Abstract: A tag encasement has an envelope having a pocket portion with a first surface and a second surface together forming an enclosure and an opening along one side of the pocket portion. A slot is disposed through the first surface of the pocket portion for receiving a tag, a flap portion is foldably coupled to the pocket portion for closing the opening and the slot, and a releasable fastener to hold the flap portion releasably closed against the pocket portion is disposed on the first surface of the pocket portion and on the flap portion.

Abstract: A decorated ear tag for livestock is disclosed that comprises a pre-printed multi-layer label bonded to a suitable tag blank to form a unitary finished tag. The resulting tag, and the information displayed thereby, are extremely resistant to deterioration by sunlight and other elements. In addition, the surface of the information panel of the resulting tag has a high slip factor that discourages obscurement of the displayed information by manure or other materials adhering to the tag.

Abstract: A device for safely tagging and releasing large fish includes a long pole to which is attached at its distal end a holder body for retaining therewithin an axially extending cutting blade and, at its tip portion, a tag applicator.

Abstract: A supplemental identification or informational indicia means for use with an animal tag so as to provide additional information about the animal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a tamper-resistant and indelible method for marking objects, in particular labels, providing marking with good contrast and enhanced visibility. Said method is essentially characterised in that the marking is carried out in two operations: integral marking, i.e. in the thickness of the object; surface marking; said surface marking being superposed on the integral marking. The invention also concerns a marking label.

Abstract: A system and method for producing individually customizable identification tags for feed lot operations involving livestock. The method involves printing adhesive strips with indicia through use of computer-controlled printing devices, applying the strips to plastic tag blanks, and heat-stabilizing the strips as against wear and other pernicious environmental factors. The system allows on-site production of almost infinitely variable tag indicia, and eliminates time delays and inflexibility for operators in having to pre-order printed tags from distant tag producers.

Abstract: A livestock tag locking system device, including a male component (1) and a female component (8), wherein the male component (1) has a face (3) onto which indicia may be applied and a stem (4) equipped with a tip (5). The stem (4) is made of a relatively soft plastic material and the tip (5) is made of a relatively hard plastic material. The female component has a cup portion (11) equipped with a retaining ring (14). The cup portion (11) is made of a relatively soft plastic material and the retaining ring (14) is made of a relatively hard plastic material.

Abstract: A generally flat panel of molded flexible plastics material has an upper portion adapted to be attached by a male stud to an animal's ear. A lower portion of the panel has a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern of a plurality of three digital eights. Digital number elements have rearwardly projecting portions which snap-fit into the apertures for releasably retaining the elements, and the elements have a contrasting color to form a selected digital number between “0” and “9” for each digital eight. Some of the digital number elements are molded in a color contrasting wit the color of the panel and other number elements are molded with the same color as the panel.

Abstract: A tool is provided for use in acquiring a treatment portal on the skin surface of a patient undergoing radiation therapy or the like. The portal acquisition tool includes a template portion having a cut-out pattern for marking the treatment portal on the skin and a handle portion which both facilitates use of the template and includes ruled markings for taking measurements. Additionally, the handle portion is provided with transverse lines for assisting the therapist in altering the source-to-skin distance during the administration of electron energy and an opaque backing which serves as a screen for reflecting the optical distance indicator projected by the linear accelerator.

Abstract: A holder for securing, silencing and protecting pet tags to a typical pet collar is provided. The holder includes an opening at one end allowing insertion of pet tags therein and an attachment opening allowing attachment therethrough of pet tags to a pet collar. In the preferred embodiment the holder is made of a flexible material allowing insertion of multiple tags and tags larger than the opening.

Abstract: An animal ear tag wherein the head of the ear tag is engaged by a driving pin of the applicator, which is guided by an open slot or channel into an aperture in the head and into a bore extending towards a tip portion of the head. This allows easier fitment of the tag to an applicator in the circumstances where cross-infection through contact between the applicator pin and the animal's ear is not an issue.

