Abstract: Improved pacifier baglets and baby bottle nipples having protrusions thereon to rub against the child's gums and thereby assist with teething. The protrusions can be of any desired shape or configuration. In a further embodiment, the baglets and nipples include materials of at least two hardnesses, with a harder material being provided in the protrusions to further facilitate the teething process.

Abstract: A retractable tether pacifier device for holding a pacifier to a user when not in use. The device includes a housing with a slot providing an opening into the interior space of the housing. The first end of an elongate flexible ribbon is disposed in the interior space of the housing with the flexible ribbon extending through the slot of the side wall of the housing such that a second end of the flexible ribbon outwardly extends from the side wall of the housing. The second end of the flexible ribbon is attached to a holding ring of a pacifier. The length of the flexible ribbon is retractably extendable from the interior space of the housing. The back face of the housing has a fastener for attaching the housing to a garment of the user.

Abstract: An infant pacifier is provided including a nipple, a bond ring and a handle. The nipple has a shaft and a base, each made of a flexible membrane and formed integrally with one another. A rim is formed on the base of the nipple adjacent its outer periphery. The bond ring is generally planar and annular shape and engages the rim. The handle includes a mounting ring and an elongate grip located concentric with the mounting ring. The mounting ring engages the bond ring and the rim. The bond ring and the mounting ring are attached to the nipple, preferably by overmolding the nipple and bond ring to one another and sonic welding the handle to the nipple.

Abstract: An infant pacifier and pillow for removably attaching a pacifier to a pillow. The infant pacifier and pillow includes a cushion for removably attaching a pacifier to. The cushion comprises a pillow and a covering. The pillow is compressible and the covering encases the pillow. A pacifier for pacifying an infant comprises a nipple and a base. The base has a first side and a second side. At least one clip for receiving a strap is affixed to and extends away from the second side of the base of the pacifier. A bore for receiving a nipple is in the base. The nipple is elongate having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion of the nipple is fixedly coupled in the bore of the base. A strap for securing the pacifier to the cushion is secured by the clip to the base. The strap has two ends. Each of the ends has a fastener means thereon such that the first and second ends of the strap are fastenable together.

Abstract: Rubbery products having a transition temperature that shrink from a second shape and size toward their original shape and size upon application of energy equivalent in result to raising the temperature of the rubbery product above the transition temperature. Also, hypo-allergenic rubbery products made from polybutadiene and its copolymers, trans-1,4-polybutadiene and its copolymers, synthetic isoprene and its copolymers, or synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprene and its copolymers. Such rubbery products (not all of which need to be made to shrink) can be used in condoms, gloves, catheters, baby-bottle nipples, and dental dams, to name just a few.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pacifying or a feeding dummy comprising an actual mouthpiece (10) and a cover piece (11) for attaching the dummy to a feeding bottle. The actual mouthpiece comprises a piece made of an elastic material to be held in the mouth of a baby between the tongue and the palate. The mouthpiece of the pacifying dummy can be either a hollow or a solid piece. The invention is characterized in that the wall (13) of the hollow mouthpiece or the solid mouthpiece has a space (14) formed into it for the insertion of a dosage unit (20) containing an active agent.

Abstract: A pacifier having a bulbous nipple mounted to a body portion. The body portion houses a motion generator that causes vibrations that pass through the nipple to the baby's gums thereby soothing the gums. The vibrations are generated by an unbalanced weight that is set into movement by a motor or a system of gears. A switch activates the pacifier. In the geared embodiment, the motion generator is actuated by winding the gears. A sound generator can be used to generate a melody in addition to the vibrations.

