Breast milk processing apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus (100) and method for processing breast milk are provided. The apparatus (100) includes a housing (102), a milk processor (104), and a container (106) for storing the breast milk. The milk processor (104) includes an ultrasonic transducer (126) for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the breast milk stored within the container (106) and reducing lipase levels in the breast milk. The milk processor (104) also includes a milk warmer (122) arranged to warm the breast milk stored within the container (106).

Description

BREAST MILK PROCESSING APPARATUS

[0001] BACKGROUND

[0002] High lipase in breast milk can lead to an unpleasant taste or odor, causing babies to reject milk, even bottles, and resulting in feeding difficulties. Breast milk with high lipase levels presents challenges and can develop a soapy or rancid smell when stored, making it unappealing for consumption, even if safe for consumption. High lipase breast milk rejected by babies can result in wasted milk, causing additional stress for parents who have invested time and effort into expressing and storing it. Moreover, parents may experience stress and frustration when they notice their baby's refusal to drink expressed breast milk, leading to concerns about their child's nutrition and well-being.

[0003] While some existing breast milk containers and products provide sterilization and warming capabilities, there are no commercially available products that can conveniently sterilize, warm, and reduce lipase in breast milk. Moreover, high lipase in breast milk is currently an un- or under-researched women’s health issue. In research conducted by the inventors of the present application, it was discovered that approximately 30% of nursing parents are aware that they have high lipase and 40% of nursing parents do not know if they have lipase or not. As such, there is a need for an apparatus that can simultaneously sterilize, warm, and reduce lipase levels in breast milk.

[0004] SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure provides a solution for processing breast milk that both warms the milk and reduces lipase levels. Advantageously, the disclosed apparatus overcomes drawbacks of existing breast milk containers and products with a simplified, multi-purpose design, particularly for individuals with high lipase levels in breast milk. A portable bottle warmer and lipase-level processor is provided that uses ultrasonic wave technology to reduce high lipase and safe warming devices to heat bottles quickly and evenly while ensuring milk is effectively thawed and treated. The disclosed technology is specially designed to reduce high lipase in breast milk, help maintain its natural flavor, and get rid of any fishy, soapy smell that comes with stored breast milk.

[0006] In a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that comprises a housing, a milk processor stored within the housing, and a container for storing the breast milk. The milk processor includes an ultrasonic transducer for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the breast milk stored within the container and is arranged to reduce lipase levels in the breast milk.

[0007] The milk processor further includes a milk warmer that is arranged to warm the breast milk stored within the container. The milk warmer includes a receptacle to both hold a liquid medium and receive the container. Heat is transferred from the milk wanner, through the liquid medium, and to the breast milk within the container. In an embodiment, the milk warmer includes a band heater that is disposed about the milk warmer. The circumferential heating arrangement prevents hot spots from being created at a single point in the breast milk. The milk warmer includes a thermal probe that is arranged to measure the temperature of the liquid medium disposed within the milk warmer. By monitoring the liquid medium temperature, the thermal energy that is transferred to the breast milk is controlled. Additionally, the temperature is controlled to prevent overheating, which can result in the loss of precious nutrients needed for consumption by an infant.

[0008] The housing includes a user panel connected to a user interface printed circuit board and arranged to control the milk processor. In an embodiment, the user panel features two selectable options: a heating mode or a lipase-reduction mode. Selection of the heating mode causes the milk processor to heat the milk to a serving temperature, whereas selection of the lipase-reduction mode causes the milk processor to both heat the milk to an elevated temperature (i.e., above the serving temperature) and treat the milk using ultrasonic waves generated by the transducer. The dual-mode arrangement offers a simplified approach that can be used on breast milk with high lipase levels and breast milk without high lipase levels. Rather than requiring the purchase of various heaters, sterilizers, and lipase reducers, the disclosed apparatus offers a streamlined, efficient solution milk processing.

