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US 6,358,226 B1Granted
Lactation apparatus
OwnerAudrey M. Ryaninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A breast pump for continuously applying warmth at a temperature of not more than about 105 degrees Fahrenheit to a mammary gland both before and during milk withdrawal is described. The apparatus enables the mammary gland tissue to be raised to a temperature that makes milk withdrawal more comfortable, whereupon suction is applied to the gland, as the temperature is maintained in order to commence the withdrawal process and permit the milk so extracted to be administered artificially to a suckling infant.
Claims19
An apparatus for withdrawing milk from a mammary gland comprising:
- a cup for supporting the gland,
- said cup having a void space formed therewithin and a bore penetrating said cup,
- a suction device received in said bore,
- said suction device establishing fluid communication with the gland,
- a suction pump in fluid communication with said suction device for selective application of suction to the gland,
- a working fluid,
- a pump for applying said working fluid to said void space,
- at least one heating element for selectively warming said working fluid, and
- a temperature control for adjusting said heating element to warm said working fluid to a predetermined temperature, whereby said warmed working fluid in said void space warms the gland and promotes the withdrawal of milk from the mammary gland through said suction device.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.