Attachment and cover for an electronic identification tag

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for attaching an identification tag to a solid surface and protecting the identification tag. The identification tag has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The method comprises: positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with an attachment site of the solid surface; applying a predetermined amount of a first adhesive substance on the second surface, the first adhesive substance being plastic during application and curable after application, the first adhesive substance having a first viscosity at the time of application; forming the first adhesive substance, such that the first adhesive substance covers the identification tag and abut a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag; and curing the first adhesive substance.

Claims

1. A method for attaching an identification tag to a solid surface and protecting the identification tag, the identification tag including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the method comprising: positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with an attachment site of the solid surface; applying a predetermined amount of a first adhesive substance on the second surface, the first adhesive substance comprising plastic during application and curable after application, the first adhesive substance including a first viscosity at a time of application; forming the first adhesive substance, such that the first adhesive substance covers the identification tag and abuts a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag; and curing the first adhesive substance, wherein forming the first adhesive substance comprises applying a concave surface of a mold such that the mold abuts a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the solid surface is a solid surface of a medical instrument able to withstand repeated sterilization procedures at high temperature.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the first adhesive substance comprises subjecting the first adhesive substance to a first energy intensity for a first duration, wherein the first energy intensity and the first duration are selected such that viscosity of the first adhesive substance is decreased relative to the first viscosity.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first energy intensity is a constant temperature.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein curing the first adhesive substance comprises subjecting the first adhesive substance to a second energy intensity for a second duration.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the second energy intensity is similar to the first energy intensity.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the second duration is more than 10 minutes.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein viscosity of the first adhesive substance initially decreases and subsequently increases relative to the first viscosity when subjecting the first adhesive substance to a first energy intensity.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface comprises applying a second adhesive substance between the solid surface and the first surface.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface comprises initially curing the second adhesive substance.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein initially curing the second adhesive substance has an initial duration of less than 1 second.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein initially curing the second adhesive substance comprises applying heat and/or radiation to the second adhesive substance.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein: the second adhesive substance is the same type of adhesive substance as the first adhesive substance; positioning the first surface of the identification tag includes positioning using a first robotic arm; and applying the predetermined amount of the first adhesive substance includes applying using a second robotic arm and/or the first robotic arm, wherein the first adhesive substance includes a first liquid adhesive substance.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the first adhesive substance comprises removing the mold.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the first adhesive substance comprises selecting the mold to fit the combination of the identification tag and the solid surface.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the concave surface of the mold is coated with a substance to prevent the first adhesive substance to adhere to the concave surface.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the first adhesive substance is an epoxy glue.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the solid surface is a metal surface.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the method comprises identifying the attachment site.

20. The method of claim 1 further comprising preparing the attachment site, wherein preparing the attachment site substantially does not alter the solid surface.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the first adhesive substance comprises forming the first adhesive substance using a robotic arm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary step of a method,

(3) FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of an exemplary step of a method.

(4) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a cross section of an exemplary mold,

(5) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross section of an exemplary mold,

(6) FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a cross section of an exemplary mold,

(7) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exemplary assembly,

(8) FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an exemplary assembly comprising a second adhesive substance.

(9) FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an exemplary assembly wherein the s id surface is not plane.

(10) FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a method,

(11) FIG. 10 shows an exemplary flow diagram of a method,

(12) FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method, and

(13) FIG. 12 schematically illustrates an exemplary apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) In the following generally means observations or examples which are applicable for all embodiments.

(15) The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which are essential to the understanding of the invention, while other details have been left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

(16) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary step 50 of a method of creating an assembly 2. The assembly 2 comprises an identification tag 4, a solid surface 6, and a first adhesive substance 16.

(17) The identification tag 4 comprises a first surface 8 and a second surface 10. The first surface 8 is facing the solid surface 6. The solid surface 6 is a solid surface of a part to identify, e.g. an instrument, such as a surgical instrument, such as a lancet, a scissor, or a clamp.

