Abstract:
Methods and device for marking animals are disclosed. An ear tag configurable for attachment to a rodent ear, e.g., a mouse ear, is presented, wherein the ear tag includes a color-coded image, an alphanumeric character string, a bar code and/or a visual signage. The tag may include the visual identifier and an RFID device. A card may be provided that redundantly displays some or all of the visual identifier. An applicator is alternately or additionally provided that removes separated elements of the tag from a tray force generated by manual compression of a pair of handles of the applicator, and additionally includes jaws that compress towards each other when the handles are initially compressed, yet splay and release the tag elements as additional compressive force is applied to the handles.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of animal husbandry and research. More particularly, the present invention relates to marking animals for individual identification. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Animals in both agricultural and research settings are often marked for management and control. Prior art methods for identifying small research animals include attaching metal ear tags and employing implanted or ingested electronic tags. Prior art metal ear tags are associated with host animal tissue reaction, tissue irritation, cancer incidence, other host animal health degradation and/or deformation of the host animal ear due to relatively high weight of the metal ear tag. In addition, prior art metal ear tags can induce host animal efforts to dislodge the ear tag that can result in damage to the animal itself and/or the ear tag. 
         [0003]    The prior art includes transponder tags with radio frequency identification devices, or “RFID”. Reading a radio frequency identification device requires the use of an RFID reader, i.e. an electronic device that communicates through wireless transmission with the RFID device. The RFID tag, passively responsive to an excitation signal transmitted from the RFID reader, can communicate coded information from the RFID transponder tag to the RFID reader, which then receives and decodes the information. Prior art implanted or ingested electronic tags are limited by their need to reflect or transmit a stream of data (e.g. their unique identification numbers) to the outside world. This requires relatively expensive transponder and receiver hardware and an invasive and risky surgical implantation process. Additionally, due to an inability to differentiate the identification number signal from two or more adjacent animals with passive RFID tags, animals must be first separated from one another or removed from the cage prior to scanning the animal. Animals which are group housed may not be scanned while within the cage because there is no way to direct the scanning area of the reader and identify a specific animal with certainty. It is preferable to scan group-housed animals without first removing them from their cage. 
         [0004]    While animals are currently tagged with radio frequency identification devices in the prior art, it is often preferable that individual identification of a specific animal could be easily distinguished by a technician or laborer without the use of electronic or optical equipment. In addition, particularly when the animals of interest have modestly sized ears, such as mice bred for scientific research, it is preferable that a tag attached to an animal be of minimal discomfort or irritation to the host animal. It is also preferable for identifying markings to be readily visible, observable, or accessible, yet also verifiable or certifiable. 
         [0005]    There is therefore an unmet need to provide a device and method that enables a reliable visual distinction of an animal by a laboratory researcher or animal caretaker. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    This and other objects of the present invention are made obvious in light of this disclosure, wherein methods and systems devices for identifying animals are provided. According to a first aspect of the method of the present invention, a device is provided that displays a visual identifier. The visual identifier is optionally a color-coded image, an alphanumeric character string, a bar code and/or a signage. According to a second optional aspect, a tag includes the visual identifier and an RFID device. According to a third optional aspect, a card and/or sticker is provided that redundantly displays some or all of the visual identifier. 
         [0007]    An applicator is alternately or additionally provided that removes the tag components from a tray by compression of a pair of handles, and additionally includes jaws that compress towards each other when the handles are initially compressed, yet separate away from each other as additional compressive force is applied. 
         [0008]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of aspects of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0009]    All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0010]    Such incorporations include U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,911 (Inventor: Wescombe; Issued on May 8, 2001) titled “Tag”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,324 (Inventor: Nepote; Issued on Aug. 8, 2000) titled “Animal identification device and method of manufacture”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,482 (Inventor: Huenefeld; Issued on May 19, 2009) titled “Metal ear tag with electronic identification device”. 
         [0011]    The publications discussed or mentioned herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Furthermore, the dates of publication provided herein may differ from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0012]    These, and further features of various aspects of the present invention, may be better understood with reference to the accompanying specification, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a first tag comprising a receiver and a rivet with preferred dimensions; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  is a dimensioned side view of the rivet of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the rivet of  FIGS. 1 and 2A ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a dimensioned side view of the receiver and the rivet of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 A and  2 B positioned respectively on either side of an animal&#39;s ear; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the tag of  FIGS. 1 through 3  and wherein a post tip of the first tag has pierced the ear of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the tag of  FIGS. 1 through 4  and wherein the post tip of the first tag has extended into a protective channel of the receiver of  FIGS. 1 and 3  through  4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the display plate of the rivet of  FIGS. 1 through 5 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the tag of  FIGS. 1 through 6  as coupled to a rodent&#39;s ear, wherein the rodent is housed within a cage bearing a cage card; 
           [0021]      FIGS. 8A-8C  are representations of a tray configured to hold and protect the tag of  FIGS. 1 through 7 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the tray of  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B and  8 C; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the tray of  FIGS. 8A ,  8 B,  8 C and  9 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a partial, detailed perspective view of the tray of  FIGS. 8A through 10 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of an applicator positioned over a tag site of the tray of  FIGS. 8A through 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the applicator of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 and 13 , wherein the receiver and rivet of  FIGS. 1 through 8C  are separately held by the applicator; 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a partial perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12-14  positioned proximate to the tray of  FIGS. 8A through 12 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a partial perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12-15  coupled with the receiver and rivet of  FIGS. 1 through 8 , wherein the receiver and tray are simultaneously installed within the tray of  FIGS. 8A through 12 , and  15 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 16  engaged with the receiver and rivet of  FIGS. 1 through 8 , and  FIGS. 11 ,  12 ,  14 ,  15  and  16  after the applicator has removed the receiver and rivet from the tray of  FIGS. 8A through 12 ,  15  and  16 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 17  holding a rivet and receiver of  FIGS. 1 through 8 ,  11 ,  12 , and  14  through  17  respectively on either side of