Abstract: A tag (1) for attachment to an animal skin comprising, a body portion (2), a skin penetrating head (4) attached to the body portion, and a locking member (6) attached to the body portion at a different location to the skin penetrating head, the locking member being engageable with the skin penetrating head to secure the two from being pulled apart, wherein the construction is such that the body portion is adapted to be bent and held in a configuration of at least two loops when the skin penetrating head is initially inserted through the skin of an animal and engaged with the locking member.

Abstract: The invention is of an improved method and process for printing plastic tag blanks for producing plastic identifier tags (such as cattle ear tags). By printing images on tag blanks using conventional ink jet printer technology and thereafter “welding” the image to be plastic of the printed tag blank, a durable image is provided all the tag without the need for undertaking conventional hot stamp printing with its associated costs, inconveniences, and even safety hazards as associated with the heated metallic print blocks of such conventional method.

Abstract: An ear tag for marking animals includes a female portion consisting of a female head optionally borne by or formed in a first panel, a male portion consisting of a male punch optionally borne by or formed in a second panel, identifying means being borne by at least one of the male or female portions. The male punch is configured in two separable elements, one of which is housed in the female head and the other forms an organic matter sampling device during the passage of the male punch through the ear of an animal, which is moveable in an axial channel thereof and is withdrawn through the panel of the male portion after fastening the tag onto the animal's ear.

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 an ear tag (1) for identifying animals, comprising at least a flexible planar wall (2) made of coloured aromatic polyurethane, on one of the large surfaces whereof is affixed a marking in the form of a sign and/or of alphanumeric character and/or of bar code. To prevent degradation by external agents one of the large surfaces at least of the planar wall (2) is coated with a layer of protective material (3) forming for example a screen against UV radiation and a barrier against chemical attacks of certain corrosive agents present in the environment. Said protective layer is made of aliphatic polyurethane.

Abstract: A tag (1) for attachment to an animal skin comprising, a body portion (2), a skin penetrating head (4) attached to the body portion, and a locking member (6) attached to the body portion at a different location to the skin penetrating head, the locking member being engageable with the skin penetrating head to secure the two from being pulled apart, wherein the construction is such that the body portion is adapted to be bent and held in a configuration of at least two loops when the skin penetrating head is initially inserted through the skin of an animal and engaged with the locking member.

Abstract: The invention concerns an ear tag for marking animals comprising a female portion consisting of a female head (6) optionally borne by or formed in a first wall (1), a male portion consisting of a male punch (6) optionally borne by or formed in a second wall (1), identifying means being borne by one at least of the female elements (head or wall) and by one at least of the male elements (punch or wall). The invention is characterised in that the male punch is configured in two separable parts, whereof one passes through the ear wall and is housed in the female head, and the other retains the organic substance and enables the punch to be extracted when it is in the female head.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified ear marks, comprising a mandrel-type plate (10), a counter-plate (11), in addition to a container for receiving a sample (1) and a means for obtaining said sample (4). The means for obtaining said sample (4) has a detachable hollow tip and the counter-plate (11) has no through opening for the mandrel. The invention relates more particularly to the use of said earmarks for genotypical analysis of animal populations and to a method for analysing animal population with said earmarks.

Abstract: Improved ear tag formed by two parts, a tap part (1) and a socket part (2), wherein a capsule for medicinal substances and a piston (4) are incorporated and the stem of the tap part (6) passes through the ear of the animal (5). Catadioptric elements (7) a reading and writing chip and anti-falsification elements are placed on both parts and with the elements so that the pincer or tong parts permit placing the crottle (8 and 9).

Abstract: A tamper evident ear tag system for preventing reattachment of an ear tag to a second animal that was removed from a first animal. The tamper evident ear tag system includes an attachment member that is permanently inserted into a receiving member wherein the receiving member is attached to an ear tag. The attachment member is comprised of a main shaft, a flanged portion, and a spiked end that is inserted into the receiving member. The receiving member includes a first opening that extending inwardly within an inner flange for catchably receiving the spiked end of the attachment member.

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: An animal ear tag including a female opening through which a head of a stem of a coupling member can pass to effect a coupling action when installing the tag on an animal, the female opening being formed as part of a separate enclosed boss component of hard material, the boss component having a flange extending peripherally from an external surface thereof, the flange being located within resilient material forming a part of the ear tag sized to anchor the boss component to the tag.

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

Abstract: A tamper evident ear tag system for preventing reattachment of an ear tag to a second animal that was removed from a first animal. The tamper evident ear tag system includes an attachment member that is permanently inserted into a receiving member wherein the receiving member is attached to an ear tag. The attachment member is comprised of a main shaft, a flanged portion, and a spiked end that is inserted into the receiving member. The receiving member includes a first opening that extending inwardly within an inner flange for catchably receiving the spiked end of the attachment member.

