Patent ID: 12194209

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific techniques and embodiments are set forth, such as particular techniques and configurations, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the device disclosed herein. While the techniques and embodiments will primarily be described in context with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the techniques and embodiments may also be practiced in other similar devices.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is further noted that elements disclosed with respect to particular embodiments are not restricted to only those embodiments in which they are described. For example, an element described in reference to one embodiment or figure, may be alternatively included in another embodiment or figure regardless of whether or not those elements are shown or described in another embodiment or figure. In other words, elements in the figures may be interchangeable between various embodiments disclosed herein, whether shown or not.

FIG.1illustrates a breast pump100. Breast pump100including a flange105, which includes a support cone110or a rigid region around the areola, which connects to manifold115using an airtight tapered friction fitting. Flange105may connect to manifold115using an airtight tapered friction fitting. Flange105may connect to manifold115via a tapered friction fitting or mechanical threads or snaps or retaining rings. In one embodiment, flange105may provide a user with tactile feedback with a step on support cone110to meet the manifold115in a manner that helps the user correctly align the flange105with manifold115. In another embodiment, a flow sensor, which will be discussed herein, may be disposed between flange105and manifold115. Manifold115may house a number of elements, which are not shown inFIG.1, including computer hardware, one or more processors, various types of memory (static, dynamic, flash, etc), receivers, transmitters, antennas, various sensors, a vacuum pump, and other elements that make breast pump100capable of interacting with, for example, a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. A vacuum pump, not shown, may also be a component that is external to breast pump100and may connect to breast pump100via tubing adapter120attached to manifold115. Tubing adapter120connects pneumatic tubing (not shown) to manifold115and may also provide tactile feedback to the user to ensure that tubing adapter120is properly connected to manifold115. Tactile feedback may be provided by a series of mechanical stops installed in the various elements of breast pump100that provide the user a sense that the elements of breast pump100are correctly assembled. These feedback points may be used to turn a sensor ON only when correctly assembled. In order to enhance the comfort of breast pump100, manifold115includes a flexible neck125which may remain flexible or may be flexed into a particular position and held there by flexible neck125. A sensor may be housed at, above, or below a portion of the flexible neck.

Manifold115includes a manifold base130which connects to milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus135. In general, milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus135receives milk as it drains through manifold115into milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus. Milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus135serves to remove air bubbles from milk collected within the milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus and to create uniform milk droplets. The droplets pass through a spout that ensures each droplet contains substantially the same amount of milk. The droplets fall from milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus135into an associated sensor which counts the droplets as they pass through a sensor region associated with milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus135. The associated sensor may provide information to one or more computer processors which may use adaptable volume multipliers when milk flow is detected to be passing the sensor in drops or in streams. For example, when the associated sensor detects drops, a higher volume multiplier may be applied by the processor to determine a volume of expressed milk. Similarly, and for example, when the associated sensor detects a stream of milk, a lower volume multiplier may be applied by the processor to determine a volume of expressed milk. More simply put, the volume multiplier used to determine a volume of expressed milk may adjustable and adaptable based on flow rate. One or more processors for collecting sensor data may be implemented in one or both of manifold115or apparatus135, a milk collection apparatus145, or in a connected mobile device (e.g., a smart phone or a tablet wirelessly connected and configured to receive sensor data via one or more processors. Alternatively, the sensor portion can use liquid level sensing, capacitive sensing or weight-based measurements without the need to remove bubbles or control drops. Milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus135will be discussed in more detail, below. Sensor data from any sensor disclosed herein may be provided from breast pump100to a mobile device, including calculated flow rate and volume information. If two breasts pump100are used simultaneously, sensor data from both breast pumps100may be sent to the mobile device which may provide updated corresponding information (summation of information from both breast pumps100).