a target rodent ear of  FIGS. 4 through 5 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 18  holding a rivet and receiver of  FIGS. 1 through 8 ,  11 , and  14  through  18  piercing the target rodent ear of  FIGS. 4 through 5 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 20  is a partial perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 19  after coupling a rivet and receiver of  FIGS. 1 through 8 ,  11 ,  12 , and  14  through  19  to the target rodent ear of  FIGS. 4 through 5 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 20 ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 22  is a an adhesive backed label bearing the images identical to, or derived from, in whole or in part, the images of the display plate of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 23A  is a front view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21  engaging with the tray of  FIGS. 8A through 12  and  FIGS. 15 through 17 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 23B  is a perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21  and  FIG. 23A  approaching the tray of  FIGS. 8A through 12  and  FIGS. 15-17  but not touching the first tag of  FIG. 1 through 8 ,  11 ,  12 , and  FIGS. 14 through 20 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 24A  is a front view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21  and  FIG. 23B  engaged with both the tag rivet of  FIGS. 1 through 8 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14  through  20 ,  23 A and  23 B and the tag receiver of  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  8 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14  through  20 ,  23 A and  23 B while the tag rivet and the tag receiver are held by the tray of  FIGS. 8A through 12 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 24B  is a perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21 ,  23 B, and  24 A engaged with both the tag rivet of  FIGS. 1 through 8 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14  through  20 ,  23 A,  23 B and  24 A and the tag receiver of  FIGS. 1 ,  7 ,  8 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14  through  20 ,  23 A  23 B and  23 A while the tag rivet and the tag receiver are held by the tray of  FIGS. 8A through 12 ,  15  through  17  and  23 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25A  is a front view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21 ,  23 ,  24 A and  24 B positioned proximate to the ear of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  18 , and  19 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 25B  is a perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21  and  25 A positioned proximate to the ear of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ,  18 ,  19 ,  20 , and  25 A; 
           [0042]      FIG. 26A  is a front view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21 ,  25 A and  25 B wherein the rivet post of  FIGS. 1 through 8 ,  11 ,  12 ,  14  through  20 , and  23  through  25 B is piercing the ear of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , 18 , 19 ,  20 ,  25 A and  25 B; 
           [0043]      FIG. 26B  is a perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21  and  FIGS. 25A through 26A , wherein the rivet post of  FIGS. 1 through 8 ,  11 ,  12 ,  FIGS. 14 through 20 , and  FIGS. 23A through 26A  is piercing the ear of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , 18 , 19 ,  20 ,  25 A,  25 B and  26 A; 
           [0044]      FIG. 27A  is a front view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21  and  FIGS. 25A through 26B  wherein the rivet jaw and the receiver jaw of the applicator are being pressed together by a compressing force delivered by the user to a first handle and a second handle of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 27B  is a perspective view of the applicator of  FIGS. 12 through 21  and  FIGS. 25A through 27A , wherein the rivet jaw and the receiver jaw of the applicator are being pressed together by a compressing force delivered by the user to the first handle and the second handle of  FIG. 17 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 28  is a schematic illustration of an electronic communications network comprising of a computational system and additional associated equipment useful to use, monitor and automatically read and decode the tag of  FIGS. 1 through 8 ,  11 ,  12 ,  FIGS. 14 through 20 , and  FIGS. 23A through 27B ; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 29  is a schematic of the software of the computational system of  FIG. 28 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular aspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0049]    Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events. 
         [0050]    Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention. 
         [0051]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methods and materials are now described. 
         [0052]    It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1  is a side view of a first preferred alternate embodiment of the present invention, or first tag  2 . The first tag  2  is configured for an attachment to a host animal  4  (as pictured in  FIG. 7 ) weighing approximately 40 pounds or less. The host animal  4  may be an animal selected from, but not limited to, the group including a rodent, a mouse, a rat, a felis domesticus, a mole, a vole, an opossum and a rabbit. 
         [0054]    The first tag  2  preferably weighs less than 160 milligrams; more preferably weighs less than 100 milligrams; and most preferably weighs less than 60 milligrams. The reduced weight of the tag  2  in comparison to the prior art results in less discomfort to a host animal  4  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) to which the tag  2  is coupled, and reduces the possibility of damage to an ear  6  to which the tag  2  is coupled. 
         [0055]    The first tag  2  includes a display rivet  8  and a receiver  10 . An optional RFID  12  may be comprised within the display rivet  8  or the receiver  10 . The RFID  12  may be a Nonatec™ radio frequency identification device marketed by Lutronic International of Rodange, Luxembourg or other suitable transponder known in the art. 
         [0056]    The display rivet  8  preferably weighs less than 80 milligrams; more preferably weighs less than 60 milligrams; and most preferably weighs less than 40 milligrams. The display rivet  8  is composed of a rivet plate  14  and a rivet post  16 . The rivet plate  14  includes a display plate  18  that extends within a display plane D defined as parallel to both the X axis and the Z axis. The display plate  18  may be affixed to the rivet plate  14  by an adhesive  20 , or by other suitable means known in the art. 
         [0057]    The display rivet  8  and receiver of the first tag  2  may be or comprise polyetheretherketone or other suitable organic or inorganic polymer(s) or plastic or ceramic material(s) or metal or metal alloy materials known in the art. Alternatively or additionally, the display plate  18  may comprise or consist of organic or inorganic polymer(s), metal, a metal alloy, titanium, stainless steel, ceramic or other suitable material known in the art that is resistant to damage from animal teeth or animal claws. It is understood that materials, such as titanium and polymers, that do not impair the effectiveness of medical imaging equipment such as magnetic resonance imaging, are preferably used to form the invented tag  2  in certain applications of the method of the present invention. 
         [0058]    Inventively limiting the inclusion of metal to the display plate  18  of the invented tag  2 , and the inventive use of selected plastics, e.g., polyetheretherketone, to substantially form the tag structure  2  avoids a potential for dermal irritation to a host animal  4  that may be caused by the use of a predominantly metal tag. In addition, the incidence of host animal cancer attributable to the use of prior art metal tags may also be reduced by limiting the use of metal to the display plate of the invented tag. 
         [0059]    The inventive use of a lower density material, such as polyetheretherketone or other plastic, results in a tag  2  that has a lighter weight than a predominantly metal tag and minimizes a potential for damage and deformation. The inventive structure of the tag  2  lacks a loop and avoids a potential for host animal  4  claws dislodging as with prior art metal tags. The inventive inclusion of a thin strip of metal as, or within, the display plate  18  in certain preferred embodiments of the present inventions adds durability to the tag  2  and reduces damage that could potentially be inflicted by cohabitating animals that have access to the tag  2  as coupled with the host animal  4 . 
