Patent Publication Number: US-2004059195-A1

Title: Device for attaching equipment to an appendage

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates generally to a monitoring system for animals and, more particularly to a device for attaching monitoring or administering equipment or electronics to an appendage of an animal.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] In the cattle business and the feedlot industry in particular, as many as forty to fifty thousand head of cattle may be located at any given time in a typical feedlot. Each animal may have an average pen space of 150-250 square feet. When animals are maintained in such close quarters, it is necessary to diligently monitor the health of the animals so that an animal can be removed and treated as soon as is shows symptoms of illness. Traditionally, feedlots have a person who rides on a horse into the individual pens and looks for animals that appear lethargic or demonstrate some other characteristic of illness or poor health. As can be expected, this system is only as good as the person&#39;s ability to observe such characteristics. Furthermore, the characteristics of illness in the animal may only become visible after the illness has substantially progressed.  
       [0003] Behaviors of an animal, such as the frequency of the animal&#39;s intake of food and water, and physiological parameters, such as the temperature and pulse rate of the animal, can be good indicators of the animal&#39;s health and well being. Timely monitoring of certain behaviors or physiological parameters of each animal to identify the early stages of illness prior to the onset of clinical signs would be a tremendous economic benefit to an animal owner.  
       [0004] Various patents have focused on monitoring and measuring the feed consumption and weight change of animals. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,465,724; 3,541,995; 3,929,277; 4,532,892; 4,617,876, disclose devices to monitor or control the feeding times or amounts consumed by the animal. Other patents attempt to monitor an animal&#39;s temperature and detect fever or illness. Some prior art monitoring devices implant in the animal or insert into a body cavity. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,781,837; 3,893,111; 4,399,821; 4,854,328; and 4,865,044 disclose devices that are inserted into a body cavity or implanted in the animal.  
       [0005] Alternatively, a non-intrusive, prior art monitoring device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,539 and is illustrated in FIG. 1. The non-intrusive monitoring device includes a sleeve  10  having an outer surface  12 , an interior  14 , and an inner surface  16 . The monitoring sleeve  10  has a pouch  20  to house a separate and insertable instrument pack  22 . The pouch  20  is located on the outer surface  12  of the sleeve  10 . One or more biosensors  40  are affixed to the inner surface  16  of the monitoring sleeve  10 . The biosensors  40  are connected to a data port on the instrument pack  22  via electrical wires  42  embedded within the interior  14  of the sleeve  10 . The sleeve  10  is wrapped around the tail of the animal to be monitored so that the biosensor  40  is placed adjacent the skin of the animal. Fasteners  30  and  32 , such as Velcro™, are then used to hold the sleeve  10  on the tail.  
       [0006] Another non-intrusive monitoring device is also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,539 and is illustrated in FIG. 2. The monitoring device includes a monitoring sleeve  50  having a bottom portion  60  and a top portion  70 . The bottom portion  60  is shaped like a shallow, rounded “W.” This bottom portion  60  is made of plastic and is slightly flexible. One or more biosensors  82  are located on the inner surface  64  of the sleeve at the apex  66  of this “W”-shaped bottom portion  60 . The top portion  70  of the sleeve  50  is comprised of a stretchable fabric, such as elastic, that allows it to be stretched snugly around the animal&#39;s tail. On the top portion of the sleeve  70  is a pouch  80  and light  84 . The top portion  70  is affixed to the bottom portion  60  by strips of Velcro™ or another fastening mechanism  62  and  72 . Both the bottom and top portions  60  and  70  of the sleeve  50  have a rubbery coating on their inner surfaces  64  and  74 . This coating helps prevent the sleeve from sliding off or rotating around the animal&#39;s tail.  
