text:
Blog: UK and Irish foreign secretaries meet over Northern Ireland Brexit impasse – The Guardian
The UK foreign secretary, Liz Truss, and her Irish counterpart, Simon Coveney, have had a "good and friendly" first meeting over the vexed issued of the Brexit arrangements in Northern Ireland, Irish government sources have said.
They met for the first time over dinner in London on Thursday night and discussed the Northern Ireland protocol, the wider relationship with the EU, and UN security matters including the crisis in Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
The meeting came less than a month after the Brexit minister David Frost quit and before a first meeting with the European Commission vice-president responsible for Brexit negotiations, Maroš Šefčovič, at the foreign secretary's grace and favour home, Chevening.
Truss and Coveney had previously met in 2014 when they were both responsible for agriculture but had not seen each other in person since Truss became foreign secretary in the cabinet reshuffle in the autumn.
An Irish government source said: "The minister for foreign affairs and the foreign secretary have previously worked together in the agriculture brief, so it was good to have the opportunity early in the new year to meet in person. They had a good and friendly discussion on all matters in their current brief, including Brexit in Northern Ireland, as well as matters of the UN security council."
While the meeting was described as "good", UK sources say Truss would not be dropping demands for further compromises from the EU on the Brexit protocol in Northern Ireland.
The UK is seeking a radical reduction in trade barriers affecting consumers and businesses amid continuing threats by the Democratic Unionist party to leave the Stormont assembly unless the current protocol is torn up.
The UK is also maintaining Lord Frost's call for changes to the rules of state aid and governance and dispute resolution, removing the European court of justice as the sole arbiter in the event of trade disputes.
While Truss has said she wanted a "comprehensive solution", many have seen her appointment as a reset moment with expectations of fresh impetus to be forged at her meeting with Šefčovic next week.
The UK has accepted that a two-stage solution may break the nine-month impasse, with a deal of customs paperwork and physical checks struck by the end of February to avoid a crisis before the Stormont elections in May.
Under this scenario, the trickier governance issues would be pushed back to the second half of 2022, when political tensions over Brexit would have subsided in Northern Ireland and France would no longer hold the presidency of the European Council.
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text:
7 Places To Go On Spring Break In The U.S. That Are Totally Unique
By Bernadette Deron
When most people think of spring break, they think of tropical Caribbean destinations with clear blue waters and sunny skies. But you don't need to head to a beach to have a proper spring break. You don't even have to leave the continental United States to have a great time, so long as you don't have your heart set on warm weather and sandy beaches. If you aren't looking to travel internationally, here are five places to go on spring break in the United States that are just as exciting as Cancun or Punta Cana.
There are plenty of destinations to explore for your spring break that don't require a passport. If you expand your options as to what you're looking to get from your spring break experience, you could wind up with a totally unique vacation. There's a lot more to see and experience that are outside of what you'd typically consider a true spring break experience.
It's not just about partying in a bikini all day and then clubbing at night. I did the typical Mexico spring break trip in college once. It was a ton of fun and I can wholeheartedly say that I would never ever repeat that experience again. So if you're a post-grad like me, or just not into that whole "spring breakers" scene, here are five alternative destinations — all located in the United States.
Boldly on YouTube
This artsy hippy-dippy town is seriously on the rise, and great for anyone looking to explore someplace completely new. Asheville sports a great local beer scene, amazing views courtesy of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a vibrant arts and music scene. It's a must see destination if you're looking to visit a city that likely none of your friends have been to before. If you end up coming here for your trip, don't leave Asheville without taking a walking ghost tour.
Marc Serota/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Traveling down to Key West is quite literally the closest that you can get to a tropical Caribbean vacay without leaving the country. Located 170 miles from Miami, Key West is a more low-key South Florida destination if you're looking for a calmer spring break. And as a bonus, you can opt to road trip down from Miami and enjoy one of the most scenic drives that this country has to offer. Make sure to take a glass bottom boat tour and visit the Earnest Hemingway House and Museum during your stay in the Keys.
Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images News/Getty Images
If you're looking to feel the SoCal vibes but want to avoid Los Angeles, San Diego is the perfect alternative. You have the beach if you want to soak up some rays or watch surfers do their thing, and there is tons to do in the city itself. You can visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo, explore the bar scene, and gorge on some amazing Mexican eats. Make sure you pay a visit to Green Flash Brewing Company for some great local brew.
Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images News/Getty Images
Now that Mardi Gras is officially over, the typically rowdy city of NOLA has decidedly calmed down a bit. If you're too intimidated by the crowds and craziness that the Carnival period tends to offer, now is the perfect time to visit this timeless city. But just because it's not Mardi Gras doesn't mean it's any less fun to go out and let loose on Bourbon Street. It's the typical touristy street to party on in NOLA, but it's just too good to pass up. But NOLA isn't just about the booze — the city has some of the best dining experiences in the nation. My choice of establishment? Antoine's, which is the oldest family run restaurant in the U.S.
The New York Times on YouTube
The Mile High City is the perfect place to go if beaches aren't your thing. The mountainous views are incredible, there are a ton of greats bars and restaurants, and a lot of nature to explore. (Plus marijuana is legal in the state, so if you're into that you can do so worry-free in Denver.) If you have the chance to catch a concert at the incredible Red Rocks Amphitheater, I highly highly recommend that you do. It's a venue unlike any other in the world.
Michael Buckner/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
The live music capital of the world has no shortage of fun times. Austin is the perfect place to go for your break if you're looking to experience an amazing and totally unique arts scene. A must-see is 6th Street — day or night, this is Austin's answer to Bourbon Street and never fails to serve up great times. And if you're a seafood person, Perla's restaurant on South Congress Ave. is out of bounds.
NextTrip on YouTube
So this might be a bit of a random choice, but I promise you Kansas City should be on your list of places to visit in the U.S. The barbecue that this town has to offer is next level, and there is a ton of culture to soak up in this midwestern city. I suggest exploring the Crossroads Arts District for some unique items that you definitely won't find anywhere else.
No matter where you end up traveling to this spring break, every trip is as good as you make it. So if you're going all-out at a resort spot or choosing a more relaxed vibe, as long as you're in good company you're guaranteed an amazing time.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Rxjava2 + Retrofit2 + Android. Best way to do hundreds of network calls I have an app. I have a big button that allows the user to sync all their data at once to the cloud. A re-sync feature that allows them to send all their data again. (300+ entries)
I am using RXjava2 and retrofit2. I have my unit test working with a single call. However I need to make N network calls.
What I want to avoid is having the observable call the next item in a queue. I am at the point where I need to implement my runnable. I have seen a bit about Maps but I have not seen anyone use it as a queue. Also I want to avoid having one item fail and it report back as ALL items fail, like the Zip feature would do. Should I just do the nasty manager class that keeps track of a queue? Or is there a cleaner way to send several hundred items?
NOTE: SOLUTION CANNOT DEPEND ON JAVA8 / LAMBDAS. That has proved to be way more work than is justified.
Note all items are the same object.
    @Test
public void test_Upload() {
    TestSubscriber<Record> testSubscriber = new TestSubscriber<>();
    ClientSecureDataToolKit clientSecureDataToolKit = ClientSecureDataToolKit.getClientSecureDataKit();
    clientSecureDataToolKit.putUserDataToSDK(mPayloadSecureDataToolKit).subscribe(testSubscriber);

    testSubscriber.awaitTerminalEvent();
    testSubscriber.assertNoErrors();
    testSubscriber.assertValueCount(1);
    testSubscriber.assertCompleted();
}

My helper to gather and send all my items
public class SecureDataToolKitHelper {
private final static String TAG = "SecureDataToolKitHelper";
private final static SimpleDateFormat timeStampSimpleDateFormat =
        new SimpleDateFormat("yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss");

public static void uploadAll(Context context, RuntimeExceptionDao<EventModel, UUID> eventDao) {
    List<EventModel> eventModels = eventDao.queryForAll();

    QueryBuilder<EventModel, UUID> eventsQuery = eventDao.queryBuilder();
    String[] columns = {...};

    eventsQuery.selectColumns(columns);

    try {
        List<EventModel> models;

        models = eventsQuery.orderBy("timeStamp", false).query();
        if (models == null || models.size() == 0) {
            return;
        }

        ArrayList<PayloadSecureDataToolKit> toSendList = new ArrayList<>();
        for (EventModel eventModel : models) {
            try {
                PayloadSecureDataToolKit payloadSecureDataToolKit = new PayloadSecureDataToolKit();

                if (eventModel != null) {

                  // map my items ... not shown

                    toSendList.add(payloadSecureDataToolKit);
                }
            } catch (Exception e) {
                Log.e(TAG, "Error adding payload! " + e + " ..... Skipping entry");
            }
        }

        doAllNetworkCalls(toSendList);

    } catch (SQLException e) {
        e.printStackTrace();
    }

}

my Retrofit stuff
public class ClientSecureDataToolKit {

    private static ClientSecureDataToolKit mClientSecureDataToolKit;
    private static Retrofit mRetrofit;

    private ClientSecureDataToolKit(){
        mRetrofit = new Retrofit.Builder()
        .baseUrl(Utilities.getSecureDataToolkitURL())
        .addCallAdapterFactory(RxJavaCallAdapterFactory.create())
        .addConverterFactory(GsonConverterFactory.create())
        .build();
    }

    public static ClientSecureDataToolKit getClientSecureDataKit(){
        if(mClientSecureDataToolKit == null){
            mClientSecureDataToolKit = new ClientSecureDataToolKit();
        }
        return mClientSecureDataToolKit;
    }

    public Observable<Record> putUserDataToSDK(PayloadSecureDataToolKit payloadSecureDataToolKit){
        InterfaceSecureDataToolKit interfaceSecureDataToolKit = mRetrofit.create(InterfaceSecureDataToolKit.class);
        Observable<Record> observable = interfaceSecureDataToolKit.putRecord(NetworkUtils.SECURE_DATA_TOOL_KIT_AUTH, payloadSecureDataToolKit);
        return observable;
    }

