Abstract: A presently preferred embodiment of the invention includes a breast shield for use on a human breast including a breast-receiving portion, which is sized and shaped to receive a nipple and at least some surrounding breast. One or more sensors are connected to the breast-receiving portion and capable of sensing changes in the breast. Alternate embodiments of this aspect of the present invention include a sensor being one or more, for example, of an optical sensor, an electrode, a thermal sensor and an acoustic sensor. The optical sensor may be adapted to detect changes in light reflected from the breast. The electrode may be a pair of electrode parts, a first of which is used to apply an output voltage to the breast and a second of which is used to receive current conducted from the first of the pair of electrode parts. The acoustic sensor may be adapted to detect changes in breast tissue.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with one or more novel suction sequences. which are considered to produce advantageous particularized results. Such sequences include a suction method for increased milk production and an improved suction method in general.

Abstract: The connector of the present invention provides fewer connections and attachments to a breastpump configured for expressing breast milk from both of a woman's breasts simultaneously, thereby facilitating easier use of the breast pump and yielding fewer pieces for the user to carry or misplace. The connector includes a manifold with four ports. Individual tubes extend from three of the four ports and each has a plug member. One tube engages with a vacuum source and the remaining two tubes engage with a breastshield assembly for double breast pumping. When single breastpumping is desired, one of the two tubes connected to the breastpump assemblies is disconnected and engaged with the dock port of the manifold.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with one or more novel suction sequences which are considered to produce advantageous particularized results. Such sequences include a suction method for increased milk production and an improved suction method in general.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a tube within a receptacle. A latching component fits within the receptacle, and receives a plug member to which the tube is connected. One end of receptacle is adapted, for instance, to be attached to a tube on a motor drive unit of a breast pump assembly, or formed integrally therewith. The opposite end of receptacle receives components of the connector therein. The plug member is inserted into the latching component and has means thereon that engage corresponding means on the latching component such that the plug member is releasably secured within the latching component in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: The suction pump is essentially comprised of three separate pump parts, namely of a drive unit located inside a main casing (1), of a collecting reservoir (8) and of a valve block (6), which is arranged directly between the casing (1) and reservoir, whereby these parts can be easily coupled to one another in a manner that enables them to be detached.

Abstract: The diaphragm suction pump has a pump chamber (7) located in a base plate (6), the wall of said chamber extending in a conical manner from a central flat base section (7?) to the lateral edge (8). The elastic pump diaphragm (5), which spans the pump chamber (7), is configured in such a way that it lies tightly against the entire pump chamber wall at the top dead center point of the drive connecting rod (4). The diaphragm (5) consists of a self-supporting elastic material with rear recesses (9; 10), which form hinges that can be elastically pretensioned during the operation of the diaphragm (5).

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast pump, which in addition to a drive motor (7), vacuum diaphragm pump (1) and programme-controlled electronics (4), comprises a vacuum chamber (12) with a separation diaphragm (13), which is connected between a pump intake conduit (9) and an extraction hood (11). The first chamber (14) is equipped with a device (16) for the negative or positive aeration of said chamber. Said device (16) is also programme-controlled by the electronics (4) during the normal continuous operation of the pump (1).