Improvements in apparatus for animals

Abstract

Improvements in devices for animals, such as animal tag applicators, animal tissue sample extractors, and animal puncture devices, comprising: a first body portion comprising: a first jaw portion configured to be able to engage a first portion of an animal tag; a first handle portion; and a first central portion between the first jaw portion and the first handle portion; a second body portion comprising: a second jaw portion configured to be able to engage a second portion of an animal tag; a second handle portion; and a second central portion between the second jaw portion and the second handle portion; and a clamp bushing configured to be able to hold the first central portion and the second central portion together; wherein an outer surface of the first central portion comprises a border around an outer edge of the outer surface of the first central portion, and an outer surface of the second central portion comprises a border around an outer edge of the outer surface of the second central portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements of devices for animals, such as animal tag applicators, animal tissue sample extractors, and animal puncture devices, including but not limited to these devices in the form of hand-held forceps devices. Background Technology

[0002] When raising livestock (such as sheep, cattle, goats, or deer), many devices are used. These devices include animal tagging devices, animal tissue sample extractors, animal puncture devices, and devices that perform multiple of these functions simultaneously or sequentially. Each of these devices has a pair of jaws, which close or move to perform their function.

[0003] An animal tag applicator is used to apply animal tags to animals. The tag can be attached to each animal for identification. For example, it can be an ear tag attached through the cartilage of the animal's ear. In this implementation, such a tag can be applied using an applicator.

[0004] One type of tag is a two-piece tag having a male portion configured to engage with a female portion. In one embodiment, the dispenser is loaded with both the female and male portions of the tag. After the user positions the loaded dispenser in the appropriate position on the animal's ear, the user triggers the dispenser. This causes the male portion to pierce the animal's ear and permanently attach to the animal.

[0005] Another type of tag is an integrated tag, which has a barbed end configured to remain in the animal's ear. In this implementation, the dispenser is loaded with the integrated tag. After the user positions the loaded dispenser in the appropriate position in the animal's ear, the user triggers the dispenser. This causes the barbed end to pierce the animal's ear, retaining the tag in the ear through the barbs.

[0006] A portion of meat can be extracted from an animal using an animal tissue sample extractor. In one embodiment, the device has a piercing member on one side of the jaws and a collecting member on the other side. For example, after the user positions the dispenser appropriately in the animal's ear, the user triggers the dispenser. This causes the piercing member to cut off a portion of the animal's ear, which is then retained in the collecting member. The tissue sample can be used to test the animal's health or other characteristics.

[0007] Animal piercing devices can also be used to create holes in a part of an animal. This can create an opening in the animal's ear or other body part to allow the insertion of a tag or other device. In one embodiment, the device has a punch at one end of the jaws. After the user positions the device on the appropriate part of the animal (e.g., on the cartilage of the animal's ear), the user triggers the device. This causes the punch to cut a hole in the animal's body part.

[0008] In some cases, the device may be a hand-held pliers device. These devices have the form of handles, which, when pressed together, actuate the device and cause the jaws to close or move.

[0009] The device can be a power-assisted device, wherein the user's squeezing of the handle is assisted by an actuator, motor, or other mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the device can be part of an automated system, wherein the user does not manually press the handles together, but actuates the jaws via an actuator, motor, or other mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanism (e.g., in response to the user pressing a button or a triggered sensor). Summary of the Invention

[0010] In the first example, an animal tagging applicator is provided, including:

[0011] The first main body includes:

[0012] The first jaw portion is configured to engage the first part of the animal tag;

[0013] First handle section; and

[0014] A first central portion, which is located between a first jaw portion and a first handle portion;

[0015] The second main body includes:

[0016] The second jaw portion is configured to engage the second part of the animal tag;

[0017] The second handle section; and

[0018] The second central portion is located between the second jaw portion and the second handle portion; and

[0019] The clamp bushing is configured to hold the first and second center portions together.

[0020] The outer surface of the first central portion includes a boundary surrounding the outer edge of the outer surface of the first central portion, and the outer surface of the second central portion includes a boundary surrounding the outer edge of the outer surface of the second central portion.

[0021] In the second example, the animal tag applicator described in the first example is provided, wherein the height of the boundary relative to the corresponding outer surface is between approximately 0.1 mm and approximately 0.5 mm.

[0022] In the third example, the animal tag applicator described in the second example is provided, wherein the height of the boundary relative to the corresponding outer surface is approximately 0.3 mm.

[0023] In the fourth example, an animal tagging applicator as described in any of the first to third examples is provided, wherein the clamp bushing is configured to restrict the movement of the first and second central portions within the clamp bushing from one side to the other.

[0024] In the fifth example, an animal tagging applicator as described in any of the first to fourth examples is provided, wherein the gap between the inner surface of the clamp bushing and the boundary of the first central portion is approximately 0.1 mm, and the gap between the inner surface of the clamp bushing and the boundary of the second central portion is approximately 0.1 mm.

[0025] In the sixth example, an animal tagging applicator as described in any of the first to fifth examples is provided, wherein the clamp bushing is configured to minimize friction when the first central portion and / or the second central portion moves relative to the clamp bushing.

[0026] In the seventh example, an animal tagging applicator as described in any one of the first to sixth examples is provided, wherein the gap between the inner surface of the clamp bushing and the first central portion (excluding the boundary) is approximately 0.3 mm, and the gap between the inner surface of the clamp bushing and the second central portion (excluding the boundary) is approximately 0.3 mm.

