Abstract: A breast pump system for obtaining breast milk is provided. The system sealingly separates the air flow from the breast milk and uses a single air tube for both positive pressure and negative pressure to be applied to a woman's breast. The breast pump can have a piston/cylinder device for generating pressure that allows a user to control suction and cycle time.

Abstract: A system for detecting a milk surge in a mother's breast has a breast pump (1) with a breast shield (10) for expressing milk from the breast, a collecting container (2), for receiving the milk expressed, and a unit (3, 4) by means of which a quantity of milk received in the collecting container (2) is determined as a function of time. This system makes it possible to detect the point in time and also the intensity of the milk surge. Application areas are research, in order to gain new knowledge about the breast-feeding behavior of babies and mothers, hospitals and child welfare clinics, in order to resolve breast-feeding problems, and development departments, for the purpose of optimizing breast pumps.

Abstract: A system for detecting a milk surge in a mother's breast has a breast pump with a breast shield for expressing milk from the breast, a collecting container, for receiving the milk expressed, and a unit by means of which a quantity of milk received in the collecting container is determined as a function of time. This system makes it possible to detect the point in time and also the intensity of the milk surge. Application areas are research, in order to gain new knowledge about the breast-feeding behavior of babies and mothers, hospitals and child welfare clinics, in order to resolve breast-feeding problems, and development departments, for the purpose of optimizing breast pumps.

Abstract: Kits and methods for the collection, storage and/or feeding of breast milk include at least one flexible open-ended liner, an outer rigid tubular bottle adapted to receive the liner, and a breast pump adapter adapted to be threadably coupled to the bottle at one end and to a breast pump at another end thereof so as to allow breast milk to be expressed directly into the liner. A rigid stand for dependently supporting a flaccid liner containing breast milk, and at least one cap for sealably closing the open end of the liner may also be provided. The breast milk-containing liner may thus be sealed by the cap and positioned in the rigid stand. The stand and capped liner may then be placed in a refrigerated environment (e.g., a refrigerator, freezer, cooler or the like) so that the breast milk may be stored and preserved for future use. Most preferably, the kits of the present invention, will also include a nipple cap for the bottle.

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.

Abstract: A method for sucking a body through a sucking device, in which the sucking device includes a vacuum generator, a reservoir, a shield having at least one opening, a first tube and a second tube. The first tube communicates the shield with the vacuum generator and the second tube communicates the shield with the reservoir. The method comprising steps of: covering the shield on an area of the body; generating a negative pressure in the shield by the vacuum generator so as to gradually bulge the body area; and filling a filling medium into the shield from the reservoir for decreasing the negative pressure so as to restore the body area.

Abstract: A cover assembly for use with a breast milk storage system is produced having a hollow double threaded main body and a removable sealing cap. The cover assembly cooperates with a fluid pump mechanism to enable the efficient and effective transfer of breast milk from a mother's breast to a fluid storage container. The cover assembly eliminates the need for additional cleanup and reduces the risk of spilling the breast milk, as well as the risk of contamination, during the process of storing breast milk.

Abstract: A breast milk pump assembly for use in connection with electric or manual vacuum sources including a collapsible membrane for communicating a vacuum from the vacuum source to a breast shield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ostomy devices, such as ileostomy devices, colostomy devices and urostomy devices. Claimed and described is the use of an ostomy device comprising a storage element and a flange on an ostomy patient, the patient having an artificial passage for bodily discharges, such as faeces and/or urine, the passage being provided by a stoma and the passage being surrounded by abdominal skin, the use of the ostomy device being characterised in that the flange is in contact with the stoma. In an additional aspect the present invention relates to breast feeding accessories.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with a universal suction hood base that can be used with a set of different shields. An improved shield is further disclosed which is more flexible and conforms more readily to the breast, and also provides massage.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for noninvasively obtaining intraductal fluid. The method includes the use of an intraductal fluid sampling device to contact the patient, provide compression, and deliver heat thereto according to predetermined cycle characteristics. The cycle characteristics, such as compression cycle times and compression rates, may be varied and controlled by a control circuit.

Abstract: A device for expressing milk from one or more breasts has at least one, and preferably two expressers and a pump. The expressers each have a cup for fitting on the breasts and a cup outlet to which a vacuum created by the pump can be connected. The cups have a flexible liner which collapses around the breast to establish the vacuum. Pulsating pressure is applied to the outside of the liner to increase the vacuum and stimulate milk production. The pressure is applied through lines which are vented to maintain adequate, consistent pressure pulses without stalling the pump.

