Abstract: An apparatus for detecting abnormal masses such as breast cancer includes a measurement sensor configured to obtain a voltage at a first area of a first breast of a subject; a reference sensor configured to obtain a voltage at a second area of a second breast of the subject, a position of the first area corresponding to a position of the second area; and a detector, wherein the detector includes a differential amplifier configured to amplify a voltage input from the at least one of the measurement sensor and the reference sensor; an active low pass filter configured to pass a signal frequency of a low frequency band among signals transmitted from the differential amplifier; a driver amplifier configured to amplify a signal passed through the active low pass filter; and an analog-to-digital (AD) converter configured to convert the signal amplified by the driver amplifier into a digital signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast pump (10) for extracting milk (30) from a human breast, comprising: a first breast receiving funnel (16) for receiving a first breast (28) of a user; a vacuum pump (20) for generating an underpressure within the first breast receiving funnel (16); and a control unit (22) for controlling the vacuum pump (20); wherein the control unit (22) is configured to operate the vacuum pump (20) in at least two different modes, an attachment mode (48) and a milk extraction mode (50); wherein in the attachment mode (48) the control unit (22) is configured to control the vacuum pump (20) to generate a constant underpressure within the first breast receiving funnel (16) allowing the user to attach the first breast receiving funnel (16) to the first breast (28); and wherein in the milk extraction mode (50) the control unit (22) is configured to control the vacuum pump (20) to generate a time-variable underpressure profile within the first breast receiving funnel (16) for extracting

Abstract: The present invention provides a breastshield for use in a breastpumping system for expressing milk, the breastshield being of such a construction that substantially limits the amount of air between the breast/nipple and the breastshield surrounding the breast/nipple, and most preferably virtually eliminates any air at least in the area of the breast and nipple. In some embodiments, any air in the breastpumping system is substantially eliminated. With the amount of air limited, the mechanism used for generating the pressure difference in the breastshield (e.g., vacuum or negative pressure), such as a diaphragm pump, does not need to do as much work. Less energy is required for the expression of milk, and thus the size of pump used can be decreased, thereby reducing the overall cost of the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breastshield for use in a breastpumping system for expressing milk, the breastshield being of such a construction that substantially limits the amount of air between the breast/nipple and the breastshield surrounding the breast/nipple, and most preferably virtually eliminates any air at least in the area of the breast and nipple. In some embodiments, any air in the breastpumping system is substantially eliminated. With the amount of air limited, the mechanism used for generating the pressure difference in the breastshield (e.g., vacuum or negative pressure), such as a diaphragm pump, does not need to do as much work. Less energy is required for the expression of milk, and thus the size of pump used can be decreased, thereby reducing the overall cost of the device.

Abstract: Improved devices and methods for the expression of milk from a breast are disclosed herein. A device for expressing breast milk may comprise a breast interface including a flange configured to engage a breast and fluidly seal thereagainst, and an actuatable assembly operably coupled to the breast interface and configured to apply vacuum pressure at the breast interface. The breast interface may be configured to apply anterior compression to an anterior portion of the breast when the actuatable assembly is actuated. The flange may be configured to apply posterior compression to a posterior portion of the breast when the actuatable assembly is actuated. The posterior compression can help improve the efficiency of milk expression by reducing the retrograde flow of milk.

Abstract: An adapter for a breast shield of a breast pump for pumping human breast milk has a chamber having a first opening leading to the breast shield and a second opening remote from the breast shield. The adapter also has a flexible media separation diaphragm, which is accommodated in the chamber and separates the chamber into a pump-side and a breast-shield-side area. The chamber tapers toward the breast-shield-side opening. The chamber has the shape of a spherical dome which is cut off in the tapering area thereof. The media separation diaphragm likewise has substantially the shape of a flattened spherical dome having a flat top side, wherein the flat top side of the media separation diaphragm faces the breast-shield-side opening of the chamber. The adapter permits a minimum pressure drop over the media separation diaphragm and ensures a reliable return to the original shape of the media separation diaphragm.

