Abstract: The invention relates to a teat for feeding bottles, including a receiving head, produced from a dimensionally stable material, and a rubber-elastic suction element. An entry channel leads to the bottle interior and channels lead from there to the outer surface of the receiving head. The suction element, in an initial position, elastically and sealingly rests on at least one section of an outer surface of the receiving head. Milk ducts are located in the contact area between the suction element and the receiving head and communicate with the channels of the receiving head which lead towards the outlet channel in the mouthpiece so that, when a vacuum is produced in the mouthpiece, milk can flow from the feeding bottle through the milk ducts to the outlet channel, the suction element being returnable to its initial position and the flow of milk being interrupted when there is no vacuum.

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 includes means for regulating the timing and flow of a feeding cycle with a display for help in regulating the feeding cycle. Alternatively, the motor, pump, controls, and power supply may be disposed at the top of the bottle as a removable unit.

Abstract: A nursing device for feeding infants with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate includes a nipple body and a tube operatively attached at one end to a pump for pumping liquid and operatively attached at the other end to the nipple body. The tube passively regulates the amount of liquid being pumped, ensuring that the infant can feed with minimal mess from the infirmities of cleft lip and/or cleft palate. The nipple body includes an outer flange and a cap for sealing engagement with the top of a nursing bottle. A shield can be used to cover the nipple body, which serves to protect and form a temporary reservoir for the liquid dispensed through the nipple body.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a food container. The food container includes an open end and a closed end. The food container is provided on a surface thereof with a plurality of apertures and a plurality of protrusions. The food container is made of a resilient material for use with foodstuff.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a pacifier having a base section, an upper mouth member extending from the base section, a sublingual member extending from the base section, and a transition section connecting the upper mouth member and sublingual member. The upper mouth member is configured to be positioned adjacent a roof of a mouth of a user when in use. The sublingual member is configured to be received in a sublingual pocket of the mouth of the user located below a tongue. The transition section has a profile that defines a pocket configured to receive a portion of the tongue of the user, thereby opening the sublingual pocket and positioning the sublingual member of the pacifier in the sublingual pocket of the mouth. A temperature sensor is fitted to the sublingual member so as to acquire a body temperature of the user from the sublingual pocket.

Abstract: A system for implanting an anchor into bone, the system comprising a curved cannulated guide for percautaneous insertion, having a proximal end and a distal end; a flexible drill insertable through the curved guide from the proximal end to the distal end, the flexible drill having a shaft having a flexible portion; and a flexible inserter for inserting a suture anchor into a bore at the anatomical site formed by the flexible drill, the flexible inserter having a shaft having a flexible portion, wherein the flexible portions of both the flexible drill and flexible inserter include a series of discrete, interlocking segments.

Abstract: Pacifier having a shield having a brace forming a circumferential outer frame on both sides of a central fixing portion having a teat opening, so that on both sides respectively one or two large-area openings are provided between the fixing portion and the brace, and respectively one further brace forming an inner frame is provided in these openings, wherein regions of the brace of the outer frame and of the brace of the inner frame, which are adjacent to one another at least in sections are not connected to one another.

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 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: The technology disclosed herein provides a device, system, and method for weaning a child off a sucking device, such as a pacifier, by introducing a series of sucking devices with successively smaller nubs. A child is given a first sucking device having a nub of a certain size, and, after a time period, the child is given a second sucking device having a nub smaller than that of the first sucking device. This method may be repeated in multiple iterations, until the child is weaned off sucking devices.

Abstract: An artificial nipple can include a nipple tip section that can sufficiently reach the sucking fossa and can be appropriately squashed. The artificial nipple have a base section that widens to match an attachment object; an areola section that narrows gradually; and a nipple section that extends without widening halfway up to a tip and while narrowing slightly and gradually at a diameter-narrowing rate that is smaller than the diameter-narrowing rate of the areola section. The areola section has a wall thickness greater than that of the nipple section, the nipple section has a length sufficient to reach the sucking fossa, and a wall thickness at a boundary between the areola section and the nipple section is smaller than that of the areola section but greater than that of the nipple section, as a result of which a band-like weakened section is formed along the circumference of that site.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, which includes a plurality of elongated strands having joinder regions uniting adjacent strands at a distance along a length of an outer perimeter of the elongated strands, the elongate strands being configured to couple together for a distance along their lengths. The elongated strands form a surface of a mesh when the joinder regions are coupled. The apparatus may further include a manducable protrusion coupled to the mesh and extending a distance away from an exterior surface of the mesh.

