Electronics assemblers make use of the MicroMark specifically to mark parts that pass particular tests or require reworking. Auto parts suppliers mark and differentiate brake shoes that are slightly larger or smaller than their counterparts. Paper goods companies use the precision spray valve system to mark a predetermined napkin in a stack to aid in packing, while metal tubing makers use it to identify products that have passed welding tests. Advanced Wine Pressing M aking wine has come a long way since Lucille Ball stomped grapes on her television show in the 1950s. The French company Le Materiel Pera, based in Florensac, has developed a pneumatic grape press that optimizes the extraction of juice from grapes and, through strict temperature and flow controls, improves the quality of the grape must, which is the precursor of wine.
Vintners load grapes between the two layers of a double-layered, cylindrical pressing tank.
The inner layer of the tank is a bladder made of a material similar to vinyl that is pneumatically expanded to crush the grapes against the wall. The outer layer of the tank is made of stainless steel filled with glycol in order to control the temperature of the juice. Engineers provided the tank with a stainless steel door equipped with a pneumatic seal on its outside lip to keep the inner envelope airtight. The airtight, temperature-controlled envelope within this pneumatic grape press optimizes extraction, steeping, and thus quality of juice it produces. By maintaining the optimum temperature for the juice to steep, the press enhances juice quality.