Patent Description:
Reciprocating device assemblies can include one or more fixed pathways to vent fluid within a reciprocating device chamber at a specific point during operation of the reciprocating device. The pathways generally address unwanted pressure generated in the chamber during operation of the reciprocating device.

<CIT>; and <CIT> each address various pathways incorporated into a piston assembly to vent the chamber during operation. For example, <CIT> discusses an accumulator reservoir including a multitude of paths that can and will operate in parallel and provide an interconnected network of vent flows. <CIT> discusses a dampening diaphragm enclosing a damping chamber into which a throttle bore discharges through the housing end wall.

<CIT> discusses a breast pump assembly having a disc-like flanged sealing ring clamped to a top of a piston head by a metallic disc. The flanged sealing ring is formed by a leather disc having an out-turned flange that surrounds an endless spiral spring, and by the natural expansion of the latter, is yieldingly held in contact with the walls of the cylinder. Under upward or inward movement of the piston, air caged in the cylinder will find relatively free escape therefrom past the flexible flange of the piston ring, especially at or in line with the flattened portion. The device works without the use of any check valve in any of the air passages to or from the cylinder. However, additional space is required within the cylinder to accommodate the height of the flanged sealing ring above the piston.

<CIT> relates to a milk suction device with a funnel and a piston pump connected thereto. The device has a hollow piston rod with a return valve having an opening located in the suction space of a cylinder of the pump. The return valve is closed during the suction stroke of the piston pump and is constructed as an aeration valve.

European patent application <CIT> relates to a nebulizer that has a nebulizing head and is supplied with compressed air from a pump which is powered by the exertions of an individual, who may be the user. The pump incorporates a cylinder with a reciprocable piston which generates compressed air on one stroke but not on the reverse stroke. An accumulator receives compressed air from the pump and enables the head to produce a continuous spray. The accumulator may include a fine filter. The pump may resemble a foot-pump for inflating vehicle tyres.

<CIT> relates to a manually operable vacuum pump having a housing including first and second pump chambers whose volume is altered by movement of a displaceable piston which is moved by means of a piston rod attached thereto and fed through one of the first and second pump chambers. The first and second pump chambers are configured such that gas which is fed into the vacuum pump is compressed in two steps, primarily in the first pump chamber and secondarily in the second pump chamber to provide a suitable end vacuum. Thereafter, the gas is expelled from the second pump chamber through the second end cap.

<CIT> relates to a double action piston having plural annular check valves. An air pump piston is provided peripherally with a first leak proof ring and a second leak proof ring, which are located respectively and contiguously at both ends of the piston. Located peripherally between the first and the second leak proof rings is a radially disposed air hole. The piston is fastened at the second end thereof with a piston rod such that the air hole of the piston is in communication with an axial passageway of the piston rod. The piston is further provided peripherally between the first leakproof ring and the air hole with at least one first duct disposed radially. The piston is still further provided peripherally with at least one second duct which is disposed radially and located between the second leak proof ring and the air hole.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a venting device system, a breast pump assembly and a method of reducing unwanted pressure in a reciprocating device assembly that obviate or mitigate at least one of the disadvantages and shortcomings of the related prior art. This object is solved by the present invention as claimed in the appended independent claims. Particular embodiments of the present invention are defined by the appended dependent claims.

In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, a venting device system of a reciprocating device assembly that eliminates the disadvantages of the previous systems, is set forth. A more compact and efficient assembly can thus be achieved in accordance with the principles herein. Moreover, a system configured to provide an improved flow path for venting a reciprocating device assembly is provided, in accordance with the principles herein.

A wide variety of embodiments are contemplated, and can be constructed in accordance with the principles herein to provide an improved flow path via an improved venting device system while generating fluid pressure in the system.

Although exemplary embodiments are set forth to illustrate the basic advantages of the improvements achieved in accordance with the principles herein, numerous other embodiments are contemplated that achieve a flow path that does not require either structure positioned above a head of the reciprocating device during operation or a fixed vent. For example, in one exemplary embodiment the flow path can vary due to movement of a component, such as a seal or sealing member. The component can move a venting device system, from an open vent, during a return stroke of a reciprocating device, to a closed vent, during a pressure generating stroke of the reciprocating device. The venting device system can be configured in any suitable arrangement to include at least one selectively sealing component, or seal that can be movable or bendable during operation of the reciprocating device to form a variable air flow path, while moving through the reciprocating device assembly. For example, the venting device system can be configured to include a seal that can move and seal the reciprocating device during a pressure generating stroke of the reciprocating device. In an exemplary embodiment, the venting device system can be configured to include a seal that travels back and forth relative to the reciprocating piston assembly head components during operation, where the venting can be tuned based on movement of the seal relative to the reciprocating device, and/or other parameters of the reciprocating device assembly. As a result the venting device system can improve the efficiency of the movement of the reciprocating device by improving the distribution of fluid within a chamber of the reciprocating device assembly during operation.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the venting device system can include a deformable seal, incorporated in any suitable manner, into the design of the reciprocating device, for example by integrally forming the seal with a head of the reciprocating device, so that the function of the venting device system is an integral part of the reciprocating device. In other exemplary embodiments, the venting device system can include a seal partially formed in the reciprocating device and partially formed as a separate or connectable component to the reciprocating device. In still other exemplary embodiments, the venting device system can include a seal that moves relative to a sealing section of a reciprocating device, such that no direct connection exits continually between the reciprocating device and the seal during operation. Suitable variations and combinations of the examples set forth herein are contemplated as well.