(18) The first surface 8 of the identification tag 4 is positioned in contact with an attachment site 7 of the solid surface 6.

(19) A predetermined amount of the first adhesive substance 16 is applied to the second surface 10 of the identification tag 4. The first adhesive substance 16 is a predetermined amount of the first adhesive substance 16 applied to the second surface 10.

(20) The first adhesive substance 16 is to be formed such that the first adhesive substance 16 covers the identification tag 4 and abut a part of the solid surface 6 circumscribing the identification tag.

(21) In one exemplary embodiment, a mold 12 comprising a concave surface 14 is applied over the identification tag 4. The mold 12 is applied such that concave surface 14 is placed on top of the second surface 10 and the first adhesive substance 16. The mold 12 is moved downwards 18 over the identification tag 4, such that the mold abuts a part of the solid surface 6 circumscribing the identification tag 4. A certain pressure may be applied to the mold 12 in the downward direction 18, such that the first adhesive substance 16 is spread over the identification tag 4.

(22) Generally, when joined together the concave surface 14 providing an opening in the mold 12 together with the solid surface 6 of a part to identify create a closed or semi-closed space wherein the identification tag 4 and the first adhesive substance 16 and optionally the second adhesive substance are positioned during application. Semi-closed means that there are openings e.g. allowing a surplus of adhesive to escape.

(23) In another exemplary embodiment, the first adhesive substance 16 is formed by subjecting the first adhesive substance 16 to a first energy intensity such that viscosity of the first adhesive substance 16 is decreased, and the first adhesive substance flows to cover the identification tag 4 and abut a part of the solid surface 6 circumscribing the identification tag.

(24) Subsequently, i.e. after forming the first adhesive substance, the first adhesive substance 16 is cured, e.g. by applying a curing agent, such as heat and/or ultraviolet light.

(25) If a mold 12 has been applied, the mold 12 may be removed prior to curing the first adhesive substance 16. Alternatively, the mold 12 may be left while curing the first adhesive substance 16, thereby fastening the mold 12 to the solid surface 6 and/or the identification tag 4.

(26) In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the first surface 8 and the solid surface 6 are attached together with a second adhesive substance 20. The second adhesive substance 20 may be liquid, plastic and/or pre-cured to attain a predetermined plasticity. After positioning the identification tag 4 with the first surface 8 and the solid surface 6 in contact with the second adhesive substance 20, the second adhesive substance 20 may be cured, or initially cured. However, in other exemplary assemblies, the second adhesive substance 20 may be cured at a later stage, e.g. concurrently with curing of the first adhesive substance 16.

(27) FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of an exemplary step 50 of the method. FIG. 2 illustrates the identification tag 4 being enclosed within the concave surface 14 of the mold 12. Further, FIG. 2 illustrates that the mold 12 abuts a part 24 of the solid surface 6 circumscribing the identification tag 4.

(28) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a cross section of an exemplary mold 12. An identification tag 4 may be an elongated body as also shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

(29) Hence, the mold 12 may accordingly be an elongated body. FIG. 3a shows an end cross sectional view of the mold 12. FIG. 3b shows a side cross sectional view of the mold 12. The mold 12 comprises an outer surface 13 and a concave surface 14. The concave surface 14 is configured to shape the first adhesive substance 16 as described in relation to FIG. 1. The concave surface 14 is formed as part of an ellipse.

(30) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross section of an exemplary mold 12. FIG. 4a shows an end cross sectional view of the mold 12. FIG. 4b shows a side cross sectional view of the mold 12. The mold 12 comprises an outer surface 13 and a concave surface 14. The concave surface 14 is differently shaped than the elliptical concave surface 14 of FIG. 3. The concave surface 14 is shaped to form a slope near the circumference of the concave surface 14 that is close to zero.

(31) FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a cross section of an exemplary mold 12. FIG. 5a shows an end cross sectional view of the mold 12. FIG. 5b shows a side cross sectional view of the mold 12. The mold 12 comprises an outer surface 13 and a concave surface 14. The outer surface 13 is shaped to form a smooth cover surface. The concave surface 14 is adapted to fit the identification tag 4 to be attached to the solid surface 6.

