The proposed device is a flow meter for extremely small flows of air or other gases. It can operate in microgravity and in normal gravity. It is capable of withstanding large acceleration forces. The innovation consists of the mechanism and suspension mechanism and suspension mechanism. The sensing mechanism allows to adjust the sensitivity of the instrument electronically and automatically. it also can distinguish between the true signal and forces caused by acceleration (vibration). The suspension mechanism reduces friction in the system to the smallest practical minimum by containing all possible sources of friction in the bending of four flexible fibers. The device is capable of measuring small (and large) air flows in a space station of space ship environment. For biological applications these air flows may be around plants or may check breathing activities of animal or humans. Other applications include maintenance tasks, e.g. temperature gradient driven flows around instrumentation.Flow around plants in microgravity environment. Map flow patterns in wind tunnels. Breathing of babies to combat the Infant Death Syndrome. Monitor patient breathing in accident situations.
Keywords: Phase_I, NASA, Abstract, FY94
