Lacteal Extractors (e.g., Breast Pump, Etc.) Patents (Class 604/74)
  • Patent number: 8979819
    Abstract: A method of collecting colostrum from a breast of a human and dispensing the colostrum to a newborn may involve: coupling a first end of an adapter with a syringe; positioning a second end of the adapter in contact with or near the breast; manually expressing colostrum from the breast into the second end of the adapter; coupling the second end of the adapter with a breast pump shield; expressing colostrum from the breast, using the breast pump shield and a breast pump system attached to the breast pump shield; retracting a plunger of the syringe to cause the colostrum to move into the syringe from the adapter; detaching the adapter from the first end of the syringe; and dispensing the colostrum to the newborn from the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Maternal Life, LLC
    Inventors: Jules P. Sherman, Rush L. Bartlett, II, Ryan J. F. Van Wert
  • Publication number: 20150065994
    Abstract: A method of milk extraction system may include massaging a posterior of a breast. Massaging and collecting milk may optionally be performed simultaneously. A posterior massager may also be used and/or mounted separately from a collection unit. In some embodiments the massager may be used to improve milk collection and/or alleviate breast ailments for example engorgement, plugged ducts, and/or mastitis. A collection flange may include an air inlet manifold, to mix air and milk. Optionally as air is drawn along a tube by a vacuum, milk may be entrained in the airstream and brought towards a collection vessel. The system may include automated tracking of milk production and/or consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Positive Care Ltd.
    Inventors: Ofer FRIDMAN, Zahia Kasseml, Dov Barkay
  • Publication number: 20150065996
    Abstract: An adapter for use in a system for collecting colostrum and/or milk from a breast 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 side port between the first and second ends for connecting to a fluid collection device; a catchment area at or near the side port; and a blocking member between the side port and the second end, for preventing colostrum from passing beyond the side port and through the second end. The blocking member may include at least one aperture for allowing suction force to be transmitted from the second end to the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Rush Lloyd Bartlett II, Frank T. Wang, Ryan J.F. Van Wert, Jules P. Sherman
  • Patent number: 8961454
    Abstract: A milk expressing device capable of simulating a baby's suckling includes first and second vacuum sources, a throttle hole, a solenoid relief valve, first and second tubes, a breast shield, and a control circuit board. The first tube connecting the first vacuum source and the breast shield is provided with the throttle hole to communicate with the atmosphere. When the first vacuum source is turned off, negative pressure in the first tube and the breast shield disappears slowly through the throttle hole. The second tube connecting the second vacuum source and the breast shield is provided with the solenoid relief valve to communicate with the atmosphere. When the solenoid relief valve is activated, negative pressure in the second tube and in the breast shield is rapidly removed. The control circuit board controls the first and second vacuum sources and the solenoid relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Chean-Shui Chen
  • Publication number: 20150038945
    Abstract: A modular system operative to work in conjunction with a breast pump for collecting and managing the storage or dispensing of milk extracted from a woman's breast by the breast pump. The modular system includes a series of interchangeable components, including a series of sleeves and a variety of lids that can be secured to the sleeves to form containers for receiving and holding milk extracted by the breast pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jill C. McCabe
  • Patent number: 8945046
    Abstract: A hands-free breast pump system is disclosed. A breast shield having an adhesive inner surface for adhering to a woman's breast is disclosed. The breast shield may be connected to an adapter for transferring a vacuum generated by a pump to the breast. The adapter also allows milk expressed from the breast to drain from the adapter to a container. In the alternative, the breast shield may form part of a breast shield adapter system which is connected to a conventional breast shield by a drain line so that a conventional breast pump system is used to supply a vacuum and to collect the milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Lyndon Brittner
  • Patent number: 8926556
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure control arrangement for a breast pump system comprising a first pressure chamber; a first opening for receiving milk, the first opening being in connection with the pressure chamber and the first opening being arranged to have a first tube connected to the first opening; a second opening in connection with the pressure chamber, the second opening being arranged to have a second tube connected to the second opening for connecting the pressure chamber to an under pressure source; and a third opening for delivering milk to a container, the third opening comprising a first valve for closing the pressure chamber if the pressure in the pressure chamber is substantially lower than on the other side of the third opening. By providing the first pressure chamber in combination with the first valve, a space with substantially constant size is provided at each pumping cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Difrax Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Vivienne Veronique Van Eijkelenborg, Gert Bleijenburg, Jonathan Martinus Van Veelen
  • Publication number: 20140378895
    Abstract: A breast pump includes a breast shield, a suction module for applying suction to the breast shield, and a controller. In one embodiment, the controller includes a wireless receiver for receiving pumping session descriptions according to which the suction module is operated. A corresponding non-volatile computer-readable storage medium has embodied thereon program code for defining pumping session descriptions and for transmitting the descriptions to the breast pump. In another embodiment, the controller includes a non-volatile memory for storing pumping mode descriptions, each of which includes a suction level, a cycle rate and an orientation, and a user interface for selecting one of the pumping mode descriptions for operating the suction module. In a third embodiment, the breast pump includes a port for reversibly coupling to an external memory for reading and/or writing pumping session descriptions and optionally for powering external devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: CLINICARE LTD.