[0009] The present disclosure also relates to a method for processing breast milk. The method comprises the following steps: using an ultrasonic transducer, transmitting ultrasonic waves to the breast milk disposed within a container of a milk processor; reducing lipase levels in the breast milk; and heating the breast milk within the container using a milk warmer. The step of reducing lipase levels in the breast milk, using the ultrasonic transducer, can reduce the lipase levels e.g., from above 1500 U / L to below 1500 U / L.

[0010] Moreover, the present disclosure can relate to a method of simultaneously warming and reducing lipase levels in breast milk, the method comprising the following steps: using an ultrasonic transducer, transmitting ultrasonic waves to the breast milk disposed within a container of a milk processor; reducing lipase levels in the breast milk, e.g., to below 1500 U / L; heating the breast milk within the container using a milk warmer. Wherein the milk warmer comprises a band heater to transfer heat directly to a circumferential profile of the milkwarmer, and the ultrasonic transducer is radially positioned against the milk warmer and adjacent to the band heater.

[0011] Experts advise heating breast milk before storing it if an infant does not take to frozen milk. This keeps the taste intact and extends its shelf life, thus improving the likelihood that the infant will accept it. The present disclosure offers a solution to maximum shelf life that is made easy and mess-free. Advantageously, the same container that is used in conjunction with the milk processor can be used to safely store and freeze the processed breast milk.

[0012] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that is specially designed to reduce high lipase in breast milk, help maintain its natural flavor, and avoid the fishy, soapy smell that comes with stored breast milk. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood regarding the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but instead are drawn to provide a better understanding of the components thereof, and are not intended to be limiting in scope, but to provide exemplary illustrations. The figures illustrate exemplary configurations of the breast milk processing apparatus, and in no way limit the structures or configurations according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an anti-lipase milk warmer apparatus.

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the anti-lipase milk warmer apparatus.

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a milk processor of the apparatus.

[0018] Figure 4 illustrates perspective views of an ultrasonic transducer and band heater of the milk processor.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS|0020| Figures 1 and 2 show an anti-lipase milk warmer apparatus 100 for processing breast milk. The apparatus 100 is designed to reduce high lipase in breast milk and to also help maintain the natural flavor of the milk. Using the apparatus 100 to reduce high lipase levels in breast milk avoids a fishy, soapy smell that can be present with stored breast milk. The apparatus 100 is further designed to quickly and evenly warm containers while ensuring that milk is thawed and sterilized effectively.

[0021] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a housing 102, milk processor 104, and container 106. The housing 102 includes a casing 108 for storing and protecting the milk processor 104. In an embodiment, the housing 102 is constructed of 304 stainless steel. The housing 102 further includes a user panel 110 for executing operations related to warming, sterilizing, and reducing lipase levels in breast milk. In an embodiment, the user panel 110 features a progress indicator 111 to alert a user of a current status, e.g., of the breast milk within the container 106, related to at least one of sterilization, temperature, and lipase level reduction. The progress indicator 111 preferably provides a low-volume or silent, visual alert to relay information regarding the current status of the breast milk. The progress indicator 111 advantageously alerts users when milk is ready while preserving a quiet environment for infants.

[0022] In an embodiment, the user panel 110 includes a power button or switch to turn the apparatus on and off. The user panel 110 may also include a cycle button or switch to initiate operations of warming, sterilizing, and reducing lipase levels in the breast milk. In an embodiment, the user panel 110 includes a touch-screen interface having a graphical user interface to display milk processing operations and options to a user. The progress indicator 111 on the user panel 110 can be presented as binary (i.e., complete or not complete) or as a continuous display showing an amount complete or remaining in the process (e.g., 50% complete or 2 minutes remaining). In an embodiment, the user panel includes or is connected to a freshness indicator arranged to visually alert a user of spoiled breast milk. The freshness indicator can be provided on the container 106 or with the user panel 110. In an embodiment, the user panel 110 allows the user to select an amount of breast milk disposed within the container, wherein the milk processor 104 uses the defined amount of breast milk to modify the treatment based on at least one of time (i.e., processing time), heating or warming temperature, and ultrasonic frequency. In an alternative embodiment, the milk processor 104 includes a scale to estimate the amount of breast milk disposed within the container 106 and automatically modify the treatment based on the estimated amount of breast milk.