Breast pump100further includes a connector (not shown) that connects to a milk collection apparatus145which houses valve140. In one embodiment, the connector in manifold base130may include female threads to receive male threads on milk collection apparatus145. Alternatively, manifold base130may include a friction connector, which allows milk collection apparatus145to “snap” into manifold base130. In a further embodiment, the connector in manifold base130may include a specific thread pattern to allow milk collection apparatus145to be fully secured by a quarter turn connection. More specifically, the connector in manifold base130may allow milk collection apparatus145to be fully secured to manifold base130may allow milk collection apparatus145into the connector in manifold base130and turning milk collection apparatus14590°. The user may be visually and tactilely cued that the parts are correctly assembled by the parts fitting together. In other words, mechanical stops may be installed that “snap” together, or give some other sensation, that assures the user the parts are correctly assembled. These feedback points may be used to turn a sensor ON only when correctly assembled.

In practice, breast pump100is applied to a mother's breast by securing support cone110to a nipple area of the mother's breast. Vacuum pressure may then be applied by a vacuum pump through tubing120connected to manifold115. As the vacuum pump cycles between an on state and an off state, milk is expressed from the mother's breast. The milk is allowed to drain through support cone110into manifold115and into milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus135. Milk flow rate sensor system and apparatus135portions droplets into substantially the same volume of milk and senses each drop as it falls into valve140. Valve140allows the milk to selectively drain in to milk collection apparatus145. Valve140includes and opening which allows milk to drain from valve140into milk collection apparatus145. At the same time, however, valve140maintains the vacuum created within support cone110, and manifold115by selectively opening and closing in response to vacuum pressure. For example, when vacuum pressure is being applied to a mother's breast, the vacuum pressure forces valve140to close and maintain the vacuum. When the vacuum pressure is off, valve140opens and allows milk to flow into milk collection apparatus145. As the duty cycle of the vacuum pump rapidly alternates between application of vacuum pressure to the mother's breast and not applying vacuum pressure to the mother's breast (to simulate a suckling infant), valve140selectively responses to maintain vacuum pressure to allow milk to flow into milk collection apparatus145. The sensor apparatus may reside above or below the valve.

FIG.2illustrates a cut-away side view of the milk flow rate sensor apparatus200used with a breast pump, such as breast pump100shown and described above with respect toFIG.1. Milk flow rate sensor apparatus200includes a housing205which may be constructed using an injection molding process to create a hard plastic apparatus. In one embodiment, milk flow rate sensor apparatus200includes a connector210to connect milk flow rate sensor apparatus200to, for example, manifold base130shown inFIG.1. Connector210may include male mechanical threads which may be connected to manifold base130by screwing mechanical threads on connector210into female threads on manifold base130. In one embodiment, connector210may implement a “quarter turn lock” mechanical thread engagement system. In this embodiment, milk flow rate sensor apparatus200may be attached to manifold base130by turning milk flow rate sensor apparatus20090° into manifold base130to form a secure connection between milk flow rate sensor apparatus200and manifold base130.

Milk flow rate sensor apparatus200includes mechanical stops215, which may also be referred to as steps, which provide visual and tactile feedback that milk flow rate sensor apparatus200is correctly installed on manifold base130. Further, stops215may provide a gasket, O-ring, or some other sealing device to ensure the milk flow rate sensor apparatus200mates with manifold base130in an airtight and liquid tight fashion in order to maintain vacuum pressure within, for example, breast pump100, shown inFIG.1.

Internally, milk flow rate sensor apparatus200includes a milk draining portion220which collects and funnels milk to drain225essentially acting as a funnel for milk draining from manifold115, shown inFIG.1. Drain225serves three functions. First, drain225minimized milk splashing as milk drains from manifold115into milk flow rate sensor apparatus200. Second, drain225adjusts the speed of the stream of milk into a controlled and uniform speed. This speed adjustment is facilitated by allowing the milk to pool within milk draining portion220and slowly work its way into drain225. Third, drain225reduces bubble formation within milk collected in milk draining portion220. Since air bubbles are substantially less dense than milk, air bubbles have a tendency to ride on the top of the milk in milk draining portion220while droplets of substantially bubble free milk are able to be formed, underneath the bubbles, into drop forming portion230. Drop forming portion230includes a uniform cylindrical opening beginning at drain225and extending down to spout235. Drop forming portion230allows milk to drop into the cylinder of drop forming portion230at a measurable volume and rate. As the milk enters spout235, milk is metered into uniform droplets by gravity forming a drop of a particular size based on the surface tension of milk (as the drop volume increases, the surface tension of the milk droplet increases until the drop can no longer remain connected by surface tension to milk within drop forming portion230of milk flow rate sensor apparatus200). A uniform drop of known volume and that is substantially bubble free is thereby created by allowing milk to drip drop by drop through spout235. Spout235may be configured to drop a drop of milk of a predetermined size depending on the diameter of the cylinder of drop forming portion230. In general, uniform droplets set at a size ranging between 3 mm and 6 mm in diameter are preferable. That is to say each droplet will be consistently the same diameter and that diameter will be between 3 mm and 6 mm in preferable implementations. The outer diameter of the spout region will be between 3 mm and 6 mm in preferable implementations. The center of the field of view of EMR based sensor may be configured to be located a distance at least two times the drop diameter away, below the spout region.

Finally, milk flow rate sensor apparatus200includes a sensor240. It is to be noted that sensor240is shown as being disposed at a bottom edge of spout235inFIG.2. However, sensor240may be disposed anywhere below spout235in milk flow rate sensor apparatus200such that sensor240may detect droplets of milk using the techniques described herein. For example, sensor240may be disposed approximately 2 drop diameter lengths below the drop forming spout or lower (e.g., since droplets have a diameter of between 3 mm and 6 mm, two drop diameter lengths is approximately 6 mm to 12 mm). While sensor240will be discussed in more detail below, sensor240, in general, detects each uniform droplet produced from spout235and communicates that information to the one or more processors contained within manifold115shown in, for example,FIG.1. The one or more processors contained within manifold115, for example, may count the number of droplets and multiply the number of droplets by the volume of each droplet. Since each droplet is substantially uniform, the processor can output a total volume of milk that has been expressed. Further, the processor can determine a total output of milk over a particular amount of time, providing an overall flow rate. It should also be noted that in the case where two different breast pumps are being used simultaneously, processors in one, or both of the breast pumps may communicate with each other or an external device such as a mobile phone, for example. The external device may perform the calculations or just receive calculated information from the one or more processors within manifold115of each breast pump. In either case, flow rate and/or volume information may be provided to the user on a per-breast basis. In other words, a user may obtain flow rate and total volume information for a right breast and a left breast individually. In addition, the user may further obtain an overall flow rate and total volume of milk expressed via, for example, the mobile phone. Thus, the user will be provided with information about the volume of milk expressed in each individual bottle and the overall quantity of milk that has been expressed during a particular pump session. Finally, and in another embodiment, the mobile phone may track flow rate and total volume over time (on a per-breast basis or an overall total basis) between pumping sessions such that a user may compare one pumping session to an overall average or another pumping session or series of pumping sessions at a certain time of day.

FIG.3illustrates an elevated cut-away side perspective of milk flow rate sensor system300. Milk flow rate sensor system300includes a housing305and a milk flow rate sensor340.

Housing305may be constructed using an injection molding process to create a hard plastic apparatus and includes several elements, such as connector310, one or more mechanical stops315, milk draining portion320, drain325, and spout335. Other materials or methods for making housing305include blow molding, injection molding, casting or forging of plastic, glass, metal or composite materials. Connector310is similar in implementation and description to connector210shown inFIG.2. Connector310connects housing305to, for example, manifold base130shown inFIG.1. Connector310may include male mechanical threads which may be connected to manifold base130by screwing mechanical threads on connector310into female threads on manifold base130. In one embodiment, connector310may implement a “quarter turn lock” mechanical thread engagement system. In this embodiment, housing305may be attached to manifold base130by turning housing30590° into manifold base130to form a secure connection housing305and manifold base130.

One or more mechanical stops315, which may also be referred to as steps, provide visual and tactile feedback that indicate housing305is correctly installed on manifold base130. Further, one or more mechanical stops315may provide a gasket, O-ring, or some other sealing device to ensure that housing305mates with manifold base130in an airtight fashion in order to maintain vacuum pressure within, for example, breast pump100, shown inFIG.1.

Milk draining portion320collects and funnels milk to drain325, essentially acting as a funnel for milk draining from manifold115, shown inFIG.1. Drain325serves three functions. First, drain325minimizes milk splashing as milk drains from manifold115into housing305. Second, drain325adjusts the speed of the stream of milk into a controlled and uniform speed. This speed adjustment is facilitated by allowing the milk to pool within milk draining portion320and pour in a controlled way into drain325. Third, drain325reduces bubble formation within milk collected in milk draining portion320. Since air bubbles are substantially less dense than milk, air bubbles have a tendency to ride on the top of the milk in milk draining portion320while droplets of substantially bubble free milk are able to be formed, underneath the bubbles, into drop forming portion330. Drop forming portion330includes a uniform cylindrical opening beginning at drain325and extending down to spout335. Drop forming portion330allows milk to drop into the cylinder of drop forming portion330at a known volume and rate. As the milk enters spout335, milk is metered into uniform droplets by gravity forming a drop of a particular size based on the surface tension of milk (as the drop volume increases, the surface tension of the milk droplet increases until the drop can no longer remain connected by surface tension to milk within drop forming portion330of housing305). A uniform drop of known volume and that is substantially bubble free is thereby created by allowing milk to drop drop by drop through spout335.

Finally, milk flow rate sensor system300includes a sensor340. While sensor340will be discussed in more detail below, sensor340, in general, detects each uniform droplet produced from spout335and communicates that information to the one or more processors contained within manifold115shown in, for example,FIG.1. It is to be noted that sensor340is shown as being disposed at a bottom edge of spout335inFIG.3. However, sensor340may be disposed anywhere below spout335in milk sensor system300such that sensor340may detect droplets of milk using the techniques described herein. For example, sensor340may be disposed approximately 2 drop diameter lengths below the drop forming spout or lower (e.g., since droplets have a diameter of between 3 mm and 6 mm, two drop diameter lengths is approximately 6 mm to 12 mm). The one or more processors contained within manifold115, for example, may count the number of droplets and multiply the number of droplets by the volume of each droplet using the adaptable and adjustable multipliers discussed above. Since each droplet is substantially uniform, the processor can output a total volume of milk that has been expressed. Further, the processor can determine a total output of milk over a particular amount of time, providing an overall flow rate. It should also be noted that in the case where two different breast pumps are being used simultaneously, processors in one, or both of the breast pumps may communicate with each other or an external device such as a mobile phone, for example. The external device may perform the calculations or just receive calculated information from the one or more processors within manifold115of each breast pump. In either case, flow rate and/or volume information may be provided to the user on a per-breast basis. In other words, a user may obtain flow rate and total volume information for a right breast and a left breast individually. In addition, the user may further obtain an overall flow rate and total volume of milk expressed via, for example, the mobile phone. Thus, the user will know the volume of milk expressed in each individual bottle and the overall quantity of milk that has been expressed during a particular pump session. Finally, an in another embodiment, the mobile phone may track flow rate and total volume over time (on a per-breast basis or an overall total basis) between pumping sessions such that a user may compare one pumping session to an overall average or another pumping session or series of pumping sessions at a certain time of day.