    Inventor: Doron Barack
  • Publication number: 20140378946
    Abstract: Wearable breast pumps are provided which utilize compression to enhance milk expression. The breast milk expression systems herein can allow breastfeeding users to obtain milk discreetly and comfortably in the presence of others. These systems compress the breast at one or more locations, such as at a base of a breast and/or along inferior and lateral sides of a breast, to stimulate milk expression. Various components and methods for expressing milk can facilitate milk output. For example, vacuum can be used in conjunction with compression. For another example, one or more temperature sensitive components can be utilized to improve milk secretion. In some embodiments, milk can be collected in a sterile custom storage container located around or beneath the breasts to facilitate wearability. After expression is complete, a quick-release valve can be used to detach the storage container from the pump and can prevent leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Susan Thompson, Andrew Thompson, Chinawut P. Paesang, Casper Crouse
  • Patent number: 8915880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a funnel for a breast pump. Milk expressed from a user's nipple is known to pool at a user's breast. The funnel for a breast pump according to the present invention comprises a breast receiving portion (29) and a nipple receiving chamber (34) to receive a user's nipple. The nipple receiving chamber (34) is defined by an inner surface (36) of an outer wall (37), wherein the inner surface (36) of the outer wall (37) extends from the breast receiving portion (29), and a lower section (40) of the inner surface (36) diverges away from an opposing upper section (39) of the inner surface (36) and a user's nipple received in the nipple receiving chamber. The present invention also relates to a breast pump comprising a funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Ian Philip Darnell, Graham Trevor Cook, Mark Robert Gabriel Douglas
  • Patent number: 8900182
    Abstract: A breast pump convertible between a single breast pump mode and a double breast pump mode. The breast pump includes a pump and a conduit assembly coupled to the pump and at least one breast shield. The breast pump is operable to convert between the single breast pump mode and the double breast pump mode while maintaining substantially the same vacuum level applied to one of the breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Tomy International, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Britto
  • Publication number: 20140349075
    Abstract: An apparatus structured to contact external tissue, such as skin, of a user includes an elastomeric contacting portion that is structured to directly engage the external tissue. The contacting portion has an engineered surface (64A, 64B) that includes a plurality of non-random, predesigned surface features (70, 74B, 76B, 78B) designed to reduce friction and improve user comfort. In one implementation, the pitch (P) between each immediately adjacent pair of the surface features (70, 76B) is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum pitch value, and the height (H) of each of the surface features (70, 76B) is less than or equal to a predetermined maximum height value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Petrus Hendriks, Rudolf Maria Jozef Voncken, Willem Potze, Nicolaas Petrus Willard, Joyce Van Zanten, Mareike Klee
  • Publication number: 20140330200
    Abstract: A breast pump for collecting breast milk having a funnel intended to receive the breast, a housing and a device for producing a negative pressure. The funnel consists of a flexible material and extends into the housing. The device for producing a negative pressure has at least one body that is movable over a portion of the length of the funnel while compressing the funnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Scheidegger, Beatrice Glatz
  • Patent number: 8876760
    Abstract: A breast pump apparatus, including a vacuum pump and a variable-volume buffer volume coupled together in fluid communication, also includes a breast-receiving portion coupled to the vacuum pump and the buffer volume such that the vacuum pump is operable to generate negative pressure at the breast-receiving portion to stimulate milk expression, and the negative pressure generated at the breast-receiving portion can be controlled by controlling the buffer volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Jozef Bosman, Johannes Willem Tack, Egbert Van De Veen, Pieter Bax, Bernardo Arnoldus Mulder
  • Patent number: 8876794
    Abstract: A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Tian Xia
  • Publication number: 20140323962
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Klaas Kooijker, Gertrude Riette Van Der Kamp
  • Publication number: 20140288466
    Abstract: A device for expression and collection of breast milk includes an actuatable assembly, a breast interface, and a tube. The breast interface is sized to receive a breast and form a fluid tight seal against the breast. The breast interface includes a deformable member disposed within at least a portion of the breast interface. The deformable member deforms in response to actuation of the actuatable assembly and applies vacuum pressure against the breast to express milk. The tube operatively couples the actuatable assembly to the breast interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Naia Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery B. Alvarez, Janica B. Alvarez, Jan Rydfors
  • Publication number: 20140263611