         [0060]    The receiver  10  and the rivet  8  may further comprise a dye material or colored substance that causes the receiver  10  and rivet  8  to present a same color visible to the human eye, such as red, blue, yellow, orange, green, purple. 
         [0061]    Alternatively, the receiver  10  and the rivet  8  may further comprise a dye material or colored substance that causes the receiver  10  and rivet  8  to present a different visible color. For example, the receiver  10  may be red in color and the rivet  8  may be blue, yellow, orange, green or purple. Alternatively or additionally, the display plate  18  of the rivet  8  may present a color different from the remainder of the rivet  8 , such as when the display plate  18  comprises titanium or other material different than that comprised within the rivet post  16  and remainder of the rivet  8 . 
         [0062]    The rivet post  16  preferably extends substantially normally from the display plane D of the plate along a central axis A, wherein the central axis A is parallel to a Y-axis and extends through the display plate  18  at a central point of the display plate  18 . It is understood that the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis are each mutually orthogonal to the two other axes of the group of three axes. 
         [0063]    The structure of the rivet post  16  includes a first cylindrical element  22 , a second cylindrical element  24  having a smaller circular cross-sectional circumference than the circular cross-sectional circumference of the first cylindrical element  22 , and a cutting tip  26 . 
         [0064]    The receiver  10  preferably weighs less than 80 milligrams; more preferably weighs less than 60 milligrams; and most preferably weighs less than 40 milligrams. 
         [0065]    The receiver  10  comprises a receiver plate  28  and a collar  30 , wherein a central circular channel  32  is defined by the receiver  10  to accept, protect and retain the rivet tip  26 . The central channel  32  extends along the central axis A and is circular in a cross-sectional area parallel to the display axis D. The central channel  32  is defined by a combination of a circular angled channel  34  that extends fully through the receiver plate  28  and a circular protective channel  36  that extends from the receiver plate  28  and fully through the collar  30 . The circular angled channel  34  extends from a first proximate diameter  38  located at a first side of the receiver plate  40  and narrows to a second distal diameter  42  located at a second side of the receiver plate  44 , whereby the rivet tip  26  may be captured after passing fully through a location of the distal second diameter  42  of the angled channel  34  as located on the second side  44  of the receiver plate  28 . When the rivet tip  26  is fully inserted through the angled channel  34  and is thereby captured by the receiver plate  28  and protected by the collar  30 , the second cylindrical element  24  maintains the rivet plate  14  within a range of distance from the receiver plate  28 , wherein the rivet display plate  18  is positioned distally from the receiver  10  and made available for visual observation. 
         [0066]    The first tag  2  is presented in  FIG. 1  with indications of exemplary physical dimensions. In particular, referring now to  FIG. 1  and to  FIG. 2A , the exemplary display plate  18  has a display thickness Y 1  of 0.002 inches that is included of the exemplary rivet plate  14  thickness Y 2  of 0.035 as measured along the central axis A of 0.035 inches, and both the exemplary display plate  18  and the comprising rivet plate  14  have a cross sectional area along the display plane D of 0.200 inches by 0.200 inches. The rivet post  16  extends from the rivet plate  14  to a total height of 0.155 inches along the central axis A. The first cylindrical element  22  of the rivet post  16  extends for 0.060 inches along the central axis A and presents a cross-sectional circular area having a diameter of 0.043 inches measured in parallel to the display plane D. The second cylindrical element  24  of the rivet post  16  is disposed between the first cylindrical element  22  and the tip  26  and extends for 0.020 inches along the central axis A. The second cylindrical element  24  presents a cross-sectional circular area having a diameter of 0.033 inches measured in parallel to the display plane D. The tip  26  of the rivet post  16  extends from the second cylindrical element  24  for 0.040 inches along the central axis A and is angled to a pointed end  46  of the cutting tip  26  from a lower tip diameter  48  of 0.043 inches as measured in parallel with the display plane D. 
         [0067]    In certain alternate preferred embodiments of the method of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of the orthogonal rivet plate  14  normal to the central axis A is be in the range from two millimeters by two millimeters to ten millimeters by ten millimeters. Alternatively or additionally, in certain other alternate preferred embodiments of the method of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of the orthogonal receiver plate  28  is in the range from two millimeters by two millimeters to ten millimeters by ten millimeters. 
         [0068]    It is understood that it is preferable that the receiver plate  28  and the rivet plate  14  each present a square shape in order allow the easier engagement of the firs tag  2  with both the tray  50  and the applicator  52  as described below. 
         [0069]    The receiver plate  28  has a thickness along the central axis A of 0.025 inches, and a preferably square cross sectional area parallel to the display plane D of 0.200 inches by 0.200 inches. The angled circular channel  34  of the receiver plate  28  opens at the first diameter  38  of 0.059 inches and narrows to the second narrower diameter  42  of 0.030 inches. The tip  26  of the rivet post  16  may be captured by presenting a lower tip diameter  48  larger than the second diameter  42  of the angled channel  34  of the receiver plate  28 . As presented in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary rivet tip  26  presents a lower tip diameter  48  of 0.043 inches and the narrower second diameter  42  of the angled channel  34  presents a diameter of 0.030 inches. 
         [0070]    It is understood that after the tip  26  has been forced fully through the narrower second diameter  42  of the angled channel  34  of the receiver plate  28 , the tip  26  is thereafter impeded from removal through the angled channel  34  of the receiver plate  28 . 
         [0071]    In a forcing of the tip  26  through the receiver plate  28 , the tip  26  and the receiver plate  28  plastically deform to allow the tip  26  to pass fully through the receiver plate  28 . Some of this deformation of the tip  26  and the second diameter  42  is recovered after the tip  26  penetrates the receiver plate  28  and the interference between the tip  26  and the receiver plate  28  restored. This interference thereby captures the tip  26  inside the receiver  10 . 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIG. 2A ,  FIG. 2A  is a closer side view of the display rivet  8  of  FIG. 1  with nominal dimensions. Each of the plurality of indicated dimensions Y 1 -Y 5  is measured along the central axis A. 
