Abstract: An obstetrical vacuum extractor comprising a vacuum cup to which a disk assembly and attached traction cord are rotatably coupled. The cup has a protrusion extending from its base, and the disk assembly a bore for receiving the protrusion. The protrusion is then preferably ultrasonically welded to create a button to rotatably retain the disk assembly on the cup.

Abstract: A double-breastpump assembly comprising first and second breastpump units. Each breastpump unit has a breast shield within which a breast is received. A vacuum pump unit for creating a periodic reduced air pressure is alternately applied within the breast shield of each breastpump unit.

Abstract: A breast pump for sucking out mother's milk is provided, the breast pump including a sucking portion 11, 12, 13 to be fitted to one's breast, a negative pressure generating member 14 mounted in the sucking portion for generating negative pressures therein, a driving member 24 attached to the sucking portion, a driving power transmitting member 25 attached to the sucking portion for repeatedly generating negative pressures by transmitting a driving power of the driving member, and a reservoir 30 connected to the sucking portion for reserving mother's milk from the sucking portion.

Abstract: A breast shield is provided that includes a hood body with an outer rim within which a breast is received and a shield extension portion extending downstream from the outer rim. A milk drain is connected to the shield extension portion. A vacuum isolation element including a collapsible membrane is connected to the shield extension portion of the hood body. The collapsible membrane portion includes an interior cavity communicating with the vacuum source. The interior cavity is effective to create a negative pressure within the shield extension portion when collapsed by vacuum to isolate the vacuum source from expressed milk, with milk being channelled through the insert to a collector, such as a milk bottle.

Abstract: An automatically-modulated breast pump system for connection to a fixed-suction central vacuum system is disclosed. The breast pump system comprises a regulator adapted to be connected to the fixed-suction central vacuum system and adapted to generate a modulated-suction output. The breast pump system further comprises a reservoir adapted to be coupled to the modulated-suction output, and a breast pump flange adapted to be coupled to both the reservoir and a breast of a woman. The modulated-suction output from the regulator is applied to the breast pump flange on the breast to stimulate the breast to generate milk.

Abstract: A can sucker mechanism includes a can body, a connecting hose and a sucking pump. The can body is fitted with a connecting tube, and in the connecting tube is a check valve. The connecting hose is connected to the connecting tube on the can body, and the sucking pump is connected to the other end of the connecting hose. The sucking pump is used to withdraw air from inside the can body, to produce a negative-pressure status. The can body also is fitted with a vibrator to produce a vibrating and massaging function on the can body, to enhance the curative effects of traditional Chinese can sucking therapy.

Abstract: A flexible resilient breast pump insert (5) adapted to fit into the rigid funnel portion (1) of a vacuum generating breast pump operable to generate a negative pressure. The insert comprises a mouth portion (6) with an open end shaped to receive and contact the areola of a woman's breast and an inner portion (7) of reduced size to receive the woman's nipple. A lip (9) around the edge of the mouth portion allows it to be connected to the rigid breast pump funnel portion (1) to form a pressure tight seal therewith.

Abstract: A manual breast pump adapted for one-handed operation includes a pump body defining an inlet, an outlet and a vacuum port, a stationary handle connected to the pump body, and a movable handle connected to the manual breast pump and spaced from the stationary handle so that both handles can be grasped simultaneously between the palm and fingers of a hand. The movable handle is movable with respect to the stationary handle and is operably connected to a piston disposed within the pumping chamber so that movement of the movable handle with respect to the stationary handle results in movement of the piston within the pumping chamber to create a vacuum at the vacuum port. The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be easily and comfortably supported and operated using one hand.

Abstract: In a pump for pumping mother's milk, at least one funnel-like breast body is connected to a vacuum conduit in order to pump mother's milk into a milk collection container. To this end, the pump comprises at least one suction chamber and a conduit system leading out from said suction chamber. The conduit system is to be connected with the vacuum conduit and the funnel-like breast body. While a pumping unit applies vacuum to the suction chamber, an interrupting device interrupts the vacuum applied to the suction chamber cyclically during a predetermined cycle period. There is a control device for controlling the cycle period.

