Abstract: A fluid dispenser and method of operating the same. The fluid dispenser can include a wheel driven by diluent passing along a flow path in the fluid dispenser. The wheel can be connected to a pump to pump fluid from a reservoir for dispense into the diluent. In some embodiments, the ratio of wheel rotations to pump cycles is selected to provide a desired and repeatable dilution ratio of concentrated fluid to diluent. The fluid dispenser can be portable and/or disposable, and in some embodiments is adapted for installation on an upper rim of a reservoir wall. Also, the fluid dispenser can be provided with a baffle limiting the velocity and impact of incoming diluent to the wheel driving the pump, thereby improving dosing accuracy of the dispenser in some embodiments.

Abstract: A dilution control device and method of operating the same. The dilution control device can include a structure for dispensing concentrate and diluent fluid in a desired dilution ratio utilizing volumetric dosing. In some embodiments, diluent fluid drives a wheel or compresses a pliable concentrate bag in order to dispense concentrate in the desired ratio with the diluent fluid. In some embodiments, one or more floats can be used to drive a pump or actuate a valve to dispense concentrate at a particular rate proportional with the flow rate of the diluent fluid. In some embodiments, a rocker is responsive to the flow of diluent fluid to pump concentrate. In some embodiments, the dilution control device can be operable to automatically modulate the dispense rate of concentrate when the diluent fluid flow rate is varied in order to maintain a predetermined dilution ratio.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser and method of operating the same. The fluid dispenser can include a wheel driven by diluent passing along a flow path in the fluid dispenser. The wheel can be connected to a pump to pump fluid from a reservoir for dispense into the diluent. In some embodiments, the ratio of wheel rotations to pump cycles is selected to provide a desired and repeatable dilution ratio of concentrated fluid to diluent. The fluid dispenser can be portable and/or disposable, and in some embodiments is adapted for installation on an upper rim of a reservoir wall. Also, the fluid dispenser can be provided with a baffle limiting the velocity and impact of incoming diluent to the wheel driving the pump, thereby improving dosing accuracy of the dispenser in some embodiments.

Abstract: A dilution control device and method of operating the same. The dilution control device can include a structure for dispensing concentrate and diluent fluid in a desired dilution ratio utilizing volumetric dosing. In some embodiments, diluent fluid drives a wheel or compresses a pliable concentrate bag in order to dispense concentrate in the desired ratio with the diluent fluid. In some embodiments, one or more floats can be used to drive a pump or actuate a valve to dispense concentrate at a particular rate proportional with the flow rate of the diluent fluid. In some embodiments, a rocker is responsive to the flow of diluent fluid to pump concentrate. In some embodiments, the dilution control device can be operable to automatically modulate the dispense rate of concentrate when the diluent fluid flow rate is varied in order to maintain a predetermined dilution ratio.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser and method of operating the same. The fluid dispenser can include a wheel driven by diluent passing along a flow path in the fluid dispenser. The wheel can be connected to a pump to pump fluid from a reservoir for dispense into the diluent. In some embodiments, the ratio of wheel rotations to pump cycles is selected to provide a desired and repeatable dilution ratio of concentrated fluid to diluent. The fluid dispenser can be portable and/or disposable, and in some embodiments is adapted for installation on an upper rim of a reservoir wall. Also, the fluid dispenser can be provided with a baffle limiting the velocity and impact of incoming diluent to the wheel driving the pump, thereby improving dosing accuracy of the dispenser in some embodiments.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser and method of operating the same. The fluid dispenser can include a wheel driven by diluent passing along a flow path in the fluid dispenser. The wheel can be connected to a pump to pump fluid from a reservoir for dispense into the diluent. In some embodiments, the ratio of wheel rotations to pump cycles is selected to provide a desired and repeatable dilution ratio of concentrated fluid to diluent. The fluid dispenser can be portable and/or disposable, and in some embodiments is adapted for installation on an upper rim of a reservoir wall. Also, the fluid dispenser can be provided with a baffle limiting the velocity and impact of incoming diluent to the wheel driving the pump, thereby improving dosing accuracy of the dispenser in some embodiments.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser and method of operating the same. The fluid dispenser can include a wheel driven by diluent passing along a flow path in the fluid dispenser. The wheel can be connected to a pump to pump fluid from a reservoir for dispense into the diluent. In some embodiments, the ratio of wheel rotations to pump cycles is selected to provide a desired and repeatable dilution ratio of concentrated fluid to diluent. The fluid dispenser can be portable and/or disposable, and in some embodiments is adapted for installation on an upper rim of a reservoir wall. Also, the fluid dispenser can be provided with a baffle limiting the velocity and impact of incoming diluent to the wheel driving the pump, thereby improving dosing accuracy of the dispenser in some embodiments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating piezoelectric switches are disclosed. A piezoelectric switching system includes a first actuator, a second actuator, and a bias voltage source. The first actuator has a first body electrode, a first gate electrode, and a first contact region. The second actuator has a second body electrode, a second gate electrode, and a second contact region. The first and second contact regions are separated by a gap. The bias voltage source applies a bias voltage to the body electrodes. The bias voltage is lower in magnitude than an actuation voltage for the switch. The gate electrodes receive a switching voltage. The switching voltage causes at least one of the first and second actuators to bend, thereby closing the gap such that the second contact region electrically contacts the first contact region. The difference between the switching voltage and the bias voltage exceeds the actuation voltage of the switch.