Abstract: A liner for use with a breast pump has an outer flange portion and a longitudinal portion extending outward from the outer flange portion. The outer flange portion has a first noncircular opening therein for receiving at least a portion of a breast including a nipple. The longitudinal portion has a second opening and a tubular passageway between the first noncircular opening and the second opening for allowing milk expressed from the breast received in the liner to pass through the liner. The outer flange portion is generally planar and adapted to engage a portion of the breast surrounding the nipple during use of the breast cup. The liner is configured for movement between an opened configuration of the noncircular opening and a collapsed configuration of the noncircular opening.

Abstract: A breast cup assembly for a breast pump has a generally funnel-shaped support member with an open wide end, an open narrow end, a tapered central passage extending between the wide end and the narrow end. A liner is positioned at least in part in the support member. The liner has a first noncircular opening therein for receiving at least a portion of a breast including a nipple, a second opening spaced from the first noncircular opening, and a tubular passageway between the first noncircular opening and the second opening for allowing milk expressed from the breast received in the liner to pass through the liner. The liner is configured for movement between an opened configuration of the noncircular opening and a collapsed configuration of the noncircular opening.

Abstract: A breast pump can be configured such that is can be easily dismantled for cleaning and easily re-assembled and is formed such that an operator or operating means thereof do not easily become detached during operation. The breast pump can include a storage container for storing milk, a breast pump main body, and an operator or operating means attached to the breast pump main body for deforming a negative pressure generating member attached to the breast pump main body. The operator can take the form of a lever, and can have an engaged portion that is engaged to an engagement portion on the breast pump main body side and includes an engagement opening formed on one end side of the operator.

Abstract: A breast pump assembly includes a vacuum pump for creating suction within one or two breast shields to the vacuum pump, and electronic recording device comprising a microphone, a memory for storing the sound received via the microphone, and a playback activator. The sound module or sound chip can be used to record and playback sounds made by a woman's baby to enhance the let-down reflex during pumping to facilitate collection of milk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast cover insert comprising a truncated conical frame (1), which is provided as a double wall (1, 6) while forming a closed space (7), whereby at least the inner wall (6) can be elastically deformed, and the space (7) contains a preferably elastically deformable medium.

Abstract: A breast pump for pumping down breast milk, with a cylindrical hollow piston with at least one deepening circulating on the outside on the lower end with respect to the cylindrical superficies surface of the hollow piston, a suction cup, which is connected to the tipper end of the hollow piston via a passage for fluid, a soft elastic compensation element (8) between the hollow piston and the bearing surface of the suction cup, at least one circulating sealing element made of a soft elastic material, inserted into the deepening, and a cylinder with a closed lower end, in which the hollow piston is axially movable, wherein the superficies surface of the hollow piston is guided on an inner wall of the cylinder, the sealing element is sealingly arranged between the inner wall of the cylinder and the hollow piston, and at least the suction cup is arranged outside of the cylinder.

Abstract: A breast cup for use with a breast pump for expressing breast milk is provided. The breast cup sealingly separates the air flow from the breast milk, provides a barrier against impingement of the flexible insert by the user's breast and provides a massaging member for facilitating expression of the breast milk.

Abstract: Inner and outer shield parts of a breastshield are joined to form an enclosure defining a pressurizable chamber. The inner shield part has at least a portion thereof movable relative to the outer shield part when the chamber is subject to a negative or a positive pressure. A first pressure port is in communication respectively with the chamber for connection with a fluid pressure source of a first pressure. A second pressure port is in communication with the interior for connection with a pressure source of a second pressure. The breastshield is thus capable of being subjected to two different pressures, such as a positive pressure to move (expand) the chamber into the interior. The invention takes the form of a variety of different embodiments of breastshields and breastpumps for breastmilk pumping having sundry novel attributes and advantages.

Abstract: A nursing cup is provided with a cup-shaped base and a removable cap that define an open cavity between the two structures. An opening is formed through the cap to permit the passage of a nipple therethrough. Indicia is associated with the base and cap that may be selectively manipulated in a manner that indicates whether the container was used with a right breast or a left breast. One embodiment provides an external reservoir for the collection of breast milk. Another embodiment positions the opening in the cap between the peripheral edge and center portions of the cap in order to maximize volume within the device.

Abstract: A breastpump set for expressing human breastmilk comprises at least one breastshield (1) to be placed on a mother's breast with a coupling part (12) for connection to a milk collection container (2), and a suction pump unit (4) with an electrically operated suction pump, wherein the breastshield is provided with a signal transmission and/or reception unit (5) for transmitting signals to the suction pump unit (4), and the signal transmission unit comprises, for example, a programming device for manual or automatic programming of the suction pump unit. The breastpump set according to the invention make it easier for the mother to operate the pump and breastshield while expressing milk.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus (10) for treating inverted nipples and/or the collection of NAF.