(32) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exemplary assembly 2. The assembly 2 comprises an identification tag 4, a solid surface 6 and a first adhesive substance 16. The identification tag 4 comprises a first surface 8 and a second surface 10. The second surface 10 is opposite the first surface 8. The first surface 8 is facing the solid surface 6.

(33) A predetermined amount of the first adhesive substance 16 has been formed to cover the identification tag 4 and a part 24 of the solid surface 6 circumscribing the identification tag 4. The identification tag 4 is thereby completely enclosed by the first adhesive substance 16 and the solid surface 6. The first adhesive substance 16 further adhere to the solid surface 6 and the first adhesive substance 16 and the identification tag 4 is thereby attached to the solid surface 6 when the first adhesive substance 16 is cured. Curing of the first adhesive substance 16 further forms a hard and smooth cover surface 22.

(34) The shape of the cover surface 22 serves to deflect a possible impact e.g. from another instrument during washing, thereby improving the strength of the attachment of the identification tag 4 to the solid surface 6. Further, the shape of the cover surface is smooth, i.e. without irregularities, edges which may tear plastic gloves are thereby avoided.

(35) FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an exemplary assembly 2. The exemplary assembly 2 as illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises the same features as the assembly 2 illustrated in FIG. 6. However, the assembly 2 of FIG. 7 further comprises a second adhesive substance 20 between the first surface 8 of the identification tag 4 and the solid surface 6. The second adhesive substance 20 may add to the strength of the attachment of the identification tag 4 to the solid surface 6. Furthermore, the second adhesive substance 20 may initially be cured prior to applying the first adhesive substance 16, thereby providing for an improved automated process of attaching and covering the identification tag, since movement of the identification tag 4 relative to the solid surface 6 when applying the first adhesive substance 16 may be prevented.

(36) FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an exemplary assembly 2 wherein the solid surface 6 is non planar. To account for the non planar solid surface 6, if a mold is used for forming the first adhesive substance 16, the mold may be fitted to the shape of the solid surface 6.

(37) It is seen in FIG. 8 that the first adhesive substance 16 and the second adhesive substance 20 create a support for the identification tag 4. Further, the first adhesive substance 16 and the second adhesive substance 20 fill out grooves between the identification tag 4 and the solid surface 6. The absence of grooves between the identification tag 4 and the solid surface 6 results in less risk of the identification tag 4 being separated from the solid surface upon an impact. Further, germs will not accumulate in the grooves. An even further advantage is that the identification tag 4 does not provide sharp edges that may potentially rip or tear plastic gloves.

(38) The cover surface 22 cover the identification tag 4 and intersect with a part 24 of the solid surface 6 circumscribing the identification tag 4 as also illustrated in FIG. 2.

(39) In the above illustrations, the identification tag 4 has been depicted as a solid elongated element. However, the identification tag 4 may be any other shape, soft and/or bendable.

(40) FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 100 for attaching an identification tag to a solid surface and protecting the identification tag.

(41) The method 100 comprises positioning a first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface 102. The identification tag further has a second surface opposite the first surface.

(42) The method 100 further comprises applying a predetermine among of a first adhesive substance on the second surface 104 after positioning the first surface in contact with the solid surface 102. The first adhesive substance is plastic and/or liquid and/or viscous, such that it can be formed to form a desired shape. The first adhesive substance is further curable, such that it can be hardened to change from a viscous, liquid or plastic material to a hard material that is not easily deformed.