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing a supply of breast milk. In one form the system includes a codified container for receiving expressed breast milk. A computing device receives an image of the expressed milk in the codified container. The codification allows for software to recognize the size and type of the container, as well as scale and orientation, to translate the image into an accurate volume. The milk data is then processed and analyzed to produce feedback regarding the pumping session, such as logs, charts, or reminders. In other embodiments, nipple positioning may be analyzed as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MEDELA HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Ryan Bauer
  • Publication number: 20140276629
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Ryan Bauer, Jahi Gist, Brian H. Silver, David Cho, Ron Sallade, Kathryn Holshouser
  • Patent number: 8827947
    Abstract: In a breast pump, milk expressed from a user's nipple may be drawn into the pumping mechanism used to create a vacuum. This can lead to unhygienic situations because pumping mechanisms are difficult or impossible to clean by a user. The present invention relates to a breast pump comprising first and second pressure chambers (22, 23) and an actuator (20) disposed to fluidly divide the two chambers (22, 23). The actuator (20) is movable to generate an inverse pressure differential in the second chamber (23) when a pressure differential is generated in the first pressure chamber (22), or a pressure differential is released from the first pressure chamber (22). Furthermore, the actuator (20) comprises a first piston element (30) and a second piston element (32), and wherein the first pressure chamber (22) is disposed between the first piston element (30) and the second piston element (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Jozef Bosman, Bernardo Arnoldus Mulder
  • Publication number: 20140236079
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: VASA APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Yoav Sella, Yaakov Polgar
  • Patent number: 8801658
    Abstract: A device and method for measuring an amount of breast milk suckled during a breastfeeding session, the device including a mechanism for determining the change in volume of a breast during the breastfeeding session (before breastfeeding and after breastfeeding), and a calculation unit for calculating therefrom the quantity of milk suckled during the breastfeeding session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Innovia Medical Ltd
    Inventors: Tzach Harari, Liat Huller-Harari, Shaye Kivity
  • Patent number: 8801495
    Abstract: The bra with breast pumping apparatus integrated therein includes a breast-shaped cup that a breast milk pump adjacent a nipple of an end user. The bra is adapted to be worn while simultaneously pumping breast milk from the nipple of the end user, and which transfers said breast milk into a fill bag that is held in place against the breast-shaped cup via a pocket. Once the fill bag is filled, the end user can remove the fill bag from the bra without requiring removal of the bra altogether. A powering member is integrated elsewhere on said bra, and provides the power necessary to run the breast milk pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Desirae A. Guindon
  • Publication number: 20140213964
    Abstract: A breast pump adapter including a body, hooks, and wings. The body includes a top end that is configured to attach to a nozzle of a breast pump. The hooks extend outwardly from the body. Each hook is configured to be received in an aperture of a bag. The wings extend outwardly from the body. Each wing tapers from the body to a respective distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Thunderbird Global Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Nossi Taheri
  • Publication number: 20140180205
    Abstract: A homecare suction device includes a main body having a housing. An air pump is mounted in the housing and in communication with an air outlet and an air inlet of the housing. A breast pump includes a cover mounted to an opening of a container for receiving a liquid. The cover includes a liquid sucking unit and an air sucking unit. The liquid sucking unit includes a liquid passage and a cup for contacting with an object. The air sucking unit includes an air passage and a connection port in communication with the air inlet of the main body. A funnel is mounted in the cover and in communication with the liquid passage, the air passage, and the interior of the container. The cover further includes a vent communicating the interior of the container with the outside. The air inlet is connected to the connection port by a hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: WEN CHING LEE
  • Publication number: 20140171916
    Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Andy Greter, Richard S. Weston, Brian H. Silver, Michael Larsson
  • Publication number: 20140171859
    Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Andy Greter, Richard S. Weston, Brian H. Silver, Michael Larsson
  • Publication number: 20140171858
    Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Andy Greter, Richard S. Weston, Brian H. Silver, Michael Larsson
  • Publication number: 20140171860
    Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Andy Greter, Richard S. Weston, Brian H. Silver, Michael Larsson
  • Publication number: 20140171857
    Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Andy Greter, Richard S. Weston, Brian H. Silver, Michael Larsson
  • Patent number: 8747349
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventor: Brian H. Silver
  • Patent number: 8734386