Abstract: An electric breast pump is disclosed as including a hood to be fitted over a breast of a user, a chamber in fluid communication with the hood member via a one-way valve, a pump motor operatively associated with a pump diaphragm movable to draw air from the hood into the chamber via the valve, in which the chamber has an opening and a lid which is operatively associated with the motor, in which the lid is movable between a first position to close the opening and a second position in which the opening is open, and in which the lid is at the first position when the motor is in operation and is at the second position when the motor is not in operation. The breast pump also includes sensors for detecting the passing of milk, and a microcontroller for calculating the rate of flow of milk on the basis of data received from the sensors.

Abstract: A nursing brassiere having two identical cups into which a user's natural breast nipples are removably inserted, each cup having a centered aperture removably engaging an artificial nipple having a flow meter assembly therein. The flow meter assembly provides a pegged wheel with pegs extending from the perimeter and a counter. Each time an infant consumes milk through an artificial nipple, the milk flow contact with the pegs turns the wheel which activates the counter to count the number of wheel turns. The counter operationally wirelessly communicates with a remote central processing unit which stores the number of wheel turns for each breastfeeding session and determines and displays the volume of milk. A reset button restarts the count of the number of wheel turns.

Abstract: A hands-free breast pumping support device (20) generally includes a strap (22) having first and second end portions (24 and 26), and first and second fasteners (28 and 30) coupled to the strap first and second end portions. The first and second fasteners are operable to be releasably connected to a garment (32) to support at least one breast pumping device (100) coupled to a breast (102) or releasably connected to the strap to form a loop of selectable size (34) to support at least one breast pumping device coupled to a breast.

Abstract: The invention is a system for discreet infant breastfeeding, which utilizes a device that may be concealed underneath a human female's articles of clothing and allows milk to flow directly from the feeding female's breast and to an artificial nipple that is placed in the infant's mouth for feeding purposes, said device configured so that a mother feeding her infant child does not need to expose herself when, for example, in public. In one embodiment of the present invention, an infant feeding device that allows mothers to breastfeed their infants directly without the use of a pump and in a private manner, comprises an artificial nipple including one or more openings for dispensing milk; and an elongated tubular body fluidly coupled to said one or more openings of said artificial nipple, including a receiving end adapted for attaching to the human female areola, in a manner so as to receive milk from said female.

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. An adapter is connected to the breast shield 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. The breast shield adheres to the breast and supports the weight of the adapter and collector bottle without separate adhesives, gels, straps, or specially designed support bras. The adhesive breast shield allows for hand-free expression of milk.

Abstract: A breast pump can be configured to be capable of easily attaching/detaching a primary side serving as a sealed space which is in communication with a milking space and allows the passage of breast milk, with a secondary side in which a case is connected with a pressure changing apparatus. The breast pump can include a breast pump main body connected to the pressure changing apparatus by a conduit, wherein a milking part is disposed so as to liquid-tightly separate a sealed space (or a space that is in fluid communication with the sealed space), and the pressure changing apparatus from each other. A pressure transmission part for transmitting pressure changed by the pressure changing apparatus can be provided. The pressure transmission part can include a deformable part where a volume in the sealed space can be deformed by a pressure fluctuation generated by the pressure changing apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable closed fluid loop for providing heat and compression to an intraductal fluid aspiration device. A plurality of bladders are configured to receive a pressurized inflation fluid, and to inflate in response thereto. The fluid is further configured to flow adjacent a heat exchanger, thereby receiving thermal energy, which it imparts to the bladders through conduction. Accordingly, the disclosed fluid loop provides heated inflation media to inflate a plurality of bladders to provide heat and compression to an intraductal fluid aspiration patient.

