Abstract: A pump unit (10) includes a number of pumps (14) each having a port in fluid connection to a combined port (12) of the pump unit. A processing system (16) is connected to each of the pumps (14) for independent actuation of each pump. A user interface (22) allows user actuation of the pump unit according to one or more mode of operation, requiring various different levels of suction or pressure. The processing system (16) determines what number of pumps (14) is required, and selectively actuates pumps in order to generate the required suction or pressure. Particularly preferred applications include breast pumps. Additional aspects of the invention relate to a cyclic pulsed suction profile generated by the device, implementations that detect when a milk extraction set is not properly deployed, and configurations which allow a touch screen to be used as a power-on switch for the device.

Abstract: Computerized methods and systems generate first and second data items from a source data item. The first data item includes a first subset of data of the source data item. The second data item includes a second subset of data of the source data item that is different from the first subset. Both of the first and second subsets of data are necessary to access the source data item. A first data storage medium stores the first data item, and a second data storage medium, remotely located from the first data storage medium, stores the second data item.

Abstract: A pump unit (10) includes a number of pumps (14) each having a port in fluid connection to a combined port (12) of the pump unit. A processing system (16) is connected to each of the pumps (14) for independent actuation of each pump. A user interface (22) allows user actuation of the pump unit according to one or more mode of operation, requiring various different levels of suction or pressure. The processing system (16) determines what number of pumps (14) is required, and selectively actuates pumps in order to generate the required suction or pressure. Particularly preferred applications include breast pumps. Additional aspects of the invention relate to a cyclic pulsed suction profile generated by the device, implementations that detect when a milk extraction set is not properly deployed, and configurations which allow a touch screen to be used as a power-on switch for the device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a period of use of components includes a number of components each having an integrated or attached NFC tag and a monitoring system. The monitoring system includes a processing system, an NFC reader and an output device for providing information to a user. The monitoring system is configured to read data from an NFC tag of one of said components brought into proximity to said NFC reader and determine whether said component has been previously used. For a previously used component, the monitoring system generates an indication to a user of a period-of-use status. For a component not previously used, the monitoring system stores data indicative of a first date of use of the component. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring the expiration date of perishable goods.

Abstract: A breast pump includes a breast shield, a suction module for applying suction to the breast shield, and a controller. In one embodiment, the controller includes a wireless receiver for receiving pumping session descriptions according to which the suction module is operated. A corresponding non-volatile computer-readable storage medium has embodied thereon program code for defining pumping session descriptions and for transmitting the descriptions to the breast pump. In another embodiment, the controller includes a non-volatile memory for storing pumping mode descriptions, each of which includes a suction level, a cycle rate and an orientation, and a user interface for selecting one of the pumping mode descriptions for operating the suction module. In a third embodiment, the breast pump includes a port for reversibly coupling to an external memory for reading and/or writing pumping session descriptions and optionally for powering external devices.

Abstract: A breast interface assembly for connecting a breast pump to a nipple of a breast, includes a connector and a reversible element which has two terminal portions of differing internal diameters. The breast interface assembly is configured to be assembled in a first state, in which a first terminal portion of the reversible element connects with the connector, and the breast interface assembly presents a breast contact surface defining a nipple aperture of a first diameter. The breast interface assembly is further configured to be assembled in a second state in which a second terminal portion of the reversible element connects with the connector and the breast interface assembly presents a breast contact surface defining a nipple aperture of a second diameter. In at least one of the first and second states, the reversible element provides at least part of the breast contact surface.