}

public interface InterfaceSecureDataToolKit {

@Headers({
        "Content-Type: application/json"
})

@POST("/api/create")
Observable<Record> putRecord(@Query("api_token") String api_token, @Body PayloadSecureDataToolKit payloadSecureDataToolKit);
 }

Update. I have been trying to apply this answer to not much luck. I am running out of steam for tonight. I am trying to implement this as a unit test, like I did for the original call for one item.. It looks like something is not right with use of lambda maybe..
public class RxJavaBatchTest {
    Context context;
    final static List<EventModel> models = new ArrayList<>();

    @Before
    public void before() throws Exception {
        context = new MockContext();
        EventModel eventModel = new EventModel();
        //manually set all my eventmodel data here.. not shown

        eventModel.setSampleId("SAMPLE0");
        models.add(eventModel);
        eventModel.setSampleId("SAMPLE1");
        models.add(eventModel);
        eventModel.setSampleId("SAMPLE3");
        models.add(eventModel);

    }

    @Test
    public void testSetupData() {
        Assert.assertEquals(3, models.size());
    }

    @Test
    public void testBatchSDK_Upload() {

        Callable<List<EventModel> > callable = new Callable<List<EventModel> >() {

            @Override
            public List<EventModel> call() throws Exception {
                return models;
            }
        };

        Observable.fromCallable(callable)
                .flatMapIterable(models -> models)
                .flatMap(eventModel -> {
                    PayloadSecureDataToolKit payloadSecureDataToolKit = new PayloadSecureDataToolKit(eventModel);
                    return doNetworkCall(payloadSecureDataToolKit) // I assume this is just my normal network call.. I am getting incompatibility errors when I apply a testsubscriber...
                            .subscribeOn(Schedulers.io());
                }, true, 1);
    }

    private Observable<Record> doNetworkCall(PayloadSecureDataToolKit payloadSecureDataToolKit) {

        ClientSecureDataToolKit clientSecureDataToolKit = ClientSecureDataToolKit.getClientSecureDataKit();
        Observable observable = clientSecureDataToolKit.putUserDataToSDK(payloadSecureDataToolKit);//.subscribe((Observer<? super Record>) testSubscriber);
        return observable;
    }

Result is..
An exception has occurred in the compiler (1.8.0_112-release). Please file a bug against the Java compiler via the Java bug reporting page (http://bugreport.java.com) after checking the Bug Database (http://bugs.java.com) for duplicates. Include your program and the following diagnostic in your report. Thank you.
com.sun.tools.javac.code.Symbol$CompletionFailure: class file for java.lang.invoke.MethodType not found

FAILURE: Build failed with an exception.

* What went wrong:
Execution failed for task ':app:compile<MyBuildFlavorhere>UnitTestJavaWithJavac'.
> Compilation failed; see the compiler error output for details.

Edit. No longer trying Lambdas. Even after setting up the path on my mac, javahome to point to 1.8, etc. I could not get it to work. If this was a newer project I would push harder. However as this is an inherited android application written by web developers trying android, it is just not a great option. Nor is it worth the time sink to get it working. Already into the days of this assignment instead of the half day it should have taken.
I could not find a good non lambda flatmap example. I tried it myself and it was getting messy.

A: If I understand you correctly, you want to make your calls in parallel?
So rx-y way of doing this would be something like:
    Observable.fromCallable(() -> eventsQuery.orderBy("timeStamp", false).query())
            .flatMapIterable(models -> models)
            .flatMap(model -> {
                // map your model

                //avoid throwing exceptions in a chain, just return Observable.error(e) if you really need to
                //try to wrap your methods that throw exceptions in an Observable via Observable.fromCallable()

                return doNetworkCall(someParameter)
                        .subscribeOn(Schedulers.io());
            }, true /*because you don't want to terminate a stream if error occurs*/, maxConcurrent /* specify number of concurrent calls, typically available processors + 1 */)
            .subscribe(result -> {/* handle result */}, error -> {/* handle error */});

In your ClientSecureDataToolKit move this part into constructor
    InterfaceSecureDataToolKit interfaceSecureDataToolKit = mRetrofit.create(InterfaceSecureDataToolKit.class);

