Abstract: A rheologically modified, osmotically balanced dispersion for an implant for the body. The dispersion includes an osmotic control agent of preferably polyvinylpyrrolidinone, a rheological agent of preferably guar gum, and an antimicrobial. Methods for filling an implant are also disclosed. The osmotic control agent or first polymeric agent is present in the dispersion in an amount effective to substantially balance the osmotic pressure of the implant with the osmotic pressure of the portion of the body into which it is implanted. The rheological agent or second polymeric agent forms a three-dimensional network and is present in the dispersion in an amount effective such that the fill material is pseudoplastic. Both the first and second polymeric agents are biocompatible.

Abstract: A rheologically modified, osmotically balanced dispersion for an implant for the body. The dispersion includes an osmotic control agent of preferably polyvinylpyrrolidinone, a rheological agent of preferably guar gum, and an antimicrobial. Methods for filling an implant are also disclosed. The osmotic control agent or first polymeric osmotic control agent is present in the dispersion in an amount effective to substantially balance the osmotic pressure of the implant with the osmotic pressure of the portion of the body into which it is implanted. The rheological agent or second polymeric agent forms a three-dimensional network and is present in the dispersion in an amount effective such that the fill material is pseudoplastic. Both the first and second polymeric agents are biocompatible.

Abstract: A biocompatible hydrophobic laminate. The laminate structure includes one layer of a rubber, such as silicone rubber, which is biocompatible with the inside of the body. The laminate structure further includes a hydrophobic layer or membrane formed of a thermoplastic elastomer such as a styrene triblock copolymer. The triblock copolymer may contain styrene endblocks with an elastomeric midblock such as polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, and poly(ethylene-co-butylene). The laminate structure may be utilized for structures to be introduced into the body, such as for a breast prosthesis shell or a coating for a catheter.

Abstract: An off-highway vehicle having an earth moving implement has a tilt function associated with the implement. For example, a bulldozer has a tilt function associated with the bulldozer blade. The vehicle has a processor adapted to receive a position signal from a position sensor associated with the tilt function of the implement. The operator engages a switch to activate an automatic tilt function. A selector switch is provided so that the operator can select between a plurality of pre-set blade angles. The selector switch outputs a target position signal associated with a pre-set angle to the processor. The processor automatically calculates a command signal for the tilt function based on the difference between the position signal and the target position signal. The processor issues the command signal to the tilt function causing the tilt function to move the implement to the pre-set angle associated with the switch position.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells having an oxidizable active anode material, a solid, non-reactive electronically conductive cathode current collector, and an electrolytic solution between and in contact with the anode and the cathode current collector, the electrolytic solution comprising a solvent cathode component which is a liquid oxyhalide or thiohalide. And anode ion transporting solute component dissolved therein for rendering the electrolytic solution conductive of anode metal ions, the electrolytic solution having an end-of-life (EOL) component associated therewith, the EOL component being selected from the group consisting of the Main Group V halides preferably arsenic tribromide (AsBr.sub.3), arsenic trichloride (AsCl.sub.3), arsenic trifluoride (AsF.sub.3), vanadium halides, transition metal sulfides, oxides, except for the actinide series and technetium, and mixtures thereof to provide end-of-life indication.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells comprising an active metallic anode, preferably lithium, a non-aqueous electrolyte, preferably thionyl chloride, and a lithium tetrachloroiodate (LiICl.sub.4) cathode.

Abstract: The battery system includes a metallic anode, a cathode/electrolyte comprising a liquid inorganic solvent containing a mixture of an interhalogen having a discharge potential higher than the solvent and a soluble salt of the anode metal, and a high-surface-area cathode current collector means coupled with the cathode/electrolyte.