Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to determine and monitor the flow rates and volume of fluids excreted or secreted by the body. The apparatus includes: a measuring unit comprising a conduit made of a material having a low thermal conductivity and supporting at least two thermistors that includes an upstream thermistor serving as a compensation thermistor and a downstream thermistor located as far downstream as possible from the upstream thermistor and pre-heated to and kept at pre-defined temperature which is warmer than the fluid temperature to be metered. The apparatus further includes a power supply for applying small electric voltages to the thermistors to enable generation of an electric signal; and a control and display unit being operatively connected to the measuring unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to control the flow rates and pattern of human milk secretion while using a breast pump. The apparatus comprises a breast pump having a linear source of vacuum and a communication port for communicating with an external source of information on milk flow rates and patterns of a breastfeeding baby, through an external control circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides a probe for a flowmeter which can be employed in various flow measuring devices utilizing semiconductor or ceramic thermistors. The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the fluid flow rate of a liquid passing through a conduit made of a material having a low thermal conductivity, comprising a probe disposed at least partially inside the wall of the conduit, part of the probe being substantially aligned with an inner surface of the wall, the probe being operationally connected to a control and display unit. The probe comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) on which at least two thermistors are mounted; an upstream thermistor serving for baseline measurements and a spaced apart downstream self-heated thermistor. The control and display unit repeatedly measuring the electrical resistance of the thermistors to generate signals which are electronically processed by the control and display unit to indicate flow rates.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to control the flow rates and pattern of human milk secretion while using a breast pump. The apparatus comprises a breast pump having a linear source of vacuum and a communication port for communicating with an external source of information on milk flow rates and patterns of a breastfeeding baby, through an external control circuit.