Abstract: The present technology is a device for delivering a medicinal agent to a breastfeeding child. One embodiment comprises a first portion configured to be positioned on the breast during breastfeeding a second portion having an agent region and a sealing region. The agent region is configured to house the agent during breastfeeding and has a first cross-sectional area. The sealing region has a second cross-sectional area at least great enough to surround and engage a circumference of the nipple but less than the first cross-sectional area. When the device is positioned on the breast and the child is breastfeeding, the device is configured such that the nipple extends through the sealing region into the agent region and the portion of the delivery device at the sealing region contacts the nipple, thereby reducing or preventing the flow of breast milk and/or the agent through the sealing region to the first portion.

Abstract: Pacifier devices with internal reservoirs and metering units are described. The metering units provide single dosages of an internal supplement material during a fixed period of time. For example, embodiments of pacifier devices can be utilized to provide supplemental nutrition paste or gel to undernourished infants with metered dosages as appropriate to the supplement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast responsive to a controller, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure.

Abstract: A breastfeeding system according to various embodiments can include a breast shield, a cut-out portion, and a supplement delivery device. The breast shield is formed to closely attach to the contours of a human female breast. The cut-out portion is provided within the breast shield to facilitate skin-to-skin contact between the mother and infant during breastfeeding. The supplement delivery device is provided within the breast shield to deliver a nutritional supplement to the infant while breastfeeding.

Abstract: Technologies for monitoring breastfeeding include a smart breast support garment computing system of a breast support garment. The smart breast support garment computing system includes a use sensor and a latch sensor. Further, the smart breast support garment computing system is to determine whether the breast support garment is in use based on the sensor data generated by the use sensor and a state of a breast latch of the breast support garment based on sensor data generated by the latch sensor. The smart breast support garment computing system further records one or more breastfeeding events in response to a determination that the breast support garment is in use and the breast latch is open.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device for collecting a specimen of oral fluids. The device includes an elongate tubular member with a first end being configured to come into contact with a mouth of a subject. The device also includes a coupler, wherein the first end of the coupler is configured to couple to a second end of the elongate tubular member and wherein the second end of the coupler is configured to couple the device to a collection vial. A chamber is defined by the outer wall of the elongate tubular member and positioned proximate to the second end of the elongate tubular member, and a filter is disposed within the chamber. An exhaust port is defined by the coupler to allow pressure to escape from the device to ease the collection of the specimen.

Abstract: A ureteral calculus suction instrument having a shaft through which a suction channel that can be connected to a suction device passes, wherein a collecting container having a distal opening and a proximal opening is arranged distally from the shaft, of which openings the proximal opening is connected to the distal end of the suction channel.

Abstract: A breast feeding facilitation assembly permits discreet delivery of milk from a breast to an infant. The assembly includes a first funnel configured for coupling to a breast. A first hose has a first end coupled to the first funnel. A second end of the first hose is coupled to a pump unit wherein milk from the breast is collected by the pump unit through the first funnel. A dispersal hose has a first end coupled to the pump unit such that milk collected from the breast is dispersed into the dispersal hose. A nipple has a conduit extending through the nipple. A second end of the dispersal hose is coupled to the conduit wherein milk is pumped through the dispersal hose and the conduit by the pump unit.

Abstract: A hands-free breast pump system is disclosed. A breast shield having an adhesive inner surface for adhering to a woman's breast is disclosed. The breast shield may be connected to an adapter for transferring a vacuum generated by a pump to the breast. The adapter also allows milk expressed from the breast to drain from the adapter to a container. In the alternative, the breast shield may form part of a breast shield adapter system which is connected to a conventional breast shield by a drain line so that a conventional breast pump system is used to supply a vacuum and to collect the milk.

Abstract: A nursing device for feeding infants with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate includes upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes a bottle with an opening in its top for containing a liquid, a nipple and a screw cap for maintaining the nipple in sealing engagement with the opening. A submersible pump is disposed in the bottom of the bottle and connected to an opening in the nipple by a tube. A lower portion of the device includes a motor and a magnetic coupling for activating the pump. A microprocessor control timer regulates the timing and flow of a feeding cycle with a display for help in regulating the feeding cycle.