Abstract: Conventionally, the last some digits of the Animal Registration Number printed on ear tag for identifying an individual animal in a wide area like a nation are simply enlarged for farm use. However, the simply enlarged farm use number is not a desirable number for the farm to use and is inconvenient for the farm to control animals on the farm, The present invention provides the improvement of making the ear tag, containing an Animal Registration Number CN controlled by the specific management department consisting of codes including numerals, letters, or barcodes, to be used by attaching it to an ear of an animal, in order to identify an individual animal. The Animal Registration Number CN having multiple digits prepared at the specific management department is printed at least on one of the sides of the ear tag. Some part of the Animal Registration Number CN is enlarged and printed on the ear tag as a farm use number FN in accordance with a request from an individual farm by using a minimum number of digits.

Abstract: This invention relates to a livestock identification tag assembly comprising: (a) a heat seal laminate comprising: (i) a facestock having an upper surface and a lower surface; (ii) a heat-activatable adhesive layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface of the heat-activatable adhesion layer is adhered to the lower surface of said facestock; (iii) an ink or graphics layer adhered to the lower surface of said heat-activatable layer; and (b) a flexible polymeric substrate; wherein the lower surface of the heat-activatable adhesive of the laminate is adhered to the substrate. In one embodiment, the ink or graphics layer is positioned between said heat-activatable adhesive layer and said facestock.

Abstract: A tamper proof livestock ear tag device including a male component and a female component. The male component includes a panel portion with a surface to carry indicia for identifying livestock, and a stem having a tip. The panel portion and the stem are made integrally of a same material, while the tip is made of a first plastic material and the stem is made of a second plastic material such that the tip is harder than the stem. The male component includes a predefined weakest point in which the male component will tear when a pulling force exceeding a predetermined value is exerted between the tip and the panel portion. The weakest point is at an interface between the stem and the tip. The female component includes an eye portion that is equipped with a retaining ring. The eye portion is made of a third plastic material and the retaining ring is made of a fourth plastic material such that the retaining ring is harder than said eye portion.

Abstract: An animal-borne instrumentation system having an integrated tail assembly that reduces hydrodynamic drag while inducing positive buoyancy and providing increased useable space for instrumentation storage. The system comprises a submersible, pressure-resistant housing and means for harnessing the housing to an animal under study. The housing is designed to contain any combination of image and data-logging and/or transmission equipment useful for obtaining information about the animal or its habitat, as well as other gear necessary to support such equipment.

Abstract: A tamper proof livestock ear tag device including a male component and a female component. The male component includes a panel portion with a surface to carry indicia for identifying livestock, and a stem having a tip. The panel portion and the stem are made integrally of a same material, while the tip is made of a first plastic material and the stem is made of a second plastic material such that the tip is harder than the stem. The male component includes a predefined weakest point in which the male component will tear when a pulling force exceeding a predetermined value is exerted between the tip and the panel portion. The weakest point is at an interface between the stem and the tip. The female component includes an eye portion that is equipped with a retaining ring. The eye portion is made of a third plastic material and the retaining ring is made of a fourth plastic material such that the retaining ring is harder than said eye portion.

Abstract: A method of and system for conducting a hunting tournament or contest. Passive transponders are inserted subcutaneously into the game to be harvested. Tagged animals are released back into their natural habitat. The hunting portion of the tournament is conducted. Animals harvested during the hunting tournament are brought in and scanned. The passive transponder, if present, responds to the scanning by transmitting an identification code. The code transmitted by the passive transponder is used to determine the prize the hunter is awarded. Hunter identification tags can be distributed to all participants in the hunting tournament and be used to tag the harvested animal. The passive transponder can be constructed to respond only to a particular scanning device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of establishing the origin of useful animals, in particular cattle, pigs and the like. This method comprises the following steps: a) the live animal is marked biologically by applying at least one antigen which is harmless to the animal and humans: and b) the specific antibodies formed by the application of the at least one antigen are identified by means of an enzymimmunological or immunochemical detection process.

Abstract: A planar tag having an attachment portion and a body portion is disclosed. The attachment portion has at least one barb and the body portion being printable or carrying indicia. A tool for anchoring the tag to an object and an apparatus for holding the object whilst the tag is secured to the object are also disclosed.

