Applicator for animal identification tag

Abstract

The invention provides an applicator for an animal identification tag The applicator comprises a first jaw for receiving a first part of the tag and a second jaw for receiving a second part of the tag, such that the first jaw and the second jaw define a gap for receiving an animal's ear, and where the first jaw and the second jaw are pivotable relative to one another to join the first part and the second part of the tag through the animal's ear, to thereby affix the tag to the animal's ear. The first jaw is rigidly connected to the first handle, and the second jaw is pivotably connected to the first handle via a first pivot joint. A second handle is pivotably connected to the first handle via a second pivot joint. A mechanical linkage couples the second handle to the second jaw, such that pivoting of the second handle relative to the first handle causes pivoting of the second jaw relative to the first handle, whereby a force exerted on the second jaw resulting from a force exerted on the second handle is multiplied relative to the force exerted on the second handle.

Description

[0001] APPLICATOR FOR ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION TAG

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an applicator for animal identification tags.

[0004] Background

[0005] It is well known in the field of animal identification to provide an identification tag, typically attached to the animal’s ear. Such tags may comprise two parts (such as a male part and female part) which interlock with one part passing through the animal’s ear. Alternatively, a tag may be formed with a flexible connection between the two interlocking parts, i.e. as a single unit.

[0006] In order to attach tags to an animal, an applicator is used which typically drives a spiked male part of the tag through the animal’s ear to engage with a female part of the tag on the other side to securely affix the tag to the animal. An applicator usually includes a pair of pivotable jaws which define a gap for receiving the animals ear, and which can be brought together to engage the tag parts through the animal’s ear. In a manually operated applicator, each jaw is rigidly connected to a respective handle, so that the jaws can be closed by squeezing the handles together.

[0007] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] At its most general, the present invention provides a manually operable applicator for an animal identification tag, which is configured to multiply a force applied by a user to handles of the applicator, to facilitate attaching of a tag to an animal. When using a conventional manually operated animal applicator tag, the user must typically apply a large force to the handles in order to affix the tag to the animal. This is because a large force is needed to pierce the animal’s ear with the male part of the tag, as well as to engage the male part of the tag in the female part of the tag (the tag parts typically being made of a relatively rigid plastic). As a result, this may make it difficult for a user to tag many animals in a row with a conventional applicator, as their hand may become tired due to repeated application of large forces to the applicator handles. In some cases, such repeated application of large forces can even lead to repetitive strain injury. The applicator of the invention addresses these issues, by multiplying the force applied by the user to the handles, such that a smaller force is needed from the user to affix the tag to an animal. Accordingly, the applicator of the invention can facilitate tagging animals, including large groups of animals, whilst reducing a risk of injury to the user. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an applicator for an animal identification tag, the applicator comprising: a first jaw for receiving a first part of the tag; a second jaw for receiving a second part of the tag, the first jaw and the second jaw defining a gap for receiving an animal’s ear, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are pivotable relative to one another to join the first part and the second part of the tag through the animal’s ear, to thereby affix the tag to the animal’s ear; a first handle, wherein the first jaw is rigidly connected to the first handle, and wherein the second jaw is pivotably connected to the first handle via a first pivot joint; a second handle, wherein the second handle is pivotably connected to the first handle via a second pivot joint; a mechanical linkage coupling the second handle to the second jaw, such that pivoting of the second handle relative to the first handle causes pivoting of the second jaw relative to the first handle, whereby a force exerted on the second jaw resulting from a force exerted on the second handle is multiplied relative to the force exerted on the second handle.

[0010] Thus, as the force exerted on the second handle is multiplied by the mechanical linkage, a smaller force is needed on the second handle to close the jaws and join the two tag parts together to affix the tag to an animal. In particular, instead of rigidly coupling the second jaw to the second handle, each of the second jaw and the second handle is pivotably connected to the first handle via a respective pivot joint, with the mechanical linkage connecting the second jaw to the second handle. This arrangement serves to convert pivoting motion of the second handle relative to the first handle into pivoting motion of the second jaw relative to the first handle, with the resulting force on the second jaw being multiplied relative to the force exerted on the second handle (e.g. by the user’s hand). In particular, the force is multiplied such that the resulting force on the second jaw is larger than if the second jaw were rigidly coupled to the second handle, as in a conventional applicator.

