Title: Tracking and marking system
Abstract: An identification apparatus for animals or carcasses carrying electronic identification devices, (EID) (2) moving past an antenna (10). The identification apparatus including motion sensing means (12, 13, 14, 17) and marking means (16) adapted mark the animals or carcasses according to whether EID (2) is present, absent or non-functioning, whereby the animals' carcasses can be identified, drafted or sorted according to marking supplied.
Patent Number: 6,997,140 Issued on 02/14/2006 to Finlayson
| Inventors:
|
Finlayson; John Douglas Frank (Brendale, AU)
|
| Assignee:
|
Aleis Trakit Pty Ltd. (Jandowae, AU)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
481410 |
| Filed:
|
June 28, 2002 |
| PCT Filed:
|
June 28, 2002
|
| PCT NO:
|
PCT/AU02/00858
|
| 371 Date:
|
March 23, 2004
|
| 102(e) Date:
|
March 23, 2004
|
| PCT PUB.NO.:
|
WO03/003820 |
| PCT PUB. Date:
|
January 16, 2003 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
| Jul 04, 2001[AU] | PR6122 |
| Nov 23, 2001[AU] | PR9024 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
119/858; 119/840 |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
A01K 11/00 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
119/858,840,841,842,843
452/150,184
99/388
40/300,301,302,303,304
198/339.1,340
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
| 3788276 | Jan., 1974 | Propst et al.
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| 3844273 | Oct., 1974 | Polson.
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| 3916484 | Nov., 1975 | Kennedy.
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| 3948249 | Apr., 1976 | Ambrosini.
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| 4034668 | Jul., 1977 | Picknick et al.
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| 4158903 | Jun., 1979 | Ochylski.
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| 4247758 | Jan., 1981 | Rodrian.
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| RE30594 | Apr., 1981 | Samis.
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| 4280813 | Jul., 1981 | DeGoler.
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| 4313271 | Feb., 1982 | Bauer.
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| 4537150 | Aug., 1985 | Bowers.
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| 4618861 | Oct., 1986 | Gettens et al.
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| 4763605 | Aug., 1988 | Braum.
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| 5322034 | Jun., 1994 | Willham et al.
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| 5653192 | Aug., 1997 | Sheen et al.
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| 5711246 | Jan., 1998 | Yano et al.
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| 5790047 | Aug., 1998 | Golan.
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| RE36664 | Apr., 2000 | O'Brien et al.
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| 6111508 | Aug., 2000 | Ensor et al.
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| 6427627 | Aug., 2002 | Huisma.
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| 6497197 | Dec., 2002 | Huisma.
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| 6558352 | May., 2003 | Hogan.
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| 6651585 | Nov., 2003 | van den Berg.
| |
| 6684810 | Feb., 2004 | Martin.
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| 6734789 | May., 2004 | Ligard.
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| 6833790 | Dec., 2004 | Mejia et al.
| |
| 2003/0075053 | Apr., 2003 | Khodabandehloo et al.
| |
| 2003/0226522 | Dec., 2003 | Thibault.
| |
| 2003/0236063 | Dec., 2003 | Woods et al.
| |
| 2005/0011466 | Jan., 2005 | Doyle, II.
| |
Other References
International Preliminary Examination Report for PCT/AU02/00858; Nov. 19, 2002.
|
Primary Examiner: Abbott; Yvonne R.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Shoemaker and Mattare
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An identification apparatus for use with animals or carcasses, the apparatus
including in combination:
electronic reading means to read electronic signals from electronic identification
devices (EID) carried by animals or carcasses moving past the electronic reading means;
marking means adapted to mark the animals or carcasses; and
motion sensing means adapted to detect the animal or carcass moving past the
motion sensing means,
wherein in use, animals or carcasses which pass the motion sensing means and
the electronic reading means are selectively marked by the marking means in response
to whether the electronic reading means reads a signal from an electronic identification device.
2. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the EID are ingested
rumen pellets, tags or other transponder devices attached or inserted into animals
or carcasses which are actuated and detected by circuitry of the electronic reading means.
3. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the marking means
comprises a solenoid or other equivalent device, or hydraulic or pneumatic actuators
used to brush, spray or otherwise paint a mark on the back or another part of the
animal or carcass.
4. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the marking means
includes multiple single spray heads from several pressure packs or airless spray
devices of different colored substance such as paint or powder.
5. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the marking means
includes a single spray head having access to several pressure pack or spray devices
of different colored substances such as paint or powder.
6. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a visual
and/or an audible alarm system such as a light and/or buzzer or bell, respectively
which is actuated when an animal or a carcass passes the electronic reading means
without activating the electronic reading means and is marked by the marking means.
7. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mark can be
an identifiable shape such as a circle or square or star or other markings including
numbers or letters or a combination of the same and in different colors.
8. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motion sensing
means can be infrared sensing means where an infrared beam is interrupted by the
passage of the animal or carcass.
9. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the motion sensing
means can be microwave sensing means where a microwave beam is interrupted by the
passage of the animal or carcass or can be any other motion sensing means.
10. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a control
means wherein the control means is a microprocessor control means adapted to co-ordinate
signals received from the electronic reading means and the motion sensing means
to cause activation or de-activation of the marking means.
11. An identification apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the marking means
can be operated independently of the electronic reading means or in conjunction
with either the electronic reading means, or the motion sensing means to provide
an ability to mark non-EID, EID or non-functioning EID carrying animals or carcasses
as required.
12. A method of identifying non-EID and non-functioning EID carrying animals
or carcasses from EID carrying animals or carcasses, said method including steps of:
(a) moving animals or carcasses along a race or defined passage associated with
an electronic reading means, a motion sensing means and a marking means, the operation
of all of which is controlled and co-ordinated by microprocessor control means; and
(b) marking with a distinguishing or identifiable marking substance animals or
carcasses which have passed the electronic reading means without recording a signal
where the EID is non-functioning or absent but which have been detected by the
motion sensing means; actuating a visual and/or audible alarm.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the livestock industry in particular but not limited
to a method and apparatus for enabling identification of animals and/or carcasses
with non-electronic identification devices (EID) carrying animals or carcasses
with EID from animals or carcasses carrying non-functioning EID.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The identification and tracking of animals and/or carcasses prior to and throughout
being processed at an abattoir, saleyard or movement is extremely important. A
principal purpose of electronically identifying animals is to individually identify
animals or carcasses in a lot or run as well as the need to have a direct link
to a national database for checking residue status as well as recording movements
and a whole of life history of individual animals. This can be achieved as each
animal or carcass passes an antenna designed to read EID carried by the animals
or carcasses. If an animal or carcass does not carry an EID or its EID is not functioning,
and is thus not able to be read by the antenna then that animal or carcass will
be included in the lot or run and will be counted in error. The inclusion of animals
or carcasses which are unable to be accounted for, can have disastrous consequences
where animals or carcasses that have been electronically identified and are known
to be disease free are inadvertently mixed with diseased animals or carcasses that
have non-functioning EID and have been included in the lot or run. This has become
especially important with the outbreaks of bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE)
and foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom, Europe and South America. In
order to protect the animals or carcasses in countries, which are not as yet affected
by these or other diseases, various methods of identifying and tracking animals
or carcasses have been developed. Among the more effective tracking and identification
systems is the use of electronic ear tags or rumen pellets, which are ingested
by a ruminant animal, or the use of other electronic identification devices. Prior
art have been described in Patent Nos. WO 97/46083 and WO 93/22907 in the case
of tags and PCT/AU95/00218 in the case of pellets.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and
a method that seeks to overcome some of the disadvantages and limitations of the
prior art or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect, the invention resides in an identification apparatus
for use with animals or carcasses, the apparatus including in combination
electronic reading means having an antenna to read electronic signals
from electronic identification devices (EID) carried by animals or carcasses moving
past the antenna,
marking means adapted to mark the animals or carcasses with a visually distinct
substance typically paint, powder, or dye, or any other marking substance by which
animals or carcasses can be visually distinguished for counting, drafting or sorting,
motion sensing means adapted to detect the animal or carcass moving past the
motion sensing means,
control means adapted to control and co-ordinate the operations of the EID
reading means, the motion sensing means and the marking means, wherein in use,
animals or carcasses which pass the motion sensing means and the antenna
and have either activated or not activated the electronic reading means are selectively
marked or not marked by the marking means so that the animals or carcasses can
be selectively identified and counted, drafted or sorted according to their markings.
