Device and method for animal identification

Abstract

Methods and device for marking animals are disclosed. An ear tag configurable for attachment to a rodent ear, e.g., a mouse ear, is presented, wherein the ear tag includes a color-coded image, an alphanumeric character string, a bar code and/or a visual signage. The tag may include the visual identifier and an RFID device. A card may be provided that redundantly displays some or all of the visual identifier. An applicator is alternately or additionally provided that removes separated elements of the tag from a tray force generated by manual compression of a pair of handles of the applicator, and additionally includes jaws that compress towards each other when the handles are initially compressed, yet splay and release the tag elements as additional compressive force is applied to the handles.

1 . An animal identification tag comprising:
 an outer element having an external surface;   attachment means coupled with the outer element and configured to attach the outer element with an ear of an animal; and   the outer element external surface bearing a visual image, the visual image for identifying the animal.   
     
     
         2 . The tag of  claim 1 , wherein the outer element external surface further comprises a bar code pattern, the bar code pattern for identifying the animal. 
     
     
         3 . The tag of  claim 2 , wherein the bar code is a two dimensional bar code. 
     
     
         4 . The tag of  claim 1 , wherein the tag presents at least one chromatically distinct colored surface area. 
     
     
         3 . The tag of  claim 1 , wherein the tag presents a plurality of separate and chromatically distinct colored areas. 
     
     
         6 . The tag of  claim 1 , wherein the tag further comprises an RFID device, the RFID coded with a serial number for distinguishing the tag from a plurality of tags. 
     
     
         7 . The tag of  claim 1 , wherein the tag is configured for attachment to an animal selected from the animal group consisting of a rodent, a mouse, a rat, a fells domesticus, a mole, a vole, an opossum, and a rabbit. 
     
     
         8 . The tag of  claim 1 , wherein the external surface of the outer element has a planar surface area of approximately 4 millimeters by 4 millimeters. 
     
     
         9 . The tag of  claim 8 , wherein the tag is configured for attachment to a small animal ear. 
     
     
         10 . The tag of  claim 9 , wherein the external surface of the outer element has a planar surface area of approximately 4 millimeters by 4 millimeters. 
     
     
         11 . The tag of  claim 1 , wherein the outer element is configured for separated positioning by a first arm of a tag applicator, and the attachment means is configured for separated positioning by a second arm of the tag applicator. 
     
     
         12 . The tag of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment means comprises:
 a shaft with a cutting tip; and   a receiver, the receiver configured for accepting and capturing the cutting tip, wherein the shaft extends through the ear and the tag is attached to the ear.   
     
     
         13 . The tag of  claim 12 , wherein the shaft further comprises a shaft element located distal from the cutting tip, and the receiver is attached to the outer element, wherein the shaft element is configured to inhibit withdrawal of the shaft from the animal ear. 
     
     
         14 . An animal identification tag comprising:
 an outer element having an external surface;   attachment means coupled with the outer element and configured to attach the outer element with an ear of an animal;   the outer element external surface bearing a bar code pattern; and   the tag is configured for attachment to an ear without substantial deformation of the ear.   
     
     
         15 . The tag of  claim 14 , wherein the bar code is a two dimensional bar code. 
     
     
         16 . The tag of  claim 14 , the outer element external surface further comprising a visual image, the visual image for distinguishing the tag from a plurality of tags. 
     
     
         17 . The tag of  claim 15 , wherein the bar code pattern and the visual image are representations of a same identification number. 
     
     
         18 . The tag of  claim 14 , wherein the outer element is configured for separated positioning by a first arm of a tag applicator, and the attachment means is configured for separated positioning by a second arm of the tag applicator. 
     
     
         19 . The tag of  claim 14 , further comprising a card, the card visually presenting a duplicate representation of the bar code pattern or other visual identification such as animal identification number, wherein the card is attached to a cage containing the animal. 
     
     
         20 . The tag of  claim 14 , further comprising a label, the label visually presenting a duplicate representation of the bar code pattern or other visual identification such as animal identification number, whereby the sticker is associated with an object that is related to the animal. 
     
     
         21 . A method for identifying animals, the method comprising:
 forming a tag, the tag comprising two separate visual markings, wherein each visual marking is a representation of one or more identification numbers for uniquely identifying an animal; and   attaching the tag to an ear of the animal.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the tag is worn during a course of study of the animal. 
     
     
         23 . A device comprising:
 a first arm having a first handle and a first jaw configured to friction fit a first tag part;   a second arm rotatably coupled with the first arm, the second arm having a second handle and a second jaw configured to friction fit a second tag part;   the first arm having a first post, the first post extending from the first arm and configured to transfer a mechanical force to the second jaw, wherein the first handle and the second handle are manually compressed together to first couple the first tag part and the second tag part, and further compression of the first handle and the second handle transfers force from the first jaw through the first post and to the second jaw, whereby the first and second jaw are driven apart and the first tag part and the second tag part are released from the device.   
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 23 , further comprising a second post, the second post extending from the second arm and configured to transfer a mechanical force to the first jaw, wherein the first handle and the second handle are manually compressed together to first couple the first tag part and the second tag part, and further compression of the first handle and the second handle transfers force from the second jaw through the second post and to the first jaw, whereby the first and second jaw are driven apart and the first tag part and the second tag part are released from the device.