Suction Sequences for a Breastpump

• US 20110034869A1
• Filed: 10/19/2010
• Published: 02/10/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Medela Ag (Olle Larsson Holding AG)
• Original Assignee: Medela Ag (Olle Larsson Holding AG)
• Inventors: Greter, Andy, Larsson, Michael
• Application Number:
  US12/907,693
• Publication Number:
  US 20110034869A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/74
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/06 Milking pumps
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/06935 imitating the suckling of an infant
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/0697 having means for massaging the breast
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/75 Intermittent or pulsating suction A61M1/63, A61M1/772 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3569 sublocal, e.g. between console and disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3584 using modem, internet or bluetooth
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/50 with microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/8206 battery-operated

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.

Claims

1. A method for operating a breastpump comprising:

generating a cyclical pressure change according to the mathematical expression;

2. The method of claim 1 wherein each of said cyclical pressure changes includes a pause between each cycle at atmospheric pressure.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein said pause is from about 0.2 to about 2 seconds in duration.

4. The method claim 2 wherein said pause is about 0.25 seconds in duration.

5. A method for operating a breastpump to stimulate a milk ejection reflex comprising:

generating a cyclical pressure change according to the mathematical expression;

6. The method of claim 5 wherein said cyclical pressure changes includes a pause between each cycle at atmospheric pressure.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said pause is from 0.0 to about 0.5 seconds in duration.

8. A method for operating a breastpump comprising:

generating a cyclical negative pressure change, said negative pressure change having a duration;

generating a peak negative pressure at a time about 50 percent along said duration; and

generating a rest segment in said negative pressure change after said time of said peak negative pressure but before completion of a cycle.