Abstract: A breastpump carrier in the form of a backpack. The breastpump backpack has a horizontal shelf dividing the interior of the breastpump carrier into lower and upper storage areas. The lower storage area is accessible through an exterior side of the backpack with a pumping mechanism mounted therein.

Abstract: A prophylactic device for protecting the diaphragm of a pump, such as a diaphragm pump for a breastpump, from fluid (air/milk) is disclosed. A removably mounted flexible cover is located between the shell of the pump and the movable diaphragm membrane within the shell which isolates the membrane from fluid. The cover is removable for at least one of cleaning and disposal. The flexible membrane has a circumferential rim upon which the cover is received over the rim. The shell has an internal opening defined therein sized to encompass the rim with the cover mounted on the rim in a substantially airtight fit. The cover thereby forms a gasket between the rim and shell.

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: 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: Biological samples of mammary fluid or components thereof are obtained using a breast pump device coupled with a solid phase sample collection medium, alternatively facilitated by administering oxytocin to the subject. The breast pump device stimulates expression of mammary fluid and provides for collection of diagnostic samples to evaluate breast disease, including cancer. The biological sample may include whole cells or cellular components, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired constituents comprising a breast disease marker. Methods, kits and adapter devices relating to the breast pump device are also provided. Yet additional methods, devices, accessories, and materials are provided for laboratory handling and processing of breast fluid samples and for related diagnostic methods.

Abstract: A breast pump system for obtaining breast milk is provided. The system sealingly separates the air flow from the breast milk and uses a single air tube for both positive pressure and negative pressure to be applied to a woman's breast. The breast pump can have a piston/cylinder device for generating pressure that allows a user to control suction and cycle time.

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.

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, so as to compress or massage the nipple/breast, and a negative pressure in the interior to draw the nipple/breast further therein for the expression of milk. The pressures can be independently controlled, and may furthermore alternate being negative and positive through the same pressure port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable patient interface for an intraductal fluid aspiration system. The interface has a flexible tubular distal member for contacting the patient, and a rigid proximal member forming a vacuum chamber therein. The rigid member has a vacuum aperture for communication with a source of vacuum. The flexible member preferably has a low modulus of elasticity and a high tear strength, such that it can be stretched to fit over a rigid support without rupture.

Abstract: A controller for a breastpump, such as a rotary knob, which is used to simultaneously adjust the suction level as well as rate within a sequence, is disclosed. The suction “force” and “speed” are tied together in an inverse relationship. As the suction force (vacuum) is increased, for example, the rate (cycle) is decreased; as the vacuum is decreased, the cycle increases.

Abstract: An improved breastshield for breastpumps has a tubular extension with a non-circular internal contour such as an oval, polygonal or fluted shape, among others. In another aspect of the invention, the non-circular contour is provided in the main breast-receiving part of the breastshield. Surface features, such as protuberances, are further provided for the breastshield which yield a non-smooth tactile feel to the breastshield.

Abstract: A portable, electric breast pump has an electronic controller adapted to track time and operate a solenoid to automatically maintain a predetermined suction and release rhythm as a function of time to mimic the natural sucking rhythm of an infant. Suction is produced by a continuously running diaphragm pump. A needle valve permits user vacuum level adjustment, but no other user control is required. A flapper valve in the top of the bottle reduces the suction rise time but incorporates a fixed amount of leakage to build a small amount of bottle pressure for pulling collected milk into the bottle during the release portion of the cycle. An improved bulkhead design helps to keep milk from entering the diaphragm pump if the unit is shaken or turned on its side.

Abstract: Milk is extracted from a human breast by placing the breast in a cup having a vacuum port. The cup also has a flexible liner that allows vacuum to extract milk when the liner is in a first, open position, the milk being drawn into the vacuum port by the vacuum when the liner is in the first position. The liner also has a second position in which the nipple of the breast is compressed enough to substantially reduce the flow of milk from the breast. The liner is opened and closed in a pulsating manner at a predetermined pulsation rate. The user may select a pulsation ratio that produces acceptable milk transfer and comfort. Optimum pulsation ratios vary from user to user, but are generally between about 20% and about 80% for the vacuum portion of the pulsation cycle.

