Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon comprises a base balloon including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween. A braided fabric sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the base balloon, wherein the sleeve is formed of at least three substantially inelastic fibers intertwined in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another. The sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon so as to prevent excessive expansion of the base balloon when the base balloon is internally pressurized.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon includes a balloon layer having an outer surface and a strengthening rod connected to the outer surface of the balloon layer. The strengthening rod may be connected longitudinally on the outer surface of the balloon layer. Typically, the balloon is formed of a polymer like polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a woven fabric layer composed of at least two woven fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A battery monitoring/control device includes a monitor/control device (35) that is operable to be integrated with a microprocessor system. The system includes a CPU (12) that interfaces with a data bus (14) and an address bus (16). The CPU (12) interfaces through a data line (40) with the control/monitor device (35) and control lines (28) and (34). Commands and data can be input to the control/monitor circuit (35) and data received therefrom. The control/monitor device (35) includes a controller/data register block (36) and a battery charge control/monitor block (44). The device (35) is operable to monitor the battery voltage of a secondary battery (46) during charging thereof and to control the rate of charge through a transistor (66). The battery monitor (90) determines when the voltage on the battery (46) reaches a predetermined level indicating full-charge.

Abstract: Devices for monitoring bearing performance in apparatus having an aperture sized and configured to receive a grease fitting. The devices comprise a temperature sensor or a vibration sensor, or both, to enable detection of impending bearing failure, and further comprise rigidly attached electronic components which amplify signals generated by the temperature sensor and/or vibration sensor. The devices may be adapted to either replace or supplement conventional grease fittings, and enable the transmission of electronic signals which may be used for constant monitoring of critical equipment. Bearing housings which incorporate these features, as well as subassemblies and related methods, are also described.

Abstract: A battery monitoring/control device includes a monitor/control device (35) that is operable to be integrated with a microprocessor system. The system includes a CPU (12) that interfaces with a data bus (14) and an address bus (16). The CPU (12) interfaces through a data line (40) with the control/monitor device (35) and control lines (28) and (34). Commands and data can be input to the control/monitor circuit (35) and data received therefrom. The control/monitor device (35) includes a controller/data register block (36) and a battery charge control/monitor block (44). The device (35) is operable to monitor the battery voltage of a secondary battery (46) during charging thereof and to control the rate of charge through a transistor (66). The battery monitor (90) determines when the voltage on the battery (46) reaches a predetermined level indicating full-charge.

Abstract: A power fail control system for a CPU (10) and external memory (16) utilizes a controller (18). The controller (18) is operable to detect an early power fail situation and output an interrupt to the CPU (10). The CPU (10) then goes into a power down sequence and stores critical instructions in an internal memory array (30) constituting a hidden memory during the power down sequence. An out of tolerance detector detects when the power supply voltage has fallen below a predetermined threshold and then generates reset signal. The reset signal is input to the CPU (10) to indicate that no further instructions are executable. In addition, a Chip Enable switch (46) is operated to inhibit memory control signals from being transferred from the CPU (10) to the memory (16). The internal hidden memory (30) is also inhibited from having data written thereto in the presence of the reset signal. A backup battery (22) is provided which is connected to one side of a switch.