Abstract: A teat unit has a teat, a securing device for securing the teat on a liquid container, and an air valve, the securing device having a first securing part and a second securing part. The air valve has a first valve part, which is arranged in the first securing part, and a second valve part, which is arranged in the first or in the second securing part. The air valve opens and closes with respect to the second securing part. The valve is preferably a diaphragm valve, and the first valve part is a valve diaphragm. This teat unit functions very reliably even at very small pressure differences between the bottle and the environment. Moreover, the range of function of the various teat units of the same type is relatively narrow, such that different teat units function very similarly and the air valves are actuated at similar pressure differences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a breastpump that can be operated to generate milk expression sequences or curves with some irregularity or randomness in the course of a session.

Abstract: In an apparatus for recognizing couplings between a first and a second component of a system, one of the two components is provided with an identification unit. A checking unit is operatively connected to the second component. The identification unit contains an item of information relating to the first component. The checking unit is designed for recognizing and processing this item of information. The checking unit moreover is designed such that, as a function of a result of the processing of the item of information, it allows or prevents coupling between the first and the second component. This apparatus enables a combined use of system components only in the case of an admissible coupling thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a suction sequence which is considered to produce advantageous results, particularly for mothers with newborn infants. The sequence comprises a process of stimulation, expression, and pausing to closely mimic a newborn's sucking pattern.

Abstract: A drainage container device for collecting suctioned bodily fluids by means of a vacuum source includes a drainage container with a suction port to be connected with the vacuum source; an essentially one-piece container lid for closing and opening the drainage container, and with a drainage port to be connected with a patient drainage line; a suction bag for holding the suctioned bodily fluid, which is arranged on the container lid and accommodated by the drainage container; a channel that runs at least partially through the container lid, which joins an interior space of the suction bag with the suction port by way of an interior space of the drainage container, and is otherwise closed, and a protective element, in particular a filter, for avoiding overflow and/or contamination of the vacuum source by a suctioned bodily fluid.

Abstract: A suction pump unit comprises a vacuum port, an excess pressure port and a switching valve. The switching valve comprises a valve body with two inputs, wherein a first of the inputs is connected with the vacuum port, and a second of the inputs is connected with the excess pressure port. The switching valve further comprises an output with a through hole, wherein the output can be moved relative to the inputs from the first input to the second input and back, as a result of which the through hole alternately establishes a fluid-communicating connection with one of the inputs. The through hole of the output is released and ventilated during at least part of the movement between the two inputs. This suction pump unit permits passive and active ventilation of an output line connected with the output.

Abstract: A breastshield unit for expressing human breastmilk has a receiving part for receiving a human nipple, an underpressure chamber for applying an under-pressure to the nipple, wherein the receiving part opens into this underpressure chamber, and a membrane for generating an underpressure in the underpressure chamber. The membrane is designed in one or more pieces and at least partially surrounds the receiving part. This breastshield unit permits a separation of media in the area near the breast. It is small and easy to clean and is suitable in particular for use as a hands-free breastshield unit.

Abstract: A teat unit for a feeding bottle has a teat and an adjustment mechanism. The teat can be changed, in terms of its shape or stiffness, by the adjustment mechanism. In this way, one and the same teat can be used with different outward forms. The teat can be adapted to the needs of the baby before or during feeding.

Abstract: A teat unit for sucking a liquid from a liquid container includes a teat and a flow restrictor with a through-opening. The teat comprises a mouthpiece, with a suction opening, and a main body which is formed integrally on the mouthpiece and widens relative to the mouthpiece. The flow restrictor defines a maximum flow of the liquid passing through the suction opening from the liquid container. According to the invention, the flow restrictor is arranged outside the mouthpiece, and the suction opening has a greater cross-sectional surface area than the through-opening of the flow restrictor. The teat unit permits a feeding action that is as true to nature as possible, since the mouthpiece can be deformed very considerably, without substantially impairing the flow restriction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing cells and in particular to a method of preparing breastmilk stem cells (BSCs) by isolation from breastmilk and subsequent culture. The invention further relates to BSCs prepared by the methods of the invention and to methods and uses thereof. In one aspect, the invention has been developed as a method for preparing and culturing BSC.

