Abstract: A compostable pod ring is disclosed. The pod ring includes a flange having a thickness able to support a beverage pod when the beverage pod is installed in a brewing machine. The flange has a suitable thickness and suitable texture for enabling sealing of a filter and lid material. The pod ring has a cylindrical wall section located diametrically around a center of a part used to support the filter, the section shaped to optimize filter expansion. The pod ring is comprised of compostable material.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the enhanced assembly and disassembly of offshore marine risers through the use of a combination of passive and active buoyancy elements in a marine riser. Methods for assembling passive buoyancy joints comprise providing disc handling devices capable of simultaneously manipulating a plurality of buoyancy discs capable of nesting and interlocking with one another. The combination of passive and active buoyancy elements along with a near surface disconnect package allow for quicker upper riser recovery especially in the event of an approaching tropical storm.

Abstract: A molded article ejection device for use in conjunction with a multistation molding machine. The multistation molding machine has at least a first molding station defined between a first mold platen and a second mold platen and a second molding station defined between the second mold platen and a third mold platen, a mechanism for opening and closing the molding stations, and tie bars for connecting the first, second and third mold platens. Ejection devices are used for ejecting molded articles from each of the first and second molding stations and a linkage is used for connecting a plurality of the ejection devices and translating movement of at least one ejection device to at least one other ejection device. A motive mechanism is used for actuating the ejection devices, wherein the motive mechanism is independent of the mechanism for opening and closing.