[0027] In the eighth example, an animal tagging applicator as described in any of the first through seventh examples is provided, wherein a force of less than approximately 400 N is required to move the animal tagging applicator to the closed position.

[0028] In the ninth example, an animal tagging applicator is provided, including:

[0029] The first main body includes:

[0030] The first jaw portion is configured to engage the first part of the animal tag;

[0031] First handle section; and

[0032] A first central portion, which is located between a first jaw portion and a first handle portion;

[0033] The second main body includes:

[0034] The second jaw portion is configured to engage the second part of the animal tag;

[0035] The second handle section; and

[0036] The second central portion is located between the second jaw portion and the second handle portion; and

[0037] The low-friction clamp bushing is configured to hold the first and second center portions together.

[0038] Each of the first handle portion and the second handle portion includes:

[0039] Shoulder, the shoulder is proximal;

[0040] The bent end, located at the distal end of the handle portion; and

[0041] The handle is located between the shoulder and the bend.

[0042] The tenth example provides the animal tagging applicator described in the ninth example, and also includes:

[0043] A helical spring is configured to bias the first handle portion and the second handle portion apart.

[0044] Each of the first handle portion and the second handle portion further includes:

[0045] The recess, configured to hold the corresponding end of the helical spring, is spaced laterally from the corresponding shoulder.

[0046] In the eleventh example, an animal tag applicator as described in the ninth or tenth example is provided, wherein each shoulder has a curved profile.

[0047] In the twelfth example, an animal tag dispenser as described in any of the ninth to eleventh examples is provided, wherein the curved end is configured to guide the user's finger toward the corresponding handle.

[0048] In the thirteenth example, an animal tagging applicator as described in any of the ninth to twelfth examples is provided, wherein the handle is recessed relative to the corresponding curved end and shoulder.

[0049] In the fourteenth example, an animal tag dispenser as described in any of the ninth to thirteenth examples is provided, wherein the handle has a curved profile.

[0050] In the fifteenth example, an animal tagging applicator as described in any one of the ninth to fourteenth examples is provided, wherein the first handle portion and the second handle portion are configured to be usable by both hands.

[0051] In the sixteenth example, an animal tagging applicator is provided, including:

[0052] The first main body includes:

[0053] The first jaw portion is configured to engage the first part of the animal tag;

[0054] First handle section; and

[0055] A first central portion, which is located between a first jaw portion and a first handle portion;

[0056] The second main body includes:

[0057] The second jaw portion is configured to engage the second part of the animal tag;

[0058] The second handle section; and

[0059] The second central portion is located between the second jaw portion and the second handle portion; and

[0060] The clamp bushing is configured to hold the first and second center portions together.

[0061] The first central part includes the first groove;

[0062] The second central portion includes a post configured to fit into the first slot and move along the first slot as the dispenser moves between an open and closed position; and

[0063] When the post of the second central part contacts one end of the first slot, the dispenser is in the fully open position.

[0064] In the seventeenth example, the animal tag applicator described in the sixteenth example is provided, wherein:

[0065] The second central section includes the second trench;

[0066] The first central portion includes a post configured to fit into a second slot and move along the second slot as the dispenser moves between an open and closed position.

[0067] In the eighteenth example, an animal tagging applicator as described in the sixteenth example is provided, wherein, in the fully open position, the first jaw portion is spaced apart from the second handle portion, and the second jaw portion is spaced apart from the first handle portion.

[0068] In the nineteenth example, an animal tagging applicator is provided, comprising:

[0069] The first main body includes:

[0070] The first jaw portion is configured to engage the first part of the animal tag;

[0071] First handle section; and

[0072] A first central portion, which is located between a first jaw portion and a first handle portion;

[0073] The second main body includes:

[0074] The second jaw portion is configured to engage the second part of the animal tag;

[0075] The second handle section; and

[0076] The second central portion is located between the second jaw portion and the second handle portion; and

[0077] The clamp bushing is configured to hold the first and second center portions together; and

[0078] A variable force helical spring is configured to bias (bias) the first handle portion and the second handle portion separately.

[0079] In the twentieth example, an animal tag applicator as described in the nineteenth example is provided, wherein the variable force helical spring is a dual strain rate variable force spring configured to apply a first force in its first stretching (decompression) portion and a second force in its second stretching portion.

[0080] In the twenty-first example, an animal tag applicator as described in the twenty-tenth example is provided, wherein the switching between the first force and the second force during squeezing occurs between about 25% and about 75% of its stretch, or between about 40% and 60%, or about 50%.

[0081] In the twenty-second example, an animal tag applicator as described in the twenty-tenth or twenty-first example is provided, wherein the first force is a relatively low (small) force and the second force is a relatively high (large) force.

[0082] In the twenty-third example, an animal tag applicator as described in the twenty-second example is provided, wherein the low force is less than about 70%, or less than about 50%, or less than about 30% of the high force.

[0083] In the twenty-fourth example, an animal tag dispenser as described in any of the nineteenth to twenty-third examples is provided, wherein the spring is configured to apply a higher force when the pin of the first jaw portion is removed from the first portion of the animal tag. Attached Figure Description

[0084] This specification is presented by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments. However, these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to describe all embodiments in detail.

[0085] Figure 1An applicator according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0086] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The first main body part of the embodiment.

[0087] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The locking switcher in the embodiment.

[0088] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The second main body part of the embodiment.

[0089] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The clamp bushing of the embodiment.

