Electronic tag

• US 7,978,079 B2
• Filed: 03/07/2008
• Issued: 07/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Destron Fearing Corporation (Merck & Co., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Destron Fearing Corporation (Merck & Co., Inc.)
• Inventors: Lewis, Steven, Geissler, Randolph K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lieu; Julie
• Application Number:
  US12/044,099
• Publication Number:
  US 20090094869A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,222 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 340/572.8
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 11/004 with electronic identification means, e.g. transponders
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 11/006 Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals identification systems for access to feeding pens A01K1/0209; ear tags with electronic identification means A01K11/004
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/077 Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic tag, and more particularly to an electronic tag including an insulating cap. When the electronic tag is being made, the insulating cap is arranged adjacent to heat-sensitive electronic components. The insulating cap protects the electronics from the heat generated when injection molding with hot plastic.

Claims

1. An electronic tag comprising:

an electronic device;

a body adjacent the electronic device;

a thermally insulating cap arranged to enclose the electronic device between the insulating cap and the body; and

a cover on the insulating cap enclosing the insulating cap and the electronic device between the cover and the body, wherein the cover includes injection molded plastic.

2. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an antenna.

3. The electronic system of claim 2, wherein the antenna comprises a coil of wire.

4. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a radio frequency transmitter.

5. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a radio frequency receiver.

6. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a radio frequency transceiver.

7. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a radio frequency identification circuit.

8. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an integrated circuit.

9. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises an electromagnetic radiation communication device.

10. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises analog electronics.

11. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises digital electronics.

12. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a battery.

13. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the body supports the electronic device.

14. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is rigidly connected to the body.

15. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the body includes a channel, and wherein the electronic device is in the channel.

16. The electronic system of claim 15, wherein the thermally insulating cap is inserted at least partially into the channel to enclose the electronic device between the thermally insulating cap and the channel.

17. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the thermally insulating cap has a ring shape.

18. The electronic system of claim 17, wherein the thermally insulating cap has a channel formed in a side for receiving the electronic device.

19. The electronic system of claim 17, wherein the channel of the thermally insulating cap is sized to trap air adjacent to the electronic device when arranged to enclose the electronic device, wherein the air provides additional thermal insulation to the electronic device.

20. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the thermally insulating cap is made of a high temperature resistant polymer.

21. The electronic system of claim 20, wherein the high temperature resistant polymer is acetal.

22. The electronic system of claim 1, further comprising a fastener for connecting the electronic system to another object.

23. The electronic system of claim 22, wherein the fastener is arranged to connect the electronic system to an animal.

24. The electronic system of claim 23, wherein the fastener comprises a pin and a grommet.

25. The electronic system of claim 23, wherein the fastener is arranged to puncture an ear of an animal and to connect the electronic system to the ear.

26. The electronic system of claim 22, wherein the fastener is a clip.

27. The electronic system of claim 22, wherein the fastener is adhesive.

28. The electronic system of claim 22, wherein the fastener is arranged to connect with a medical device.

29. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to communicate with a theft deterrence system.

30. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to communicate with a system for determining the location of the electronic system.

31. The electronic system of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to communicate with a livestock monitoring system.

32. The electronic system of claim 31, wherein the electronic device provides information to the livestock monitoring system relating to food consumption of an animal by sending a signal to the livestock monitoring system when the animal is in close proximity to a food source.

33. A method of making an electronic tag, the method comprising:

enclosing an electronic device between the body and an insulating cap; and

injection molding a cover to enclose the electronic device and the insulating cap between the cover and the body portion, wherein the insulating cap insulates the electronic device from heat generated during injection molding.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein enclosing the electronic device further comprises trapping air between the body and the insulating cap.

35. The method of claim 33, the method further comprising fastening the electronic tag to an object.

36. The method of claim 35, the method further comprising fastening the electronic tag to an animal.

37. The method of claim 35, the method further comprising fastening the electronic tag to a medical device.

38. A method of making an electronic tag, the method comprising:

enclosing an electronic device between the body and a cap; and

injection molding a cover to enclose the electronic device and the cap between the cover and the body portion, wherein the cap protects the electronic device from pressure generated during injection molding.

39. An electronic tag for an animal comprising:

an electronic device;

a housing comprising;

a body adjacent the electronic device;

an insulating cap, wherein the electronic device is enclosed between the body and the insulating cap; and

a cover on the insulating cap and connected to the body; and

a fastener arranged for engagement with the housing to attach the housing to the animal.