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In 1980 a powerhouse in Japan got involved with air cork ejectors. Matsushita Electric
Industrial Corporation, manufacturer of the well-known Panasonic line, introduced a
battery operated cork ejector based on a patent by Katsuhiko Makino and Yoshitake
Inoue. The inventors applied for an initial patent in Japan on May 8, 1980. Within two
years they had three Japanese patents for the cork ejector.
Right: 1981 Patent Number 56-
135498
Below left: 1982 Patent Number
57-067997
Below right: 1982 Patent Number
57-067996
The product was marketed as the "Wine Cork Popper". It operates on four AA
batteries. After inserting the needle (surrounded by protection cover) through the cork,
a button is pressed and air is pumped into the bottle. The cork rises in about 10
seconds, then a little tug removes it completely. The needle cover has a quick release
and is pulled downward to remove the cork from the needle.