Abstract: An animal ear tag includes a component locking member of novel design. The component locking member has an interior passageway which substantially conforms in shape to the post or pin of an ear tag installation tool to stabilize the connection therebetween which prevents slippage or other undesirable movement of the component locking member when installed on the ear of an animal. The component locking member is characterized by a transverse portion having a pair of opposed flanges, and a substantially planar rear edge. The planar edge is adapted for contact with an inner surface of a jaw of an installation tool which further provides stabilization between the component locking member and the ear tag installation tool. As an ear tag assembly, the invention utilizes the component locking member and an ear tag panel having a grommet which engages the component locking member.

Abstract: A label which can be attached to a commercial article for the emission of an alarm signal, includes a body of the label containing a device which can be perceived by suitable detection equipment for emission of an alarm signal, a band for attachment to the article for connecting the body of the label to the article, and a structure for restraining the band and the body of the label firmly one to the other. The label body includes a housing suitable for being entered by the band. The band has an end band section and an intermediate section which oppose each other and are compressed one in relation to the other in the housing. The band has, along at least part of one longitudinal face, securing teeth so that the portions of securing teeth on the parts of the band in contact in the housing are compressed against each other in such a way as to block relative sliding of the portions of the band in the housing during an attempt to disengage the article from the band.

Abstract: An animal tag system for easily securing a tag upon an animal's ear by piercing the ear for reducing the chance of infection and removal. The tag system includes a tag member having a broad portion and a narrow portion, an extended member extending from the narrow portion, and a tip member attached orthogonally to the extended member opposite of the tag member wherein the tip member is insertable into the ear of an animal. The tip member is comprised of a shaft member having a spiked end and open end exposing a center bore within. The tip member further includes a flanged portion about the spiked end for expanding the hole pierced into the ear by the spiked end thereby allowing the extended member and the tip member to pass through in a substantially parallel position. The tip member becomes orthogonal to the extended member after insertion thereby preventing removal of the tag from the ear through the pierced opening within the ear of the animal.

Abstract: A male portion (5) of an identification tag (1) has a projection or dart (6) which extends through the item to be identified. The projection is lockingly received in a corresponding passage (7) of a female member (4). One of the elements, preferably the female element, has an electronic label (8) encased therein. More specifically to be preferred embodiment, the electronic label, which is electromagnetically encodable and readable, is placed on a bottom wall (19) of a cavity (9) which is defined by peripheral side walls (11). One of the peripheral side walls and the bottom wall of the cavity define undercut or dove-tailed recesses (12). A polymer (10) is placed in the cavity in a fluid state filling the undercut recesses. The polymer is hardened, e.g. polymerized, to form a tamper proof bond with the female member.

Abstract: A method for relating information about an article to a finder of that object, person, or animal including providing an identification device proximate the article. Providing the identification device with a telephone number, code, and instruction for a finder of the article to call the telephone number. Using the telephone number to link the finder to a clearing house. The clearing house prompt the finder to enter the code. Using the code, the clearing house accesses information about the article and forwards the call to the proper recipient of the call.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying, tagging, releasing and memorializing a specific fish with mass dissemination of information concerning said specific fish by producing a graphic image of the live fish on a sheet of material, such as cloth or fabric at the time of catch and obtaining factual data regarding the specific catch. The image and data are transferred to a medium such as a t-shirt for display for mass dissemination. A tag is placed on the fish with a telephone number to call if the fish is caught a second time. An apparatus according to the present invention may also comprise a kit including a suitable tag having information contained thereon for instructing a subsequent angler or other person capturing the fish to report details of the catch to a specific location, and further including a quantity of non-toxic colored liquid, an applicator for applying the liquid to one side of the actual live fish, and a sheet of material for receiving a graphic image of the live fish.

Abstract: A sign and suspension apparatus for mounting to a harness for a carriage such as a sulky. The apparatus includes a sign that is secured by first and second attachment elements which extend from a back portion of the sign outwardly beyond upper and lower edges thereof to points of connection with the harness. A separate security attachment element is secured through a conduit at the rear of the sign and is selectively connected to a point of attachment with the harness.