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
System for Collecting Breast Milk From a Human Breast
A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected.
Myers, Kenneth E. (Marietta, GA, US)
Lundy, Ellen (Woodstock, GA, US)
Meincke, Drew F. (Woodstock, GA, US)
Birdseye, Sharon (Marietta, GA, US)
Whisper Wear Inc.
220/592.12, 604/408, 91/369.4
A61M1/06; A61B19/00; B65D81/18; F15B13/16
20060253085 Dual insertion set November, 2006 Geismar et al.
20080282441 Garments for holding a post-surgical drain system November, 2008 Green
20050054994 Catheters with suction capability and related methods and systems for obtaining biosamples in vivo March, 2005 Cioanta et al.
20070108129 HEMODIALYSIS APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEMODIALYSIS May, 2007 Mori et al.
20050245862 Torque mechanism for interventional catheters November, 2005 Seward et al.
20090281610 DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH LOW LONGITUDINAL COMPRESSIBILITY November, 2009 Parker
20090012474 Syringe Driver Monitoring Means January, 2009 Senior
20050090775 Hydrophobic vent incorporated into cerebral spinal fluid drainage chamber April, 2005 Harper et al.
20050236329 Metabolic detoxification and method October, 2005 Brotherton et al.
20070149995 Method for accessing the left atrial appendage with a balloon-tipped transeptal sheath June, 2007 Quinn et al.
20100022970 COLLECTING SHEATH AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF January, 2010 Hirszowicz
TREYGER, ILYA Y
McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff LLP (Chicago, IL, US)
1. 1-44. (canceled)
45. A system for collecting breast milk from a human breast forming part of a human body, comprising: a housing; a breast interface flange supported by the housing; the housing and breast interface flange supported between a breast cup of a brassier worn on the human body with the housing facing the breast cup of the brassier and the breast interface flange facing the breast and forming an air-tight seal with the breast; the breast interface flange comprising an opening for delivering milk expressed from the breast through the opening; a milk collection bag in fluid communication with the opening comprising a container portion for receiving the expressed milk; wherein the housing, the breast interface flange, and the milk collection bag are supported by the brassier without the aid of hands or other support devices with the container portion of the milk collection bag supported below the brassier.
46. The system of claim 45, wherein the milk collection bag further comprises an elongated neck extending from the container portion and between a lower edge of the brassier and the human body while the brassier supports the housing, the breast interface flange, and the milk collection bag without the aid of hands or other support devices.
47. The system of claim 46, further comprising a milk conduit having a coupling end in fluid communication with the opening of the breast interface flange and a stem section received within the elongated neck of the collection bag, wherein the stem section extends between the lower edge of the brassier and the human body while the brassier supports the housing, the breast interface flange, the milk conduit, and the collection bag without the aid of hands or other support devices.
48. The system of claim 47, wherein the stem section of the milk conduit defines an elongated dimension and a narrow dimension, and the stem section defines an open wave shape across the narrow dimension.
49. The system of claim 48, further comprising a pump mechanism causing the breast interface flange to impart a milking action to the breast.
50. The system of claim 49, wherein the container portion of the milk collection bag comprises first and second side panels and the milk collection bag comprises one or more seams sealing the first and second side panels together within part of the container portion of the milk collection bag to prevent milk contained within the container portion from leaking through the elongated neck when the milk collection bag is laid down horizontally on the first or second side panel without the milk conduit received within the elongated neck.
51. A system for collecting breast milk from a human breast forming part of a human body, comprising: a breast pump comprising a pump mechanism; a breast interface flange comprising a vacuum chamber having an interior volume, a collapsible bellows structure and a one-way valve, wherein the bellows structure repeatedly collapses and recovers a portion of the interior volume of the vacuum chamber in response to operation of the pump mechanism, while the one-way valve vents positive pressure within the interior volume of the vacuum chamber, to repeatedly create and release suction within the breast interface flange to impart a milking action to the breast; the breast interface flange supported between a breast cup of a brassier worn on the human body with the breast interface flange forming an air-tight seal with the breast; the breast interface flange comprising an opening supporting the one-way valve for delivering milk expressed from the breast through the opening; a milk collection bag in fluid communication with the opening comprising a container portion for receiving the expressed milk and an elongated neck extending from the container portion; and wherein the milk collection bag is supported by the brassier with the container portion of the bag supported below the brassier and the elongated neck extending between a lower edge of the brassier and the human body to the container portion of the collection bag while the brassier supports the housing, the breast interface flange, and the collection bag without the aid of hands or other support devices.
52. The system of claim 51, further comprising a milk conduit having a coupling end in fluid communication with the opening of the breast interface flange and a stem section received within the elongated neck of the collection bag, wherein the stem section extends between the lower edge of the brassier and the human body while the brassier supports the breast interface flange, the milk conduit, and the collection bag without the aid of hands or other support devices.
54. The system of claim 52, further comprising a housing containing the pump mechanism and supporting the breast interface flange, wherein the housing is sized and configured to be supported between the breast cup of the brassier and the breast without the aid of hands or other support devices while the breast interface flange actively imparts the milking action to the breast.
55. The system of claim 54, further comprising a power supply for operating the pump mechanism contained within the housing.
56. The system of claim 55, wherein the container portion of the milk collection bag comprises first and second side panels and the milk collection bag comprises one or more seams sealing the first and second side panels together within part of the container portion of the bag to prevent milk contained within the container portion of the milk collection bag from leaking through the elongated neck when the container portion of the milk collection bag is laid down horizontally on the first or second side panel without the milk conduit received within the elongated neck.
57. A system for collecting breast milk expressed from a human breast forming part of a human body, comprising a milk collection bag having a container portion having first and second side panels, an elongated neck extending from the container portion, and one or more seams sealing the first and second side panels together within part of the container portion of the bag to prevent milk contained within the container portion from leaking through the elongated neck when the milk collection bag is laid down horizontally on the first or second side panel without a milk conduit received within the elongated neck.
58. The system of claim 57, further comprising a breast interface flange configured to form an air-tight seal with the breast, and wherein: the breast interface flange is sized and configured to be supported between a breast cup of the brassier and the breast and positioned to form an air-tight seal with the breast; the elongated neck of the collection bag is configured to be position in fluid communication with the breast interface flange and extend between a lower edge of the brassier and the human body; the container portion of the milk collection bag is configured to be supported below the brassier; and the breast interface flange and the milk collection bag are sized and configured to be supported by the brassier as worn on the human body without the aid of hands or other support devices while milk expressed from the breast is communicated from the breast interface flange into the container portion of the milk collection bag.
59. The system of claim 58, further comprising a milk conduit configured to be received within the elongated neck of the milk collection bag and to extend between the lower edge of the brassier and the human body.
60. The system of claim 59, wherein the milk conduit comprises a stem section defining an elongated dimension and a narrow dimension, and the stem section defines an open wave shape across the narrow dimension.
61. The system of claim 60, wherein the breast interface flange comprises a vacuum chamber having an interior volume, a collapsible bellows structure and a one-way valve, wherein the bellows structure is configured to repeatedly collapse and recover a portion of the interior volume of the vacuum chamber, while the one-way valve vents positive pressure within the interior volume of the vacuum chamber, to repeatedly create and release suction within the breast interface flange to impart a milking action to the breast.
62. The system of claim 61, further comprising a pump mechanism configured to cause the bellows structure of the breast interface flange to repeatedly collapse and recover a portion of the interior volume of the vacuum chamber to impart the milking action to the breast.
The invention generally relates to a portable, hands-free, and visually friendly breast pump system and method for collecting milk from a breast of a nursing mother which may be hidden from view when in use. In particular, the invention may be hidden underneath the clothing of a nursing mother, which provides privacy and avoids any attention and the awkwardness experienced by the nursing mother using existing breast pumps.
2. Description of the Related Art
Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for a baby, and it also offers health benefits to the nursing mother. Often, the nursing mother needs to use a breast pump to collect milk. A variety of breast pumps are available. The basic types of breast pumps include manual (hand operated) pumps and electric pumps. The electric pumps may be battery and/or AC powered. Further, the electric pumps may be self-cycling or require some manual user control. U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,840 combines a manual hand pump with a breast pump support bra which supports the weight of the breast. While most hand pumps are inexpensive and portable, they are typically uncomfortable, inefficient, and difficult to clean.
Some electric pumps are not battery-operated such that the nursing mother has to be near a power outlet. Other electric pumps, such as the diaphragm pump disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,257,847 and 6,090,065, are assembled from many parts (hoses, gaskets, valves, etc.) which are difficult to clean, wash and carry. FIG. 27 illustrates such a prior art system from the '065 patent having many parts which makes it cumbersome and difficult to use. In particular, in such a traditional breast pump, the milk has to pass through a plurality of components, such as a funnel P20, a cylindrical guiding means P22, a cap assembly P30, a reservoir P40, an inlet P62 connected to the suction assembly, etc., just to get to a container.
The website at http://www.epinons.com/kifm-Health-Nursing_and_Feeding-Breast_Pumps-A11/tk_˜PR001.1.5 lists many commercially available breast pumps. Most of the electric breast pumps, such as Hollister's Purely Yours™ Kit, are cumbersome and noisy, and thus very stressful for the nursing mother to use. In addition, while the nursing mother is using these breast pumps to collect milk, she cannot take care of the baby or do anything else.
Even more, these pumps share the disadvantage that the mother's breast is exposed during use (lack of privacy) and that their motors are noisy. The breast pump vest described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,084, although covering most of the breast, is heavy and inconvenient to wear.
Currently, there are no portable and user-friendly breast pumps capable of achieving private, quiet, easy, efficient, and effective breast-feeding.
It is a purpose of this invention to provide a portable and hands-free breast pump system that facilitates hands-free, private, quiet, easy, efficient, and effective breast-pumping.
It is another purpose of this invention to allow a nursing mother to collect milk via a breast pump hidden from view beneath clothing.
It is another purpose of this invention to allow a nursing mother to collect milk via a breast pump while nursing a baby or doing something else at the same time.
It is another purpose of this invention to provide a breast pump that has very few parts, and is easy to assemble and clean.
It is another purpose of this invention to provide a breast pump that is cost-effective and easy to transport.
It is another purpose of this invention to provide a breast pump with a vacuum chamber which also functions as a part of the vacuum mechanism.
It is still another purpose of this invention to reduce the contamination of the milk during the processing, such as collection and storage, by a breast pump system.
It is still another purpose of this invention to accurately emulate the suckling action of a baby when breast-feeding so as to facilitate the numerous benefits of breast-feeding to the mother and to the baby.
The foregoing and additional features and characteristics of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description considered with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein:
FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the front side of the breast pump according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the rear side of the breast pump according to the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of a top housing cover of the breast pump according to the first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is side view showing the breast pump according to a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 shows the details of the slide button according to the second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the breast pump of the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is an exploded view showing the breast pump of the second embodiment in conjunction with a one-way valve and a splint.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged inset view of a positive connect pin of the breast pump according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8A shows an adapter for connecting a positive contacting pin to an external power supply of the invention, while FIG. 8B shows an example of a tethered drive configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an enlarged inset view showing the connection between the external power supply of FIG. 8A and a positive contacting pin.
FIGS. 10A and 10B show cross-sectional views of different embodiments of the flange of the invention.
FIGS. 11A-C show a rear-piston lever-arm system of the breast pump according to the second embodiment that communicates with the servomotor mechanism so as to move linearly.
FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of a rear-piston lever-arm system in conjunction with a servomotor mechanism of the breast pump according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 show a third embodiment of the rear-piston lever-arm system in conjunction with another embodiment of the servomotor mechanism according to the invention.
FIG. 14 is an exploded view showing the servomotor mechanism illustrated in FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 shows a second embodiment of the linear movement mechanism according to the present invention.
FIG. 16 shows a third embodiment of the linear movement mechanism according to the present invention.
FIG. 17 shows a one-way valve for use with the breast pump of the invention.
FIG. 18A shows a splint for use with the breast pump of the invention, while
FIG. 18B shows an outer sleeve according to the present invention.
FIGS. 19A and 19B show a collection bag for use with the breast pump of the invention.
FIGS. 20A and 20B show cross-sectional views of the pump along with splint and the bag bent to conform with the contour of the user's breast and body.
FIGS. 21A-C depict the actual suckling profiles of a seven-month-old baby boy.
FIGS. 22A and 22 B depict the suckling profiles of the present invention.
FIG. 23 depict the suckling profiles of a conventional, mass-retail double pump set.
FIGS. 24A and 24B depict the suckling profiles of a conventional high-end double pump set.
FIGS. 25A and 25B depict the suckling profiles of a conventional battery powered portable pump.
FIG. 26 shows a carrying case for a breast pump system according to the present invention.
FIG. 27 is an exploded view showing the breast pump of the prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 6,090,065).
With reference to the figures, like reference characters will be used to indicate like elements throughout the several embodiments and views thereof. In particular, referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the breast pump 10 of the invention is embodied as a volume-displacement-type pump. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the front side of the breast pump 10 with a dome-shaped housing shell 12. The housing shell 12 gives a natural appearance of the shape of a breast when the pump 10 is concealed underneath the user's clothing. FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the rear side of the breast pump 10.
The pumping action generated by the breast pump 10 depends upon a cycle rate and a vacuum level which are controlled via an adjusting means 14. In one implementation, a user may use one finger to slide button 16 in an axial direction along the groove 18 so as to adjust the vacuum level (or range). FIG. 2 depicts the open top housing cover 12a of breast pump showing the rear side of the slide button 16 shown in FIG. 1.
In a second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the slide button 16 is configured to slide in a circumferential direction along the groove 18 so as to adjust the pumping action to continuously vary the vacuum level. A push button 20 is used to control the cycling rate by incrementally increasing the rate with each push of the button 20 up to the fastest cycling rate designed into the pump. A further push of the button 20 then rolls the increment back to the slowest cycling rate for a continuous loop operation. FIG. 4 depicts that the slide button 16 is connected to an electrical contacting base 21 with an arm 16a so as to slide the electrical contacting base 21 and vary the vacuum level.
Referring to FIG. 5, each breast pump 10 includes a housing shell 12, a central deck 22 with a servomotor mechanism 24 integrated therewith, and a straw-hat shaped breast "flange" 30 having a flange top 35. The servomotor mechanism 24 is a servomotor mechanism powered by at least one power source 26, such as two AA batteries. The central deck 22 includes a pump seat 28 for receiving the servomotor mechanism 24, two battery seats 32, 32′ for receiving the batteries 26, and a tunnel 34 extending toward the housing shell 12 for guiding and receiving a piston cylinder 25 of a rear-piston lever-arm system 100 (See FIGS. 11A-11C). A central deck cover 22′ is used to fixedly encase the servomotor mechanism 24 and the two batteries 26 in the central deck 22.