Abstract: A portable pumping device for drawing milk from a human breast includes a breast shield adapted to fit over a nipple of a breast and a flow line coupled to the breast shield. The flow line is adapted to allow air to flow there through a pump coupled to the breast shield via the flow line. The pump includes a pump intake and a pump exhaust and is operable to create a pressure drop between the nipple and the pump, wherein the pressure drop creates a suction at the breast shield by lowering the pressure of air in the flow line. A blow-back valve is disposed between the flow line and the pump. The blow-back valve has a valve piston disposed in a valve housing The valve housing includes a flow line aperture that communicates via the flow line with the breast shield, a valve inlet adapted to communicate external to the flow line, and a valve exhaust adapted to communicate external to the flow line. The valve piston is adapted to alternatively seal the valve inlet and the valve exhaust.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother's existing nursing or standard brassiere, or in another preferred embodiment, comprises a complete nursing brassiere and milk collection system. The invention can be attached to a regular electric pump or manual pump for active milk collection and also can be used without a pump for passive milk collection. The invention comprises a breast adaptor which is preferably a funnel-shaped inlet coupled to a reservoir, wherein when the breast is inserted into the breast adaptor, the expressed breast milk is expressed into the reservoir and is stored there until the device is removed and emptied.

Abstract: An attachment for a milk pump, including a one-walled, dimensionally stable positioning section which tapers in tunnel-shaped manner from the positioning opening to the securing section for connecting to the milk pump. The positioning section and the securing section are connected together by an articulated connection such that the longitudinal axis of the tunnel-shaped positioning section can be adjusted to an angle (alpha) which deviates by 180° in relation to the longitudinal axis of the securing section.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a breastmilk collection and storage device that contours to the natural form of a female human breast and consists of an outer layer, an inner layer and a sterile collection bag. Designed to fit under any standard brassiere, the device provides an opening to be comfortably worn around the nipple. The opening directs mild to the sterile collection bag and further provides a sealing means for coupling to a cap or other closure device when not being worn.

Abstract: An integral container closure securely seals the contents, such as breastmilk, within a container as well as provides for the rotary attachment of the container to other structures such as a breastpump.

Abstract: A breastpump, manual or motorized, that includes a mechanism to regulate pressure change, e.g., vacuum, within a breastshield chamber, including in some cases to a maintained minimum pressure that is less than ambient (atmosphere). The pressure regulator provides control for varying negative pressure between a minimum value and a maximum value (and values in between), or to achieve a specific actually measured negative pressure value within a breastshield.

Abstract: A breast milk freezer bag for receiving and conserving breast milk. The freezer bag includes a filling opening which has a collar which extends over the upper edge of the breast milk freezer bag and which is used to secure the breast milk freezer bag to a breast pump. At least two receiving units which are connected in a communicating manner, respectively, to at least one adjacent receiving unit by at least one connection channel are provided such that the breast milk in the receiving units can, in the frozen state, be distributed in portions which correspond to the receiving volume of the receiving units and in the defrosted state, can be administered in a portioned manner.

Abstract: The breast pump shield assembly includes a breast shield having a parabolic shape with upper and lower apertures. A conduit in fluid communication with the lower aperture receives the expressed milk and directs it to a container. A vacuum introduces through the upper aperture creates a suction within the breast shield. A center insert fits closely within the lower aperture and has a flared end with an annular surface for contacting and applying an outward force against a circular area around the nipple. A stepped-down distal section of the center insert has an outlet end with a flap valve to prevent suction from being drawn into the breast milk container while permitting expressed milk to flow into the container.

Abstract: A device for treatment of engorgement or edema of the breast has an orifice within which a breast nipple is received, a force-applying surface that presses against the adjacent breast to push fluid away from the nipple, and a part to which a motive force is applied to press the force-applying surface against the breast. The device can be used manually, worn within a bra, or used with a breastshield of a breastpump.

Abstract: A device for expressing milk, with a vacuum-generating unit, which includes a drive motor and a vacuum-generating device, with a switching unit, which is linked to the vacuum-generating unit and determines the suction cycles via a rotatably driven switching member, and with at least one milk expression attachment, which is or can be brought into flow communication therewith and which includes a suction funnel that can be placed on the breast, and a milk collection receptacle. A compact design with reliable function is achieved by the switching member being coupled to the drive motor of the vacuum-generating unit via a transmission for the rotary drive.

Abstract: An attachment for a milk pump including a position section which tapers in a funnel-shaped manner from a joining opening to a securing section which connects to the milk pump. The attachment is essentially dimensionally stable and at least one massage area is provided in positioning section, and manual massage pressure can be applied to the breast when said attachment is placed on said breast.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a breast pump capable of securely holding a breast of a user and intensively stimulating a particular potion of the breast.