[0090] Figure 6 An exemplary variable strain rate helical spring is shown.

[0091] Figure 7 A graph showing the force applied by an exemplary helical spring during deformation is shown.

[0092] Figure 8 It shows in Figure 1 The graph shows the force applied during the actuation process of the embodiment as a function of time. Detailed Implementation

[0093] This specification relates to improvements to devices for animals, such as animal tagging devices, animal tissue sample extractors, and animal puncture devices, including but not limited to those employing the form of handheld forceps. The specification and accompanying drawings illustrate a handheld animal tagging device as an example of how the principles can be applied to such a device. However, these improvements can be applied to any other such devices for animals operating on similar principles, including animal tissue sample extractors and / or animal puncture devices, whether such devices are handheld, automated, or power-assisted.

[0094] Figure 1 An overview of the applicator according to the first embodiment is shown.

[0095] The dispenser includes a first body portion 100 and a second body portion 200 engaged by a clamp bushing 300. The first body portion 100 and the second body portion 200 pivot relative to each other to allow the dispenser to move between an open position and a closed position. A male and female portion of a tag are attached to the respective ends of the first body portion 100 and the second body portion 200. When the dispenser is closed on an animal's ear, the male portion pierces the animal's ear and permanently engages with a hole in the female portion.

[0096] First Main Body

[0097] Figure 2 The first main body portion 100 of the embodiment is shown in further detail.

[0098] The first body portion 100 includes a handle 110 at one end, a jaw portion 130 at the other end, and a central portion 120 between the handle 110 and the jaw portion 130. The edges of the first body portion 100 may be chamfered or rounded to avoid sharp corners. That is, the angle between any outer surfaces may be less than about 80°, or less than about 75°, or less than about 60°, or about 45°. This reduces the risk of injury or discomfort.

[0099] In the first arrangement, the handle 110, the center portion 120, and the jaw portion 130 can be formed as a single piece, for example by casting from steel (or another metal) and then being sandblasted and / or powder coated, by molding from plastic, or otherwise integrally formed from another material that provides sufficient durability.

[0100] In the second arrangement, one or more of the handle 110, the center portion 120, and the jaw portion 130 are individually formed and configured to be assembled together by connection. For example, the handle 110 and the jaw portion 130 may each be detachably (e.g., using screws) or permanently (e.g., using welding) attached to the center portion 120. The individually formed portions may each be formed of different materials, including steel (or another metal) that may be subsequently sandblasted and / or powder-coated, plastic, or another material that provides sufficient durability.

[0101] The first or second arrangement may be used in conjunction with the embodiments described, including in conjunction with the features described in the embodiments, without limitation.

[0102] The first main body portion 100 includes a handle 110 at one end. The handle 110 includes a grip 111. The grip 111 is configured to allow a user to apply force to the grip 111 with their hand during use. The grip 111 is configured to distribute the force evenly on the user's hand. For this purpose, the grip 111 may have a curved profile without any sharp or other discontinuous parts in the area that the user's hand contacts or may reasonably contact during daily use. By providing such a curved profile, there is no point where force is concentrated on the user's hand. For example, any raised domes or recessed notches are avoided. This avoids discomfort, blisters, or injuries caused by repeated use of the device. A groove 112 may be formed in the handle 110, opposite to the grip 111. The groove 112 may be configured to retain a spare pin, for example, by frictional engagement. The curved profiles of the handle 111 and the groove 112 can give the handle a generally saddle-shaped cross-section.

[0103] The handle 111 is defined at its distal end by a curved end 113. The curved end 113 bends away from the groove 112 and can guide the user's fingers toward the handle 111. When the user applies force to the handle 110, their fingers naturally slide toward the distal end of the handle 110. The curved end 113 gently resists this sliding and thus helps to allow the user's hand to remain in contact with the handle 111. This reduces the risk of the user dropping the dispenser and / or pulling the dispenser from the user's hand during use, and thus reduces the risk of injury or discomfort that may occur due to such a dropped or pulled-out dispenser, such as due to unintentional impact on the user, animal, or bystander.

[0104] The handle 111 is defined at its proximal end by a shoulder 114. The shoulder 114 prevents the user from gripping the first body portion 100 too close to the center portion 120. This reduces the chance of the user contacting the coil spring 320 and, additionally, positions the user's hand in a position that forms proper leverage. The shoulder 114 may have a curved profile to reduce concentrated pressure on the user's hand. Therefore, this reduces the risk of blisters or other injuries caused by friction from repeated use of the dispenser.

[0105] Shoulder 114 is integrally formed with block 115. The height 115Y of block 115 is greater than the height 111Y of handle 111. For example, the height 115Y can be between approximately 5 mm and 100 mm, or between approximately 10 mm and 70 mm, or approximately 20 mm larger than the height 111Y. Block 115 defines a recess 116 having a plug 117 formed at its center. Recess 116 is configured to receive and retain coil spring 320 and to position the plug 117 within the center of coil spring 320. Recess 116 is laterally spaced from shoulder 114 to prevent the user's hand from approaching coil spring 320 during use.

[0106] A latching recess 118 is formed in the outer surface of block 115. A switching groove is configured to receive a locking switch 140. The locking switch 140 is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position; in the locked position, the dispenser is held in a closed position, and in the unlocked position, the dispenser can move freely between an open position and a closed position. An opening 119 is formed at the bottom of the switching groove 118. Figure 3 The locking switch 140 is shown in more detail.

