Abstract: A process for preparing 3a.alpha.-H-4.alpha.-[3'-propionic acid]-5.alpha.-hydroxy-7a.beta.-methyl-hexahydro-1-indanone-.delta.-lacton e, having the formula ##STR1## for the chemical synthesis of a pharmaceutical steroid, which includes cultivating, in the presence of cholesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol, or a mixture of sitosterol and sitostanol, a mutant of the parent species R. australis of the genus Rhodococcus.

Abstract: This invention provides a hot-mix asphalt recycling processes for reconstituting and upgrading old road materials. In usual hot-mix plants the asphaltic material is heated by a naked flame. Residual bitument in the asphalt is exposed to the naked flame from the burner, which can seriously damage the bitument and render it largely worthless. In order to reduce wastage, the invention provides for heating of aggregate in a heating zone, and supplying of the heated aggregate, usually cold reclaimed asphalt, and suitable binder material to a substantially flame-free mixing zone. By mixing these constituents in that zone, it is possible to produce a usable hot asphalt pavement mix with reduced asphalt wastage.

Abstract: A power transmission system is provided, suitable e.g. for driving an electrical vehicle from a power supply such as on an electrochemical battery. The system provides an electric motor having two relatively rotatable motor portions. Each motor portion is relatively rotatable to an anchorage or mounting for the motor, coaxially with the axis of rotation between the motor portions. One motor portion is provided with the power output for the system and the other motor portion is drivingly connected to a hydrostatic machine capable of acting as a pump or motor which is in liquid flow communication with a hydrostatic accumulator and liquid source.

Abstract: A method of making a cathode for a secondary electrochemical cell is disclosed. The method involves activating or preconditioning an oxide which has a spinel-type or oxo-spinel type structure of the formula AB.sub.2 O.sub.4 with at least one of A or B being a transition metal, and A and B being di-, tri-, or tetravalent cations selected from Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mg and Al. The method provides a cathode, which is in the form of a stable three-dimensional framework structure. In a secondary electrochemical cell the structure of the cathode is capable of reversible charge/discharge reactions while being stable with regard to other physical or chemical changes in structure.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of stress grading timber lengths. The minimum stiffness and clear stiffness of the timber lengths are measured and the timber lengths are classified using both the minimum stiffnesses and clear stiffnesses as predictors to predict the load bearing ability of each timber length when loaded as a simple beam.

Abstract: A cathode for an electrochemical cell is disclosed, and a cell including it, together with an active cathode current collector for use in an electrochemical cell and methods of forming such a cathode.The cathode in its discharged state comprises an intermediate refractory hard metal compound of at least one metal selected from:chromium, iron, manganese, cobalt and nickelwith at least one non-metal selected from:carbon, boron, nitrogen, silicon and phosphorous.The cathode is halogenated in its charged state.To form the cathode, the intermediate refractory hard metal is formed and then activated to make it capable of reacting electrochemically with halide ions in use in a cell.The active cathode current collector comprises a core of electroconductive material protected by said intermediate refractory hard metal compound as a surface layer thereon, activated to react electrochemically with halide ions in a cell.

Abstract: A method and means for reducing the potential hazard presented by escaping electrochemical cell contents are disclosed. The invention involves associating a micromolecular sieve carrier with the cell to sorb such contents when they escape, to reduce the severity of undesired reactions of such contents. The sieve carrier is conveniently associated with the cell by being provided in a layer, e.g. in a holder, around the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte, and a battery made up of a plurality of such cells. The anode comprises silver or copper or alloys or amalgams thereof. The cathode is a molecular sieve carrier having a pore size of less than 1 micron and having a halogen, a chalcogen or phosphorous sorbed therein. The electrolyte is a multiple salt system having a silver or copper halogenide as a component thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for advancing slivers of textile or the like fibres through all stages of a combing operation in which a track is provided, in which track an endless element such as a chain is movable, the element providing an anchorage for a plurality of combing units adapted to carry the slivers, and the track including at least one linear section. The linear section of the track carries combing components so that the combing operations on the sliver are carried out substantially while the sliver is transported past the linear section of the track.