Abstract: Device for collecting samples for the DNA identification of livestock, adaptable to the ear tag. The device consists of a strip of filter paper attached to the piece of the ear tag bearing the punch and surrounding its base. The device collects the blood emerging from the wound produced when tagging. After the blood has dried, it can be used for identification or other genetic analyses. Applicable to collecting samples for DNA analysis simultaneously to ear tagging.

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 tamper proof ear tag system for preventing reattachment of an ear tag to a second animal that was removed from a first animal. The tamper proof ear tag system includes an attachment member that is permanently inserted into a receiving member wherein the receiving member is attached to an ear tag. The attachment member is comprised of a main shaft, a flanged portion, and a spiked end that is inserted into the receiving member. The receiving member includes a first opening that extending inwardly within an inner flange for catchably receiving the spiked end of the attachment member.

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 tag for application to the ear of an animal includes a male portion and female portion. The female portion includes a chamber within which an insert is accommodated, the insert engaging in an interlocking manner with the chamber and allowing access of a head of the male portion into the chamber but then acting to prevent removal of the head. The male and female portions may be connected at a central portion which enables folding of the male and female portions. In another embodiment, the central portion may include a weak-link so that the male and female portions can be torn apart if the tag becomes caught on an obstruction.

Abstract: A tamper-proof electronic animal identification tag comprising an antenna card carrying an antenna and a stud carrying a data transmission chip is disclosed. The stud is unidirectionally flexible, and can only be inserted into the antenna card one time and in one direction. Insertion of the stud into the antenna card creates an electrical contact between the data transmission chip and the antenna, extending the communicative range of the data transmission chip.

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: The invention concerns an identification tag consisting of a first (10) and a second plate (12) one of which (12) is provided with a rod (24) having a perforating and retaining head (32), defining a first axis, to form a male element and the other (10) comprises an orifice (26) for receiving and maintaining the head (32) of the rod (24) and constituting a female element. The invention is characterized in that the plates (12) are linked to each other articulated about a second axis, with a hinge (14) formed by: at least a knuckle (16), secured to the first plate (10), a pivot (18) coaxial with and engaged in the knuckle (16) and an elastic member arranged so as to be deformed when a force exceeding a threshold value is applied, thereby enabling the pivot (18) to be released from the knuckle (16).

Abstract: The carrier is designed as an ear stud and is composed of a disk-shaped first part (1) having a circular lateral edge (4) which is raised relative to a first side (2) of the first part (1) and which is provided with a circular slot (6) accommodating the antenna winding (22) of a transponder. An electronic component (20) of the transponder is arranged on the first side (2) of the first part (1). A cylindrical second part (16) extends from a first side (2) of the disk-shaped first part (1) in a direction away from the first side (2). The carrier is provided with a passage (12) extending, via the second part (16), from a second side (28) of the first part (1) located opposite the first side (2) of the first part (1) to the first side (2) of the first part (1), for attaching a label (32) to the carrier.

Abstract: An identification tag is described in which a first tag member is formed of a polymer and includes a front surface. A second tag member, also formed of a polymer but that visually contrasts with the first tag member, includes slots formed as visual indicia that extend through the second tag member. The second tag member is welded to the first tag member to expose the front surface of the first tag member through the slots.

Abstract: A tamper-proof electronic animal identification tag comprising and antenna card carrying an antenna and a stud carrying a data transmission chip is disclosed. The stud is unidirectionally flexible, and can only be inserted into the antenna card one time and in one direction. Insertion of the stud into the antenna card creates an electrical contact between the data transmission chip and the antenna, extending the communicative range of the data transmission chip.

Abstract: A livestock tag locking system device, comprising 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: An identification tag is described in which a first tag member is formed of a polymer and includes a front surface. A second tag member, also formed of a polymer but that visually contrasts with the first tag member, includes slots formed as visual indicia that extend through the second tag member. The second tag member is welded to the first tag member to expose the front surface of the first tag member through the slots.

Abstract: An animal ear tag having a male component including a main body portion, a neck portion extending from the main body portion and a tip portion for engagement with a female component. The distal end of the neck portion from the body portion provides a base for the tip portion. The tip portion is of pyramidal shape with at least three upper edges converging at the apex. The tip portion includes hollow areas between an internal core and two opposite pyramidal faces into which corresponding protrusions of the base of the neck portion interlock.