Abstract: A nipple simulating the shape, surface geometry and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The base has an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and can simulate the areola of a woman's breast. The bulbous region can simulate the region of a woman's breast surrounding the areola. The areola region has a texture or surface geometry that is different from the texture or surface geometry of the stem or bulbous region.

Abstract: The present subject matter is suited for evaluating biomechanics and electrophysiology of an infant's orofacial system during sucking. The present subject matter includes at least one orofacial sensor and a processor. In various examples, the present subject matter additionally includes one or a combination of: a pacifier having a baglet, a receiver assembly, a stimulation device, a memory, a display, and data acquisition and analysis software. Advantageously, the present subject may non-invasively sample and analyze suck and may stimulate nerve endings in the face of an infant.

Abstract: Molding method of manufacturing for soft-shield and orthodontic pacifiers, and for pacifiers having snap-in caps that prevent exposing baglet to molten plastic during molding process.

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: A nipple simulating the shape, surface geometry and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The base has an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and can simulate the areola of a woman's breast. The bulbous region can simulate the region of a woman's breast surrounding the areola. The areola region has a texture or surface geometry that is different from the texture or surface geometry of the stem or bulbous region.

Abstract: A vibrating pacifier comprising a housing, where the housing encompasses a vibrating mechanism, a set of wings extending from opposing sides of the housing, a nipple protruding from the housing, where the nipple is covered in a plurality of nubs on a blunt end of the nipple, and a handle attached to the housing, wherein the handle contains a battery compartment and a switch to activate the vibrating mechanism to enable the vibrating pacifier to oscillate thus providing comfort and relief to a baby while teething.

Abstract: A pacifier for a baby of the type having a rigid shield, further comprising: a nipple; and a plug for securing the nipple to the rigid shield. The pacifier comprises a shock absorbing feature disposed on an outer facing portion of the pacifier, for absorbing a shock in the event that the baby falls forward. In exemplary embodiments, the shock absorbing feature comprises a resilient member disposed between a plug base and plug head; a resilient loop-shaped member; or a pillow-like member.

Abstract: This invention is a dual function suckling device. In the first configuration it operates as a small feeding bottle. In the second configuration it operates as a pacifier. It bridges the gap between regular size bottles and pacifiers. This device comprises: a bottle, a plug, and a nipple assembly having a mouth-guard and a cylindrical base equipped with a sealing ring. The cylinder base is configured to be either attached to the bottle, thereby allowing the device to operate as a feeder or stopped up by the plug, thereby allowing the device to operate as a pacifier. Variations of this design include adding a protective cap.

Abstract: A system of pacifiers adapted for reinforcing weaning of a child from pacifier use and comprising a plurality of pacifiers, each pacifier having successively appropriately smaller sized baglet portions, each pacifier having substantially identical appearing and feeling handle portions and substantially identical appearing and feeling mouth guard portions for reinforcing comfort of the child during weaning, each pacifier alternatively further comprising associated indicia for corresponding with the stages or chapters of a predetermined story, illusion or other method of weaning a child from pacifier use wherein the person employing a method of the patent either secretly, or as part of an overall calming context, introduces substitute smaller baglet pacifiers as previous larger baglet pacifiers, successively in order largest to smallest, along with the predetermined emotionally reassuring story as to disposition of previous pacifiers as necessary to calm the child.