Abstract: When milk is expressed using a breast pump, milk residue is left on a surface of a breast pump funnel (13). The present invention relates to a breast pump with a vibrating means (30) which is configured to induce the breast pump to vibrate to promote the flow of residual milk on a surface of the funnel (13) to flow to a milk collecting vessel (14). The invention also relates to a method of collecting milk residue on a surface of a funnel for a breast pump by vibrating the breast pump after milk has been expressed from a user's breast.

Abstract: A nursing system includes a fluid delivery module mounted to a portion of a human body. The fluid delivery module is coupled to a fluid source via a channel. A feeding recipient latches-on to a portion of the delivery module to draw fluid from the fluid source, thereby simulating conventional breastfeeding.

Abstract: A breast pump provides multiple orientations of the pumping lever with respect to the breast shield. A breast pump includes a liner extending from the breast shield, through the suction chamber, and out of the suction chamber, which liner shields other components of the pump from contamination by the flow of milk through the pump during pumping operation. A breast pumping device includes a pumping lever for manually providing a cyclical vacuum within the suction chamber and an external pumping source, connected to the suction bell, that the user can activate to provide a cyclical vacuum within the suction chamber. A breast pump provides a smaller change in the grip width from when the lever is fully-extended to when the lever is fully-retracted, allowing more comfortable manual pumping.

Abstract: A breastpump assembly is disclosed. The breastpump assembly includes a breast shield within which a woman's breast is received, a conduit structure communicating with the breast shield, a container for collecting milk, and a valve mechanism closing the breastpump assembly from ambient air when initially provided to a user, the valve mechanism being opened to allow ambient air to pass into the breastpump assembly through removal of the container, so as to substantially disable the breastpump.

Abstract: Breast pump for expressing milk from a breast, comprising at least one breast cup (2) for receiving a breast, a pumping system (10) in fluid connection (11) with the at least one breast cup (2) for applying a negative pressure on said breast and a detection unit (3) comprising at least one sensor for measuring a parameter during use of the breast pump (1), wherein the breast pump (1) is adapted for optimising breast pump settings by actively controlling at least one breast pump pumping property, based on measurements of the at least one sensor (4, 5), during a period of use of the breast pump (1), in order to personalize operation of said breast pump (1) for a particular user.

Abstract: A device for delivering an agent into breast milk while breastfeeding. In one embodiment, the device includes a breast shield modified to engage a non-woven material which has been impregnated with a milk soluble active agent such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A lactating animal, e.g. a woman, uses this agent-delivering breast shield during breastfeeding to administer prophylactic or therapeutic agents to a suckling infant. The inventions are particularly well suited to preventing transmission of HIV virus from mother to child. Alternatively, the agent-laden material could be used with a baby bottle nipple or pacifier.

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: The breastfeeding shield is configured for comfort and to facilitate the breastfeeding of an infant. The shield is formed of a soft thermoplastic elastomeric, e.g., silicone rubber or the like, and has a major portion closely conforming to the major contours of the female human breast. The major portion is relatively thin, the portion covering the areola being relatively thick and the nipple portion having an intermediate thickness. The hollow nipple includes reinforcing and spacing ribs therein to preclude contact with the natural nipple due to suction and resulting blockage of milk flow. One embodiment is configured for use by full term infants, and another embodiment has a smaller nipple extension for use by premature infants. Different sizes may be provided to suit the nursing mother. The shield is removably secured to the breast by disposable or reusable low-stick adhesive materials.

Abstract: A portable breast pump has a suction unit and a collecting unit which is connected to this suction unit via a flexible suction line. The collecting unit comprises a breast shield, a milk-receiving container and a coupling element which connects the breast shield to the milk-receiving container. The suction unit has a housing with an operating means for operating the pump and a fastening means for fastening the housing on a carrying means, which can be fastened on the mother's body. This breast pump is easy to operate, allows the milk to be expressed even in confined areas with no set-down surfaces and, in addition, does not hinder the mother's mobility.

Abstract: The invention is a device for allowing breast-feeding of infants to occur from a short distance away without the steps involved in pumping and bottle-feeding mother's milk. An example of such use is while mother and infant are riding in a car remaining safely buckled into a car seat and seat belt, respectively. The one- or three-piece device connects mother to infant via flexible tubing with an open-centered, adhesive breast shield to collect milk at one end and an artificial nipple for suckling at the other end. The invention can be easily cleaned and sterilized for multiple uses. The device can be a simple, single unit or three simple easily detachable pieces to allow for even easier production and cleaning.