       [0007] Although the monitoring sleeves  10  and  50  disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,539 are effective, those in the art are continually striving to improve ways to monitor animals. In one aspect, for example, the sleeves  10  and  50  can be limited by the type and weight of electronics and equipment that they can successfully hold on the animal. The present invention is directed to an improved device for attaching monitoring or administering equipment or electronics to an appendage of an animal and is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] The present invention provides a device for attaching equipment or electronics to an appendage of an animal. The device includes one portion hingedly attached to another portion. The equipment or electronics is disposed in a cavity defined in one of the portions. The equipment or electronics can include monitoring or administering systems. The device attaches to an appendage of an animal by enclosing the appendage within the two portions of the device. The two portions are fastened or bound together to hold the device on the appendage. The device can include an end piece, which bends the appendage, such as a tail, and helps hold the device on the appendage. The device can include a series of studs within the two portions to help hold the device on the appendage. The device can also include a frusto-conical bore to accommodate the appendage and help hold the device thereon.  
       [0009] The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the invention disclosed herein, but merely to provide a general summary of the disclosed invention. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0010] The foregoing summary, a preferred embodiment, and other aspects of the present invention will be best understood with reference to a detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention, which follows, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
     [0011]FIG. 1 illustrates an animal monitoring system according to the prior art.  
     [0012]FIG. 2 illustrates another animal monitoring system according to the prior art.  
     [0013] FIGS.  3 A-D illustrate various views of an embodiment of an attachment device according to the present invention.  
     [0014] FIGS.  4 A-B illustrate various views of another embodiment of an attachment device according to the present invention.  
     [0015]FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary location on an animal for the attachment device of FIGS.  4 A-B.  
     [0016] FIGS.  6 A-D illustrate various views of a first portion of the attachment device of FIGS.  4 A-B.  
     [0017] FIGS.  7 A-B illustrate various views of a second portion of the attachment device of FIGS.  4 A-B.  
     [0018] FIGS.  8 A-E illustrate components of embodiments of fastening or binding mechanisms in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0019] FIGS.  9 A-C illustrate embodiments of electronics and equipment for use with an attachment device in accordance with the present invention.  
     [0020]FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of an attachment device according to the present invention. 
    
    
     [0021] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0022] Referring to FIGS.  3 A-D, an embodiment of an attachment device  100  according to the present invention is illustrated in a number of views. FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of the attachment device  100 ; FIG. 3B illustrates an end view of the attachment device  100 ; FIG. 3C illustrates a side view of the attachment device  100 ; and FIG. 3D illustrates another side view of the attachment device  100 .  
     [0023] The attachment device  100  includes a first body portion  110   a , a second body portion  110   b , a hinge mechanism  150 , and a fastening or binding mechanism  180 . The body portions  110   a  and  110   b  are attached together along adjacent edges by the hinge mechanism  150 , which allows the body portions  110   a  and  110   b  to pivot in relation to one about the hinge mechanism  150 . Although the present embodiment only has two body portions  110   a  and  110   b , it is understood that the attachment device  100  of the present invention can include more than two body portions. For example, the attachment device of the present invention can include a middle body portion hingedly connected to two side body portions by hinge mechanisms.  
     [0024] The body portions  110   a  and  110   b  define an internal opening or bore  120  accommodating an appendage (not shown). The internal opening or bore  120  has first and second ends  122  and  124  and includes a surface  130  to engage or grip the appendage. In one embodiment, the device  100  is attached to a tail of an animal. It is understood that the device  100  can be attached to another appendage of the animal, such as a leg. Moreover, it is understood that the device  100  can be attached to a stalk or branch of a plant requiring attachment of monitoring or administrating equipment or electronics.  
     [0025] In one embodiment, the surface  130  includes a series of studs (not shown), which project from the inner surface of the internal bore  120  to grip the appendage. In other embodiments, the surface  130  can include other surfaces known in the art for making frictional contact with hair or skin of an animal. For example, the surface  130  can include, but is not limited to, a rough surface, a comb structure, or a rubbery surface, among other possibilities known in the art.  
     [0026] Connected by the hinge mechanism  150 , the first and second body portions  110   a  and  110   b  can be opened and closed in relation to one another. Closing the body portions  110   a  and  110   b  decreases the dimension of the bore  120  defined therebetween and encloses the device  100  on the appendage disposed in the bore  120 . In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism  150  includes a plurality of inter-fitting knuckles having a pivot pin passing therethrough about which the knuckles rotate. In other embodiments, the hinge mechanism  150  can include mechanisms known in the art for hingedly attaching portions of a body together. For example, the hinge mechanism  150  can include, but is not limited to, a flexible member or portion connecting the body portions  110   a  and  110   b . Alternatively, the hinge mechanism  150  can include a piece of material having a flexible fold therein and integrally connected to the body portions  110   a  and  110   b.    