[0011] Various arrangements of mechanical linkage between the second handle and the second jaw may be used to multiply the force exerted on the second handle, examples of which are provided below. The mechanical linkage serves to convert pivoting motion of the second handle relative to the first handle into pivoting motion of the second jaw. In this manner, the second handle can be actuated (pivoted) to control pivoting of the second jaw relative to the first handle, and hence relative to the first jaw. In this manner, the second handle can be actuated to open and close the gap between the jaws.

[0012] The mechanical linkage may permanently or continuously couple the second handle to the second jaw. In this manner, the mechanical linkage remains connected between the second handle and the second jaw, e.g. as the first handle and second handle are pivoted relative to one another. This may provide a continuous (e.g. smooth) motion of the jaws when the handles are pivoted relative to one another, which may facilitate application of an animal identification tag. The mechanical linkage may be arranged such that pivoting of the second handle relative to the first handle by a first angle causes pivoting of the second jaw relative to the first handle by a second, smaller angle. This converting of a first pivoting angle of the second handle to a smaller pivoting angle of the second jaw results in the force applied to the second handle to be multiplied.

[0013] In other words, the mechanical linkage may be arranged such that a rate of pivoting of the second jaw relative to the jaw is smaller than a rate of pivoting of the second handle relative to the first handle. Thus, when the second handle is pivoted towards the first handle (e.g. when the handles are moved or squeezed together), a rate of closing of the jaws is smaller than a rate of closing of the handles.

[0014] The first jaw is configured to receive a first part of the tag, whilst the second jaw is configured to receive a second part of the tag. One of the first part and the second part may be a male part of the tag, whilst the other one of the first part and second part may be a female part of the tag.

[0015] The first jaw and the second jaw define a gap for receiving an animal’s ear. Thus, a depth of the gap may be suitable for receiving an animal’s ear.

[0016] The first jaw and the second jaw are pivotable relative to one another to open and close the gap therebetween. For instance, the first jaw and the second jaw may be pivotable between an open position and a closed position, where an opening angle (or spacing) between the jaws is larger in the open position than in the closed position.

[0017] In use, the first part of the tag is provided on the first jaw and the second part of the tag is provided on the second jaw, with the animal’s ear being inserted into the gap between the jaws. The second handle can then be pivoted relative to the first handle, to cause the second jaw to pivot relative to the first handle (and hence relative to the first jaw) and bring the jaws together, so as to join the first and second parts of the tag through the animal’s ear. In some cases, the applicator may be used for attaching the tag to another part of the animal (instead of its ear).

[0018] The first handle and the first jaw are rigidly connected. In other words, a position of the first jaw is fixed relative to the first handle, i.e. the first jaw is not movable relative to the first handle. For example, the first jaw may be integrally formed with the first handle, which may improve a strength and integrity of the applicator. Alternatively, the first jaw may be rigidly fixed (secured, connected, attached) to the first handle.

[0019] Both the second handle and the second jaw are pivotably connected to the first handle, via separate pivot joints. In particular, the first pivot joint and the second pivot joint may be spatially offset on the first handle. The first pivot joint and the second pivot joint may comprise any suitable pivotable connections. For example, the first pivot joint may comprise a first pin mounted in the first handle, about which the second jaw is pivotably mounted. The second pivot joint may comprise a second pin about which the second handle is pivotably mounted. The second jaw is pivotably connected to the first handle. The second jaw may also be said to be pivotably connected to the first jaw, as the first jaw and the first handle are rigidly connected together. In some cases, the second jaw may be pivotably connected to a connecting part, which rigidly connects the first jaw and the first handle.