Abstract: A breast milk feeding and storage system is provided. The system has a liner having an open end, a holder having an open end, and an adapter system. The liner open end and the adapter system are engageable with the holder open end to allow a user to selectively insert breast milk into the liner, feed the breast milk from the liner or store the breast milk in the liner.

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, so as to compress or massage the nipple/breast, and a negative pressure in the interior to draw the nipple/breast further therein for the expression of milk. The pressures can be independently controlled, and may furthermore alternate being negative and positive through the same pressure port.

Abstract: An improved breast pump assembly has a foot drive to which an otherwise manually operated vacuum pump of a breast pump can be readily and releasably attached to operate the vacuum pump by the foot of the user.

Abstract: A method for inducing lactation for the purpose of removing harmful toxins from a woman's body is provided. Specifically, the present invention includes, among other methods, using a baby mannequin-breast pump to induce lactation and to enable comfortable and efficient toxin removal from a woman's breast.

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.

Abstract: A breastpump assembly includes a hood member having a funnel-shaped shield portion for placement over a breast and a sleeve portion extending from the funnel-shaped portion. The breastpump assembly includes a substantially rigid plastic housing connected to the extending portion of the breast hood. A pump is fixed or functionally attached to the housing for applying a negative pressure to the housing. A container is attached to the housing, the container being in fluid communication with the breast hood to receive expressed breast milk. At least a portion of the breastpump exterior surface includes a compliant portion.

Abstract: A strapless hands-free breast band device of the present invention includes a unitary breast band having self-closing openings for receiving milk intake receptacles that is custom-fittable to the user. The self-closing openings are horizontal slit openings in an anisotropic breast band material that provide for adequate support of the milk intake receptacles without deflection, bending, or buckling of the band due to the weight of the receptacles when filling or filled with milk.

Abstract: A concealed apparatus for hands free breast milk pumping and collection includes one or more low profile nipple caps held in place beneath a support brassiere or other minimally conspicuous confinement. The system permits substantially concealed, hands free breast pumping in a public environment without any remarkable change in the user's visible appearance. Milk is expressed from the breasts through novel, low profile nipple caps linked to a membranous collection reservoir which is optionally designed for milk storage and delivery to the infant user.

Abstract: Differentiating breast ducts for cancer risk status is a key element in a procedure to screen women for breast cancer. The 6 to 9 breast ducts on the human breast can be differentiated to identify those of higher risk for cancer. The higher risk ducts merit access and analysis of the ductal fluid and monitoring and/or treatment.

Abstract: A breast milk feeding and storage system is provided. The system has a liner having an open end, a holder having an open end, and an adapter system. The liner open end and the adapter system are engageable with the holder open end to allow a user to selectively insert breast milk into the liner, feed the breast milk from the liner or store the breast milk in the liner.

Abstract: A brassiere for supporting the breasts of a wearer and for receiving and supporting a funnel for expressing breast milk, comprising a pair of cups, at least one of which includes a first portion and a second portion having at least one elastic band. The first and second portion of the cup are expandable to allow a funnel to be selectively inserted between and under said first portion and said second portion so as to contact said breast for expressing milk.

Abstract: Breast cup for placing on a woman's breast, which breast cup includes an outer part (1) and an inner part (2), which inner part (2) includes an approximately cylindrical portion (11) with one or more areas provided with flexible membranes (13), as well as an approximately conical portion (12) with one or more areas provided with flexible membranes (14), which outer portion (1) includes a generally conical portion (5) shaped to be complementary to the conical portion (12) of the inner part (2), a generally cylindrical portion (4) shaped to be complementary to the cylindrical portion (11) of the inner part (2).

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: The production of a protein free synthetic polyisoprene which has both low levels of chemical impurities and good physical properties has yet to be realized. It has now been envisioned that the use of neodymium catalyzed polyisoprene will offer the combined advantages of both a clean, as well as, high cis-1,4 polymer. Synthesis of polyisoprene rubber using a neodymium based catalyst system is described. Characterization of the material shows the absence of an ultra high molecular weight fraction and the presence of very high cis-1,4-microstructure. Gum stock and black filled compound studies comparing neodymium polyisoprene with natural rubber, titanium polyisoprene, and lithium polyisoprene have been performed. Results indicate that polyisoprene rubber synthesized using a neodymium catalyst. system (Nd—PI) has similar stress-strain and tear properties as synthetic titanium polyisoprene.