     [0027] When the body portions  110   a  and  110   b  are enclosed about the appendage disposed within the bore  120 , the fastening or binding mechanism  180  fastens the body portions  110   a  and  110   b  together. It is understood that the fastening or binding mechanism  180  can include a number of devices known in the art for attaching, fastening, or binding hingedly attached portions of a body together. For example, the fastening or binding mechanism  180  can include, but is not limited to, straps, belts, buckles, Velcro™ strips, elastic bands, laces, hooks, loops, latches, clasps, or hasps, among other mechanisms known in the art.  
     [0028] In one embodiment, the fastening or binding mechanism  180  includes a first member  182  attached to the first body portion  110   a  and includes a second member  184  attached to the second body portion  110   b . The first and second members  182  and  184  connect with one another to fasten the body portions  110   a  and  110   b  together about the appendage. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening or binding mechanism  180  can be used to clamp or squeeze the body portions  110   a  and  110   b  about the appendage. Furthermore, the fastening or binding mechanism  180  is preferably adjustable, allowing the device  100  to be fastened about various sized appendages and allowing the degree of fastening on the appendage to be adjusted.  
     [0029] The device  100  of the present invention holds equipment or electronics (not shown) on the appendage, such as on an animal&#39;s tail. The device  100  can include a pouch or pocket receiving the equipment and electronics, which can be a self-contained instrument pack. In addition, the equipment or electronics in the form of a self-contained component or unit can attach to the outside of the device  100 . It is understood that the equipment or electronics can be attached to, housed in, or held on the device  100  in a myriad of ways or by a number of mechanisms known in the art.  
     [0030] Preferably, the device  100  offers some form of protection for the equipment and electronics from the weather, physical hazards, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the first body portion  110   a  defines a cavity  112  for holding the equipment or electronics. The second body portion  110   b  can just as easily define the cavity or can also define a second cavity in addition to the first cavity  112 . A cover (not shown) encloses the equipment or electronics within the cavity  112 . A passage or aperture  114  communicates the cavity  112  with the bore  120 . Sensors, intravenous lines, or other equipment or electronics (not shown) are positioned adjacent the appendage disposed within the bore  120  and are connected through the passage  114  with the equipment or electronics housed in the cavity  112 .  
     [0031] As will be discussed in more detail below, the attachment device  100  can be used in combination with equipment or electronics for measuring or monitoring physiological parameters, such as an animal&#39;s temperature or pulse rate. The device  100  can also be used in combination with equipment or electronics for measuring or monitoring an animal&#39;s movements, eating habits, or location, among other possible uses. For example, the attachment device  100  of the present invention can be used in combination with monitoring systems and methods as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,539, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, the attachment device  100  can be used in combination with equipment or electronics for administering substances to an animal, such as injections of antibiotics, vaccines, steroids, hormones, or medicines.  
     [0032] Referring to FIGS.  4 A-B, another embodiment of an attachment device  200  according to the present invention is illustrated. FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of the attachment device  200 ; and FIG. 4B illustrates an end view of the attachment device  200 . The attachment device  200  includes a first body portion  210   a , a second body portion  210   b , a hinge mechanism  250 , a fastening or binding mechanism  260 , and an end piece or tail piece  270 .  
     [0033] The body portions  210   a  and  210   b  are formed of rigid material and are attached together along adjacent edges by the hinge mechanism  250 , which allows the body portions  210   a  and  210   b  to pivot in relation to one. The body portions  210   a  and  210   b  define an internal opening or bore  220  accommodating an appendage (not shown), such as a tail of an animal. The internal opening or bore  220  has first and second ends  222  and  224  and includes a surface  230  to engage or grip the appendage. As described in more detail below, the surface  230  includes a series of studs projecting from the inner surface of the internal bore  220 . The first body portion  210   a  includes a cavity  212  defined therein that is covered by a cover or plate (not shown). The cavity  212  holds equipment or electronics as disclosed herein and communicates with the bore  220 , and hence the appendage, through a passage (not shown).  
