11

Book Notes

In this book I will examine the various patents issued for cork ejectors as well as those

that found their way to the market. Several have had long term success while the life of

many was short.

It is well known that the length of time it takes to secure a

patent can vary widely from country to country and

product to product. In studying developments in the cork

ejector field, generally I have given priority to application

dates rather than patent issue dates. This is the most

realistic approach to understanding the progression of

development for the application date is a truer indication

of the "invention" date. For example, a very important

patent, Denis Farandatos U. S. No. 2,729,124, was applied

for in 1950 but the patent was not issued until 1956!

Separate book parts are presented for air and gas ejectors.

In each part, the ejectors are divided by country. Many of

the cork ejectors were patented in several countries. In

this book cork ejectors and their patents are usually

included under the country of origin. Cross-references are

given in some instances where copies were produced in other countries.

Although I have spent considerable time corresponding with inventors, collectors,

manufacturers, librarians, etc., I suspect there are many cork ejectors yet to be found.

For the most part, collectors have shunned this method of cork removal. English

corkscrew dealer Patricia Harbottle says, "I hate the things. They remind me too much

of hypodermic syringes!" And German collector, Klaus Biermann echoes, "I detest them

and make long ways around them- until now. Perhaps the study of your new book will

change that attitude." I should think that the documentation that appears on the

following pages will spur some interest in ejectors and will result in many neglected

ejectors coming out of closets and drawers.

The reader will also come to the realization that used properly; there are cork ejectors

that do really work. The results can be fun and pleasing.

Your comments are invited and welcomed!

Donald A. Bull

email: corkscrew@bullworks.net