Abstract: The invention relates to a device for marking animals and simultaneously taking samples. The present invention especially relates to a device by which means such steps can be simultaneously carried out, using conventional earmarks.

Abstract: An animal tag application apparatus is provided which comprises a body (1) and a pivoting lever (2). The lever (2) has attached thereto a push rod (3) and actuating member (4) which act as the operating means for both the applicator jaws which apply the tag (8) to the animal and a tag delivery means which pushes subsequent tags into the jaws. The delivery means comprises a toothed gear wheel (11) that is acted upon by ratchet mechanism to rotate the wheel and hence push the tags into the applicator jaws. A guide may also be provided to ensure smooth movement of the tags under the action of the delivery means. Thus, the operating means of the apparatus operates both the application of the tag and the delivery of the subsequent tag from a single operation of the lever (2). Tags adapted for use the apparatus are also disclosed.

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 tag attaching device which can surely hold a tag hooked on a hollow needle projected from a front end portion of the tag attaching device. The device includes a main body 20, a gripping portion provided beneath the main body 20 and a lever 4 projected in front of the grip and swingably supported by the main body with a resilience force, and by driving the lever 4, a piston is moved forward via an internal mechanism so that a tag fastening element can be shot out. The device is characterized in that it provided with a tag holding member to tentatively hold a tag at a front of the main body.

Abstract: The presence of a device that is implanted under the skin of a subject and that stores information that can be read by an external device is indicated by an externally visible marking on the skin of the subject.

Abstract: Apparatus for implanting a transponder into living beings, such as animals or fish includes an injector, such as a syringe, and a transponder support slidably disposed within a barrel of the injector and a transponder slidably disposed within the transponder support. A plunger is provided for causing sliding movement of the transponder within the transponder support. The injector with the associated transponder and transponder support are contained in a sterile package. In use, the injector is removed from the sterile package and a cannula is associated with the transponder.

Abstract: A pellet implant system and method of implanting a plurality of implants that include at least one pharmaceutical pellet implant and at least one non-pharmaceutical device implant in an animal or human in a single combined procedure. The system includes (1) an implanter apparatus for subcutaneously implanting pharmaceutical pellets or implantable non-pharmaceutical devices in an animal or human through the bore of a hypodermic needle, and (2) a plurality of pellets that include that include at least one pharmaceutical pellet and at least one non-pharmaceutical device pellet sized to be implanted through the needle. The needle is used to puncture the skin of the animal or human. Pellets are delivered under the skin of the animal or human into the through the needle in a single injection. The system minimizes the number of skin punctures required for implanting multiple implants in an animal or human, thus reducing the risk of infection in the animal or human associated with the implant administration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling optical components and a substrate. A glass coating is located at the inner base between the optical component and the substrate. The assembly of the component, substrate and glass coating can be used in the field of imaging and in particular for endoscopy.

Abstract: An animal ear tag applicator has first and second jaws moveable radially towards each other by a pair of pivotally connected handles. The jaws are biased to an open position and the first jaw with its male tag engaging pin is forced to move to an open position independently of the handles once the male ear tag has fully engaged with the animal's ear. The pin is angled forwardly so that with the radial movement of the first jaw the pin is at substantially 90° as the animal's ear is engaged and the pin is able to move beyond the 90° position before the first jaw opens. In one embodiment, the pin is pivoted on the first jaw to reduce the likelihood of the male and female tags jamming in the applicator.

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: Medical devices that have a novel mechanical trap(s) on the distal end of a shaft that is used for the removal of material from the body. Further an expandable channel is included to entrap the material that aid with removal or obliteration of tissue or foreign bodies is disclosed.

Abstract: An animal tagging system that includes a punch assembly, a pen mechanism and a tag securing assembly. The punch assembly includes a spring biased handle assembly in connection with a set of punch jaws for punching hole through an animals ear. The handle assembly includes first and second handle ends. The pen mechanism and the tag securing assembly are storable in connection with the first and second handle ends of the handle assembly.

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 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: An apparatus for fitting ear tags in animal ears (40) is described. Such devices serve to distinguish animals, especially pigs. According to the invention two magazines (9, 10) are provided for ear tag parts (18, 19), which slide down in the magazines (9, 10) through gravity. The one ear tag part (18) is removed from the magazine (9) by a punch (12), which is actuated by a pedal, pushed through the animal's ear and connected to the other ear tag part (19). The ear tag parts (18, 19) are held before this fitting operation in positioning means (31, 32) arranged below the magazines (9, 10) and arranged thereby in fitting positions.

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: 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: Objective of this InventionThe present invention provides a stud that is used to pierce an earlobe and that eliminates the need for a needle-like tip or a fixture such as a clasp following piercing.Description of Claspless stud for piercingA lock 12 that is larger than the diameter of the shaft 11 is formed at one end of the shaft 11. A sharp end piece 13 that is penetrated into the earlobe to form a through hole therein is formed at the tip of the lock 12 so that it can be detached from the shaft 11.

