Suction Sequences for a Breastpump

• US 20120289934A1
• Filed: 05/17/2012
• Published: 11/15/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/1999
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Medela Holding AG (Olle Larsson Holding AG)
• Original Assignee: Medela Ag (Olle Larsson Holding AG)
• Inventors: Greter, Andy, Larsson, Michael
• Application Number:
  US13/473,862
• Publication Number:
  US 20120289934A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/514
• 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 breastpump comprising:

a breastshield having a portion within which a woman'"'"'s breast is received for the expression of milk;

a source of pressure in communication with said breastshield; and

a user programmable controller including an input mechanism through which the user interfaces with said controller to provide commands capable of varying more than (i) the maximum amount of pressure applied, and (ii) the frequency of maximum pressure application in a cyclical sequence for operating the breastpump, such that after achieving a maximum negative pressure, there is an initial slope for a pressure increase and a period of time where said pressure increase is slowed before continuing about said initial slope.

2. A method of operating a breastpump comprising:

providing a breastshield having a portion within which a woman'"'"'s breast is received for the expression of milk;

providing a source of pressure in communication with the breastshield;

providing a user programmable controller;

providing an input mechanism in operative communication with the programmable controller; and

inputting a program from a plurality of possible programs selected by the user through the input mechanism where said possible programs have varying amounts of pressure applied, varying frequency of pressure application, and include at least one program which has a varying pressure curve which deviates from a simple curve between maximum and minimum or no pressure, such that there is a period where the pressure increase is slowed.