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: A pacifier which can be used to introduce liquids orally to an infant has a resilient, hollow nipple that extends from a broad, inner face of a shield plate which in turn abuts the external surfaces of the lips of an infant when the nipple is positioned in the infant's mouth. An elongate, delivery tube extends from the shield plate through the nipple. An open, distal end of the delivery tube projects through a distal end of the nipple so that the open, distal end of the delivery tube opens into the infant's mouth when the nipple is in the infant's mouth. Liquid to be administered to the infant is introduced into the proximal end of the delivery tube through a flexible tube that is rotatably attached to the proximal end of the delivery tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to an administration device for a method to prophylactically treat the mouth region of children, comprising a part intended to be positioned in the mouth, which part is provided with a dispensing container for an active agent, and having at least one aperture allowing the entrance of saliva into the dispensing container and its exit therefrom, and a part to remain outside the mouth, comprising a hand held member, whereby a filler opening concentrically opening towards the hand held member, is arranged in the area between both parts. The invention is characterized in that the hand held member and a cover of the filler opening, which cover is an integral part of the hand held member, are manufactured as one uniform unit with the rest of the administration device.

Abstract: A device for allowing visual examination of the swallowing of fluids by an infant which includes a nipple mounted housing, a feeding tube for feeding fluid into the nipple, openings in the nipple to allow the fluid to pass or be sucked therethrough, a further opening centrally located in the nipple through which an endoscope is passed to allow for such visual examination.

Abstract: A medicine dispenser carried on pacifier includes: a miniature container adapted for filling medicine therein, and a pacifier combinable with the miniature container and fluidically communicated with the interior in the container, whereby upon sucking by a baby or an infant on a nipple portion of the pacifier, the medicine as flowing from the container into a passage in the nipple portion of the pacifier, the medicine will be sucked and administered into a baby's mouth through the passage in the nipple portion for treating or curing a baby's disease.

Abstract: A baby or infant pacifier is disclosed with a sound activated locator annunciator. Comprised of a nipple and associated components utilized on conventional pacifiers, the disclosed apparatus also utilizes a microphone and associated electronic circuitry to monitor for distinctive sound waveforms, such as the clapping of hands, that would normally be minimally found in an infant's or baby's immediate environment. When such a distinctive waveform is detected by the use of fuzzy logic, a speaker emits an audible locator signal, such as a musical tune or sound, for a predetermined time period to allow for location of the apparatus. It is intended that this audible locator signal will aid the care provider of the infant or baby in locating the pacifier when lost.

Abstract: A device including a teething structure having a set of ridges formed thereon that is positionable into the molar region of the infant's gums and a second set of massaging ridges that is positionable between the front teeth region of the infant's gums.

Abstract: A pacifier of the dummy type comprises a bubble body (18) on which the child sucks, and a stop disc (16) against which the child's lips (22, 24) rest supportingly in the pacifier's position of use. The bubble body (18) and the stop disc (16) are interconnected through an intermediate transition and connecting portion (20) accommodating possible front teeth (26, 28)/gums. The bubble body (18) is given an asymmetrical shape in respect of its connection point on the transition and connecting portion (20), comprising at least one elongate leg (18a) sloping downwardly in its longitudinal direction towards the free end thereof, forming an impact and support face for the adjacent portion of the tongue (34). The stop disc (16) comprises an upper and a lower portion (16a, 16b) somewhat displaced from each other in the longitudinal axial direction of the pacifier, forming suitable stop and support faces for the child's lips (22, 24).

Abstract: In an apparatus for orally administering a dosage of a liquid, medication, or a suspension, to patients able to swallow but otherwise unable to independently ingest the liquid medication, or suspension, a sleeve is provided and includes a first open end and a closed second end. The sleeve defines an reservoir or reservoir, and a flange having an aperture extending therethrough and in communication with the reservoir extending outwardly from the second end. A hollow tube is attached to the flange and is adapted to be inserted into a patient's mouth to a point where the end of the tube is adjacent to the patient's throat. A plunger having an end adapted to slide and to seal against an interior wall of the reservoir is included and can move between a first and a second position to draw the liquid, medication, or suspension into the reservoir and inject it into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A pacifier securing system for securing positioning of a pacifier in an infant's mouth. The pacifier securing system includes a pacifier having an outwardly extending guard plate, apertures in opposite sides of the guard plate, and adjustable straps employing hook and loop fasteners to form loops for engaging the straps between the apertures in the guard plate and an infant's ears. The adjustable straps are further designed to permit attachment of the straps to each other around the infant's neck to secure the pacifier in the mouth of the infant.