     [0034] Connected by the hinge mechanism  250 , the body portions  210   a  and  210   b  can be opened and closed in relation to one another. Closing the body portions  210   a  and  210   b  decreases the dimension of the bore  220  defined therebetween and encloses the device  200  on the appendage disposed in the bore  220 . As described in more detail below, the hinge mechanism  250  includes a plurality of inter-fitting knuckles and having a pivot pin  256  passing therethrough about which the knuckles rotate.  
     [0035] The hinge mechanism  250  preferably connects the body portions  210   a  and  210   b  together such that a gap  258  is present along the unconnected edges of the portions  210   a  and  210   b . As best shown in FIG. 4B, the gap  258  is present between the body portions  210   a  and  210   b  when they are positioned parallel to one another. Consequently, the fastening or binding mechanism  260  can bring the free edges of the body portions  210   a  and  210   b  closer together to further decrease the dimension of the bore  220  about the appendage disposed therein. In this way, the attachment device  200  can clamp or squeeze the gripping surface  230  of the bore  220  against the appendage.  
     [0036] Additionally, the hinge mechanism  250  can be biased or spring loaded to maintain the body portions  110   a  and  110   b  in a closed position. The biased or spring loaded hinge mechanism  250  can further help maintain the device  200  on the appendage. Moreover, the biased or spring loaded hinge mechanism  250  can facilitate the attachment and removal of the device  200  by allowing the device  200  to be temporary held on the appendage while the fastening mechanism  260  is operated.  
     [0037] The fastening or binding mechanism  260  fastens body portion  210   a  and  210   b  together once the device  200  is enclosed about the appendage disposed within the bore  220 . In a preferred embodiment, the fastening mechanism  260  is able to clamp or squeeze the body portions  210   a  and  210   b  about the appendage. Furthermore, the fastening mechanism  260  is preferably adjustable, allowing the device  200  to be fastened about various sized appendages and allowing the degree of fastening to be adjusted.  
     [0038] In the present embodiment, the fastening or binding mechanism  260  includes a latch or hasp  261  and an interconnecting member or strap  264 , which are shown in relevant detail in FIG. 8A. The latch or hasp  261  is disposed in a well  215  defined in the second body portion  210   b  and is hingedly attached to the sides of the well  215 . One end of the interconnecting member  264  is disposed through an opening  216  and is attached to the first body portion  210   b . The interconnecting member  264  includes a plurality of notches or slots that connect with the latch or hasp  261  and that allow for adjustment of the fastening mechanism  260 .  
     [0039] The end piece or tailpiece  270  is attached to the device  200  adjacent the second end  224  of the bore  220 . The end piece  270  is curved to produce a bend or kink in a flexible portion of the appendage extending from the second end  224 . The bending of a flexible appendage, such as a tail, further helps to hold the device  200  on the appendage.  
     [0040] Referring to FIG. 5, a preferred location for the attachment device  200  of FIGS.  4 A-B on an animal is illustrated. In FIG. 5, a cow is used as an exemplary animal on which to attach the device  200 . It is understood that the present invention is not limited to attachment to cattle, but can be used on other animals. The preferred location of the device  200  for cattle is around the upper end of the tail. The tail is easily accessible and small in diameter, allowing the device  200  to be small and simple to attach or remove.  
     [0041] The device  200  is fastened on the tail with the first end  222  adjacent the base of the tail. The end piece  270  adjacent the second end  224  bends the extending portion of the tail away from the animal and aids in holding the device  200  on the tail. The fastening mechanism  260  and cavity are readily accessible by an operator while the device  200  is attached to the tail.  
     [0042] With the small device  200  located at the base of the tail, the animal can still use the tail to ward away insects. Because the upper end of the tail folds over the rear of the animal, near the anus, biosensors within the device  200  can yield accurate temperature measurements. The biosensors are not inserted into a body cavity or into an incision, which eliminates the possibility of the biosensors being dislodged or expelled and eliminates the chance of an infection occurring at an incision site.  