[0023] The user panel 110 presents at least two operational settings to a user. In an embodiment, the first setting relates to a heating or warming mode. Selection of said first setting initiates operation of the milk processor 104 to heat the milk to serving temperature. The second setting relates to a lipase level reduction setting. Selection of said lipase level reduction setting initiates operation of the milk processor 104 to heat the milk to an elevatedtemperature, i.e., above serving temperature, and to reduce lipase levels within the milk using ultrasonic waves.

[0024] The milk processor 104 is arranged atop a base 114 that interlocks with the casing 108 of the housing 102. The milk processor 104 includes one or more printed circuit boards 116, 118 to control operations of the milk processor 104. The one or more printed circuit boards can be integrated with the base 114. The milk processor 104 further comprises a user interface printed circuit board 132 attached to the user panel 110 and configured to control primary operations of the milk processor 104 and is connected to the one or more printed circuit boards 116, 118. In an embodiment, the housing 102 includes adaptable circuitry, i.e., dual- voltage compatibility, to be used when traveling between countries having different electrical grids. Such advantageously eliminates the need for bulky converters.

[0025] The milk processor 104 comprises a milk warmer 122, band heater 124, and ultrasonic transducer 126. The milk warmer 122 includes a receptacle 105 to receive the container 106. In an embodiment, the receptacle 105 is arranged to receive a liquid medium, e.g., water, through which heat transfers from the heating element (e.g., band heater 124) to the container 106. In other words, the container 106 is placed within the milk warmer 122 that holds a predetermined amount of liquid. The band heater 124 surrounds the milk warmer 122 and, when heated, consequently heats the liquid within the receptacle 105 of the milk warmer 122.

[0026] Advantageously, the band heater 124 transfers heat to the liquid medium surrounding a circumferential profile of the milk warmer 122, thus avoiding the creation of concentrated “hot spots” in the milk. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 evenly warms and thaws breast milk within approximately three minutes without creating these hot spots. In an embodiment, the band heater 124 is arranged to heat the liquid medium held within the milk warmer 122 to approximately 40°C. The milk processor 104 includes a thermal probe 128 attached to the milk warmer 122 and arranged to measure the temperature of the liquid medium within the receptacle 105. In an embodiment, the thermal probe 128 is affixed to a mount 130 attached to the rim or top of the milk warmer 122. The mount 130 can be securely fixed to milk warmer 122, e.g., by interlocking with apertures 142 formed in the milk warmer 122.

[0027] Lipase reduction is achieved through both the higher temperature provided by the band heater 124 through the liquid medium and the ultrasonic waves provided by ultrasonic transducer 126. In an embodiment, lipase reduction occurs with the combination of heating the milk to approximately 63 °C along and ultrasonic treatment at approximately 40 kHz, whereinthe apparatus 100 features a warming mode to bring the milk to a serving temperature of approximately 39°C.

[0028] In an embodiment, the milk processor 104 is capable of operating at a sterilization setting, selectable on the user panel 110, to heat the liquid medium held within the milk warmer 122 to 100°C, using the band heater 124. The sterilization setting may include locking the container 106 within the housing 102 (e.g., using locking means such as locks, levers, threaded connections, or other physical linkages) to prevent accidental exposure to boiling liquids. For example, a mechanical element (e.g., pin) from the milk processor 104 may engage with the container 106 to secure the container 106 to the milk wanner 122. The sterilization setting may also inform the user, using the user panel 110, that the container 106 is sterilized and safe to handle e.g., after a predetermined amount of time allowing for the container 106 to cool to a safe-handling temperature. In an embodiment to promote faster cooling, the band heater 124 may disengage from the milk warmer 122, or the liquid medium may be drained to another location or receptacle that is remote from the milk warmer 122.

[0029] The disclosed milk warmer 122 creates a heat transfer within the apparatus 100 such that thermal energy created surrounding and radially about the container 106 is transferred to the container 106 and the breast milk, thereby increasing the temperature of the breast milk. In an embodiment, the milk warmer 122 includes structures capable of producing convective heat transfer, heat transfer by condensation, or heat transfer by conduction and / or radiation. The milk warmer 122, irrespective of the type of heat transfer, includes, at least, a heat source (e.g., band heater 124) and a heat transfer medium (e.g., liquid medium such as water).