A second embodiment of the breast pump 10 as shown in FIG. 6 is designed for a breast larger than that to which the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is applied. Therefore, the central deck 22 of this second embodiment of the breast pump has a larger space that allows the two batteries 26 to be positioned parallel to one another. In addition, the central deck 22 of the second embodiment incorporates other parts for other parts, such as motor cover 40, rather than the fewer integral pieces as in the first embodiment.
Specifically, the breast pump 10 of the second embodiment includes the housing shell 12, the cycling rate button 20, the vacuum level slide button 16, the central deck 22, the flange 30, the servomotor mechanism 24, and the batteries 26. In addition, the second embodiment includes a flange support 36 placed between the flange top 35 and the piston cylinder 25, a servomotor cover 40, a battery cover 38, a printed circuit assembly ("PCA")/microprocessor 90, a PCA compartment 41, a DC power jack pin 42 (positive), a DC power jack tab 43 (negative), a battery contact 52, and a pair of screws 49 (FIG. 6).
The first embodiment of the breast pump uses traditional positive and negative contact plates with springs for receiving each battery. In the second embodiment of the breast pump, one positive contact pin 42 (FIG. 7 inset view) is used instead. Both of these configurations would be known in the art for purposes of connecting to batteries held in small compartments.
The second embodiment of the breast pump (FIG. 6) has an additional flange support 36 designed to protect against any overshooting of the strokes towards the flange top 35. The flange support 36 is fixed in place with the control deck 22, such as via a rotating lock mechanism, and then fitted around the exterior of the vacuum chamber 60 so as to have an interference fit at least around the base of the flange 30 (i.e., the 'bellows' area of the flange which creates the air displacement). The flange support 36 is an individual part of the unit assembly designed to be attached onto the flange 30. The flange support 36 not only holds the flange 30 in place during the pumping action (prevents over-pressure on the flange top 35) but also supports the vacuum chamber 60 from collapsing.
Unlike most other breast pumps which have their pump mechanisms situated outside of their breast interface elements or even at a remote distance from the breast interface element, the servomotor mechanism 24 of the invention is integrated inside the pump 10. The servomotor mechanism 24 is designed to be lightweight (for example, 0.4 oz. making each entire pump 10 weigh only 2.4 oz. without batteries or 4.2 oz. with batteries) such that it sits directly inside the pump 10 and is supported by the housing without any additional components. The pump 10 in turn is exclusively supported by the bra and the negative pressure created between the breast and the flange 30 by the servomotor mechanism 24 and the lever arm system 100. In variations of the present invention, the servomotor mechanism 24 may be substituted with an external driving mechanism, such as an electrical motor or a tethered manual pumping device, to provide the negative pressure for pumping. The implementations of such substitute devices would have those devices modularized such that they could be substituted for one another and be easy to replace.
In a third embodiment of the breast pump, power for the external servomotor mechanism 24 is located outside the housing. As shown in FIG. 8A, an adapter 46 is used to connect a positive contacting pin to the external power supply 26 via a wire 26a. FIG. 9 shows an inset view of how the adapter 46 is attached to the positive contacting pin 44. This embodiment has the advantage of a longer-lasting power supply that can be used, for example, in an institutional setting (i.e., a hospital) or even a home setting where a more limited range of mobility is acceptable or even desired.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8B, the servomotor mechanism 24 may be replaced by a servomechanism 24′ that may be just a mechanical or pneumatic linkage 101 connected to the lever arm 21 for implementing the pumping action of the vacuum chamber 60. The linkage 101 is connected to a remote control 103 that acts as the user's control for pumping via a linkage element 103. For example, in a mechanical implementation, the linkage element 103 is a wire in a sleeve similar to that used in bicycle handbrake controls, while the control 103 is a hand- or foot-pedal that the user manipulates to move the lever arm 21 in the pump 10. Alternatively, in a pneumatic implementation, the linkage element 103 is a flexible pipe that feeds air or fluid into the linkage 101. The control 102 is also a hand- or foot-pedal that controls the flow of control air/fluid to the linkage 101 to then operate the pumping motion of the lever arm 21. The specific details for implementing either of the above-discussed alternative embodiments would be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.
Various components of the system are formed from resiliently plastic or other resin-type materials to accomplish various purposes. For example, in order that the splint 110 be flexible so as to conform with the shape of the user's breast, and so that the overall structure of the pump 10 is lightweight, including but not limited to the housing shell 12, the housing cover 12a, the lever arm 21 and the central deck 22, these various parts are formed from plastic. Other components in the system would be formed from materials appropriate to their function as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Other materials for the various components may also be used as would be known in the art so long as the selection of such materials is not inconsistent with the structure, operation and purpose of each such component and of the present invention as a whole.
In the general operation and use of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 20B, the pump 10 contacts the breast only with the breast flange 30, and the dome-shaped housing shell 12 does not contact the breast. A vacuum chamber 60 is defined between the breast flange 30 and the breast, and is completely isolated from the working components of the breast pump 10; the servomotor mechanism 24 is only in contact with the exterior surface of the breast flange 30. This allows the vacuum chamber 60 to be maintained at a negative air pressure while keeping the breast milk from contacting any other parts of the breast pump 10. The invention significantly reduces the number of parts that can come in contact with the milk so as to make the system easy to clean and sanitary. Further, the invention eliminates the potential of the milk co-mingling with any room air contaminants.
The breast flange 30 is made from silicone or other soft elastic material for interfacing directly with a breast and situated on the breast with an inlet hole 50 (See FIGS. 5, 10A and 10B). The inlet hole 50 is designed for seating a nipple and areola in a vacuum chamber 60 which is defined between the breast pump 10 and the breast. The soft breast flange 30 allows the wearer to pump milk quickly and painlessly by mimicking the baby's suckling movements when the servomotor mechanism 24 moves the flange 30, thereby triggering the female body's natural reaction to produce milk.
A health benefit for the user or mother derived from the invention is that, as the nerves in the nipple and areola are stimulated by the action of the invention, the pituitary gland receives a signal to release prolactin and oxytocin into mother's blood stream. Prolactin relaxes the mother and stimulates the alveoli to produce more milk. Oxytocin causes the alveoli to contract and squeezes milk into the ducts. In contrast, the traditional hard funnel breast pumps (See FIG. 27) simply pull the nipple into the rigid shaft to obtain milk. The hard shaft of the funnel is rigid and unyielding so that the suction concentrates on the nipple and creates a stinging sensation.
Varying thicknesses in the silicone flange 30 helps the breast pump 10 to attach to the breast and be compressed towards the nipple by the rear-piston lever-arm system 100 shown in FIGS. 6, 11A-11C and 13. Pumping sessions become faster by using the soft flange 30 since the milk is being removed in a more natural way than with a traditional hard funnel. As such, the milk is also better extracted from the breast to avoid any decrease of milk production due to the remaining breast milk in the breast. The milk residuals reduce hormone stimulation for milking.
As shown in FIG. 10A, the flange 30 includes an outlet 62 through which the milk drawn from the breast flows out of the flange 30. As will be discussed further herein, the milk is then directed away from the breast pump 10 and stored. In a variation of the flange 30, as shown in FIG. 10B, the outlet 62 is funnel-shaped so as to direct the milk flow out of the flange 30 and prevent the milk from flowing back towards the breast.
In at least one of the embodiments of the invention, the nipple is well seated at the back of the breast pump 10 (inside the chamber 60), where only air is directly in contact with the nipple. When the nipple is placed inside the flange 30, the nipple rests within the vacuum chamber 60 with the surface of the surrounding area of the breast in contact with the surface of the flange 30. Air compression and suction is then controllably generated to occur by virtue of the cap-shaped piston cylinder 25 being cyclically pushed toward the breast so as to physically push on the top 35 of the flange 30 (see FIG. 11A), and then released. The top 35 is formed with a relatively thin and soft side wall which has an accordion-style, contour-shape with alternating convex and concave edges formed on its surface for transferring and converting the contact pressure from the cap-shaped piston cylinder 25 to air compression and suction on the nipple. In order to strengthen the top 35 and to help in uniformly compressing the vacuum chamber 60, the top 35 may be formed with a circular, reinforcing plate 35a fixedly imbedded therein. The reinforcing plate 35a is formed with a dome-shaped alignment stub or nipple 35b on a top center portion of the plate that aligns with the alignment dome 25b of the piston cylinder 25 so as to center the vacuum chamber 60 within the piston cylinder 25. This centered alignment is especially important in keeping the vacuum chamber 60 from floating or misaligning within the piston cylinder 25 during the pumping operation.
In a first embodiment of the rear-piston lever-arm system 100, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 11A, the top of the piston cylinder 25 is shaped like a yo-yo or a doughnut without a hole. The lever arm 21 has a protrusion 21a on the top that contacts with the alignment dome 25b of the piston cylinder 25. The lever arm 21 is a projecting handle used to adjust or operate the piston cylinder 25. In particular, the-rear piston lever-arm system 100 mechanically communicates with the servomotor mechanism 24 so as to be activated by the mechanism and thereby pivotally move the lever arm 21 which then linearly moves the piston cylinder 25 along a line generally parallel with the centerline of the pump 10. Such a linear movement is depicted, wherein the start or "upstroke" position of the piston cylinder's linear movement is shown in FIG. 11B.
FIG. 11C shows the lever arm 21 pivoted forward thereby linearly pushing the piston cylinder toward the flange 30 in a "downstroke" motion. The lever arm 21 pushes the protrusion 21a against the alignment dome 25b of the piston cylinder 25 to move the piston cylinder 25 toward the nipple. As mentioned, the nipple is insulated by the vacuum chamber 60 of the flange 30 from direct contact with other components such as the piston cylinder 25. The motion of the piston cylinder 25 is controlled by the level arm 21 which sets the default position of the piston cylinder 25 within the tunnel 34 such that the piston cylinder 25 rests away from the breast when the pump is not in action. During operation, in the "upstroke" motion, the lever arm 21 pivots back thereby releasing the piston cylinder 25 and the top 35 of the flange 30. The movement of the piston cylinder 25 is rather short, delicate and efficient in comparison with the pumping action of other breast pumps.
The servomotor mechanism 24 activates the rear-piston lever-arm system 100 embodied in the lever arm 21 and the piston cylinder 25 to create the "downstroke" action inward (toward the breast). This downstroke action displaces the air in the flange 30 which exits via a one-way valve 140 (See FIG. 17) that is inserted into the outlet 62, thereby releasing the vacuum and actively stimulating the breast for further expression of milk. In addition, milk expressed by the breast flows out also through the one-way valve 140 and into a collection bag 300 (as will be explained further herein). The "upstroke" action not only moves the lever arm 21 and the piston cylinder 25 back into their start positions, but also generates the vacuum pressure against the breast. The upstroke and downstroke action of the system 100 alternatingly generates and releases the volume displacement vacuum in the chamber 60, and in particular in the flange 30. Among the features of this construction, the "upstroke" passively maintains or creates the vacuum via the vacuum chamber 60 of the flange 30 elastically returning to its normal state, and not by any energy expended by the servomotor mechanism 24. However, in other embodiments, the protrusion 21a may be linked to piston cylinder 25 and the top 35 so as to actively generate both the "upstroke" and "downstroke" motions of the vacuum chamber 60.
In order to further simulate the suckling motion of an infant, the preferred suckling time to releasing time is, for example, approximately 3:1 in a cycle of a second. Namely, the suckling stage takes ¾ second, and the releasing stage takes ¼ second for each cycle. However, other cycling ratios may be used based on individual user preferences or breastfeeding requirements. The combination of the servomotor mechanism 24, the lever arm 21 and the piston cylinder 25 provides precision control of the air compression inside the chamber 60 which allows the precise controlling of the cycle rate and the vacuum level.
In a second embodiment of the rear-piston lever-arm system 100, as shown in FIG. 12, the lever arm 21 is formed to surround the side wall of the cylinder piston 25 and connect to the piston via a protrusion 25c formed on the side wall. When the lever arm 21 pivots, it rotatively pushes on the protrusion 25c (rather than push on the top 35 of the piston cylinder 25) thereby linearly moving the cylinder piston 25. Otherwise, the operation and effects of this second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
As shown throughout the drawings, the present invention includes various embodiments for the servomotor mechanism 24. FIGS. 11A-C depict using a first embodiment of servomotor mechanism 24, while FIGS. 5 and 12 illustrate a second embodiment of the servomotor mechanism 24 that is used with the rear piston 25 and the modified lever arm 21. FIGS. 6 and 13 shows a third (preferred) embodiment of the servomotor mechanism 24 applied to a third variation of the lever arm 21.
FIG. 14 illustrates an exploded view of the third embodiment of the servomotor mechanism 24 so as to provide an example of the internal structure for a servomotor mechanism that would be applicable to the present invention. That embodiment is implemented via a structure that includes a potentiometer 201, an output gear 202, cluster gears 203-206, a DC motor 207, an arm 208, a motor housing 209, a screw 210, a rotary pot contact 211, a power contact 212, a gear train motor shaft 213, a front cover 214, a rear cover 215, and a pinion gear 216. Essentially, a servomotor mechanism for the present invention is implemented via mechanical or electromechanical system that pivotally moves a lever arm that then linearly moves a piston (in this case, a cylindrical piston 25) that then creates the pumping motion in the flange 30. The electric motor structure of the third embodiment (even of the first and second embodiments) as described above is one such system. Otherwise, given this disclosure of the invention, one of skill in the art should be able to devise other structures for a servomotor mechanism that would serve the purposes of the present invention and within the scope and intent of the claims.
FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate other systems for providing the above-mentioned linear movements for the cylindrical piston 25, and thus the pumping operation of the flange 30. For example, FIG. 15 shows a lead screw mechanism with a rotary motor. The motor 240 oscillates at a cycle rate set by the user, and the vacuum level is controlled either by the user also, or by a microprocessor 90 (See FIG. 6) according to a predetermined stroke/suckling profile. The rotation of a lead screw 250 pushes a plunger 260 so as to push the top 35 of the flange 30 toward the breast. The reverse rotation of the motor 240 rotates the lead screw 250 away from the breast so as to move the plunger 260 away from the breast. This allows the flange 30 to return to its natural state so as to create a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 60.
In FIG. 16, the lead screw 250 is substituted with a rack and pinion 270, wherein the motor 240 again oscillates at a cycle rate set by the user, and the vacuum level is controlled either by the user also, or by a microprocessor 90 (See FIG. 6) according to a predetermined stroke/suckling profile. The linear movement of the rack and pinion 270 pushes the plunger 260 pushing the top 35 of the flange 30 toward the breast. The reverse rotation of the motor 240 linearly moves the rack and pinion 270 away from the breast so as to move the plunger 260 away from the breast. Again, this allows the flange 30 to return to its natural state and create a negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 60.
The one-way valve 140 shown in FIG. 17 is used in conjunction with the outlet 62 of the flange 30. The valve is generally implemented as a one-piece element that is inserted into the outlet 62. Alternatively, the one-way valve may be constructed as an integral part of the flange 30. Its main function is to help maintain the vacuum in the chamber 60 during operation and to help draw the expressed milk away from the chamber 60 in the flange 30 so as to flow to a collection bag 300. However, other embodiments as those of skill in the art would understand may be accomplished used to implement the one-way valve 140.
The splint 110 shown in FIG. 18A guides the milk from the pump to a collection bag 300. The splint 110 has a cup 115 and a wave-form portion 117. The cup 115 and the wave-form portion 117 of the splint 110 are inserted into the neck of the collection bag 300, extending downward to ensure the neck walls do not collapse due to the pressure from the bra at the point where the collection bag exits at the bottom edge of the bra (as will be discussed further hereinbelow). The cup 115 is formed to pressure fit into the outlet 70 of the housing shell 12 when inserted using an upward sliding force. The cup 115 is intended to have at least a liquid-tight fit within the outlet 70 while guiding the milk out of in the chamber 60. Preferably, the cup 115 has an air-tight fit when positioned in the outlet 70. Such a pressure fit is intended to hold the bag 300 tightly to the cup 115 so as to avoid any milk spillage and any air contaminants therebetween. At the bottom of the cup 115, there are holes 116 through which the milk is intended to flow out of the cup 115 and onto the wave-form portion 117 of the splint 110. In a preferred embodiment, the cup 115 has an extruded rim which will contact the outer edge of the neck of a collection bag 300 so as to further seal the neck. The splint may be formed integrally with the bag by incorporating the extruded tube in the construction of the collection bags. In such a case, a hot-pressed tear-off line is set between the end of the splint and the end of the bag neck.