     [0043] Returning to FIGS.  4 A-B, example dimensions of the attachment device  200  for use on the tail of cattle will be discussed. The body portions  210   a  and  210   b  have an exemplary length (L) of approximately 4.5 inches and an exemplary height (H) of approximately 2.5 inches. When the device  200  is closed, a general diameter (D) of the bore  220  is roughly 1.5 inches on the first end  222  adjacent the base of the tail. The end piece  270  extends a length (l) of approximately 1.24-inch from the second end  224  of the bore  120  and has an approximately 60-degree up turn. It is understood that the approximate dimensions disclosed herein are only exemplary and will vary for specific implementations of the attachment device  200 .  
     [0044] The attachment device  200  is preferably composed of a composite plastic to maintain a light weight and to resist a corrosive environment. The device  200  can weigh as little as one pound, for example, with equipment or electronic components installed in the cavity  212 . The body portions  210   a  and  210   b  can be separately formed by an injection molding process and then hingedly attached to one another. The studs of the gripping surface  230  can be integrally formed with the body portions  210   a  and  210   b . Alternatively, the studs of the gripping surface  230  can be composed of a different material from the body portions, such as rubber, affixed to the inner surface of the bore  220 .  
     [0045] Referring to FIGS.  6 A-D, the first body portion  210   a  of the attachment device is illustrated in a perspective view, an end view, a first side view, and a second side view, respectively. As best shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C, the first body portion  210   a  defines the cavity  212  for holding equipment or electronics (not shown). The cavity  212  communicates with the internal bore  220   a  through the passage  214  defined in the body portion  210   a.    
     [0046] With the present availability of small electronic and mechanical components, the cavity  212  need not be deeply inset into the body portion  210   a . For example, using the exemplary dimensions discussed above, the cavity  212  can be inset approximately 0.92 of an inch into the body portion. The cavity  212  can have a width of approximately 1.6-inches and can have a length of almost 4.5-inches. Thus, the cavity  212  can provide about 6.6-cubic inches of space to house the electronics and equipment.  
     [0047] A cover or plate (not shown) positions over the cavity  212  to protect the equipment or electronics therein. The cover is inserted into a track  218  from the second end  224  of the body portion  210   a  and is slid along the track  218  to cover the cavity  212 . The cover is then affixed to apertures  219  with fasteners (not shown). The track  218  and/or cover can include a seal (not shown) to sealably protect the electronics and equipment. The cavity  212  and cover protect the equipment and electronics from the weather, physical hazards, etc. Furthermore, the cavity  212  and cover are accessible from outside the body portion  210   a , permitting an operator to access the equipment or electronics without removing the attachment device from the appendage.  
     [0048] The first body portion  210   a  defines an opening  216  for use with a fastening or binding mechanism (not shown). The first body portion  210   a  includes a series of hinge knuckles  252  of the hinge mechanism  250  spaced apart by gaps  254 . The series of hinge knuckles  252  inter-fit with adjacent gaps on the second body portion of the device, and the gaps  254  receive adjacent hinge knuckles on the second body portion. The first body portion  210   a  also includes a first side  270   a  of the end piece used to bend a flexible appendage.  
     [0049] As best shown in the side view of FIG. 6D, the first body portion  210   a  defines a first inner surface  220   a  of the internal bore that accommodates the appendage. The first inner surface  220   a  preferably tapers along the length of the body portion  210   a . For use on the tail of cattle, for example, the inner surface  220   a  preferably tapers approximately 2.5 degrees measured from the first end  222  to the second end  224 . Accordingly, the first end  222  disposing adjacent the base of the tail has a larger dimension than the second end  224 . The tapering first inner surface  220   a  in combination with a tapering second inner surface of the second body portion gives the bore a frusto-conical shape. The frusto-conical bore helps to hold the device on the preferred location on a tail, which becomes slender from the base to the tip.  
     [0050] As best shown in FIG. 6D, the first inner surface  220   a  of the bore is lined with a first gripping surface  230   a . The gripping surface  230   a  includes a series of studs to engage or grip the surface of the appendage. When used on the base of a tail, the studs preferably protrude approximately {fraction (1/8)} of an inch from the inner surface  220   a  and include a 35-degree draft angle. In another embodiment, the surface of the bore can include the use of a wire fillet (not shown) or glue adhesive (not shown) to make contact with the hair of skin of an animal.  
