Examples disclosed herein are relevant to breast pumps. Disclosed examples include breast pumps that automatically adjust various pumping parameters based on data obtained from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors can produce data regarding an amount of milk expressed by a user. The adjusting of the pumping parameters can be configured to, for example, help the user efficiently express milk by utilizing a closed-feedback system that monitors the flow rate of the expressed milk.

The present invention relates to a pump arrangement (1) for a double breast pump (2). The pump arrangement (1) comprises first and second terminals (23, 24) for connecting first and second expression kits (3, 4) having first and second breast shields (5, 6) and at least one container (7) for collecting breast milk (8) in fluidic connection with the expression kits (3, 4), a pump (9) for generating reduced pressure within said breast shields, a plurality of conduits (10, 11, 14, 15, 16), a suction valve (12) connected to the pump (9) by a connection conduit (14) and to the first and second terminals (23, 24) by respective air conduits (10, 11), and a venting valve (13) connected to the first and second terminals (23, 24) by venting conduits (15, 16), wherein the venting valve (13) comprises an opening (17) to the environment. The pump (9) is alternatingly connected to the first and second terminals (23, 24) by alternate opening and closing of the suction valve (12) and the venting valve (13).

Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure. In one approach, the breast pump assembly includes a breast adapter and a receptacle configured to cup the breast adapter, and the breast adapter is removable from the receptacle.

Disclosed herein are improved devices, systems, and methods for the expression and collection of breast milk, such as human breast milk. A breast shield assembly for expression of breast milk may comprise a breast interface and an actuatable assembly interface fluidly coupled with a tube, wherein the breast interface is configured to engage the breast and the actuatable assembly interface is configured to removably couple to an actuatable assembly. The breast shield assembly may comprise an enclosed fluid reservoir extending between the breast interface and the actuatable assembly interface, the fluid reservoir physically separated from the expressed breast milk and filled with a driving fluid comprising a liquid. The breast shield assembly may further comprise a fill port configured to allow addition or removal of the driving fluid to or from the fluid reservoir.

A directed media separation system includes components for directing a consistent collapse of a media separation device in response to a varying pressure from a pressure source. The media separation device can be removably connected to a directing element. The directing element can have a directing geometry that affects the collapse of the media separation device. The media separation device can have a preset geometry that collapses in a predictable and repeatable manner from the applied pressure.

A syringe receptacle device for collecting a liquid from an extraction device, a cylindrical barrel, and a plunger. The barrel has an inner circumferential surface that extends between opposite first and second ends. The first end of the barrel is adapted to be removably coupled to the extraction device. The plunger is slidably coupled to the barrel and includes a plunger head and an actuating rod. The plunger head is frictionally engaged with the inner circumferential surface of the barrel. The actuating rod is fixedly attached to the plunger head an extends out through the second of the barrel.

A sound suppression system for reducing or eliminating sound produced by the operation of a breast vacuum pump includes a sound suppressing muffler assembly having an air entry port adapted to communicate with an air outlet port of a vacuum pump or other air flow generating device. The sound suppressing muffler assembly also includes a muffler housing defining an internal space communicating with the air entry port, and an opening in the housing leading to atmosphere. The muffler housing has a tortuous air path in the muffler housing. In one embodiment, sound absorbing porous foam structure is disposed in the tortuous air path. The at least one sound absorbing porous structure absorbs sound energy from the air as the air moves through the at least one air path toward the opening in the muffler housing. In further embodiments, a tortuous air path is provided between an air entry port and an opening to atmosphere in the muffler assembly.

The present invention relates to a breast shield arrangement (1) for a breast pump (2) comprising: a breast shield (3) for receiving a user's breast therein, and a sensor (4) for transmitting an input signal into the breast and receiving a corresponding reception signal in response, said reception signal indicating changes in milk flow in the breast.

Systems and methods for pumping milk from a breast, wherein the milk is expressed from the breast under suction and milk is expulsed from the pumping mechanism to a collection container under positive pressure. In one approach, the breast pump assembly includes a breast adapter and a receptacle configured to cup the breast adapter, and the breast adapter is removable from the receptacle.

Disclosed herein are improved devices, systems, and methods for the expression and collection of breast milk, such as human breast milk. A breast shield assembly for expression of breast milk may comprise a breast interface and an actuatable assembly interface fluidly coupled with a tube, wherein the breast interface is configured to engage the breast and the actuatable assembly interface is configured to removably couple to an actuatable assembly. The breast shield assembly may comprise an enclosed fluid reservoir extending between the breast interface and the actuatable assembly interface, the fluid reservoir physically separated from the expressed breast milk and filled with a driving fluid comprising a liquid. The breast shield assembly may further comprise a fill port configured to allow addition or removal of the driving fluid to or from the fluid reservoir.