Abstract: Sleep mouthpieces are provided. One such mouthpiece includes an intraoral component including first and second troughs configured to receive a user's upper and lower teeth or ridges. The troughs are separated by a distance, thereby providing an opening that can allow mouth breathing. The mouthpiece includes an extraoral component connected to the intraoral component by first and second columns. The columns can be positioned at first and second ends of the intraoral component. The columns can also be positioned at first and second ends of the opening. The columns can also be positioned between the ends of the opening and the ends of the intraoral component. The extraoral component includes first and second retention portions extending from the first and second columns away from a center of the intraoral component and away from the opening. The first and second retention portions are configured to contact the user's face.

Abstract: A pacifier includes a generally spherically or hemispherical, pliant, breast-like body having a center portion, the body comprised of a soft fabric stuffed with a light-weight stuffing material. The pacifier further includes a nipple. The body incorporates a feature for removably attaching the nipple to the body at the center portion of the body. In one configuration the nipple includes a nipple body and a base. The body includes a nipple support panel sewn to the soft fabric. The soft fabric includes an aperture in the center portion. The aperture is sized such that it can be distorted to accommodate insertion of the nipple base wherein the nipple base is retained between the soft fabric and the nipple support panel with the nipple body projecting through the aperture. A pacifier in the form of a blanket having a removable nipple is also described.

Abstract: A pacifier for use with premature newborns and infants. The pacifier has a shield and a hollow bulb projecting from one side of the shield, the bulb defining a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile or internal shape along at least a portion of its length from the shield to its distal free end.

Abstract: The infant mouthpiece of the present invention comprises a U-shaped mouth mold for inserting into the mouth of the infant, wherein the mouth mold comprises a top, a bottom, a center, a distal end, a proximal end, and a plurality of ridges disposed along the top of the mouth mold. The infant mouthpiece further comprises a female portion of a plug and a stopper, wherein the stopper comprises a proximal side, a distal side, and a center. The mouth mold, the stopper, and the female portion of the plug are connected such that the proximal end of the mouth mold is connected to the distal side of the stopper and the proximal side of the stopper is connected to the female portion of the plug.

Abstract: Comforter with a mouth shield and a hollow teat part which is fixed by means of an insert part in a clamped manner in an opening of the mouth shield, and which comprises a mouth portion, a shaft portion and a peripheral flange arranged at the end of the shaft portion remote from the mouth portion, the teat part having a security strip made of a relatively hard material, which is connected to the mouth portion, extends as far as the region of the flange and has a widening there.

Abstract: A pacifier having a nipple, which can be fastened to the pacifier guard with a stem-shaped end, wherein on the pacifier guard a fastening part that is or can be connected to the pacifier is provided on a side provided for placing the lips thereon such that the pacifier is connected to the pacifier guard when the fastening part is fastened to the pacifier guard.

Abstract: Intraoral orthodontic pacifier/nipple appliances having integrated orthodontic functionality. The appliance has an integrated orthodontic mechanism. The bulb expands or moves upward and expands outward as a child sucks on it, to counteract inward pressure of the cheeks and the lateral portion of the lips caused by suction or sucking action. The invention also provides products including the orthodontic appliance, as well as methods of using the appliance and products including the appliance in the inhibition and treatment of certain malocclusions in the primary dentition of young children.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infant pacifying device can comprise a nipple strapped to an adult finger, wherein the nipple is pivotally mounted to a finger strap. Thus, the adult's finger can move relative to the infant without pulling the pacifier from the infant's mouth. In some embodiments, the nipple is joined to the finger strap through a ball-and-socket or a universal joint.

Abstract: A Developmental Pacifier is provided to help infants with functional feeding development and to assist with specific developmental problems in young children such as developmental delays, prematurity, gastro-esophageal reflux, autism spectrum disorder, hypotonicity, cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, microcephaly, and other sensory integrative dysfunctions. The developmental pacifier of the present invention encourages acceptance of food textures and stimulates oral-motor awareness, and reduces or eliminates functional feeding problems in children. The Developmental Pacifier has a nipple with an upper portion and a base portion, a base, and sensory elements. A series of Developmental Pacifiers with varying sensory elements may be used for certain treatment regimens as prescribed by a medical practitioner, pediatric occupational therapist, or other pediatric specialist.

