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, and may furthermore alternate being negative and positive through the same pressure port.

Abstract: An improved breastshield for breastpumps has a tubular extension with a non-circular internal contour such as an oval, polygonal or fluted shape, among others. In another aspect of the invention, the non-circular contour is provided in the main breast-receiving part of the breastshield. Surface features, such as protuberances, are further provided for the breastshield which yield a non-smooth tactile feel to the breastshield.

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, and may furthermore alternate being negative and positive through the same pressure port.

Abstract: An improved breast pump assembly has a foot drive to which an otherwise manually operated vacuum pump of a breast pump can be readily and releasably attached to operate the vacuum pump by the foot of the user.

Abstract: A breastpump assembly includes a hood member having a funnel-shaped shield portion for placement over a breast and a sleeve portion extending from the funnel-shaped portion. The breastpump assembly includes a substantially rigid plastic housing connected to the extending portion of the breast hood. A pump is fixed or functionally attached to the housing for applying a negative pressure to the housing. A container is attached to the housing, the container being in fluid communication with the breast hood to receive expressed breast milk. At least a portion of the breastpump exterior surface includes a compliant portion.

Abstract: A lanolin application kit comprising lanolin and a lanolin applicator is used to apply lanolin to a body surface, particularly on a nipple, without leaving undesired lanolin residue on the user, and so that contamination of other unused lanolin is minimized.

Abstract: A breastpump which can be programmed to generate, among other things, a plurality of differing milk expression (extraction) sequences, or curves is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a motorized pump (e.g., compressed air, battery and/or house current) is provided with a microprocessor-based controller. Cards, with microprocessor “chips,” containing different suction curves adapted for varying conditions and objectives are included for programming the controller in this embodiment.

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, and may furthermore alternate being negative and positive through the same pressure port.

Abstract: An easy to assemble breastmilk pump with an effective and easy to operate manual pumping mechanism that allows in one aspect for one-handed or two-handed operation, a novel piston pump mechanism in another aspect of the invention, an improved vacuum regulator in yet another aspect that can be easily adjusted during operation, and a locking mechanism in still another aspect to prevent accidental disengagement of the reciprocating parts during operation.

Abstract: An improved vacuum adjustment mechanism for controlling airflow into a chamber which is subject to negative pressure, such as the chamber of a diaphragm pump which is generating vacuum for a breast shield assembly, has an air inlet conduit communicating with the chamber. A channel is formed in a base member, with the channel having a longitudinal length and a dimension perpendicular to that length. The perpendicular dimension varies from a minimum to a maximum. The channel has a bottom and is open, such as along a channel top. An airhole is formed in the channel bottom at the point of the maximum dimension. A rotary member is mounted on the base member, and has an internal channel extending across the longitudinal length of the base member channel, and overlies the channel top. The internal channel of the rotary member communicates with an air source, such as ambient air.

Abstract: A lanolin application kit comprising lanolin and a lanolin applicator is used to apply lanolin to a body surface, particularly on a nipple, without leaving undesired lanolin residue on the user, and so that contamination of other unused lanolin is minimized.

Abstract: A disposable bag for attachment to a breastpump for containing breastmilk has a liquid containing portion with a releasably sealed opening, a tie for re-sealing the opening after use, a writing area formed integral with the bag which does not overlie the liquid containing portion, and an integral pour spout. The liquid containing portion of the bag can be hermetically sealed. The releasable seal provided defines the opening in the bag for attachment of the bag to the breastmilk pump. A tie is fit through two holes in the bag at substantially opposite sides of the opening of the bag so that the opening can be re-sealed when the bag is filled and removed from the breastmilk pump. The integrally formed writing area that is isolated from the liquid containing portion of the bag can be advantageously formed to further define the pour spout that is also integral with the bag. A notch is provided at the periphery of the bag at the pour spout to facilitate tearing of the bag to pour milk from the bag.

Abstract: An improved breastshield for a breastpump having a coating of a lubricating material formed integral with the breastshield.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with a universal suction hood base that can be used with a set of different shields. An improved shield is further disclosed which is more flexible and conforms more readily to the breast, and also provides massage.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with a universal suction hood base that can be used with a set of different shields. An improved shield is further disclosed which is more flexible and conforms more readily to the breast, and also provides massage.

Abstract: An easy to assemble breastmilk pump with an effective and easy to operate manual pumping mechanism that allows in one aspect for one-handed or two-handed operation, a novel piston pump mechanism in another aspect of the invention, an improved vacuum regulator in yet another aspect that can be easily adjusted during operation, and a locking mechanism in still another aspect to prevent accidental disengagement of the reciprocating parts during operation.

Abstract: A motorized pump is disclosed that includes a flexible diaphragm fitting within a rigid member, a motor drive mechanism for drawing a puller member attached to the diaphragm away from the rigid member to create a space between the diaphragm and the rigid member and form a negative pressure region within that space, and an outlet communicating with the negative pressure region. In one embodiment, the pump provides a negative pressure in a single chamber which can be used to operate one or two breast shield assembles. In another embodiment, the pump is particularly adapted for double-pumping and provides two chambers which generate vacuum.

Abstract: “An improved vacuum regulator for a breastmilk pump comprising a rotary member having an internal groove that is positionable over at least one port on a nub that is adapted to be in communication with a volume of a breast pump in which negative pressure is periodically generated.

Abstract: A motorized pump is disclosed that includes a flexible diaphragm fitting within a rigid member, a motor drive mechanism for drawing a puller member attached to the diaphragm away from the rigid member to create a space between the diaphragm and the rigid member and form a negative pressure region within that space, and an outlet communicating with the negative pressure region. In one embodiment, the pump provides a negative pressure in a single chamber which can be used to operate one or two breast shield assembles. In another embodiment, the pump is particularly adapted for double-pumping and provides two chambers which generate vacuum.

Abstract: An easy to assemble breastmilk pump with an effective and easy to operate manual pumping mechanism that allows in one aspect for one-handed or two-handed operation, a novel piston pump mechanism in another aspect of the invention, an improved vacuum regulator in yet another aspect that can be easily adjusted during operation, and a locking mechanism in still another aspect to prevent accidental disengagement of the reciprocating parts during operation.