Educational fluid flow system

Claim 2

An educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising housing means providing a fluid flow channel having a base portion, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a portion of the housing means being fabricated from a transparent material, an adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the vertical disposition thereof with respect to the base portion, means for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing means whereby the direction of fluid passing through the flow channel can be selectively varied and the results of such variation can be visually observed, the fluid flow channel provided by the housing means includes spaced upstanding sidewalls extending from the base portion thereof and the adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel extends between the sidewalls in contact therewith, said adjustable wall being supported for vertical adjustment relative to the sidewalls to permit variation of the fluid between the sidewalls in response to the selective variation of the adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall.

Claim 3

The educational fluid flow apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sidewalls are interconnected by a top wall spaced from the base portion and the adjustable wall disposed thereon to enable the production of water tunnel simulation.

Claim 4

The educational fluid flow apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for the delivery of fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing comprise selectively variable control means to permit selective control of fluid delivery to the fluid flow channel.

Claim 5

The educational fluid flow apparatus of claim 1 wherein pressure and head measuring means are arranged in the housing means in predetermined locations to permit determination of pressure and head levels developed in the fluid flow channel.

Claim 6

An educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising housing means providing a fluid flow channel having a base portion, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a portion of the housing means being fabricated from a transparent material, an adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof with respect to the base portion, and means for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing means whereby the direction of fluid passing through the flow channel can be selectively varied and the results of such variation can be visually observed, the fluid flow channel provided by the housing means includes spaced upstanding sidewalls extending from the base portion thereof and the adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel is adjustably positioned between the sidewalls in contact therewith to permit variation of the fluid level between the sidewalls in response to the selective variation of the adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall, the base portion of the fluid flow channel is substantially planar, the sidewalls are disposed in substantially normal relationship with respect to the plane of the base portion and in parallel relationship with respect to each other, and the adjustable wall comprises a plurality of pivotally inter-engaged planar segment supported upon and in parallel relationship with rEspect to the base portion in one selected condition and projecting from the base portion at a selected angle in another condition to modify the flow path of a fluid passing thereover.

Claim 7

An educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising housing means providing a fluid flow channel having a base portion, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a portion of the housing means being fabricated from a transparent material, an adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof with respect to the base portion, and means for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing means whereby the direction of fluid passing through the flow channel can be selectively varied and the results of such variation can be visually observed, the fluid flow channel provided by the housing means includes spaced upstanding sidewalls extending from the base portion thereof and the adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel is adjustably positioned between the sidewalls in contact therewith to permit variation of the fluid level between the sidewalls in response to the selective variation of the adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall, the base portion of the fluid flow channel is substantially planar, the sidewalls are disposed in substantially normal relationship with respect to the plane of the base portion and in parallel relationship with respect to each other, and the adjustable wall comprises a plurality of pivotally inter-engaged planar segment supported upon and in parallel relationship with rEspect to the base portion in one selected condition and projecting from the base portion at a selected angle in another condition to modify the flow path of a fluid passing thereover.

Claim 8

The educational fluid flow apparatus of claim 5 wherein the adjustable wall includes at least three pivotally interengaged planar segments aligned in series along the longitudinal axis of the base portion, the three planar segments comprising a central segment disposed between a pair of opposed end segments, means are provided between the planar end segments and the base portion to produce the sliding movement of the segments with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base portion, and a portion of the adjustment means is connected to the central segment whereby the adjustable wall will produce an elevation of the fluid flow path in the housing means with respect to the sidewall which will have a generally trapezoidal profile.

Claim 9

An educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising housing means providing a fluid flow channel having a base portion, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a portion of the housing means being fabricated from a transparent material, an adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof with respect to the base portion, and means for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing means whereby the direction of fluid passing through the flow channel can be selectively varied and the results of such variation can be visually observed, selectively adjustable inlet sluice means are disposed between the fluid flow passage inlet and the adjustable wall to permit selective variation of fluid flow in relation thereto.

Claim 10

An educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising housing means providing a fluid flow channel having a base portion, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a portion of the housing means being fabricated from a transparent material, an adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof with respect to the base portion, and means for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing means whereby the direction of fluid passing through the flow channel can be selectively varied and the results of such variation can be visually observed, selectively adjustable inlet sluice means are disposed between the fluid flow passage inlet and the adjustable wall to permit selective variation of fluid flow in relation thereto.

Claim 11

An educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising housing means providing a fluid flow channel having a base portion, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a portion of the housing means being fabricated from a transparent material, an adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof with respect to the base portion, and means for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing means whereby the direction of fluid passing through the flow channel can be selectively varied and the results of such variation can be visually observed, selective adjustable outlet weir means are disposed between the fluid flow passage outlet and the adjustable wall to permit selective variation of fluid flow in relation thereto.

Claim 12

An educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising housing means providing a fluid flow channel having a base portion, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a portion of the housing means being fabricated from a transparent material, an adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof with respect to the base portion, and means for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing means whereby the direction of fluid passing through the flow channel can be selectively varied and the results of such variation can be visually observed, selective adjustable outlet weir means are disposed between the fluid flow passage outlet and the adjustable wall to permit selective variation of fluid flow in relation thereto.

