An apparatus for applying mortar is provided. Each recess includes a load-bearing surface. The second circuits may be configured to generate a plurality of second signals in response to the first signals. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source andor beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e. A total area of the dies of the second type bonded to the corresponding die of the first type is less than or equal to an area of the corresponding die of the first type. Lithography objectives and illumination systems are also disclosed.