    Abstract: A breast milk pump having an electric motor, a pump driven by the motor, a suction cup, an electrically activated first three-way valve in a suction line, an electrically activated second three-way valve in a pressure line, an electronic control system, which sets the electric motor into an operating mode or an idle mode depending on an activation of a switch; in the operating mode, it operates the electric motor and the electrically activated first and second three-way valves in cycles, which comprise a suction phase, in which the electric motor is switched on, the inlet of the pump is connected to the suction cup via the first three-way valve and a floater valve, the pump outlet is connected via the second three-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: MAPA GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhold Jäger-Waldau
  • Patent number: 8734385
    Abstract: A manual breast pump, including a housing; a funnel connected to the housing and forming a passage for breast milk; a cup for receiving a breast; a lid connected to an upper portion of the housing; a handle assembly connected to the lid; a substantially semi-circular finger grip connected to the housing; a piston movably connected to the handle assembly and reciprocally movable within the housing to create a negative pressure for the expression of breast milk from the breast; a flexible insert sealably secured to the cup and forming an isolated air volume between the cup and the flexible insert. A valve is removably connected to a lower portion of the housing; and a receptacle for receiving the breast milk, the receptacle being removably attached to a lower portion of the housing. The isolated air volume expands and contracts as the piston moves reciprocally within the housing, causing the flexible insert to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Adriana B. Kliegman, Diana Sierra
  • Publication number: 20140142501
    Abstract: A breast pump brassiere, designed to provide hands free experience for the mother when collecting mother's milk, and which integrates various operative components in the category of a micro pump, at least one suction cup, and a milk reservoir, preferably within each cup, to provide for hands free collection of expressed milk, as desired and required by the mother for use in the feeding of her infant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Leanne Christa Clark, Nicholas Christopher Baldi
  • Publication number: 20140135683
    Abstract: Systems, components and methods for expressing breast milk are described herein. An adapter includes a first connector portion, a second connector portion and a transition portion extending between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. At least the first connector portion and the transition portion cooperate to define an interior chamber configured to receive fluid. The first connector portion is configured for connection to a pump assembly, and the second connector portion is configured for connection, via a plurality of internal threads, to a spout of a fluid container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: INFANTINO, LLC
    Inventors: John L. Hradisky, Maureen O'Connor Salazar, Colette Gartner Cosky
  • Publication number: 20140128806
    Abstract: A pumping unit for use in a device for expressing human breast milk comprises a breast shield for resting against a mother's breast and a dimensionally stable or approximately dimensionally stable milk collection container for receiving the expressed mother's milk. The breast shield comprises a first longitudinal centre axis, and the milk collection container comprises a second longitudinal centre axis, wherein the milk collection container is detachably attachable to the breast shield, and wherein in the attached state of the milk collection container the first longitudinal centre axis is arranged at an angle to the second longitudinal centre axis. In the attached state the milk collection container is movable relative to the breast shield, and consequently the angle between the first and second longitudinal centre axes is variable. The pumping unit according to the invention can be designed in a compact and space-saving manner and is particularly suited to a hands-free arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: MEDELA HOLDING AG
    Inventor: MEDELA HOLDING AG
  • Patent number: 8715225
    Abstract: When milk is expressed using a breast pump, milk residue is left on a surface of a breast pump funnel (13). The present invention relates to a breast pump with a vibrating means (30) which is configured to induce the breast pump to vibrate to promote the flow of residual milk on a surface of the funnel (13) to flow to a milk collecting vessel (14). The invention also relates to a method of collecting milk residue on a surface of a funnel for a breast pump by vibrating the breast pump after milk has been expressed from a user's breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Marnix Hegen
  • Publication number: 20140121593
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: MEDELA HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Armin Felber, Etienne Furrer
  • Patent number: 8702646
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved valve system for a naturally shaped and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother's existing nursing or standard brassiere. The invention comprises a submersible valve system within a breast milk collection device, which can significantly increase the breast milk collection capacity of the device without increasing the overall size of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Dan Garbez, Stella Dao, Dave Paul, Ben Sutton
  • Publication number: 20140100520
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: PIGEON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Yamashita, Mitsuo Tashiro
  • Publication number: 20140094748