Abstract: A teat unit has a teat with a suction opening, a support body, and a securing part for securing the teat unit on a drinking vessel. The securing part and the support body are fixedly connected to each other indirectly or directly, and they cannot be detached from each other without being destroyed. The support body has a surface with recesses, which are covered by the teat. The teat is overmoulded over the support body, wherein the teat covers the recesses. This teat unit permits a sucking action that is as natural as possible. It is of a simple construction and can be produced inexpensively, which means that it can be disposed of after one use.

Abstract: A closure for a container has a plurality of indicia such as date and/or time, disposed on the lid's top surface, with a rotary collar which is adjustable to a fixed position to highlight (select) indicia regarding the contents of the container.

Abstract: Exemplary systems for small volume collection for a breastpump system are provided. The systems allow breast milk to flow directly from the breastshield to the collection container without leaving the control volume. A valve is present outside of the milk flow path that does not contact breast milk prior to the milk reaching a collection vessel.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing a supply of breast milk. In one form the system includes a codified container for receiving expressed breast milk. A computing device receives an image of the expressed milk in the codified container. The codification allows for software to recognize the size and type of the container, as well as scale and orientation, to translate the image into an accurate volume. The milk data is then processed and analyzed to produce feedback regarding the pumping session, such as logs, charts, or reminders. In other embodiments, nipple positioning may be analyzed as well.

Abstract: A suction pump system for aspirating body fluids from a patient is disclosed. The suction pump system includes a housing, at least one pump unit, and a one fluid collection container, which is connected to the pump unit via a vacuum line. The at least one pump unit is arranged in the housing, and the housing has more than one fixture for releasably and simultaneously holding the fluid collection container. The suction pump system allows a patient's body fluids to be aspirated from different sites simultaneously. The suction pump system is easy to operate, affords the user great flexibility in terms of the choice of drainage, and permits a good overview of the chosen applications.

Abstract: A fluid collection reservoir for receiving an aspirated fluid has a secretion connection for connecting a drainage tube situated at a patient's side, and a vacuum connection for connecting to a suction pump. The reservoir has an interior space which is divided by means of ribs. The interior space is divided at least into a vacuum chamber and a secretion chamber, with said two chambers being connected to one another by means of at least one passage. The vacuum connector is arranged in the vacuum chamber and the secretion connector is arranged in the secretion chamber. This reservoir prevents contamination of the suction line or of the suction pump with aspirated fluid.

Abstract: A vacuum pump for generating an underpressure has a pump chamber (14, 15) with an inlet (143) and an outlet (150), wherein the outlet (150) is equipped with a valve (3). According to the invention, the pump chamber (14, 15) is provided with a pressure sensor (23, 23?, 24). This vacuum pump has a relatively precise and inexpensive vacuum sensor. It is also advantageous that the sensor, being integrated in the pump chamber, is not susceptible to failure and takes up a small amount of space.

Abstract: A coupling part of a drainage tube unit for aspirating body fluids by a suction pump includes a patient-side drainage attachment, a pump-side drainage orifice for connection to a drainage tube, and a drainage channel connecting the drainage attachment and the drainage orifice to each other. The coupling part also includes a pump-side first service orifice for connection to a service tube, a second service orifice ending in the interior of the coupling part, a service channel connecting these first and second service orifices, and a device which separates the service channel from the drainage channel. The device permits delivery of fluid from the service channel into the drainage channel and prevents delivery of particles and liquid from the drainage channel into the service channel. The device is arranged in the coupling part at a location that allows a flow through the drainage channel from the drainage attachment to the drainage orifice without passage through the device.

Abstract: A flow control element (e.g., a baby bottle nipple or a child nippy cup flow control valve) that includes a tube-like wall section defining a flow channel, and a substantially flat membrane supported by the wall section such that membrane impedes flow through the flow channel to an external region. The membrane punctured to form multiple, substantially round pinholes arranged in a two-dimensional pattern that remain closed to prevent fluid flow under normal atmospheric conditions, and open and to facilitate fluid flow rate through the membrane under an applied pressure differential (e.g., when sucked on by a child). The wall section has a greater rigidity than the membrane (which is formed from a relatively highly elastic material). Different sized pinholes are produced using different sized pins, thereby facilitating different flow rates in response to different applied pressure differentials. The pinholes are generated while stretching the membrane in a radial direction.