Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus for providing temperature regulation to a person, animal, or inanimate object. The heat exchange device includes an inlet receiving a temperature controlled fluid that is distributed to and passes through a porous layer before being collected and discharged through an outlet. The porous layer is encapsulated in a pair of non-porous layers or sheets. In one embodiment, the pair of non-porous layers extend beyond the boundaries of the porous layer and form a pair of manifolds for distributing the inlet and outlet fluid to and from the porous layer. In one embodiment, the manifolds include flow diverters for distributing the fluid to and from the porous layer. In various embodiments, the heat exchange apparatus is adapted for wrapping around a body part or object, for securing to a seat, and for wearing as a vest or other article of clothing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fire retardant polymer compositions possessing a non-liner structural configuration resulting by the reaction of N-tribromo-phenylmaleimide, with or without comonomer, with a preformed backbone polymer, in which the bromine content is above 1.2% by weight bromine. The polymer is selected from polystyrene, polyolefins, polyamides, rubbers, polyesters, acrylics, polymeric dienes and mixtures or copolymers thereof. The comonomer present with the N-tribromophenyl-maleimide is selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile, styrene and vinyl chloride. According to the invention the non-linear structural configurations are obtained either by grafting or crosslinking of the N-tribromophenylmaleimide onto the preformed backbone polymer in the presence of free radical producing means. Optionally, synergistic fire retardant additives such as antimony oxide are incorporated in the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fire retardant polymer compositions obtained by the blending of monomeric N-tribromophenylmaleimide, as a fire retardant additive with a polymer. The preferred amount of bromine in the composition is above 0.5% by weight thereof. The polymer is selected from styrenic polymers and copolymers, polyolefine, rubbers, epoxy resins, plasticized PVC and polyurethane. If desired, one or more additional fire retardant(s) may be incorporated in the composition. Optionally, synergistic fire retardant additives such as antimony oxide, or organo-phosphorus compounds are also incorporated. The flame retardant polymer compositions have improved properties compared with those obtained with known flame retardant reagents. It was also unexpectedly found that the fire retardant additive provides to the polymer composition stability against ultraviolet light irradiation.

Abstract: Normally flammable organic polymers are rendered flame retardant by the incorporation of compounds corresponding to the formula: ##STR1## wherein each X is independently Br or Cl. The normally flammable organic polymers are selected from polyolefin, such as polypropylene, epoxy resins, unsaturated polyesters and styrene-based resins. The sulfite ester of tribromo neopentyl alcohol is preferred.