Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for accurately measuring the volumetric or mass fluid flow, especially when fluid flows in a non-continuous manner using a float. A preferred embodiment comprises a tube for accumulating liquid that is periodically drained and a float confirmed within the tube that floats on the accumulating liquid. The float has magnetic properties that can be sensed so as to measure the position of the float in the tube. A controller controls a valve provided in the bottom of the tube and opens the valve so as to allow drainage of the accumulated liquid according to the positioning of the float within the tube. The valve is opened when the position of the float is in a predetermined position within the tube so that the mass or volume of the drained liquid is known.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for accurately measuring the volumetric or mass fluid flow, especially when fluid flows in a non-continuous manner using a float. A preferred embodiment comprises a tube for accumulating liquid that is periodically drained and a float confirmed within the tube that floats on the accumulating liquid. The float has magnetic properties that can be sensed so as to measure the position of the float in the tube. A controller controls a valve provided in the bottom of the tube and opens the valve so as to allow drainage of the accumulated liquid according to the positioning of the float within the tube. The valve is opened when the position of the float is in a predetermined position within the tube so that the mass or volume of the drained liquid is known.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for measuring volumetric or mass flow of fluid. The apparatus comprises a capsule that is adapted to move upwardly and downwardly within a housing and receive fluid from a tube. The apparatus further comprises force exerting means and preferably a magnetic means that is adapted to exert force on the capsule, the force is proportional to a position of the capsule within the housing. The force is measurable and controllable. A seal is provided in the capsule's bottom opening so as to fluidically block the capsule and a pin is provided so as to push aside the seal when the capsule is downwardly positioned and is filed with fluid so as to drain it. The number of times the capsule is drained in a predetermined time can be calculated so as to attain the volumetric flow rate of the fluid through the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for measuring volumetric or mass flow of fluid. The apparatus comprises a capsule that is adapted to move upwardly and downwardly within a housing and receive fluid from a tube. The apparatus further comprises force exerting means and preferably a magnetic means that is adapted to exert force on the capsule, the force is proportional to a position of the capsule within the housing. The force is measurable and controllable. A seal is provided in the capsule's bottom opening so as to fluidically block the capsule and a pin is provided so as to push aside the seal when the capsule is downwardly positioned and is filed with fluid so as to drain it. The number of times the capsule is drained in a predetermined time can be calculated so as to attain the volumetric flow rate of the fluid through the apparatus.

Abstract: Appliance (100) having a housing (101) of compact dimensions wherein articles, particularly nursing bottles (123, 179) and accessories (119), are treated inside a chamber (1). Treatment is achieved with dosed amounts of fresh water retrieved from a fresh water tank (7), by successive cycles of washing, rinsing, and sterilizing. The treatment cycles use additives and high-speed jets of heated liquid and of steam, which are filtered for repeated use. At the end of the treatment, liquids are purged to a wastewater tank (33). Self-treatment of the appliance is provided by use of the same treatment cycles. The appliance is independent of external water supply, portable and automatic for use in situ, where electricity supply is available.

Abstract: Appliance (100) having a housing (101) of compact dimensions wherein articles, particularly nursing bottles (123, 179) and accessories (119), are treated inside a chamber (1). Treatment is achieved with dosed amounts of fresh water retrieved from a fresh water tank (7), by successive cycles of washing, rinsing, and sterilizing. The treatment cycles use additives and high-speed jets of heated liquid and of steam, which are filtered for repeated use. At the end of the treatment, liquids are purged to a wastewater tank (33). Self-treatment of the appliance is provided by use of the same treatment cycles. The appliance is independent of external water supply, portable and automatic for use in situ, where electricity supply is available.

Abstract: An inflatable structure, particularly adapted for use in outer space, employs one or more inflatable links which are connected at a base of the structure. A distal end of an outer most link is provided with a gripper assembly which can be remote controlled, and suitable encoders are included to indicate the angular position of each of the links. The motors for driving the at least one link is situated at the base to thereby reduce the mass of the at least one link and correspondingly reduce moments of inertia during operation.