Abstract: A device for equipping birds with transponders (21) is not in the form of a foot ring but a wing tag (11) ; with the particularity that one of the at least two stiff plastic limbs (12') which are connected together at respective ends by way of a bending yoke (13) is provided with a trough-shaped or pocket-shaped receiving means (22) for a tube transponder (21) . Preferably, in the case of a three-limbed construction, a cover limb (12") which is reversibly latchable to the transponder limb (12') , when the tag (11) is still open, is disposed in the longitudinal direction between the transponder limb (12') and a rearward holding limb (12) which in turn, at its free limb end (15), can be positively lockingly connected to the cover limb (12") by means of a barb-type pin (17) , opposite the latching means, with a wing bone being engaged therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the application of collars to deer and other wild or domestic animals. The apparatus may be adapted for use with collars formed from flexible, relatively non-resilient material which have attachable ends, as well as collars formed from resiliently coiled materials. The apparatus includes a support assembly for holding a collar in an open position with its ends spaced apart from one another, and a trigger for effecting application of the collar when an animal places its neck over the support. When flexible, non-resilient collars are employed, the support is also adapted to propel at least one end of the collar about the animal's neck and contact the opposite end of the collar. The apparatus may also be employed in combination with an animal feeder or bait station to attract animals in the wild.

Abstract: A cannula for deposition of an object in the body of a living organism, comprising a cannula holder having a first handle and a sleeve with a second handle surrounding said cannula holder at least in part and being axially movable in relation thereto, and having a mandrin extending inside the cannula, said object such as a medical long-term preparation, identification carrier or capsule containing a radioactive substance being depositable by a relative movement between the mandrin and the cannula receiving the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing a transponder in a living being wherein the transponder itself is outfitted with a sharpened member attached to the injection end of a transponder. The sharpened member comes in contact with the skin before the transponder thereby creating an opening in the skin such that the transponder can be blunt edged and move into the opening easily. The sharpened member is preferably constructed of a bio-compatible, preferably biodegradable material which may carry medication additionally.

Abstract: An implanter for inserting implants such as microchips, medicants or other such devices under the skin of animals or humans. The implanter has a tubular implanter body with an interior wall which has a feature for retaining the implant, a hollow needle integral with the implanter body, and a push rod which engages the implant and pushes it through the hollow needle and into the animal or human. One end of the push rod is bent so that when the push rod is operationally disposed in the implanter body, the bent end is forced to become nearly straight, which provides friction force between the push rod and the interior wall of the implanter body to keep the push rod from falling out of the implanter body. The other end of the push rod has a knob which the user manually engages to depress the push rod. An implanter of the present invention accommodates typical manufacturing variations in the inside diameter of the implanter body or of the push rod with imperceptible changes in friction load on the push rod.

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 manual piercing device which can pierce a hole on a person's earlobe or other body parts. The piercing device utilizes the earring post of the earring to pierce the person's earlobe. It comprises an interchangeable disposable rubber sleeve and a rubber cup member for maintaining the piercing device sanitary. The piercing device will not contact any part of the person's body part when piercing the hole and will not spread any diseases.

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: A device that provides a control system which is capable of positively preventing a semiconductor from suffering from latch up. In order to prevent this latch up, a control circuit controls the semiconductor through a power source switch. The control circuit is capable of supplying a constant voltage to a power source terminal of the semiconductor when it is electrically connected to the power source circuit by turning on the power source switch, and thereafter supplying a control signal to a control terminal of the semiconductor. The control circuit is capable of stopping the output of the control signal to the control terminal and then stopping the supply of voltage to the power source terminal when disconnected from the power source circuit by turning off the power source.

Abstract: An ear tag applicator having pivotally connected handles each having a jaw. One of the jaws has a tag engaging pin which is biased into a nearly perpendicular orientation with respect to the opposing jaw. A biasing spring allows the pin and the tag held thereby to pivot relative to the jaw at all times so that the device will not tear or rip the animals ear during its application.

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: Injector for inserting objects such as transponders (4) into a living being. The injector is provided with positioning means for fixing the position of the insertion needle (9) relative to the living being. These positioning means comprise a pin (5) designed to rest with the shank thereof against a part of the living being, such as the head (1) . The position of the insertion needle (9) can thereby be determined irrespective of differences occurring from one animal to another.

Abstract: An implanter for implanting an implant (3) in an animate being (14) includes a housing (15) on which the inner end of a hollow injection needle (2) is mounted, a plunger (6) mounted in the housing and adapted to extend into the hollow needle through the inner end of the needle, and a locking element (8, 32) for engaging with and retaining the plunger (6) against the force of compression spring (7) in a position where the plunger extends into the hollow needle for a predetermined distance. The locking element is part of a release device (9, 10; 30, 31, 33) which abuts the body (14) of the animate being when the injection needle has been introduced into the body to a predetermined depth to automatically unlock the locking element. The plunger is then forced by the spring (7) against an implant (3) disposed in operation in the injection needle for retaining the implant in the body when the injection needle is retracted from the body.

