Microelectronic animal identification

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods for microelectronic animal identification are disclosed. The microelectronic animal identification device includes an inserter configured to releasably holding the microelectronic chip at a distal end of the inserter, and an actuator configured to release the microelectronic chip from the inserter when the distal end of the inserter is inserted into a substrate of an animal body part. The microelectronic animal identification system includes a microelectronic chip and delivery system, a pigment marking device, a media transfer assembly for producing a pigment mark, a tissue sample device, and a data management system providing traceability of the animal and the materials used.

1 - 87 . (canceled) 
     
     
         88 . A method for implanting a radio frequency identification (RFD) tag as a microelectronic animal identification device within an animal, the method comprising:
 providing a restraining device configured to contain a body of the animal within an enclosure and releasably hold an upper part of a tail of the animal such that the upper part of the tail is presented in a restrained configuration protruding external to the enclosure; and   providing an implantation device configured to implant the RFID tag in the upper part of the tail of the animal, the implantation device including:
 a cartridge configured to releasably hold the RHD tag at a distal end of a needle; and 
 an actuator operably coupled to the cartridge and configured to release the RFID tag from the needle when the distal end of the needle is inserted into the upper part of the tail protruding external to the enclosure. 
   
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 88  wherein the restraining device includes a base plate and having a pair of opposed members arranged as a tail cleat structure proximate to a distal portion of the base plate and defining a channel between the pair of opposed members having a width that is dimensioned to accommodate the tail of the animal and a biasing member configured to urge the pair of opposed members toward each other, and wherein the method further comprises:
 providing instructions on a recorded medium for positioning the animal on the base plate, covering the animal with the enclosure such that the tail of the animal protrudes from the enclosure, and positioning the tail of the animal between the pair of opposed members to present the tail in the restrained configuration such that the biasing member urges the pair of opposed members toward each other to decrease the width of the channel and assert a restraining force against the tail to restrict longitudinal movement of the tail of the animal. 
 
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 89  wherein the restraining device further comprises a reversible fixation mechanism configured to temporarily secure the enclosure to the base plate. 
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 90  wherein the reversible fixation mechanism includes at least one magnet on at least one of the enclosure and the base plate. 
     
     
         92 . A method for implanting a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag as a microelectronic animal identification device within an animal, the method comprising:
 placing a body of the animal within an enclosure of a restraining device with a tail of the animal protruding from the enclosure;   using a mechanism on the restraining device to releasably restrain the tail of the animal in a position such that an upper part of a tail of the animal is presented in a restrained configuration protruding from the enclosure; and   using an implantation device configured to implant the RFID tag in the upper part of the tail of the animal presented in the restrained configuration, the implantation device configured to be operated to:
 hold the RFID tag at a distal end of a needle; and 
 release the RFID tag from the needle when the distal end of the needle is inserted into the upper part of the tail in the restrained configuration. 
   
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92  wherein the restraining device includes a base plate and having a pair of opposed members arranged as a tail cleat structure proximate to a distal portion of the base plate and defining a channel between the pair of opposed members having a width that is dimensioned to accommodate the tail of the animal and a biasing member configured to urge the pair of opposed members toward each other, and wherein the method of placing the body of the animal and using the mechanism on the restraining device comprise:
 positioning the animal on the base plate; 
 covering the animal with the enclosure such that the tail of the animal protrudes from the enclosure; and 
 positioning the tail of the animal between the pair of opposed members to present the tail in the restrained configuration such that the biasing member urges the pair of opposed members toward each other to decrease the width of the channel and assert a restraining force against the tail to restrict longitudinal movement of the tail of the animal. 
 
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 92  wherein the restraining device further comprises a reversible fixation mechanism configured to temporarily secure the enclosure to the base plate, and wherein the method further comprises releasing the enclosure from the base plate after the RFID tag is implanted in the animal.