Abstract: An infant pacifier that simulates the natural shape, structure and consistency of the human breast. The device is constructed to cause the infant to replicate the same oral motor skills that the infant uses during breast-feeding. Specifically, the device is constructed with a bell-shaped portion that is sufficiently firm that it will not collapse in the infant's mouth, and with a nipple portion that will elongate and rest against the soft palate when a normal sucking action is made by the infant, thus avoiding the potential for nipple confusion by the infant.

Abstract: A novel nipple protection device designed to prevent the nipple of a pacifier or bottle, used by a mammal, from contacting the ground when dropped is disclosed. The basic form of the invention has fixed guards, on each side of a nipple, attached to a housing, which protrude beyond the nipple and prevent it from touching the floor if it falls. The guard members can be rigid or flexible. In another embodiment, the guard members are hinged and light springs are used to partly close them against the mammal's cheeks when in use or around the nipple when the pacifier or bottle falls. A retractable nipple may also be included with either the fixed or pivotal guard designs to further protect the nipple from contamination when dropped. Finally, another variation is to replace the nipple with a straw and the bottle with any other container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pacifier withdrawal are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of successive pacifiers wherein each pacifier has a handle, a nipple connected to said handle, and a shield interposed between the handle and the nipple. Each successive pacifier has a nipple which is shorter in length than its predecessor. The invention may be practiced as a set of complete pacifiers, as a single pacifier with interchangeable nipples, or as a single pacifier having a nipple which retracts into the handle to shorten its exposed length. The method of using the pacifier withdrawal apparatus is to provide the infant with a first pacifier having a full length nipple and to allow the infant to use the first pacifier for a specified time period in order to become accustomed to it.

Abstract: A pacifier (1) for premature babies, comprising a shield (2, 2a) on which a nipple (3) as well as, preferably, a grip (4) is provided, and which has at least one recess for the nose, wherein the shield (2, 2a) includes severable portions (6, 6a, 6b) which can be severed at pre-determined severing sites (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) defined as weakened sites or markings.

Abstract: A pacifier, a system and a method for maintaining proper dentitions in a child are provided. The pacifier may have a bulb which is connected to an external shield by an isthmus. A child may suck on the bulb when the pacifier is worn in the mouth. The isthmus connecting the bulb and the external shield may be flat. Moreover, the isthmus may have a thickness which may be less than a thickness of known connectors, and may be wider from side-to-side than connectors associated with known pacifiers which connect a bulb and an external shield. As a result, the pacifier may prevent the child from developing, for example, an open bite or other malocclusion. The pacifier may or may not incorporate a thickened pillow to aid in the reduction of pain associated with teething.

Abstract: A ready-to-use, sterile, one time use sensory diversion device is described. The device can be used by medical practitioners during examination and performance of medical procedures on infant and juvenile patients. The device is typically manufactured in the form of a pacifier and includes a sweetener composition, either formed as a coating on the carrier nipple portion or is provided separately for user application to the carrier portion prior to or in conjunction with removal of the device from its sterile package.

Abstract: A pacifier nipple (2) including a shaft member (3) with a fastening portion (4) to fix the nipple (2) to a pacifier shield (5), and a head member (6) which is located opposite the fastening portion (4) and wide relative to the shaft member (3), wherein the head member (6), on its external side, comprises at least one thickened region (7) forming at least one raised part (7′; 7a; 7b; 7c), and that at least one saliva flow channel (8) is provided in the thickened region (7).

Abstract: There is provided a one-piece pacifier that has two substrates in which the second or outer substrate overmolds onto the first or inner substrate. The two substrates for the pacifier form a shield for the pacifier. The outer substrate forms the pacifier's nipple. The pacifier is made by forming a plurality of holes in the inner substrate and overmolding the outer substrate onto the inner substrate to form a nipple and a shield for the pacifier.

Abstract: This invention relates to polymeric thermoplastic moldable compositions comprising poly(alkylene carbonates), which are useful in manufacturing of articles which may be manipulated and shaped by their user, but regain their shape after distortion. These compositions are free from toxic compounds and have a glass transition temperature from about 15° C. to about 132° C. These compositions are useful in manufacturing of articles such as toys, utensils to convey solids or liquids to the mouth, soothing articles (i.e., teething rings and pacifiers) and articles which support food (i.e., candy/confection sticks or holders.) They are most useful in manufacturing of children's toys and products.