[0107] The height of block 115 can be roughly aligned with the height of one end of the bent end 113. This usually results in handle 111 being located within the groove.

[0108] The central portion 120 is generally arcuate. The outer surface 121 of the central portion 120 includes a boundary 122 surrounding the outer edge of the outer surface 121. The boundary 122 is a raised area of ​​the outer surface 121, and the height of the boundary 122 relative to the outer surface 121 can be between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, and particularly can be about 0.3 mm. This minimizes friction when the outer surface 121 rotates relative to the clamp bushing 300, because only the boundary 122 contacts the clamp bushing 300.

[0109] The inner surface 123 of the central portion 120 includes an arcuate groove 124 that extends substantially along its entire length. The depth of the groove 124 may be between approximately 2 mm and 20 mm, or between approximately 4 mm and 10 mm, or approximately 5 mm. A post 125 is mounted in the groove 124.

[0110] The jaw portion 130 is configured to retain elements for interaction with the animal's ear. Figure 4 In the example shown, the element can be a two-piece label, such that the jaw portion 130 includes a retainer 131 for holding the female portion of the label.

[0111] The retainer 131 includes a plate 132 pivotable about a pin 133. The plate 132 is U-shaped, defining the top of an opening. A spring 134 biases the plate 132 toward a cutout in the jaw portion 130. In use, the female portion of the tag is placed in the cutout, its hole aligned with the top of the opening in the plate 132. The biasing of the spring 134 pushes the plate 132 onto the female portion, which retains the female portion in the retainer 131 and prevents it from slipping out during use.

[0112] The width 120Z of the center portion 120 is smaller than the width 110Z of the handle 110 and the width 130Z of the jaw portion 130. The width 120Z can be less than approximately 70%, approximately 50%, or approximately 30% of the thickness 130Z. When viewed from the top (i.e., from the side of the handle 111), the center portion is offset to one side. This is to allow the center portion 120 to mate with the corresponding portion of the second body portion 200.

[0113] Locking switch

[0114] Figure 3 The locking switch (bolt) 140 is shown in further detail.

[0115] The locking switch 140 includes a switch member 141 pivotally mounted on a pin 142 within a switch member recess 118. A spring 146 may engage between a spring positioner 143 and a cavity 144 within the switch member 141 to bias the locking switch 140 to an unlocked position. The spring position 143 helps ensure that the spring is properly installed and remains within the switch member recess 118 during use.

[0116] The switching component 141 includes a key 145 at its distal end.

[0117] In use, when the dispenser is in the closed position, the user can press the switching component 141 against the spring 146 into the switching groove 118. This causes the key 145 to protrude through the opening 119 of the switching groove 118. The key 145 can then be received in the slot 126 of the central portion 120 and the slot 226 of the central portion 220. When the user releases force on the dispenser handle, the coil spring 320 pushes the key 145 against the slots 126 and 226. This prevents the dispenser from returning to the open position and thus locks the dispenser in the closed position.

[0118] To unlock the locking switch 140, the user squeezes the handle. This moves the key 145 out of slots 126 and 226 and allows the spring 146 to return the locking switch 140 to the unlocked position.

[0119] Second Main Body

[0120] Figure 4 The second main body part 200 is shown in further detail.

[0121] The second body portion 200 includes a handle 210 at one end, a jaw portion 230 at the other end, and a central portion 220 between the handle 210 and the jaw portion 230. The edges of the second body portion 200 may be chamfered or rounded to avoid sharp corners. That is, the angle between any outer surfaces may be less than about 80°, or less than about 75°, or less than about 60°, or about 45°. This reduces the risk of injury or discomfort.

[0122] The second body portion 200 may be generally similar to the first body portion 100, except that the jaw portion 230 includes a retainer 231 for the male portion.

[0123] In the first arrangement, the handle 210, the center portion 220, and the jaw portion 230 can be formed as a single piece, for example by casting from steel (or another metal) and then being sandblasted and / or powder coated, by molding from plastic, or otherwise integrally formed from another material that provides sufficient durability.

[0124] In the second arrangement, one or more of the handle 210, the center portion 220, and the jaw portion 230 are individually formed and configured to be assembled together by connection. For example, the handle 210 and the jaw portion 230 may each be detachably (e.g., using screws) or permanently (e.g., using welding) attached to the center portion 220. The individually formed portions may each be formed of different materials, including steel (or another metal), plastic, or another material that can be subsequently sandblasted and / or powder-coated to provide sufficient durability.

[0125] The first or second arrangement may be used in conjunction with the embodiments described, including in conjunction with the features described in the embodiments, without limitation.

[0126] More specifically, the second body portion 200 includes a handle 210 at one end. The handle 210 includes a grip 211. The grip 211 is configured to distribute force evenly on the user's hand. The grip 211 is configured to allow the user to apply force to the grip 211 with their hand during use. For this purpose, the grip 211 may have a curved profile without any sharp or other discontinuous parts in areas that the user's hand will contact or may reasonably contact during daily use. By providing this curved profile, there is no portion that concentrates force on the user's hand. For example, any raised domes or recessed notches are avoided. This avoids discomfort, blisters, or injury from repeated use. A groove 212 may be formed in the handle 210, opposite to the grip 211. The groove 212 may be configured to retain a spare pin, for example, through a frictional engagement. The curved profiles of the handle 211 and the groove 212 can give the handle a generally saddle-shaped cross-section.