         [0073]    The first thickness Y 1  of the display plate  18  is preferably in the range of 0.002 inches to 0.015 inches, and more preferably within the range from 0.004 inches to 0.006 inches. The second thickness Y 2  of the rivet plate  14  is preferably within the range of 0.015 to 0.035 inches. The third height Y 3  of the first cylindrical element  22  is preferably within the range from 0.040 inches to 0.065 inches. The fourth height Y 4  of the second cylindrical element  24  is preferably within the range from 0.010 inches to 0.030 inches. The tip height Y 5  of the cutting tip  26  is preferably within the range from 0.030 inches to 0.050 inches. 
         [0074]    Referring now to  FIG. 2B  the display rivet  8  of  FIGS. 1 and 2A  is shown in a perspective view, wherein the rivet post  16  extends along the central axis A that is normal to the display plane D. The central axis A passes directly through a cylindrical center point  54  of the rivet plate  14 , and the central axis A is equidistant from each of the four edges of the preferably square display rivet plate  8 . 
         [0075]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3  is a closer side view of the first tag  2  of  FIG. 1  and a rodent ear  6  with additional nominal dimensions. The first plurality of indicated dimensions Y 6 -Y 8  are measured along the central axis A, and the second plurality of dimensions X 1 -X 5  are measured at an axis B that is orthogonal to the central axis A. The lower tip diameter X 1  of the cutting tip  26  is preferably sized to be from 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches greater than second width X 2  of the second diameter  44  of the receiver plate  28 . The third diameter X 3  of the second cylindrical element  24  of the rivet post  16  is preferably sized to be 0.010 inches to 0.015 inches smaller than both the tip lower diameter X 1  and the fourth diameter X 4  of first cylindrical element  22 . The circular protective channel  36  is preferably sized to have a fifth diameter X 5  that is 0.005 inches to 0.400 inches larger than the tip lower diameter X 1 . 
         [0076]    The rodent ear thickness Y 6  is likely to be less than 0.035 inches in thickness. In particular examples, a typical mouse ear exhibits a thickness of 0.011 inches and a typical rat ear is about a 0.08 inches thick. The receiver plate thickness Y 7  is preferably within the range 0.020 inches to 0.030 inches. The receiver collar height Y 8  is preferably in the range of 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches, and a collar wall  56  of the collar  30  has an average thickness orthogonal to the central axis A within the range 0.010 inches to 0.050 inches. 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  illustrates the rodent ear  6  having a nominal thickness of 0.010 inches and disposed between the receiver  10  and the rivet  8  of the first tag  2 , and wherein the cutting tip  26  of the rivet post  16  is extending through the rodent ear  6 . 
         [0078]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 5  illustrates a coupling of the rivet  8  and the receiver  10 , wherein the rivet cutting tip  26  is positioned wholly within the protective channel  36  of the receiver collar  30 . The cutting tip  26  of the rivet post  16  is impeded from withdrawal through the receiver plate  28  due to the relatively larger diameter of the tip lower diameter  48  in comparison with the narrower second diameter  42  of the angled channel  34  of the receiver plate  28 .  FIG. 5  further illustrates the first cylindrical element  22  of the rivet post  16  extending through rodent ear  6 . 
         [0079]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6  is a front view of the display plate  18  of  FIGS. 1 through 5 . The display plate  18  may include a bar code pattern  58 , an alphanumeric serial numeral  60 , and/or a color code pattern  62 . The bar code pattern  58  may comprise of a one dimensional bar code image and/or a two-dimensional bar code image. The alphanumeric serial number  60  is preferably printed in point typeset or smaller. The color code pattern  62  includes colored surface areas  62 A- 62 X, wherein each colored surface area  62 A- 62 X is preferably sized at less than ten percent of the surface area of the display plate  18 . 
         [0080]    The bar code pattern  58 , an alphanumeric serial numeral  60 , and/or a color code pattern  62  may each comprise a representation of a same serial number in whole or in part. In the exemplary display plate  18 , the serial number A012345 may be encoded into the bar code pattern  58  and the printed as or within the alphanumeric serial numeral  60 . It is understood that the alphanumeric serial numeral  60  may alternately or additionally use other visual markings, such as squares, ovals, circles, and/or stars that may be color coded. 
         [0081]    Alternatively or additionally he color code pattern  62  may be a representation, in whole or in part, of the same serial represented by the alphanumeric serial numeral  60  and/or the alphanumeric serial numeral  60 . For example, first colored surface  62 A may be a shade of red that indicates a letter A; the second colored surface  62 B may be a shade of blue that represents a zero or null values; the third colored surface  62 C may be a shade of blue that represents the numeral one; the fourth colored surface  62 D may be a shade of yellow that represents the numeral two; the fifth colored surface  62 E may be a shade of orange that represents the numeral three; the sixth colored surface  62 F may be a shade of green that represents the numeral four; and the seventh colored surface  62 F may be a shade of purple that represents the numeral five. It is understood that the color code pattern  62  may alternately or additionally use other color coded areas other than the pictured rectangular shapes, such as squares, ovals, circles, and/or stars. 
         [0082]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary mouse  4  as the host animal  4  of the first tag  2 , wherein the first tag  2  is attached to the previously presented exemplary rodent ear  6 . The mouse  4  is shown within a three-dimensional cage  64  having a cage card  66  affixed to a cage wall  68 . The cage card  66  may be an Oxford Ruled Index Card™ cardboard stock card product code 0 78787 03104 distributed by Esselte, Inc. of Melville, N.Y. 
         [0083]    The cage is configured to at least temporarily hold or house the mouse  4 . The cage card  64  includes one or more aspects of the image of the display plate of  FIG. 6 , such as the same bar code pattern  58 , the same alphanumeric serial numeral  60 , and/or the color code pattern  62 , or optionally an image that is derived from, or selected from, an aspect of the image of  FIG. 6 . The mouse  4  may wear the first tag  2  during a course of study or observation and for the remainder of its life. 