Abstract: A stuffed toy in the shape of a small animal, such as a puppy, is attached to a silicone/polymeric pacifier of the type commonly provided for infants to suck on. The pacifier has at least one tab projecting from the side opposite to the nipple and for use in securing the toy to the pacifier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating and anchoring tissue is provided. The invention is directed to solving the problem of manipulating and anchoring tissue within a joint when access to that tissue is limited, for example, during arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: An infant pacifier has a temperature sensitive material mounted on the front forming a “mood stone.”. The front of the pacifier would change color based on the body temperature of the infant using the pacifier. The pacifier includes a metal strip or other temperature conductive material that connects to the metal frame of the mood stone and wraps around to come in contact with the baby's lips when the baby is sucking on the pacifier. The metal strip carries the heat from the baby to the stone, facilitating color change as the child's temperature changes.

Abstract: A pacifier clip and cover combination includes a clip/cover assembly and a ribbon. The clip/cover assembly includes a cover movable between opened and closed positions and is preferably large enough to fit over and fully cover the nipple portion of a standard pacifier and to therefore protect the nipple from contact with the surrounding environment and keep it clean during storage. The ribbon is attached between the clip/cover assembly and a standard pacifier. Thus, during use, the clip is clipped to an infant's clothing to prevent the pacifier from falling to the ground.

Abstract: Pacifier Toy with a pacifier having a rigid plastic plate and an integral resilient, centrally located nipple, and a holding ring, a child's toy having an animal shape where the face portion of the animal is framed so that it can receive the pacifier, the pacifier having eyes and mouth features painted on or otherwise affixed, the pacifier having the nipple that acts as the nose portion of the animal's face, and the face frame of the animal toy capable of removably retaining said rigid plastic pacifier plate so that a child can use said pacifier by itself or in conjunction with said toy animal.

Abstract: Described is a sucking device with a sucking body as well as a shaft, whereby the sucking body is equipped with a recess extending in longitudinal direction of the sucking device. Said sucking device is designed in such manner that the recess, seen in longitudinal section, terminates essentially flat toward the anterior free end of the sucking body. The recess preferably extends essentially over the entire length of the sucking body. In sectional view, the shaft preferably presents an angulated shape. From a jaw-orthopedic aspect, this sucking device proves itself as particularly beneficial, whereby it simultaneously stimulates the baby/small child to uniform sucking and/or serves for position of repose.

Abstract: A pacifier providing a mouthpiece with a liquid-receiving cavity for easy replacement and re-filling of the liquid therein. A sealing connection with a mouth guard is provided to allow for holding of the liquid in the cavity of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece of the pacifier may include a plurality of protrusions extending from the mouthpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to a pacifier that may properly interest an infant of eight months old or older to make a preferable stimulation, for leading the infant to the next developmental stage of ingesting activity, or that can be used in a way for adapting to more advanced ingesting activity. A pacifier is provided with a nipple (11) and a shield plate (12) disposed at the base portion (13) of the nipple which has a predetermined width.

Abstract: An oral rehabilitation device for helping patients to expand oral cavity includes a body for prying the upper and lower jaws open and at least one pressure-resistant blade held in the body to expand the oral cavity to an extent desired. The body may also form a support section at one end to contain an expansion element inside. The expansion element has restoration force which couples the expansion force of the support section may further expand oral cavity to an extent desired for achieving oral rehabilitation object.

Abstract: The production of a protein free synthetic polyisoprene which has both low levels of chemical impurities and good physical properties has yet to be realized. It has now been envisioned that the use of neodymium catalyzed polyisoprene will offer the combined advantages of both a clean, as well as, high cis-1,4 polymer. Synthesis of polyisoprene rubber using a neodymium based catalyst system is described. Characterization of the material shows the absence of an ultra high molecular weight fraction and the presence of very high cis-1,4-microstructure. Gum stock and black filled compound studies comparing neodymium polyisoprene with natural rubber, titanium polyisoprene, and lithium polyisoprene have been performed. Results indicate that polyisoprene rubber synthesized using a neodymium catalyst. system (Nd—PI) has similar stress-strain and tear properties as synthetic titanium polyisoprene.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for inducing stimulation of muscles within the mouth. The apparatus includes a housing having a controller. A muscular contact member extends from the housing and is configured to contact muscles within the mouth, including for example the palate and the tongue. A vibrating device cooperates with the controller and muscular contact member to transmit vibration to the muscular contact member and in turn to muscles within the mouth. In the system, such an apparatus is provided that is rechargeable. A storage base receives the rechargeable apparatus when it is not in use and includes a battery charger. The storage base also optionally includes disinfecting means for cleaning the muscular contact member.