Abstract: A breast milk expression apparatus for manipulating a breast of a user includes an outer shell, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced inner pads coupled to the outer shell. The pads are configured to engage the breast of the user and configured for radial displacement. The breast milk expression apparatus further includes a compression unit coupled to the plurality of pads. The compression unit is configured to cyclically displace the pads radially inwardly against the breast to cause compression of the breast and, following compression of the breast, to permit displacement of the pads radially outwardly from the breast as the breast decompresses.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot including a foot member and a heel member attached to a bottom surface of the foot member. A pump mechanism is located above the foot member and includes a housing and an elastomeric member at least in part defining a fluid chamber. The elastomeric member is operatively connected to the foot member such that when no weight is placed on the prosthetic foot the volume of the fluid chamber is zero or near-zero and upon heel strike the housing rotates relative to the foot member to expand the volume of the fluid chamber and draw fluid into the fluid chamber from a prosthetic socket in fluid communication with the pump mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical device that provides a suction force against a patient's body. The device includes a handle and a suction head pivotally attached to the handle. The suction head includes an open-ended suction chamber having a rim positioned to engage the patient's skin. An actuator on the handle operates a pump to draw a negative pressure in the suction chamber, causing the rim to seal against the patient's skin via the suction force. Once the suction force is initiated, the user may lift the handle away from the patient's body to lift tissue. The lifted tissue provides a site for insertion of a trocar or Veress needle for a laparoscopic procedure in some embodiments. A gimbal disposed between the handle and the suction head provides at least two degrees of freedom such that the handle can be rotated and pivoted to optimize the direction of applied lifting force.

Abstract: A breastshield unit for use in a device for expressing human breastmilk employing underpressure with a breastshield body and a media separation device which separates expressed milk from an underpressure source arranged in the breastshield body, the media separation device having a through-channel which connects first and second openings of the breastshield body. The through-channel has a through-opening, which is enlargeable when subjected to an underpressure from outside. The through-opening is formed by walls which, when subjected to an underpressure from outside, are movable away from each other, largely without stretching, in order to enlarge the through-opening. The breastshield unit permits media separation with minimal dead volume, and with optimized comfort for the mother.

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 progressive sequencing lactating breast milk extraction apparatus comprising a series of compression segments arranged forming a conical shape extending between a wider chest end and a narrower extracted milk collection end, at least one vibration generating apparatus in vibrational communication with at least one compression segment of the series of compression segments; and an operational mechanism to contract and expand each compression segment. In use, the operational mechanism cycles each compression segment of the series of compression segments between a compressed state and a relaxed state and the cycles are provided sequentially from a rear of the progressive sequencing lactating breast milk extraction apparatus to the extracted milk collection end. The vibrational energy applied to the breast aids in flow of the milk through the breast.

Abstract: A breast milk collection device includes a reservoir volume and an adaptor having one end to receive a woman's breast. The adaptor has a drip tube communicating with the reservoir. A source of cyclical application and relief of vacuum force is applied to the woman's breast located in the adaptor for the expression of breast milk. A one-way assembly permits breast milk to enter the reservoir and to submerge the valve element. The valve assembly includes a flexible barrier having an interior hollow chamber in fluid communication with said cyclical source of vacuum force and relief pressure, the flexible barrier fluidly isolating the source from the reservoir. The flexible barrier inflatably expands when relief pressure is applied to the interior of the flexible barrier, the flexible barrier becoming deflated when a vacuum force is applied to the hollow interior of the flexible barrier.

Abstract: The disclosure provides embodiments for collecting breast milk (such as colostrum). Collection devices for collecting the breast milk include a breast shield having a first open end, a second open end, and a breast covering material positioned between the first open end and the second open end, wherein an interior surface of the breast shield is configured to abut a portion of a breast inserted through the first open end, wherein the second open end is configured to surround a nipple of the breast, and wherein a diameter of the second open end is less than a diameter of the first open end. The devices further include a collection tube having an open end and a closed end, wherein the open end of the collection tube is configured to connect with the second open end of the breast shield.