Also, in another variation as shown in FIG. 18B, an outer sleeve 111 is used to surround the neck 310 of the bag 300. The outer sleeve serves to protect the neck of the bag 300 as it extends from the pump to the body 305 of the bag 300. In this implementation, the neck 310 of the bag connects directly to the one-way valve 140 with the sleeve 111 surrounding the connection. In one form, the outer sleeve 111 is C-shaped in cross-section and also formed of a resiliently plastic material, which allows the sleeve to have some flexibility. Other cross-sectional shapes or configurations as would be understood by one of skill in the art to perform the same function as the C-shaped sleeve may be used.
When viewed along its longitudinal axis, the wave-form portion 117 has a substantially sinusoidal contour, wherein the peaks and valleys of the sinusoidal contour form channels along which the milk flows downward to the collection bag 300. The use of the wave form portion 117 enjoys several benefits over using a conventional tube form. First, it avoids any obstruction caused by air bubbles stuck in a tube. Second, a splint having a wave-form portion is more easily bent than a tube so as to conform with the contour of the breast and the bra to in order to reach the collection bag or a bottle. Third, the wave-form portion is easier to clean and keep sanitized than a tube. Plastic tubing needs to be cleaned each use. If washed, it has to be hung to allow it to drain and dry thoroughly. In contrast, the wave-form splint dries out more easily than a tube form. Lastly, a wave-form structure confronts less air resistance than a tube when it is inserted into either a regular container or the collection bag 300. As will be discussed further hereinbelow, the sub-assembly of the one-way valve 140 and the splint 110 provides further support for the vacuum chamber 60 so as to prevent it from collapsing.
As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the collection bag 300 is made of plastic and substantially deflated so as to be maintained in a substantially vacuum state for receiving the splint 110 and the milk. In one embodiment, the collection bag 300 is made by hot-pressing two thin plastic sheets to form a square bag body 305 with sealed edges 301, 301′, 302, 303, 303′ and a neck 310 with sealed edges 311 and 311′. Meanwhile, each perforation line 312 is punched with holes for easily separating the bags with a slight force. At the same time, graduations are printed on the surface of one plastic sheet to indicate ounces or milliliters. The sequentially hot-pressed bags are rolled into one roll to reduce storage space and make them easy to transport. Alternatively, the bags may be made using other conventional methods for fabricating plastic bags known in the art. Also, the bags may be formed into other shapes or with additional features (i.e., resealable tops, adhesive surfaces) or using other different materials that have the same manufacturing, sanitary and liquid-proof characteristics.
The sealed edges 311 and 311′ of the neck extend into the bag body 305 so that the splint 110, including the cup 115, can be fully inserted inside the neck 310 to completely seal the splint inside the collection bag 300 thereby avoiding any milk spillage outside of the collection bag 300 during use. After the collection bag 300 is filled, a user can remove the splint 110 and roll the neck 310 so as to seal the bag. Further, adhesive tape or an adhesive surface formed on the neck 310 or the body 305 may be used to fixedly secure the rolled neck to the body of the bag.
In another embodiment, an additional pair of sealed edges 306, 306′ in a V-shape are hot-pressed next to the neck 310 to provide additional pressure on the neck after the neck has been pressed from the top-down to expel any residual milk in the neck of the bag. In addition, the sealed edges 311, 311′ include lower extensions that promote the sealing of the neck 310 when the neck is pressed, so as to function as a simple, one-way valve to prevent milk spillage after the neck is press-sealed. The neck of the collection bag with the sealed edges in a V-shape effectively becomes spill-proof after being pressed shut. This structure of the bag 300 solves the common problem encountered by mothers that use conventional plastic collection bags when they pump for breast milk. The plastic collection bags of the prior art have not been able to provide any effective means for sealing closed so as to allow the mother to put down the bags without spilling.
In a further embodiment of the invention, an additional tear notch 304 is hot-pressed at a corner of the bag so that a user may tear off the bag at the line to release the milk into another container to feed a baby. Additional tear notches are hot-pressed at the neck of the bag so that a user may alter the length of the neck by tearing off the bag at any one of the notches.
In a preferred implementation, each bag 300 is a freezer grade bag made of FDA rated plastic and intended only for single use so as to keep the milk from contamination caused by any residuals of old milk and eliminate laborious cleaning. The preferred dimensions of the bag body are 4.25 inches by 3 inches, and the dimension of the neck is 5.0 inches in length. The capacity of each bag is 4-8 ounces, which is the average production amount for a nursing mother. However, other dimensions may be used as one of skill in the art would understand.
Like breastfeeding, pumping is a learned skill. Most mothers are able to express only a few drops of milk when they first try a breast pump. Sometimes if mothers don't see milk immediately after beginning pumping, they start to pump harder or increase the suction with the mistaken idea that more pressure will "pull" the milk out. Doing this can cause discomfort and anxiety and actually discourage the let-down response. The invention is simple and easy to use so that the mother will intuitively become efficient at pumping without much practice and knowledge of how the breast works. In addition, many working mothers have no option but to pump in their offices or in a restroom. The privacy of using a conventional breast pump and the effect of the ambient air on the safety of the breast milk are at issue.
As generally illustrated in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a user just inserts a one-way valve 140 (if made as a separate component) into the hole in the flange 30 as a cap on the splint/bag. Otherwise, if the valve 140 is manufactured to be an integral part of the flange 30, then the user just then proceeds with inserting the "splint" 110 (the wave-shape guiding means) into neck 310 of a disposable collection bag 300. The splint 110 serves to keep the neck 310 of the bag fluid-passable as it passes underneath the bottom edge of the bra. The sub-assembly is inserted into the outlet 70 of the housing 12 at the bottom of the flange 30 and the breast pump 10. With the sub-assembly in place, the cup 115 of the splint 110 fixedly connects to the outlet of the one-way valve 140.
There is no need for the mother to undress herself in order to use the breast pump of the invention. In contrast, all the prior art requires a user to undress herself so as to use the pump.
After inserting the splint 110 into the housing shell 12, the user can insert the entire pump 10 with the sub-assembly of the splint 110 and collection bag 300 underneath her clothing and against the her breast. The inlet hole 50 is positioned over the breast so as to cover and surround the nipple and thereby catch the expressed breast milk. Alternatively, the user can insert the pump 10 underneath the clothing first, then insert the sub-assembly of the splint 110 and the collection bag 300.
In at least one embodiment, the insertion of the sub-assembly may be designed to act as an activation switch for the operation of the pump 10. Alternatively, either the slide button 16 or the push button 20 may be used as the activation switch, or a combination of the slide button 16 or the push button 20 in conjunction with the insertion of the sub-assembly. In an even further embodiment, the servomotor mechanism 24 may be activated by an initial movement of the switch 16 resulting from the insertion of the sub-assembly.
When a collection bag is filled or when the user is finished using the pump 10, the splint 110 along with the bag 300 is removed from the pump 10, but with the one-way valve 140 left in place to keep the outlet 70 plugged thereby prevent any milk from dripping out of the outlet 70. Upon removal of the sub-assembly, in one embodiment, contact between the sub-assembly and a switch of the servomotor mechanism 24 is severed which turns off the pump 10. As mentioned, the vacuum chamber 60 is air-tight and isolated from outside air turbulence. Such a design not only maintains the privacy of the user but keeps the pump from contacting any outside air contaminants.
With respect to the adjusting means 14 (See FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3), the pumping rate is controlled via a microprocessor 90 which reads the user inputs from the switch slide button 16 and the push button 20 for the vacuum level and the cycling rate, respectively, so as to power the servomotor mechanism 24 accordingly. The servomotor mechanism 24 in turn activates the rear-piston lever-arm system 100 to create a stroke action toward and away from the breast in accordance with the desired settings. When the appropriate time has passed, the microprocessor 90 will reverse the motor system to allow the flange 30 to return to its natural state. As noted above, the stroke action is programmed to mimic the natural suck-hold-release-relax cycling of a nursing baby according to the age of the baby. The present invention applies mimicking the baby's suckling movements to trigger a nursing mother's natural reaction to produce milk. The pumping rate in the present invention may be controlled and/or programmed to mimic both the nutritive and non-nutritive suckling actions of the a baby, which have distinctly different cycling characteristics.
According to a controlled study of a seven-month-old baby boy, the suck-hold-release-relax cycle starts with a series of non-nutritive sucks at low vacuum levels with a high suckling rate as the suckling pulses depicted in FIG. 21A. The non-nutritive suckling rate typically is higher than nutritive suckling; in this example, the non-nutritive suckling exceeded 100 cycles/min while nutritive suckling was 30-60 cycles/min. The peak vacuum level of each suck increases until reaching a threshold for milk expression (the first and second nutritive sucks) then holds longer on the threshold (152 mmHg, in this case) than non-nutritive sucks with no plateau but mere a peak. The plateaus exhibit distinct flatness to hold the threshold vacuum level of each cycle. The holding period (in the plateau) is about 2-3 times of the relax period (drop from the plateau).
FIG. 21B shows a second example illustrating a steady-state post-ejection reflex action. Essentially, the baby has achieved a rhythm in suckling. FIG. 21C illustrates the threshold vacuum level decreasing with the cycle rate increasing. In this example, the baby is finishing feeding and/or tiring. Overall, the study reveals that the holding and releasing timing of a baby suckling is not symmetrical. Depending on the baby, there may be rapid transitions between holding and releasing periods. In the present invention, the microprocessor 90 is programmed to mimic the natural suck-hold-release-relax cycling of a nursing baby along the lines of the results of the study.
The microprocessor 90 may be programmed to suggest or control the vacuum level and the cycle rate. In one preferred embodiment, the microprocessor 90 is programmed with artificial intelligence so as to mimic the natural suck-hold-release-relax cycling of a nursing baby as discussed. Each stroke of the breast pump of the present invention has a definite holding period, which is about 2-3 times the relaxation period. As depicted in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the cycle profile is designed to be consistent regardless of the maximum vacuum level or the cycle rate settings.
In particular, the suction level starts at a minimum at the beginning for a new nursing mother, and then some quick, short pulses at the start of the pumping to especially stimulate and imitate more closely the way a baby initiates breastfeeding. Once the milk is flowing freely, long steadier strokes are initiated so as to be effective and less tiring. Since each woman has a different comfort level, the level may then be gradually increased to what is comfortable for her. The pumping mechanism supports a cycle rate up to 80 cycles per minute, which is higher than most of the other portable breast pumps (25-60 cycles/minute). However, the preferred cycle rates range from 35-60 cycles per minute which balances the efficiency and the comfort of the user. The most preferred cycle rate (45 cycles/minute) takes less than one-quarter second to fully vacuum the chamber 60 and incurs minimum noise.
This stroke action creates a vacuum on the order of 200 mmHg in the flange 30 while the one-way valve 140 seals off the opening. As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, when the maximum vacuum level is set at 136 mmHg, the matching cycle rate is 39 cycles/min. when the maximum vacuum level is set at 204 mmHg, the matching cycle rate is 36 cycles/min. Vacuum control circuitry is provided for allowing manual adjustment of the level of vacuum generated by the electric pump means. This is accomplished by controlling the stroke length of the servomotor mechanism. In another embodiment of the invention, some residual vacuum is programmed in the stroke profile.
In another variation of the invention, a flow sensor may be connected with the adjusting means 14 to monitor the suckling results of the stroke actions.
In contrast, the commercially available products simply operate under mathematics profiles rather than a natural baby suckling profile as the present invention. For example, the characteristics of one inexpensive, mass-produced double pump set allows manual control as well as residual vacuum as shown in FIG. 23. However, it operates with excessive tissue stress due to its slow vacuum rise profile. In addition, it operates terribly inefficient at 7 cycles/minute, which takes 8 seconds to reach the full vacuum level of 220 mmHg. Other conventional high-end double pump sets operate according to the profiles such as those shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B which are within appropriate vacuum levels (180-200 mmHg) at an appropriate cycle rate range of 47-53 cycles/min. Nevertheless, such systems have no holding periods, but instead release their vacuums immediately upon reaching full vacuum. One popular battery powered portable pump as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B operates with appropriate holding periods (1-1.4 seconds) and releasing periods (0.9 second), but dragging along a slowly increasing profile from vacuum levels 100 to 270 mmHg at inefficient cycle rate range of 27-29 cycles/min. Such a profile yields long periods of stress on the breast to reach a excessively high vacuum level of 270 mmHg.
Studies and experience have shown that young breastfed babies usually need to nurse every 2-3 hours, and that it is best to pump on the same schedule. The more the breasts are stimulated, the more milk is produced. A good time for many mothers to pump is about one hour after the baby's first morning feeding. Most women tend to have more milk earlier in the day. The length of time spent pumping varies with each woman and with each day. When pumping one side at a time, alternating breasts several times during expression is more stimulating and can result in a higher volume of milk. Pumping at one side of the breast and nursing on the other side has the advantage of using the body's natural response to let down the milk for the baby.
The microprocessor 90 of the present invention may be programmed to suggest or control the timing for pumping. For example, using two pumps 10 simultaneously can cut the total pumping time in half. Double pumping may also result in better stimulation of prolactin due to its sense of balance provided to a nursing mother. In a double pump arrangement, the adjusting mechanism 14 of each pump may be linked by hardwire connection or by wireless link to coordinate or synchronize their strokes via the microprocessor 90.
A commercial implementation of the portable breast pump system of the invention as shown would include two breast pumps 10, a pair of valves 140 and splints 110, and a roll of collection bags. All of those components would be stored in a soft sided black shoulder bag 400 (FIG. 26) having two storage compartments, the upper compartment 403 includes a working surface for storage of the pumps on its breast pump holders 409, 409′, the accessories, and complete instructions; and the lower compartment 405 includes heat-insulating side walls and at least one cooling element 407. The cooling element 407 is formed with concave seats for receiving collection bottles or bags. The closeness of the walls hold the collection bags next to the cooling element surfaces. The portable breast pump system of the invention would weigh only about 2 lbs., rather than the 8-10 lbs. of other commercially available portable breast pump system, or even then 25-40 lbs. of those used in hospitals. The cooler is available from Rubbermaid® (Blue ICE Model No. 1056). The shoulder bag 400 may be manufactured by companies such as California Innovation® with synthetic fabric surfaces which are easy to wipe clean. The aggregate weight of the cooler and the shoulder bag is approximately 2.5 lbs.
Parts of the pump such as the collection bags 300 are sterilized to FDA's hygienic standard for rubber articles before the first use, while other parts that come into contact with the mother's skin or the milk will need to be sterilized before first use. After initial use, only the flange 30, the valve 140 and the splint 110 need to be washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed with hot water and drained on a clean towel. However, periodic boiling for sterilization may be desirable, depending on the individual needs of the baby.
In summary, the breast pump of the present invention provides several unique features. As noted above, various parts of the system are made of plastic materials so as to be lightweight, easy to clean/maintain and easily conform with the contour of the user's breast (FIGS. 20A and 20B). Working moms can thus easily pump their milk and save it for the babysitter or daycare. The breast pump of the invention has very few parts so as to be easily assembled and cleaned. The overall system of the present invention also results in a breast pump smaller than commercially available breast pumps such as Hollister's Purely Yours™ Kit, i.e. about ¼ size of other portable (the shoulder bag actually is 70% smaller) and Medela's Pump in Style system.
The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention which is intended to be protected is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. The embodiments described herein are illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes and equivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, be embraced thereby.
Previous Patent: CLOSED LOOP/SEMI-CLOSED LOOP THERAPY MODIFICATION SYSTEM
Next Patent: HANDS-FREE BREAST PUMP WITH BALANCED RECIPROCATING DRIVE