Abstract: A pacifier nipple with a subdivided, elastomeric nipple body (1) comprising a fastening portion (2), a neck portion (3) and a head portion (4) and in which a receiving space (6) for substances, e.g. a medicament for oral administration, is provided; this receiving space (6) is provided in the head portion (4) that is separated from the neck portion (3), and the head portion (4) is formed by a reversible hood (7) provided with a sealing lip (9′) abutting on the remaining nipple body (2, 3) and liftable therefrom.

Abstract: There is provided a one-piece pacifier that has two substrates in which the second or outer substrate overmolds onto the first or inner substrate. The two substrates for the pacifier form a shield for the pacifier. The outer substrate forms the pacifier's nipple. The pacifier is made by forming a plurality of holes in the inner substrate and overmolding the outer substrate onto the inner substrate to form a nipple and a shield for the pacifier.

Abstract: A breathe-through, pacifier device facilitating breathing during nasal obstruction, comprising: a nipple consisting of a nipple head and a nipple neck provided with a front wall; a shield fixedly attached to, or integral with, the nipple neck; an air duct having a first opening at the end of the nipple head and a second opening in the front wall of the nipple neck, wherein an obturating means rotatably mounted on the nipple neck and having an eccentric opening is adapted to assume a first position in which the eccentric opening registers with the second opening in the front wall, and additional positions in which the eccentric opening is out of register with the second opening in the front wall, thereby obturating the air duct. A method for using the breathe-through pacifier and other embodiments of the breathe-through pacifier device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser is provided with a fluid containment unit and a support unit. The fluid containment unit includes a bulb, a nipple, and a tether connecting the bulb to the nipple. The support unit includes a face plate, a retaining ring, and a releasable latch for securing the face plate and retainer ring together to clamp between them the fluid containment unit when the fluid containment unit is in a folded configuration locating the bulb and nipple in communication with each other.

Abstract: A new and improved nipple structure for a pacifier and an improved pacifier including the nipple structure are disclosed. The nipple element is short, approximately one half inch or one to one and one half centimeters long, and allows the tongue, during swallowing, to be naturally positioned adjacent to the palate. The nipple structure includes a web which extends beyond the tip of the nipple and, in use, is received between the tongue and the palate. Preferably, the web terminates near the mid-point, front to back, of the hard palate of a user. In any case, a portion of the web is received between the tongue and the hard palate. The web is thin, substantially thinner than the nipple element. A pacifier that includes this novel nipple structure will reduce distortion caused by tongue thrusting against a conventional long pacifier nipple. The web, which is received between the tongue and the hard palate, will promote the acceptance and retention of the pacifier by youngsters, especially newborns.

Abstract: A multistage baglet system for a pacifier and a multistage nipple system. Baglets and nipples with bumps thereon are initially provided to accustom a baby to the use of such baglets and nipples. Subsequently, baglets and nipples with bumps are provided to assist the baby with teething.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pacifier withdrawal are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of successive pacifiers wherein each pacifier has a handle, a nipple connected to said handle, and a shield interposed between the handle and the nipple. Each successive pacifier has a nipple which is shorter in length than its predecessor. The invention may be practiced as a set of complete pacifiers, as a single pacifier with interchangeable nipples, or as a single pacifier having a nipple which retracts into the handle to shorten its exposed length. The method of using the pacifier withdrawal apparatus is to provide the infant with a first pacifier having a full length nipple and to allow the infant to use the first pacifier for a specified time period in order to become accustomed to it.

Abstract: A pacifier includes a generally lemniscate-shaped shield provided with retractions on its two longer sides in the middle thereof, and a nipple fastened in a central opening of the shield. The shield, on each of both sides of the central shield opening, includes but one lateral opening that reaches as far as to the edge of the shield while leaving a frame part.

Abstract: A wrist tether for use in conjunction with a pacifier comprises a wristband having hook and loop fasteners arranged such that the wristband may be wrapped about an infant's wrist and removably secured thereto. A thumb support is attached to an end of the wristband and defines an aperture for receiving a thumb of a user so as to position the wristband at a desired position. The thumb support further defines a buttonhole spaced from the aperture for receiving a retaining member within a cavity therein. Therefore, the pacifier wrist tether removably positions and holds a pacifier at a desired position adjacent an infant's thumb.

Abstract: A pacifier cover for removably storing a pacifier to prevent debris from coming in contact with the nipple of the pacifier. The pacifier cover includes a casing. The casing has a top wall having a peripheral edge. A peripheral wall is integrally coupled to and extends away from the peripheral edge of the top wall. The peripheral wall has a free edge. The free edge defines an opening into the casing. The casing is comprised of a resiliently elastic material. A pacifier may be extended through the opening and into the casing.

