Method and apparatus for controlled feeding of an infant
First Claim
1. A method of feeding a neonatal infant comprising:
- selecting a baby bottle being filled with feeding solution;
connecting the baby bottle to a feeding pump;
operating the pump to thereby deliver the feeding solution to an infant.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for controlled feeding of an infant provides a safer and less expensive apparatus for the enteral feeding of a neonatal infant, as well as a mechanism for minimizing separation of fluid for any enteral feeding patient. The apparatus allows for dispensing the feeding solution from conventional baby bottles or breast pump reservoirs, or other convenient reservoirs in combination with a peristaltic pump. The feeding system helps reduce the risk for contaminating the feeding solution by minimizing the handling of the feeding solution. By utilizing a pump which is less expensive than current neonatal feeding pumps, the feeding system is more cost effective in all environments and more suitable for home use.
60 Citations
68 Claims
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1. A method of feeding a neonatal infant comprising:
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selecting a baby bottle being filled with feeding solution;
connecting the baby bottle to a feeding pump;
operating the pump to thereby deliver the feeding solution to an infant. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 56, 57)
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- 7. An adapter comprising a surface configured for covering the opening of an infant bottle, and configured for placement in the opening of an infant bottle cap, the adapter further comprising a vent and means for connecting the adapter to the inlet tubing of a feeding pump.
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13. A reservoir for holding feeding solution for delivery to an infant comprising:
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a first end configured for attachment to the inlet tubing of a feeding pump;
a middle portion configured for receiving a feeding solution; and
a second end configured to allow placement of feeding solution into the reservoir; and
wherein at least the middle portion and the second end are formed from a flexible material. - View Dependent Claims (14, 58)
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15. A system for holding feeding solution for delivery to an infant comprising:
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an elongate reservoir having an open first end, a second end opposite the first end and configured for attachment to the inlet tubing of a feeding pump, and an interior surface extending between the first end and second end;
a plunger configured for slide-able engagement with the interior surface of the reservoir so as to seal against the interior surface; and
a biasing member configured to bias the plunger towards the second end of the reservoir. - View Dependent Claims (59)
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16. A method for feeding an infant comprising:
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selecting a reservoir having a feeding solution disposed therein, the reservoir selected from the group consisting of a baby bottle and a breast pump milk reservoir;
attaching an adapter configured for attaching then reservoir to an feeding set to the reservoir opening;
attaching an feeding set to the adapter;
delivering the feeding solution to an infant. - View Dependent Claims (17, 60)
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18. A method for feeding a neonatal infant comprising:
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selecting a collapsible reservoir;
filling the collapsible reservoir with feeding solution;
attaching the collapsible reservoir to an feeding set; and
delivering the feeding solution to an infant. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 61)
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22. A method of feeding a neonatal infant comprising:
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filling a reservoir feeding solution;
attaching the reservoir to a feeding set;
loading the feeding set into a peristaltic pump; and
delivering the feeding solution to an infant. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 62, 63)
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30. A system for feeding a neonatal infant comprising:
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a peristaltic pump;
a reservoir configured for holding feeding solution;
an feeding set having a proximal portion configured for attachment to the reservoir, a pumping section configured for insertion into the peristaltic pump, and a distal portion configured for delivering a feeding solution to an infant. - View Dependent Claims (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 64, 65)
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- 46. A reservoir for delivering feeding solution to a neonatal infant, the reservoir comprising a first port for injecting feeding solution into the reservoir and a second port for releasing feeding solution into tubing of an feeding set, the reservoir comprising a plurality of generally parallel walls disposed therein for directing fluid flow from the first port to the second port in generally horizontal segments.
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47. A system for delivering feeding solution comprising:
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a reservoir for holding the feeding solution, comprising an outlet port for allowing withdrawal of the feeding solution; and
means for agitating the solution in the reservoir to thereby inhibit separation of the feeding solution.
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53. A system for delivering feeding solution comprising:
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a reservoir having an outlet port;
a static mixing element disposed in fluid connection with the outlet port configured for mixing the solution; and
a pump means for delivering the solution.
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66. A system for delivering feeding solution comprising:
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an elastically expandable reservoir comprising an inlet port and an exit port;
a static mixer disposed in fluid communication with the exit port; and
a pump for delivering the feeding solution. - View Dependent Claims (68)
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67. A system for delivering feeding solution comprising:
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a reservoir defining a generally planar surface being substantially smaller in thickness than in length or width, the reservoir comprising a plurality of walls disposed therein for dividing the reservoir into a tortuous pathway, an inlet port, and an outlet port; and
a pump for delivering feeding solution from the reservoir.
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Specification