Claim 13

An educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising housing means providing a fluid flow channel having a base portion, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a portion of the housing means being fabricated from a transparent material, an adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof with respect to the base portion, and means for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing means whereby the direction of fluid passing through the flow channel can be selectively varied and the results of such variation can be visually observed, discharge flow control means are provided downstream from the adjustable wall in the fluid flow channel of the housing means to permit selective variation of the fluid discharge from the fluid flow channel.

Claim 14

An educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising housing means providing a fluid flow channel having a base portion, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, at least a portion of the housing means being fabricated from a transparent material, an adjustable wall disposed on the base portion of the fluid flow channel, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof with respect to the base portion, and means for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet of the housing means whereby the direction of fluid passing through the flow channel can be selectively varied and the results of such variation can be visually observed, discharge flow control means are provided downstream from the adjustable wall in the fluid flow channel of the housing means to permit selective variation of the fluid discharge from the fluid flow channel.

Claim 15

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoIr, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, and adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, fluid by-pass means are provided in the demonstration housing adjacent the fluid inlet thereof, the by-pass means being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit the return of over-flow fluid to the reservoir for recirculation.

Claim 16

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoIr, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, and adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, fluid by-pass means are provided in the demonstration housing adjacent the fluid inlet thereof, the by-pass means being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit the return of over-flow fluid to the reservoir for recirculation.

Claim 17

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, an adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, and adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, and turbulence suppression means are provided between the fluid inlet of the demonstration housing and the fluid flow channel therein.

Claim 18

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, an adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, and adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, and turbulence suppression means are provided between the fluid inlet of the demonstration housing and the fluid flow channel therein.

Claim 19

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, an adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, a sluice member is provided between the fluid inlet into the demonstration housing anD the adjustable wall thereof and is adjustably disposed across the fluid flow channel in flow interrupting relationship therewith, and sluice member adjustment means are operably connected to the sluice member to permit the selective positioning of the sluice member to control the degree of flow interruption.

Claim 20

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, an adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, a sluice member is provided between the fluid inlet into the demonstration housing anD the adjustable wall thereof and is adjustably disposed across the fluid flow channel in flow interrupting relationship therewith, and sluice member adjustment means are operably connected to the sluice member to permit the selective positioning of the sluice member to control the degree of flow interruption.

Claim 21

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, and adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, a weir member is provided between the adjustable wall of the demonstration housing and the fluid outlet thereof and is adjustably disposed across the fluid flow channel downstream from the adjustable wall in flow interrupting relationship with the adjustable wall, and weir member adjustment means are operably connected to the weir member to permit the selective positioning of the weir member to control the degree of flow interruption thereof.

Claim 22

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, and adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, a weir member is provided between the adjustable wall of the demonstration housing and the fluid outlet thereof and is adjustably disposed across the fluid flow channel downstream from the adjustable wall in flow interrupting relationship with the adjustable wall, and weir member adjustment means are operably connected to the weir member to permit the selective positioning of the weir member to control the degree of flow interruption thereof.

Claim 23

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, an adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, at least that portion of the fluid flow channel disposed between the distal ends of the adjustable wall in the demonstration housing, provides a substantially enclosed fluid flow conduit and an opening is provided in the substantially enclosed portion of the fluid flow conduit to permit the introduction of flow influencing device into the flow path of fluid passing through the conduit.

Claim 24

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid delivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, an adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, at least that portion of the fluid flow channel disposed between the distal ends of the adjustable wall in the demonstration housing, provides a substantially enclosed fluid flow conduit and an opening is provided in the substantially enclosed portion of the fluid flow conduit to permit the introduction of flow influencing device into the flow path of fluid passing through the conduit.

Claim 25

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid dElivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, a visually observable means for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the fluid delivery conduit is connected in communication with the delivery conduit, a first control valve is interposed in the fluid delivery conduit and is disposed to selectively regulate the rate of fluid flow therethrough, a fluid return conduit interconnects the outlet of the demonstration housing with the fluid reservoir, and a second control valve means is interposed in the fluid return conduit to permit selective regulation of the rate of return fluid flow therethrough.

Claim 26

A self-contained, portable, educational fluid flow apparatus for providing a visually observable demonstration of hydraulic and fluid flow phenomena comprising a frame, a fluid reservoir mounted on the frame, a pump connected in communication with the contents of the fluid reservoir, means for operating the pump, a fluid dElivery conduit connected at one end in communication with the fluid reservoir and at another end with a fluid inlet formed in a demonstration housing supported by the frame, at least a portion of the demonstration housing being formed from a transparent material to permit visual observation of the fluid passing therethrough, the demonstration housing being provided with means forming a fluid flow channel communicating at one end with the fluid inlet and at another end with a fluid outlet formed in the demonstration housing, the fluid outlet being connected in communication with the fluid reservoir to permit continuous fluid recirculation through the fluid flow apparatus, adjustable wall provided in the fluid flow channel to permit selective variation of the characteristics of the fluid flowing therethrough, adjustment means connected to the adjustable wall for selectively varying the disposition thereof relative to the fluid flow channel, a visually observable means for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the fluid delivery conduit is connected in communication with the delivery conduit, a first control valve is interposed in the fluid delivery conduit and is disposed to selectively regulate the rate of fluid flow therethrough, a fluid return conduit interconnects the outlet of the demonstration housing with the fluid reservoir, and a second control valve means is interposed in the fluid return conduit to permit selective regulation of the rate of return fluid flow therethrough.