(43) The method 100 further comprises forming the first adhesive substance 106 after applying the first adhesive substance on the second surface 104, such that the first adhesive substance covers the identification tag and abut a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag. Forming the first adhesive substance 106 may for example comprise applying a concave surface of a mold to a part of the solid surface. The concave surface may be applied such that the mold abuts a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag. Thereby, the concave surface is applied over the identification tag and the identification tag is enclosed between the concave surface of the mold and the solid surface. Applying the concave surface over the identification tag furthermore results in spreading the first adhesive substance over the identification tag. Alternatively or additionally, forming the first adhesive substance may comprise subjecting the first adhesive substance to a first energy intensity for a first duration. The first energy intensity and the first duration may be selected such that viscosity of the first adhesive substance is decreased relative to a viscosity of the first adhesive substance when applied to the second surface.

(44) Subsequently to forming the first adhesive substance 106, the method 100 comprises curing of the first adhesive substance 108. The curing of the first adhesive substance 108 hardens the first adhesive substance and permanently fastens the first adhesive substance to the identification tag and the solid surface.

(45) Optionally, if forming the first adhesive substance 106 comprises applying a concave surface of a mold, the method 100 may comprise removing the mold 110 prior to curing the first adhesive substance 108.

(46) The method 100 may optionally comprise constructing the mold. Construction of the mold may be performed before positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface 102. However, construction of the mold may be performed at any point prior to applying the concave surface over the identification tag.

(47) The method 100 may optionally comprise applying a second adhesive substance between the first surface of the identification tag and the solid surface. Positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface 102, may comprise applying the second adhesive substance between the first surface and the solid surface. Further, the method 100 may comprise pre-curing the second adhesive substance prior to applying the second adhesive substance between the first surface and the solid surface. Pre-curing of the second adhesive substance may improve managing the second adhesive substance to not flow excessively. Thereby, the second adhesive substance may remain between the first surface and the solid surface.

(48) Prior to applying a concave surface of a mold, the method 100 may comprise coating the concave surface with a substance that prevents or at least avert the first adhesive substance from adhering to the concave surface. Hence, the mold may be reusable.

(49) Generally, some steps of the method may be interchanged. Especially the steps of positioning the first surface in contact with the solid surface, applying the first adhesive substance on the second surface and applying a concave surface of a mold to a part of the solid surface may be interchanged.

(50) FIG. 10 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 200 for attaching an identification tag to a solid surface and protecting the identification tag. The identification tag comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface.

(51) The method 200 comprises applying a first adhesive substance on the second surface 202 by applying the first adhesive substance to a concave surface of a mold, and positioning the identification tag in the cavity formed by the concave surface of the mold, such that the second surface of the identification tag face the concave surface of the mold. Thereby the first adhesive substance is applied to the second surface of the identification tag. The mold is formed to fit the identification tag, and the solid surface. Applying the first adhesive substance to the second surface of the identification tag 202 may imply filling the cavity formed by the concave surface of the mold with the first adhesive substance and immersing the identification tag in the first adhesive substance. The identification tag may be completely submerged in the first adhesive substance.

(52) After applying the first adhesive substance on the second surface 202, the method 200 further comprises applying the concave surface of the mold to the solid surface 204 such that the mold abuts a part of the solid surface. Given that the identification tag is positioned in the cavity formed by the concave surface of the mold, application of the mold to the solid surface 204 causes subsequently that the first surface of the identification tag is positioned contact with the solid surface 206, and that the mold abuts a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag.

(53) Subsequently to positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface 206, the method 200 comprises curing of the first adhesive substance 208. The curing of the first adhesive substance 208 hardens the first adhesive substance and permanently fastens the first adhesive substance to the identification tag and the solid surface.

(54) Optionally, the method 200 may comprise removing the mold 210 prior to curing the first adhesive substance 208. Removing the mold 210 may comprise turning the assembly comprising the solid surface, the mold and the identification tag upside down, to leave the identification tag and the first adhesive substance on the solid surface. Other solutions may be proposed to account for this problem, e.g. a centrifugal movement.

(55) Generally the method may comprise turning and reorientation of the parts, e.g. the solid surface, the identification tag, the mold etc. turning or reorientation may assist in causing desired interrelating adhering, arranging and/or positioning of parts.

(56) If the optional step of removing the mold 210 is omitted, the mold is fastened to the solid surface and/or the identification tag by curing of the first adhesive substance 208. Thereby, the mold forms a cover surface covering and protecting the identification tag.