[0030] An embodiment of the milk warmer 122 through convective heat flow utilizes a heating element, e.g., a conductive wire, to which an electrical current is applied. The apparatus 100 may further include a blower with the milk warmer 122 to create a flow of heated air circumferentially about the container 106. The energy in the heated air is transferred to the container and its contents as it passes. The apparatus 100 may be configured to the recirculate the air back over the heating element or may expel the air and draw in fresh air to reverse or end the cycle.

[0031] An embodiment of the milk warmer 122 includes implementing condensation (i.e., steam) includes using a liquid medium within the receptacle 105 is heated by a heat source to the point that steam is created. The steam is directed (e.g., by fan) about the container 106 to contact the surface of the container 106. As steam condenses onto the external surface of thecontainer 106, thermal energy is transferred to the container and the breast milk is warmed. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include additional structures to dry the container before, or while removing the container from the apparatus, including a fan, blower, sponge, or absorbent material.

[0032] An embodiment of the milk wanner 122 includes implementing heat transfer by conduction and / or radiation utilizes a heating element that is in contact, or near contact, with the container. In embodiments, the heating element may also be directly in contact with the container. Additional embodiments of the milk warmer 122 may include means for heating that also utilize digital or analog controls in order to sense, monitor, and / or regulate the temperature of the heating element (e.g., band heater 124) and / or the heat transfer medium (e.g., water) within the milk warmer 122.

[0033] In an embodiment, the ultrasonic transducer 126 is laterally positioned against the milk warmer 122 and above the band heater 124. The ultrasonic transducer 126 generates ultrasonic waves targeted through the liquid medium within the milk warmer 122 to milk within the container 106. The ultrasonic transducer 126 is made from piezoelectric materials, e.g., ceramic or quartz, to vibrate at predetermined frequencies. The ultrasonic transducer 126 generally includes a diaphragm that causes the ultrasonic sound waves to generate through the milk processor 104. Such ultrasonic waves have a frequency of 30 kHz to 50 kHz, preferably 40 kHz. The ultrasonic transducer 126 uses the ultrasonic waves to reduce lipase levels present within the milk.

[0034] In an embodiment, the container 106 is received into the receptacle 105 of the milk warmer 122 through an opening 112 of the housing 102. The container 106 is constructed of a food-safe polymer material that is appropriate for storing breast milk. Material of the container 106 may be selected from at least one of the following: high-density polyethylene (HDPE); low-density polyethylene (LDPE); polyethylene terephthalate (PET / PETE); food- grade polypropylene (PP); polycarbonate (PC); acrylic; and nylon. During operation of the milk processor 104, heat is transferred from the band heater 124, to the liquid medium within the milk warmer 122, through the container 106, and subsequently to the milk within the container 106. The container is configured and dimensioned to sit within the milk warmer 122 so as to not displace all of the liquid medium present within the milk warmer 122. Hence, during operation of the milk processor 104, the container 106 is in direct contact with the liquid medium. The container 106 includes a lid 134 to cover the milk within the container 106 and aremovable seal 136 coupled to the lid 134 that may be displaced to allow for dispensing of the milk from the container 106 through an aperture of the lid 134. In an embodiment, the container 106 can include a detachable lid or base having an electric stirring device comprising an electric motor and stirring instrument to further stir or mix the liquid medium and avoid creation of hot spots.

[0035] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate partially exploded views of the milk processor 104. In an embodiment, the milk warmer 122 and band heater 124 are coupled to the base 114 by one or more fastening members 138. The base 114 may further include elevated platforms 140 to raise the milk processor 104 above a main part of the base, i.e., away from a lower surface. The lower surface of the base 114 may also include one or more rubber feet 144 to prevent sliding and grip against a corresponding surface (e.g., counter or tabletop).

