Abstract: A wound dressing of alginate staple fibers has improved integrity when its fibers have been hydroentangled. Even when its basis weight is as low as 50 g/m.sup.2, the resulting wound dressing, when saturated with saline fluids, can be removed by forceps from a wound as a single piece, having little or no residue in the wound. At basis weights below 50 g/m.sup.2, the wound dressing preferably includes reinforcing fibers such as rayon.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive article is disclosed for treating a wound or attaching a device or article to the skin. The article comprises a film of presure sensitive adhesive having dispersed therein a discontinuous gaseous phase contained within voids in the adhesive. The adhesive is formed from the polymerization of a hydrophilic premix and exhibits high moisture vapor transmission and fluid absorbency.

Abstract: A water-insoluble polysaccharide hydrogel foam and a method and article of preparing a homogeneously foamed hydrogel from a two component aqueous system of water-soluble polysaccharides bearing pendant carboxylate groups. The hydrogel foam, when it incorporates an antimicrobial, has particular utility as a surgical preparation for vaginal or rectal surgery.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating a wound or attaching a device or article to the skin using a film of pressure sensitive adhesive having dispersed therein a discontinuous gaseous phase contained within voids in the adhesive. The adhesive is formed from the polymerization of a hydrophilic premix and exhibits high moisture vapor transmission and fluid absorbency.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable alginate hydrogel foam wound dressing that absorbs wound exudate without any appreciable swelling. The wound dressing is formed-in-place in the wound cavity or on the wound surface from a reactive composition that foams as it gels. The water-insoluble alginate hydrogel foam based wound dressing is made by mixing together the ingredients of a two component system; applying the resulting composite liquid mixture to a wound site; and allowing the composite mixture to react. One component contains an aqueous suspension of certain di-or trivalent metal salts and an effervescent compound. The second component contains an aqueous solution of a biocompatible, water-soluble acid. At least one compound, and preferably both, contain a water soluble alginate.

Abstract: Electric discharge lamps of extended life can be produced or cheaper materials used in their manufacture by providing on the internal surface of the envelope and on the exposed surfaces of internal components a protective coating of a metal phosphate or arsenate glass. External surfaces can also be protected against corrosion in air or in the atmosphere within an outer jacket, where this is employed. The coating may be applied in a liquid medium which, preferably after draining, is warmed to evaporate the medium and thereafter baked to form the vitreous coating.