Abstract: An implantable device includes an EAP actuator and a sensor. The sensor is configured to monitor a force external to the implantable device acting in a direction either with or counter to a direction of actuation of the actuator, and a controller is adapted to control the actuator to actuate at a moment when force counter to the direction of actuation is sensed to be at its lowest within a given time window or force with the direction of actuation is sensed to be at its highest within a given time window. In this way, actuation is effected at a moment of least resistance force, reducing the power needed for deployment of the actuator, and permitting actuation to occur even in conditions experiencing large variable forces.

Abstract: A system for determining a pulse wave velocity comprises a body lumen insertable device with an actuator for providing a pulse in the vicinity of a vessel wall and a sensor for sensing arrival of the pulse. A pulse wave velocity is obtained from the time difference between actuation of the actuator and sensing of the pulse. This system is used to create an artificial pulse which is transmitted along a vessel by a known distance before detection by a sensor.

Abstract: A visit duration control system comprises a sensor (10) for sensing one or more physiological parameters of a person over time allowing the quantification of stress load of said person, a visit detector (20) for indicating the start of a third party's visit to said person, a processor (30) for determining said person's stress load from said one or more physiological parameters during said third party's visit and a signaling unit (40) for issuing a warning signal if said stress load exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A reformable positioning device providing a user-configurable structure to facilitate customized support and positioning of a subject. The device may comprise a support structure including a support surface having dimensions to accommodate the subject. The support structure may include a resiliently deformable body configured to hold a user-configured shape to position the subject. The resiliently deformable body may be enclosed within and/or otherwise covered by a cover.

Abstract: A breast pump system (1) comprises a breast pump arranged to extract milk from a user; and a breathing guidance means configured to provide a suggested breathing pattern to the user. The breathing guidance means may be produced by a motorized breast pump unit (10), or may be a series of stimuli at a stimuli frequency, which are perceivable by the user. The system (1) may include a heart rate monitor for measuring the heart rate of the user, and the suggested breathing pattern may be coupled to the measured heart rate.

Abstract: A visit duration control system comprises a sensor (10) for sensing one or more physiological parameters of a person over time allowing the quantification of stress load of said person, a visit detector (20) for indicating the start of a third party's visit to said person, a processor (30) for determining said person's stress load from said one or more physiological parameters during said third party's visit and a signaling unit (40) for issuing a warning signal if said stress load exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: An insert for a breast-receiving funnel of a breast pump includes an elongate inflatable bladder which defines a pressure chamber. The elongate inflatable bladder is configured to fit in a teat receiving space of the breast receiving funnel so that the bladder extends from an inner end of the funnel towards an outer end of the funnel. The bladder lies between a user's teat and the funnel when a breast is inserted in the funnel, such that the elongate inflatable bladder is configured to deform towards a user's teat located in the teat receiving space in a predetermined manner when a pressure difference is applied between the teat receiving space and the pressure chamber such that a peristaltic action is applied to the user's teat, to aid the expression of milk therefrom.

Abstract: A breast receiving funnel (5) for a breast pump (1) comprising an expandable layer (18) formed from a hydrogel which is configured to expand such that an inner surface of the breast receiving funnel (5), against which a user's breast is locatable, swells towards said user's breast to apply a positive pressure thereto and aid the expression of milk therefrom.

Abstract: An insert for a breast-receiving funnel (10) of a breast pump comprising an elongate inflatable bladder (23) which defines a pressure chamber (26), the elongate inflatable bladder (23) being adapted to fit in a teat receiving space (11) of said breast receiving funnel (10) so that the bladder extends from an inner end of said funnel towards an outer end of said funnel, and lie between a user's teat and the funnel when a breast is inserted in the funnel, such that the elongate inflatable bladder is configured to deform towards a user's teat located in the teat receiving space in a predetermined manner when a pressure difference is applied between the teat receiving space and the pressure chamber such that a peristaltic action is applied to said user's teat, to aid the expression of milk therefrom.

Abstract: A breast pump insert to receive the breast of a user of a breast pump is disclosed. The insert is formed from inner and outer materials, wherein the outer material exhibits greater hardness than the inner material.

Abstract: A breast receiving funnel (5) for a breast pump (1) comprising an expandable layer (18) formed from a hydrogel which is configured to expand such that an inner surface of the breast receiving funnel (5), against which a user's breast is locatable, swells towards said user's breast to apply a positive pressure thereto and aid the expression of milk therefrom.

Abstract: A breast pump system (1) comprises a breast pump arranged to extract milk from a user; and a breathing guidance means configured to provide a suggested breathing pattern to the user. The breathing guidance means may be produced by a motorised breast pump unit (10), or may be a series of stimuli at a stimuli frequency, which are perceivable by the user. The system (1) may include a heart rate monitor for measuring the heart rate of the user, and the suggested breathing pattern may be coupled to the measured heart rate.

Abstract: The invention provides an electro-therapeutic device for application on a human or animal body part, comprising electrodes (3), a measuring means connected thereto and arranged to measure a value of an electrical quantity, and a control unit (10) to process the measured values, wherein the control unit (10) further comprises pattern recognition means to determine a pattern in the measured values, for example by comparing with patterns stored in a memory unit (15). By means of the determined pattern, the device is able to know its position on the body, and to determine whether this position is suitable for a treatment, and to which electrodes a treatment signal must be supplied. The device is much easier to use since it does not require any user's knowledge about patterns, as this may be stored in the device itself.