Abstract: An improved breast pump assembly allows two breast pumps to be connected to a motor drive unit for simultaneous breast pumping. In a preferred embodiment, the improved breast pump assembly can be adjusted for either single breast pumping or for double breast pumping, depending on the particular woman's needs.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods and kits are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin or an oxytocin analogue to a mammalian patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. The oxytocin is preferably administered intranasally and causes myoepithelial contraction of target alveolar-ductal tissues of the breast. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components.

Abstract: A nasal aspirator/irrigation device can be used in a method of obtaining human mucopurulence suited for culturing to determine the type of pathogens contained in it. The aspirator includes a hollow body having a top portion and a bottom portion, a hollow capture chamber connected to the bottom portion, a nasal conduit connected to the body top portion having a free end dimensioned to fit into a human nostril, and a vacuum control conduit which extends upwardly from the body top portion. The free end has a hollow triangular prism shape adapted to provide a good fit in a human nostril, and the capture chamber is releasably connected, such as by screw-threads, so that it can be detached, sealed, and shipped to a diagnostic site. The capture chamber may include culture media in it prior to utilization. Sterile liquid is introduced into a first of the patient's nostrils, the aspirator device--connected to vacuum--introduced into the other nostril.

Abstract: An motorized pump is disclosed that includes a flexible diaphragm fitting within a rigid member, a motor drive mechanism for drawing a puller member attached to the diaphragm away from the rigid member to create a space between the diaphragm and the rigid member and form a negative pressure region within that space, and an outlet communicating with the negative pressure region. In one embodiment, the pump provides a negative pressure source for a breastpump that is readily portable by virtue of the soft carrying case within which the diaphragm pump and motor are housed.

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.

Abstract: A connector for use in single and double breast pumping modes of operation of a breast pump has a tubular housing with an internal wall extending across the housing interior and dividing it into two chambers. One chamber has a first nipple extending from the internal wall and into air communication with the second chamber, the first nipple being adapted for attachment of an air tube leading to a breast shield in a single-pumping mode. The other chamber has two nipples extending from the internal wall each of which are in air communication the first chamber. Preferably, the three nipples are joined through a common air/vacuum junction. The second and third nipples are likewise adapted for attachment of an air tube thereto in a double-pumping mode.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously pumping milk from the right and left breast of a nursing mother comprising a nipple shield formed in a generally conical configuration with an exterior surface and an interior surface positionable over the nipple of a breast of a nursing mother. The shield has a centrally located aperture with a cylindrical coupling extension projecting from the exterior surface of the shield around the aperture. Further included is a pump. The pump has an input and an output. A flexible tube is provided and has an input end coupled to the conical extension of the shield and an output end coupled to the input of the pump. A housing is formed of a container with a separable cover. The container receives the pump and the end of the tube adjacent to its output end. A baby bottle is included and has an open top and positioned within the housing adjacent to the pair of pumps. A lid is removably positioned on the open top of the baby bottle with a large hole and a small hole for air exhaust.

Abstract: An improved breast pump assembly allows two breast pumps to be connected to a motor drive unit for simultaneous breast pumping. In a preferred embodiment, the improved breast pump assembly can be adjusted for either single breast pumping or for double breast pumping, depending on the particular woman's needs.

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a breast shield of a breast pump upon a woman's breast in a "hands-free" manner. This breast shield support includes a garment that is adapted to a woman's torso, and a mounting element formed with or attachable to the back of the breast shield. Elastic bands tied to loops on the garment are releasably affixed to the mounting element to support the breast shield on the exposed breast. A list for retrofitting the device to a breast pump assembly is advantageously provided.

Abstract: A human lactation system allowing hands free operation and full mobility during use. All required hardware is attached to a user worn vest. The vest is fully adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of sizes and shapes of users. A pair of breast cups are mounted within the vest to provide an interface between the breast and vacuum system. Vacuum quick connect fittings and quick release valves are attached to the breast cups for convenience and safety. A vacuum pump assembly is mounted in the front side of the vest and fluidly connected to the breast cups thereby providing vacuum to extract lactate from a breast. The vacuum magnitude and cycle frequency are controlled by a microprocessor contained within the keypad/controller assembly. The microprocessor controlled vacuum cycle closely mimics an infant's natural sucking frequency. The system is powered by a battery pack attached to the back side of the vest.