Abstract: A system for measuring fluid intake by a sucking baby. The system includes: a feeding pathway for fluid flow from the fluid source to the baby's mouth, wherein the feeding pathway has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth; and an indicator pathway for indicating the amount of fluid provided to the baby's mouth through the feeding pathway, wherein the indicator pathway has a first opening in communication with the fluid source and a second opening in communication with the baby's mouth. The amount of fluid drawn into the indicator pathway is indicative of the amount of fluid drawn into the feeding pathway.

Abstract: A device for delivering an agent into breast milk while breastfeeding. In one embodiment, the device includes a breast shield modified to engage a non-woven material which has been impregnated with a milk soluble active agent such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A lactating animal, e.g. a woman, uses this agent-delivering breast shield during breastfeeding to administer prophylactic or therapeutic agents to a suckling infant. The inventions are particularly well suited to preventing transmission of HIV virus from mother to child. Alternatively, the agent-laden material could be used with a baby bottle nipple or pacifier.

Abstract: A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected.

Abstract: A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother's existing nursing or standard brassiere, or in another preferred embodiment, comprises a complete nursing brassiere and milk collection system. The invention can be attached to a regular electric pump or manual pump for active milk collection and also can be used without a pump for passive milk collection. The invention comprises a breast adaptor which is preferably a funnel-shaped inlet coupled to a reservoir, wherein when the breast is inserted into the breast adaptor, the expressed breast milk is expressed into the reservoir and is stored there until the device is removed and emptied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nipple shield device or baby bottle nipple for removing leukocytes from breast milk with a filter attached to the nipple shield or baby bottle nipple at a location permitting removal of leukocytes from breast milk. A method of removing leukocytes from breast milk involving filtering breast milk with a filter that removes leukocytes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A breast pump includes a pump that produces both vacuum and pulsating pressure, at least one express kit, and hoses or the like for connecting the pump to the express kit. The express kit includes a manifold, a milk collection vessel, a rigid cup and a flexible liner. The liner is made of a pliable material, and includes a funnel and a throat. The inside surface of the funnel, which is between the liner and the cup when the liner is installed, has an optional honeycomb structure that creates a forced space between the liner and the cup, while maintaining some degree of flexibility. At the end of the liner inside the throat, a rigid insert or suitable bond maintains some rigidity inside the throat, supports the liner and creates a seal between the liner and the cup at the throat end of the liner.

Abstract: A nursing aid system which includes at least one breast cup and at least one nipple extender which may be integrally formed with the breast cup or which may comprise a separate piece. The breast cup has a concave breast receiving portion and a hollow generally cylindrical nipple receiving portion located on and projecting away from the breast receiving portion, the nipple receiving portion having a remote end which includes a milk delivery aperture. The nipple extender, if separately formed, may be slidably received in the nipple receiving portion of the breast cup and has an axial length less than the length of the nipple receiving portion. The nipple extender provides at least one flow channel for conducting milk from the mother's nipple to the milk delivery aperture and is preferably sized and configured to occupy most of the space in the nipple receiving portion of the breast cup which is not occupied by a mother's nipple.

Abstract: A mobile breast-feeding assembly is shown for feeding a child while traveling in a motor vehicle, as where the child being fed is seated in a child safety restraint seat. The apparatus has a conically shaped breast shield, a length of flexible tubing, and a nipple adapter that threadingly engages an exchangeable nipple element. Engagement regions on the nipple adapter allow a variety of exchangeable nipple elements to be utilized with the basic assembly. The assembly can be formed of disposable materials.

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 device for expressing milk from one or more breasts has at least one, and preferably two expressors and a pump. The expressors each have a cup for fitting on the breasts and a cup outlet to which a vacuum created by the pump can be connected. A filter that is substantially permeable to air but substantially impermeable to milk and water prevents milk from entering the vacuum pump. The filter is preferably permeable to air even when wet, though, so that the device can still be operated, even as the filter collects fluid.