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: An improved transponder for transmitting an identification of an animal or the like is described which is sufficiently miniaturized to be syringe-implantable, thus avoiding the necessity of surgical procedures. The transponder comprises a coil which receives an interrogation signal and transmits an identification signal in response thereto. The transponder receives the energy required for transmission by inductive coupling to an interrogator. A single integrated circuit chip is provided which detects the interrogation signal, rectifies it to generate power needed for transmission, stores an identification of the transponder and hence of the animal in which it is implanted, and generates a frequency-shift-keyed, Manchester encoded identification signal in response to the interrogation signal. The device transmits the identification signal in real time, that is, immediately upon commencement of the interrogation signal, such that no discrete elements for energy storage are required.

Abstract: Method for inserting of a transponder into a living being using a guide. Introduction of the transponder is effected near the base of the ear. The guide (needle) is inserted in a position into the skin being situated between the base of the ear flap and the part of the triangular piece of cartilage (the cartilago scutiformis) lying closest to the skin.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing identification tags on animals, composed of two symmetric parallel sections, each of which has, in its central part, a gap, both sections being connected to each other by means of rectangular metal strips that have the same form, overlapping and crosswise to each other, these being connected by a pin which carries a spring the ends of which are fixed to pins which connect the metal strip to the corresponding section of the apparatus in a rotatable manner, mentioned metal strips having, at their opposite ends, "L"-shaped gaps which have pins perpendicular to the sides of the corresponding section, that go through mentioned sides, and are fixed to the sides in such a manner as to, when the two sections close upon closing the handle ends of the apparatus, the tag is closed, at which instant the corresponding pins reach the juncture of the two sides of the "L"-shaped gap, the pin afterwards proceeding up the shorter leg of the "L"-shaped gap as pressure is maintained on the handles, resulting

Abstract: An ear tag applicator tool for applying a tag of the type having a portion which is able to be passed through an opening in the ear of an animal and the tag then bent into a substantially annular shape. The applicator tool has engagement means for engaging with the tag and being operable to force the portion of the tag through the ear of an animal and then bend the tag into a substantially annular shape. The applicator tool is characterized by an ear support surface which is substantially normal to the line of movement of the portion of the tag as the portion of the tag engages with and passes at least part way through the ear.

Abstract: An implant gun for implanting an insert or pellet into or below tissue of an animal. The gun has a body comprising a barrel, a hand grip and a trigger mounted on the hand grip for successive manual firing operations. At least a portion of the barrel defines a guideway along which a series of pellets are movable to present each, in turn, to a discharge position from which it can be discharged from the gun. The body houses discharge and advance mechanisms, with the discharge mechanism being operable by manual operation of the trigger in a firing operation, to discharge from the barrel a pellet presented to the discharge position and the advance mechanism being operable to index the series of pellets along the guideway.

Abstract: In a method for tagging members of a large group of macro-organisms so that each macro-organism is assigned to a respective subgroup, successive segments of wire are cut from a continuous length of wire. During implantation, a tag is ejected and stored to define the beginning of a set of successive tags corresponding to a subgroup of macro-organisms. The tags of that subgroup are then severed from the length of wire and implanted into respective members of the particular subgroup. Subsequently, another tag is severed from the wire and stored to mark the end of the subgroup. Upon capture of a member of a subgroup, the tag is excised, the respective multidigit code is read and compared with the multidigit codes of the stored tags to determine to which subgroup the captured macro-organism belongs.

Abstract: A tagging device, such as for ears of livestock, driven by a pressurized fluid source is disclosed. The manually controlled pneumatic applicator described utilizes pressurized air for activation to pierce the ear and set the tag as well as retract the piercing element. The applicator is particularly adapted for use with either one-piece or multiple-piece tags.

Abstract: An applicator tool for applying identification tags to animals having a movable applicator member which is lever controllable. A magazine into which a plurality of tags can be individually loaded is mounted on the applicator such that it can be indexed to place a tag located therein into a position whereby the applicator member can engage, during operation of the applicator tool, with a part of the tag. That part of the tag can then be moved through an opening in the portion of the animal to which the tag is to be applied such that the tag becomes installed in that portion of the animal.

Abstract: An animal identification system for swine or other livestock employs an identification implant or pellet consisting of food grade material and imprinted with information to identify the source of the animal and its carcass after slaughter. The pellet is implanted under the hide or skin of the animal for purposes of identification. In the case of swine, the identification pellet is located in the fat layer of the shoulder area underneath its hide or skin. The pellet and the imprinted information consist of food grade material which is capable of being dissolved with the fat layer or disintegrated into cracklings in a rendering process. The pellet remains in the carcass after the animal is slaughtered until its removal to permit identification of the source of the animal. If the pellet is not removed, it is either dissolved with the fat of the animal or disintegrated into cracklings in the rendering process.

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.