Abstract: A breast pump system for obtaining breast milk is provided. The system sealingly separates the air flow from the breast milk and uses a single air tube for both positive pressure and negative pressure to be applied to a woman's breast. The breast pump can have a piston/cylinder device for generating pressure that allows a user to control suction and cycle time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for expressing and collecting mother's milk from a donor utilizing an adapted breastpump assembly. The method includes providing a breastpump assembly having a flexible membrane engaged upon a breast shield of the breastpump assembly. The breast shield is adapted for engagement with a donor's breast to facilitate the expression of mother's milk therefrom. A temporary fluid reservoir is established between the flexible membrane and a portion of the breast shield, the temporary fluid reservoir is provided to initially collect mother's milk upon expression from the donor's breast. This configuration enables the donor to assume a reclined position during the expression process and at least initially collect expressed mother's milk in the temporary fluid reservoir. Supplementarily, a bypass assembly maybe provided for conveying mother's milk from the temporary fluid reservoir to a collection receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and kits for simultaneous delivery of a fluid or other substance to two or more breast milk ducts are provided. The fluid can be delivered for a variety of purposes including lavage of the ducts and administering an agent for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A flexible resilient breast pump insert adapted to fit onto a vacuum generating breast pump operable to cyclically generate and release a negative pressure is disclosed. The insert has deformable zones (11, 14) spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis of the insert which are connected to the source of negative pressure so that the zones (11, 14) are deformed sequentially when the negative pressure is applied, to cause them to move inwardly and outwardly relative to the users nipple and areola and apply a peristaltic pressure thereto.

Abstract: A breastpump which can be programmed to generate, among other things, a plurality of differing milk expression (extraction) sequences, or curves is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a motorized pump (e.g., compressed air, battery and/or house current) is provided with a microprocessor-based controller. Cards, with microprocessor “chips,” containing different suction curves adapted for varying conditions and objectives are included for programming the controller in this embodiment.

Abstract: A breastpump is provided with one or more novel suction sequences which are considered to produce advantageous particularized results. Such sequences include a suction method for increased milk production and an improved suction method in general.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for noninvasively obtaining intraductal fluid. The method includes the use of an intraductal fluid sampling device to contact the patient, provide compression, and deliver heat thereto according to predetermined cycle characteristics. The cycle characteristics, such as compression cycle times and compression rates, may be varied and controlled by a control circuit.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for reducing the level of carcinogens in the breast, and influencing the transport of blood carotenoids into the intraductal environment. In one embodiment, the device comprises a pump having compression, suction, and heat adapted to optimize noninvasive extraction of intraductal breast fluid during periods of non-lactation, from a parous or nulliparous patient.

Abstract: A device for expressing milk from one or more breasts has at least one, and preferably two expressers and a pump. The expressers each have a cup for fitting on the breasts and a cup outlet to which a vacuum created by the pump can be connected. The cups have a flexible liner which collapses around the breast to establish the vacuum. Pulsating pressure is applied to the outside of the liner to increase the vacuum and stimulate milk production. The pressure is applied through lines which are vented to maintain adequate, consistent pressure pulses without stalling the pump.

Abstract: This invention relates to a breast pump which can perform the automatic suction with the following advantages: 1) a breast-milking mother can stop the operation of breast pump immediately, when her breast site feels painful through continual suction, 2) the suction can be immediately made available by re-pushing a switch, thus more convenient to use, 3) since the breast pump has a massage function in addition to the basic suction of human milk, thus removing a breast stiffness in an efficient manner and improve the overall functions of the breast pump, 4) the rapid detachment of the breast pump after use can be accomplished through a suction release value, thus making the separation procedure of breast pump easier, 5) since the induction neck of breast pump is equipped with a separate induction conduit which is extended to the inside of a breast milk bottle, human milk can be directly dropped to the bottle, whereby disinfecting the bottle is unnecessary, and 6) since the breast milk bottle is connected to the

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, so as to compress or massage the nipple/breast, and a negative pressure in the interior to draw the nipple/breast further therein for the expression of milk. The pressures can be independently controlled, and may furthermore alternate being negative and positive through the same pressure port.