[0020] The second handle is pivotably connected to the first handle. The second handle may also be said to be pivotably connected to the first jaw, as the first jaw and the first handle are rigidly connected together. In some cases, the second handle may be pivotably connected to the connecting part, which rigidly connects the first jaw and the first handle.

[0021] The mechanical linkage may comprise a bar (or bracket), wherein a first end of the bar is pivotably connected to the second handle and a second end of the bar is pivotably connected to the second jaw. In this manner, pivoting motion of the second handle about the second pivot joint is transmitted to the second jaw via bar, which in turn causes the second jaw to pivot about the first pivot joint. The bar may be a rigid member, which is pivotably connected at either end to the second handle and the second jaw. Thus, a third pivot joint may be provided between the second handle and the bar at the first end of the bar, and a fourth pivot joint may be provided between the second jaw and the bar at the second end of the bar.

[0022] The third pivot joint may be arranged such that it is closer than the second pivot joint to a proximal end of the first handle when the jaws are in the closed position. Likewise, the fourth pivot joint may be arranged such that it is closer than the first pivot joint to the proximal end of the first handle when the jaws are in the closed position. Arranging the pivot joints in this manner may avoid the bar being located in the gap between the jaws, so that the bar does not interfere with a tag located in the jaws.

[0023] Here, the proximal end of the first handle may refer to an end of the handle which is furthest from the first handle. Thus, in use, the proximal end of the first handle may be arranged towards the user.

[0024] The mechanical linkage may comprise a piston. For example, the piston may be arranged to control pivoting of the second jaw relative to the first handle, e.g. the piston may be connected between the first jaw and the second handle. The piston may be further arranged such that pivoting of the second handle relative to the first handle causes a change in pressure in the piston, so as to cause pivoting of the second jaw relative to the first handle.

[0025] The piston may be a hydraulic piston, or a pneumatic piston.

[0026] The mechanical linkage may comprise a gear linkage coupling the second handle to the second jaw. Such a gear linkage enables a force exerted on the second jaw to be multiplied relative to a force applied to the second handle.

[0027] In line with the above, the gear linkage may be arranged to permanently (continuously) couple the second handle to the second jaw. Thus, the gear linkage may comprise two or more gears that are engaged with one another to couple the second handle to the second jaw, the two or more gears being continuously engaged with one another during operation of the tag applicator, e.g. when the first handle and the second handle are pivoted relative to one another.

[0028] The mechanical linkage may comprise a cable connecting the second handle to the second jaw. This enables a force exerted on the second jaw to be multiplied relative to a force applied to the second handle.

[0029] The first jaw and the second jaw are biased towards an open position. In this manner, the jaws may automatically return to the open position when the second handle is released. This may facilitate loading tag parts into the applicator, as well as facilitate removing the applicator from the animal’s ear after the tag has been attached to the animal’s ear. For instance, the applicator may include a biasing element, such as a spring, which is arranged to urge the jaws towards the open position. The biasing element may be provided between the first handle and the second handle, to bias the first jaw and the second jaw towards the open position. This avoids connecting the biasing element directly to the jaws, which could otherwise interfere with insertion of the tag parts and / or animal ear between the jaws.

[0030] The first jaw may comprise a first holder for receiving the first part of the tag, and the second jaw may comprise a second holder for receiving the second part of the tag. This may facilitate positioning the first part and second part of the tag in the jaws, and ensure that they remain held in the jaws until they are affixed to the animal. The first holder may be configured to receive and hold the first part of the tag, whilst the second holder may be configured to receive and hold the second part of the tag. The first holder and the second holder may have different shapes, which are specifically adapted to the first part and the second part of the tag, respectively. For example, one of the first holder and the second holder may be designed to receive the male part of the tag, and the other one of the first holder and the second holder may be designed to receive the female part of the tag.

