Abstract: A method is provided for measuring different flow properties of a fluid. The method includes (a) providing a nanowire, the resistance of the nanowire varying based on temperature changes of the nanowire that reflect values of the different flow properties of the fluid when the nanowire is operated in different modes of operation respectively, such that the nanowire measures different flow properties when operated in different modes of operation respectively, and (b) alternating the nanowire between different modes of operation, measuring different flow properties of the fluid during the different modes of operation, respectively, and using the measurements of one of the flow properties to correct the measurements of another flow property. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a gas sensor and associated methods are described. In one embodiment, a gas sensor comprises a single wire. The resistance of the wire is measured for different temperatures, or the current through the wire or the voltage across the wire is measured for a constant temperature, and a profile for the surrounding gases is generated, enabling the surrounding gases to be identified. In another embodiment, a gas sensor comprises a first wire and a second wire in close proximity, where the first wire is used to generate temperature conditions, and the resistance of the second wire is measured for the different temperature conditions, or the current through the wire or the voltage across the wire is measured for a constant temperature. A profile for the surrounding gases is generated, enabling the surrounding gases to be identified.

Abstract: A method for measuring a windspeed vector is described. A true airspeed vector of a flying machine is measured while the machine is in flight using one or more nanowires on the flying machine. Each nanowire is configured to measure a value of local air velocity relative to the flying machine. A velocity of the flying machine relative to the ground is measured while the machine is in flight, and then (a) the true airspeed vector is subtracted from (b) the velocity of the flying machine relative to the ground. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A vaporizer (20) is shaped to define a flow channel (120) that is open to an environment external to the vaporizer at first and second ends of the flow channel. At the first end of the flow channel is a mouthpiece (112) of the vaporizer. A flow sensor (114) includes (a) a nanoscale resistive element (200) disposed at least partially within the flow channel and (b) sensing circuitry (115) configured to measure a change in the nanoscale resistive element due to airflow within the flow channel. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a bubble detection apparatus and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bubble detection module is placed into a liquid to be monitored. The module comprises a physical structure housing a nanowire sensing element. The liquid flows through the physical structure. An electric bias is placed across the nanowire sensing element, and the resistance of the nanowire sensing element changes when a bubble is in contact with the element. A change in voltage or current of the bias signal can be measured to identify the exact instances when a bubble is in contact with the nanowire sensing element.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring different flow properties of a fluid. The method includes (a) providing a nanowire, the resistance of the nanowire varying based on temperature changes of the nanowire that reflect values of the different flow properties of the fluid when the nanowire is operated in different modes of operation respectively, such that the nanowire measures different flow properties when operated in different modes of operation respectively, and (b) alternating the nanowire between different modes of operation, measuring different flow properties of the fluid during the different modes of operation, respectively, and using the measurements of one of the flow properties to correct the measurements of another flow property. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a bubble detection apparatus and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, a bubble detection module is placed into a liquid to be monitored. The module comprises a physical structure housing a nanowire sensing element. The liquid flows through the physical structure. An electric bias is placed across the nanowire sensing element, and the resistance of the nanowire sensing element changes when a bubble is in contact with the element. A change in voltage or current of the bias signal can be measured to identify the exact instances when a bubble is in contact with the nanowire sensing element.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring at least two flow properties of a fluid. The method includes providing at least two nanowires, the resistance of each nanowire varying based on a value of a different respective flow property such that each nanowire is configured to measure the different respective flow property, and operating each of the nanowires in a different respective mode of operation, in order to measure the at least two flow properties simultaneously in real-time. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for measuring a windspeed vector is described. A true airspeed vector of a flying machine is measured while the machine is in flight using one or more nanowires on the flying machine. Each nanowire is configured to measure a value of local air velocity relative to the flying machine. A velocity of the flying machine relative to the ground is measured while the machine is in flight, and then (a) the true airspeed vector is subtracted from (b) the velocity of the flying machine relative to the ground. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: In the present invention, a temperature sensor system and methods for using the apparatus are disclosed, the temperature sensor having particular thermal-inertia time constants. More specifically, the temperature sensor system comprises prongs having a defined l/d ratio range, a sensing element having a low volume, and constant-current circuitry.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with a container (102) for dispensing a composition (112), the container including a movable platform (106). The apparatus includes a container holder (101), which includes: an upper portion (116), which includes one or more user input elements (104); and a lower portion, including a driving unit (201, 3001) and a power source (205, 3008). The power source (205, 3008) is operative to drive the driving unit (201, 3001) to move the movable platform (106) of the container (102), in response to actuation of the one or more user input elements (104). Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring at least two flow properties of a fluid. The method includes providing at least two nanowires, the resistance of each nanowire varying based on a value of a different respective flow property such that each nanowire is configured to measure the different respective flow property, and operating each of the nanowires in a different respective mode of operation, in order to measure the at least two flow properties simultaneously in real-time. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: In the present invention, a temperature sensor system and methods for using the apparatus are disclosed, the temperature sensor having particular thermal-inertia time constants. More specifically, the temperature sensor system comprises prongs having a defined l/d ratio range, a sensing element having a low volume, and constant-current circuitry.