Abstract: A baby pacifier apparatus designed and integrated with a locator device that will illuminate and or sound with a musical tone when activated by a remote transmitter device in order to aid caretakers in locating the pacifier if it is misplaced. The baby pacifier comprises a nipple securely attached to a pacifier flange. The pacifier flange is removably attached to a plastic case. The plastic case houses the locator device which includes a locator device receiver, musical or chime module, light emitting diode and power source. The plastic case is detachably secured to the exterior face of the pacifier flange to allow for sterilization and replacement of worn parts. The locator device receiver is designed to respond to a signal sent from a remote transmitter device. When activated by the remote transmitter device, the locator device receiver will respond by selectively activating the light emitting diode thereby illuminating the unit and or activating the musical or chime module making a sound.

Abstract: A pacifier with retractable nipple wherein the nipple is retractable into the pacifier when the pacifier is not in use. The pacifier includes a pacifier body; a resilient, flexible nipple structure attached to the top edge of the pacifier body portion; and a retraction mechanism mechanically connected to a nipple tip portion of the nipple structure for mechanically inverting the nipple tip portion and pulling it within a compartment formed within the pacifier.

Abstract: A plural nipple baby toy including a polymeric, hollow spherical ball constructed with interlocking hemispheres having a plurality of holes in its periphery surface adapted for receiving a plurality of brightly colored bottle or pacifier nipples. The nipples are installed within the ball prior to assembly of the interlocking hemispheres and secured therein by retainers in a manner whereby the ball and nipple are permanently fixed as an integral unit. The nipples may be symmetrically spaced with the preferred embodiment having up to six nipples. The toy can be transformed into a plural nipple ball with a handle by substituting a handle assembly for one of the nipples. A more elaborate toy may be assembled by simply providing two plural nipple balls connected by a common handle assembly replacing one nipple on each ball.

Abstract: A pacifier for infants and the like includes a two-part teethable handle construction having a rigid inner handle member and a soft outer handle member. The rigid inner handle member is connected with the pacifier and has an outer surface shaped for grasping. The soft outer handle member overlies at least a portion of the outer surface of the rigid inner handle member and is securely connected therewith to define a chewable portion of the handle construction adapted for teething.

Abstract: A weaning system for weaning a child off sucking devices, comprising a series of nipples, each nipple of the series having a wall and an external surface, the external surface of each nipple having at least one aberration, the external surface of each successive nipple of the series being rougher than the external surface of the preceding nipple.

Abstract: A system for diagnosing or monitoring sucking/swallowing/breathing competence of an impaired neonate or post-operative infant, wherein a processor receives a sensed signal from a breath sensor, and develops an output for intraoral tactile or flow control feedback. In a feeding or monitoring embodiment, the processor applies the signal to control a liquid feeding valve which supplies nutrients through a feeding nipple. In various control regimens, the processor acts as a safety device and operates to restrict or close the valve to reduce flow when slowing or cessation of breath is detected, or acts as a training device to set or pace, or initially to develop basic competence, at an appropriate rate. In further embodiments, the processor also receives a signal from an intraoral suction transducer or muscle pressure gauge, and operates to control flow to a level appropriate to the available sucking activity, or to change the level to maintain a stable and non-slowing breath rate.

Abstract: A teether includes a frame adapted for teething by a child, the frame including a base, a first side extending upwardly from a first end of the base, and a second side extending upwardly from a second end of the base, wherein the first and second sides are integrally connected to the base and are connected to each other remote from the base.