Abstract: A container for collecting and storing breast milk. More particularly, one embodiment provides a container for collecting and storing breast milk obtained using a breast pump, comprising: a body, wherein the body has an open end with a lip, a closed end and a cavity between the open end and the closed end for receiving therein the breast milk; a cap; a hinge disposed adjacent the open end of the body for connecting the cap to the body; a sealing mechanism disposed on the cap, wherein the sealing mechanism provides a resealable, watertight seal between the cap and the lip of the body when the cap is placed thereon; and at least one thread disposed at the open end of the body, wherein the thread is configured to provide a screw-on connection between the body and the breast pump.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for accomplishing a noninvasive screen for breast disease markers, including breast cancer markers and cytologically abnormal cells. Intraductal fluid is noninvasively aspirated using compression, heating and suction cycles. The removed sample is thereafter assayed for the presence of cytologically abnormal cells and/or one or more breast disease markers. In addition to the diagnostic applications of the disclosed method and apparatus, a therapeutic application is also contemplated wherein intraductal fluids are noninvasively aspirated using compression, heating and suction cycles to remove toxic buildups within the fluid.

Abstract: A breast cup (4) for use with a breast pump (1) for pumping off breast milk comprises a breast-cup funnel (40) for application to a breast, a first coupling part (42) for connection to the breast pump (1), and a second coupling part (43) for connection to a milk collection vessel (44). The breast cup (4) has an electrical resistance heating element (5) that warms it and that is made of an electrically conductive plastic material.

Abstract: A milk pump for pumping milk from a woman's breast comprises a breast hood for receiving tightly a woman's breast. Furthermore, there is a milk collecting arrangement for receiving milk pumped from said woman's breast. This milk collecting arrangement includes a support and a downwards directed opening in the support for providing a suction communication to the breast hood. Moreover, the milk collecting arrangement comprises a manual pumping unit above the said opening. The manual pumping unit includes a wall forming and surrounding a displacement space which comprise a front wall and a peripheral wall extending in longitudinal direction. A suction device is displaceable inside the displacement space to provide suction through the opening, wherein the displacement is provoked by an actuation device. Furthermore, there is a latching arrangement for releasably connecting at least part of the wall of the displacement space to the support for an easy exchange.

Abstract: A hands-free breast pump that includes a balanced push-pull reciprocating drive system that applies pumping force to a vacuum chamber formed by a breast interface cup during inward and outward pump strokes. The breast pump includes a breast cup that has a resilient bellows structure that partially collapses the volume of the vacuum chamber during the inward stroke and recovers the volume of the vacuum chamber during the outward stroke. The pump mechanism includes a cam drive system that translates rotary electric motor power into reciprocating linear action of an actuator arm that drives the bellows structure. The bellows structure acts like a spring that charges (resists the pump force) during the inward stroke and discharges (assists the pump force) during the outward stroke, and the shape of the cam track is designed to produce a desired operating profile for the pump.

Abstract: A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breast cap part for a breast pump, which is disposed on an areola of a female breast when used. Said breast cap comprises a truncated base body (1) having a large rear opening (13) and a small front opening (14), said base body being embodied in order to receive a breast cap (6) in a funnel. The truncated base body (1) is at least partially made of a heat accumulating and/or heat conducting material and is heated when required. Said heating does not exclusively occur when the body temperature of the female breast is transmitted. Other means for heating the breast cap part are used.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother's existing nursing or standard brassiere, or in another preferred embodiment, comprises a complete nursing brassiere and milk collection system. The invention can be attached to a regular electric pump or manual pump for active milk collection and also can be used without a pump for passive milk collection. The invention comprises a breast adaptor which is preferably a funnel-shaped inlet coupled to a reservoir, wherein when the breast is inserted into the breast adaptor, the expressed breast milk is expressed into the reservoir and is stored there until the device is removed and emptied.

Abstract: A breastpump, manual or motorized, that includes a mechanism to regulate pressure change, e.g., vacuum, within a breastshield chamber, including in some cases to a maintained minimum pressure that is less than ambient (atmosphere). The pressure regulator provides control for varying negative pressure between a minimum value and a maximum value (and values in between), or to achieve a specific actually measured negative pressure value within a breastshield.

Abstract: A breast pump can include a breast pump main body having a milking portion and negative pressure generating structure for generating negative pressure. A storing structure can be provided for storing expressed milk, and an opening/closing structure can be disposed between the breast pump main body and the storing structure for temporarily halting or permitting passage of the expressed milk into the storing structure. The milking portion can include a shape maintaining portion and a negative pressure generating portion that serves as a part of the negative pressure generating structure and can be attached to and detached from an inner side of the shape maintaining portion.

