Abstract: Method and apparatus for clarifying bottled wine by riddling in which the bottles of wine are positioned in generally neck-down inverted position and are subjected to abrupt limited generally vertical force capable of dislodging sediment and solids from adherence to the interior surfaces of the bottles. The apparatus accomplishes the abrupt limited generally vertical force by either lifting and dropping a platform upon which cases of bottles are positioned, or bumping the platform from below. Control means automatically cycles the jouncing action, and supplementary vibratory action, through periods of timed duration and at desired frequencies and amplitudes, the bottles being allowed to remain quiescent for desired periods of time between jouncing actions.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating and collecting different grades of grape juice from a continuous action, inclined helical screw dejuicer having a plurality of drip pans below the dejuicer barrel formed to convey different grades of grape juice to receiving troughs, at least some of the drip pans being adjustable longitudinally of the dejuicer barrel for selectively varying the nature and quality of the juice collected by each adjustable drip pan. The method contemplates adjusting the quality of each grade in the manner described, making it possible to collect the "first press" clear, uncolored juice pressed from colored grapes so as to be able to make white wine from red grapes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically accomplishing riddling of bottled wines contained in shipping cartons by inverting pallet loads of the cartons so the bottles stand on their capped ends, jostling the bottles as by rapid tilting at predetermined intervals and in predetermined directions, and vibrating the cases and the bottles they contain at desired frequency and amplitude and for periods of predetermined duration. The apparatus provides a bed for receiving pallets loaded with stacked cases of bottled wine to be riddled, the bed being supported at its corners on pivot balls liftable from their supporting sockets which, in turn, have resilient supports. Selective tilting of the bed and its cargo is accomplished by inflatable air bags controlled by a timing system.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating and collecting different grades of grape juice from a continuous action, inclined helical screw dejuicer having a plurality of drip pans below the dejuicer barrel formed to convey different grades of grape juice to receiving troughs, at least some of the drip pans being adjustable longitudinally of the dejuicer barrel for selectively varying the nature and quality of the juice collected by each adjustable drip pan. The method contemplates adjusting the quality of each grade in the manner described, making it possible to collect the "first press" clear, uncolored juice pressed from colored grapes so as to be able to make white wine from red grapes.

Abstract: Apparatus for riddling bottled wine having an elongated frame carried on resilient supports along the longitudinal sides of the frame and having a motor-driven eccentric weight carried on the frame for vibrating the frame and cases of bottles thereon in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the frame, together with rows of inflatable air bags along opposite sides of the frame for alternately lifting such sides and jostling bottles of wine within their compartments in cases supported on the frame. A clock system controls the power supply to the vibrator motor and the air supply to the inflatable air bags, the clock system being adjustable for supplying electrical current to the vibrator motor at pre-selected times and for periods of pre-determined duration, and for supplying air under pressure alternately to the air bags at one side or the other of the frame at selectively pre-determined intervals and for periods of pre-determined duration.

Abstract: The method of riddling wine contained in bottles packed in shipping cases in which the cases are inverted to allow solids to settle into the necks of the bottles, tilting the cases from side to side to jostle the bottles, and vibrating the cases and bottles contained therein, the jostling and vibrating of the bottles serving to dislodge solids in the wine from adherence to the bottles so that the solids settle onto a temporary cap at the outlet of the bottle for disgorging when the cap is removed. The cases of bottles are tilted and vibrated for periods from about ten minutes to about thirty minutes to dislodge solid particles from adherence to the bottle, and the tilting and vibrating is halted for periods from about one hour to about six hours until tilting and vibrating is again effected.

Abstract: The method of riddling wine contained in bottles packed in shipping cases in which the cases are inverted to allow solids to settle into the necks of the bottles, tilting the cases from side to side to jostle the bottles, and vibrating the cases and bottles contained therein, the jostling and vibrating of the bottles serving to dislodge solids in the wine from adherence to the bottles so that the solids settle onto a temporary cap at the outlet of the bottle for disgorging when the cap is removed. The cases of bottles are tilted and vibrated for periods from about ten minutes to about thirty minutes to dislodge solid particles from adherence to the bottle, and the tilting and vibrating is halted for periods from about one hour to about six hours until tilting and vibrating is again effected.