Abstract: A novel pressure bandage and transdermal patch is disclosed. The bandage comprises a (i) sanitary gauze layer to be applied against a wound; (ii) a compressed cellulose middle layer overlying said sanitary gauze layer; and (iii) an outside layer overlying said sanitary gauze and compressed cellulose layers and having adhesive wings which apply the bandage to the skin, whereby blood from the wound when leaking through the gauze layer will saturate the compressed cellulose material and thereby expand said cellulose layer against said sanitary gauge and outer layers, thereby applying active pressure to the wound while soaking up excess blood.

Abstract: A method for removing impurities and potentially toxic substances from cellulose is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: (a) immersing cellulose containing organic extractables in one or more acid baths so as to remove traces of organic extractables; (b) immersing the cellulose in a water bath; (c) immersing the compressed cellulose in an alkaline bath; and (d) sterilizing the treated cellulose using pressurized steam.

Abstract: A highly improved pressure relief valve permitting release of pressure from an enclosed area without permitting any substantial reverse flow of gases or fluids into that enclosed area is disclosed. Specifically, the pressure relief valve includes a rigid base member, preferably composed of a rigid plastic material such as polyvinyl chloride, a flexible valve membrane stretched across the surface of the base member, the flexible valve membrane preferably composed of a synthetic resin material, and an entrance port associated with one end of the base member so that pressure build-up in the enclosed area is released between the base member and the flexible valve membrane when it reaches a predetermined level. Furthermore, a coffee bag for storing roasted coffee beans and ground coffee is disclosed, including the above-described pressure relief valve for permitting the release of CO.sub.2 from the bag while at the same time preventing the entrance of any substantial amounts of O.sub.2 into the bag.