Bob Dylan's poems for his parents (see below).
Bob Dylan's father, Abe Zimmerman, was a short man with an appealing smile that revealed irregular teeth. Behind his strong glasses, his eyes were a soft boyish blue, until they hardened. His wavy black hair was flecked with gray. He dressed in sport shirts, slacks, and sweaters that suggested California more than Minnesota. He frequently sported a fine, thick cigar. Abe's speech was slow and deliberate, in contrast to Beatty's (Bob Dylan's mother) torrential flow.
David's earliest recollection of his brother was the day Bob guided him, hand-in-hand, into their new Hibbing home. The place was dark. Carpets were rolled up mysteriously on bare floors as Bob took his brother into their new playground. Bob remained the leader, although not always hand-in-hand. Bob was scrappy, and occasionally the parents returned home to find big brother firmly seated on little brother's stomach, pinning his shoulders to the floor. "This kid was so strong, he could lift a refrigerator," his mother claimed. Beatty tried to show no favoritism, carrying equal-time provision so far as to put two soup bowls on the table at the same moment. The brothers generally got along well, trading Illustrated Classics comic books, rough-housing, going to Dad's store to play with a portable disk-recording machine.
To use when playing golf or sitting home.
I know my dad is the best in the world.
So that he doesn't get more angry.
And also his handball medal above all the rest.
You just can't beat him at any cost.
And without my dad, I'd be very lost.
The poems Bob wrote at ten or eleven were a chance to "make something"; he was not especially interested in crafts or model building. He wrote a great deal. "We thought he would get it out of his system, but he never did," his mother told me. For a time, the writing was eclipsed by an exciting diversion. In 1952, the family acquired the first TV set in Hibbing.
The new gadget delighted the boys and, after several moves, it reposed upstairs, in the room the brothers shared. Bob and David were pioneer TV children, glued to the set for hours, watching everything from Milton Berle to Kukla, Fran and Ollie. Bob's superior muscles meant he generally chose the show. He liked music and variety shows, and western adventure series. He loved the bravado and individuality of badman and lawman alike, and the names of the TV frontiersmen rang with earthy American directness. He could imagine himself as Wyatt Earp. Or, even more heroically, as the greatest frontiersman since Daniel Boone, that lean, laconic, fearless man of justice from Dodge City named Matt Dillon.