Abstract: This application is directed towards a unique pacifier that will be able to contain small amounts of a variety of nourishments, including medications, with varying viscosities delivering them through a manually adjustable means controlling the flow rate into the nipple. By using a collapsible bag to contain the nourishment, it eliminates the possibility of the infant ingesting air. This pacifier has been designed with more than ample clearance in the area of the nose along with large openings in the sides where the infant can breathe if there is any problem breathing through the nose.

Abstract: A nipple appliance having a base portion, a bulb portion having an integrated internal mechanical device that expands as the child sucks on the bulb, and a neck portion connecting the base portion and bulb portion. A sucking force by a child activates the mechanical device by compression of a front of the nipple to redirect force outward and upward by expansion of lateral walls of the bulb, thereby conveying pressure against the palate, alveolar ridge, and/or the teeth.

Abstract: An artificial nipple can include a nipple body portion connected to a mounting structure that is configured for mounting the nipple on an infant feeding bottle. A mammary papilla leading end portion can be disposed at the leading end portion of a mammary papilla portion and have a leading end opening portion. The inner layer on the inner side of the wall is formed of a shape holding layer made of a material having a rigidity capable of holding the wall shape. The outer layer on the surface side of the wall is formed of a tongue abutting layer having a smooth face. Between the shape holding layer and the tongue abutting layer there is disposed a deformation absorbing layer which is made of a material having a lower rigidity than that of the material of the shape holding layer and the tongue abutting layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing onset, offset, duration, frequency, and intensity of infant sucking and creating electrical signals which actuate a stimulus producing device in direct response to the infant sucking.

Abstract: A soother comprising a teat and a shield is constructed by co-moulding the teat and the shield and over-moulding the teat material on the shield material. As a result a secure bond is formed and a simple and easily cleanable soother is provided.

Abstract: A nipple simulating the shape and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The nipple preferably has a securing structure integrally formed to the base. The base has an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and is designed to simulate the shape of the areola region of a woman's breast. The bulbous region is positioned between the areola region and the securing structure, and is designed to simulate the shape of the region of a woman's breast surrounding the areola region.

Abstract: A dummy teat including a nipple carrier and a hollow dummy nipple projecting from the nipple carrier, which has areas of a smaller wall thickness at least on two opposed longitudinal sides.

Abstract: A two-piece joint designed to allow a one-piece silicone pacifier to be removably attached to an appealing stuffed toy, soothing blanket, or other article that might be attractive to an infant. One section of the joint includes the back of the pacifier, and the second section of the joint is made as a receiver that accepts the male joint members and permit the pacifier to be semi-permanently attached to the toy.

Abstract: A disposable beverage container is disclosed having an aseptic flexible pouch filled with a beverage, and a nipple apparatus attached to an upper surface. The pouch preferably has a patch and the nipple apparatus sits on the patch. The nipple includes one or more cutting teeth that, when actuated by a user, pierces the flexible pouch to cause beverage to flow into the nipple where it can be consumed by a child.

Abstract: A pacifier apparatus, specifically a hollow-bodied member having a nipple attachment for use by a baby or small child.

Abstract: The pacifier guard is made of a polymer compound silicone base easily cleansed, designed to continuously protects the nipple from germs on different surfaces. Made of the same silicone base material as the exterior, the nipple is connected to the external polymer silicone base element of a flexible material, generating a stronger design. Flexible appendages are individual shields of the external component, attached to the exterior silicone guard expanding once pressure is applied decreasing as pressure is removed. The dome shaped exterior (such as 53 of FIG. 1) creates a protective umbrella over the nipple increasing the chances of nipple protection. Located in the center is the guard and loop combination (such as 51 of FIG. 1), designed to prevent choking regarding child safety and the loop for easy removal from the child's mouth.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for being secured on an infant pacifier comprises a fluid delivery nozzle configured to direct fluid toward an infant's nares and a nozzle support member secured to the fluid delivery nozzle and configured for being secured on the mouth shield of the pacifier.