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus extracting mother's milk. More detailedly, the apparatus extracting mothers' milk is provided in order that not only may reverse of mother's milk extracted during extracting mother's milk through an extract apparatus toward an Extract Hose at a pressrue generator be completely discluded by a Pumping Film for preventing reverse, but also repetitive pumpings of a Pumping Film for preventing reverse may be easily carried out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Hong, Jeong Sik Yoo, Jung Hyun Hong
  • Publication number: 20140094747
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: PIGEON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoko Hirata, Satoru Saito, Daisuke Yamashita, Mitsuo Tashiro
  • Patent number: 8684961
    Abstract: An insert for a breast-receiving funnel of a breast pump includes an elongate inflatable bladder which defines a pressure chamber. The elongate inflatable bladder is configured to fit in a teat receiving space of the breast receiving funnel so that the bladder extends from an inner end of the funnel towards an outer end of the funnel. The bladder lies between a user's teat and the funnel when a breast is inserted in the funnel, such that the elongate inflatable bladder is configured to deform towards a user's teat located in the teat receiving space in a predetermined manner when a pressure difference is applied between the teat receiving space and the pressure chamber such that a peristaltic action is applied to the user's teat, to aid the expression of milk therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Gottenbos, Rachel Estelle Thilwind, Jozef Johannes Maria Janssen, Marjolein Irene Van Lieshout
  • Publication number: 20140088495
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: MAPA GmbH
    Inventors: Siska Behrens, Reinhold Jäger-Waldau
  • Publication number: 20140052058
    Abstract: A breast pump provides multiple orientations of the pumping lever with respect to the breast shield. A breast pump includes a liner extending from the breast shield, through the suction chamber, and out of the suction chamber, which liner shields other components of the pump from contamination by the flow of milk through the pump during pumping operation. A breast pumping device includes a pumping lever for manually providing a cyclical vacuum within the suction chamber and an external pumping source, connected to the suction bell, that the user can activate to provide a cyclical vacuum within the suction chamber. A breast pump provides a smaller change in the grip width from when the lever is fully-extended to when the lever is fully-retracted, allowing more comfortable manual pumping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: James J. Britto, Richard M. Foley, Brian R. D'Amelio, Thomas A. Hagerty, Bryan R. Hotaling, James R. Varney, Jon R. Rossman
  • Publication number: 20140052106
    Abstract: A method of collecting colostrum from a breast of a human and dispensing the colostrum to a newborn may involve: coupling a first end of an adapter with a syringe; positioning a second end of the adapter in contact with or near the breast; manually expressing colostrum from the breast into the second end of the adapter; coupling the second end of the adapter with a breast pump shield; expressing colostrum from the breast, using the breast pump shield and a breast pump system attached to the breast pump shield; retracting a plunger of the syringe to cause the colostrum to move into the syringe from the adapter; detaching the adapter from the first end of the syringe; and dispensing the colostrum to the newborn from the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Maternal Life, LLC
    Inventor: Jules P. SHERMAN
  • Publication number: 20140052057
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Ian Philip Darnell, Graham Trevor Cook
  • Publication number: 20140052056
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved valve system for a naturally shaped and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother's existing nursing or standard brassiere. The invention comprises a submersible valve system within a breast milk collection device, which can significantly increase the breast milk collection capacity of the device without increasing the overall size of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: DAO Health
    Inventors: Dan Garbez, Stella Dao, Dave Paul, Ben Sutton
  • Patent number: 8646632
    Abstract: A mouthpiece has a bite-off-prevention feature. The mouthpiece has been manufactured from an elastomeric parent material with at least one first component, where a reinforcing component embedded within the parent material forms the bite-off-prevention feature and derives from the same group of substances or group of materials as the first component. The reinforcing component is preferably composed of fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Peter Vischer, Beda Weber, Erich Pfenniger, Stefan Baumann
  • Patent number: 8647300
    Abstract: The device according to the invention for connecting a suction hose has a connecting piece which is designed in such a way that the suction hose can be pushed over a region of the connecting piece in a sealing manner. The device also comprises a sleeve which can be pushed over the aforementioned region of the connecting piece, at least partially covering said piece and leaving room between the sleeve and the connecting piece for the suction hose. The connection between the sleeve and the connecting piece can only be separated by the destruction of at least one of said two parts. The design of the exterior of the sleeve prevents a second suction hose from lying in a sealing manner against the sleeve. A suction hose that is connected in a sealing manner to the claimed device can therefore not be removed without destroying the device. In addition, it is impossible to push a hose with a greater diameter onto the sleeve in a sealing manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medela Holding AG
    Inventors: Hansruedi Künzler, Peter Vischer, Urs Stadelmann