Roanoke Island is one of the best known and most loved coastal villages along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Croatan and Pamlico Sounds, the quaint waterfront village of Manteo is tucked in snugly along the shoreline of Shallowbag Bay. The friendliness of the people, the unique coastal architecture, and the fresh seacoast cuisine will add a sunny and carefree atmosphere to an already special day. It is a setting that captures the hearts of its visitors.
You may choose to have your destination wedding ceremony at the elegant and luxurious White Doe Inn, or nearby overlooking Shallowbag Bay in the Manteo Waterfront Gazebo, or even on one of the beautiful beaches along the Outer Banks. White Doe Inn would then be available for a lovely garden reception where friends and family can experience and share the true southern spirit of this area.
The splendid views, the superb food, and the goodness of people as they strive to make this a special time for the newlyweds and their guests, exceed all expectations.


text:
Idaho hunter harvests mountain lion with bizarre deformity on its head
A mountain lion harvested in Idaho is shown with a deformity on its head in an undated photo. (Photo courtey Idaho Department of Fish and Game)
IDAHO -- An Idaho hunter tracking down a mountain lion stumbled upon a biological mystery.
The mountain lion was killed last week near the Utah border, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The male animal, which was legally harvested, was found with what appeared to be fully formed teeth and whiskers growing on top of its head.
Wildlife officials said the animal attacked a dog on a landowner's property in late December. Within three hours of the attack, the mountain lion was tracked and harvested, officials said.
The department offered up a few theories on the wild cat's deformity. One theory is that the teeth could be the remnants of a conjoined twin that died in the womb was absorbed into the other fetus, eventually growing on its own.
Another explanation is that it could be a teratoma tumor, which can grow tissue, teeth, hair and even appendages. The tumors are rare in humans and animals, according to the department.
After the hunter harvested the cat, a conservation officer checked the hunter's license, recorded information about the harvesting and grabbed material from the animal to verify its age. The process is required by law.
Mountain lions are common in Idaho and considered big game like elk and mule deer. Only one mountain lion can be harvested by a hunter each year, according to Idaho Fish and Game.
idahobizarrewild animalsmountainshuntinganimal newsu.s. & world
Vets accidentally give cat euthanasia instead of vaccine
Tortoise whose sex drive helped save species returns to wild
VIDEO: Baby wallabies rescued from Australia fire
VIDEO: Cat hitches ride on potbellied pig


