Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.

Abstract: A breastshield is constructed of a low Durometer material. The breastshield includes a nipple tunnel that generally accommodates the shape of a nipple and an aperture that conveys fluids through the breastshield.

Abstract: A breastshield is constructed of a low Durometer material. The breastshield includes a nipple tunnel that generally accommodates the shape of a nipple and an aperture that conveys fluids through the breastshield.

Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.

Abstract: An enteral feeding system for use with a syringe or extension tubing, such as an enteral feeding syringe or tubing, is provided. The system has features to balance the pressure within the tubing.

Abstract: A connector for use with a syringe or extension tubing, such as an enteral feeding syringe or tubing, is provided. The connector has features to effectively secure a syringe or extension tubing with the connector without contamination from a user.

Abstract: A pumping device is disclosed, as for use with an enteral feeding assembly. In one form the pumping device is a diaphragm pump including a first dome portion, a second dome portion, and a flexible membrane located between the first and second dome portions. A pressure differential is created between the two chambers thus created by membrane, so as to meter fluid (to be delivered) to a patient. The fluid to be delivered may be located in one of the chambers. A portable fluid pump is also provided including a syringe and spring pump drive mechanism mounted in a casing. The spring pump drive mechanism has two piston devices in fluid communication with each other. As one piston device moves in one direction within its associated driving barrel, it serves to drive the other piston device.

Abstract: A device for protecting the diaphragm of a pump, such as a diaphragm pump for a breastpump, from fluid (air/milk) is disclosed. A mounted flexible cover is located between the shell of the pump and the movable diaphragm membrane within the shell which isolates the membrane from fluid.

Abstract: A breastpump, manual or motorized, that includes a mechanism to regulate pressure change, e.g., vacuum, within a breastshield chamber, including in some cases to a maintained minimum pressure that is less than ambient (atmosphere). The pressure regulator provides control for varying negative pressure between a minimum value and a maximum value (and values in between), or to achieve a specific actually measured negative pressure value within a breastshield.

Abstract: A breastpump, manual or motorized, that includes a mechanism to regulate pressure change, e.g., vacuum, within a breastshield chamber, including in some cases to a maintained minimum pressure that is less than ambient (atmosphere). The pressure regulator provides control for varying negative pressure between a minimum value and a maximum value (and values in between), or to achieve a specific actually measured negative pressure value within a breastshield.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved feeding nipple, including a substantially solid nipple portion. The nipple includes one or more ducts formed therethrough for conveying fluids through the nipple. The nipple is radially compressible and a reinforcing member is disposed in the nipple adjacent the one or more ducts.

Abstract: Inner and outer shield parts of a breastshield are joined to form an enclosure defining a pressurizable chamber. The inner shield part has at least a portion thereof movable relative to the outer shield part when the chamber is subject to a negative or a positive pressure. A first pressure port is in communication respectively with the chamber for connection with a fluid pressure source of a first pressure. A second pressure port is in communication with the interior for connection with a pressure source of a second pressure. The breastshield is thus capable of being subjected to two different pressures, such as a positive pressure to move (expand) the chamber into the interior, so as to compress or massage the nipple/breast, and a negative pressure in the interior to draw the nipple/breast further therein for the expression of milk. The pressures can be independently controlled.

Abstract: A bulk feed adapter cap for a collection container comprises: (a) a housing defining both at least one fluid-communication opening and one or more air-release openings and (b) a membrane defining an annular, self-sealing fluid-valve for sealing said fluid-communication opening, where the fluid-valve defines at least one aperture. The bulk feed adapter cap may further comprise at least one fluid-communication cap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breastshield for use in a breastpumping system for expressing milk, the breastshield being of such a construction that substantially limits the amount of air between the breast/nipple and the breastshield surrounding the breast/nipple, and most preferably virtually eliminates any air at least in the area of the breast and nipple. In some embodiments, any air in the breastpumping system is substantially eliminated. With the amount of air limited, the mechanism used for generating the pressure difference in the breastshield (e.g., vacuum or negative pressure), such as a diaphragm pump, does not need to do as much work. Less energy is required for the expression of milk, and thus the size of pump used can be decreased, thereby reducing the overall cost of the device.

Abstract: A device for treatment of engorgement or edema of the breast has an orifice within which a breast nipple is received, a force-applying surface that presses against the adjacent breast to push fluid away from the nipple, and a part to which a motive force is applied to press the force-applying surface against the breast. The device can be used manually, worn within a bra, or used with a breastshield of a breastpump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suction sequence which is considered to produce advantageous results, particularly for mothers with newborn infants. The sequence comprises a process of stimulation, expression, and pausing to closely mimic a newborn's sucking pattern.

Abstract: A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode.

Abstract: An artificial baby-feeding nipple including a substantially solid nipple portion with one or more ducts formed therethrough for conveying fluids through the nipple. The nipple is radially compressible so as to prevent passage of fluids through the one or more ducts when so compressed through use of a material having a low durometer material.

Abstract: A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode.