Abstract: A visible valve system for a breastmilk expression system is set forth. The visible valve system includes an outer member, graspable by a human hand. The outer member provides a visual indication that the system is properly assembled. The visible valve system can reduce spillage from a breastmilk container by providing at least a portion of a spill reducing tortuous path in the system, or the spill-reducing tortuous path may be provided in another component of a breastmilk expression system of which the visible valve system is a part.

Abstract: Apparatuses for collecting breast milk are described herein. The apparatuses include a body having a front side and a rear side opposed to the front side, the body defining a cavity and the rear side defining an opening shaped for receiving a portion of a user's breast. The cavity has an upper region for receiving the portion of the user's breast and a lower region for collecting the breast milk. The opening is positioned adjacent to the upper region of the cavity. The apparatuses may include a suction generating device for modulating the negative pressure in the cavity when the apparatus is pressed against the user's breast.

Abstract: A breast pump according to the present invention includes a variable pressure generating unit, the variable pressure generating unit including a power driving unit including a stepping motor that is capable of rotating both normally and in reverse, and a negative pressure forming unit that creates a negative pressure state periodically by causing an elastic body to deform in accordance with a cycle period formed by the power driving unit, wherein the negative pressure forming unit is coupled to the expressing unit, and the stepping motor is capable of modifying an amplitude of the cycle period and the cycle period during negative pressure formation as desired. Hence, a suction pressure and a pressure increase/decrease cycle can both be set as desired, and moreover, a breast pump that uses electric power can be constructed compactly.

Abstract: A device for expression and collection of breast milk includes an actuatable assembly and a breast interface. The breast interface is sized to receive a breast and form a fluid tight seal against the breast. The breast interface includes an expandable membrane disposed within at least a portion of the breast interface. The expandable membrane reversibly deforms in response to actuation of the actuatable assembly, thereby applying vacuum pressure at the breast to express milk. The expandable membrane comprises a plurality of expandable pleats which extend radially outward from a central longitudinal axis of the breast interface.

Abstract: A lactation system is disclosed. Embodiments include at least one extraction mechanism including a compression mechanism and a collection mechanism, and a controller. The compression mechanism can include a plurality of manipulable members, each operably coupled to an actuator and arrangeable circumferentially about a breast of a user such that each member can be actuated to selectively apply pressure to a region of the breast. The collection mechanism can be removably coupleable to the compression mechanism and can comprise a storage compartment to receive and store milk The controller can be operably coupleable to the actuators to cause the members to move according to a movement pattern which can be configured to stimulate the breast to induce the flow of milk from the breast and modulated based on sensor feedback. A wearable garment with an inner structure can be removably coupled to the extraction mechanism. An outer cover can be arrangeable to conceal the extraction mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid drainage system is provided which is configured to engage with a drainage tube engaged with a drainage site with a patient. The container has an internal cavity with negative pressure to impart suction to the drainage tube and can be engaged to the drainage tube without loss of negative pressure during the process. Secondary containers may be engaged to restore negative pressure to the first container and remove fluid therefrom. Walls of the first container may be shaped to resist deflection due to high internal negative pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a sensor-controlled nasal aspirator including a distance sensing unit, a micro processing unit and an air pump. The distance sensing unit is configured to sense a distance between a target object and the distance sensing unit. The micro processing unit is configured to store a preset distance, and receive and process the distance transmitted from the distance sensing unit, and transmit an action command signal when the distance is not higher than the preset distance. The air pump is configured to receive the action command signal and performs a target action according to the action command signal.

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: The invention proposes a device (1) and a corresponding method, wherein the device (1) comprises: a first element (10) to be attached to a breast of a breastfeeding mother; and a first marker (11) located on the outer surface (100) of the first element (10), wherein the first marker (11) is used for indicating a position of a mother's breast that the baby's lip is expected to contact in order to correctly hold the mother's breast. With the device (1) attached to the mother's breast, the first marker (11) indicates a position that the baby's lip is expected to contact, and the breastfeeding mother can have a clear view of whether the baby correctly holds the mother's breast according to the distance between the first marker (11) and the baby's lip.

