Abstract: An electric breast pump utilizes an electric motor to drive a piston vacuum pump to draw a negative pressure or suction up to 250 mm Hg at a flexible collapsible breast cup. The suction cycles between the set maximum and atmospheric under the control of a magnetic valve that is opened and closed by a vacuum sensor. The valve opens and closes a bypass to atmosphere. The speed of the electric motor can be selectively varied to increase the frequency of the suction cycles, which can vary between 20 to 44 cycles per minute. The breast cup collapses during a part of each cycle to simulate the peristaltic action of a suckling infant.

Abstract: An electric breast pump utilizes an electric motor to drive a piston vacuum pump to draw a negative pressure or suction up to 250 mm Hg at a flexible collapsible breast cup. The suction cycles between the set maximum and atmospheric under the control of a magnetic valve that is opened and closed by a vacuum sensor. The valve opens and closes a bypass to atmosphere. The speed of the electric motor can be selectively varied to increase the frequency of the suction cycles, which can vary between 20 to 44 cycles per minute. The breast cup collapses during a part of each cycle to simulate the peristaltic action of a suckling infant.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus is disclosed including a sample container with a removable cap; an inlet conduit adapted for introducing a stream of fluid into the sample container; an outlet conduit adapted for removing a stream of fluid from the sample container; a valve in the inlet conduit for passing a stream therethrough and into the sample container; a valve in the outlet conduit for passing a stream therethrough and out of the sample container; and a controller for actuating the valve in the inlet and outlet conduits at a predetermined time interval such that a stream of fluid is passed into the sample container until the container is filled with the fluid. A method of collecting samples with a zero headspace in the collection sample container is also disclosed utilizing the above sampling apparatus.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus is disclosed including a sample container with a removable cap; an inlet conduit adapted for introducing a stream of fluid into the sample container; an outlet conduit adapted for removing a stream of fluid from the sample container; a valve in the inlet conduit for passing a stream therethrough and into the sample container; a valve in the outlet conduit for passing a stream therethrough and out of the sample container; and a controller for actuating the valve in said inlet and outlet conduits at a predetermined time interval such that a stream of fluid is passed into the sample container until the container is filled with the fluid. A method of collecting samples with a zero headspace in the collection sample container is also disclosed utilizing the above sampling apparatus.