Abstract: A game tagging system and method of affixing the game tagging system to a game animal utilizes a hunting license and a strip of material which displays the hunting license and attaches the hunting license to the game animal. The strip of material has an upper portion and a lower portion. The hunting license is attached to the lower portion of the strip of material and the upper portion of the strip of material is attached to the game animal. The game tagging system conveniently holds the hunting license until it is necessary to apply the license to the game animal and enables the hunter to easily and securely affix the hunting license to the game animal.

Abstract: Apparatuses for and methods of installing ear tags are provided. One embodiment of the invention is defined as an ear tag installation tool and which makes use of a pair of handle members which control the insertion of an inserting member through an opening formed in the ear of an animal. The inserting member has attached to it a portion of the ear tag during the insertion process. The inserting member may be disposable and separates from the handle members after the insertion process is complete. In a second embodiment, the ear tag installation tool is an elongate tool having a handle and a distal tip for receiving the inserting member. In a third embodiment of the invention, an ear tag installer is provided which has some elements directly attached to the ear tag. The ear tag installer also includes a driving tool which forces the inserting member through the ear. In this third embodiment, the ear tag installation tools of the first and second embodiments can be used as preferred forms of the driving tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking and identifying birds. The tagging system includes a securing filament, an anchor tag and an identification tag. Both the anchor tag and the identification tag are provided with holes for reception of the securing filament. The securing filament is pierced through approximately one-half inch of the neck skin of the bird, and is secured by placement of the anchor tag on one side of the pierced skin and the identification tag on the opposed side of the pierced skin. The securing filament is provided with opposed cylindrical restriction bar which pass through the reception holes in the anchor tag and the identification tag thereby securing each tag between the pierced skin and a cylindrical restriction bar.

Abstract: A system and method for anonymously establishing telephonic connections includes a plurality of identification tags, a master control telephone calling card, a computer-executable program, a voice synthesizer and a telephone switch. The identification tags are carried by persons, pets or objects and each include unique visible indicia which provide instructions on how a holder or finder of an identification tag can make a toll-free telephone call to a person responsible for the person, pet or object carrying the identification tag. The visible indicia also include a simplified menu of system inputs. The system employs the computer-executable program and the voice synthesizer to interactively prompt a caller to select and enter inputs from the menu shown on the tag.

Abstract: A method of locating a lost item via a provided telephone service, using an identification number given on both an identification card held by the owner of the item, and on an identification tag worn or attached to the item. A telephone number is given on the identification card for the item owner to access the telephone service and open a voice mailbox under the identification number, and a telephone number is given on the identification tag for the finder of the item to access the telephone service and leave a message with the telephone service (either in the opened voice mailbox or with the service if the finder calls before the item owner opens the voice mailbox) regarding the whereabouts of the lost item.

Abstract: A system for marking a cow with a visible marking indicative of a treatment to be carried out on the cow, comprising an identification tag located on the cow and bearing a unique identity code for remotely identifying the cow, and a database containing for each cow in a herd a corresponding identity code and a treatment code relating to a treatment to be carried out on the cow. The cow passes through a paint spray station en route between a milking parlor and corral and is interrogated for determining in respect of each cow its corresponding unique identity code, and the database is accessed so as to extract therefrom the corresponding treatment code. The paint spray station is coupled to the database access means and includes a plurality of different colored spray guns which are responsive to the treatment code for marking on the cow a visible marking uniquely identifying the treatment code.

Abstract: A talking pet tag for association with a pet wherein a prerecorded message is easily retrievable by the finder of a lost pet by simply depressing a play button. However, in order to gain access to the recordation mechanism, a cover plate held in place by fasteners such as screws must be removed to record a new message so that accidental loss of a message does not occur. The method of retrieving lost pets using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: An earmark assembly is provided which includes a pair of earmark tags of the same shape and size, each tag having an annular protuberance formed on an outer surface thereof. The annular protuberance of each tag is disposed in concentric relationship with a through opening formed therein. The assembly further includes a fastening member which is releasably coupled to the pair of earmark tags through their respective through openings. The fastening member includes a distal end disposed within a recessed area formed by the annular protuberance of one of the earmark tags. The assembly further includes a locking device releasably coupled to the distal end of the fastening member and disposed within the recessed area of the protuberance.