Abstract: A breast pump includes a housing, a suction unit mounted in the housing, a rippled funnel for engaging a mother's breast, and an adapter for interconnecting same. The adapter is configured to sealingly support the funnel, frictionally sealingly support a bottle for collecting milk, and frictionally sealingly engage the housing. The adapter includes a tubular protrusion/stem defining a passageway for communicating air from the bottle to the suction unit to create a vacuum in the bottle. A pair of "O" rings are positioned on the protrusion to sealingly and stably engage the housing. A check valve is located in the protrusion to prevent back flow of milk from the bottle to the suction unit. The housing includes an outer surface defining a hand grip, and vacuum adjustment controls including a wheel for fine vacuum adjustment and a vacuum releasing push bottom are conveniently positioned on the hand grip.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for supporting a breast shield of a breast pump upon a woman's breast in a "hands-free" manner. Such a breast shield support includes, for example, a base member, such as a garment, that is adapted to be carried on a woman's torso. Part of the breast pump, such as the breast shield, is releasably attached to the base member and supports the breast shield on the exposed breast. Embodiments include corresponding fasteners on the breast shield and a brassiere, a harness-type strap arrangement for holding the shield against the breast and a breast shield which slips through a flap formed in a brassiere cup and is supported by the cup material.

Abstract: An ergonomically effective breast pump includes a pump body including a breast engaging portion, a breast milk receiving container on the pump body, a one-way valve between the pump body and the container and a piston and cylinder assembly for applying vacuum to the interior of the pump body. The breast engaging portion is receivable in engagement with a breast of a user, and the piston and cylinder assembly includes a piston which is moveable in a cylinder in a direction outwardly and away from the user for applying vacuum to the breast of the user through the pump body. The breast pump further includes a thumb receiving element for moving the piston in the cylinder in a direction outwardly and away from the user with a thumb on a hand of the user, a handle element receivable in the same hand for assisting the user to draw the piston in an outward direction in the cylinder and a spring element for returning the piston in a direction toward the user.

Abstract: Infant nursers use a disposable, flexible plastic liner in a rigid, reusable shell. An adapter allows the breast milk to be pumped directly into the liner of the nurser without the need for any moving parts in response to cyclic pressure variations in the reservoir of the adapter. The adapter snaps onto the nipple-retaining cap and uses the liner of the nurser itself to form a valve. In a second embodiment, the adapter is provided with a unitary threaded circular rim to attach directly to the threaded end of the nurser shell. The adapter also includes a trigger for manual actuation of the valve when unmodulated negative pressure is applied to the reservoir.

Abstract: A cup-shaped member having a hollow interior in which at least a portion of a patient's breast is received. The retainer device further includes a suction port provided in communication with the interior of the cup member. The suction port is operable to be connected with a suction source for communicating suction pressure from the suction source into the interior of the cup member.

Abstract: A breast pump includes a platform resting on the floor or other support and a treadle having a convex surface resting on the platform, permitting a pivoting or see-saw motion of the treadle. A bellows is connected between the treadle and the platform, forming a variable displacement chamber. A flexible hose connects the chamber to a reservoir including a container, such as a baby bottle, and an adaptor attached to the bottle as a cap. There is no valve controlling the flow of air to or from the reservoir, thereby providing complete and precise control of the pressure in the reservoir.

Abstract: A breast pump for extracting milk from a human breast includes an extracting cup and has an engagement portion for engaging the breast. A container has a mouth portion connected to the extracting cup. A milk receiving bag is mounted to the mouth portion and suspended in the container. An air suction source is connected to the container in order to produce air suction inside the container. An air path connects the interior of the extracting cup and the inside of the container, wherein the air suction creates a negative air pressure condition to assist in the suction of milk. The milk flows by gravity through the extracting cup and into the milk receiving bag without contact with the air suction source or the inside of the container.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a vacuum extractor for use in childbirth and comprising a bell shaped cup having a relatively thin outer flared edge, a hollow stem extending from the cup, and the stem including a handle. A vacuum source can be connected to the stem to draw a vacuum within the cup. A liner is hooked over the flared edge of the cup and provides a relatively large soft and resilient bead for the outer edge of the vacuum extractor which contacts maternal and fetal tissue. The liner is stretched into and secured within the cup and includes an aperture for allowing a vacuum to be drawn within the cup.