Preferably the identification apparatus is portable and easily transportable.
Preferably, there is a race or defined passage for animals or carcasses
to ensure correct operation of the identification apparatus herein described.
The EID are preferably in the form of ingested rumen pellets, tags or other transponder
devices attached or inserted into animals or carcasses which are actuated and detected
by circuitry of the antenna.
Preferably, the marking means comprises a solenoid or other equivalent
device, or hydraulic or pneumatic actuators used to brush, spray or otherwise paint
a mark on the back or another part of the animal or carcass. In the alternative,
other marking means such as powder marking means can be used to achieve the same effect.
In one version, the marking means can include multiple spray heads of different
coloured substance such as paint or powder from several pressure packs or airless
spray devices or can comprise a single spray head having access to several pressure
pack spray devices.
Preferably, there is a visual and/or an audible alarm system such as
a light and/or a buzzer or bell, respectively which is actuated when an animal
or a carcass passes an antenna without activating the electronic reading means
and is marked by the marking means.
Preferably, the positions of the antenna, the marking means and the motion
sensing means are adjustable to suit animals or carcasses of various sizes.
In another version, the mark can be an identifiable shape such as a circle or
square or star or other markings including numbers or letters or a combination
of the same and in different colours.
Preferably the motion sensing means is photoelectric sensing means wherein
a beam of light between a photo emitter and a photo sensor device is interrupted
by the passage of an animal or carcass.
In the alternative, the motion sensing means can be infrared (IR) sensing means
or microwave sensing means where infrared and microwave beams, respectively, are
interrupted by the passage of the animal or carcass or can be any other motion
sensing means.
Preferably, the control means is microprocessor control means adapted
to co-ordinate signals received from the antenna and the motion sensing means to
cause activation or de-activation of the marking means under the correct conditions.
Preferably, the EID reading means and the motion sensing means can be
operated independently to provide independent means of counting animals or carcasses
such as by computerised means or visually and manually counting or other counting means.
Preferably, the marking means can be operated independently of the EID
reading means or in conjunction with either the EID reading means, or the motion
sensing means to provide an ability to mark non-EID, EID or non-functioning EID
carrying animals or carcasses as required.
Preferably, the marking means is adapted to apply one or more than one
coloured mark allowing for different groups of animals or carcasses to be marked
with different colours or marks as required.
Preferably, the identification apparatus is mains powered but can also
be powered by a battery back up system having solar or other sources of charging
the battery.