Abstract: A device for expressing milk from one or more breasts has at least one, and preferably two expressors and a pump. The expressors each have a cup for fitting on the breasts and a cup outlet to which a vacuum created by the pump can be connected. In use, the vacuum expresses the milk from the breast. The device has a vacuum adjustment and a vacuum release on each expressor. In this manner, the vacuum can be individually adjusted and released at the expressors. The pump includes a movable diaphragm in a chamber. The diaphragm is oscillated back and forth by a linear actuator motor such as a stepper motor. The motor has a shaft which moves back and forth axially, for direct linkage to the diaphragm, so that the size and weight of the pump are reduced. The expressors have a removable cap and removable cup assembly, and the cup assembly has a positively sealed liner, for easy disassembly and cleaning.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for noninvasively obtaining intraductal fluid. The method includes the use of an intraductal fluid sampling device to contact the patient, provide compression, and deliver heat thereto according to predetermined cycle characteristics. The cycle characteristics, such as compression cycle times and compression rates, may be varied and controlled by a control circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for accomplishing a noninvasive screen for breast disease markers, including breast cancer markers and cytologically abnormal cells. Intraductal fluid is noninvasively aspirated using compression, heating and suction cycles. The removed sample is thereafter assayed for the presence of cytologically abnormal cells and/or one or more breast disease markers. Sample size and intraductal mobility of breast disease markers may be enhanced by retrograde introduction of a carrier. Devices and assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for noninvasively obtaining intraductal fluid. The method includes the use of an intraductal fluid sampling device to contact the patient, provide compression, and deliver heat thereto according to predetermined cycle characteristics. The cycle characteristics, such as compression cycle times and compression rates, may be varied and controlled by a control circuit.

Abstract: A device for expressing milk from one or more breasts has at least one, and preferably two expressers and a pump. The expressers each have a cup for fitting on the breasts and a cup outlet to which a vacuum created by the pump can be connected. The cups have a flexible liner which collapses around the breast to establish the vacuum. Pulsating pressure is applied to the outside of the liner to increase the vacuum and stimulate milk production. The pressure is applied through lines which are vented to maintain adequate, consistent pressure pulses without stalling the pump.

Abstract: Methods, kits, and apparatus for obtaining cellular, chemical, and other materials from breast ducts are described. A single milk duct is accessed and washed with a washing fluid to obtain marker materials from the lining the duct. The washing fluid is then collected, and the marker materials in the washing fluid identified and analyzed. Usually, the washing fluid is introduced using a syringe through a lumen of a dual-lumen catheter. The ductal volume is filled with the washing fluid and excess fluid flows outwardly through a second lumen of the dual-lumen catheter, from which it is collected. Methods and kits provide for collection of fluid and cells by a lavage procedure that includes applying external pressure to the breast to improve the yield of fluid and cells from the breast duct.

Abstract: A concealed apparatus for hands free breast milk pumping and storage includes one or more low profile nipple caps held in place beneath a support brassiere. The system permits concealed, hands free breast pumping in a public environment without any remarkable change in the user's visible appearance. Milk is expressed from the breasts through novel, low profile nipple caps linked to a reservoir via a milk storage conduit. A vacuum is applied to the storage reservoir by any suitable means such as an electric or manual vacuum pump. Suction is thus conveyed through related system components to express milk from the breasts and draw it into the storage reservoir, while being essentially unobserved by others.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin to a patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired Constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components obtained according to the above sample collection methods. Also provided within the invention are novel breast pump and breast pump adapter devices which incorporate a solid phase sample collection medium integrated within the breast pump or adapter or otherwise fluidly connected therewith.

Abstract: Compositions for treating or preventing dental caries and/or middle ear infections. These compositions comprise antibodies to dental caries and/or antibodies to bacteria causing middles ear infections and/or an agent preventing the adhesion, accumulation or reporduction of the pathogens of tooth or middle ear. The preferred agent is xylitol. Methods for using these compositions are also included.

Abstract: A feeding monitor system provides data responsive to a human or animal subject sucking on a nipple or other outlet connected to a supply of feeding fluid stored in a reservoir. A hollow chamber provided in between the reservoir and the outlet includes a pressure sensor and/or a fluid flow meter to provide electronic monitoring signals. These signals can be amplified or otherwise conditioned for display, transmission or storage, e.g. in digital form. The invention has wide application, including without limitation use in a neo-natal intensive care environment for diagnosis and screening of disease and disability, assessment of different feeding systems including nipple characteristics, gauging strength and oropharyngeal function, and evaluating response to therapy for feeding difficulties of infants.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing infant pacifier has a mouth guard with a hollow tubular connector portion on its rear side over an opening extending through the mouth guard from its rear side to its front side. The connector has a configuration similar to that of a catheter hub and is selectively and removably connectable to either the interiorly threaded discharge end of a conventional liquid dispensing syringe or a closure cap portion of the pacifier which serves to block fluid flow through the connector portion. Projecting outwardly from the front side of the mouth guard, over the opening therein, is a specially designed double-walled tubular nipple which is formed from a partially everted pliable material tube and has a large interior flow space extending outwardly through the open front end of the nipple body.