text:
//	File name: IBMPFactory.h
//	Description: The IBMPFactory declaration file.

#ifndef IBMPFACTORY_H__DATAPROCESSING__INCLUDED_
#define IBMPFACTORY_H__DATAPROCESSING__INCLUDED_

// IBMPFactory declaration
interface IBMPFactory : public ICommon
{
	virtual result			LoadBMPFile(LPCSTR FileName) = 0;
};

#endif // !IBMPFACTORY_H__DATAPROCESSING__INCLUDED_

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


This entry was posted in anti-Semitism, Holocaust, Jews, UK and tagged Israel, Jewish Chronicle, jewish lobby, liberal democrats, Lord Andrew Phillips of Sudbury, palestine solidarity campaign, palestinians. Bookmark the permalink.
Pompous git (that's vulgar abuse, by the way, which is still legal in this country, and I will not be deterred from using it against pompous gits).
The same can and should be said about his condescending, gracious permission for Israel to exist.
Not terribly clued up about what the word 'illegal' means, are you, your noble Andrewship?
Itay, of course there is 'a Jewish lobby', or rather many lobbies which sometimes fight each other.
Would it, however, be humourless of me to point out that you are tilting at the wrong windmill? His noble Andrewship seems to be saying, and certainly I haven't seen him deny that he said it, that there is an all-powerful Jewish lobby that controls what the USA does.
Is that the same all-powerful Jewish lobby that controls the media in this country, and somehow forces the BBC to spew antisemitic propaganda day in, day out?
isn't a Brit accusing Israel of "colonisation" a bit unworthy of a Lord?
seems i am blocked from commenting….
Itay – how many Jews do you actually think support the tea party in the US? Not many – most Jews are still voting for the Democratic Party.
1 is too many – unfortunately too many jews in the states are attracted to Becks clear hatred of muslims (bit like the relationship with some here and the EDL) and fail to see that Beck and the EDL are no friends of jewish people…who is using who…?
If Lord Phillips refuses to list and verify the alleged "distortions" then Jonathan Hoffman could easily take him to court.
Since when did deafening silence on matters become an admission of 'guilt'…?
If that is the case, however, then the [official] deafening silences surrounding Mossad's assassinations and Israel's nuclear activities at the Dimona 'Textile Factory' speak volumes.
If it's such as low-blow to mention and invoke the holocaust at a public meeting where the topic is not related to it, then I look forward the holocaust never being mentioned at other public meetings attended by Mr. Hoffman or his hangers-on.
Or if JH can't restrain himself and brings it up I'm sure we're read it reported here as a low-blow. Right?
spot on. Have you seen Hoffman over at the JC comparing Gilad Shalit to Aung San Suu Kyi? – what an embarassment, what an imbecile, what a gift to all the so called delegitimizers..
I see the trolls have moved over from the JC Blog site only stopping to change their nom de plume. Baruch or whatever your name is the unacceptable and gratiutous invocation of the Holocaust to show how really His Lordship is sympathetic to the Jews whilst using language reminiscent of Nazi propaganda was the point being made – pay attention!
Italy – I see because Gilad Shalit happened to be a Jewish Israeli soldier defending his country from Arab terrorism he is not as deserving of human rights as Aung San Suu Kyi ? or why otherwise are you embarrassed?
Nachman – everybody is deserving of human rights – but Gilad Shalit is no Aung San Suu Kyi..Hoffmans idiotic equation shows him as the out of touch obsessive he is.
the out of touch obsessive he is.
as i said – Gilad Shalit is no Aung San Suu Kyi …its idiotic to suggest he is.
No Itay, he's a 19 year old kid, who has been held in greater isolation than Aung San Suu Kyi.
oh did time stand still for him? He is 24…always with the "we suffered more than others" hoo haa…tell that to the congolese and so many others.


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Shoot down the falling viruses in this space invaders clone, or suffer the consequences of null and void.
So that's really six topics to use if we stall out on back and forth stuff.
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Love your latest video, it had me laughing by the end.
I have more thoughts on youtube comments, but I figure I'll save those for another time.As for the table saw, I think it's absolutely possible to build one mostly from wood that will work as accurately and be as dependable as a high quality factory made one.Tips: 1) Start out by collecting long grass, sticks, and rocks.As you fall you can collect bags of supplies.Games released in 2007 Arcadium, A Retro Arcade Game, Audio Joust, in which you take on the role of king Arthurs champion.


text:
Cheap flights from Liverpool to New York Newark Liberty International Airport
5 nights in New York, departing Liverpool on 03 / May / 2023 with Lufthansa (price found 45 hours ago)
the USA
New York Newark Liberty International Airport Flights
New York Newark Liberty International Airport from Liverpool
Cheap return flights from Liverpool to New York Newark Liberty International Airport
The Liverpool / New York Newark Liberty International Airport route
New York Newark Liberty International Airport flight facts
These airlines usually offer the cheapest flights from Liverpool to New York Newark Liberty International Airport.
These airlines fly from Liverpool to New York Newark Liberty International Airport, but you'll have at least one layover.
This is the shortest flight time from Liverpool to New York Newark Liberty International Airport.
Alternative flights from the UK to New York Newark Liberty International Airport
London to New York Newark Liberty International Airport
Manchester to New York Newark Liberty International Airport
Edinburgh to New York Newark Liberty International Airport
Birmingham to New York Newark Liberty International Airport
Liverpool to New York John F Kennedy Airport
Alternative flights from Liverpool
Philadelphia from Liverpool
Washington DC from Liverpool
Boston from Liverpool
Toronto from Liverpool
Chicago from Liverpool
Atlanta from Liverpool
Today alone, Netflights has searched over 13 flights. 03 / May / 2023 is currently the lowest priced day of the year to fly the Liverpool/New York Newark Liberty International Airport route. There are around 13 flights on any given week from the UK to New York Newark Liberty International Airport and the cheapest month to fly right now is May.
Key facts about New York Newark Liberty International Airport
How to get cheap flights from Liverpool to New York Newark Liberty International Airport
If you want a cheap flight from Liverpool to New York, you've got one airlines to choose from. You can use the search box to filter your preferences, but we've found that the cheapest day to fly is 03 / May / 2023.
Make sure you use the search options above to search for flights to other airports in New York, not just New York Newark Liberty International Airport. The more options you look at, the better your chance of finding a cheap deal. Just so you know, the flight typically takes 11 hrs 50 mins.
There are about 13 flights to or via New York every week, so you have plenty of options.
If you're planning on going to New York during this time, you could take a look at other airport options. Or you could try to get a last-minute bargain.
Other popular destinations near New York Newark Liberty International Airport
cheap flights to Newburgh
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Context Id: 027efd78-5b1c-4d28-88d4-b1f609d96c63


Our main focus is on small business credit card processing and providing the best pricing and service possible to our merchant clients. Most small business owners have seen their fair share of ups and downs, and by providing them options and solutions, it makes their work day a bit easier. We take the mystery out of the whole process and keep it simple.
· Free use of a Verifone vx520 credit card terminal.
We have advised many small business owners on avoiding lockup agreements and early termination fees, even those that were not our clients. If you are currently locked into an agreement and need some free advice, feel free to contact me and I would be glad to advise you on your options and a possible out that you may not have considered which could allow you to avoid an early termination fee.
When the industry started moving to chip card readers and either leasing or selling terminals at exorbitant prices, we were one of the first to offer our clients free terminals together with some of the best small business credit card processing rates for their business. We also warned merchants about data breaches that could occur in many of the POS systems that were storing credit card data, and offered them a simple solution when their POS system reseller couldn't. There are now several possible EMV solutions we advise small business merchants about depending on what type of POS system they have, What type of POS system they are thinking of switching to, whether or not they want a fully integrated solution and whether or not they want a pay at the table solution.
Depending on whether you are a retail or restaurant establishment, we can advise you on some of the best solutions on the market today. Unfortunately, there are probably way too many POS solutions on the market today, so merchants have to be careful not to choose one that lacks the proper backing and which may only be supported by one credit card processor.
Talech is one of the better POS systems available for small businesses, restaurant and retail. Talech is fully supported by Elavon, which is one of the largest processors in the US and is a wholly owned subsidiary of US Bank. This iPad based POS system which has many features such bill splitting, gift or loyalty cards, automatic discounts for specials you may run, printed receipts or signing on the screen, EMV for chip cards, and an integrated online ordering feature for your customers to order takeout. Elavon, with its Talech POS system and other merchant solutions, is a leader in the field when it comses to small business credit card processing. Elavon services over 1,000,000 business worldwide.
Another option that is getting quite a bit of attention from small business owners is Poynt, also offered through a partnership with Elavon. It has a sleek design and can be used by the wait staff to take orders at the table. Poynt is a tablet that is a fully integrated EMV pay at the table solution that allows customers to review the entire bill, add a tip on the touch screen, sign the screen with their finger at the table and get their receipt emailed to them. No more manual tip adjust at the end of the night, it is done automatically. Think of it as a credit card terminal on steroids.
Verifone, which has the largest market share of the credit card terminal market, is also in the POS system market, but has hardly been able to make a dent in that market compared to some of the larger players like Oracle (formerly Micros), Aloha, NCR Silver, POSitouch, Aldello and Talech. They may be coming out with a pay at the table solution for restaurants to expand their market reach.
Is Pay at the Table Something Restaurants Should Worry About?
I know what you are thinking, "Great, now I have to memorize another PIN for each of my credit cards." Unfortunately, it is just a matter of time before the banks and credit card brands (Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express) decide to start issuing PINs with the credit cards. Can you imagine having to request that your customer walk over to the Aloha POS station so they can put in their credit card PIN?
The restaurant industry is dreading this of course, but all indications are that it will gradually be implemented in the US, so this EMV solution for pay at the table solves that problem. We are providing our restaurant clients with several options to consider and strongly urging them to start looking at the EMV integrated pay at the table solutions.
One of our small business credit card processing solutions can be fully integrated with Oracle (Micros) POS systems and is one of the only fully integrated solutions for Oracle (Micros) POS systems that we know of today. Some restaurants just can't bring themselves to go wireless with a pay at the table tablet. Eventually, they may have to, when credit card companies and banks start requiring PINS. Although there are some small businesses using Micros, many of them have not paid for updates in years, so they would not be able to use this solution, and quite frankly, it would be more cost effective for them to switch to another POS system that does just as much as the old legacy Micros systems, but at half the cost.
In general, there are three types of EMV solutions for POS systems and small business credit card processing. The simplest solution just requires a standalone terminal to print out the total amount with tax and allows for a tip to be written in by the customer. The second, is a fully integrated chip card reader that attaches to the POS system via a USB port. The third, is a fully integrated EMV solution that is pay at the table solution with a touch screen and has an automated tip function, so manual tip adjust is a thing of the past. Feel free to contact me for an EMV solution that is right for your business.


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