(57) FIG. 11 shows a flow diagram of steps of an exemplary method 300 for attaching an identification tag to a solid surface and protecting the identification tag. The identification tag comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The method 300 comprises identifying an attachment site on the solid surface 302; applying a second adhesive substance 304; positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with an attachment site of the solid surface 306; initially curing the second adhesive substance 308; applying a predetermined amount of a first adhesive substance on the second surface 310; forming the first adhesive substance 312; and curing the first adhesive substance 316.

(58) Identification of the attachment site 302 may comprise recognition of the solid surface, such as recognition of e.g. the instrument comprising the solid surface. Recognition of the solid surface may be such as optical recognition, such as image recognition and/or such as pattern recognition. Identification of the attachment site 302 may further comprise a table lookup and/or a database lookup for the recognized solid surface, wherein the table and/or database comprise attachment site data of the solid surface. The attachment site data may comprise instructions for providing the attachment site on the solid surface.

(59) Applying a second adhesive substance 304 may comprise applying the second adhesive substance to the solid surface, such as applying the second adhesive substance to the identified attachment site of the solid surface. Alternatively, the second adhesive substance may be applied to the first surface of the identification tag.

(60) Positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface 306 may comprise positioning the first surface of the identification tag at the identified attachment site of the solid surface. Furthermore, the positioning of the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface 306 may be provided with the second adhesive substance in between the first surface and the solid surface. Provision of the second adhesive substance in between the first surface and the solid surface may be provided by the prior application of the second adhesive substance 304.

(61) Initially curing the second adhesive substance 308 may comprise applying a curing agent, such as heat and/or ultraviolet radiation, to the second adhesive substance. Initially curing the second adhesive substance 308 may comprise curing of the second adhesive substance for an initial duration. Initially curing the second adhesive substance 308 may be enough to provide immobilization of the identification tag relative to the solid surface, e.g. immobilization of the identification tag such that remaining steps of the method 300 may be performed without moving the identification tag. The initial duration may be less than 30 seconds, such as less than 10 seconds, such as less than 5 seconds, such as less than 2 seconds, such as less than 1 second.

(62) Forming the first adhesive substance 312 may comprise forming the first adhesive substance such such that the first adhesive substance covers the identification tag and abuts a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag. Alternatively or additionally, forming the first adhesive substance 312 may comprise applying a concave surface of a mold over the identification tag, such that the mold abuts a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag. The mold may be positioned such that the identification tag is positioned in the cavity formed by the concave surface of the mold. The mold may subsequently be removed.

(63) After forming the first adhesive substance 312, the first adhesive substance is cured 316. Curing of the first adhesive substance 316 may comprise applying a curing agent, such as heat and/or ultraviolet radiation, to the first adhesive substance. Curing the first adhesive substance 316 may comprise curing of the first adhesive substance for a first duration. The first duration may be longer than the initial duration. The first duration may be more than 30 seconds, such as more than 60 seconds, such as more than 5 minutes, such as more than 10 minutes, such as more than 30 minutes, such as 60 minutes. Curing of the first adhesive substance 316 may further comprise concurrent curing of the second adhesive substance. Curing of the second adhesive substance may comprise applying a curing agent, such as heat and/or ultraviolet radiation, to the second adhesive substance.

(64) One or more of the steps of the method 300 as described may optionally be omitted, either independently or collectively. For example, the step of identifying the attachment site on the solid surface 302, and/or the step of applying a second adhesive substance 304, and/or the step of initially curing the second adhesive substance 308, may be omitted.

(65) FIG. 12 schematically shows an exemplary apparatus 400 for attaching an identification tag to a solid surface.

(66) The apparatus 400 comprise positioning means 402, application means 404, forming means 406, curing means 410 and control means 408.

(67) The positioning means 402 is configured to position the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface. The positioning means 402 may be a robotic arm, such as a first robotic arm. The positioning means 402 may further be configured to apply a second adhesive substance between the solid surface and the first surface.

