Abstract: A brewing device for the brewing of a capsule containing a beverage ingredient, the device including a main frame, a first capsule holding part, a second capsule holding part for at least partially holding the capsule mobile relative to the first capsule holding part in the frame and linked to the frame by a closing mechanism that includes knuckle joints; and a manual handle forming lever to activate via the closing mechanism the second holding part from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. The closing mechanism includes an additional force transmitting member associated with the handle and arranged to de-multiply the force applied by the handle on the knuckle joints that compensates for the increase of the force needed for closing the holding parts on the capsule.

Abstract: A process for depolymerizing fluoropolymers includes continuously feeding a solid fluoropolymer, in particulate form, into a horizontal cylindrical first reaction zone. The fluoropolymer particles enter the first reaction zone at one end. Within the first reaction zone, a central axle from which protrudes at least one paddle, continuously rotates. The rotating paddle serves to advance the fluoropolymer particles along the reaction zone while agitating them. As the fluoropolymer particles pass along the reaction zone, they are subjected to an elevated temperature, thereby depolymerizing the fluoropolymer into a fluoro-containing compound-rich gas phase. A residual solids phase is withdrawn at the other end of the first reaction zone, as is the gas phase. Optionally, the gas phase is passed through a second reaction zone which is also at an elevated temperature. The gas phase is quenched, thereby to recover the fluoro-containing compounds as gaseous products.

Abstract: An efficient and environmentally beneficial method of recycling and producing methanol from varied sources of carbon dioxide including flue gases of fossil fuel burning powerplants, industrial exhaust gases or the atmosphere itself. Converting carbon dioxide by chemical or electrochemical reduction seconardy treatment to produce essentially methanol, dimethyl ether and derived products.

Abstract: Various structures that include at least one thin layer of an amorphous material on a supporting substrate. One structure generally has a receiving substrate, a central crystalline layer and an amorphous layer, all of which may lack any end of range point defects. Another structure includes an intermediate substrate having an upper face, an upper portion and a lower portion, an amorphous layer that does not contain end of range point defects, and a first crystalline layer containing end of range point defects subjacent the amorphous layer and located in the lower portion; and a supporting substrate bonded to the upper face of the intermediate substrate. That structure can also contain a weakened zone or porous layer to facilitate removal of the first crystalline layer to provide the amorphous layer as an upper layer of the semiconductor structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for screening compounds having the ability to prevent, treat or reduce malodor development on body surfaces. In particular, the method allows to efficiently screen for compound having the ability of preventing sweat malodor development caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs). The present invention is based on the finding of the direct precursor of naturally VSCs, which is present in human sweat and which will be metabolized by Staphylococci to VSCs.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first substrate to a second substrate by molecular bonding by forming an insulating layer on the bonding face of the first substrate, chemical-mechanical polishing of the insulating layer, activating a bonding surface of the second substrate by plasma treatment, etching an exposed surface of the insulating layer, and bonding together the two substrates together by molecular bonding wherein the etching is conducted after the chemical-mechanical polishing and before the bonding.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure that is to be heated. The structure includes a substrate for the front face deposition of a useful layer intended to receive components for electronics, optics or optoelectronics. The structure contains doped elements that absorb infrared radiation so as to substantially increase infrared absorption by the structure so that the front face reaches a given temperature when a given infrared power is supplied to the structure. At least one part of the doped elements have insufficient electrical activity or localization in the structure, such that they cannot disturb the operation of the components. In addition, a method of producing this structure and a method of forming a useful layer of semiconductor material on the structure.

Abstract: Heterocyclic compounds having a relatively flexible backbone are used to create combinatorial libraries that permit screening for lead compounds and selection of drug candidates for a variety of uses in human and veterinary medicine as well as in agriculture. The compounds of the library generally differ in ring size and chirality of substituents on the ring. Also disclosed are methods for providing and screening these libraries, preferably in an automated or computerizable manner, such as by using a computer program to virtually screen the compounds in order to identify those that are predicted to have bioactive conformations that should give rise to desirable biological effects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the reduction by hydrogenation, using molecular H2, of a substrate containing one or two esters, or lactones, functional groups into the corresponding alcohol, or diol, with the process being carried out in the presence of a base and at least one catalyst or pre-catalyst in the form of a ruthenium complex, wherein the ruthenium is coordinated by a diphosphine bidentate ligand (PP ligand) and a diamino bidentate ligand (NN ligand) that includes at least one substituted ?-carbon and one primary amine as one of the coordinating atoms.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of semiconductor processing equipment and methods and provides, in particular, methods and equipment for the sustained, high-volume production of Group III-V compound semiconductor material suitable for fabrication of optic and electronic components, for use as substrates for epitaxial deposition, for wafers and so forth. In preferred embodiments, these methods are optimized for producing Group III-N (nitrogen) compound semiconductor wafers and specifically for producing GaN wafers. Specifically, the method includes reacting an amount of a gaseous Group III precursor as one reactant with an amount of a gaseous Group V component as another reactant in a reaction chamber under conditions sufficient to provide sustained high volume manufacture of the semiconductor material on one or more substrates, with the gaseous Group III precursor continuously provided at a mass flow of 50 g Group III element/hour for at least 48 hours.

