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The Cork Lift employs a "Sparklets" type
CO2 cartridge that is inserted into the
lower assembly and locked down and
pierced by inserting the upper valve and
tightening it with the supplied box wrench.
Release of the gas is then controlled by the
push-button on top.
The current model, begun in 1993, has the needle mounted on the side (perpendicular)
of the handle in an effort to give a better grip on the tool for better control. When
asked about availability of the new Wecomatic in the United States, Christian Peter
Mürmann responded, "You can buy our current cork ejectors all over Europe.
Unfortunately, our insurance company is not willing to cover any risk for our products
in the United States."
Frank Chiorazzi of California corkscrew manufacturer and distributor Franmara, echoes
Mürmann with "We had carried the CO2 type from Wecomatic some years back but
we became concerned when customers started using them on Lambrusco and Lancers
and the bottle bursted. We didn't want the liability any longer."