In another aspect the invention resides in a method of identifying non-EID and
non-functioning EID carrying animals or carcasses from EID carrying animals or
carcasses including the steps of:
- a) moving animals or carcasses along a race or defined passage associated
with an antenna of an EID reading means, a motion sensing means and a marking means,
the operation of all of which is controlled and coordinated by microprocessor control means;
- b) marking with a distinguishing or identifiable colour marking substance
typically a paint, powder, dye, or other marking substance, animals or carcasses
which have passed the antenna without recording a signal where the EID is non-functioning
or absent but which have been detected by the motion sensing means; actuating a
visual and or audible alarm, and
- c) visually identifying the animals or carcasses so marked by their
distinguishable marks thereby allowing for the drafting or sorting and or identification
of particular animals or carcasses.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the present invention be more readily understood and put into practical
effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention according to
Example 1; and
FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention according to Example 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
EXAMPLE 1
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention
according to Example 1. There is shown an antenna 10 for reading electronic
signals from electronic identification transponders housed in rumen pellets, ear
tags 2 or other devices on animals 3,4,6 as they pass
by the antenna. The antenna operates in conjunction with one or more strategically
located motion sensing means 12, 13, 14, 17 preferably
in the form of photo sensing means comprising a photo emitter device for example,
a light emitting diode (LED) which emits a beam of light received by photo sensor
devices such as a photo cell. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that
other suitable sensors can also be used. Interruption of the light beam by an animal
results in a signal sent to the control means (not shown). The control means 21
determines whether or not the passing animal is carrying functioning or non-functioning
or not carrying EID (2) before deciding whether or not to activate the marking
means 16.
Preferably, there is also a visual and/or audible alarm 19 such
as a light and a buzzer or bell which is actuated as an animal 6 passes
the antenna without the electronic reading means detecting the presence of an EID.
If there is a functioning EID then the animal may be allowed to proceed without
being marked. Alternatively, the animal may be marked with a distinctly different
mark to that used for non-EID or non-functioning EID carrying animals. If there
has been no reading of the EID such as where the EID is not functioning or in the
absence of an EID, the marking means is activated by the control means to apply
a different identifiable or distinguishable coloured mark to the animal. The marking
means 16 can be any of a variety of types including those actuated mechanically
or as shown preferably in the form of a solenoid operated battery of pressure or
airless spray units 18,19,20, to effect marking with a coloured
paint, powder, dye or any other marking substance, preferably of a distinguishable
tone or shade for ready visual identification and to allow for easy drafting or
sorting of particular animals. In the alternative, the marking means can comprise
powder dispensing means whereby a blotch of coloured powder or any other marking,
can be applied to an animal to achieve the same effect. In some versions, the markings
can be identifiable shapes such as circles or squares or can be a number or a letter
or a combination of the same. The motion sensing means is preferably able to operate
independently of the transponder reading means so that it can also function as
a secondary counting means. Preferably the marking means can also be operated independently
of the transponder reading means but in co-operation with the motion sensing means
thereby allowing for particular groups of animals to be marked as they pass the
motion sensing means which activates the marking means via the control means 21.
The marking means can include multiple spray heads 18, 19, 20
spraying different coloured substance from several pressure pack or airless spray
devices or can comprise a single spray head (not shown) having access to several
pressure pack spray devices of different coloured substance allowing for different
groups of animals to be marked with different colours or markings of different
shapes, numbers or letters or a combination of the same.
Multiple colours or other markings, or mixes of colours together with other
markings can also be used. Animals that trigger the reader can be marked differently
to animals carrying no or non-functioning EID. For example, one set could be marked
red, the other, white for all the animals in one lot/pen. Another combination,
say red, for animals carrying functioning EID and yellow for those carrying no
or non-functioning EID, could be used for animals in another pen to maintain their
separate identities, for example, if they are later merged. This will allow them
to be separated into their required groupings.
Preferably the antenna, the marking means and the motion sensing means
are height adjustable to accommodate animals of different sizes. Preferably the
system is mains powered but has a generator and/or a battery back up system which
can be solar charged or charged by a wind generator or other equivalent means.
EXAMPLE 2
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown another preferred embodiment of
the invention according to Example 2. There is shown a carcass 30 mounted
on a hook 32 which is transported along a conveyor system as part of a kill
chain in an abattoir application. Electronic identification devices (not shown)
such as rumen pellets or ear tags 2 or other transponder devices carried
by the carcass activate/deactivate the signal sent by the sensors of the antenna
35 which controls the marking means 34, causing the carcass to be
sprayed with a mark 36 according to criteria determined by a microprocessor
control means 21.