Abstract: A manual breast pump adapted for one-handed operation includes a pump body defining an inlet, an outlet and a vacuum port, a stationary handle connected to the pump body, and a movable handle connected to the manual breast pump and spaced from the stationary handle so that both handles can be grasped simultaneously between the palm and fingers of a hand. The movable handle is movable with respect to the stationary handle and is operably connected to a piston disposed within the pumping chamber so that movement of the movable handle with respect to the stationary handle results in movement of the piston within the pumping chamber to create a vacuum at the vacuum port. The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be easily and comfortably supported and operated using one hand.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods and kits are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin or an oxytocin analogue to a mammalian patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. The oxytocin is preferably administered intranasally and causes myoepithelial contraction of target alveolar-ductal tissues of the breast. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components.

Abstract: A device for expanding the connective fatty tissue and correcting inverted nipples and improving symmetry of the human breast by means of gentle suction generated by respiratory means. The hollow dome is constructed of tinted, low-density, polyethylene which enables the user to monitor the degree of expansion she desires. The surrounding rim assures an air tight seal with the skin tissue. The pliable, high tensile quality of the hollow dome allows the user to squeeze and change the shape of the hollow dome on various locations on the breast to uplift and improve cleavage. A threaded nipple extends from top center of the exterior of the hollow dome which is attached to a pliable breathing tube and is fitted with a removable mouthpiece to facilitate orally evacuating the air surrounding the breast. A valve-timer controls the input and output of atmospheric pressure which creates a vacuum around the breast, and can be maintained for a selected number of seconds and minutes by the individual needs of the user.

Abstract: A blood sample collection apparatus includes a removable plug adapted to fit within the open end of a blood collection tube. A vacuum tube extends through the plug for evacuating air from the collection tube. A pickup tube protrudes outwardly from the plug for supplying blood to a drop tube extending downwardly from the plug with its lower end positioned within the collection tube substantially below the lower end of the vacuum tube. A primary filter is sealed against the underside of the plug to filter the air drawn through the vacuum tube by a portable hand-held vacuum source. The primary filter is a hydrophobic microporous membrane operative to allow airflow therethrough but to block liquid flow therethrough. A secondary filter is operatively interposed between the vacuum tube and he vacuum source for increased safety. Installation of the secondary filter bypasses a bleeder port which renders the apparatus inoperative in the absence of the secondary filter.

Abstract: A blood sample collection apparatus includes a removable plug adapted to fit within the open end of a blood collection tube. A vacuum tube extends through the plug for evacuating air from the collection tube. A pickup tube protrudes outwardly from the plug for supplying blood to a drop tube extending downwardly from the plug with its lower end positioned within the collection tubes based substantially below the lower end of the vacuum tube. A first filter on the plug is operatively interposed between the lower end of the vacuum tube and the air within the air collection tube for filtering the air drawn through the vacuum tube. A portable hand-held vacuum source is adapted for connection to the vacuum tube for applying a vacuum to the collection tube.

Abstract: A process for coating the pores of a mineral matrix with collagen by pumping collagen through the molded matrix is disclosed. The resulting coated matrix can be used as a prosthesis in bone repair.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask assembly (10) includes an artificial airway tube (14) and an inflatable mask (26). The mask (26) is forced into the mouth (20) of a patient (12) to an operating position adjacent the larynx (21). A scoping instrument (22) is sent through the artificial airway tube (14) and the inflatable mask (26) to locate the vocal cords (23) and trachea (35). The artificial airway tube (14) and inflatable mask (26) are removed, keeping the scoping instrument (22) in a position within the trachea (35) whereafter the laryngeal mask assembly (10) is removed by peeling it off the scoping instrument (22) using the slit (34) creating by the overlapping edges (36, 38).