Abstract: A new Air Responsive Illuminated Pacifier for providing a pacifier having a light source which is activated when an child sucks on the pacifier. The inventive device includes an airtight nipple portion, a handle portion attached to the nipple portion, and a light source and a pressure actuated switch positioned within the handle portion, wherein the switch activates the light source when a child sucks on the nipple portion. A single activation of the light source causes the light source to remain lit for a predetermined time (e.g., 15 seconds). When activated, the light source emits light into a hollow interior cavity of the handle portion. The handle portion is made of a translucent or luminescent material. When the handle portion is made of a luminescent material, the handle portion continues to glow for a substantial time after extinguishment of the light source, thereby enabling a child or parent to easily locate the pacifier in the dark.

Abstract: A pacifier with a dust-free-cap comprises a base having a through hole defined therethrough, a nipple partially inserted through the base and a holder partially inserted into the nipple. Within the base, there is provided with a first wall, a second wall having a length longer than the first wall, an indentation defined in a face defining the second wall and a pair of cutouts diametrically opposed to each other. The nipple has a flange integrally formed and abutting the rim of the first wall when the nipple is partially inserted into the through hole of the base. The holder consists of a post having a plurality of annular rings formed therearound, a positioning ring integrally formed with the post, a key extending out from a periphery of the positioning ring and a loop integrally formed with the positioning ring. When the pacifier is assembled, the nipple is able to be securely received within the cap to protect the nipple from contamination by the ambient air.

Abstract: A teething gel applicator including a teether. The teether has a chewing portion sized to be partially inserted into a child's mouth. The teether has a series of depressions for holding a gel. A handle, sized to be grasped by a child, is connected to the chewing portion. A gel spreader, that is removably secured to the chewing portion, is used to fill the depressions with the gel. The gel spreader receives a vial containing the gel and rotates around the chewing portion to deposit the gel in the depressions.

Abstract: A mesh pacifier and associated clip attachment including a shield comprised of a peripheral rim dimensioned for surrounding a mouth of a baby. A nipple portion extends forwardly from the shield. A handle portion extends rearwardly from the shield. A plurality of sections of apertures are formed through the shield.

Abstract: A pacifier clip and cover combination includes an enlarged pinch clip and a ribbon. The pinch clip is movable between opened and closed positions and is large enough in the body of the clip as 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 and cover combination 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: A child's pacifier comprises an elongated member having a nipple portion protruding from a peripheral surface proximate to one end. The elongated member includes a flexible body having an oblong cross-section and a cloth covering wrapped around the flexible body. The nipple portion of a standard baby bottle nipple protrudes through a hole in the cloth covering.

Abstract: Dosing feeding teat intended to dispense to the suckling child small doses of food, medicines or mixtures of both, having a perforated nipple with conventional protection ring to which is added at the opposite extremity an extraction feeding bottle made of elastic material, to which is incorporated subsequently the protection ring, the latter being provided with a container for humidifying the nipple, with planar base, similar to that of the doser.

Abstract: An infant teether comprising a hollow teething unit defined in part by thin, flexible walls for holding hard teething foods such as cookies, pretzels, fruits, and the like. The walls of the teething unit are provided with a plurality of holes for allowing the food therein to be released into the infant's mouth in small, soft pieces, upon a repetitive biting action on the teething unit. The infant teether further comprises a cap for closing an opening in the teething unit to prevent food spillage during use. A ring-shaped handle is integrally attached to the cap for easy grip by the child or parent. The food placed inside the teething unit encourages the infant to repetitively bite on the unit in an effort to consume the food therein. This repetitive biting action upon the elastomeric teething unit can bring soothing relief to the infant during teething.

Abstract: A paste injector gun, especially adapted for injecting bone cement, has first and second mechanical advantages. In a first embodiment, the first and second mechanical advantages are produced by two fulcrums engageable during different portions of the trigger stroke. In a second embodiment, the first and second mechanical advantages are produced by a fixed fulcrum and a rotatable fulcrum. The first mechanical advantage is greater than the second such that the first facilitates pressurizing the bone cement and the second facilitates high volume dispensing of the bone cement. The injector gun also includes a pair of U-shaped slots. One of the slots is sized to accept a large cement cartridge and the other slot is sized to accept a small cement cartridge. An alternative embodiment provides a hinged cartridge retaining gate for closing the U-shaped slots for positive retention of the cartridge.