Abstract: A breast interface (70) for a breast pump (1) includes a liner support frame (200) and a liner (100). The liner support frame defines an interior liner support frame space (202) configured to receive at least part of the liner (100). The liner support frame comprises a front ring (204) and a split rear ring (206) including at least two complementary circumferential rear ring portions (206a, 206b) that are rearrangeable relative to each other to facilitate passage of a flanged rear end of the liner (100). The liner (100) comprises a rear section (170) including a tubular wall part configured to be fittingly enclosed by the rear ring (206) and provided with a first annular flange (172) with an outer diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the rear ring (206) of the liner support frame (200), and that, in an assembled condition of the breast interface, abuts the rear ring (206) on end.

Abstract: A breastshield unit for use with a breastpump for expressing human breastmilk has a breastshield for receiving a mother's breast and a media separation device for transferring a vacuum into the interior of the breastshield. The breastshield has a receiving area for receiving a nipple of the mother's breast. The media separation device has a media separation membrane which, for the purpose of transferring the vacuum, is movable to and fro between two positions. The media separation membrane is located in the receiving area at least in one of the two positions. Despite the integrated media separation, the breastshield unit can be made extremely compact and minimizes the dead volume.

Abstract: A surgical device that provides a suction force against a patient's body. The device includes a handle and a suction head pivotally attached to the handle. The suction head includes an open-ended suction chamber having a rim positioned to engage the patient's skin. An actuator on the handle operates a pump to draw a negative pressure in the suction chamber, causing the rim to seal against the patient's skin via the suction force. Once the suction force is initiated, the user may lift the handle away from the patient's body to lift tissue. The lifted tissue provides a site for insertion of a trocar or Veress needle for a laparoscopic procedure in some embodiments. A gimbal disposed between the handle and the suction head provides at least two degrees of freedom such that the handle can be rotated and pivoted to optimize the direction of applied lifting force.

Abstract: A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode.

Abstract: A breast pump system includes a duckbill-style check valve that intermittently releases breast milk from a charging chamber to a storage chamber. Various examples of rotational interlocks ensure that the valve is properly installed to avoid interference between the valve's discharge end and the inner surface of an outer shell that contains the valve. In some examples, the outer shell includes a concavity or other feature configured to accommodate multiple rotational positions of the valve.

Abstract: A device for expressing human breast milk has a breast shield for bearing against a mother's breast, a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum, a line which connects the vacuum pump to the breast shield and is intended for transmitting the vacuum generated to the breast shield, and a chamber. The line ends on the pump side in a first port of the chamber. The chamber has a second port for connection to a milk collecting container. The two ports in the chamber are connected to each other in terms of fluid communication. During the expressing operation, the line forms a milk line for transporting breast milk expressed in the breast shield to the chamber and from the chamber to the milk collecting container. The pump can be designed to be quiet and small.

Abstract: A medical kit for analysis of vaginal biological samples includes a sample collector, an extractor, and an assay cartridge. The sample collector is compressible and insertable in a vaginal canal for collecting biological samples, and includes a cup-shaped head configured to cradle a cervical os. The extractor includes a sample receptacle configured to receive the sample collector via an open end. The extractor includes a compression mechanism with a compression element that is movable inwards into the open end of the sample receptacle to apply a compression force in response to activation of a release element. The extractor further includes a reservoir in fluid communication with the sample receptacle, the reservoir receiving the biological samples from the sample collector in response to the compression force being applied within the sample receptacle. The assay cartridge has a docking mechanism configured to fluidly communicate with the reservoir of the extractor.

