Patent ID: 8486088

Claim:
A method of installing an ear tag onto an ear of an animal, the method comprising: providing a tool, comprising: (i) a first handle member having proximal and distal ends; (ii) a second handle member having proximal and distal ends, and pivotally connected to the first handle member so that the handle members are movable between an open position in which the distal ends are spaced apart and a closed position in which the distal ends are moved toward one another; (iii) a head pivotally connected to the distal end of the second handle member, the head comprising a core, and a slidable sleeve positioned over the core and slidable between an extended position and a retracted position, the sleeve having an interior gap defining a chamber when the sleeve is in the extended position; (iv) a piercing needle having a proximal end received in the chamber, and a distal end including a cutting edge, the needle further having a longitudinal slot formed on an exterior surface thereof; (v) a flexible needle holder having an opening and secured to the distal end of the first handle member; retrieving an ear tag and inserting a first portion of the ear tag in the longitudinal slot of the needle; securing the needle to the head of the second handle member; positioning the ear between the distal ends of the handle members while the handle members are in the open position; moving the handle members toward one another so that the piercing needle pierces the ear and the needle enters the needle holder; stripping the first portion of the ear tag from the longitudinal slot resulting in the first portion of the ear tag being placed on one side of the ear, and a remaining portion of the ear tag resides on the opposite side of the ear; separating the needle from the second handle member; securing the piercing needle within the needle holder; and removing the tool from the ear wherein the piercing needle remains secured to the tool, and the ear tag is installed on the ear of the animal.