[0127] The handle 211 is defined at its distal end by a curved end 213. The curved end 213 bends away from the groove 212 and can guide the user's fingers toward the handle 211. When the user applies force to the handle 210, their fingers naturally slide toward the distal end of the handle 210. The curved end 213 gently resists this sliding and thus helps to allow the user's hand to remain in contact with the handle 211. This reduces the risk of the user dropping the dispenser and eliminates the risk of injury or discomfort that may occur due to such a dropped or pulled-out dispenser, such as due to unintentional impact on the user, animal, or bystander.

[0128] The handle 211 is defined at its proximal end by a shoulder 214. The shoulder 214 prevents the user from gripping the second body portion 200 too close to the center portion 220. This reduces the chance of the user contacting the coil spring 320 and, additionally, positions the user's hand in a position that increases leverage. The shoulder 214 may have a curved profile to reduce the risk of injury to the user if they come into contact with the shoulder 214.

[0129] Shoulder 214 is integrally formed with block 215. The height 215Y of block 215 is greater than the height 211Y of handle 211. For example, height 215Y can be between approximately 5mm and 100mm, or between approximately 10mm and 70mm, or approximately 20mm larger than height 211Y. Block 215 defines a recess 216 having a pin 217 formed at its center. Recess 216 is configured to receive and retain coil spring 320 and to position pin 217 within the center of coil spring 320. Recess 216 is laterally spaced from shoulder 214 to prevent the user's hand from approaching coil spring 320 during use.

[0130] The height of block 215 can be roughly (basically) aligned with the height of one end of the bent end 213. This typically results in the handle 211 being located within the groove.

[0131] The central portion 220 is generally arcuate. The outer surface 221 of the central portion 220 includes a boundary 222 surrounding the outer edge of the outer surface 221. The height of the boundary 222 relative to the outer surface 221 can be between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, and particularly can be about 3 mm. This minimizes friction when the outer surface 221 rotates relative to the clamp bushing 300, since only the boundary 222 contacts the clamp bushing 300.

[0132] The inner surface 223 of the central portion 220 includes an arcuate groove 224 extending substantially along its entire length. The depth of the groove 224 can be between approximately 2 mm and 20 mm, or between approximately 4 mm and 10 mm, or approximately 5 mm. The groove 224 is configured to receive a post 125. Furthermore, the post 225 is mounted in the groove 224, and the post 225 is configured to be received within the groove 124. In this way, the post 125 and the post 225 can aid in the alignment of the groove 124 and the groove 224.

[0133] Furthermore, the positions of posts 125 and 225 relative to slots 124 and 224, respectively, determine how far the first main body portion 100 and the second main body portion will rotate between the closed and open positions. That is, once post 125 or post 225 is adjacent to one end of slot 224 or slot 124, respectively, the dispenser will be fully opened.

[0134] In some cases, posts 125 and 225 are positioned to maintain a distance between handle 110 and jaw portion 230, and between handle 210 and jaw portion 130, when the dispenser is fully open. The distance can be between approximately 5 mm and 30 mm, or between approximately 10 mm and 20 mm, or approximately 15 mm. This distance minimizes the risk of the user being pinched during dispenser operation.

[0135] Slots 126 and 226 are each formed as notches within the outer edges of the inner surfaces 123 and 223, respectively. Slots 126 and 226 are configured to engage with the locking switch 140.

[0136] The jaw portion 230 is configured to retain elements for interaction with the animal's ear. Figure 4In the example shown, this could be a two-part label, such that the jaw portion 230 includes a retainer 231 for holding the male portion of the label. An alternative is described below. The retainer 231 includes a hole 232 through which the shank of the pin 233 passes. A nut 234 engages with the pin 233 at the other end of the hole 232. This holds the pin 233 together with the jaw portion 230. The pin 233 can be replaced by removing the nut 234 and inserting a new pin 233.

[0137] The width of the center portion 220 (equal to the width 120Z of the center portion 120) is smaller than the width of the handle 210 and the width of the jaw portion 230 (equal to the width 110Z of the handle 110 and the width 130Z of the jaw portion 130, respectively), and may be approximately half or less of the thickness. When viewed from the top (i.e., from the side of the handle 211), the center portion 220 is offset to one side. This is to allow the center portion 220 to mate with the center portion 120 of the first body portion 100.

[0138] clamp bushing

[0139] Figure 5 An example of a clamp bushing 300 is shown. The clamp bushing 300 is configured to engage with a first body portion 100 and a second body portion 200 such that the first body portion 100 and the second body portion 200 can pivot relative to each other while maintaining engagement at their respective central portions 120, 220.

[0140] The clamp bushing 300 includes a pair of arcuate sides 301 configured to substantially match the size and shape of the center portions 120 and 220. A panel 302 is connected to the arcuate sides 301 at the inner edge of a bend. The outer edge of the bend is open to define a hollow 305 along the length of the clamp bushing 300. This gives the clamp bushing 300 a substantially saddle-shaped cross-section. A first cutout 303 and a second cutout 304 in the panel 302 are configured to engage with the center portion 120 near the jaw portion 130 and the center portion 220 near the jaw portion 230, respectively.

[0141] The clamp bushing 300 is configured to engage with the center portions 120 and 220, and has a tight fit abutting against the boundaries 122 of the center portion 120 and 222 of the center portion 220. For example, a gap of less than about 1 mm, less than about 0.5 mm, or about 0.1 mm or smaller may exist between the boundary 122 and the clamp bushing 300, or between the boundary 222 and the clamp bushing 300. This restricts lateral movement of the center portions 120 and 220 within the clamp bushing 300. However, in other cases, the clamp bushing 300 may not contact the outer surfaces of the center portions 120 or 220.