Abstract: A device for humane injection of fluid into animals from a distance is disclosed. The device comprises a hollow body with a primary chamber suitable for holding the fluid to be injected, a hollow needle at the forward end of the hollow body, a disposable tag attached to the forwardmost surface of the hollow body, and a remote retrieval means. The device may be projected toward the target animal by any of several conventional methods including compressed gas or chemical explosion gun. Upon impact with the target animal a trigger mechanism which comprises a ball and valve seat check valve is tripped allowing a resilient means to force the fluid through the needle and into the animal. The device is held in place during the injection process by an adhesive means on the forwardmost surface of the tag. After injection the device is pulled form the animal using the retrieval means. The tag separates from the device and remains attached to the skin marking the animal.

Abstract: An improved recovery system utilizing a two-piece detachable card. A base (10) and tag (12) are snapped apart at groove (16) into two separate pieces. Tag (12) is attached to an article such as a standard key ring via through-hole (14). Base (10) is retained in a secure place. If the article is lost a finder is asked to follow a specific course of action. Listed on the back of tag (12) is finder call number (22). The finder is prompted by the written words "If found, please call . . . " and a toll-free telephone number is listed. Upon calling the number from a touch-tone telephone, the finder is instructed to punch in tag number (20). The tones generated by punching in an activated tag number (20) cause a specific voice mail box to be created within computer (30). The finder is further instructed to leave a brief voice message providing a phone number or location where the "found" article can be recovered.

Abstract: An animal ear tag is disclosed which comprises two components and a pin which connects the components to one another and attaches them to the ear of the animal. The tag is constructed so that it is possible to record, on the animal itself, as much information as the farmer requires about it. Projections which can be removed or left in place, edge depressions the remaining material of which can be cut out or left in place, two sets of digital bars and two depressions for receiving colored studs enable the farmer to record as much information as he requires on the animal itself. The advantage of the system is that the information on the tag can be read directly from the tag and it is not necessary for the farmer to return to his office with only an identification number for the animal and then search for the information that he needs.

Abstract: An animal eartag houses a passive electronic transponder for use in the identification of the animal by a low frequency radio wave reading system. The eartag is formed of a generally flat and flexible plastic body or carrier member that includes an ear attaching arrangement at the upper portion thereof, and a hollow half cylinder shaped bubble or elongated first cavity at the lower portion thereof. This first cavity is closed at one end and is open at the other end. A rigid plastic insert member comprises a mating half cylinder shape that is dimensioned to closely fit into the open end of the first cavity. The insert member includes an elongated bore, or second cavity, that extends generally coaxially of the insert member's half cylinder shape. This second cavity extends less than the entire axial length of the insert member, so as to form a second cavity having an open end.

Abstract: An animal-identification component including a flexible and deformable panel for carrying animal-identification information, with the panel being sufficiently flexible and deformable to flex and bend to minimize snagging of the panel on objects which contact the panel, and a panel retainer for securing the panel to a stud, with the panel retainer having a flange with an opening therein, and the panel retainer made of material sufficiently rigid to resist flexing and deforming, with the flange having a face for engaging a sufficiently large portion of the flexible and deformable panel to prevent the panel retainer from being drawn through an opening in the flexible and deformable panel, and the panel having a frangible neck extension for frictionally engaging the sidewalls of an opening in the panel to maintain the panel and the panel retainer as a unit prior to attachment of the panel to an animal.

Abstract: An identification tag is manufactured by driving a toner printer or color printer with a word processing and graphics programmed computer to print identification indicia in the form of toner or color characters and optional graphics indicia fused to a surface of a transparent sheet. Die cutting the printed sheet and a highly contrasted sheet such as a sheet with specular reflection to the shape of a cavity. Stacking the sheets in the cavity with the transparent sheet above the other sheet and sealing the cavity with a transparent cover such as by sonic welding a polycarbonate enclosure.