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 thermographic material is provided in the front side of a pacifier flange in an area thereof adapted to overlie the infant's chin while the infant sucks on the pacifier nipple. The flange material between the infant's chin and the thermographic material is body heat conductive. If the infant has a fever, the thermographic material is adapted to change appearance upon detection of a predetermined temperature representative of a fever condition.

Abstract: An infant breathing aid assembly comprising an infant soother having a safety shield with at least one vent cooperates with a decongestant module having a housing for housing vapor emitting medicine and fixing means adapted to be retentively received in the vent for fixing the housing to the infant soother. In use the housing closely abuts the safety shield to substantially seal the vapor emitting medicine within the housing and the safety shield, and the housing emits vapor from the medicine.

Abstract: A pacifier locating system including a pacifier with receiver circuitry coupled thereto. Such receiver circuitry includes a speaker adapted to emit an audible alarm upon the receipt of a speaker actuation signal. A receiver is electrically connected to a battery and the speaker. The receiver is adapted to transmit to the speaker a speaker actuation signal upon the receipt of a radio activation signal via free space. Also included is a transmitter housing with an interior space. Finally, transmitter circuitry is situated within the interior space and includes an actuation mechanism for selectively transmitting an electric activation signal. The transmitter circuitry further includes a battery situated within the interior space of the transmitter housing for powering purposes. A transmitter is situated within the interior space of the transmitter housing and electrically connected between the battery and the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A disposable or reusable oral medicine dispensing device, including a syringe housing having a lower fluid dispensing chamber for receiving medicinal fluid; a threaded plunger assembly mounted in the syringe housing for longitudinal movement relative to the syringe housing; a piston head rotatably mounted on the lower end of the threaded plunger assembly for longitudinal movement therewith; and a stop member threadedly mounted on the threaded plunger assembly to pre-set the distance between the stop member and the piston head to control the amount of medicinal fluid to be received in the lower fluid dispensing chamber of the syringe housing.

Abstract: A one piece pliable molded polymer pacifier including a pair of hollow balls, having multiple nipples extending therefrom, connected by a hollow tubular column. The nipples located upon each ball are located 90 degrees apart in the same or opposite planes from that of the nipples located on the opposite ball.

Abstract: A pacifier system and method of therapeutically treating premature infants to reinforce non-nutritive sucking is disclosed. A pacifier is connected to a pressure transducer. The pressure tranducer serves to detect sucking intensity and time of sucking. The pacifier system activates a sound source, such as a music source, upon sucking of a minimum intensity being detected for a minimum period of time.

Abstract: A candy product includes a ring forming an annular handle, and having an outer diameter of at least 5 cm. A candy holder attached to the handle and adapted for carrying a lump of candy to be consumed by a child. The holder forms a paddle to pacify the child upon removal of the candy from the holder.

Abstract: A new and improved oral appliance for infants and toddlers is disclosed. The appliance comprises an outer shield, an inner shield, a connector element and a nipple element. The outer shield is supported on the connector element and, in use, rests against the outside of the cheeks. The inner shield is also supported on the connector element so that it is spaced from the outer shield a distance such that an infants cheeks and lips are easily received therebetween. The inner shield is adapted to be positioned between an infant's gums and cheeks and is configured to prevent the cheeks, during sucking, from collapsing and exerting undesirable pressure on the maxilla. The nipple element is shorter than nipple elements in conventional pacifiers and is substantially flattened to provide better tongue positioning and to resist undesirable tongue thrusting.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube pacifier is provided. The endotracheal tube pacifier includes a nipple portion, bite portion and flange portion. A slot is formed longitudinally along the length of the nipple portion, bite portion and flange portion of the endotracheal tube pacifier. The slot is configured to detachably receive the sidewalls of an endotracheal tube even when an extremity of the endotracheal tube has already been received within a patient's mouth. The endotracheal tube pacifier is intended to reduce the physical anomalies associated with prolonged endotracheal tube intubation and to promote the natural sucking and swallowing reflexes of an infant undergoing endotracheal intubation.