         [0084]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8A through 8C , three views of the exemplary tray  50  configured to hold and protect a plurality of first tags  2  are presented.  FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of the exemplary tray  50  configured to hold a plurality of ten first tags  2  on each of two sides  70  &amp;  72 . Each of a plurality of twenty tag sites  74  of the tray  50  includes a rivet segment  76  for holding and protecting the rivet  8  and a receiver segment  78  for holding and protecting the receiver  10 . The tray  50  additionally positions the rivet  8  and the receiver  10  for withdrawal from the installation in a tag site  74  by means of the applicator  52 . The tray  50  comprises polypropylene, or other suitable thermoplastic known in the art that may or may not withstand a standard medical autoclave process and allows for an interference fit with the tag rivet  8  and the tag receiver  10 . The tray  50  may optionally further comprise a dye material or colored substance that causes the tray  50  to present one or more colors visible to the human eye, such as red, blue, yellow, orange, green, purple. 
         [0085]      FIG. 8B  is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary right corner tag site  80  of the tray of  FIG. 8A . The ninth height Y 9  of the exemplary tray site  80  is preferably on the order 0.280 inches plus or minus 0.002 inches, and a receiver aperture capture height Y 10  of the exemplary tag site  80  is preferably 0.002 inches greater than the total height of the receiver  10 , i.e. the sum of the heights Y 7  and Y 8  as designated in  FIG. 3 , in order for the exemplary receiver segment  78  to substantially enclose and protect a receiver installed therein. 
         [0086]      FIG. 8C  is a side cut away view of a second exemplary tag site  82  and a third exemplary tag site  84 , wherein an exemplary second tag site  82  is illustrated with an installed tag rivet  8  and tag receiver  10 . An exemplary first receiver ledge  86  and a first wall  88  are positioned and configured to maintain the tag receiver  10  at an approach angle alpha, whereby the approach angle alpha is preferably in the range 3 degrees to 8 degrees. Maintenance of the tag receiver  10  at the approach angle alpha enables a smoother engagement of the receiver  10  with the applicator  52  when the applicator  52  is applied to remove the tag receiver  10  from second exemplary tag site  82 . An eleventh vertical thickness Y 11  of a second receiver ledge 9-0 and a twelfth vertical thickness 12 of the first receiver ledge  86  are preferably on the order of 0.025 inches plus or minus 0.002 inches. The first wall  88  and the first receiver ledge  86  are positioned to enable an interference fit preferably on the order 0.002 inches with the tag receiver  10  as installed within the receiver segment  78  of the exemplary tag site  82 . For example, when the receiver plate  28  has a cross sectional planar area of 0.200 inches by 0.200 inches, a pre-insertion distance, i.e., a distance evidenced when the receiver segment  78  is empty and not containing the tag receiver  10 , between the first wall  88  and the first receiver ledge  86  is preferably 0.198 inches along a line extending from the first wall  88  and toward the first receiver ledge  86  at the application angle alpha. 
         [0087]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the exemplary tray  50  of  FIGS. 8A-8C . The tray  50  has a width of 4.0 inches and a depth of 0.75 inches. The exemplary first corner tag site  80  presents a width of 0.390 inches and a depth of 0.219 inches. A center strip  92  of the tray  50  provides stability to the plurality of tray tag sites  74  and enables the inclusion of corporate signage  94  and product related information. 
         [0088]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the tray  50  of  FIGS. 8 and 9 , wherein the height of the exemplary first corner tray site is shown to be 0.280 inches, and the tray width of 4.0 inches and depth of 0.75 inches are indicated. 
         [0089]      FIG. 11  is a detailed perspective view of the exemplary first right corner tag site  80  shown in relationship to the tag rivet  8  and the tag receiver  10  but prior to installation of the tag  2  at the first corner tag site  80 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the tray of  FIGS. 8A-8C  and  9  through  11  wherein a plurality of twenty tags  2  are each installed at separate tag sites  74 , and the applicator  52  is positioned proximate to the tag  2  installed at the first corner tag site  80 . The applicator  52  as positioned in  FIG. 12  has both (1.) engaged with and removed the tag receiver  10  from the receiver segment  78  of the first corner tag site  80 ; and (2.) engaged with and removed the tag rivet  8  from the rivet segment  76  of the first corner tag site  80 . 
         [0091]    As mentioned previously, it is understood that it is preferable that the receiver plate  28  and the rivet plate  14  present a square shape in order allow the easier engagement of the tag  2  with both the tray  50  and the applicator  52 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the applicator  52 . An orthogonal lower recess  96 , or receiver recess  96 , of a receiver jaw  98  is sized to enable an interference fit with the tag receiver  10  wherein the receiver recess  96  has an aperture approximately 0.005 inches smaller in width than each of the two cross-sectional dimensions of the receiver plate  28 . For example, when the receiver plate  28  has a cross-sectional area 0.200 inches by 0.200 inches, the receiver recess  96  preferably has a width of 0.195 inches and a depth on the order of 0.200 inches. 
         [0093]    An orthogonal upper recess  100 , or rivet recess  100 , of a rivet jaw  102  is sized to enable an interference fit with the tag rivet  8  wherein the rivet recess  100  has an aperture approximately 0.005 inches smaller in width than each of the two cross-sectional dimensions of the rivet plate  14 . For example, when the rivet plate  14  has a cross-sectional area 0.200 inches by 0.200 inches, the rivet recess  100  preferably has a width of 0.195 inches and a depth on the order of 0.200 inches. 
         [0094]    The applicator jaws  98  &amp;  102  are preferably made of a material more rigid than the tray  50  to enable the interference fits of the tag rivets  8  and tag receivers  10  respectively enable a user to apply manual force to overcome the force applied by the tray  50  and holding the rivets  8  and the receivers  10  in the tray  50 . For example, when the tray  50  is made substantially of a deformable plastic such as polypropylene, the rivet jaw  102  and the receiver jaw  98  may be or comprise steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, or other suitable material known in the art that is more rigid and less deformable than the tray  50  at normal ambient temperatures of a laboratory, such as within temperatures in the range from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 
         [0095]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the applicator  52  of  FIGS. 12 and 13  and wherein the tag rivet  8  is held by an interference fit in the rivet recess  100  and the tag receiver  10  is held by an interference fit in the receiver recess  96 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 15  illustrates the upper rivet jaw  102  and the lower receiver jaw  98  proximate to and partially positioned onto and below an individual tag  2  as installed in the first corner tag site  80 . The applicator  52  and tray  50  are configured to enable the jaws  98  &amp;  102  to engage with the tag  2  as installed at a tag site  74  without damaging or permanently deforming the tray  50 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 16  presents the applicator  52  having achieved an interference fit between both (1.) the rivet  8  and the rivet recess  100  of the rivet jaw  102 ; and (2.) the receiver  10  and the receiver recess  96  of the receiver jaw  98 . It is understood that the interference fits of both the receiver recess  96  and the receiver  10  and the rivet recess  100  and the rivet  8  are achieved prior to removal of the receiver  10  and the rivet  8  from the tag site  74 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 17  illustrates the applicator  52  at a position of withdrawal away from the tray  50  and after the rivet  8  and the receiver  10  have been pulled out of the hosting tray site  74 . It is understood that the positions of the receiver jaw  98  and the rivet jaw  102  of  FIGS. 13 through 20  are achieved by manipulation of a combination of each of a pair of handles  104  &amp;  106  of the applicator  52 . 
