Abstract: This invention relates to a purified wool fat essentially free from low molecular weight volatile acids, water soluble aliphatic alcohols and water. This purified wool fat is produced by effecting the esterification of free alcohols and fatty acid contained in the wool fat followed by solvent extraction and chromatographical purification of the extracted solvent. The purified wool fat can be used as a lubricant enhancer in lubricating oils.

Abstract: A solar cell having an active zone made of a polar polymeric film material is disclosed. The electric contacts on the surfaces of the active zone are made of metals differing in electrochemical potentials. At least one of the electric contacts has a coating that absorbs solar radiation. The absorbent coating is preferably applied to the electric contact in the form of a polymeric material whose shape approximates a hemisphere. The active zone surface and the electric contact surface free of hemispherical portions are provided with an absorbent coating made of a material whose absorbing capability is different from that of the material of the hemispherical portions.

Abstract: The protection of cartilaginous surfaces against wear by ensuring their low friction despite a deficiency of joint lubrication components. A specific mixture of liquid-crystal cholesterol ester derivatives can be introduced by a variety of means into the affected joints to provide a superior lubrication of the cartilaginous surfaces.

Abstract: A coating is provided to a substrate in a vacuum chamber having an electric arc evaporator to form an ion-plasma comprising accelerated ions and neutral atoms of evaporated metal. The substrate contained in the vacuum chamber is provided with a negative voltage bias such that the ion-plasma is drawn to the substrate and deposited on its surface to provide the coating. A pulsed negative voltage bias is maintained on the substrate such that the substrate temperature can be maintained within the range of zero to 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A method and material for the protection of construction materials against the thermal effects of fire comprising an ablative layer coated on the fire-exposed surface with an intumescent paint.

Abstract: A screw pump is disclosed in which a screw portion of the pump is constructed having an eccentric portion e, wherein the pitch S of the screw is equal to 4e. The screw channel depth h, is equal to 2e (twice the eccentricity). The resulting screw has an optimum geometric shape allowing maximum pumping capability to be achieved.