Abstract: A method for treating mastitis which comprises the use of an infusion of an effective amount of (mon)oxychlorosene or sodium oxychlorosene in an aqueous carrier is disclosed.A mastitis treatment infusion applicator which comprises a body portion including a compartment containing a first material which is an aqueous carrier, a cap portion including a compartment containing a second material which is (mon)oxychlorosene or sodium oxychlorosene, a seal arranged on either the body or cap portion to separate the two compartments, and seal-breaking means arranged on either the cap or body portion respectively, wherein the cap and body portion are movable relative to one another between a first position in which the seal is intact and a second position in which the seal is broken and in which the materials in the two compartments may come into contact, at least the surfaces contacting the second material being fluorinated is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a vacuum extractor for use in childbirth and comprising a bell shaped cup having a relatively thin outer flared edge, a hollow stem extending from the cup, and the stem including a handle. A vacuum source can be connected to the stem to draw a vacuum within the cup. A liner is hooked over the flared edge of the cup and provides a relatively large soft and resilient bead for the outer edge of the vacuum extractor which contacts maternal and fetal tissue. The liner is stretched into and secured within the cup and includes an aperture for allowing a vacuum to be drawn within the cup.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for restricting the passage of milk beyond a selected place in breast pump apparatus and for protecting the pump from fouling by milk. A barrier to the passage of human milk is disposed in an air passage interconnecting the vacuum pump and a breast-contacting hood or the like for receiving expressed milk. In conventional fashion, operation of a vacuum pump may result in the expression of milk into the hood, where it may be collected. The air being drawn toward the vacuum pump passes through a porous body that is normally substantially permeable to air. The porous body is impermeable to human milk. Accordingly, it serves as a barrier across the vacuum line and protects the pump. When contacted by human milk, the porous body becomes substantially impermeable to air, at least at the point of contact. Depending upon the extent of such contact, the amount of vacuum that reaches the interior of the hood is reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing or eliminating the further expression of milk.

Abstract: A breast milk pump with a hood insert for mechanically stimulating the nipples of a lactating woman. The insert has a nipple frame with openings that are covered by a flexible membrane. The membrane is drawn into the frame to gently massage the nipple area under action by a suction pump for the enhanced expression of milk.

Abstract: The breast pump comprises a milk reservoir and a flanged closure member for connection with the reservoir; the closure member comprises a suction bell and a suction pump suitable for single-handed manual operation and includes (a) a cylinder integrally connected with the closure member; (b) a piston for reciprocating motion within the cylinder between a first or lower position and a second or upper position, and (c) a spring-loaded actuator for insteraction with the piston.

Abstract: An improved breast pump assembly, including a manually operable breast pump that can be used in a manual mode by hand-driving the breast pump, provides a motor drive unit which is adapted to receive and hold the manually operable piston pump of the breast pump, with a pump drive for reciprocating the piston rod of the piston pump in substantially the same stroke as would occur in optimum manual driving of the breast pump.

Abstract: A method for treating mastitis which comprises the use of an infusion of an effective amount of (mon)oxychlorosene or sodium oxychlorosene in an aqueous carrier is disclosed.A mastitis treatment infusion applicator which comprises a body portion including a compartment containing a first material which is an aqueous carrier, a cap portion including a compartment containing a second material which is (mon)oxychlorosene or sodium oxchlorosene, a seal arranged on either the body or cap portion to separate the two compartments, and seal-breaking means arranged on either the cap or body portion respectively, wherein the cap and body portion are movable relative to one another between a first position in which the seal is intact and a second position in which the seal is broken and in which the materials in the two compartments may come into contact. At least the surfaces contacting the second material being fluorinated is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically-powered breastpump is disclosed that includes a suction bell, battery-operated suction unit, and a receiving container. The pump includes a rotatable valve that directs the suction of the pump in alternating fashion between the suction bell and the receiving container.

Abstract: A breast milk pump suction arrangement includes a suction pump with suction connections, a fellow breast connector, a reservoir connected to the funnel and a pulsator. The suction pump is connected to the pulsator by a first suction line and a reservoir is connected to the pulsator by a second suction line. The pulsator includes a cylindrical housing supporting a control element which is moveable within said cylinder. The control element defining an air chamber and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber being in communication with the first suction line and the second suction line. An opening in said cylinder providing communication between said air chamber and atmosphere. An air intake valve is provided to vent the vacuum chamber to atomsphere periodically by opening and closing a valve closing element. A transmission arrangement is provided, connecting the control element and the valve element.

