Livestock Ear Tag Applicator

Description

The Mechanical Livestock Ear Tag Applicator is a tool engineered to transform manual force into a controlled punching and clamping action, essential for efficient and safe handling of animal identification.

LeghornGroup offers a mechanical animal ear tag applicator made as a portable, hand-held, precision tool, specifically designed for the quick and secure application of identification tags (ear tags) on the ear of animals of different species (cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, etc.). Its functionality is based on a principle of lever and controlled pressure to ensure effective and minimally invasive application.

TECHNICAL DRAWING

Main components:

1. Body/Frame: Generally made of light but resistant metal, ensuring durability, lightness, and ease of sanitation. The ergonomic design allows a firm and comfortable grip.
2. Handles: Two ergonomic handles that the operator tightens to operate the applicator.
3. Lever Mechanism: The heart of the system. A pivot joint connects the two halves of the applicator. When the handles are compressed, this mechanism converts applied force into a linear, precise movement of the jaws.
4. Application Jaws/Bits: Critical for functionality.
   • Male Stud (Tip): A small, pointed, needle-shaped metal tip designed to gently pierce ear tissue. Located on one of the jaws.
   • Female Housing (Cup): A corresponding recess on the other jaw, designed to receive and lock the male pin of the tag and the female hole of the tag itself, guiding accurate coupling.
5. Tag Pin Holder: A small pin on the jaw with the piercing tip where the male part of the tag is inserted. Ensures proper alignment before application.
6. Seat for Female Part of the Tag: Housing on the other jaw where the female part of the tag is placed.
7. Return Spring: Positioned between the handles, keeping the applicator open when not in use, facilitating loading and repositioning.
8. Locking Mechanism: Side-button locking system that keeps jaws closed for safe transport or storage.

Technical and Functional Operation:

1. Loading the Tag: The operator inserts the male part of the tag onto the pin holder and the female part into its housing, ensuring alignment with the jaws.
2. Placement on the Ear: With jaws open, the applicator is positioned on the animal’s ear. The piercing tip is aligned with the desired spot, while the female part is aligned on the opposite side.
3. Application (Pressure and Piercing): The operator firmly tightens the handles. The lever mechanism transfers force to the jaws, which close:
   • The male tag tip pierces the ear tissue.
   • Simultaneously, it fits into the female tag hole, locking both parts firmly through the ear.
4. Release: Once applied, the operator releases the handles. The return spring automatically opens the applicator, allowing removal and leaving the tag securely in place.

Functional Advantages:

• Accuracy: Ensures precise tag placement.
• Safety: Minimizes risk of animal injury thanks to clean piercing and immediate locking.
• Speed: Allows quick application, reducing stress for both animal and operator.
• Reliability: A robust mechanism ensures long-lasting, consistent operation.
• Hygiene: Easy-to-clean materials help prevent disease transmission.