Abstract: A process for the preparation of 1-monoalkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)dimethylsilyl-1-propyne polymers which comprises polymerizing a 1-monoalkyl (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)dimethylsilyl-1-propyne monomer in the presence of a compound of a transition metal and a member selected from .alpha.,.omega.-dihydropolydialkylsiloxanes and polyalkyldihydrosiloxanes in a solvent inert for the polymerization. The polymerization reaction proceeds at low temperatures in an efficient manner. The membrane of the resultant polymer has a high gas transmission and suffers little degradation when placed under severe temperature conditions.

Abstract: A composition containing an extract obtained by a water-containing organic solvent, comprising: (a) an extract containing active ingredients including flavone glycoside or biflavone almost insoluble in water, said extract being obtained for ginkgo plant tissues by extraction with a water-containing organic solvent, and at least one of (b) a water-soluble high-molecular substance and (c) a fatty acid ester of polyglycerol. This composition can be formulated into preparations not containing ethanol, i.e. solid preparations including tablets, granules, and powder preparations, or non-alcoholic liquid preparations such as drinkable preparations and syrups, in such a way that the extract contained is well absorbed through the digestive tract.

Abstract: A method for making a polymer thin film wherein a first polymer thin film is formed on a support liquid, on which a solution of a second polymer is dropped is described. The first polymer film is pulled in opposite directions to break the first polymer film as a slit, from which the second polymer solution is cast on the support liquid. As a result, the solution can spread uniformly without involving any appreciable irregularity in thickness of a final film product.

Abstract: A selective gas-permeable film comprising a crosslinked copolymer product of a bifunctional polyorganosiloxane and a mixture of a styrene polymer having an aromatic ring at the side chain thereof, a phenolic polymer having an aromatic ring at the main chain thereof or an addition polymer of a phenolic compound and a phenyl ether compound joined through methylene groups and a polymer having functional end hydroxyl groups. Alternatively, the copolymer product may be of the bifunctional polyorganosiloxane and the addition polymer alone.

Abstract: A high-temperature furnace comprising a gas burner (2) for burning a mixture of air and fuel in a combustion chamber (1), and an oxygen enricher (4). The enricher comprises a plurality of cells (13a) each comprising a pair of spaced apart oxygen permeable membranes (14), and a suction fan (12) for drawing air through the spaces between the cells (13a). The cells (13a) are coupled by a manifold (13b) to a vacuum pump (18) which causes the oxygen molecules of the air to pass through the membranes to increase the oxygen content of the air in the cells (13a), the oxygen-enriched air being drawn by the suction pump (18) to the burner (2). Preferably, a heat exchanger (31) is provided for transferring thermal energy of the emissions from the combustion chamber (1) to the air drawn by the suction fan (12) to maintain the oxygen concentration constant for a given operating condition of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A composition in the form of a dispersion in a hydrophilic continuous phase of a combination of N-vinylcarbazole, a halogenated hydrocarbon, 4-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-quinoline as a sensitizer and a phenol derivative, as a shelf life extending additive, having the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are individually C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl, and R.sub.3 is hydrogen, hydroxyl groups, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl or C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkoxyl. The amount of the additive is in the range from 0.001 to 0.1 Wt% of N-vinylcarbazole.