Abstract: An osmophore-pacifier. The osmophore-pacifier contains an odorant. When the osmophore-pacifier is sucked by an infant, it releases an odor which stimulates sucking behavior in the infant. The osmophore-pacifier includes a nipple, a shield portion, a matrix containing the odorant, and an air channel for releasing the odor. The odorant may be replaced with a different type of odorant in order to determine which odor stimulates continued sucking of the osmophore-pacifier, to promote sucking behavior, and to calm or soothe an infant in a state of agitation or pain.

Abstract: A vibrating pacifier which includes a housing, a nipple, and a massaging unit having a power supply for causing the nipple to vibrate. The power supply in the massaging unit supplies power to a vibrating unit that causes the nipple of the pacifier to vibrate, thus massaging a child's gums. The vibrating unit also provides a humming noise that is soothing to the child.

Abstract: An apparatus for satisfying the non-nutritive sucking needs of infants, especially medically compromised infants, which includes an infant's pacifier held near one end of a wand-like structure; wherein the wand-like structure is formed on a non-toxic, non-allergenic, elastomeric material which is easily cleaned and will not harbor infectious germs or viruses, and wherein the wand-like structure can take the form of an adorable toy animal such as an otter.

Abstract: A device and method for treating stress-induced habits including smoking, drinking, overeating and the like, is disclosed. The invention consists of an adult pacifier made of a flavored or unflavored resilient material, orthodontically shaped to fit inside the mouth and on the tongue of the user. In moments of stress or when the urge to smoke, overeat, or drink arises, the device is placed on the tongue in the mouth and sucked. This simultaneous suction and tongue undulation, much like the stimulation caused by smoking cigarettes and the like, encourages deep breathing and causes salivation, gastric acid secretion and stimulation of the cranial nerve endings in the tongue.

Abstract: An oral pacifier apparatus is disclosed for use by infants and young children to promote soothing oral stimulation and for administering fluids and liquid medications. The pacifier apparatus includes a nipple, a shield, a removable access assembly, and a detachable, refillable reservoir. Furthermore, the nipple includes a linear array of nipple holes which directs fluid flow to physiologic gutters adjacent to the tongue of the user, thereby avoiding stimulating the gag reflex. The method of using the pacifier apparatus to treat dehydration is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pacifier is provided having two teat sucking portions integrally connected to a middle support member. Each of the teat sucking portion includes a shank portion and a nipple portion adapted to be sucked by the child. The support member may become either convex or concave depending upon the side of the pacifier in which suction is applied. The middle support member must have sufficient flexibility to allow this movement between neutral, convex and concave positions. The pacifier is made of elastomeric material such as natural or synthetic rubber. Preferably, air holes are provided in the center support section. These holes are preferably aligned horizontally and are aligned to the baby's mouth to facilitate airflow passage. The air holes also create more flexibility in the middle support member to allow movement between neutral, convex and concave positions.

Abstract: A wrist tether for use in conjunction with a pacifier comprises a wristband having hook and loop fasteners arranged such that the wristband may be wrapped about an infant's wrist and removably secured thereto. A thumb support is attached to an end of the wristband and defines an aperture for receiving a thumb of a user so as to position the wristband at a desired position. The thumb support further defines a buttonhole spaced from the aperture for receiving a retaining member within a cavity therein. Therefore, the pacifier wrist tether removably positions and holds a pacifier at a desired position adjacent an infant's thumb.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for nasal delivery of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure to a user. The system includes a variable speed fan unit to pressurize the gases, and a humidification unit to provide a controllable level of humidity to the gases. The pressurized humidified gases are transported through a conduit to the user, and arc delivered through a nasal mask to the nasal passages. The oral cavity is sealed against “mouth leak” by insertion of a sealed mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes an intra-oral sealing means and an extra-oral sealing means substantially sealing the oral cavity of said user. The extra-oral sealing means may be adjusted into one of two conditions, a first condition when said mouthpiece is inserted into said user's mouth being, substantially unengaged with said user's face, and a second condition when correctly positioned in said user's mouth being substantially engaged with said user's face and under compression thereupon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pacifier withdrawal are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of successive pacifiers wherein each pacifier has a handle, a nipple connected to said handle, and a shield interposed between the handle and the nipple. Each successive pacifier has a nipple which is shorter in length than its predecessor. The invention may be practiced as a set of complete pacifiers, as a single pacifier with interchangeable nipples, or as a single pacifier having a nipple which retracts into the handle to shorten its exposed length. The method of using the pacifier withdrawal apparatus is to provide the infant with a first pacifier having a full length nipple and to allow the infant to use the first pacifier for a specified time period in order to become accustomed to it.

