Device for applying symbols to protein-containing material

An apparatus for rapidly applying marking symbols, which may be rapidly varied, to protein-containing tissue of an animal, said apparatus comprising:

• generator means for generating high frequency electromagnetic energy, said generator means having an output for said electromagnetic energy;
• stamping means including an input, an electrically insulating holder, at least one metal symbol electrode having a plurality of electrically conductive protruding portions which are arranged in an array, each protruding portion being insulated from other protruding portions, being supported by and protruding from said holder, and being adapted to contact the protein-containing tissue to send high frequency electromagnetic energy to said tissue, the frequency of said electromagnetic energy being chosen to alter the protein structure of said tissue and to mark the tissue with a symbol, while said stamping means remains cool in use such that the stamping means does not require cooling between repetitive applications thereof in order to vary the symbol;
• and
• control means having an input which is electrically connected to the output of said generator means and an output which is electrically connected to said plurality of protruding portions in order to send high frequency electromagnetic energy to only chosen protruding portions from among said plurality of protruding portions so that a symbol, which may be subsequently varied, is marked on the tissue contacted.

A method for rapidly applying marking symbols to protein-containing tissue of an animal, said method comprising:

• placing electrically conductive material in the form of a symbol in contact with the protein-containing tissue of an animal;
• sending high frequency electromagnetic energy to said tissue through said electrically conductive material;
• and
• selecting the frequency of said electromagnetic energy so that said electrically conductive material remains cool, while altering the protein structure of said tissue and marking the tissue with said symbol.