(68) The application means 404 is configured to apply a predetermined amount of the first adhesive substance on a second surface of the identification tag. The application means 404 may be a robotic arm, e.g. a second robotic arm or the first robotic arm.

(69) The forming means 406 may comprise a robotic arm, e.g. a third robotic arm, the second robotic arm, or the first robotic arm. The forming means 406 may comprise heating means and/or viscosity alteration means. The forming means 406 are configured to form the first adhesive substance such that the first adhesive substance covers the identification tag and abut a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag.

(70) The control means 408 may comprise a control unit, such as a processing unit, configured to control a curing process, such as an initial curing of the second adhesive substance and/or the curing process of the first adhesive substance and/or optionally the second adhesive substance.

(71) The control means 408 may be configured to control the timing of the curing process and/or the application of a curing agent, such as heat and/or ultraviolet radiation.

(72) The control means 408 is connected to the positioning means 402, the application means 404, the forming means 406, and the curring means 410. The control means 408 is configured to control the positioning means 402, the application means 404, the forming means 406, and the curring means 410.

(73) Optionally, the apparatus 400 comprises identification means 412 configured to identify an attachment site on the solid surface for positioning of the first surface of the identification tag. The identification means 412 may comprise a camera.

(74) The control means 408 may be configured to control the curing means 410 to initially cure the second adhesive substance after positioning of the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface by the positioning means 402, and before the application means 404 have applied the first adhesive substance.

(75) The control means 408 is further configured to control the curing means 410 to cure the first adhesive substance after the forming means 406 have formed the first adhesive substance.

(76) In another exemplary apparatus (not shown), one or more of the positioning means 402, the application means 404, the forming means 406, the curing means 410, and the identification means 412, may be integrated into a single unit, such as a first robotic arm.

(77) Methods, apparatuses, and assemblies are disclosed in the following items:

(78) Item 1. A method of attaching an identification tag to a solid surface and protecting the identification tag, the identification tag having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the method comprising: positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface, wherein positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface comprises applying a second adhesive substance between the solid surface and the first surface; initially curing the second adhesive substance; applying a first adhesive substance on the second surface, the first adhesive substance being plastic during application and curable; applying a concave surface of a mold such that the mold abuts a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag; and curing the first adhesive substance.

(79) Item 2. Method according to item 1, wherein the second adhesive substance is the same type of adhesive substance as the first adhesive substance.

(80) Item 3. Method according to any of items 1 or 2, wherein curing the first adhesive substance further comprises curing the second adhesive substance.

(81) Item 4. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein initially curing the second adhesive substance has a second duration of less than 1 second.

(82) Item 5. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the mold is shaped to fit the combination of the identification tag and the solid surface.

(83) Item 6. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein applying the first adhesive substance comprises applying a predetermined amount of the first adhesive substance.

(84) Item 7. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the method comprises coating the concave surface of the mold with a substance to prevent the first adhesive substance to adhere to the concave surface.

(85) Item 8. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the curing of the first adhesive substance and/or curing of the second adhesive substance is performed by applying heat and/or ultraviolet light to the first adhesive substance and/or the second adhesive substance, respectively.

(86) Item 9. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first adhesive substance is an epoxy glue.

(87) Item 10. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the solid surface is a solid surface of a medical instrument, such as a surgical instrument, such as a lancet or a scissor or a clamp.

(88) Item 11. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein initially curing the second adhesive substance has a second duration less than a first duration of curing the first adhesive substance.

(89) Item 12. Method according to any of the preceding items, wherein the method comprises identifying an attachment site on the solid surface for positioning the first surface of the identification tag.

(90) Item 13. An apparatus for attaching an identification tag to a solid surface and protecting the identification tag, wherein the apparatus comprises: positioning means configured to position the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface, wherein positioning of the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface comprises applying a second adhesive substance between the solid surface and the first surface; means to apply a first adhesive substance on the second surface, the first adhesive substance being plastic during application and curable; means to apply a concave surface of a mold such that the mold abuts a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag; and control means configured to initially cure the second adhesive substance after positioning of the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface, and configured to cure the first adhesive substance.