Abstract: A clip (10) is provided with a body (12,14) that can house a device (16) such as a breathing monitor and that can attach to a garment. The body (12,14) forms a fixed jaw (18) and has a pivot jaw (24) that can pivot to grip the garment between fixed jaw(18) and pivot jaw (24). The clip (10) also has a pivoting lock (38) with a detent (42) that locks the pivot jaw (24) in a closed position, when the lock (38) is in a lock position.

Abstract: A pump apparatus and method for extracting breast milk is disclosed. The pump includes a first interface component to stimulate a Milk Ejection Reflex (MER) and a second interface component to extract breast milk. Milk is extracted through an improved method that more closely replicates the suckling of an infant.

Abstract: A canister for use in administering reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a center body, a first end cap, and a second end cap. The center body includes a first end, second end, and a number of fluidly separate body conduits. The first end cap is connected to the first end of the center body and includes a number of return conduits fluidly connecting one body conduit to another. The first end has a port for receiving a conduit in fluid communication with the tissue site. The second end cap is connected to the second end of the center body and includes a number of return conduits fluidly connecting one body conduit to another. The second end cap has a port for receiving a conduit in fluid communication with a reduced pressure source. The fluid connection between the body conduits and the return conduits creates a continuous, tortuous pathway.

Abstract: The present application relates to a breast pump system comprising a vacuum pump, an actuator for driving the vacuum pump, and a power supply for supplying electrical power to a plurality of components including the actuator, and also to a method for use in such as system. An output voltage of the power supply is detected, and in response to the detected output voltage being less than a first threshold voltage, the supply of electrical power to a predetermined one of the plurality of components is suspended. Then, if the detected output voltage recovers to a level above a second threshold value, the supply of electrical power is resumed.

Abstract: A device for collecting colostrum from a breast of a human and dispensing the colostrum to a newborn may include a colostrum collection member and a plunger. The colostrum collection member may include a funnel-shaped proximal portion with a wide, open end for facilitating collection of expressed colostrum, a narrow distal portion with a small-diameter opening for dispensing the expressed colostrum to the newborn, and a cylindrical barrel portion between the funnel-shaped proximal portion and the narrow distal portion. The plunger is configured for advancement through the wide, open end and the barrel portion of the collection member to force the colostrum out of the small-diameter opening.

Abstract: A colostrum collection system includes a breast cup, an intermediate reservoir, a syringe attached below the intermediate reservoir, and a vacuum pump drawing vacuum from the breast cup and syringe, through the intermediate reservoir. The vacuum pump maintains vacuum throughout a vacuum pump cycle, but varies the level of the vacuum between a low vacuum and a high vacuum. During high vacuum, the colostrum is drawn from the breast and into the intermediate reservoir, and air is drawn from the syringe creating reduced air pressure in the syringe. During low vacuum, the colostrum is drawn into the syringe by the reduced air pressure in the syringe.

Abstract: The invention provides an elastomeric expandable container 10 having a first opening 12 adapted to enable the introduction of a comestible fluid 16 under pressure to inflate the same, and a second opening 20 provided in a nipple-like projection 22 extending from said container 10 and adapted for nursing babies, said second opening 20 being closed by valve means 24, and said valve means 24 being opened and closed by the natural nursing actions of the baby to enable fluid 16 to flow under pressure of the inflated container 10 through said nipple 22 and out of the opening 20 thereof.

Abstract: A condom having an indicia disposed on the lower side of the roll when the condom is in the rolled configuration. Preferably, the indicia is a fluorescent marking disposed on the inner side of the condom disposed at a location so that, when the condom is in the rolled configuration, the indicia is visible from the lower side only. More preferably, the indicia is a ring-shaped marking extending about the inner side of the tubular body. In this configuration, a user holding a rolled condom can easily determine which is the upper side of the roll and which is the lower side of the roll. The user may then quickly orient the condom with the lower side facing toward the penis and unroll the condom in the proper direction.