         [0099]      FIG. 18  illustrates the rivet  8  and the receiver  10  positioned respectively on either side of the rodent ear  6  of  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 . The applicator  52  may be placed in the orientation as shown relative to the rodent ear  6  of  FIG. 18  by manual positioning accomplished by the user&#39;s grasp of the handles  104  &amp;  106 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 19  illustrates the applicator  52  in a second position wherein the cutting tip of the rivet post  16  has been forced wholly through the ear  6  and receiver plate  28  and resides within the protective channel  36  as formed by the receiver collar  30 . The rivet post  16  is thus extending through the rodent ear  6  and the tag  2  is coupled to the rodent ear  6  by the impedance of withdrawal of the tip  26  through the angled channel  34  imposed by the narrower second diameter  42  of the second side  44  of the receiver plate  28 . The second position of the applicator  52  is achieved by the user grasping the applicator handles  104  &amp;  106  and manually applying force to drive the handles  104  &amp;  106  together. 
         [0101]      FIG. 20  illustrates the applicator  52  in a third position, wherein the first tag  2  is released from coupling with the applicator  52 . The third position is achieved by the user applying additional force in squeezing the applicator handles  104  &amp;  106  together beyond that force required to achieve the second position. As force is applied by the user to drive the handles  104  &amp;  106  together and closer than required for the second position, the receiver jaw  98  and the rivet jaw  102  are splayed apart along an X-axis that is orthogonal to the both the length of the handles  104  &amp;  106  and the central axis A of the rivet. A pair of raised stops  108  &amp;  110  located respectively on the receiver jaw  98  and rivet jaw  102  limit the closing travel of the receiver jaw  98  and the rivet jaw  102  of the applicator  52  so that the rivet  8  and the receiver  10  cannot over engage and potentially damage the rodent ear  6  or the first tag  2  itself. 
         [0102]    For example and not recited in limitation, the stops  108  &amp;  110  may limit the receiver jaw  98  and rivet jaw  102  from forcing the rivet plate  14  be forced closer than 0.060 inch to the receiver  10  along the axis A. This movement limitation of the jaws  108  &amp;  110  caused by the stops  108  &amp;  110  thereby prevents the user from applying a force to the applicator  52  that causes the jaws  98  &amp;  102  to the crush the rivet post  16  against receiver  10 . More particularly, the limitation of the travel of the jaws  98  &amp;  102  along the axis A imposed by the stops  108  &amp;  110  may reduce an incidence of damage caused to first tags  2  during attachment to animal ears  6 . 
         [0103]      FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the three components of the applicator  52 . The first piece  112  includes a first handle  104  and the receiver jaw  98 . The second piece  114  includes a second handle  106  and the rivet jaw  102 . The first piece  112  and the second piece  114  are rotatably coupled by a pivot pin  116 . Each handle  104  &amp;  106  are preferably from one to six inches in length extending away from the pivot pin  116  and the jaws  98  &amp;  102 . 
         [0104]    The receiver jaw  98  includes a lower angled post  118  that includes the lower raised stop  108 . The rivet jaw  102  includes an upper angled post  120  that includes the upper raised stop  110 . The lower angled post  118  is sized and positioned to engage with the rivet jaw  102  when the applicator achieves the second position, and as the applicator  52  is driven into the third position the lower angled post  118  delivers a displacing force to the rivet jaw  102 . The upper angled post  120  is sized and positioned to engage with the receiver jaw  98  when the applicator  52  achieves the second position, and as the applicator  52  is driven into the third position the upper angled post  120  delivers a laterally displacing force to the receiver jaw  98 . The simultaneous delivery of displacing forces by the upper angled post  120  and the lower angled post  118  causes the receiver jaw  98  to splay laterally and thereby cause the width of the receiver recess  96  to increase. The interference fit of the receiver  10  into the receiver recess  96  is thus terminated as the width of the receiver recess  96  is extended beyond the cross-sectional side length of the receiver plate  28 , and the receiver  10  is thus no longer coupled with the receiver jaw  98  when the applicator  52  is in the third position. 
         [0105]    The simultaneous delivery of laterally displacing forces by the upper angled post  120  and the lower angled post  118  further causes the rivet jaw  102  to splay laterally and thereby cause the width of the rivet recess  100  to increase. The interference fit of the rivet  8  into the rivet recess  100  is thus terminated as the width of the rivet recess  100  is extended beyond the cross-sectional side length of the rivet plate  14 , and the rivet  8  is no longer coupled with the rivet jaw  102  when the applicator  52  is in the third position. 
         [0106]    The user may thus remove the tag  2  from the tray  50  by manually driving the handles  104  &amp;  106  together and creating interference fits with the rivet  8  and the receiver  19  that are more forceful than the separate holding forces that the tray  50  applies respectively to the rivet  8  and to the receiver  10 . In addition, the user may couple the tag  2  to the rodent ear  6  by pressing the handles  104  &amp;  106  together and causing the cutting tip  26  of the rivet  8  to drive fully through the ear  6  and then fully through the angled channel  34  of the receiver  10 . The user may then drive the handles  104  &amp;  106  closer together than the second position requires, and terminate the interference fit of the receiver  10  with the receiver jaw  98  and the rivet  8  with the rivet jaw  102 , whereby the applicator  52  has a two phase range of motion. The first phase is instantiated by the user manually forcing the applicator  52  into the second position, and the second phase is instantiated by the user manually forcing the handles  104  &amp;  106  closer together and from the second position and into the third position. 