(91) Item 14. Apparatus according to item 13, wherein the control means are configured to initially cure the second adhesive substance with a second duration of less than 1 second.

(92) Item 15. Apparatus according to any of items 13 or 14, wherein the apparatus comprises identification means configured to identify an attachment site on the solid surface for positioning of the first surface of the identification tag.

(93) Item 16. A method of attaching an identification tag to a solid surface and protecting the identification tag, the identification tag having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the method comprising: positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface; applying a first adhesive substance on the second surface, the first adhesive substance being plastic during application and curable; applying a concave surface of a mold such that the mold abuts a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag; and curing the first adhesive substance.

(94) Item 17. Method according to item 16, wherein positioning the first surface of the identification tag in contact with the solid surface comprise applying a second adhesive substance between the solid surface and the first surface.

(95) Item 18. Method according to item 17, wherein the second adhesive substance is the same type of adhesive substance as the first adhesive substance.

(96) Item 19. Method according to any of items 17 or 18, wherein the second adhesive substance and the first adhesive substance cure concurrently.

(97) Item 20. Method according to any of items 17-19, wherein the second adhesive substance is pre-cured prior to applying the second adhesive substance between the solid surface and the first surface.

(98) Item 21. Method according to any of items 16-20, wherein the mold fits the identification tag and the solid surface.

(99) Item 22. Method according to any of items 16-21, wherein application of the first adhesive substance comprises applying a predetermined amount of the first adhesive substance.

(100) Item 23. Method according to any of items 16-22, wherein the concave surface of the mold is coated with a substance to prevent the first adhesive substance to adhere to the concave surface.

(101) Item 24. Method according to any of items 16-23, wherein the curing of the first adhesive substance is performed by applying heat to the first adhesive substance.

(102) Item 25. An assembly comprising: a solid surface; an identification tag attached to the solid surface, the identification tag having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface facing the solid surface; a first adhesive substance covering the second surface and a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag;
wherein the first adhesive substance is a plastic and curable material.

(103) Item 26. Assembly according to item 25, wherein a second adhesive substance is applied between the solid surface and the first surface, the second adhesive substance being same type of adhesive substance as the first adhesive substance.

(104) Item 27. Assembly according to any of items 25 or 26, wherein the first adhesive substance is an epoxy glue.

(105) Item 28. Assembly according to any of items 25-27, wherein the solid surface is a solid surface of a medical instrument, such as a surgical instrument, such as a lancet or a scissor or a clamp.

(106) Item 29. Assembly according to any of items 25-28, wherein a cover surface is covering the second surface and a part of the solid surface circumscribing the identification tag, and wherein the cover surface is hard and smooth.

(107) Item 30. Assembly according item 29, wherein the first adhesive substance forms the cover surface when the first adhesive substance has been cured.

LIST OF REFERENCES

(108) 2 assembly 4 identification tag 6 solid surface 7 attachment site 8 first surface 10 second surface 12, 12, 12 mold 13, 13, 13 outer surface 14, 14, 14 concave surface 16 first adhesive substance 18 applying the mold 20 second adhesive substance 22 cover surface 50 step of a method 100 method 102 positioning the identification tag 104 applying a first adhesive substance 106 forming the first adhesive substance 108 curing the first adhesive substance 110 removing the mold 200 method 206 positioning the identification tag 202 applying a first adhesive substance 204 applying a concave surface of a mold 208 curing the first adhesive substance 210 removing the mold 300 method 302 identifying an attachment site 304 applying a second adhesive substance 306 positioning the identification tag 308 initially curing the second adhesive substance 310 applying a first adhesive substance 312 forming the first adhesive substance 316 curing the first adhesive substance 400 apparatus 402 positioning means 404 application means 406 forming means 408 control means 410 curing means 412 identification means