[0036] In an embodiment, the milk warmer 122 and band heater 124 sit atop a thermal pad 120, which is mounted to one or more platforms 140 of the base. The thermal pad 120 separates the band heater 124 and milk warmer 122 from direct contact with the base 114 and circuitry (e.g., printed circuit board 118) of the milk processor 104. Material of the thermal pad 120 may be selected from at least one of the following: silicone; graphite; acrylic; polyester; aluminum; and fiberglass.

[0037] In an embodiment, the base 114 includes a first printed circuit board 116 connected to the transducer 126 and a second printed circuit board 1 18 for driving the band heater 124. Both first and second printed circuit boards are connected to the user panel 110 via the user interface printed circuit board 132.

[0038] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 is configured and arranged to perform pasteurization or ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing using the milk processor 104. The milk processor 104 heats the breastmilk to a pasteurization temperature (e.g., approximately 60°C) or to a UHT sterilization temperature (e.g., approximately 135°C) for 2 to 12 seconds and promptly cools the milk to a room temperature. The rapid cooling can be performed by a blast chiller element (including compressor, condenser, throttling component, and evaporator components known to one skilled in the art). The blast chiller element may be integrated with the milk processor 104 or designed as a separate apparatus. Following the rapid cooling by the milk processor 104 to an ambient temperature, the container 106 is vacuum sealed to preserve the breast milk. The vacuum sealing can be performed by a manual sealing element, wherein a manual pump is provided with the container 106 to pump the air out of the container. Theapparatus 100 may also include an electronic vacuum sealer to automatically remove air from the container and seal the container 106 to preserve the breast milk i.e., without requiring refrigeration.

[0039] ENUMERATED EMOBIDMENTS AND EXAMPLES

[0040] Clause 1. An apparatus (100) for warming breast milk and reducing lipase levels in the breast milk, the apparatus (100) comprising: a housing (102); a milk processor (104) stored within the housing (102); and a container (106) configured to store the breast milk and to be removably secured within the milk processor (104); wherein the milk processor (104) includes a milk warmer (122) configured to circumferentially warm the breast milk stored within the container (106); wherein the milk processor (104) further includes an ultrasonic transducer (126) radially positioned against the milk wanner (122) and configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the breast milk stored within the container (106); wherein the milk processor (104) is configured to reduce lipase levels within the breast milk to below 1500 U / L by simultaneously warming the breast milk in the container (106) with the milk warmer (122) and transmitting the ultrasonic waves to the breast milk in the container (106) with the ultrasonic transducer (126).

[0041] Clause 2. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer (126) is arranged to transmit ultrasonic waves at a frequency between 30 kHz to 50 kHz.

[0042] Clause 3. The apparatus according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the milk warmer (122) includes a band heater (124) configured to transfer heat directly to a circumferential profile of the milk warmer (122).

[0043] Clause 4. The apparatus according to clause 3, wherein the band heater (124) is arranged to heat a liquid medium held within a receptacle (105) of the milk warmer (122) to 40°C.

[0044] Clause 5. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the housing (102) includes a user panel (110) connected to a user interface printed circuit board (132) for controlling the milk processor (104).

[0045] Clause 6. The apparatus according to clause 5, wherein the ultrasonic transducer (126) is controlled by an ultrasonic printed circuit board (116) that is connected to the user interface printed circuit board (132).

[0046] Clause 7. The apparatus according to clause 5 or 6, wherein the user panel (110) includes at least one silent progress indicator (111) arranged to visually alert a user of a current status of the breast milk within the container (106) related to at least one of temperature and lipase levels.

[0047] Clause 8. The apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-7, wherein the container (106) includes a freshness indicator arranged to visually alert a user of spoiled breast milk.

[0048] Clause 9. The apparatus according to clause 4, wherein the container (106) is constructed of material to permit transferring of heat from the liquid medium to the breast milk within the container (106) and to further permit transferring of ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer (126) to the breast milk within the container (106).

