Abstract: A process for producing a copolymer of an a, &bgr;-unsaturated monormer having at least one pendant unit selected from a carboxylic acid group and derivatives thereof, and a copolymersable monomer is described in which the process is carried out in a single solvent which is particularly an aromatic solvent. Processes of controlling the reaction and the particle size of the polymer produced are also described.

Abstract: A device for handling fibers is described. The device comprises:an apparatus for forming a column of fibers of uniform density;an apparatus for metering fibers from the column;conveying apparatus, the conveying apparatus serving to convey the metered fibers from the metering apparatus;a comb device, the comb device being spaced from the metering apparatus and in association with the conveying apparatus;a removing device, the removing device being located such that it removes the fibers from the comb device and introduces the fibers into a device for transporting the fibers from the fiber handling device.