Abstract: A fluid retainer cartridge assembly is disclosed. The fluid retainer cartridge assembly includes a base portion and a cap portion. The base portion defines a plurality of implement-receiving channels. The cap portion is removably-connected to the base portion. The cap portion defines a fluid-receiving void that is fluidly-divided into an upstream fluid-receiving void and a downstream fluid-receiving void by a flange of the base portion that is disposed within the fluid-receiving void of the cap portion. The upstream fluid-receiving void is in fluid communication with the downstream fluid-receiving void by a fluid-flow passage formed by the flange of the base portion. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of assembling a nozzle assembly is disclosed. The method includes: providing a nozzle member having a central passage defined by at least an inner side surface and an inner distal surface; inserting a fluid atomizer into the central passage of the nozzle member; and, with a distal surface of the fluid atomizer arranged adjacent the inner distal surface of the nozzle member, flexing legs of the fluid atomizer in a radially-outward direction for engaging each leg of the legs with the inner side surface of the nozzle member. A fluid atomizer is also disclosed. A nozzle assembly is also disclosed. A method of utilizing a nozzle assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A preservative efficacy test for determining efficiency of at least one preservative material that is present in a consumable product to reduce or eliminate living microorganisms that includes challenging the preservative material with at least one microorganism derived from a pure culture by inoculating a sample of the product with a quantity of at least one challenge microorganism and allowing the microorganisms to grow for an predetermined interval after which the preservative is neutralized and a portion of the resulting sample is cultured in a testing system that includes at least one testing container, wherein the testing container contains liquid growth media and sensor means capable of monitoring microorganism growth by sensing the metabolic by-products generated by growth of microorganisms present in the liquid growth media and producing an output signal that can be measured and analyzed.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting by fluorescence microbial growth from sample substances are disclosed. For example, a method for the detection of visible-band fluorescence signals generated by at least one fluorescing compound excited by ultraviolet energy, comprising exciting said at least one fluorescing compound with ultraviolet energy emitted from a light-emitting diode comprising wavelengths below 400 nanometers, and detecting a visible-band fluorescence signal generated by said at least one excited fluorescing compound with at least one light detector sensitive to electromagnetic energy comprising wavelengths greater than or equal to 400 nanometers wavelength.

Abstract: A method of assembling a nozzle assembly is disclosed. The method includes: providing a nozzle member having a central passage defined by at least an inner side surface and an inner distal surface; inserting a fluid atomizer into the central passage of the nozzle member; and, with a distal surface of the fluid atomizer arranged adjacent the inner distal surface of the nozzle member, flexing legs of the fluid atomizer in a radially-outward direction for engaging each leg of the legs with the inner side surface of the nozzle member. A fluid atomizer is also disclosed. A nozzle assembly is also disclosed. A method of utilizing a nozzle assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new device and method for detecting the presence of living microorganisms in test samples are described. The device includes a container having at least one section transparent to light with an incubation zone defined in the container, the incubation zone containing growth media in which the sample is cultured. A detection zone containing a matrix composed of a polymeric material which is substantially transparent to light, and at least one indicator reagent sensitive to carbon dioxide gas generated by the microorganisms in the incubation zone is located in the transparent section of the matrix. The matrix is configured to facilitate penetration of external light aimed at the transparent section of the container and interaction of the external light with the indicator reagent to yield interactive light that escapes through the transparent section of the container, said interactive light is being indicative of the presence and/or concentration of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A reusable pour-on gun system is disclosed that is comprised of a pour-on gun component that does not need an inlet valve, a cap assembly including a one-way valve system, the cap assembly adapted to be coupled to a liquid reservoir container, and a hose component coupled on one end to the pour-on gun component and on the other end to the cap assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device for the collection, storage, shipping and retrieval of hair follicles from animals for the purpose of isolating DNA or other genetic material from the follicles for analysis. The device has outer flaps for the protection as well as identification of the samples and an inner part where samples are placed. The inner device has thicker base and a clear plastic cover, the easy peel back of which is facilitated by a) low tack adhesives that hold the two together and b) a touch cut on one end, through the base sheet which creates a grip. This makes the device convenient and easy to use, and yet a robust collection device for hair follicles from animals in a farm or real-life situation. Hair follicles can be punched out through the inner device for direct DNA isolation and analysis.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting by fluorescence microbial growth from sample substances are disclosed. For example, a method for the detection of visible-band fluorescence signals generated by at least one fluorescing compound excited by ultraviolet energy, comprising exciting said at least one fluorescing compound with ultraviolet energy emitted from a light-emitting diode comprising wavelengths below 400 nanometers, and detecting a visible-band fluorescence signal generated by said at least one excited fluorescing compound with at least one light detector sensitive to electromagnetic energy comprising wavelengths greater than or equal to 400 nanometers wavelength.