Abstract: The female urination device assists a female in urinating from a standing position and directs the urine a suitable distance from the female. The device comprises a first end having a first opening for discharging urine and a second end having a second opening for receiving the urine. The second opening is larger than the first opening. The device further comprises a retractable tip to extend the length of the device.

Abstract: A male contraceptive device includes a condom-like sheath that is placed over the male genital member and has a flavorful formulated solution disposed inside the distal tip. The distal tip is operable to release, eject, or secrete the formulated solution during male ejaculation. The condom-like sheath is shaped to elastically conform to the elongated shape of a male genital member. The sheath has an open proximal end for receiving the male genital member and a distal end that has a distal tip that is selectively closed. The distal tip defines a reservoir containing an ingestible flavored solution and is operable to permit the release of a composition of the flavored solution and any seminal fluid that has entered the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to external urinary catheters for males. More specifically, the invention relates to an external urinary catheter that includes an absorbent material to absorb urinary discharge. The absorbent material can be located in either a distal end of a tubular sheath, or in a receptacle that attached to the distal end of the tubular sheath. The tubular sheath of the external urinary catheter can include a tubular sheath of silicone rubber, wherein the sheath has an inner surface and an outer surface, and a layer of adhesive material directly and non-releasably bonded to the inner surface.

Abstract: A temporary ostomy appliance is disclosed, including a catheter for extending through the abdominal wall into the intestine. The catheter may be a transcecal catheter for extending through the cecal valve into the ileum. A portion of a catheter that extends through the cecal valve is made collapsible when the catheter is empty. The collapsed portion expands to permit passage of effluent. A balloon carried on the catheter is preformed with a shape and size in order to permit inflation without elastic stretching of the balloon wall material. A filament is provided for permitting a portion of the catheter to be fastened to internal body tissue by surgical sutures or staples. In order to release the fastening without further surgery, the filament is withdrawn by pulling on a proximal portion outside the body.

Abstract: An elastomeric condom device including a tubular portion to cover the shaft of the penis, the tubular portion having a first thickness; a pouch portion to cover the scrotum, the pouch portion having a second thickness; and a middle portion provided between the tubular and pouch portions, the middle portion having a thickness that is at least double the thickness of the thickest of the first and second thicknesses. The middle portion includes an opening for insertion of the penis and scrotum, the opening defined by an elastic ring of heavier construction than the middle portion, wherein when the condom is in place over the male genitalia the elastic ring is positioned around the base of the penis and the scrotum at the torso of the body.

Abstract: A male contraceptive device includes a condom-like sheath that is placed over the male genital member and has a flavor-infusing agent disposed within the distal end. The distal end is operable to release, eject, or secrete the flavor-altered semen during male ejaculation. The condom-like sheath is shaped to elastically conform to the elongated shape of a male genital member. The sheath has an open proximal end for receiving the male genital member and the distal end has a distal tip that is selectively closed. The distal tip defines a reservoir containing the flavor-infusing agent and is operable, upon pressure of seminal fluid entering the reservoir, to cause the flavor profile or characteristic of the seminal fluid to be altered and to permit the release of the seminal fluid that has entered the reservoir.

Abstract: The urisheath provided here includes an element of thin material (a strip) that allows at least two lengths of it to run in a parallel fashion down either side of the sheath. The is obtained by injection molding the strip in liquid silicone in the silicone injection molding process for the urisheath, either by one, two or more component injection molding. The injection molding takes place in an injection molding form for a urisheath with a cavity for the body portion and a cavity for the strip portion wherein the cavity for the body portion is connected to the cavity for the strip portion creating an attachment zone between the strip and the sheath.