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 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 padlock type marking seal having a receiving body (2) with internal locking teeth (4) to receive the tip (9) of a loop of the seal that is integral with the body, and there being a marking tab (6) also integral with the body (1). In order to improve seal application, to ensure autopenetration into the material to be marked (e.g. meat), the tip is sharpened and there is a stop (11) on the loop, adjacent to and behind the tip so as to allow an applicator device to force the sharpened point to penetrate the material to be marked. The loop of the seal has a reduced thickness region defining a pivot point (8) with respect to the body, and the part (7) of the loop between the first end and the sharpened tip is substantially in the form of the arc of a circle. A reception cavity (3) in the body of the seal has an axis substantially tangential to the arc when the loop is pivoted about the pivot point, until its tip begins to enter said cavity.

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: 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: An animal tracing system having a parasitic premise information panel for attachment to the stud of an ear tag for use in determining the history and origins of an animal after the animal has been slaughtered, the premise information panel contains a bar code and a numeric code to reveal an animal's history and origin, the panel having sufficient strength to remain attached to the identification panel in day-to-day wear but of sufficient weakness so that a user can remove the premise information panel from the animal ear tag without removing the ear tag from the animal carcass and, along with a blood sample, store the panel therewith until a later date, at which time the premise identification information can be referred to a blood test reveals that the animal has a disease. The tainted carcass can be quickly identified by cross-referencing the premise information panel to the ear tag remaining on the carcass.

Abstract: An ear tag is provided which includes a locking member for multi-purpose storage of desired articles. In the first embodiment, the locking member is a transverse portion including a cutting tip for engaging a visual display panel of the ear tag. In another embodiment, the cutting tip may be formed integral with the panel and the transverse portion may include an opening for receiving the cutting tip. In another embodiment, the locking member may be of a conical shape. In yet another embodiment, a two-piece locking assembly is characterized by a retaining section and a cutting tip attached thereto, and a transverse portion which is engaged by the retaining section. Various types of cutting tips are disclosed and additional transverse portions may be provided for additional storage for desired articles. The ear tag is compatible for installation by standard ear tag installation tools.

Abstract: An ear tag for marking an animal includes a first tag part and a second tag part having an accommodation opening. A pin has a conically pointed head at one end for passing through the accommodation opening, and the pin connects to the first tag part at its other end. A shank extends between the head and the first tag part. The head includes a cutting body having cutting edges extending generally away from the conical point toward the shank. The cutting body is embedded in the head with the cutting edges defining an outer surface of the head. The cutting body is harder than an embedding material of the head. Forces required to attach the ear tag are reduced by cutting action of the cutting edges.

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 is 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: 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 carrier (10) for an electronic identification device which permits the electronic device to be attached to an object to be identified. The electronic device is integrally moulded into the carrier (10). The electronic device is associated with a housing (14) which is moulded into the carrier. The housing (14) can be annular and coaxially located with an opening (12) in a panel (11) whereupon the housing (14) is encapsulated within encasing material (15) during actual moulding of carrier (10). Carrier (10) is preferably a female component of a two piece animal ear tag.

Abstract: An animal number ear tag is provided that consists of an improved number tag element that is fastened to a lock pin and is suspended from the ear of an animal. The entire surface area of the lock pin is plated or coated with a layer of temperature-sensitive ink and when the set temperature of the aforesaid temperature-sensitive ink is exceeded, an instantaneous color difference is manifested. The lock pin is in contact with the skin of the animal's ear, therefore, the lock pin not only provides for the ensured positioning of the number tag element, but also indicates whether the animal develops a fever during the growth process. Since such a phenomenon is immediately observed, treatment can be applied earlier, thereby effectively providing for the reduction of unnecessary losses and degree of danger to the animal.

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 snug fitting two-piece tagging system which employs a low-grade spring function therein. The present invention provides a piercing stud coupled to a domed shaped member. The compressible domed shaped member may have an outer surface which is domed away from the piercing stud and is concavely rounded on the inner surface from which the stud emanates. Further, the compressible domed shaped piercing stud may be formed from a flexible material. In this configuration, the compressible domed shape piercing stud functions as a low-grade spring which may be slightly compressed upon installation. That is, the piercing stud base may be snug against the tagged material around the contacting perimeter, leaving no gap to snag a foreign object.Another embodiment of the present invention allows for interruption of contact around the contacting perimeter of the compressible domed shaped member to prevent the entrapment of moisture or the like in and around the compressible domed shaped member.

Abstract: The identification device for animals or articles is internally provided with an electronic identification circuit enabling automatic remote detection of the code of the identification device. The identification device comprises a member comprising the identification circuit and a member serving for attachment. The member comprising the identification circuit is made of hard material. The external shape of this member, starting from a base which in operation abuts against the article or the animal, narrows substantially taperingly and smoothly to an end which in operation is located remote from the article or animal, so that this member cannot be gripped by another animal between its teeth or be caught on obstacles or other objects.

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.