ELECTRIC BREAST PUMP DESIGNED TO SIMULATE INFANT SUCKLING

摘要

An electric breast pump utilizes an electric motor to drive a piston vacuum pump to draw a negative pressure or suction up to 250mm Hg at a flexible collapsible breast cup. The suction cycles between the set maximum and atmospheric pressure are performed under the control of a magnetic valve that is opened and closed by a vacuum sensor. The valve opens and closes a bypass to atmosphere. The speed of the electric motor can be selectively varied to increase the frequency of the suction cycles, which can vary between 20 to 44 cycles per minute. The breast cup collapses during a part of each cycle to simulate the peristaltic action of a suckling infant.