Abstract: A dispensing closure for a container that includes closure walls, at least one dispensing aperture, at least one closing element that is movable between a position where the aperture is closed, and a position where the aperture is open. This closure includes at least one actionable member that surrounds the closure walls and the closing element, and at least one connection element located between the actionable member and the closing element. The connection element is made of a material that is sufficiently rigid below a predetermined safety temperature, to connect the actionable member and closing element, thus allowing opening of the dispensing aperture by moving the actionable member and fluid above temperature so that the actionable member and closing element are disconnected.

Abstract: Methods for producing porous freeze-dried fibrin matrices substantially devoid of external anti-fibrinolytic agents. Resilient matrices, also known as sponges, that are particularly beneficial for supporting three dimensional cell growth are obtained from plasma proteins substantially devoid of plasminogen or from partially purified plasma proteins, thus obviating the need for exogenous anti-fibrinolytic agents. Furthermore, incorporation of glycosaminoglycans and bioactive agents during the formation of the matrix results in a sponge having advantageous biological, mechanical and physical properties. The compositions made by the method of the present invention are useful clinically or as cell-bearing implants.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus and media are directed to managing trading of financial instruments with a clearinghouse as a counter-party to trades. A plurality of inputs that includes trade data for trades executed using the computer system is received. A discount curve for projected prices of a swap contract over time based on the received plurality of inputs is determined in real-time. A swap contract price is valued based on the determined discount curve. A margin requirement is determined for a user who wishes to trade or hold a position in the swap contract in the user's account based on the swap contract price. Data about a trade of the swap contract that is executed within the computer system is incorporated into the trade data used for determining the discount curve to provide a feedback loop into the real-time determination of the discount curve.

Abstract: A disinfecting device is presented having a UV light source for radiation of a cleaning medium to eradicate the medium of infestation agents such as molds, viruses, bacteria and dust mites. The device enhances the disinfection of the medium by providing mechanisms for enhanced penetration of the UV light into the cleaning medium. The device also offers enhanced heat dissipation to promote effective use of the device. Also provided are safety mechanisms to promote the safe and advantageous use of the UV device.

Abstract: A method for renovating a well curb by lifting it to a first position, whereafter a compressible device is positioned around the well curb. Hereafter the well curb is lowered to a second position so that the compressible device is abutting the upper edge of the well, whereafter a casting material is injected into the cavity between the surface dressing and a filling around the well. Finally the well curb is lowered to a third and final position. Also, a compressible device for use in the method.

Abstract: A method for reducing roughness of an exposed surface of an insulator layer on a substrate, by depositing an insulator layer on a substrate wherein the insulator layer includes an exposed rough surface opposite the substrate, and then smoothing the exposed rough surface of the insulator layer by exposure to a gas plasma in a chamber. The chamber contains therein a gas at a pressure of greater than 0.25 Pa but less than 30 Pa, and the gas plasma is created using a radiofrequency generator applying to the insulator layer a power density greater than 0.6 W/cm2 but less than 10 W/cm2 for at least 10 seconds to less than 200 seconds. Substrate bonding and layer transfer may be carried out subsequently to transfer the thin layer of substrate and the insulator layer to a second substrate.

Abstract: A method for preparing a pasteurized frozen dessert by mixing unpasteurized ingredients for the frozen dessert, the ingredients including water, cooling the unpressurized mix, pressurizing the cooled mix together with a gas with a pressure of more than 1000 bar, preferably more than 2000 to 4000 bar, thus pasteurizing the mix, cooling the pressurized mix, and releasing the pressure such that the water crystallizes to form the frozen dessert.

Abstract: Interlocking, stackable articles of furniture are disclosed. The individual components may be used separately, interlocked end to end, stacked in various orientations to create shelving structures, or stacked vertically as a single upstanding unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain ester and nitrile derivatives of formula (I): wherein one dotted line represents a carbon-carbon single or double bond and the other dotted lines each represent a carbon-carbon single bond; R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 is a methyl or ethyl group, R3 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or said R4 taken together with the bond between carbon atom 2 and 3 form a cyclopropane; and X represents a CN or a COOR5 group, R5 representing a C1-5 alkyl group; with the compound being in the form of any one of its pure stereoisomers or mixtures thereof. These compounds are useful perfuming ingredients.

Abstract: A patch device that includes a backing layer which is a barrier to at least a fragrance, a reservoir layer, which is attached to the backing layer and serves for holding a volume of one or more fragrances, and a cover layer for covering the reservoir layer when filled with fragrance. The cover layer is permeable to vapor from at least one fragrance, which cover layer in a first position of the patch device, in which the reservoir layer is free of fragrance, is situated at least partly offset or dislocated from the reservoir layer, and which cover layer in a second position of use, in which the volume of one or more fragrances has been delivered to the reservoir layer, covers the reservoir layer. Support sheets, which support the backing layer, and a flap part of the cover layer, serve as a tool for applying the flap part into covering relationship to cover or encapsulate the reservoir layer.