Abstract: A dispensing pacifier apparatus includes a dispenser assembly which includes a flexible container portion and a screw cap assembly which is removably connected to the flexible container portion. The flexible container portion includes a loading end and a dispensing end. The loading end receives the screw cap assembly, and the dispensing end includes one or more dispensing channels. A guard assembly is connected to the dispenser assembly and includes a perimeter portion which surrounds the dispenser assembly. The guard assembly is connected to the dispenser assembly adjacent to the loading end of the flexible container portion in a position below the screw cap assembly. The guard assembly includes a front side and a rear side. A plurality of saliva-absorbent apertures are located on the front side of the guard assembly. The guard assembly includes a top portion and a bottom portion, and a greater density of saliva-absorbent apertures are located on the bottom portion than the top portion.

Abstract: A diaphragm switch includes a housing having an interior space and a substrate in the housing supporting an electrical contact. A flexible membrane has opposite first and second surfaces, the first surface being electrically conductive. The membrane is mounted in the housing proximate the substrate with the first surface minutely spaced apart from the electrical contact. An activation pressure in the housing is communicated to the second surface of the membrane whereby deformation of the flexible membrane caused by the activation pressure closes the minute spacing between the electrically conductive first surface and the electrical contact, thereby completing an electrical circuit. A leakage path is operatively associated with the membrane between the first and second surfaces to equalize static pressure on both surfaces, whereby the flexible membrane is not deformed and the circuit is not complete in the absence of the activation pressure.

Abstract: A watertight, immersion proof musical pacifier includes a mouthpiece including a faceguard having a central opening defining an air passage to an integral sealed housing. A nipple has an interior space. A plug sealingly mounts the nipple to the mouthpiece with the interior space in communication with the housing through the air passage. A switch-actuated sound generating circuit disposed in the housing controllably reproduces audio signals. A pressure sensitive switch normally closes the air passage. The switch electrically actuates the sound generating circuit in response to pressure generated in the nipple. An air leakage path between the nipple interior space and the housing to maintain static pressure equilibrium between the nipple interior space and the housing.

Abstract: An infants pacifier and medicine administering unit having a generally shield-shaped body with first and second sides and having an aperture extending therethrough around a generally transverse axis. The aperture being defined by a first wall. A flexible nipple having an inlet and a sucking orifice spaced therefrom, and a substantially sealed, compressible fluid dispenser having an outlet being mounted on opposite sides of the body with the inlet and the outlet being juxtaposed for fluid communication with each other thru a pressure openable valve whereby fluid in the dispenser can be injected under pressure into the nipple.

Abstract: A teething device having an uneven surface of resilient material. A portion of the teething device contains a material which is liquid at room temperature, and which is frozen at a temperature below the normal operating temperature of a household freezer. Sound producing members are provided which produce noise as the device is moved about. Annular rings are provided for gripping and holding the device.

Abstract: A device for delivering phototherapeutic light to the nipple and surrounding tissue of a breast. Many mastectomy procedures for patients with breast cancer require removal of the nipple. Thus, for the best aesthetic result, post-operative augmentation or reconstruction of the breast includes the implantation of an artificial nipple. The present device and method permits a more conservative mastectomy to be performed while reducing the risk of recurrence wherein cancerous and pre-cancerous tissue in the nipple and surrounding aureole tissue are treated by illuminating the tissue with phototherapeutic light. The tissue is first perfused with a photosensitizer which accumulates therewithin. An embodiment of the device, which includes a rigid or semi-rigid hemispherical shell for structural stability, is attached to the breast. The device includes a transparent flexible aperture which is designed to fit snugly against the outer surface of the nipple and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A mesh pacifier including a shield comprised of a peripheral rim dimensioned for surrounding a mouth of a baby. A nipple portion extends forwardly from the shield. A handle portion extends rearwardly from the shield. A mesh membrane couples with respect to the peripheral rim of the shield.