[0142] In the first example, to install the clamp bushing 300, the clamp bushing 300 is heated to soften the material without deforming it. For example, this may require heating the clamp bushing 300 to approximately 90°C. The clamp bushing 300 can then be fitted onto the center portion 120 and the center portion 220. Once cooled, the installed clamp bushing 300 has a tight fit abutting against the boundary 122 of the center portion 120 and the boundary 222 of the center portion 220.

[0143] In the second example, the clamp bushing 300 is configured to clamp onto the central portions 120 and 220. The clamp bushing 300 is formed of a flexible material that can be pushed onto the central portions 120 and 220. Once such force is applied, the clamp bushing 300 returns to its original shape, resulting in a tight fit between the boundary 122 of the central portion 120 and the boundary 222 of the central portion 220.

[0144] In the third example, the clamp bushing 300 can be formed from two or more complementary parts. Once these parts are located on the central part 120 and the central part 220, they can be joined together. The joining can be done by an adhesive (e.g., glue), by deformation (e.g., welding or melting), by a fastening device (e.g., screws or rivets), or by alternative means. This joining results in a tight fit between the complementary parts and the boundaries 122 of the central part 120 and 222 of the central part 220.

[0145] The minimal contact between the outer surface of the central portion 120 or central portion 220 and the clamp bushing 300 has a disproportionate (and beneficial) effect on the force required to actuate the dispenser. First, minimal contact directly reduces internal friction within the dispenser, thereby reducing the required force. Furthermore, reduced internal friction means that a lower tension coil spring 320 can be used. The force required by the coil spring 320 must be sufficient to allow the dispenser to return to its open position without user intervention, and is therefore determined by the internal friction of the dispenser. Thus, by reducing internal friction within the dispenser (e.g., by minimizing the widths of boundaries 122 and 222), a lower tension coil spring 320 can be permitted. This, in turn, means that a reduced force is required to actuate the dispenser.

[0146] In this way, the clamp bushing 300 can be a low-friction clamp bushing 300, wherein the contact between the clamp bushing 300 and the central portion 120 and the central portion 220 can be limited to the boundaries 122 and 222, rather than the substantially entire outer surface of the central portion 120 and the central portion 220.

[0147] coil spring

[0148] The coil spring 320 causes (drives) the handles 110 and 210 to separate, so that the hand-held clamp device returns to its open position. This occurs when the user reduces the pressure they apply to the handles 110 and 210.

[0149] In one embodiment, the helical spring 320 is a variable force spring. A variable force spring is a spring that applies force at a non-constant strain rate by stretching when returning from a compressed state to an initial (rest) state. This can be achieved by changing the pitch of the spring along its length, such that a first portion of the spring has a first pitch and a second portion of the spring has a second pitch.

[0150] The change in force can be linear. That is, the force applied by spring 320 starts with a first force, which linearly increases to a second force at the end of the stretching. The linearly increasing strain rate is determined by the change in the pitch of spring 320.

[0151] Alternatively, the variable force spring can be a dual-strain rate or multi-strain rate variable force spring, wherein the force applied by the spring during tension varies according to different strain rates. For example, in the case of a dual-strain rate spring, when the spring is stretched, the force applied by the spring increases at a first strain rate and then changes to increasing at a second strain rate. In the case of a multi-strain rate spring, when the spring is stretched, the force applied by the spring increases at multiple strain rates for the stretched portion.

[0152] Examples of double strain rate springs are as follows: Figure 6 As shown. The spring 620 shown (which can be used as a helical spring 320) includes a first segment 621, a second segment 622, and a transition segment 623 between the first segment 621 and the second segment 622. The first segment 621 may be shorter than, longer than, or the same as the second segment 622. The relationship between the lengths of the first segment 621 and the second segment 622 can be selected to adjust the proportion of time the spring applies the first force (corresponding to the first segment 621) relative to the time during which the spring applies the second force (corresponding to the second segment 622) during tension. In one example, the length of the resting first segment 621 is approximately 100%, approximately 120%, or greater than approximately 150% of the length of the second segment 622. The first segment 621 has a smaller pitch than the second segment 621, and may be less than 70%, less than approximately 50%, or less than approximately 30% of the pitch of the second segment 621.

[0153] Compared to the first segment 621 and the second segment 622, the transition segment 623 is relatively small and may be less than about 50%, or less than about 25%, or less than about 10% of the length of the first segment 621. The transition segment 623 is used for the transition between the pitch of the first segment 621 and the pitch of the second segment 622.

[0154] The switching from the first strain rate to the second strain rate can occur at any point during the opening process of the device (and in the case of a multi-strain rate spring, the switching between successive strain rates can occur at any point during the opening process). In practice, the switching is determined based on the type of device and its operation, but for example, it may occur between approximately 25% and approximately 75% of the spring's deformation, or between approximately 40% and 60%, or approximately 50% between the fully compressed and fully stretched (and initial) states during the opening process. In this context, the opening process refers to the movement of the device from a closed position where the handle is pressed (which typically occurs when the user presses the handle together) to an open position where the handle is fully open (which is typically the device's stationary state).