FIG.4illustrates bottom side perspective view of the milk flow rate sensor apparatus400, which is similar in implementation and description to milk flow rate sensor apparatus200, shown inFIG.2. Milk flow rate sensor apparatus200includes housing405which may be constructed using an injection molding process to create a hard plastic apparatus. In one embodiment, milk flow rate sensor apparatus400includes a connector410to connect milk flow rate sensor apparatus400to, for example, manifold base130shown inFIG.1. Connector410may include male mechanical threads which may be connected to manifold base130by screwing mechanical threads on connector410into female threads on manifold base130. In one embodiment, connector410may implement a “quarter turn lock” mechanical thread engagement system. In this embodiment, milk flow rate sensor apparatus400may be attached to manifold base130by turning milk flow rate sensor apparatus40090° into manifold base130to form a secure connection between milk flow rate sensor apparatus400and manifold base130.

Milk flow rate sensor apparatus400includes mechanical stops415, which may also be referred to as steps, which provide visual and tactile feedback that milk flow rate sensor apparatus400is correctly installed on manifold base130. Further, stops415may provide a gasket, O-ring, or some other sealing device to ensure that milk flow rate sensor apparatus400mates with manifold base130in an airtight fashion in order to maintain vacuum pressure within, for example, breast pump100, shown inFIG.1. Other configurations are possible, including mounting milk flow rate sensor apparatus within milk collection apparatus145, or in manifold115, shown inFIG.1, for example.

Milk flow rate sensor apparatus400further includes drop forming portion420which is implemented as a uniform cylinder extending down to spout425. Drop forming portion420allows milk to drop into the cylinder at a known volume and rate. As the milk enters spout425, milk is metered into uniform droplets by gravity forming a drop of a particular size based on the surface tension of milk (as the drop volume increases, the surface tension of the milk droplet increases until the drop can no longer remain connected by surface tension to milk within drop forming portion420of milk flow rate sensor apparatus400). A uniform drop of known volume and that is substantially bubble free is thereby created by allowing milk to drip drop by drop through spout425. It should also be noted that the drop forming portion420, spout425, and sensor lens features may be built into and incorporated into manifold115and neck of manifold115as a single piece to the user, as opposed to a piece that attaches separately.

Milk flow rate sensor apparatus400is robust to the user tilting or swaying, as the controlled milk dropper directs drops within range of the sensor. Because the path of the milk droplet could change as the user tilts, sways, reclines, or otherwise moves, the milk flow sensor apparatus400is configured to count droplets regardless of where the milk droplet falls from manifold base130.

FIG.5illustrates a toroidal sensor lens system500. Toroidal sensor lens system500includes an emitter/detector505. Emitter/detector505may be an EMR (electromagnetic radiation) emitter/detector or may be an optical emitter/detector. In practice, emitter/detector505emits an electromagnetic radiation pulse and detects the reflected radiation pulse. One drawback of certain emitter/detectors505is that their usable range can be inadequate for a particular purpose.

In order to expand the range of emitter/detector505and to increase the focus of emitter/detector505, a toroidal lens510is used in concert with emitter/detector505. Toroidal lens510is generally shaped as a toroid as the angles of reflection associated with a toroid are suitable for accurately reflecting a radiation pulse. Further, toroidal lens510is particularly suitable for use with emitter/detector505because toroidal lens510includes a void515in the middle which allows milk droplets to pass through and be detected without altering the path of the milk droplet.

In one embodiment, toroidal lens510may include a reflective material520positioned around void515to better reflect radiation pulses emitted from emitter/detector505. As radiation is emitted from emitter/detector505, the radiation impacts milk drops falling through void515. Emitter/Detector505interprets any substantial variance in the radiation pulse as detecting a drop of milk. Thus, in order to ensure the radiation pulse is reflected back to emitter/detector505without substantial variance, reflective material520is positioned around toroidal lens510and in void515in a manner that ensures that the radiation pulse has no substantial variance and does not detect a droplet that did not fall through void515. In one embodiment, toroidal lens510may include tabs525aand525bfor attached toroidal lens510to, for example, the bottom of milk flow rate sensor apparatus400, shown inFIG.4, for example. However, toroidal lens510may also be attached to the bottom of the milk flow rate sensor apparatus400mechanically by plastic welding or co-molding. In other words, toroidal lens510may, but need not be, a discrete part or may be attached or formed with other elements of milk flow rate sensor apparatus400, shown inFIG.4, or manifold115, shown inFIG.1.