         [0107]    Referring now to  FIG. 22 ,  FIG. 22  is a front view of a sticker  122 . The sticker  122  may include a sticker adhesive  124  backing that enables the sticker  122  to be affixed to the cage  64  or sample receptacle, e.g. a test tube, and or coupled with an object or a bar code  58  to be visually observed. The sticker  122  is sized to enable the user to confirm that the tag  2  affixed to the rodent  4  resident of the cage  64  is matched with, or alternately associable with but not matched with, the information coded and visually displayed by the sticker  122  and/or the cage card  66 . The intended visual correlation between the tag  2  and the cage card  66  thereby enhances the accuracy and ease of performing an animal census of a plurality of animals  4  or a plurality of organic samples derived from animals  4  within a laboratory, experimental facility, or other animal management operation. 
         [0108]    The sticker  122  is sized to enable the user to confirm that the tag  2  affixed to the rodent  4  resident of the cage  64  is matched with, or not matched with, the information coded and visually displayed by the sticker  122  on a sample receptacle (test tube) and or coupled with an object or a bar code  58  to be visually observed. The sticker  122  is sized to enable the user to confirm that the tag  2  affixed to the rodent resident  4  of the cage  64  is matched with, or not matched with, the information coded and visually displayed by the sticker  122  on a sample receptacle. The intended visual correlation between the tag  2  and the sample receptacle thereby enhances the accuracy and ease of performing sample processing and or analyses of samples derived from a plurality of animals  4  within a laboratory, experimental facility, or other animal management operation. 
         [0109]    The sticker  122  may be a Multi Use Label™ white backgrounded, removable labeling sticker part number 05453 marketed by Avery Dennison Corporation of Brea, Calif. 
         [0110]    Referring now to  FIGS. 23A and 23B ,  FIG. 23A  is a front view of the applicator  52  engaging with the tray  50  wherein the tag rivet  8  is interference fit into the rivet recess  100  of rivet jaw  102  while the tag rivet  8  still held by the right corner tag site  8 . The tag receiver  10  as shown in  FIGS. 23A and 23B  is not engaged with the receiver recess  96  of the receiver jaw  98 .  FIG. 23B  is a perspective view of the applicator  52  approaching the tray  50  but not touching the first tag  2 . 
         [0111]    Referring now to  FIGS. 24A and 24B ,  FIG. 24A  is a front view of the applicator  52  engaged with both the tag rivet  8  and the tag receiver  10 , wherein the tag rivet  8  is interference fit into the rivet recess  100  and the tag receiver  10  is interference fit into the receiver recess  96 .  FIG. 24B  is a perspective side view of the applicator  52  positioned as shown in front view of  FIG. 24A . 
         [0112]    Referring now to  FIGS. 25A and 25B ,  FIG. 25A  is a front view of the applicator  52  positioned proximate to the ear  6 , wherein the rivet jaw  102  is located higher in the Y dimension above the ear  6  and the receiver jaw  98  is positioned lower in the Y dimension relative to the ear  6 . The rivet recess  100  includes a first rivet recess wall  100 .A, a second rivet recess wall  100 .B, a first rivet recess ledge  100 .C and a second rivet recess ledge  100 .D. 
         [0113]    The first rivet recess wall  100 .A extends in the Y dimension in a magnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.030 inches and in the Z dimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches. The second rivet recess wall  100 .B extends in the Y dimension in a magnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.030 inches and in the Z dimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches. The first rivet wall  100 .A and the second rivet wall  100 .B are separated at a distance along the X dimension to provide an interference fit with the tag rivet  8 . 
         [0114]    The first rivet recess ledge  100 .C extends in the X dimension in a magnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.070 inches and in the Z dimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches. 
         [0115]    The second rivet recess ledge  100 .D extends in the X dimension in a magnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.070 inches and in the Z dimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches. 
         [0116]    The receiver recess  96  includes a first receiver recess wall  96 .A, a second receiver recess wall  96 .B, a first receiver recess ledge  96 .C and a second receiver recess ledge  96 .D. 
         [0117]    The first receiver recess wall  96 .A extends in the Y dimension in a magnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.030 inches and in the Z dimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches. The second receiver recess wall  96 .B extends in the Y dimension in a magnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.030 inches and in the Z dimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches. The first receiver wall  96 .A and the second receiver wall  96 .B are separated at a distance along the X dimension to provide an interference fit with the tag receiver  10 . 
         [0118]    The first receiver recess ledge  96 .C extends in the X dimension in a magnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.070 inches and in the Z dimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches. 
         [0119]    The second receiver recess ledge  96 .D extends in the X dimension in a magnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.070 inches and in the Z dimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches. 
         [0120]    Referring now to  FIGS. 26A and 26B ,  FIG. 26A  is a front view of the applicator  52  wherein the rivet post  16  is piercing the ear  6  and the rivet post cutting tip  26  is fully inserted into the protective channel  36 .  FIG. 26B  is a perspective side view of the applicator  52  in the some position as the front view of  FIG. 26A . 
         [0121]      FIG. 27A  is a front view of the applicator  52  wherein the rivet jaw  102  and the receiver jaw  98  are being pressed together by a compressing force delivered along the Y axis by the user to the first handle  104  and the second handle  106 . 
         [0122]    The delivery of compressing forces along the Y dimension by the user are translated to forces to the upper angled post  120  and the lower angled post  118  along the Y dimension, thereby causing the receiver jaw  98  to splay laterally along the X dimension and thereby cause the separation between the first receiver recess wall  96 .A and the second receiver wall  96 .B of the receiver recess  96  to increase beyond 0.200 inches. The interference fit of the receiver  10  into the receiver recess  96  is thus terminated as the width of the receiver recess  96  along the X dimension is extended beyond the cross-sectional side length of the receiver plate  28 , and the receiver  10  is thus no longer coupled with the receiver jaw  98  when the applicator  52  as shown in  FIG. 27A . 
         [0123]    This translation of forces to the upper angled post  120  and the lower angled post  118  along the Y dimension referred to in the preceding paragraph, thereby causing the rivet jaw  102  to splay laterally along the X dimension and thereby cause the separation between the first rivet recess wall  100 .A and the second rivet wall  100 .B of the rivet recess  100  to increase beyond 0.200 inches. The interference fit of the rivet  8  into the rivet recess  100  is thus terminated as the width of the rivet recess along the X dimension is extended beyond the cross-sectional side length of the rivet plate  14  and the rivet  8  is thus no longer coupled with the rivet jaw  102  when the applicator  52  as shown in  FIG. 27A . 