[0155] Providing a variable-force spring allows the spring force to be applied when it is most useful during the opening of the hand-held pliers device. Depending on the type of hand-held pliers device, it may be useful to have different levels of force at the beginning and end of the opening. In the example, the spring is configured to apply maximum force when a portion of the device is retracted (e.g., when pin 233 is withdrawn from the male portion of the tag in the animal tag dispenser, or when the punch in the animal punching device is removed from the animal). Therefore, the spring increases the rate of change of force at the point where such retraction occurs during the opening process. As an example, this might occur approximately halfway through the opening process.

[0156] In one embodiment, during the first part of the opening process, a lower force is applied by the helical spring 320. Then, during the second part of the opening process, a higher force is applied by the helical spring 320. In this case, the lower force and the higher force are "low" and "high" relative to each other. For example, the lower force may be less than about 70%, or less than about 50%, or less than about 30% of the higher force.

[0157] Figure 7 The force curve of an example spring is shown. This is an example of how a spring can be constructed for a specific application, but other springs in other applications may have different values.

[0158] exist Figure 7In the diagram, line 701 shows the force applied by the spring as it deforms during stretching. In the first portion 711 of the deformation, the force is constant at approximately 10 N, thus representing a rate of increase of 0 N / mm. In the second portion 712 of the deformation, the force increases from approximately 10 N to approximately 15 N at a first strain rate. This represents a rate of increase of approximately 0.5 N / mm. In the third portion 713 of the deformation, the force increases from approximately 15 N to approximately 25 N at a second strain rate. This represents a rate of increase of approximately 1 N / mm. In the fourth portion 714 of the deformation, the force increases from approximately 25 N to approximately 50 N at a third strain rate. This represents a rate of increase of approximately 2.5 N / mm. Therefore, this graph characterizes that the force applied by the spring at the beginning of stretching is much smaller than the force applied at the end of stretching, and that the rate of change of force is non-linear.

[0159] The use of variable force springs provides a better user experience because the force is better matched to the operation of the device. This also reduces the chance of failure during use (compared to linear strain rate springs) due to insufficient force at the appropriate time (e.g., the pin of an animal tag dispenser getting stuck due to insufficient force from the spring) and / or excessive force being applied when operation is not required.

[0160] In another embodiment, as an alternative, the helical spring 320 can be a linear strain rate spring. That is, the force applied by the spring during stretching can be uniform. This provides a simple and consistent force, which can be useful when no part requires a greater force than any other part during opening.

[0161] operate

[0162] When the dispenser is to be used and is in the open position, the user loads it. For example, in the case of a two-part label, the user places the female part of the label on the holder 131 and the complementary male part of the label on the holder 231. The female part is held in place by plate 132, and the male part is held in place by frictional engagement with pin 233.

[0163] In use, the user grips handles 111 and 211. This can be done with one hand or two hands. One or both of the user's hands are guided to the correct position on handles 111 via curved ends 113 and shoulder 114, and to the correct position on handles 211 via curved ends 213 and shoulder 214, to minimize the risk of injury to the user's hands during use or due to the user dropping the device. For example, an animal's ear is positioned between jaw portions 130 and 230, with the male end of the pin near the location where the tag should be attached to the animal.

[0164] The user pushes on handles 111 and 211, forcing handles 110 and 210 to move toward each other against the bias of the coil spring 320. This causes post 125 to move along groove 224 in one rotational direction and post 225 to move along groove 124 in the opposite rotational direction. This causes the first body portion 100 and the second body portion 200 to pivot relative to each other with low friction while keeping grooves 124 and 224 aligned.

[0165] This causes jaw portion 130 to move toward jaw portion 230 and to bring the applicator into the closed position. The male head pierces the animal's ear and enters the hole in the female head portion. Once the male head has entered the female head portion far enough to be held, the user can release the pressure on handles 110 and 210. This allows the coil spring 320 to force handles 110 and 210 apart. In the case that the coil spring 320 is a variable strain rate spring, the coil spring 320 increases the force as the pin is released from the male head portion. The engagement between the male and female head portions is sufficient to allow the male head portion to be detached from the pin 233.

[0166] Once the dispenser returns to the open position, the user can still pull the dispenser laterally, although gaps are maintained between the handle 110 and the jaw portion 230, and between the handle 210 and the jaw portion 130, to minimize the risk of pinching the user's hand. This causes the female part to slide out of the retainer 131 and thus disengage from the dispenser. The dispenser can then be reloaded for subsequent use.

[0167] Other implementation methods

[0168] The above embodiments have described an animal tag dispenser. Therefore, jaw portions 130 and 230 can be configured to be used with two-piece tags, wherein one jaw portion holds the male head and the other jaw portion holds the female head.

[0169] However, the device can be adapted for use as any of a series of hand-held clamp devices for animals. Such hand-held clamp devices can be substantially the same in construction as the dispenser, but with different jaw portions 130 and 230. Additionally or alternatively, the device can be adapted for use as a power-assisted device for animals, wherein the user's squeezing of the handles is assisted by an actuator, motor, or other mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the device can be adapted as part of an automated system, wherein the user does not manually press the handles together (to actuate the jaws), but rather the jaws are actuated by an actuator, motor, or other mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanism.

[0170] Alternatively, the jaw portion 230 can be configured to retain an integral tag, such as a tag with a barbed end. In this case, the jaw portion 130 can have an opening to allow the integral tag to enter the animal's ear without retaining any similarity to the head portion of a two-piece tag.