In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure one exemplary embodiment can include a breast pump assembly having a venting device system including a seal selectively connectable to or integrally formed in a head of a reciprocating device. The seal of the venting device system can be disposed below the top of the head of the reciprocating device. The seal of the venting device system can be configured to selectively move, based on forces present in the system during operation of the reciprocating device.

In an exemplary breast pump assembly, the venting device system can be configured to seal the reciprocating device during a pressure generating stroke and to vent the assembly during a return stroke. The breast pump assembly can further include a chamber, wherein the venting device system further eliminates unwanted pressure in the chamber of the assembly during operation without affecting pressure creation in the chamber during a pressure generating stroke of the assembly. The venting device system can be configured of one or more materials, including a deformable material and/or a sealable material.

In yet another embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles herein a medical device assembly can include a venting device system configured to move based on forces present in the assembly. The venting device system can be further configured to include a seal adapted to selectively engage a portion of a head of a reciprocating device below the top of the reciprocating device on a pressure generating stroke of the reciprocating device to substantially seal the reciprocating device within a chamber of the assembly.

In still another embodiment the venting device system can include a seal that movingly engages different parts of the head of the reciprocating device. The venting device system can be suitably disposed on, around or near the reciprocating member. For example, in an embodiment the venting device system can include a seal movably seated about an interior of a head of the reciprocating member. The venting device system can be configured to allow fluid to flow in an opposite direction from a direction of travel of a reciprocating device, given movement of the reciprocating device on a return stroke. The venting device system can be configured to include a seal that at least partially moves into a position to seal the reciprocating device during a pressure generating stroke of the reciprocating device.

An exemplary method of reducing unwanted pressure in a venting device system within a reciprocating device assembly can include the following steps: venting air from above a reciprocating device around a top of the reciprocating device on a return stroke with a seal disposed below the top of the reciprocating device; and sealing air below the top of the reciprocating device on a pressure generating stroke with the seal of the venting device system on a pressure generating stroke. The method can further include the step of configuring the seal of the venting device system to move from a first position substantially near the top of the reciprocating member on a pressure generating stroke to a second position displaced away from the first position, and disposed directly or indirectly against a surface of the reciprocating device on a return stroke.

Various advantages of the present disclosure are specifically described below in reference to the exemplary embodiments, or conceptually embodied therein. The drawings and description herein are provided to merely illustrate examples of the general concepts discussed throughout the present disclosure. Numerous changes and modifications can be made, as known to those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

These and other features and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which:.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain exemplary embodiments of various system components constructed in accordance with the principles herein. These examples are not intended to represent the only embodiments or forms that may be developed or utilized according to these principles. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.

Certain aspects of some embodiments constructed in accordance with the principles herein are directed toward a reciprocating device assembly having improved venting efficiency during operation.

It is understood that the systems described herein may be used to deliver a wide range of fluid contents to a wide variety of reciprocating device assemblies for delivering positive or negative pressure. Such contents will be collectively referred to herein as "fluid" for purposes of simplicity.

