The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for collecting information related to operation of a breast pump device (1) comprising a pump (31) and a circuit (32) for supplying electric power to the pump (31). The apparatus (10) is accommodated in a power adapter of the device (1) and comprises a detection unit (11) that is configured to detect an electric signal on the circuit (32) of the device (1), a processing unit (12) that is configured to receive the detected electric signal from the detection unit (11) and to process the detected electric signal according to a preset routine in order to generate an information signal representative of information related to use of the device (1), and a transmission unit (13) that is configured to receive the information signal from the processing unit (12) and to transmit the information signal to an external device such as a smartphone (6).

A progressive sequencing lactating breast milk extraction apparatus comprising a series of compression segments arranged forming a conical shape extending between a wider chest end and a narrower extracted milk collection end, at least one vibration generating apparatus in vibrational communication with at least one compression segment of the series of compression segments; and an operational mechanism to contract and expand each compression segment. In use, the operational mechanism cycles each compression segment of the series of compression segments between a compressed state and a relaxed state and the cycles are provided sequentially from a rear of the progressive sequencing lactating breast milk extraction apparatus to the extracted milk collection end. The vibrational energy applied to the breast aids in flow of the milk through the breast.

A pump apparatus and method for extracting breastmilk is disclosed. A pump head comprises a funnel-shaped breast shield portion and a neck portion leading to a collection container. A deformable elastic component is sealed within an opening formed in the neck portion and manipulated to engage the user's nipple to simulate the suckling of an infant. The deformable elastic component is configured to move into the interior volume of the neck portion under an applied positive pressure to compress the nipple and control nipple edema. The deformable elastic component is also configured to move away from the axial center of the neck portion under an applied negative pressure to create suction and extract breastmilk in a manner that closely replicates the suckling of an infant. The pump may also include another deformable elastic component to stimulate a Milk Ejection Reflex (MER).

The invention is a wearable breast pump system including a housing shaped at least in part to fit inside a bra and a piezo air-pump. The piezo air-pump is fitted in the housing and forms part of a closed loop system that drives a separate, deformable diaphragm to generate negative air pressure. The diaphragm is removably mounted on a breast shield.

An electric breast pump 1 includes a breast placement part 12 in which a breast part including a breast and a nipple of a subject is placed and suction-pressure generating units 10 and 50 that generate a suction pressure in the breast placement part. The suction-pressure generating unit generates a suction cycle including a plurality of sucking operations. The suction cycle includes basic suction and increased suction with an increased suction pressure. A suction pressure difference that increases in the increased suction is a pressure difference at a borderline at which a user perceives a change of a suction pressure. In the suction cycle, the basic suction and the increased suction are each repeated multiple times consecutively at an equal suction pressure. At least a last sucking operation in the suction cycle is extended suction having a longer suction time than those of other sucking operations.

Systems and methods for assessing milk volume changes within a breast are described. Also described are systems and methods for assessing volume changes in the stomach of an infant.

A pump arrangement (5) for use with abreast pump device comprises a pump element (51), an expression kit air conduit (55) designed to allow for air connection of an expression kit (2) of the device to the pump arrangement (5), a volume element (54) configured to store vacuum in the pump arrangement (5), and a storage switching mechanism (58) arranged between the expression kit air conduit (55) and the volume element (54), configured to switch between a position of direct connection of the expression kit air conduit (55) to the volume element (54) at a bypass position with respect to the pump element (51) and a position of disconnection of the expression kit air conduit (55) from the volume element (54). Through a direct exchange of vacuum between an expression kit (2) and the volume element (54), support of the functioning of the pump element (51) is realized.

A breast pump device (100) is provided with a breast receiving portion (130), a pressure source (120) for generating an over- or under pressure, a controller (110) and a breast detector (140) for detecting a first state when no breast is in the breast receiving portion and a second state when a breast is in the breast receiving portion (130). The controller (110) changes a parameter of the breast pump device and/or outputs a notification if the breast detector (140) has detected the second state. The breast detector (140) detects the first or second state based on operating parameters of the pressure source (120). The controller (110) operates the pressure source (120) in a first operating mode if the breast detector (140) has detected the first state or in a second operating mode if the breast detector (140) has detected the second state.

A method of monitoring an operation of an electric breast pump (100) using an external smart device (200) is provided. The external smart device (200) comprises a vibration detection unit (210) for detecting vibrations emitted from the breast pump (100). The detected vibrations are analyzed to extract information regarding the operation of the electric breast pump (100). The information comprises at least one of mode of operation and settings of the modes of operation of the breast pump (100). The extracted information can be outputted.

The invention is a wearable breast pump system including a housing shaped at least in part to fit inside a bra and a piezo air-pump. The piezo air-pump is fitted in the housing and forms part of a closed loop system that drives a separate, deformable diaphragm to generate negative air pressure. The diaphragm is removably mounted on a breast shield.