[0171] In an alternative embodiment, the applicator is configured as an animal tissue sample extractor. In this case, jaw portion 230 holds the piercing element (e.g., a cylindrical punch with a shaving tip), and jaw portion 130 holds the collection element (e.g., a vial). In use, the piercing element cuts off a portion of the animal's ear, which is then retained in the collection element.

[0172] In an alternative embodiment, the applicator is configured as a combination of an identification tag applicator and an animal tissue sample extractor. In this case, jaw portion 230 holds a punch (e.g., a cylindrical punch with a shaving tip), configured to hold the animal identification tag, and jaw portion 130 holds a collection piece (e.g., a vial). In use, the punch cuts off a portion of the animal's ear, which is then held in the collection piece, and the animal identification tag is then held in the animal's ear.

[0173] In an alternative embodiment, the applicator is configured as an animal piercing device. In this case, the jaw portion 230 holds the punch (e.g., a cylindrical punch with a whitish tip), and the jaw portion 130 is shaped to allow the punched portion of the meat to fall out of the device. In use, the punch can cut a hole in the animal's ear.

[0174] In each of these embodiments of the hand-held clamp device for animals, the jaw portion 130 and jaw portion 230 vary according to the preferred application. However, the other parts of the device, and therefore the advantages of these parts, remain unchanged.

[0175] force

[0176] Figure 8 The graph shows how the applied force changes over time during the actuation of the actuator.

[0177] Line 801 represents an exemplary prior art actuator. The peak force required to actuate the actuator is greater than approximately 450 N.

[0178] Line 802 indicates a one-handed dispenser according to the first embodiment, and line 803 indicates a two-handed dispenser according to the second embodiment. In both cases, the dispenser's structure allows actuation to occur at a force of less than about 400 N (and particularly, about 350 N). This reduced force allows for greater (better) ease of use compared to prior art dispensers.

[0179] For a given force applied by a user to the handle, the torque is determined by the distance of the force from the pivot point. If excessive torque is applied to the handle, it may bend or deform during use. Traditionally, this damage to the handle has been prevented by limiting its length; by moving the user's hand closer to the pivot point, the amount of torque applied by the user is reduced. However, this limits the maximum length of the handle and hinders the development of longer handle dispensers (including two-handed dispensers).

[0180] However, as described above, this dispenser is designed to have relatively low internal friction and thus reduce the required actuation force. This reduces the torque applied to one end of handles 110 and 210, and therefore allows for the use of relatively long handles 110 and 210 for a given material, including longer handle dispenser designs for both one-handed and two-handed use. For example, a one-handed dispenser may have a length less than approximately 280 mm (e.g., between approximately 200 mm and approximately 280 mm, or more preferably approximately 266 mm), and a two-handed dispenser may have a length greater than approximately 300 mm (e.g., between approximately 280 mm and approximately 350 mm, or preferably approximately 317 mm). The ability to have dispensers with longer handles (whether one-handed or two-handed) allows the dispenser to be used by users with varying strength. For example, a user with less strength may not be able to use a shorter-handled one-handed dispenser, but may be able to use a longer-handled one-handed or two-handed dispenser.

[0181] As an example, improvements to the dispenser allow it to have handles that can be configured for two-handed use. This improves usability for users who may not be able to operate the dispenser with one hand but can still use a two-handed actuator.

[0182] In this way, the described embodiments provide an applicator that can be used more safely and easily to apply tags to animals.

[0183] illustrate

[0184] Unless otherwise stated, the term "including" and other grammatical forms are intended to convey a sense of inclusion. That is, they should be considered to include the listed components, and may also include other unspecified components or elements.

[0185] Although the invention has been explained by way of specific embodiments, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Modifications to these embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An animal tag applicator, comprising: The first main body portion includes: The first jaw portion is configured to engage a first portion of an animal tag; First handle section; and The first central portion between the first jaw portion and the first handle portion; The second main body includes: The second jaw portion is configured to engage the second portion of the animal tag; The second handle section; and The second central portion between the second jaw portion and the second handle portion; and A clamp bushing configured to hold the first central portion and the second central portion together; Wherein, the outer surface of the first central portion includes a first boundary, which is a boundary surrounding the outer edge of the outer surface of the first central portion, and the outer surface of the second central portion includes a second boundary, which is a boundary surrounding the outer edge of the outer surface of the second central portion, and The inner surface of the clamp bushing covers the outer surfaces of the first central portion and the second central portion, and the contact between the clamp bushing and the first central portion and the second central portion is restricted by the raised first boundary and the raised second boundary.

2. The animal tag applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The heights of the first boundary and the second boundary relative to the corresponding outer surface are between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

3. The animal tag applicator according to claim 2, wherein, The height of the first boundary and the second boundary relative to the corresponding outer surface is approximately 0.3 mm.

4. The animal tag applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp bushing is configured to restrict the movement of the first central portion and the second portion from one side to the other within the clamp bushing.

5. The animal tag applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The gap between the inner surface of the clamp bushing and the first boundary is approximately 0.1 mm, and the gap between the inner surface of the clamp bushing and the second boundary is approximately 0.1 mm.

6. The animal tag applicator according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp bushing is configured to minimize friction when the first central portion and / or the second central portion moves relative to the clamp bushing.

7. The animal tagging applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The gap between the inner surface of the clamp bushing and the first central portion other than the first boundary is approximately 0.3 mm, and the gap between the inner surface of the clamp bushing and the second central portion other than the second boundary is approximately 0.3 mm.

8. The animal tagging applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, A force of less than 400N is required to move the animal tag dispenser to the closed position.

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