An exemplary embodiment of a venting device system including a reciprocating device assembly constructed in accordance with the principles herein is shown generally at <NUM> in <FIG>. A suitable reciprocating device <NUM> can be provided and the venting device system <NUM> can further include a seal <NUM> configured and arranged within the reciprocating device assembly <NUM> to seat in a first position A relative to the reciprocating device <NUM> during a return stroke of the reciprocating device <NUM> (in this example the reciprocating device assembly is oriented in an upright position, although numerous other orientations are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure). In position A, the seal <NUM> provides a fluid path of a preselected height h, (shown here between a top of the seal <NUM> and a lower surface of a head <NUM> of the reciprocating device <NUM>), determined to best meet the needs of a particular system. Thus, during the return stroke the seal <NUM> provides a fluid path that vents fluid from one side of the piston to an opposite position <NUM> in the reciprocating device assembly <NUM>, illustrated here as disposed below the head <NUM> of the piston. Thus, <FIG> shows an example of how a system constructed in accordance with the principles herein can provide a desired fluid flow path without requiring a fixed vent or an enlarged structure. The reciprocating device assembly <NUM> can further include a stem <NUM> for moving the head <NUM> back and forth in a chamber <NUM> of the venting device system. A suitable motor assembly <NUM> can be provided and connected either directly or indirectly to the chamber <NUM> and/or stem <NUM> to facilitate movement of the stem <NUM>, if desired. One example of a suitable motor for certain applications is a gear motor. Other force driving motors or devices can be provided and selected based on desired system performance or to meet specific requirements, for example a piston driving device as described in <FIG> below, or any other suitable device. The system illustrated in <FIG> is a negative pressure generating system. Other systems, such as positive generating pressure systems, are contemplated herein.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a venting device system shown generally at <NUM> and including a reciprocating device <NUM> and a seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> is shown seated in a different position relative to a reciprocating device assembly <NUM> compared to the position shown in <FIG> during a pressure generating stroke of the system <NUM>. As the direction of the reciprocating device turns so that the stem <NUM> moves due to the driving force of a suitable device or assembly <NUM> for the pressure generating stroke, the seal <NUM> can be configured to move, by the forces in the system via <NUM> or by any other suitable force or combination of forces, to a different position from the Position A of <FIG> to a Position B in <FIG>. To this end, any suitable shape or materials can be used to form the seal <NUM>, so long as the device seals the system during the pressure generation stroke. Additionally, an off the shelf seal may be suitable for certain applications. Any suitable material or combination of materials can be used to form the seal <NUM>, including an elastic material, so long as the material can be configured to seal the system at the cylinder and the piston. From the Position B the seal <NUM> can expand toward an interior wall <NUM> of a chamber <NUM> of the venting device system <NUM> and substantially or fully seal the fluid above or below a head <NUM> (depending on whether the system is creating vacuum or pressure) of the reciprocating device <NUM> during the pressure generating stroke. As a result, a highly efficient pressure performance can be achieved in accordance with the principles herein.

Venting device systems constructed in accordance with the principles herein can include a selectively connectable sealing member in association with a reciprocating device assembly, that selectively seals the fluid in the chamber, either directly or indirectly as the seal in the system can be configured to float, either partially or fully, from position A to position B, or from a non-sealing position to a sealing position. A stem can be provided for moving the reciprocating device in a chamber of the system. The stem can be powered by any suitable device or configuration, as desired, to achieve output requirements of the reciprocating device assembly for a chosen system. The stem can be connectable to a suitable driving component of the system.

<FIG> illustrate various views of an exemplary embodiment of a custom seal of a venting device system constructed in accordance with the principles herein. <FIG> illustrates a top view, <FIG> illustrates a side view, <FIG> illustrates a bottom view and <FIG> illustrates front/back sectional views taken along VI-VI of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment including customized components constructed for use in a venting device system, wherein one or more customizable features can be provided, as desired, in order to fine tune the venting requirements of a particular system. Such customizable features can include, for example, a groove in a vented piston head <NUM>, and at least one deformable seal portion <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment the seal portion <NUM> only partially moves in response to movement of the reciprocating member head <NUM>. In yet another exemplary embodiment, shown in <FIG>, a rib or feature to seal and prevent leaking can be incorporated into an embodiment of a venting system <NUM> constructed in accordance with the principles herein. For example, a reciprocating head <NUM> can include a sealing feature, such as sealing feature <NUM>, which can also provide a tortuous path on the sealing surface when mated with a custom seal <NUM> (also illustrated in <FIG> above). The top of seal <NUM> and the reciprocating head <NUM> can be customized with any number of a variety of geometries in accordance with the needs of a given system. Additionally, any suitable geometry <NUM> can be selected in a lower head of the piston to help facilitate a desired air flow path.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a magnetically-driven venting device system, shown generally at <NUM>, can include a chamber <NUM> and one or more magnets <NUM> to <NUM> selected to cooperate to move a reciprocating member <NUM>. Here, one or more seals <NUM> can be incorporated into the system, as desired, to accommodate the requirements for a particular system. Many other embodiments are contemplated herein, and include customizing the pressure generating component of the system to improve fluid flow to vent the system during a return stroke while maintaining a compact pressure generating chamber, without directing the fluid through a head of the pressure generating component.

Claim 1:
A venting device system configured to allow fluid to flow in opposite direction of a reciprocating device (<NUM>; <NUM>) given movement of the reciprocating device (<NUM>; <NUM>) on a return stroke, wherein the reciprocating device (<NUM>; <NUM>) is a piston and includes a head (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) which is movable back and forth in a chamber (<NUM>; <NUM>),
the venting device system including a seal (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured and arranged to seat in a first position (A), below the head (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the reciprocating device (<NUM>; <NUM>), during a return stroke of the reciprocating device (<NUM>; <NUM>), wherein in the first position (A), the seal (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) provides a fluid path of a preselected height (h) between a top of the seal (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) and a lower surface of the head (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the reciprocating device (<NUM>; <NUM>), and to seat in a second position (B), different from the first position (A), during a pressure generating stroke;
wherein the seal (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is made from an elastic material and is further configured to at least partially move into the second position (B) and to expand, from the second position (B), toward an interior wall (<NUM>) of the chamber (<NUM>; <NUM>) to substantially or fully seal the fluid below the head (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) of the reciprocating device (<NUM>; <NUM>) during the pressure generating stroke of the reciprocating device (<NUM>; <NUM>).