     [0051] Referring to FIGS.  7 A-B, the second body portion  210   b  of the attachment device is illustrated in first and second side views. As best shown in FIG. 7A, the second body portion  210   b  defines another inner surface  220   b  of the bore that accommodates the appendage. As before, the second inner surface  220   b  preferably tapers measured from the first end  222  to the second end  224 . The second inner surface  220   b  of the bore is lined with a second gripping surface  230   b , such as described above. The second body portion  210   b  defines the well  215  for use with the fastening mechanism (not shown). The second body portion  210   b  also include a second side  270   b  of the end piece.  
     [0052] Referring to FIG. 8A, components of the fastening or binding mechanism  260  of FIGS.  4 A-B are illustrated. The fastening or binding mechanism  260  includes a latch or hasp  261  and an adjustable strap  264  for fastening or binding the body portions (not shown) of the device together. The latch and strap mechanism is known in the art and can be found, for example, used on a ski boot to fasten the boot on a wearer. The latch  261  includes a hinge  262 , which is spring biased and attached to the second body portion. The latch  261  includes a tooth or catch  263  to engage the strap  264 .  
     [0053] The strap  264  includes a first opening to attach the strap  264  to the first body portion. The strap  264  also includes a plurality of notches or slots  268 , which are used to adjustably engage the tooth  263  of the latch  261 . Preferably, numerous notches or slots  268  are included on the strap  264  and are spaced close together to provide for greater adjustment of the fastening mechanism  260 . Using the adjustable fastening mechanism  260 , an operator can adjust the dimension of the internal bore between the body portions and adjust the degree of clamping produced on the appendage.  
     [0054] Referring to FIG. 8B, another embodiment of a fastening or binding mechanism  270  for fastening or binding the two body portions (not shown) of the device together is illustrated. The fastening or binding mechanism  270  is a pull hoist mechanism with a ratchet-handle, such as is known in the art and is commonly called a COME-ALONG. The fastening or binding mechanism  270  includes a ratcheting mechanism  272 , a handle  274 , and an interconnecting member  276 .  
     [0055] The handle  274  is connected to a sheave (not shown) within the ratcheting mechanism  272 . The interconnecting member  276  is disposed in the ratcheting mechanism  272 . The handle  274  is used by an operator to produce a ratcheting movement of the sheave. The ratcheting movement of the sheave advances the interconnecting member  276  through the ratcheting mechanism  272 .  
     [0056] The interconnecting member  276  can be a strap, belt, chain, or the like. A first end  277  of the interconnecting member  276  is attached to one of the body portions of the device. In one embodiment, the ratcheting mechanism  272  is fixedly attached to the other body portion, and a second end  278  of the interconnecting member  276  is left free. Alternatively, the second end  278  of the interconnecting member  276  can be attached to the other body portion so that the ratcheting mechanism  272  is held between the attached ends  277  and  278 . Using the handle  274 , an operator can bring the body portions of the device together. The ratcheting mechanism  272  allows for fine adjustment in fastening or binding the device on an appendage. The ratcheting mechanism  272  can include a release allowing for easy unfastening of the fastening mechanism  270 .  
     [0057] Referring to FIG. 8C, yet another embodiment of a fastening or binding mechanism  280  for fastening or binding the two body portions (not shown) of the device together is illustrated. The fastening or binding mechanism  280  resembles a fastener for footwear, such as is known in the art and is commonly used on ski boots or in-line skates. The fastening or binding mechanism  280  includes a toothed strap  282 , a stirrup  284 , and lever arm  288 .  
     [0058] The strap  282  has one end  283  secured to one of the body portions (not shown). The end  283  of the strap  282  can be secured to the one body portion by a rivet, hinge, or other technique known in the art. The stirrup  284  has a pawl  286  pivotally mounted between sides of the stirrup  284  by a pin. The pawl  286  is preferably biased by a leaf or torsion spring (not shown). The toothed strap  282  is inserted between the bottom of stirrup  284  and the pawl  286  with the pawl  286  sliding and skipping on the ratchet teeth of the strap  282 . The end of the pawl  286  is capable of catching on the ratchet teeth of the strap  282  to positively lock the strap  282  from being removed from the stirrup  284 . By depressing the end of the pawl  286 , the strap  282  can be released.  