Abstract: The invention provides a pacifier, including a nipple consisting of a nipple head and a nipple neck, a shield fixedly attached to, or integral with, the nipple neck, wherein the nipple bead is provided with at least one first opening adapted to communicate with the free atmosphere to enable its user to bypass any obstruction in the nasal airways and maintain an open channel to the ambient air.

Abstract: A nursing bottle with a teat and a rim is able to allow the baby to suck the liquid within the nursing bottle easily and the flow of the liquid will not be blocked at any circumstances. The teat has a hole defined in the first flange thereof. The rim has multiple apertures defined to correspond to the hole of the teat and communicate with the ambient air. After the combination of the teat and the rim, the ambient air communicates with the air inside the nursing bottle, such that liquid within the nursing bottle is able to be sucked out of the nursing bottle easily by the body.

Abstract: A pacifier shield having a soft shield component and a hard shield backing component. The soft shield rests against a child's face and a hard shield backing provides overall structural integrity. As a result, a soft, spongy material is provided next to the baby's skin softening any impact if the baby falls with the pacifier in its mouth.

Abstract: An artificial infant feeding nipple is disclosed comprising a hollow tubular fluid conduit having first and second open ends and a substantially transverse membrane closing the conduit. In the preferred embodiment, the membrane is perforated by a plurality of minimal diameter fluid apertures fully penetrating the membrane and extending beyond one face of the membrane within integrally formed hollow nubs having closed ends. Each closure nub is removable to permit fluid flow through the related aperture. Additionally, the recessed membrane provides reinforcing against collapse of the nipple tube while permitting the delivery end of the nipple to be plugged to prevent leakage when not in use.

Abstract: An improved nipple comprises a grip part, a stop part located at a front end of the grip part, a sucking part coupled with the stop part, at least two pieces of annular body are arranged at a proper position of the sucking part, wherein a clearance is provided between two adjacent bodies. After feeding and when a baby is sucking the nipple, he is holding the sucking part in mouth, meanwhile, his upper and lower incisors are inserted in the clearance, and the pieces of the piece body are pinching the upper and the lower incisors on both sides thereof to remove the remaining lactic acid on the incisors.

Abstract: A vibrating pacifier which includes a housing, a nipple, and a massaging unit having a power supply for causing the nipple to vibrate. The power supply in the massaging unit supplies power to a vibrating unit that causes the nipple of the pacifier to vibrate, thus massaging a child's gums. The vibrating unit also provides a humming noise that is soothing to the child.

Abstract: A pacifier retaining device for holding a pacifier on a child so that the child does not lose the pacifier. The pacifier retaining device includes a first strap for encircling the torso of a user. A second strap connects a pacifier to the first strap. The second strap has a first end and a second end. A pacifier is coupled to the second strap. A connecting device rotatably connects the first strap to the second strap. The connecting device comprises a female portion and a male portion. The second end of the second strap is coupled to the male portion. The female portion is coupled to the first strap.

Abstract: An apparatus for satisfying the non-nutritive sucking needs of infants, especially medically compromised infants, which includes an infant's pacifier holder near one end of a wand-like structure; wherein the pacifier holder comprises a two-piece tab-flap fastener for holding the pacifier to the wand; wherein the wand-like structure is formed on a non-toxic, non-allergenic, elastomeric material which is easily cleaned and will not harbor infectious germs or viruses, and wherein the wand-like structure can take the form of an adorable toy animal such as an otter.

Abstract: A pacifier includes a generally lemniscate-shaped shield provided with retractions on its two longer sides in the middle thereof, and a nipple fastened in a central opening of the shield. The shield, on each of both sides of the central shield opening, includes but one lateral opening that reaches as far as to the edge of the shield while leaving a frame part.

Abstract: A vibrating pacifier for providing increased comfort to teething child in particular. The vibrating pacifier includes a body having a cavity therein and also having a front end, a back end, and a mouth guard portion extending about the body; and also includes a nipple member disposed at and extending from the front end of the body; and further includes a handle member rotatably and sealingly mounted to the body near the back end thereof; and also includes a vibrating assembly for vibrating the nipple member.

Abstract: An ornamental accessory includes a face plate, a trigger plate, and a movable clamp plate. The face plate has a rear side provided with a plate groove with plate wings projecting from both sides of the plate groove. The trigger plate is pivotally connected to the plate wings and has an L-shaped rod neck with trigger pieces extending from an end portion. The movable clamp plate has a clamp body having a top portion with two inverted L-shaped plate hooks and is pivotally connected to the plate wings. Each plate hook has an inner portion forming a rod recess, with a stop boss projecting from one end. When the trigger plate is pulled, the rods advance along inner walls of the plate hooks into said rod recesses to move the clamp plate.