Abstract: A breastpump comprising a breastshield (3) having a portion (31) within which a woman's breast is received for the expression of milk, a source of pressure (10) in communication with said breastshield (3) and means for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) (11) of the woman. The invention enables a stimulation of the mother's breast in order to activate the milk ejection reflex.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in extracting milk from a human breast includes a pliant receiving member having an inner receiving portion sized to receive the human breast and an adjacent inner connecting portion defining an opening extending therethrough. The receiving member has an inner surface defining a recess located in the inner receiving portion and a passageway extending from the recess to the opening to provide fluid communication between the recess and the opening during use. The passageway provides fluid communication between the recess and the opening such that negative pressure can be generated between the recess and the breast.

Abstract: Methods for storing human breast milk, preserving its natural flavor and nutritional content. Through the use of an apparatus such as a breast pump, breast milk is expressed from a lactating woman. The milk is transferred through a fill line into a storage container. After the container is substantially filled with breast milk, the fill line is decoupled from the breast pump output, and a vacuum is applied to the line. After the remaining air is evacuated from the container, an isolation valve in the fill line is closed, sealing the container in an evacuated condition. The fill line is removed from the valve, and the container is placed into a freezer or refrigerator for storage. When ready for use, the container is removed from the freezer or refrigerator, the milk is thawed, and the vacuum is broken, allowing removal of the milk for transfer to a bottle.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact and hands-free human breast milk collection device that fits into a mother's existing nursing or standard brassiere. The invention can be attached to a conventional electric or manual pump for active milk collection and also can be used without a pump for passive milk collection. Additionally, the invention can be used for collection of hand-expressed milk. The invention comprises a breast adaptor which, in an embodiment, has at one end a funnel-shaped inlet coupled to a reservoir, wherein when the breast is inserted into the breast adaptor, the breast milk is expressed into the reservoir through a unique valve assembly and the milk is stored in the reservoir until the device is removed and the collected milk emptied into a container. In an embodiment, the valve assembly is mounted concentrically on a second end of the breast adaptor. The valve assembly alternately opens and closes communication between the breast adaptor and the reservoir.

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.

Abstract: A breast pump comprises a body member (2) including a breast engaging portion (4) shaped to engage a region of a user's breast, a container (32) attached to the body member (2), valve means (28) between the body member (2) and the container (32), and, within the body member (2), a sleeve (12) sealing the interior of the body member (2) from the atmosphere, the sleeve (12) being selectively movable from a rest condition to a displaced condition by actuating means (14) operatively connected to the sleeve (12), movement of the sleeve (12) from the rest condition to the displaced condition creating an increasing volume of reduced pressure within the body member (2) whereby firstly the valve means (28) is closed to prevent evacuation of the container (32), and whereby milk is expressed by the user into the body member (2), and return movement of the sleeve (12) from the displaced condition to the extended condition releasing the reduced pressure allowing the valve to open, the expressed milk flowing through the va

Abstract: A breast pump can be configured such that is can be easily dismantled for cleaning and easily re-assembled and is formed such that an operator or operating means thereof do not easily become detached during operation. The breast pump can include a storage container for storing milk, a breast pump main body, and an operator or operating means attached to the breast pump main body for deforming a negative pressure generating member attached to the breast pump main body. The operator can take the form of a lever, and can have an engaged portion that is engaged to an engagement portion on the breast pump main body side and includes an engagement opening formed on one end side of the operator.

Abstract: A programmable electric breast pump system includes a vacuum pump pneumatically coupled to breast cups and a vacuum relief valve bypassing the vacuum pump. A controller receives command input from a vacuum level selector and a vacuum rate selector, and feedback from a pressure sensor measuring vacuum in the breast cups. In response, the controller cycles the relief valve between minimum and maximum vacuum setpoints to create a periodic vacuum pulse in the breast cups. By adjusting the vacuum min/max levels and vacuum rate, a user may change the strength of the pulse after let-down, or synchronize the frequency of the pulse with the natural refractory time of a lactating breast.

Abstract: A barrier of a vacuum pump prevents contamination from entering a vacuum pump air line. The barrier separates parts of the pump and is moveable between an initial state and a distended state. The barrier is assembled within the pump with a pre-load. When the vacuum source is applied to the barrier, the barrier achieves a distended state and when the vacuum source is released, the barrier incrementally self returns to an initial state. The geometry and material construction of the barrier, along with the pre-load, assists in returning the barrier on its own to the initial state from the distended state.

Abstract: Breast pump with a suction funnel (2) for resting against a breast, which suction funnel is connected to a pump unit in the form of a flexible receptacle (4) which after compressing and releasing generates a negative pressure in the suction funnel (2) creating a pump action. The suction funnel and the flexible receptacle (4) being connected with a connector part (3). It comprises a release valve (11) at or in the connector part (3), which is provided to release air from the flexible receptacle (4) when this is compressed, the flexible receptacle being bottleshaped.