     [0059] A tension lever  288  is fulcrumed on the stirrup  288 . The lever  288  is also fulcrumed by a member  289 , which connects to the second body portion (not shown). After ratcheting the strap  282  in the pawl  286  and stirrup  284  to a desired position, the user can further close or bind the body portions together by pivoting the tension lever  288  until it engages the toothed strap  282 . The lever  288  can snap lock in the engaged position to prevent accidental loosening.  
     [0060] Referring to FIG. 8D, another embodiment of a fastening mechanism  290  can include a strip  292  of double-surfaced VELCRO having one end  293  attached to one of the body portions (not shown). The one end  293  has a first surface of VELCRO. A free end  294  of the strip  292  passes through a ring  298  attached to the other body portion (not shown). This other end  294  has a second surface of VELCRO, which is attachable to the first surface on the one end  293 . A user can pull the strip  292  through the ring  298  in direction P until a desired fit is made on the appendage. The strip  292  can then be secured in direction S to itself by mating the opposite surfaces of the VELCRO to hold the ring  298  within a loop  296  formed with the strip  292 .  
     [0061] As an additional example in FIG. 8E, the fastening or binding mechanism can include a self-locking cable tie  299 , which is often referred to as a “wire tie.” The wire tie can be looped through opening on both sides of the hinged, attachment device and can then be tightened to secure the device on the appendage. With the benefit of the above examples and the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a number of fastening or binding mechanisms known in the art can be used with the attachment device  300  of the present invention.  
     [0062] Referring to FIGS.  9 A-C, embodiments of electronics and equipment for use with an attachment device  300  are illustrated. The attachment device  300  is only partially illustrated in cross-section. The attachment device  300  includes a first body portion  302   a  connected to a second body portion  302   b  by a hinge mechanism  306 . The body portions  302   a  and  302   b  define an internal bore  304  accommodating an appendage. A fastening mechanism  308  fastens the body portions  302   a  and  302   b  about the appendage. The first body portion  302   a  defines a cavity  310  communicating with the internal bore  304  and appendage through a passage  312 . A cover  314  is positioned in a guide  316  to cover the cavity  310 .  
     [0063] The attachment device  300  of the present invention is capable of housing and protecting various types of equipment and electronics on the appendage of the animal. Furthermore, the attachment device  300  of the present invention is capable of holding a substantial amount of equipment and electronics on the appendage of the animal. The equipment or electronics are schematically illustrated and can include a microprocessor, a biosensor, a transmitter, a receiver, a tag-based system, or a global positioning system (GPS), among other possible equipment and electronics for monitoring animals, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,539 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The equipment and electronics can be separate components installed in the cavity  310  or attached to the device  300 . Alternatively, the equipment and electronics can be a self-contained instrument pack that is disposed in the cavity  310  of the device  300 .  
     [0064] In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9A, the electronics and equipment for use with the attachment device  300  include a power supply  320 , a microprocessor  330 , a biosensor  340 , and an indicator  350 . The power supply  320  and microprocessor  330  are housed in the cavity  310  of the first body portion  302   a . The power supply  320 , such as a battery, is electrically coupled to the microprocessor  330  via a connection  322  and supplies power thereto.  
     [0065] The biosensor  340  is positioned adjacent the surface of the animal&#39;s appendage held within the bore  304 . The biosensor  340  senses physiological parameters of the animal and electrically couples to the microprocessor  330  via a connection  332  that passes through a passage  312 . The microprocessor  330  processes the sensed parameters from the biosensor  340 . The microprocessor  330  is electrically coupled to the indicator  350  via a connection  334 . The indicator  350  is attached to a cover  314  and can include a visual or auditory alarm, such as a strobe light, beacon, or piezoelectric horn, among other possibilities known in the art.  
