Abstract: Frozen compositions of lactic acid producing bacteria which incorporate an alkali metal salt of glycerophosphoric acid are described. These salts reduce damage to the bacteria upon freezing and storage which with certain bacteria is evidenced by enhanced lactic acid forming activity upon thawing and use of the compositions as fermented dairy product starter cultures.

Abstract: The present hand gun receives pressurized hot melt adhesive and the like via a heated flexible hose. The operator's handle and the supply conduit for adhesive project in a common plane from opposite end portions of the gun barrel. Although generally parallel, the handle and conduit typically are inclined toward each other and are joined at their ends remote from the barrel, forming a rigid generally polygonal frame with ample opening between the handle and conduit to receive the fingers of a hand gripping the handle. The gun thus completely isolates the operator's hand from the path of supply of the molten material, while still permitting the hose to extend generally downward from the gun in most positions of use. The disclosed configuration further provides a well protected location for the control trigger. An improved safety latch for the trigger is disclosed. The swivel connection between gun and hose provides fully enclosed access for electrical wires.

Abstract: A method is described for making fermented or "sour" flour having distinctive flavor and acidic properties when incorporated into baked products. Flour and substantial amounts of water are mixed together and fermented with a non-toxic Lactobacillus bacterium and then dried to less than about fourteen (14%) percent by weight water so as to provide a finely divided flour. The use of Lactobacillus plantarum is particularly disclosed.

Abstract: A method for testing milk to determine its ability to be fermented by bacteria in order to produce cheese, cottage cheese and the like is described. The method utilizes a colorimetric oxidation-reduction dye which rapidly changes color when the milk is readily fermentable.

Abstract: A frozen stabilized bacterial product consisting of Pediococcus cerevisiae mixed with a stabilizing agent, such as glycerol, and a nutrient medium. A process of making a fermented meat product in which the thawed concentrate is mixed with a meat formulation in an amount of at least .1 percent by weight, then the mixture is heated to between 110.degree. and 125.degree.F. for from 8 to 15 hours and then the bacterial action is terminated.

Abstract: The method of orally feeding animals including humans Lactobacillus lactis NRRL B-5628 to restrict the growth of other digestive system (such as mouth, crop and/or stomach) bacteria is described. NRRL B-5628 is particularly useful in the treatment of scouring, diarrhea or colibacillosis in baby pigs and other newborn animals by reducing the intestinal population of E. coli as the native coliform bacterium. The oral feeding of NRRL B-5628 is also used in farrowing sows to reduce intestinal bacteria and in turn to reduce such bacterial populations in the newborn pigs. Mastitis-metrites syndrome in gilts, sows and cows is reduced by such oral feeding.