Abstract: Infant nursers use a disposable, flexible plastic liner in a rigid, reusable shell. Previously, it has been the practice when breast pumps are used to pump the breast milk into an intermediate storage container and then pour it into the disposable liner of the nurser, or another intermediate container for freezing. The present invention provides an adapter for use with existing breast pumps which allows the breast milk to be pumped directly into the liner of the nurser without the need for any valves or moving parts. The adapter snaps onto the existing nipple-retaining cap and uses the liner of the nurser itself to form a valve. In a second embodiment, the adapter is provided with a unitary threaded circular rim to attach directly to the threaded end of the nurser shell.

Abstract: An improved breastpump has a valve which closes off a path to a milk container in the presence of a negative pressure in the valve, and opens the path when the pressure is removed. The valve consists of a housing and a thin flexible membrane that is removably attached to the valve housing and covers a first opening in the housing through which milk can flow. The thin flexible membrane is preferably circular in shape with a knob formed in its center. The knob fits in a second opening in the housing in a snap-fit. This construction for the membrane assumes that it can never be mounted improperly. Raised bosses in the form of cone-shaped elevations are arranged around the perimeter of the flexible membrane. The cone-shaped bosses reinforce the membrane material and prevent the membrane from being drawn into the first opening.

Abstract: An improved breast pump comprised of a manifold having a cavity and plurality of openings. A horn is positioned in one of the openings for coupling the mother's breast with the cavity. A first fixed cylinder is formed integrally with a second opening of the manifold with a second cylinder slidingly received over the first cylinder for effecting a pumping action therebetween to create a reduced pressure within the horn, cavity and cylinders. A third opening is for the coupling of a baby bottle therewith. A ball valve is located within the third opening whereby when the second cylinder is reciprocated with respect to the first cylinder and a vacuum created in the horn, cavity and cylinders, the ball valve will seal the third opening and the bottle from the cavity and suck milk from a mother's breast located in association with the horn.

Abstract: A milking apparatus includes a bottle for storing drawn mother's milk, a milking section to be pressed against the mother's breast, and a suction portion including a suction generating section, for generating a suction in the bottle, and a pressure adjusting mechanism for adjusting the amount of suction. The pressure adjusting mechanism and the suction generating section include an attaching body formed with an open-air introducing hole, a compression coil spring, a valve rod having a tapered surface, a diaphragm having a valve seat adapted to closely contact with the tapered surface, a cap cooperating with said diaphragm to define a suction chamber therebetween, a pressure releasing push button having a cam surface and adapted to arrest the valve rod, and a pressure adjusting knob for applying a pressing force to the cam surface of said push button. Further, the milking apparatus includes a dome-shaped cup with a collar interposed between the bottle and the milking portion with its vertex facing downward.

Abstract: A milking equipment is formed with an electric suction section, a milk sucking section equipped with an open trumpet at its side, and a bottle connected vertically to each other in a manner to effect vertical communication among them. The electric suction section is equipped with a pressure adjusting screw and a pressure releasing button which can freely adjust the internal pressure by intaking the air. The operation of the pressure adjusting unit is easily attained only by holding the equipment with one hand when the milking is performed, and the back flow of the sucked milk toward the suction section is prevented. The equipment works with easy operation, and the suction force to the mother can be changed readily.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with a valve mechanism that closes a collection chamber when a vacuum is applied to a hood member and opens the collection chamber when the vacuum is removed. The valve mechanism is removably attached to the collection chamber for ready cleaning. A baffle in the hood member protects the vacuum line from milk flow. One embodiment of the invention has a connecting sleeve for connecting either a manually driven pneumatic pump or a motor driven pneumatic pump to the hood body to create an intermittent vacuum. A connector is further provided for use with a pair of breastpumps operated simultaneously by a motor driven pneumatic pump. An adjustment piece for decreasing the cross-sectional area of a funnel-shaped hood member is also disclosed for use of the breastpumps with smaller breasts. One type of manually driven piston pump useful with the invention has apertures formed through the pump cylinder wall that are selectively opened and closed for adjustment of the piston pump vacuum.