Abstract: An orthopedic pacifier defining a shield adapted to remain outside of the mouth, a bulb adapted to be located in the mouth and on which the child sucks. The bulb is adapted to expand or move upward and outward as the child sucks on it, to counteract inward pressure of the cheeks and the lateral portion of the lips caused by the suction or sucking action.

Abstract: A nipple comprising a bulbous portion, a tubular portion having a central axis and a first end of the tubular portion connected to the bulbous portion, the tubular portion including a texture band about an exterior surface, the texture band including a first pattern of surface features having a nominal height in a range from about 0.005 inches to about 0.022 inches, and a flange connected to a second end of the tubular portion.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein provides a device, system, and method for weaning a child off a sucking device, such as a pacifier, by introducing a series of sucking devices with successively smaller nubs. A child is given a first sucking device having a nub of a certain size, and, after a time period, the child is given a second sucking device having a nub smaller than that of the first sucking device. This method may be repeated in multiple iterations, until the child is weaned off sucking devices.

Abstract: Improved pacifiers are provided. Certain embodiments better accommodate the anatomy of the human oral cavity and throat, and can provide for improved airway patency, healthy jaw development, correct swallowing, and/or satisfy a user's inclination to suck and nibble. Certain embodiments include an upper ridge groove configured to receive a user's upper anterior ridge, and a lower ridge groove configured to receive the user's lower anterior ridge. The ridge grooves can be substantially vertically aligned, can span a user's anterior ridges, and can maintain vertical spacing between the user's anterior ridges. Certain embodiments include an anterior flange and a posterior flange, the upper ridge groove configured to receive the upper anterior ridge between the posterior flange and anterior flange, and the lower ridge groove configured to receive the lower anterior ridge between the posterior flange and anterior flange.

Abstract: An infant nursing device is disclosed comprising a glass fluid-containing inner vessel disposed within a plastic outer protective shell. The inner vessel contacts the outer protective shell at the neck of the device, and at the midsection and bottom of the shell. The two containers come together and are removably attached with a nipple and gasket mechanism. The gasket holds the nipple to the inner vessel and the inner vessel to the outer protective shell. When not in use, the inner vessel can be filled with fluid, and a primary cap disposed on the inner vessel to seal the contents. To use the device, the inner vessel is disposed in the outer protective shell, the nipple and gasket are attached, sealing the nipple to the inner vessel and holding fast the outer protective shell, and a secondary cap disposed over the nipple.

Abstract: A baby feeding bottle includes a bottle base having a fluid container, and a feeding assembly from which an infant feeds. The feeding assembly includes a bottom nipple secured at the top of the bottle base, and having an outlet for providing a maximum flow rate of a feeding liquid. A middle nipple may be provided over the bottom nipple. The middle nipple may include a plurality of selectable setting outlets, each of which corresponds to a different flow rate setting. The bottle is adjustable so that a setting outlet corresponding to a single flow rate setting at a time may receive liquid from the first nipple. In this manner, the maximum flow from the first nipple may be reduced by a setting outlet corresponding to one of the flow rate settings. In addition, the flow rate setting may be changed in-use or prior to use to accommodate varying flow rates corresponding to each setting.

Abstract: Combination pacifier tethering and bracelet systems and related methods are disclosed. According to an aspect of the disclosed subject matter, a system comprises a flexible stringing component including first and second ends. The system also comprises first and second clip mechanisms attached to the first and second ends, respectively, of the stringing component. The first and second clip mechanisms are adapted for coupling together in a bracelet mode such that the stringing component substantially forms a loop. In a pacifier tethering mode, the first clip mechanism is adapted for coupling to a pacifier, and the second clip mechanism is adapted for coupling to an anchor for tethering the pacifier to the anchor.

Abstract: A pacifier with a mouth shield made of relatively firm material, a nipple protruding from the inside of the mouth shield and made of relatively soft material, and a security thread connected to the mouth shield, which consists of the relatively firm material, is connected to the nipple and extends in the longitudinal direction thereof, characterized in that a first section of the security thread runs at a distance from those areas of the nipple which are intersected by the imaginary sagittal midplane of the nipple.