voltage levels less than that of the battery pack, preferably at the 5 volt and 12 volt levels. The power system includes one or more outlets for accessing the different power levels. The power system includes a light control for high efficiency operation of vehicle lights and integration with controls on the light electric vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for fleet management of light electric vehicles which monitors capabilities of the light electric vehicles within the fleet. The capabilities of the light electric vehicle may include equipment and/or personnel associated with the vehicle. The capabilities may be monitored either through automatic mechanisms or manual entry of information. The system dispatches vehicles to locations to complete jobs based upon the capabilities of the vehicles. The dispatching system may be managed centrally or in a distributed manner. In a centrally managed system, the information relating to the capabilities of a vehicle is transmitted to a central station for fleet control. In a distributed system, each vehicle includes a controller for determining a status of a vehicle based upon the job requested and the capabilities of the vehicle. A vehicle is self-selected for dispatch based upon its status relative to other vehicles.