[0031] A first one of the first holder and the second holder may comprise an elongate member for receiving a male part of the tag. This may ensure that the male part of the tag is securely held in the jaws, and does not fall out of the jaws until it is attached to the female part of the tag. In particular, the male part of the tag may include a plate and a male engagement portion which protrudes from the plate. A channel may extend through at least part of the male engagement portion. Thus, the elongate member can be inserted into the channel in the male engagement portion, to hold the male part in the jaws. The elongate member may protrude from an inner surface of the jaw. The elongate member may, for example, be in the form of a spike and / or a cylindrical protrusion.

[0032] A second one of the first holder and the second holder may comprise a holder adapted to receive and hold a female part of the tag. The holder for the female part of the tag may, for example, comprise holding member arranged to hold the female part of the tag against an inner surface of the jaw. For example, the holding member may include a clip, prong, clamp or the like, which is arranged to hold the female part of the tag against the inner surface of the jaw. the holder for the female part may also include a groove or channel in one of the jaws, which is arranged to receive a female engagement portion of the female part of the tag.

[0033] The invention includes any combination of the features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0034] Summary of the Figures

[0035] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the invention, where the applicator is in an open position;

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the invention, where the applicator is in a closed position;

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of the applicator of Figs. 1 and 2;

[0039] Fig. 4 shows an example of an animal identification tag that can be used with the applicator of Figs. 1-3;

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the applicator of Figs. 1-3, with the tag of Fig. 4 loaded in the applicator;

[0041] Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0043] Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0045] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0046] Figs. 1 and 2 show schematic cross-sectional side views of an applicator 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. A schematic perspective view of the applicator 100 is shown in Fig. 3. The applicator 100 is a manually operable applicator for affixing an animal identification tag to an animal. Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an example animal identification tag 200 that can be used with the applicator 100. The animal identification tag 200 including a first part which is a female part 202, and a second part which is a male part 204. The tag 200 is attachable to a part of an animal. For example, the tag may be an ear tag for attachment to an ear of the animal. The female part 202 includes a female engagement portion 206 which is connected to a first plate 208. The male part 204 includes a male engagement portion 210 which is connected to a second plate 212, the male engagement portion 202 being engageable in the female engagement portion 102. As shown, the male engagement portion 210 is in the form of a spike, which in use serves to pass through the part (e.g. ear) of the animal, so that the male engagement portion 210 can be engaged with the female engagement portion 206 after being passed through the part of the animal, to secure the tag to the animal. The female engagement portion 206 includes a receptacle which is configured to receive an end of the male engagement portion 206, and to prevent removal of the end of the male engagement portion 206 following insertion. One or both of the first plate 208 and the second plate 212 may have identification information displayed thereon, to enable identification of an animal to which the tag is affixed. The female part 202 and the male part 204 may typically be formed of a plastic material.

[0047] The applicator 100 includes a first jaw 102, which is configured to receive the female part 202 of the tag 200. In particular, the first jaw 102 includes a groove 104 and a pronged holder 106 arranged on an inner side of the first jaw 102. The female engagement portion 206 is receivable in the groove 104, with the pronged holder 106 being arranged to hold (clamp) the female engagement portion in the groove 104, so as to retain the female part 202 on the inner side of the first jaw 102. The applicator 100 further includes a second jaw 108, which is configured to receive the male part 204 of the tag. The second jaw 108 includes a holder in the form of an elongate member (or spike) 110 that protrudes from an inner surface of the second jaw 108, where the inner surface of the second jaw 108 faces towards the inner surface of the first jaw 102. The elongate member 110 is configured to be inserted into a channel (not shown) which extends within the male engagement portion 210 of the male part 204 of the tag. In this manner, the male part 204 of the tag can be fitted on to the second jaw 108 by engaging the elongate member 110 in the channel of the male engagement portion 210. Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of the applicator 100, where the female part 202 is held on the first jaw 102 and the male part 204 is held on the second jaw 108. In particular, the female engagement portion 206 is received in the groove 104 and held in place by the pronged holder 106, and the male engagement portion 210 is engaged on the elongate member 110.

