Animal identification device and applicator therefor

Abstract

Undulations in ear side of tag, such as alternating ribs and troughs, permit air flow to area around stem of pin having conical head or point. Hole leading to socket well is larger than pin stem and the socket well is larger than the large end of the pin head to permit air flow to ear as well as permitting tag to move around pin to maintain air passages clear. Pin has a soft plastic base attached to stem opposite conical point and a hard plastic button larger than head of pin, surrounded by soft plastic. Pin stem has groove at button, which has holes and convex undersurface. Applicator has opposed arms on pivoted handles, one arm having a laterally enlarged platform with a rim on both sides and at rear, the latter to position the pin base longitudinally. Spring clip engages pin base and has slot to laterally position pin stem. Opposite arm has rimless surface engaged by tag head, to permit different angular tag positions, for about 260.degree.. Longitudinal notch is opposite rimless surface and permits pin head to pass through during installation, while ledge around notch abuts end of socket and perpendicular wall, around ledge, positions tag head in alignment with pin. Platform on one arm and rimless surface on the other arm are divergent with respect to pivot axis of arms prior to installation but convergent when arms are moved to closed position.