Milking apparatus and method

Abstract

A milking apparatus and method for improved lactation, the apparatus including means for applying suction to at least the nipple portion of a mammary gland while simultaneously and/or selectively imparting a constrictive, manipulatory force to the nipple and/or the mammary gland adjacent the nipple. An inflatable toroidal member is adapted to be placed in encirclement of the nipple portion of the mammary gland. The manipulatory force is supplied by selectively inflating the inflatable toroidal member. Inflation of the toroid causes an inner wall surface to be distended inwardly thereby imparting a constrictive force to the nipple and/or adjacent, underlying mammary gland. The toroidal member may also be provided with an inner wall thickness which is selectively predetermined so as to be preferentially distended during inflation of the toroidal member. Additionally, compartmentalization of the toroidal member provides a certain degree of mimicry of the normal suckling action of an infant for improved lactation. A peristaltic pumping action is also selectively imparted to the mammary gland and/or nipple by selectively predetermining the inner wall thicknesses along the toroidal surface placed in juxtaposition with the mammary gland.