FIG.6illustrates substantially flat circular sensor lens system600. Flat circular sensor system600includes an emitter/detector605. Emitter/detector605may be an EMR (electromagnetic radiation) emitter/detector or may be an optical emitter/detector. In practice, emitter/detector605emits an electromagnetic radiation pulse and detects the reflected radiation pulse. One drawback of certain emitter/detectors605is that their usable range can be inadequate for a particular purpose.

In order to expand the range of emitter/detector605and to increase the focus of emitter/detector605, a substantially flat circular lens610is used in concert with emitter/detector605. Flat circular lens610is generally shaped as substantially circular as the angles of reflection associated with a circle are suitable for accurately reflecting a radiation pulse. In one embodiment, flat circular lens610may be less than a centimeter in width and three centimeters in out diameter and considered substantially flat. Further, flat circular lens610is particularly suitable for use with emitter/detector605because toroidal lens610has a void620in the middle which allows milk droplets to pass through and be detected without altering the path of the milk droplet. Void620may or may not be circular or may be substantially circular with certain convex portions615aor concave portions615babout void620. Convex portions615aand concave portions615bmay further focus or extend the range of an emitter side of emitter detector605or enhance the detection of a reflected electromagnetic pulse. Any number of convex portions615aand concave portions615bmay be implemented in void620. Further, only a single convex portion615aor a single concave portion615bmay be implemented as a necessary for any particular desired implementation. Similarly, circular lens610may also be attached to the bottom of milk flow rate sensor apparatus400mechanically by plastic welding or co-molding. In other words, toroidal lens610may, but need not be, a discrete part or may be attached or formed with other elements of milk flow rate sensor apparatus400shown inFIG.4, or manifold115, shown inFIG.1.

In one embodiment, flat circular lens610may include a reflective material625positioned around the surface of void620to better reflect radiation pulses emitted from emitter/detector605. As radiation is emitted from emitter/detector605, the radiation impacts milk drops falling through void620. Emitter/Detector505interprets any substantial variance in the radiation pulse as detecting a drop of milk. Thus, in order to ensure the radiation pulse is reflected back to emitter/detector605without substantial variance, reflective material625is positioned around flat circular lens610and in void620in a manner that ensures that the radiation pulse has no substantial variance and does not detect a droplet that did not fall through void620.

It is also noted that other shapes for lenses may be implemented toroidal sensor lens system500shown inFIG.5or flat circular sensor system600, shown inFIG.6. Other lenses that may be used may have properties that are similar to those disclosed herein, namely, internal angles conducive for reflecting electromagnetic radiation and allowing milk to pass through a void without adversely affecting the path of the milk. Emitter/detector505and emitter detector605may operate in the 900-990 nm wavelength range to facilitate detection of milk droplets. Emitter/detector may be in encased in an enclosure which includes a cover made of a material to transmit EMR at the specified operating range. The cover may be opaque to the naked eye.

The sensor range (field of view, FOV) may be improved by providing reflective walls around an outside of the lenses, or otherwise within the breast pump system. Reflective walls above, below, and/or around the sensor may be used with or without any additional lens510/610. Electromagnetic radiation may be reflected off a reflective surface one or multiple times, on the outside of the lenses or in the breast pump system and may, therefore, experience less loss per unit of energy emitted and therefore improve sensor range. Another improvement to sensor range may be accomplished by illuminating an area around the detectors such that a emitter/detector505/605sense reduced light (occluded by a falling droplet) as a drop passes across the emitter/detector.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, components described herein may be removed and other components added without departing from the scope or spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein or the appended claims.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.