Abstract: A reusable, washable breast shield for use by lactating women. The shield may include an inner layer and an outer layer. The shield may be placed against the breast of the user and may be held in place with an article of clothing or may be used without supporting clothing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a urinary catheter collection system comprising a urinary catheter, a collection bag neck, and a collection bag body. The invention particularly relates to a urinary catheter collection system having a detachable bag body, which allows a user the option to detach the collection bag body from the collection bag neck so that urine may drain from the catheter into a suitable container, such as a toilet, preventing the user from having to empty or dispose of a used urine collection bag body.

Abstract: A disposable urine bag device includes a bag having an open top; and two cuff-like supporting members formed on two sides of the open top of the bag, wherein two fingers are allowed to insert into the supporting members to position the bag and adjust size of the open top of the bag. Moreover, a zipper is provided just below the open top of the bag for sealing the bag. Hence, after use an individual may seal the bag for disposal in an environment without the provision of public toilet. Further, an opening is provided on a sidewall of the bag for urine drainage. A woman may urinate by means of the disposable urine bag device while in standing position. Furthermore, a valve is mounted on the opening so that collected urine may drain via the valve. The collected urine may be used for health examination by hospitals.

Abstract: A condom, including a non-porous sheath member, having an open end and a rounded end, and shaped to cover the glans and body portion of a penis, and at least one rib having at least one outer portion and at least one inner portion, wherein the at least one outer portion is attachedly fixed to said non-porous sheath member, and wherein an inner cylinder formed by at the at least one inner portion is exclusive from said non-porous sheath member, and including at least one lubricant within the inner cylinder and at least one hole extending from the inner cylinder through the outer portion to provide for flow of the lubricant outwardly from the inner cylinder through the at least one hole pursuant to application of a predetermined pressure, wherein the at least one rib extends at least one of substantially from the open end to the closed end and substantially about a circumference of the non-porous sheath member.

Abstract: A condom having an indicia disposed on the lower side of the roll when the condom is in the rolled configuration. Preferably, the indicia is a fluorescent marking disposed on the inner side of the condom disposed at a location so that, when the condom is in the rolled configuration, the indicia is visible from the lower side only. More preferably, the indicia is a ring-shaped marking extending about the inner side of the tubular body. In this configuration, a user holding a rolled condom can easily determine which is the upper side of the roll and which is the lower side of the roll. The user may then quickly orient the condom with the lower side facing toward the penis and unroll the condom in the proper direction.

Abstract: A disposable nursing pad is provided. The nursing pad of the present disclosure is thin, flexible, absorbent, breathable, hypoallergenic, and environmentally friendly. The pad of the present disclosure is composed of multiple layers—a cotton inner layer worn against the skin of the user, an absorbent middle layer, and a waterproof and breathable outer layer. The pad comprises a variety of embossed channels—one in the center of the pad, one along the perimeter of the pad, and radial channels extending from the perimeter channel towards the center channel.

Abstract: A urine collection apparatus includes a urine cover, a buffer member, and a pipe. The urine cover has an edge, a room therein, and an opening and an aperture communicated with the room, and a user's penis enters into the room via the opening. The buffer is connected to the edge of the urine cover with a connecting surface thereon to be in touch with the user's skin. The pipe is connected to the aperture of the urine cover to direct urine to a desired location.

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.

Abstract: A male external incontinence device includes a first seal formed of adhesive leaves carried by a housing and a second seal attached to the housing to be at a fixed position relative to the first seal and having a length to extend around the first seal after the leaves are secured to a penis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast attachment, in particular a flexible insert for a breast pump or a nipple shield, wherein the insert or shield applies a positive massaging effect on a breast mimicking the natural stimulation of a baby breast feeding.

Abstract: A breastshield is provided that may be adhesively secured to a mother's breast for use in a breastpumping system. The adhesive is sufficiently strong so as to independently support the breastshield in position throughout a breast pumping session, including supporting the milk container, thereby enabling the mother to participate in other activities during the pumping session. The adhesive is advantageously of a type that is readily removed from the breast with the breastshield, and most preferably without leaving any significant residue.