[0048] The first jaw 102 is rigidly connected to a first handle 112 of the applicator 100. In the example shown, the first jaw 102 is integrally formed with the first handle 112 as a single part. The second jaw 108 is pivotably mounted relative to the first handle 112 via a first pivot joint 114, located next to an edge of the first jaw 102. The first pivot joint 114 includes, for example, a pin in the first handle 112 to which the second jaw 108 is pivotably connected. Accordingly, the second jaw 108 is pivotable relative to the first handle 112, and hence relative to the first jaw 102. Together, the jaws 102, 108 define a gap 115 for receiving part of an animal, such as an animal’s ear. In particular, the gap 115 is defined between the inner surfaces of the first and second jaws 102, 108 which face each other across the gap 115.

[0049] The applicator 100 further includes a second handle 116 which is pivotably mounted relative to the first handle 112 via a second pivot joint 118. The second pivot joint 118 can include a pin in the first handle 112, to which the second handle 116 is pivotably connected. The first pivot joint 114 and the second pivot joint 118 are spatially offset from one another. As shown, the first pivot joint 114 is located closer to an edge of the gap 115 defined by the jaws 102, 108 compared to the second pivot joint 118.

[0050] A mechanical linkage in the form of a bar 120 is connected between the second handle 116 and the second jaw 108, such that pivoting of the second handle 116 about the second pivot joint 118 causes pivoting of the second jaw 108 about the first pivot joint 114. In more detail, a first end of the bar 120 is pivotably connected to second handle 116 via a third pivot joint 122, and a second end of the bar 120 is pivotably connected to the second jaw 108 via a fourth pivot joint 124. The third pivot joint 122 includes a pin in the second handle 116 to which the first end of the bar 120 is pivotably connected, and the fourth pivot joint 124 includes a pin in the second jaw 108 to which the second end of the bar 120 is pivotably connected. The third pivot joint 122 is located toward an end of the second handle which is connected to the second pivot joint 118. Thus, the second pivot joint 118 and the third pivot joint 122 are located near (e.g. next to) one another at an end of the second handle 116. The fourth pivot joint 124 is arranged towards a rear of the second jaw 124, such that it is further away from an edge of the gap 115 defined by the jaws 102, 108 compared to the first pivot joint 114.

[0051] The bar 120 serves to convert pivoting of the second handle 116 about the second pivot joint 118 into pivoting of the second jaw 108 about the first pivot joint, such that a force exerted on the second jaw 108 is multiplied (amplified) relative to a force exerted on the second handle 116 (e.g. by a user of the applicator 100). In particular, the inventors have found that, for a given input force pressing the second handle 116 towards the first handle 112, an output force on the second jaw 108 can be approximately doubled compared to a conventional applicator where the second jaw is rigidly connected to the second handle. For example, the output force on the second jaw 108 can be estimated using the law of moments. Thus, where a pivoting force F1 is applied to the second handle at a distance D1 from the second pivot joint 118, this results in a force F2 at the third pivot joint 122, where F2 = F1 x D1 / D2 and D2 is a distance between the second and third pivot joints 118, 122. The force F2 is transmitted via the bar 120 to the fourth pivot joint 124, which causes pivoting of the second jaw 108 about the first pivot joint 114, and resulting in an output force at the elongate member 110.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a view of the applicator 100 where the jaws 102, 108 are in an open position, whilst Fig. 2 shows a view of the applicator 100 where the jaws 102, 108 are in a closed position. In the open position, the gap 115 between the jaws 102, 108 is larger, so that part of an animal (e.g. its ear) can be inserted into the gap 115. The jaws 102, 108 can be moved between the open position and the closed position by pivoting the second handle 116 relative to first handle 112. As can be seen by comparing Figs. 1 and 2, an angle through which the second handle 116 pivots between the open position and the closed position is larger than an angle through which the second jaw 108 pivots between the open position and the closed position. As a result, a force exerted on the second handle 116 by the user acts over a larger angle compared to the resulting force on the second jaw 108, which causes the force amplification mentioned above. Due to this amplification of the force exerted on the handles, a smaller force is needed on the handles to obtain a given force on the jaws.