[0049] Clause 10. A method for processing breast milk, the method comprising: heating the breast milk stored within a container (106) with a milk warmer (122), the container (106) being removably secured within the milk warmer (122); transmitting ultrasonic waves to the breast milk disposed within the container with an ultrasonic transducer (126); and reducing lipase levels in the breast milk to below 1500 U / L by simultaneously warming the breast milk and transmitting the ultrasonic waves to the breast milk in the container (106).

[0050] Clause 11. The method according to clause 10, wherein the ultrasonic transducer (126) is arranged to transmit ultrasonic waves at a frequency between 30 kHz to 50 kHz.

[0051] Clause 12. The method according to clause 10 or 11, wherein the milk warmer (122) includes a band heater (124) configured to transfer heat directly to a circumferential profile of the milk warmer (122) and a thermal probe (128) arranged to measure a temperature of a liquid medium disposed within the milk warmer (122), the milk warmer (122) includes a receptacle to both hold the liquid medium and receive the container (106), wherein heat is transferred from the band heater (124), through the liquid medium, to the breast milk within the container

[0052] Clause 13. The method according to clause 12, wherein the band heater (124) is arranged to heat the liquid medium within the milk warmer (122) up to 40°C.

[0053] Clause 14. The method according to any one of clauses 10-13, wherein an amount of breast milk to be processed within a container (106) is automatically determined by a weighing scale.

[0054] Clause 15. The method according to any one of clauses 10-14 further comprising visually alerting a user of spoiled breast milk with a freshness indicator provided on the container (106).

[0055] Clause 16. The method according to any one of clauses 10-15 further comprising visually alerting a user of a current status of the breast milk within the container (106) with at least one silent progress indicator (111) provided on a user panel (110) connected to both the milk warmer (122) and the ultrasonic transducer (126).

[0056] Clause 17. The method according to clause 16, wherein the current status indicates at least one of temperature and lipase levels of the breast milk.

[0057] Clause 18. The method according to any one of clauses 10-17, comprising, before heating the breast milk, selecting an amount of the breast milk to be processed with a user panel connected to a milk processor (104) comprised of the milk warmer (122) and ultrasonic transducer (126), wherein the milk processor (104) modifies treatment parameters based on the selected amount of the breast milk.

[0058] Clause 19. An apparatus (100) for simultaneously warming breast milk and reducing lipase levels in the breast milk, the apparatus (100) comprising: a housing (102); a milk processor (104) stored within the housing (102); and a container (106) for storing the breast milk; a user panel (110) connected to the milk processor (104), wherein the user panel (110) includes user interface for selecting operational modes and displaying milk processing status; an ultrasonic transducer (126) configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the breast milk disposed within the container (106) of the milk processor (104); wherein the milk processor (104) includes a milk warmer configured to heat the breast milk within the container (106);wherein the ultrasonic transducer is configured to reduce lipase levels in the breast milk to below 1500 U / L; wherein the milk warmer (122) comprises a band heater (124) to transfer heat directly to a circumferential profile of the milk warmer (122); wherein the ultrasonic transducer (126) is radially positioned against the milk warmer (122) and adjacent to the band heater (124); wherein the user panel (110) is provided with a user interface for selecting operational modes of the milk processor (104) and displaying a milk processing status.

[0059] Clause 20. The apparatus (100) according to clause 19, wherein an amount of breast milk to be processed within a container (106) is automatically determined by the milk process (104) based on a scale of the milk processor (104).

[0060] While certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, with reference to specific configurations, parameters, components, elements, etc., the descriptions are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.

[0061] For any given element or component of a described embodiment, any of the possible alternatives listed for that element or component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly stated otherwise.

[0062] Unless otherwise indicated, numbers expressing quantities, constituents, distances, or other measurements used in the specification and claims are to be understood as optionally being modified by the term “about” or its synonyms. When the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or the like are used in conjunction with a stated amount, value, or condition, it may be taken to mean an amount, value or condition that deviates by less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01% of the stated amount, value, or condition. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0063] The embodiments disclosed herein should be understood as comprising / including disclosed components, and may therefore include additional components not specifically described. Optionally, the embodiments disclosed herein are essentially free or completely freeof components that are not specifically described. That is, non-disclosed components may optionally be completely omitted or essentially omitted from the disclosed embodiments.

