Abstract: DNA sequences are provided which are useful in identifying different fermentation-related microorganisms, such as those involved in fermentations. These DNA sequences can be used to provide oligonucleotide primers in PCR based analysis for the identification of fermentation-related microorganisms. The DNA sequences of the present invention include the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA gene regions of particular fermentation-related microorganisms, as well as oligonucleotide primers which are derived from these regions which are capable of identifying the particular microorganism.

Abstract: Unique DNA sequences are provided which are useful in identifying different pathogenic fungi, such as those which infect grape plants. These unique DNA sequences can be used to provide oligonucleotide primers in PCR based analysis for the identification of fungal pathogens. The DNA sequences of the present invention include the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA gene regions of particular fungal pathogens, as well as oligonucleotide primers which are derived from these regions which are capable of identifying the particular pathogen.

Abstract: A liquid storage and dispensing device includes a bottle and a fluid flow control device which is mounted to the neck of the bottle. The bottle includes a planar surface upon which the bottle may rest in an inclined orientation, with the neck of the bottle pointed down. The planar surface is formed at an angle with respect to the rest of the bottle geometry so that the center of gravity of the bottle, when full of liquid and in the inclined orientation, is above the planar surface. Thus, the full bottle is able to be safely stored in the inclined orientation with any level of liquid contained in the bottle, without concern that the bottle will topple over, and the liquid contents may be dispensed through the fluid flow control device.

Abstract: A display device is disclosed which is in the form of a hanger formed from a single sheet of thermoplastic folded along the top of the hanger so that the two halves of the sheet of thermoplastic engage the top of the neck of a container at the center of the hanger. On one side of the container, the hanger is molded to receive a smaller container and on an opposite side of the hanger, a display is received in a flat area of the hanger. The hanger is secured in its folded condition at several areas which are joined together to secure the two halves of the hanger together.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of alcoholic beverages of low alcohol content is disclosed, wherein a standard alcoholic beverage is chilled to form crystals, which are then consolidated into a substantially solid mass. The mass is then recovered, thawed, and optionally blended with either the unfrozen portion of the starting beverage or with a further quantity of the standard beverage itself to produce a low alcohol counterpart which retains substantially all of the flavor and taste of the standard beverage.

Abstract: A bottle closure for a beverage bottle is disclosed. A threaded bottle neck receives a hollow extractor having threads complementary to those of the bottle neck. The extractor is engaged with the bottle neck. The extractor has a crown portion including an aperture that is coaxial with a bottle opening; it also has an annular protuberance that is coaxial with the bottle opening. A bottle cork may be inserted through the extractor and into the bottle neck to seal the bottle. An upper portion of the cork is grasped by the annular protuberance such that the extractor grips the cork more firmly then the bottle does. Disengaging the extractor from the bottle neck withdraws the cork from within the bottle; engaging the extractor with the bottle neck advances the cork into the bottle to thereby seal it.

Abstract: A self-retaining stopper for bottle containing pressurized contents such as champagne is disclosed. The stopper is especially adapted to cooperate with a bottle finish having a plurality of raised helical ribs of substantially uniform width and uniform maximum height spaced regularly around the circumference of the finish. The stopper comprises a shank for sealable insertion into the neck of such a bottle and a cup-shaped crown defining a resilient skirt overlying the finish. The skirt includes a plurality of inwardly projecting nodular protrusions for engaging the lower side of the helical ribs upon the inwardly directed urging of the resilient skirt. The inner wall of the skirt further includes a plurality of webs disposed to encounter the upper rim of the finish. The nodular protrusions and the webs are spaced apart a predetermined distance to secure the stopper in an axially locked position against the high pressures encountered within the bottle without the need for safety wiring or the like.

Abstract: An optical encoder for use with a liquid level measuring device including a pre-encoded film strip bidirectionally translatable between a pair of film reels past a detection station. The film is driven by a sprocket coupled to the spring motor of a perforated tape level gauge, and motion translating means enable the film to be unwound smoothly in either direction. The film has a plurality of digitally encoded tracks which enable an optical detection station to provide information specifying the level of the liquid.The motion translating means includes first and second hub members rotatably secured to a support member for rotation about the axis of a different one of the film reels, each hub member being provided with a gear portion for mutual driving engagement.The tension maintaining means includes first and second spring members each coupled between a film reel and a hub member, and received in a central recess of the associated hub member.

Abstract: An optical encoder unit for generating digital electrical signals defining the absolute level of a liquid in a tank from the translational position of a perforated tape in a conventional liquid level gauge and providing both local and remote readout. A pre-encoded film strip has a plurality of laterally spaced longitudinally extending tracks with transparent and opaque regions encoded in Gray code format, is received on a pair of freely rotatable spools, and is guided past an optical detection station by a pair of spaced stationary guide members. A rotatable sprocket having an input shaft adapted to be driven by a shaft coupled to a sprocket in a conventional perforated tape liquid level gauge drives the film strip past the detection station in response to movement of the tape. A spring biased pivotally mounted tension arm having a guide in surface contact with the film strip maintains tension therein as the film strip is moved from reel to reel.

Abstract: Fibrous cellulose acetate resembling asbestos in fibrous structure and liquid filtering properties which is useful for filtering potable liquids such as fruit juices, vegetable juices and wine is made continuously by introducing a stream of a 2-4% by weight solution of cellulose acetate of 25-45 secs. viscosity in acetone and a stream of water into a mixing T at velocities which create substantial turbulence and at a water:solution volume ratio of 4:1 to 20:1, continuously withdrawing the resulting cellulose acetate slurry from the mixing T and passing it through a mechanical shearer which shears the precipitate to a surface area in the range of 35.55 m.sup.2 /g and thereafter depositing the slurry on a porous support to drain unabsorbed water/acetone from the precipitate and washing the precipitate with water until it is substantially acetone-free.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the amount of carbon dioxide in continuously supplied liquids containing dissolved carbon dioxide, such as wine or other beverages. A constant-flow sidestream of the liquid is ejected in the presence of a carrier gas which dissolves carbon dioxide into a separating chamber under conditions which yield substantially instantaneous and substantially complete evolution of carbon dioxide from the liquid. The carrier gas and evolved carbon dioxide are conducted from the chamber to a carbon dioxide measuring and recording device, and the separated liquid that is depleted of carbon dioxide is drained from the chamber.