[0053] The third pivot joint 122 is spaced in a longitudinal direction of the applicator 100 from the second pivot joint 118 such that the third pivot joint 122 is closer to a proximal end of the first handle 112 when the jaws are in the closed position (Fig. 2). Likewise, the fourth pivot joint 124 is spaced in the longitudinal direction from the first pivot joint 114 such that the fourth pivot joint 124 is closer to the proximal end of the first handle 112 when the jaws are in the closed position. Arranging the pivot joints in this manner avoids the bar 120 being located in the gap 115 between the jaws, so that the bar 120 does not interfere with a tag located in the jaws. Here, the longitudinal direction may correspond to a longitudinal direction of the first handle 112, i.e. a direction linking the proximal end and distal end of the first handle 112.

[0054] Optionally, the applicator 100 can further include a biasing element in the form of a spring 126 connected between the first handle 112 and the second handle 116. The spring 126 is arranged to urge the first handle 112 and the second handle 116 apart, so as to bias the jaws 102, 108 towards the open position. In this manner, when the handles 112, 116 are released, the jaws 102, 108 automatically return to the open position under action of the spring 126.

[0055] To use the applicator 100, the female part 202 and the male part 204 are loaded into the jaws 102, 108, e.g. as shown in Fig. 5. A part of the animal (e.g. its ear) to which the tag is to be affixed is then inserted into the gap 115 with the jaws 102, 108 in the open position. A user may then squeeze the first handle 112 and the second handle 116 together to bring the jaws 102, 108 to the closed position. This drives the male engagement portion 210 of the male part 204 of the tag through the part of the animal received in the gap 115, so that the male engagement portion 210 engages the female engagement portion 206 on the other side of the part of the animal. The user can then release the second handle 116 to allow the jaws 102, 108 to return to the open position. As the second jaw 108 returns to the open position, the elongate member 110 withdraws from the channel in the male engagement portion 210. The female engagement portion 206 may then be slid out of the groove 104 in the first jaw 102.

[0056] Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an applicator 600 according to an embodiment of the invention. The applicator 600 is based on similar principles to the applicator 100 described above. Features of the applicator 600 which correspond to features of the applicator 100 described above are indicated in Fig. 6 with the same reference numerals as in Figs. 1-5 and are not described again. Whereas the applicator 100 uses a bar 120 for mechanically linking the second handle 116 and the second jaw 108, the applicator 600 includes a gear mechanism. Specifically, a first gear 602 (i.e. a plurality of gear teeth) is provided on an end of the second handle 116 adjacent the second pivot joint 118, and a second gear 604 (i.e. a plurality of gear teeth) is provided on an end of the second jaw 108 adjacent the first pivot joint 114. The first gear 602 and the second gear 604 are engaged such that pivoting of the second handle 116 relative to the first handle 112 causes pivoting of the second jaw 108 relative to the first handle 112. A gear ratio between the first gear 602 and the second gear 604 is selected to provide a desired level of force multiplication. For example, a gear ratio of 1:2 between the first gear 602 and the second gear 604 can be used. Other (different) gear arrangements can also be used to achieve a similar effect. In some cases, a multiplying gearbox can be connected between the second handle 116 and the second jaw 108.

[0057] Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an applicator 700 according to an embodiment of the invention. The applicator 700 is based on similar principles to the applicator 100 described above. Features of the applicator 700 which correspond to features of the applicator 100 described above are indicated in Fig. 7 with the same reference numerals as in Figs. 1-5 and are not described again.

