Vacuum adjustment mechanism particularly adapted for a breastpump
US6481986B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M1/75
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved vacuum adjustment mechanism for controlling airflow into a chamber which is subject to negative pressure, such as the chamber of a diaphragm pump which is generating vacuum for a breast shield assembly, has an air inlet conduit communicating with the chamber. A channel is formed in a base member, with the channel having a longitudinal length and a dimension perpendicular to that length. The perpendicular dimension varies from a minimum to a maximum. The channel has a bottom and is open, such as along a channel top. An airhole is formed in the channel bottom at the point of the maximum dimension. A rotary member is mounted on the base member, and has an internal channel extending across the longitudinal length of the base member channel, and overlies the channel top. The internal channel of the rotary member communicates with an air source, such as ambient air. The rotary member serves to move the internal channel along the longitudinal length of the base member channel, to thereby regulate airflow into the base member channel depending upon where the internal channel is positioned between the minimum and maximum dimensions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.