Abstract: A breast pump system includes a vacuum break backflow preventer for preventing breast milk from accidentally backflowing into a suction tube leading to a vacuum pump. The backflow preventer is a vacuum passageway with two spaced apart suction openings. The two openings convey air to cyclically pressurize and depressurize a small milk charging chamber. If milk accidentally covers one of the openings, air at the other opening minimizes the pressure differential that might otherwise draw the milk deep into the suction tube and toward the vacuum pump. For ease of cleaning and sanitizing, the system avoids or minimizes the use of baffles, permanently enclosed passageways, moving parts, and tight inside corners. Some passageways can be split open for access during cleaning. To make the breast milk collection device less protruding under a brassier, the vacuum passageway curves around the side of a nipple receptacle rather than in front of it.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting tension on a tendon and/or mechanical deformation (e.g., breakage) of one or more steering tendon of a steerable and flexible articulating device. Theses apparatuses may have one or more tendons that are each electrically conductive and configured to steer the apparatus when tension is applied to the proximal end of the tendon. Tension and/or breakage (or other deformation) of one or more of these tendons may be detected by monitoring the electrical resistance of the tendons.

Abstract: A breast pump including a container, a host unit disposed above and communicating with the container, an electric heating cup disposed at the front end of the host unit and communicating with the container, an electric heating element, and heat insulation. The electric heating cup includes an inner cover and an outer cover which are integrated. The electric heating element and the heat insulation are disposed between the inner cover and the outer cover. The heat insulation is disposed between the electric heating element and the outer cover. Positive and negative electrodes of the electric heating element are connected to conducting plates disposed in the inner side of the outer cover via connection wires. The conducting plates extend to the outer side of the outer cover and are in electric connection to contact chips disposed at the lower front end of the host unit.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a manual breast pump which can be disassembled and assembled easily for cleaning purposes, and which can easily change a negative pressure during expression of milk which is generated by an operating section. [Means for Solving] It is provided an accommodating vessel 11 for storing breast milk, a breast pump main body 21, and a manual operating section 61 attached to the breast pump main body and deforming a negative pressure generating member 30 installed on the breast pump main body. The manual operating section 61 has a lever shape, and has an engagement structure 80 which engages with the engaging section 38 on the breast pump main body 21 side. The engagement structure 80 tilts down the extending section erected in the form of a pillar, the extending section being a part of the negative pressure generating member, and is selectively engaged with a plurality of engaging sections provided in the middle of the extending section upon erecting the extending section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a breastshield for use in a breastpumping system for expressing milk, the breastshield being of such a construction that substantially limits the amount of air between the breast/nipple and the breastshield surrounding the breast/nipple, and most preferably virtually eliminates any air at least in the area of the breast and nipple. In some embodiments, any air in the breastpumping system is substantially eliminated. With the amount of air limited, the mechanism used for generating the pressure difference in the breastshield (e.g., vacuum or negative pressure), such as a diaphragm pump, does not need to do as much work. Less energy is required for the expression of milk, and thus the size of pump used can be decreased, thereby reducing the overall cost of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for tissue-characterization, designed for effective sensor-to-tissue contact. The device includes an element, having a rigid surface of a linear cross-section, on which at least one sensor is arranged, and a mechanism for applying a force to a soft tissue, the line of force being at an acute angle with the rigid surface, for stretching or stretching and pushing the soft tissue against the rigid surface, thus achieving effective contact between the tissue and the at least one sensor. In consequence, the accuracy of the sensing is improved. In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of sensors is employed, arranged along a curved element, for providing three-dimensional information regarding the tissue, for example, by small-scale computerized tomography.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biologically inspired, either manual or electronic, portable fluid expression system to be used for, but not limited to, breast milk expression from nursing women and other milk expression from any species of mammal. The fluid expression systems can be configured to mimic the anatomy of a suckling infant and the biomechanics and fluid dynamics associated with this behavior. The fluid expression system can be used by nursing mothers to express breast milk efficiently, painlessly, and discreetly. The systems can include a single, contiguous flexible structure designed to resemble the lips and oropharyngeal cavity of a newborn infant of the mammalian species of interest. Rigid external housings or stiffening structures can be used to mimic the bony anatomy of the infant or mammalian species of interest.