[0064] Any headings and subheadings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims.

[0065] It will also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” do not exclude plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, an embodiment referencing a singular referent (e.g., “widget”) may also include two or more such referents.

[0066] It will also be appreciated that embodiments described herein may include properties, features (e.g., ingredients, components, members, elements, parts, and / or portions) described in other embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the various features of a given embodiment can be combined with and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include such features.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (100) for warming breast milk and reducing lipase levels in the breast milk, the apparatus (100) comprising: a housing (102); a milk processor (104) stored within the housing (102); and a container (106) configured to store the breast milk and to be removably secured within the milk processor (104); wherein the milk processor (104) includes a milk warmer (122) configured to circumferentially warm the breast milk stored within the container (106); wherein the milk processor (104) further includes an ultrasonic transducer (126) radially positioned against the milk warmer (122) and configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the breast milk stored within the container (106); wherein the milk processor (104) is configured to reduce lipase levels within the breast milk to below 1500 U / L by simultaneously wanning the breast milk in the container (106) with the milk wanner (122) and transmitting the ultrasonic waves to the breast milk in the container (106) with the ultrasonic transducer (126).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic transducer (126) is ananged to transmit ultrasonic waves at a frequency between 30 kHz to 50 kHz.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the milk warmer (122) includes a band heater (124) configured to transfer heat directly to a circumferential profile of the milk warmer (122).

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the band heater (124) is arranged to heat a liquid medium held within a receptacle (105) of the milk warmer (122) to 40°C.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing (102) includes a user panel (110) connected to a user interface printed circuit board (132) for controlling the milk processor (104).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the ultrasonic transducer (126) is controlled by an ultrasonic printed circuit board (116) that is connected to the user interface printed circuit board (132).

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the user panel (110) includes at least one silent progress indicator (111) arranged to visually alert a user of a current status of the breast milk within the container (106) related to at least one of temperature and lipase levels.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container (106) includes a freshness indicator arranged to visually alert a user of spoiled breast milk.

9. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the container (106) is constructed of material to permit transferring of heat from the liquid medium to the breast milk within the container (106) and to further permit transferring of ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducer (126) to the breast milk within the container (106).

10. A method for processing breast milk, the method comprising: heating the breast milk stored within a container (106) with a milk warmer (122), the container (106) being removably secured within the milk warmer (122); transmitting ultrasonic waves to the breast milk disposed within the container with an ultrasonic transducer (126); and reducing lipase levels in the breast milk to below 1500 U / L by simultaneously warming the breast milk and transmitting the ultrasonic waves to the breast milk in the container (106).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the ultrasonic transducer (126) is arranged to transmit ultrasonic waves at a frequency between 30 kHz to 50 kHz.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the milk warmer (122) includes a band heater (124) configured to transfer heat directly to a circumferential profile of the milk warmer (122) and a thermal probe (128) arranged to measure a temperature of a liquid medium disposed within the milk warmer (122), the milk warmer (122) includes a receptacle to both hold the liquid medium and receive the container (106), wherein heat is transferred from the band heater (124), through the liquid medium, to the breast milk within the container (106).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the band heater (124) is arranged to heat the liquid medium within the milk wanner (122) up to 40°C.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein an amount of breast milk to be processed within a container (106) is automatically determined by a weighing scale.

15. The method according to claim 10 further comprising visually alerting a user of spoiled breast milk with a freshness indicator provided on the container (106).

16. The method according to claim 10 further comprising visually alerting a user of a current status of the breast milk within the container (106) with at least one silent progress indicator (111) provided on a user panel (110) connected to both the milk warmer (122) and the ultrasonic transducer (126).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the current status indicates at least one of temperature and lipase levels of the breast milk.

18. The method according to claim 10 comprising, before heating the breast milk, selecting an amount of the breast milk to be processed with a user panel connected to a milk processor (104) comprised of the milk wanner (122) and ultrasonic transducer (126), wherein the milk processor (104) modifies treatment parameters based on the selected amount of the breast milk.

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