Abstract: A water content sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes a wire filament configured with a Péclet number of 1 or less. The wire filament has an electrically conductive material with an electrical resistance that varies as a function of temperature. The sensor includes a pair of electrically conductive prongs coupled to opposite ends of the wire filament. Electrically conductive stubs may be coupled to the prongs. A structural support may be coupled to the prongs. The structural support structure may be comprised of silicon. The wire filament may be coupled to driving circuitry configured to supply an electric current to the wire filament to maintain the wire filament at one of an approximately constant current, an approximately constant voltage and an approximately constant temperature. The wire filament may be platinum or titanium.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with a container (102) for dispensing a composition (112), the container including a movable platform (106). The apparatus includes a container holder (101), which includes: an upper portion (116), which includes one or more user input elements (104); and a lower portion, including a driving unit (201, 3001) and a power source (205, 3008). The power source (205, 3008) is operative to drive the driving unit (201, 3001) to move the movable platform (106) of the container (102), in response to actuation of the one or more user input elements (104). Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with a container for dispensing a composition including a deodorant and/or an antiperspirant, the container including a movable platform. The apparatus includes a container holder, which includes: an upper portion, which includes one or more user input elements; and a lower portion, including a driving unit and a power source. The power source is operative to drive the driving unit to move the movable platform of the container, in response to actuation of the one or more user input elements. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A water content sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes a wire filament configured with a Péclet number of 1 or less. The wire filament has an electrically conductive material with an electrical resistance that varies as a function of temperature. The sensor includes a pair of electrically conductive prongs coupled to opposite ends of the wire filament. Electrically conductive stubs may be coupled to the prongs. A structural support may be coupled to the prongs. The structural support structure may be comprised of silicon. The wire filament may be coupled to driving circuitry configured to supply an electric current to the wire filament to maintain the wire filament at one of an approximately constant current, an approximately constant voltage and an approximately constant temperature. The wire filament may be platinum or titanium.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with a container for dispensing a composition including a deodorant and/or an antiperspirant, the container including a movable platform. The apparatus includes a container holder, which includes: an upper portion, which includes one or more user input elements; and a lower portion, including a driving unit and a power source. The power source is operative to drive the driving unit to move the movable platform of the container, in response to actuation of the one or more user input elements. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method of causing a fluid flow to oscillate between two exit directions. The method comprises causing a primary flow of fluid through a conduit, the conduit characterized by two exit directions and providing first and second oscillation control ports, the first and second oscillation control ports transverse to the conduit and connected to one another by a feedback tube.

Abstract: A method of causing a fluid flow to oscillate between two exit directions. The method comprises causing a primary flow of fluid through a conduit, the conduit characterized by two exit directions and providing first and second oscillation control ports, said first and second oscillation control ports transverse to said conduit and connected to one another by a feedback tube.