Abstract: A shield for a breast pump is disclosed. It comprises a resilient, flexible insert configured to receive a user's breast, and an adjuster operable by a user to alter the shape of the insert.

Abstract: Embodiments of a breast pump shield are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the breast pump shield can include a body portion that has a breast engagement portion and a throat portion. The breast engagement portion can include a ring. The breast engagement portion can receive at least a portion of a breast of a user, and the throat portion can be configured to receive at least a portion of a nipple of the user and to receive milk from the breast. The breast pump shield also can include a suction chamber located adjacent to the throat portion, and a cover located at the ring of the body portion. The cover can include a support layer and a lubricant layer. The cover can provide at least part of a hermetic seal for the breast pump shield prior to use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to control the flow rates and pattern of human milk secretion while using a breast pump. The apparatus comprises a breast pump having a linear source of vacuum and a communication port for communicating with an external source of information on milk flow rates and patterns of a breastfeeding baby, through an external control circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a motor driving control device including a state determining unit which determines whether a motor can perform a slow start operation based on a rotating state and a driving state of the motor, a control unit which generates command information corresponding to a speed at which the motor is to be rotated, based on a determination result of the state determining unit, and a motor driving unit which outputs a driving signal corresponding to the command information generated by the control unit to the motor so as to drive the motor. When it is determined that the motor can perform the slow start operation, the control unit generates the command information such that the motor performs the slow start operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast pump. The breast pump comprises a main body (21), a breast receiving funnel (23) extending from the main body (21), and a nipple receiving chamber (34) formed in the main body (21) to receive a user's nipple. The funnel (23) and the main body (21) are configured so that at least a portion of a user's nipple is received in the nipple receiving chamber (34) when a user's breast is disposed in the breast receiving funnel (23).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast pump operable to generate a negative pressure comprising a funnel (24) for receiving a breast of a user. The breast pump (24) has an insert (50,70) receivable in the funnel (24) having a deformable region (59a-59e) which forms a chamber between the insert (50,70) and the funnel (24) when the insert (50,70) is received in the funnel (24). A passageway (37) connecting the chamber to the source of negative pressure is formed in the funnel (24) so that, during use, the deformable region (59a-59e) is deformed and/or deflected relative to the breast of a user in response to a negative pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insert adapted to fit on a breast-receiving funnel of a breast pump. The insert comprises a circumferentially extending resiliently deformable wall which defines a teat receiving space and against which a user's teat is locatable, the insert being configured to define a pressure chamber between the resiliently deformable wall and a breast receiving funnel when the insert is fitted on a breast receiving funnel, wherein said wall 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 a user's teat, to aid the expression of milk therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be disassembled and assembled easily for cleaning purposes, and which can readily modify a negative pressure during expression of milk generated by a lever-type operating section. A breast pump having an accommodating vessel for collecting breast milk, a breast pump main body, and an operating section attached to the breast pump main body and for deforming a negative pressure generating member installed on the breast pump main body, wherein the operating section has a lever form and includes an engagement opening as an engaged section for engaging with an engaging section provided on the breast pump main body, and the engagement opening is selectively engaged with engaging sections in a plurality of positions provided midway on an extending section erected in a pillar shape as one portion of the negative pressure generating member.

Abstract: A nursing bra for monitoring a child's milk intake during breast feeding procedures preferably includes a body adapted to be worn about a user breast, an electronic scale attached to the body for detecting a weight of the user breast, a monitor communicatively coupled to the electronic scale for receiving the weight of the user breast, a power source communicatively coupled to the scale and the monitor respectively. In this manner, the monitor displays a weight of the user breast before and after breast feeding procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides a breast pump capable of effectively preventing the occurrence of leaking of breast milk from a milk expressing section having an enlarged diameter during expression of milk, and also effectively preventing the loss of negative pressure due to leaking. A breast pump has an accommodating vessel for collecting breast milk; a breast pump main body which generates negative pressure for expressing milk; an enlarged-diameter milk expressing section having an enlarged diameter for abutting against a breast of a user; and a shock absorbing section, at least a portion of which abuts against a breast of a user by being formed in a substantially circular trumpet shape following an opening section of the enlarged-diameter milk expressing section, wherein the shock absorbing section includes an abutting section which abuts against an areola of the user and a tight contact section which makes tight contact with the user's breast.