Abstract: In an identification device, which is arranged to be fastened on an animal, a signal device operative for identification purposes is placed in a cavity of a hard capsule which in turn is surrounded by a soft carrier material. By the soft carrier material the identification device is flexible in an area between the capsule, and the part of the identification device which is to be fastened to the animal. The soft carrier material is molded around the capsule, which is formed in one piece around the cavity and has an opening for the introduction of the signal device into the cavity.

Abstract: For the identification of macro-organisms, especially fish, visible implant tags having identification codes of fluorescent colorants are implanted into at least partially transparent tissue of the macro-organisms such that the visible implant tags are visible. The encoded information is obtained from the tags by measuring the spectrum of light emitted by the fluorescent colorants. The tagged fish need not be captured to read the tags. The information may be obtained through a significant depth of medium and also independently of the size of the tag or its orientation. Florescent dyes or, more preferably, fluorescent pigments may be used for the identification codes.

Abstract: An ear tag having a first button with an aperture, and a pin having a head and a heel is attached to the first button via engagement of the heel in the aperture. A second button is provided having an aperture for engaging the head of the pin. At least one of the buttons has an additional frangible ring adjacent one of the apertures through which the pin is introduced and by which the pin engages the appropriate button. As force is applied to the buttons in opposite directions the additional ring breaks making the re-connection of the two buttons impossible.

Abstract: An umbilical clamp which includes an identification label affixed to or placed within the clamp in a manner such that once the clamp is placed about the umbilical cord of the infant, the identification label cannot be removed.

Abstract: A combination game tag holder and game kill tag, the game kill tag having printed information in segments along at least one marginal edge thereof, selected segments of the printed information being adapted to be removed following a game kill. The game tag holder has first and second parallel and transparent sheets conforming in dimension to the game kill tag and closely spaced from one another to contain the game kill tag therebetween. The transparent sheets are made of a material that is more resistant to cutting than the game kill tag. Plural and separate notches are provided in at least one marginal edge of the game tag holder, the notches and segmented printed information being aligned when the game kill tag is between the aforesaid sheets so that the segmented printed information is exposed through the notches.

Abstract: An applicator tool for animal ear tags the applicator tool having a tag reception area in which a tag to be applied can be located. Tag engagement means are coupled with operative means whereby the tag engagement means can apply a force to at least part of the tag in the tag reception area to apply the tag to an animal. The applicator tool includes tag location means with which a plurality of tags which are conjoined by lugs can be located. Tag transport means which is operative to transport a tag from the plurality of conjoined tags to the tag reception means. Removing means is provided for removing a single tag to be transported from the plurality of conjoined tags.

Abstract: A method of identifying an animal from a distance by a miniature responder includes implanting a responder (1) in the form of an injectable capsule, subcutaneously and laterally of the front part of the head of the animal between an eye (3) and the sensitive (mostly bald) nose tip (4), at the side (5) of the upper jaw (6). An apparatus for feeding, baiting and/or watering animals having a miniature responder implanted therein according to this method includes a detection coil (12) disposed in close proximity to a feeding, baiting, or watering device (11) so as to be poorly accessible to the animal, the device having a shape and/or position for guiding the animal's nose in use to the device (11) in a natural manner so that the miniature responder is well-oriented and well-centered relative to the detection coil (12).

Abstract: A system for implanting a solid marker in an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an entrance and an exit opening. A support is provided for supporting a hollow tube. A plunger is slideably disposed between a first position and a second position within the support. The plunger cooperates with the support and the tube. The plunger engages the marker proximate to the entrance opening of the tube, and ejects the marker through the tube when the plunger is moved from a first position to a second position. The hollow tubes are stored within the support in at least two groups. A gate prevents a tube from the second group from being displaced before the tubes from the first group as depleted.

Abstract: A device for repelling insects is attachable to the tail of an animal. The device includes a plurality of fibrous strands which are impregnated with an insecticide and includes a mechanism for attaching the strands to the tail of the animal.

Abstract: A system for implanting a solid marker in an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an entrance and an exit opening. A support is provided for supporting a hollow tube. A plunger is slideably disposed between a first position and a second position within the support. The plunger cooperates with the support and the tube. The plunger engages the marker proximate to the entrance opening of the tube, and ejects the marker through the tube when the plunger is moved from a first position to a second position.