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 tha t 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 4 4 cycles per minute. The breast cup collapses during a part of each cycle to simulate the peristaltic action of a suckling infant.