         [0124]    As shown on  FIGS. 27A and 27B , the pair of raised stops  108  &amp;  110  located respectively on the rivet jaw  102  and receiver jaw  98  are limiting the closing travel of the jaws  98  &amp;  102  of the applicator  52  along the Y dimension so that the rivet  8  and the receiver  10  cannot over engage and potentially damage the rodent ear  6  or the first tag  2  itself. 
         [0125]      FIG. 27B  is a perspective view of the applicator  52  as positioned in the front view of  FIG. 27A . 
         [0126]    Referring now to  FIG. 28 ,  FIG. 28  is a schematic illustration of an electronic communications network  126  comprising a computational system  128  and additional associated equipment useful to use, monitor and automatically read the first tag  2 . The electronic communications network  126 , or network  126 , may be or comprise the Internet  127 , a wireless communications network, a telephony network, and/or a cellular telephone network. 
         [0127]    The computational system  128 , or network computer  128 , is bi-directionally communicatively coupled with the network  126  and may be selected from a group of suitable electronic devices known in the art, including (1.) a Nokia Model E61™ cellular telephone marketed by Nokia Corporation of Espoo Finland; (2.) a BLACKBERRY™ wireless personal digital assistant  20  marketed by Research-in-Motion of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; (3.) a VAIO FS8900™ notebook computer marketed by Sony Corporation of America, of New York City, N.Y.; (4.) POWERBOOK G4™ personal computer marketed by Apple Computer, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.; or (5.) an iPhone™ cellular telephone marketed by Apple Computer, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif. 
         [0128]    A network-enabled printer  130  is communicatively coupled to the network  126  and is configured to print the bar code  58 , the color code  62 , and/or the alphanumeric code  60  onto the cage card  66  and the sticker  122 . the printer  130  may be a Konica Minolta Model Bizhub C456™ printer as marketed by Minolta Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. The network enabled imprinter  132  is communicatively coupled to the network  126  and is configured to mark, laser mark imprint, and/or etch the bar code  58 , the color code  62 , and/or the alphanumeric code  60  onto rivet display plate  18 . 
         [0129]    A bar code reader  134  is configured to read the bar code  58  from the rivet display plate  18 , the cage card  66  and the sticker  122  and communicate information read from, or derived from the information read from, the rivet display plate  18 , the cage card  66  or the sticker  122  to the computer  128  by a wired connection or a wireless communication. It is understood that the solid line extending from the computer  128  and to the bar code reader  134  represents a wired communication connection and that the dashed line extending from the computer  128  and to the bar code reader  134  represents a wireless communications connection. The bar code reader  134  may be (a.) a Code Reader CR1200™ bar code scanner marketed by Code Corporation of Bluffdale, Utah; (b.) a 4600g Scanner™ bar code scanner marketed by Honeywell Corporation of Morristown, N.J.; (c.) a Gryphon™ bar code scanner marketed by Datalogic Scanning, Inc. of Greeneville, S.C.; or (d.) other suitable bar code scanner known in the art. 
         [0130]    An RFID reader  136  is configured to receive a wireless radio wave transmission from the RFID  12  of the first tag  2 . The RFID reader  12  may further be configured to provide electrical power via radio wave transmission to the RFID  12 . The RFID reader  136  is further configured to communicate information read from, or derived from the information read from, the RFID  12  by a wired connection or a wireless communication. It is understood that the solid line extending from the computer  128  and to the RFID reader  136  represents a wired communication connection and that the dashed line extending from the computer  128  and to the RFID code reader  136  represents a wireless communications connection. 
         [0131]    Referring now to  FIG. 29 ,  FIG. 29  is a schematic of a system software  138  of the computer  128 . The system software includes an operating system software  140 , a basic input/output system  142 , a data base management system  144 , a printer driver software  146 , a bar code imprinter driver  148 , a bar code reader interface software  150 , an RFID reader interface software  152 , an input module software  154 , a display driver software  156 , and a network communications software  158 . The operating system  140  enables the computer  128  to contemporaneously run or execute the other software modules  142 - 158  as directed by the user. The basic input/output system  142  enables the computer  128  to boot-up upon command by the user. 
         [0132]    The data base management system  144 , or DBMS  144 , may be or comprise (1.) an object oriented database and an Object Oriented DBMS, (2.) an IBM DB2 Universal Database™ server (in Linux, UNIX (R)) marketed by IBM Corporation of Armonk, N.Y.; (3.) WINDOWS™ operating system environments marketed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.; (4.) a relational database, such as an SQL Server Yukon™ relational database software as marketed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.; (5.) an Oracle Database 11g™ relational database software as marketed by Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, Calif.; and/or (6.) other suitable DBMS known in the art. 
         [0133]    The printer driver software  146  enables the computer  128  to instruct the printer  130  to print the bar code  58 , the color code  62 , and/or the alphanumeric code  60  onto the cage card  66  and the sticker  122 . The bar code imprinter driver  148   146  enables the computer  128  to instruct the imprinter  132  to mark, laser mark imprint, and/or etch the bar code  58 , the color code  62 , and/or the alphanumeric code  60  onto rivet display plate  18 . The bar code reader interface software  150  enables the computer  128  to receive information from the bar code reader  134 . The RFID reader interface software  152  enables the computer  128  to receive information transmitted from the RFID  136 . 
         [0134]    The input module software  154  enables the computer  128  to receive commands and information provided by the user via an input device of the computer, e.g., a computer keyboard. The display driver software  156  enables the computer  128  to direct a display module of the computer  128 , e.g., an electronic display screen, to present visual representations of information. The network communications software  158  enables the computer  128  to bi-directionally communicate with and via the network  126 . 
         [0135]    The foregoing disclosures and statements are illustrative only of the present invention, and are not intended to limit or define the scope of the present invention. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the examples given include many specificities, they are intended as illustrative of only certain possible applications of the present invention. The examples given should only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the applications of the present invention, and the full scope of the Present Invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described applications can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. The scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed should, therefore, be determined with reference to the knowledge of one skilled in the art and in light of the disclosures presented above.