Abstract: A condom, including a non-porous sheath member, having an open end and a rounded end, and shaped to cover the glans and body portion of a penis, and at least one rib having at least one outer portion and at least one inner portion, wherein the at least one outer portion is attachedly fixed to said non-porous sheath member, and wherein an inner cylinder formed by at the at least one inner portion is exclusive from said non-porous sheath member, and including at least one lubricant within the inner cylinder and at least one hole extending from the inner cylinder through the outer portion to provide for flow of the lubricant outwardly from the inner cylinder through the at least one hole pursuant to application of a predetermined pressure, wherein the at least one rib extends at least one of substantially from the open end to the closed end and substantially about a circumference of the non-porous sheath member.

Abstract: A guard is provided for intercepting urine discharging from an infant such as during diaper change, bathing or clothing change. The guard is configured to attach to a changing mat or diaper without attachment to the infant and lie over the groin of the infant to receive any urine being discharged from the infant. A shield portion of the guard is configured to cover the groin of the infant while elongated ends are releasably attached to the changing mat or diaper. The guard is formed from a completely washable or disposable material. The guard includes sheathed elastic that allows the elongated ends to stretch around and over the midsection of the baby to accommodate various sizes of infants. Various completely enclosable fastening end structures with optional removability may be used to allow attachment to the changing mat or diaper, while adjustable and/or removable side pads may be provided for infant comfort.

Abstract: An absorptive article in which a terminal section of a sensor is less likely to be damaged in production, packaging, and transportation. An output terminal (115) of a sensor member (110) is placed at a side end of a front edge (180) of a urine pad (100). The side end of the front edge (180) is constructed only from a front face sheet (105) and a rear face sheet (106). The front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106) are not joined together and are separably arranged. When the urine pad (100) is not in use, the output terminal (115) is covered by the front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106). In use, the front face sheet (105) and the rear face sheet (106) are separated in the thickness direction and the output terminal (115) of the sensor member (110) is exposed.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a urine receiver. The urine receiver which collects urine of a wearer of the urine receiver under suction force has a container member provided with a bottom, a peripheral wall and flange. The container member has a suction tube which extends through the peripheral wall and has a urine suction port opening toward the interior of the container member and a urine evacuation port opening toward the exterior of the container member. The evacuation port is adapted to be connected to a connector of a urine suction means provided externally of the container member.

Abstract: Control of handicapping liquids designed as a system for control of voluntary or involuntary loss of urine, and an control of menstrual flow in women. It is hermetic and has a washing and disinfecting option.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for generating sensations in response to haptic data. A sensation output device can include a processor adapted to generate one or more control signals corresponding to a haptic command, an actuator adapted to output a force to a drive mechanism in response to one or more control signals received from the processor, an opening through which a portion of a user's body can be inserted, and an interface surface coupled to the drive mechanism, the interface surface configured to at least partially contact the inserted portion of the user's body. Further, the interface surface can be a compliant belt having surface features that is coupled with a carrier belt that is in contact with the drive mechanism. Additionally, the sensation output device can include a memory storing an algorithm including one or more haptic commands, which can be executed by the processor.

Abstract: Apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway, the apparatus comprising: a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the lumen being sized to receive matter to be transported through the bodily passageway; and an external thread disposed over the distal end of the tube, the external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of the tube about the longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of the tube along said bodily passageway.

Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a substantially planar surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. An extra-labia sealing structure is affixed to the planar surface of the top of the container. The sealing structure includes a pressure sensitive adhesive adapted to provide a generally fluid tight primary adhesive seal between the container and external tissue generally surrounding the vulval region. A blocking mechanism connected proximate the top of the container prevents escape of urine from the voiding apparatus and contact of urine with the vulval region of the female anatomy.