[0058] Whereas the applicator 100 uses a bar 120 for mechanically linking the second handle 116 and the second jaw 108, the applicator 700 includes a piston mechanism. Specifically, a first piston 702 is connected between the second handle 116 and the first handle 112, such that pivoting of the second handle 116 relative to the first handle causes a change in pressure in a chamber of the first piston 702. For example, the first piston 702 can be connected between the pivot joint 122 and another pivot joint on the first handle 112. A second piston 704 is connected between the first handle 112 and the second jaw 108, the second piston 704 being arranged to control (cause) pivoting of the second jaw 108. For example, the second piston 704 can be connected between the pivot joint 124 and another pivot joint on the first handle 112. The first piston 702 is fluidly connected to the second piston 704 (e.g. via a tube 706), such that the change in pressure in the chamber of the first piston 702 is transmitted to the second piston 704 to cause actuation (i.e. pivoting) of the second jaw 108. Thus, when the second handle 116 is pivoted relative to the first handle 112, a change in pressure in the chamber of the first piston 702 is transmitted to the second piston 704, which in turn causes the second jaw 108 to pivot relative to the first handle 112. The first piston 702 and the second piston 704 may be hydraulic or pneumatic pistons. Other (different) piston arrangements can also be used to achieve similar effects.

[0059] Fig. 8 shows a schematic diagram of an applicator 800 according to an embodiment of the invention. The applicator 800 is based on similar principles to the applicator 100 described above. Features of the applicator 800 which correspond to features of the applicator 100 described above are indicated in Fig. 8 with the same reference numerals as in Figs. 1-5 and are not described again. Whereas the applicator 100 uses a bar 120 for mechanically linking the second handle 116 and the second jaw 108, the applicator 800 includes a cable 802 which is connected between the second handle 116 and the second jaw 108. In particular, a first end of the cable 802 is connected to a ring 804 provided on a surface of the second handle 116, part way along the second handle 116. A second end of the cable 802 is connected to an inner surface of the second jaw 108 (e.g. via a ring on the inner surface of the second jaw 108). The cable may be provided in a sleeve which serves to guide the cable. Thus, the second handle 116 and cable 802 may operate in a similar manner to a bicycle brake for pivoting the second jaw 108. Pivoting the second handle 116 towards the first handle 112 causes the cable 802 to be drawn through the sleeve, causing the second jaw 108 to be pivoted towards the first jaw 102. Conversely, pivoting the second handle 116 away from the first handle 112 causes the cable 802 to be pushed through the sleeve, causing the second jaw 108 to be pivoted away from the first jaw 102. Other (different) cable arrangements can also be used to achieve a similar effect. The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0060] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0061] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0062] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0063] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0064] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Claims

Claims:

1. An applicator for an animal identification tag, the applicator comprising: a first jaw for receiving a first part of the tag; a second jaw for receiving a second part of the tag, the first jaw and the second jaw defining a gap for receiving an animal’s ear, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are pivotable relative to one another to join the first part and the second part of the tag through the animal’s ear, to thereby affix the tag to the animal’s ear; a first handle, wherein the first jaw is rigidly connected to the first handle, and wherein the second jaw is pivotably connected to the first handle via a first pivot joint; a second handle, wherein the second handle is pivotably connected to the first handle via a second pivot joint; and a mechanical linkage coupling the second handle to the second jaw, such that pivoting of the second handle relative to the first handle causes pivoting of the second jaw relative to the first handle, whereby a force exerted on the second jaw resulting from a force exerted on the second handle is multiplied relative to the force exerted on the second handle.

2. An applicator according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a bar, wherein a first end of the bar is pivotably connected to the second handle and a second end of the bar is pivotably connected to the second jaw.

3. An applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a piston.

4. An applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a gear linkage coupling the second handle to the second jaw.

5. An applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a cable connecting the second handle to the second jaw.

6. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw are biased towards an open position.

7. An applicator according to claim 6, wherein a biasing element is provided between the first handle and the second handle, to bias the first jaw and the second jaw towards the open position.

8. An applicator according to any preceding claim, wherein the first jaw comprises a first holder for receiving the first part of the tag, and the second jaw comprises a second holder for receiving the second part of the tag.

9. An applicator according to claim 8, wherein a first one of the first holder and the second holder comprises an elongate member for receiving a male part of the tag.

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