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an introducer is provided for implanting an electrical stimulation lead to enable electrical stimulation of nerve tissue. The introducer includes an outer sheath and an inner penetrator. The outer sheath may accommodate insertion of the electrical stimulation lead and may be inserted into a human body near the nerve tissue. The inner penetrator is removably housed within the outer sheath and includes an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the guide wire, a body region having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the outer sheath, and one or more transition regions substantially connecting the tip end with the body region. At least a portion of the transition regions of the inner penetrator may flex to substantially follow flexures in the guide wire during advancement of the inner penetrator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is disclosed a lead locking mechanism for use in a header component of an implantable pulse generator. In certain embodiments, the lead locking mechanism comprises a first locking member positioned to engage a surface of at least two leads; a second locking member positioned to also engage a surface of at least two leads, and a coupling member coupling the first locking member to the second locking member.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser and method of operating the same. The fluid dispenser can include a wheel driven by diluent passing along a flow path in the fluid dispenser. The wheel can be connected to a pump to pump fluid from a reservoir for dispense into the diluent. In some embodiments, the ratio of wheel rotations to pump cycles is selected to provide a desired and repeatable dilution ratio of concentrated fluid to diluent. The fluid dispenser can be portable and/or disposable, and in some embodiments is adapted for installation on an upper rim of a reservoir wall. Also, the fluid dispenser can be provided with a baffle limiting the velocity and impact of incoming diluent to the wheel driving the pump, thereby improving dosing accuracy of the dispenser in some embodiments.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a kit, for securing a lead or cannula within a burr hole, comprises: a base structure to be positioned immediately adjacent to or partially within the burr hole; a lead securing member for securing the lead within the burr hole, the lead securing member comprising a first arm structure and a second arm structure, at least one spring loaded structure adapted to exert a force to bring the first arm structure and the second arm structure together; and a positioning tool having a distal end adapted to be inserted within the lead securing member; wherein when the distal end of the positioning tool is positioned within the lead securing member, the distal end holds the first and second arm structures a sufficient distance apart to receive a lead or a cannula between the first and second arm structures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an introducer is provided for implanting an electrical stimulation lead to enable electrical stimulation of nerve tissue. The introducer includes an outer sheath and an inner penetrator. The outer sheath may accommodate insertion of the electrical stimulation lead and may be inserted into a human body near the nerve tissue. The inner penetrator is removably housed within the outer sheath and includes an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the guide wire, a body region having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the outer sheath, and one or more transition regions substantially connecting the tip end with the body region. At least a portion of the transition regions of the inner penetrator may flex to substantially follow flexures in the guide wire during advancement of the inner penetrator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a kit, for securing a lead or cannula within a burr hole, comprises: a base structure to be positioned immediately adjacent to or partially within the burr hole; a lead securing member for securing the lead within the burr hole, the lead securing member comprising a first arm structure and a second arm structure, at least one spring loaded structure adapted to exert a force to bring the first arm structure and the second arm structure together; and a positioning tool having a distal end adapted to be inserted within the lead securing member; wherein when the distal end of the positioning tool is positioned within the lead securing member, the distal end holds the first and second arm structures a sufficient distance apart to receive a lead or a cannula between the first and second arm structures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a kit, for securing a lead or cannula within a burr hole, comprises: a base structure to be positioned immediately adjacent to or partially within the burr hole; a lead securing member for securing the lead within the burr hole, the lead securing member comprising a first arm structure and a second arm structure, at least one spring loaded structure adapted to exert a force to bring the first arm structure and the second arm structure together; and a positioning tool having a distal end adapted to be inserted within the lead securing member; wherein when the distal end of the positioning tool is positioned within the lead securing member, the distal end holds the first and second arm structures a sufficient distance apart to receive a lead or a cannula between the first and second arm structures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an introducer is provided for implanting an electrical stimulation lead to enable electrical stimulation of nerve tissue. The introducer includes an outer sheath and an inner penetrator. The outer sheath may accommodate insertion of the electrical stimulation lead and may be inserted into a human body near the nerve tissue. The inner penetrator is removably housed within the outer sheath and includes an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the guide wire, a body region having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the outer sheath, and one or more transition regions substantially connecting the tip end with the body region. At least a portion of the transition regions of the inner penetrator may flex to substantially follow flexures in the guide wire during advancement of the inner penetrator.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an introducer is provided for implanting an electrical stimulation lead to enable electrical stimulation of nerve tissue. The introducer includes an outer sheath and an inner penetrator. The outer sheath may accommodate insertion of the electrical stimulation lead and may be inserted into a human body near the nerve tissue. The inner penetrator is removably housed within the outer sheath and includes an inner channel configured to accommodate a guide wire, a tip end having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the guide wire, a body region having a shape and size substantially conforming to that of the outer sheath, and one or more transition regions substantially connecting the tip end with the body region. At least a portion of the transition regions of the inner penetrator may flex to substantially follow flexures in the guide wire during advancement of the inner penetrator.