Abstract: A quantitative and qualitative analysis apparatus of a body fluid serves as a replacement of a Foley catheter and a urine bag connected The analysis apparatus is capable of automatically measuring the volume of a body fluid (urine volume) and specific constituents in a body fluid (urine and blood) in a real time mode and is capable of outputting the measurement results with ease, thereby promoting the efficiency of human resource management so that medical staff may be able to make a quick diagnosis on the current state of the patient based on the provided data and thus, take all necessary measured to improve the patient's condition at proper time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in situ cleanable filter for an ostomy appliance comprising a pathway for leading gases to a vent in an ostomy bag and a protective element contained in said pathway to prevent solid or semi-liquid waste from blocking the pathway where a channel or compartment formed by liquid impermeable layer(s) is defining at least part of the pathway and at least a part of said compartment or channel contain a protective element of an open celled compressible material having a memory and having a pore size of at least 60 PPI, said protective element extending in the same direction as the gas flow within the channel or compartment, said channel or compartment having an opening providing access to the pathway from the interior of the bag, said pathway having another opening being connected to a vent in the ostomy bag, optionally via a deodorizing filter. The invention relates to an ostomy appliance comprising a filter as above and a method for emptying and cleaning the filter.

Abstract: A urine collection device and a moisture-wicking article for use in a system for transporting urine voided from a person or an animal by collecting the urine in a moisture-wicking article that is disposed in contact with a region surrounding an urethral, opening, and drawing the urine into the collection device from the moisture-wicking article. The urine collection device includes a container defining an empty chamber for collecting urine. An elongated exterior of the container is configured and dimensioned for enabling a moisture-wicking article to be secured over the array of openings of the container by wrapping the article over the array and securing the wrapped article, and for enabling a said secured moisture-wicking article to be disposed in contact with the region of a female body surrounding the urethral opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitary device having a significant capacity (e.g. 30 c.c.) in an plastic pouch (or envelope) gently attached to the end of the male member by releasable pressure sensitive adhesive across an opening which receives the male member. The pressure sensitive adhesive provides close connection to the skin, provides a fluid closure around the male member, and permits closure with opposing adhesive surfaces of the sanitary device not used to surround the circumference of the inserted male member. A further feature provides flaps, tabs or margins at the sanitary device opening which are foldable over the adhesive to selectably cover some portion or all of the adhesive as may be desired by the wearer.

Abstract: An adapter for use in connecting a vacuum source with a breast shield is disclosed including a housing with at least one female coupling component formed therein, at least one male coupling component that is adapted to attach to a tube at one end for conveying pressure from the vacuum source, while the other end is sized and shaped to be received in the female coupling component. A passageway extends between the first end and the second end of the male coupling component for conveying the pressure. The female coupling component is defined therein by an interior sidewall that has a channel formed therein open to the female coupling component at least somewhere along the interior sidewall. When the male coupling component is inserted in the female coupling component, a sealing portion of the male coupling component engages the interior sidewall surface such that ambient air is prevented from entering the channel and disrupting optimal vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A canine diaper, comprising: (a) an outer liner, wherein the outer liner is substantially liquid impermeable; (b) an inner liner, wherein the inner liner is substantially liquid permeable, and wherein the inner liner comprises an outer perimeter secured to the outer liner to enclose a cavity therebetween; (c) a cavity positioned between the inner liner and the outer liner; (d) an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core is retained within the cavity; and (e) at least one tab which secures the outer liner of the canine diaper substantially around a torso of a dog.

Abstract: A layered adhesive construction comprising a backing layer and a first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive, where the first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive have different composition, and the second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive is at least partly interposed between the first layer of hydrocolloid adhesive and the backing layer, the first and second adhesive layers consisting of a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase where the discontinuous phase of the first adhesive layer comprises a hydrocolloids providing a higher moisture absorption capacity and higher initial rate of absorption to the adhesive layer than the hydrocolloids in the discontinuous phase of the second adhesive layer, and the discontinuous phase of second layer of adhesive comprises hydrocolloids providing a higher cohesion following moisture absorption to the adhesive compared to the hydrocolloid in the discontinuous phase of the first adhesive layer.