     [0066] When a monitored physiological parameter of the animal is out of a predetermined “healthy” range, the microprocessor  330  can activate the alarm  350  to alert a feedlot operator of a potential health problem for that particular animal. In other embodiments, the microprocessor  330  can be coupled to a transmitter (not shown) for transmitting the sensed physiological parameter or alarm to a remote station. In addition, the microprocessor  330  can be coupled to a GPS-system or a tag-based system (not shown) to track the location, movement, feeding habits, and watering habits of the animal.  
     [0067] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9B, the electronics or equipment for use with the attachment device  300  includes a power supply  320 , a microprocessor  330 , and administering or injection equipment  360 . The administering or injection equipment  360  includes an actuator or miniature pump  362 , a reservoir  364 , and an intravenous line or catheter  366 .  
     [0068] The power supply  320  is electrically coupled to the microprocessor  330  and supplies power thereto. The microprocessor  330  is electrically coupled to the miniature pump  362  via a connection  336 . The miniature pump  362  is coupled to the reservoir  364 , which contains a substance to be administered to the animal. The substance can include, for example, antibiotics, vaccines, hormones, steroids, medicines, blood products, chemicals, etc. The intravenous line  366  is coupled to the pump  362  and passes through the passage  312  to the appendage of the animal.  
     [0069] In one embodiment, for example, the microprocessor  330  can include a timing circuit or programming that activates the miniature pump  362  according to predetermined time intervals or timing scheme. In another embodiment, the microprocessor  330  can be electrically coupled to a receiver (not shown) for receiving a remote signal to activate the pump  362 . The microprocessor  330  activates the pump  362 . The miniature pump  362  pumps at least a portion of the substance from the reservoir  364  and delivers it to the animal via the intravenous line  366  coupled to the appendage.  
     [0070] In yet another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9C, the electronics or equipment for use with the attachment device  300  includes a power supply  320 , a microprocessor  330 , and administering or injection equipment  370 . The administering or injection equipment  370  includes a reservoir  372  and an actuator  376 . The actuator  376  is a linear actuator or servo moving a plunger  374  disposed in the reservoir  372 .  
     [0071] The reservoir  372  is coupled to an intravenous line  378 . The actuator  376  is operatively coupled to the microprocessor  330  via a connection  338 . The microprocessor  330  activates the actuator  376 , which moves the plunger  374 . The plunger  374  pushes the substance in the reservoir  372  and delivers it to the animal via the intravenous line  378  coupled to the appendage.  
     [0072] Referring to FIG. 10, another embodiment of an attachment device  400  is illustrated in cross-sectional. The attachment device  400  includes a first body portion  410   a , a second body portion  410   b , a hinge mechanism  450 , and a fastening mechanism  480 . The attachment device  400  can also include an end piece (not shown) as discussed above. The body portions  410   a  and  410   b  define inner surfaces of a bore  420  for accommodating an appendage (not shown) of the animal to be monitored. The first body portion  410   a  defines a cavity  412  for holding equipment or electronics (not shown). A passage  414  communicates the cavity  412  with the internal bore  420 .  
     [0073] The body portions  410   a  and  410   b  are attached together by the hinge mechanism  450 . In the present embodiment, the hinge mechanism  450  is a thin fold of material integrally connecting the rigid body portions  410   a  and  410   b  together along one edge. The hinge mechanism  450  allows the body portions  410   a  and  410   b  to open and close relative to one another. The hinge mechanism  450  can be biased like a leaf spring. Furthermore, the hinge mechanism  450  can produce a gap  452  along the free edges of the body portions  410   a  and  410   b  as discussed above.  
     [0074] The fastening mechanism  480  maintains the unconnected edges of the body portions  410   a  and  410   b  together and holds the device  400  on the appendage of the animal. In the present embodiment of the invention, the fastening mechanism  480  includes a latch  482  and a loop  484 . The latch  482  is hingedly attached to the second body portion  410   b . The loop  484  is hingedly attached to the first body portion  410   a . The latch  482  includes notches  483 , which receive the loop  484 . The notches  483  allow an operator to adjust the dimension of the bore  420  and the degree of clamping produced on the appendage by the device  400 .  
     [0075] While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, obvious modifications and alterations are possible by those skilled in the related art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention include all such modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.