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: The present invention provides a suction sequence which is considered to produce advantageous results, particularly for mothers with newborn infants. The sequence comprises a process of stimulation, expression, and pausing to closely mimic a newborn's sucking pattern.

Abstract: A breast milk pump that is easier to disassemble for cleaning and is easier to reassemble. It includes a housing, a cup-like displacement chamber a connection channel and a milk collection container releasably attached. A suction bell is connected to an inlet of the connection channel. It further includes a cup-like membrane element and a coupling element and a lever with rotatable mounting.

Abstract: An adapter for use in a system for collecting colostrum and/or breast milk may include: a body having a predominantly cylindrical shape; a first open end of the body for connecting to a funnel device; a second open end of the body for connecting to a source of suction; a blocking member inside the body, between the first open end and the second open end; an aperture in the blocking member to allow suction force applied at the second open end to generate suction at the first open end; a reservoir extending off of a side of the body, between the first open end and the blocking member; and a port disposed on the distal end of the reservoir for connecting the adapter to a fluid collection device.

Abstract: A suction pump unit comprises a vacuum port, an excess pressure port and a switching valve. The switching valve comprises a valve body with two inputs, wherein a first of the inputs is connected with the vacuum port, and a second of the inputs is connected with the excess pressure port. The switching valve further comprises an output with a through hole, wherein the output can be moved relative to the inputs from the first input to the second input and back, as a result of which the through hole alternately establishes a fluid-communicating connection with one of the inputs. The through hole of the output is released and ventilated during at least part of the movement between the two inputs. This suction pump unit permits passive and active ventilation of an output line connected with the output.

Abstract: A breastshield unit for expressing human breastmilk has a receiving part for receiving a human nipple, an underpressure chamber for applying an under-pressure to the nipple, wherein the receiving part opens into this underpressure chamber, and a membrane for generating an underpressure in the underpressure chamber. The membrane is designed in one or more pieces and at least partially surrounds the receiving part. This breastshield unit permits a separation of media in the area near the breast. It is small and easy to clean and is suitable in particular for use as a hands-free breastshield unit.

Abstract: There is a breastfeeding device having a microprocessor having a memory embedded therein that can be pre-programmed to have a plurality of different sucking cycles interspersed with periodic pauses. These different cycles and pauses allow for an accurate modeling of a woman breastfeeding a child. In addition, this system and process can also result in a pre-programmable breastfeeding pump, which creates a preset time for initialization and a preset schedule of a series of events for breastfeeding over a period of time such as over a 24 hour or 30 hour period of time so that the user can automatically use the breast pump without having to use any of the keys on the keyboard of the device. In at least one embodiment, the device including any software which can be programmed thereon, is configured to mimic or model itself towards a suction pattern of a child.

Abstract: A manual breast pump comprising a pump housing defining an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and a pump orifice all in fluid communication with one another, the pump housing including a pump chamber, a repositionable actuator disposed within the pump chamber and repositionable within the pump chamber between a retracted position and an extended position, and a resilient band concurrently mounted to the pump housing and operatively mounted to the repositionable actuator.

Abstract: A manual breast pump is provided with an applicator cup; and a rounded, curved member including a plurality of projections and a coupling releasably secured to the applicator cup. Any two adjacent ones of the projections are separated by a gap. Advantageously, the gaps provide a space to accommodate a flexible deformation of the rounded, curved member when a pumping force is exerted on the breast of a lactating by the pressing.

Abstract: A breastshield is constructed of a low Durometer material. The breastshield includes a nipple tunnel that generally accommodates the shape of a nipple and an aperture that conveys fluids through the breastshield.