If there is a functioning EID then the carcasses may be allowed to proceed without
being marked. Alternatively, the carcass may be marked with a distinctly different
mark to that used for non-EID or non-functioning EID carrying carcasses. If there
has been no reading of the EID such as where the EID is not functioning or in the
absence of an EID, the marking means can be activated or deactivated by the control
means to apply a different identifiable or distinguishable coloured mark to the
carcass. The marking means 34 can be any of a variety of types including
those actuated mechanically or as shown preferably in the form of a solenoid operated
battery of pressure or airless spray units 18,19,20, to effect
marking with a coloured paint, powder, dye or any other marking substance, preferably
of a distinguishable tone or shade for ready visual identification and to allow
for easy drafting or sorting of particular carcasses. In the alternative, the marking
means can comprise powder dispensing means whereby a blotch of coloured powder
or any other marking, can be applied to a carcass to achieve the same effect. In
some versions, the markings can be identifiable shapes such as circles or squares
or can be a number or a letter or a combination of the same. The motion sensing
means is preferably able to operate independently of the EID reading means so that
it can also function as a secondary counting means. Preferably the marking means
can also be operated independently of the EID reading means but in co-operation
with the motion sensing means thereby allowing for particular groups of carcasses
to be marked as they pass the motion sensing means which activates the marking
means via the control means 21. The marking means can include multiple spray
heads 18, 19, 20 spraying different coloured substance from
several pressure pack or airless spray devices or can comprise a single spray head
(not shown) having access to several pressure pack spray devices of different coloured
substance allowing for different groups of carcasses to be marked with different
colours or markings of different shapes, numbers or letters or a combination of
the same.
Multiple colours or other markings, or mixes of colours together with other
markings can also be used. Carcasses that trigger the reader can be marked differently
to carcasses carrying no or non-functioning EID. For example, one set could be
marked red, the other, white for all the carcasses in one lot. Another combination,
say red, for carcasses carrying functioning EID and yellow for those carrying no
or non-functioning EID, could be used for carcasses in another pen to maintain
their separate identities, for example, if they are later mixed. This will allow
the carcasses to be separated into their required groupings.
Preferably there is a visual and/or audible alarm system 38 such
as a light and a buzzer or bell which is actuated if a carcass 31 carrying
a non functioning EID or a carcass without an EID passes the sensors. Preferably
the position of the antenna and the marking means can be adjusted to accommodate
carcasses of different sizes. In Example 2, the motion sensing means preferably
comprises motion sensors 37 in the hook and along the conveyor system 40.
The system is preferably mains powered but has the facility in the case of power
failure for a generator or battery back up system with solar charging or other
equivalent battery charging means to provide an alternative source of power.
It will be evident to the skilled addressee that carcasses of animals can be
distinguishable
by the marks applied to the carcass thereby allowing for the sorting and counting
and identification of particular carcasses.
Preferably in both Examples 1 and 2, the entire identification apparatus
is portable and easily transportable for installation in different locations.
ADVANTAGES
The advantages of the present invention over the prior art can be said to include
the following:
The identification of animals or carcasses which do not carry EID, are carrying
EID or are carrying non-functioning EID.
The provision of a secondary counting system for counting animals or carcasses
which is independent of an EID reading means.
A marking system to enable easy visual identification of animals or carcasses
so marked to facilitate the drafting or sorting and identification of particular
animals or carcasses.
The ability to mark groups of animals or carcasses with different colours,
markings of different shapes, numbers or letters or a combination of the same.
Suitable for general management of saleyard, abattoir or any livestock but
not limited to these operations—regardless of any computerised database system utilised.
VARIATIONS
It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way
of
illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations
thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within
the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.
Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise"
and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended
to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. The term animal or carcass
refers to that of livestock, birds and other animals, respectively. The term EID
refers to electronic identification devices such as ear tags, rumen pellets and
any other device used to house a transponder, being singular or plural as applicable.
*
