Method and apparatus for protecting the pump of a breast pump from fouling by milk
Patent 5071403 Issued on December 10, 1991. Estimated Expiration Date: 
November 14, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
November 14, 2009. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 2162076 Suction collection device Method for inducing uterine activity through nipple stimulation Pediatric suction system and method with filter Breastpump Milking apparatus Aspirator Breastpump having improved valve mechanism Patent #: 4929229 InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 436381 filed on 11/14/1989US Classes:604/74, Lacteal extractors (e.g., breast pump, etc.)604/320Having vacuum shutoff means (e.g., float valve, etc.)ExaminersPrimary: Yasko, John D.Assistant: Cermak, Adam J. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassA61M 001/06AbstractMethod and apparatus for restricting the passage of milk beyond a selected place in breast pump apparatus and for protecting the pump from fouling by milk. A barrier to the passage of human milk is disposed in an air passage interconnecting the vacuum pump and a breast-contacting hood or the like for receiving expressed milk. In conventional fashion, operation of a vacuum pump may result in the expression of milk into the hood, where it may be collected. The air being drawn toward the vacuum pump passes through a porous body that is normally substantially permeable to air. The porous body is impermeable to human milk. Accordingly, it serves as a barrier across the vacuum line and protects the pump. When contacted by human milk, the porous body becomes substantially impermeable to air, at least at the point of contact. Depending upon the extent of such contact, the amount of vacuum that reaches the interior of the hood is reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing or eliminating the further expression of milk.Other References
Field of SearchMeans forceably introducing or removing material from body orifice or woundLacteal extractors (e.g., breast pump, etc.) With collapsible bulb means With suction generated orally by person or user Means for removing material from surface by suction Suction generated by self-acting fluid pressure, motor-driven or mechanical energy storing means (e.g., spring, etc.) Receptacles receiving protruding body member (e.g., ears, genitalia, breast, etc.) Means varying or regulating suction Having vacuum shutoff means (e.g., float valve, etc.) | |
