Abstract: The instant invention provides a two-step polymerization process for preparing amphiphilic poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), (PVP)-block-polyester copolymers and other diblock and triblock copolymers consisting of PVP as one block. The block copolymers of the invention can be used as vehicles for drug delivery.

Abstract: There is disclosed a silencer for attenuating sound waves produced in a fluid that circulates through a fluid conveyer. The silencer comprises an expansion chamber that is in fluid communication with the fluid conveyer, and which carries sound waves there through; a sound wave dissipater provided with the expansion chamber and arranged to absorb sound waves traveling there through; a resonator operatively associated with the sound wave dissipater and constructed and arranged to cause attenuation and reflection of the sound waves back and forth towards the sound wave dissipater; the expansion chamber having a chamber: conveyer cross-sectional area ratio and chamber length characteristics allowing maximum transmission loss for a given frequency. The expansion chamber has an exit to allow fluid containing attenuated sound waves to escape therefrom.

Abstract: The trailer comprises a rectangular framework, a loading box fixedly mounted on the framework and including a horizontal platform, and a group of freely rotatable carrying wheels which allow the trailer to be pulled. The trailer is characterized in that two frames are disposed underneath the framework and are arranged to engage one frame into the other one between an expanded position of the trailer where the frames are drawn apart from one another and a retracted position where the frames are drawn in towards one another. The framework holds the frames with supports, that are arranged to permit a simultaneous transverse and longitudinal movement of the frames with respect to the framework when said frames are moved between an expanded position and a retracted position.

Abstract: The liner according to the invention is designed such that the moisture barrier component of the liner may be easily separated from the garment for inspection, testing, repair or replacement. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the moisture barrier is attached to the thermal barrier or the outer shell component by means of a heat and flame resistant slide fastener.

Abstract: The sections of concrete tubes or rings are connected end to end by means of a joint, and, in order to prevent aggregates and other undesirable materials to penetrate into the joint when a space is formed in the latter following climate modifications or other disturbances, there is disposed at the level of the joint, a ring of flexible material, which includes a flange made to remain pressed against the joint and to cover the latter permanently even if a space is produced in the joint. This ring is preferably fixed at one of the sections of tube and this ring may even be made of two interconnecting members.

Abstract: Cellulosic fibers were pre-treated with maleic anhydride or phthalic anhydride in the presence of an intitiator to improve the bonding and dispersibility of the fibers in the polymer matrix. High density polyethylene (HDPE) was filled with chemically treated chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP) and wood flour. Composites of HDPE-pre-treated wood fibers, characterized at different fiber ratios, produced superior mechanical properties than the untreated fiber composites. These composites can be compression or injection molded to produce useful articles.

Abstract: A fire insulated partition including inner and outer walls to define an inner space therebetween, water pipes disposed in the inner space and having a plurality of water outlets distributed throughout the inner space to deliver water therein, a water inlet outside the partition and connected to the water pipes to introduce water therein, the water inlet also connected to a source of water, a valve to initiate water circulation in the pipes and into the inner space upon activation by a detector, and a drain to continuously drain water from the inner space after the latter has been filled therewith. A detector provided separate from the valve enables to open the valve in case a fire erupts in the vicinity of the partition. There are blade propellers at the water outlets to distribute entering water substantially against the entire interior surface of the inner and outer walls, and a motor to operate the blade propellers when the detector senses a fire.