Abstract: A single handed breast pump comprises a pump body (1) housing a piston (7) releasably connected to a hand lever (9) itself releasably pivoted to the pump body, the latter including a funnel (2) to be laid against the nipple and an outlet (4) at which a container may be connected. The funnel connects with a variable volume chamber in the pump body, said chamber having valves (11, 24) respectively for venting and for opening communication with the container outlet, whereby on operation of the hand lever an alternating pressure can be built up and relieved at the funnel.

Abstract: A breast pump insert formed of a soft, resilient and translucent polymer material, such as a silicon polymer, that is inert against boiling water has a monolithic self-supporting structure consisting of a first or funnel-shaped portion for contact with a nipple-encompassing breast area and for providing a deformable sealing connection between the nipple-encompassing area and the suction bell of the breast pump when the pressure is reduced therein; and of a second or thimble-shaped portion for maintaining an enclosure around the nipple-encompassing area when the pressure is reduced within the pump; the thimble-shaped portion of the insert has an elongated and essentially tubular longitudinal wall section and an essentially transverse end wall section that provides a helmet-shaped end of the structure and includes at least one perforation for permitting passage of milk; the timble-shaped portion is formed and dimensioned to prevent axial collapse thereof under normal use conditions.

Abstract: A method for mechanically stimulating the nipples of a pregnant woman for diagnostic and therapeutic effects. A nipple stimulator device is placed over a woman's nipple, and an intermittent reduced pressure is induced in the interior of the apparatus by a pump. An elastic membrane on the stimulator device is drawn inward by the reduced pressure, and in so doing acts to massage the breast nipple and the adjacent breast. A gentle, soft massage of the nipple is thereby provided to yield the desired stimulation to produce hormones, for example, useful in accelerating labor or conducting contraction stress tests in a pregnant woman.

Abstract: A breast pump including a vacuum pump, vacuum hose, collection container, and a milk pumping flange for application to a woman's breast for removing milk from the breast, all included within a small carrying case when not in use. The flange includes flexible mouth and throat portions and is generally conical with an elliptical cross section and an interior shape including raised portions simulating the tongue and jaw of a baby. The flange attaches sealingly to a collection container such as a nursing bottle, and vacuum created within the bottle by the pump and hose is applied through the flange to the woman's breast, while a vent opening controls application and release of vacuum. During use the woman can massage her breast through the flexible flange and can control the rhythm with which suction is applied and relaxed, to pump milk more quickly.

Abstract: A milking apparatus for extracting milk from a human breast has a funnel shaped receiver positionable over the breast attached to a conduit and receiver bottle for receiving extracted milk. An adaptor is provided such that different types of suction pumps may be used in conjunction with the apparatus in response to the needs of the user. A pressure adjusting mechanism is associated with the adaptor which is operated automatically or manually to relieve excess suction exerted by a selected suction pump on the breast.

Abstract: A nursing apparatus is utilized for stimulating lactation in the female human breast. A breast receiving opening permits the positioning of the apparatus over the female breast, and means for pressurizing and depressurizing an attached chamber then operates to provide a suction action. Additional stimulation is provided by an electrically powered vibrator, while the breast receiving portion includes a chamber which may be filled with warm water to thus simulate the temperature of an infant's mouth.

Abstract: A breast receptor for a breast pump having means for creating a vacuum within the breast receptor in which the wall thicknesses of the flexed portions of the receptor engaging the nipple and areola are reduced in order to produce optimum lactating conditions, including optimum responsiveness to the external touch stimulus, and which will most nearly simulate the mouth of a suckling infant.

Abstract: The breast pump (1) for sucking off breast milk has a suction bell (10), which is intended to be laid against the breast and which is connected with a storage container (12) for pumped-off milk arranged at an angle to the longitudinal axis (A.sup.3) of the suction bell and with a suction pump (15) driven by an electric motor (11), in order to produce sufficient suction for the pumping-off process inside the suction bell; the pump (1) has an attachment housing (18) which comprises two limbs (14, 16) connected to each other at an angle, which housing is connected in a detachable manner with the suction bell (10) and contains the electric motor (11), a low voltage current source (13) for the latter, for example, a battery or an accumulator, and the suction pump (15). The longitudinal axis (A.sup.1) of one (14) of the limbs of the housing lies practically parallel to the longitudinal axis (A.sup.3) of the suction bell (10) and the longitudinal axis (A.sup.