Abstract: The disclosure provides culture devices and methods useful for detecting acid-producing bacteria in a sample. The devices include a nutrient medium and a pH indicator to detect and differentiate acid-producing microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating acid-producing microorganisms. The methods further provide for the detection of gas-producing acid-producing bacteria.

Abstract: The disclosure provides articles and methods useful for detecting a discrete source of DNase activity. DNase-producing microorganisms can be detected. The device can further include selective agents and/or indicators to differentiate groups or species microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating DNase-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to information management techniques that may be used during automated processing of biological growth media. In one embodiment, a method comprises reading one or more identification elements of a biological growth medium, identifying manufacturing information related to the biological growth medium based on the one or more identification elements of the biological growth medium, identifying sample information related to a sample being tested by the biological growth medium based on the one or more identification elements of the biological growth medium, generating one or more images of the biological growth medium, counting biological agents formed on the biological growth medium based on the one or more images, wherein counting the biological agents comprises generating a count value, and associating the manufacturing information, the sample information and the count value with the one or more identification elements of the biological growth medium.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to information management techniques that may be used during automated processing of biological growth media. In one embodiment, a method comprises reading an identification element associated with a biological growth medium, identifying manufacturing information associated with the biological growth medium based on the identification element, wherein the manufacturing information includes one or more manufacturing variables measured from the biological growth medium when the biological growth medium was manufactured, adjusting one or more processing parameters associated with processing of the biological growth medium based on the manufacturing variables measured from the biological growth medium when the biological growth medium was manufactured, and processing the biological growth medium in an automated system based on the processing parameters.

Abstract: A device for opening small and large bottled drinks having twist-off caps, and cans having pop-top tabs. The device has a handle, two different size back-to-back sockets on one end of the handle, a slot at the other end of the handle, and a projection at the end of the slot which engages with the fulcrum point or downward pushing end of the tab. The back-to-back sockets are useful in twisting off different size bottle caps. The slot and projection are useful in opening pop-top or tab-top cans. The preferred device of the invention has a punch hole for removing bottle caps which become lodged in the sockets, an additional socket at the slot end of the device, an extension with a hanging hole, and ribs on the handle for reinforcing the handle.