Abstract: A hand held breast pump comprises a powered head (1), a body (7) including a diaphragm pump, a breast engaging portion (23) and a bottle coupling (24). The powered head (1) may be exchangeable for a manual head (4).

Abstract: A powered breast pump has user input means which enable a user to control the pump in a “learn” mode. When the pump is switched to a “run” mode, it mimics the pumping cycle established by the user in the “learn” mode. The pump may be continuously operated in “learn” mode, in which case it functions as a power-assisted breast pump.

Abstract: A flexible resilient breast pump insert adapted to fit onto a vacuum generating breast pump operable to cyclically generate and release a negative pressure is disclosed. The insert has deformable zones (11, 14) spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of the insert which are connected to the source of negative pressure so that the zones (11, 14) are deformed sequentially when the negative pressure is applied, to cause them to move inwardly and outwardly relative to the users nipple and areola and apply a peristaltic pressure thereto.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a drinking vessel comprising a lid (2) with a spout (3). A diaphragm valve (14) is mounted on a central spigot (7) of an insert which protrudes from the bottom of the spout (3) and has an enlarged head (8) which provides a sealing surface (9) which cooperates with a bead (16) around a central hole (22) in the diaphragm. The diaphragm (14) has an annular flap (18) at its periphery which normally closes a breather hole (4) in the lid (2) but opens when a user sucks on the spout (3) to allow air to enter container (1) to equalize the internal and external pressure when liquid flows past the diaphragm (14).

Abstract: A breast pump is disclosed comprising a body (50) with an inlet (84) thereto to receive milk expressed from a woman's breast. The body is formed for releasable attachment to a container for collecting expressed milk and houses a deformable diaphragm (51) which is cyclicly moved by manually or electrically driven actuating lever (53, 54) connected thereto to generate and release cyclicly a negative pressure in the nipple region sufficient to stimulate the nipple area to cause lactation. The pump preferably includes valve (80) mounted in the body so that the negative pressure is created in the pump body only and not in the container for the expressed milk when connected thereto.