Abstract: A test kit for detecting an antibiotic or antibiotics containing a ?-lactam ring in a biological fluid is provided. The test kit includes at least one recognition agent, which is a receptor which specifically binds to antibiotics containing a ?-lactam ring and is obtained from Bacillus licheniformis. The test kit further contains at least one reference antibiotic immobilized on a solid support.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a test device that detects microorganism growth by detecting a gas metabolite (e.g., carbon dioxide) produced during the growth of bacteria or other microorganism in a tested sample. The test device can contain a culture growth media separated from a detection area by a gas-permeable membrane. The gas-permeable membrane permits carbon dioxide to permeate into the detection area. The detection area includes a solidified mixture of pH indicators and a gelling agent in the form of a semi-permeable matrix. The optical properties, including the absorbance of light at various wavelengths, of the detection solution change with alterations in carbon dioxide concentration. This test device can then be placed in an incubation and optical detection instrument to monitor changes in optical properties of the detection are induced during microorganism growth in the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device for the collection, storage, shipping and retrieval of hair follicles from animals for the purpose of isolating DNA or other genetic material from the follicles for analysis. The device has outer flaps for the protection as well as identification of the samples and an inner part where samples are placed. The inner device has thicker base and a clear plastic cover, the easy peel back of which is facilitated by a) low tack adhesives that hold the two together and b) a touch cut on one end, through the base sheet which creates a grip. This makes the device convenient and easy to use, and yet a robust collection device for hair follicles from animals in a farm or real-life situation. Hair follicles can be punched out through the inner device for direct DNA isolation and analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detectable heavy duty needle cannula (12) for use in hypodermic syringes and the like. Needle cannula (12) comprises a magnetizable or magnetized stainless steel alloy, which enables needle cannula (12) to be detectable in metal detectors that are commonly used in the meat processing industry to detect broken needle cannulas in the flesh of slaughtered animals. Needle cannula (12) further comprises a sidewall (17) that is thicker than the sidewalls of prior art needle cannulas. The thicker sidewall imparts to needle cannula (12) greater resistance to breakage during the process of injecting animal health products into an animal and greater detectability in a metal detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial contamination. The device and methods are suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The chemiluminescence reaction that is the source of the analytical signal in the disclosed assay device and method is preferably based on a luciferase/luciferin system. The method for sampling disclosed herein comprises the steps of pre-wetting the sampling swab to a level below that of absorptive saturation; wiping a surface to be sampled with the swab with sufficient pressure to expel the wetting solution onto the surface; and, after reducing the pressure exerted on the sampling swab, further wiping the surface to re-absorb the moisture from the surface.

Abstract: A device and methods for the rapid chemiluminescence or calorimetric assay of surfaces to detect the presence of microbial or protein contamination is disclosed. A sampling/analysis member (10) is described having a sampling wand (15) which is suitable for use by untrained personnel under the relatively harsh and variable conditions found in the field, for example in fast food restaurants and other food preparation areas. The analytical signal in the disclosed device and methods can be based on luciferase/luciferin systems or a protein assay systems utilizing bicinchoninic acid.

Abstract: A test device for detecting the presence of protein or other reducing compound wherein a bicinchoninic acid or salt composition is in a sampling swab (27) on a sampling wand (17) is separate from a dried cupric salt on a disc (48) in an essentially transparent well (45). The reaction of protein with the cupric salt in the well in the presence of the composition reduces Cu+2 to Cu+1 which forms a deep purple complex with the bicinchoninic acid or salt and which can be detected visually or by a spectophotometric device (10) or other detection instruments. The result determines whether or not surface is contaminated with protein or other reducing compound and thus is unsanitary.

Abstract: Magnetic stainless steel needles are detectable in processed meat. The previous non magnetic versions, made of 304 stainless steel, aren't. Disposable hypodermic needles made from martensitic and ferritic stainless steel are easily detectable at the smallest size. Needles are conveniently made from 420 martensitic stainless steel or 430 ferritic stainless steel.