Abstract: A method and system for co-ordinating control of a plurality of sensorless devices. Each device includes a communication subsystem and configured to self-detect one or more device properties, the device properties resulting in output having one or more output properties. The method includes: detecting inputs including the one or more device properties of each device, correlating, for each device, the detected one or more device properties to the one or more output properties, and co-ordinating control of each of the devices to operate at least one of their respective device properties to co-ordinate one or more output properties for the combined output to achieve a setpoint. In some example embodiments, the setpoint can be fixed, calculated or externally determined.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for harnessing geothermal power from superhot geothermal fluid (SHGF) and magma reservoirs. An exemplary apparatus can include a well screen coupled to an end of a casing string. The well screen, which is at least partially submerged within an underground reservoir, defines a volume in the underground reservoir that can be filled with superhot geothermal fluid. A slidable casing is aligned coaxially with the well screen and configured to be repositioned relative to the well screen. A draw pipe extending through the slidable casing is configured to convey SHGF from the underground reservoir towards the surface in response to the slidable casing being repositioned to obstruct more of a set of apertures in the well screen and an increase in pressure within a cavity of the slidable casing.

Abstract: A method and system for co-ordinating control of a plurality of sensorless devices. Each device includes a communication subsystem and configured to self-detect one or more device properties, the device properties resulting in output having one or more output properties. The method includes: detecting inputs including the one or more device properties of each device, correlating, for each device, the detected one or more device properties to the one or more output properties, and co-ordinating control of each of the devices to operate at least one of their respective device properties to co-ordinate one or more output properties for the combined output to achieve a setpoint. In some example embodiments, the setpoint can be fixed, calculated or externally determined.

Abstract: A method and system for co-ordinating control of a plurality of sensorless devices. Each device includes a communication subsystem and configured to self-detect one or more device properties, the device properties resulting in output having one or more output properties. The method includes: detecting inputs including the one or more device properties of each device, correlating, for each device, the detected one or more device properties to the one or more output properties, and co-ordinating control of each of the devices to operate at least one of their respective device properties to co-ordinate one or more output properties for the combined output to achieve a setpoint. In some example embodiments, the setpoint can be fixed, calculated or externally determined.

Abstract: The liquid container according to the present disclosure is a liquid container to be detachably attached to the main body portion of an apparatus. The liquid container includes a container main body, a ventilation hole, and a lid. The container main body includes an upper portion, a bottom portion, and side portions connecting the upper portion and the bottom portion. The container main body is capable of storing a liquid. The ventilation hole penetrates the upper portion of the container main body. The lid is disposed on an inner side of the container main body and, when the liquid is stored in the container main body, is capable of closing or opening the ventilation hole according to a change in a surface of the liquid. The lid includes a fulcrum positioned closer to the side portion of the container main body than to the ventilation hole. The lid is pivotable around the fulcrum with respect to the ventilation hole.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a suction header, a drain leg, an oil separator, and an oil reservoir. The suction header is configured to receive a refrigerant and the drain leg is coupled to the suction header. The oil separator is configured to separate an oil from the refrigerant from a compressor. During a first mode of operation, the drain leg is configured to collect an oil from the refrigerant from a compressor at the suction header. During a second mode of operation, the oil separator is configured to direct the oil separated from the refrigerant from the compressor through the drain leg and to the oil reservoir.

Abstract: A drain trap includes: a casing having a fluid channel; and a second valve mechanism including a second valve seat having a seat surface in a ring shape and a second valve body configured to be displaced to be separated from and seated on the seat surface of the second valve seat so that and the second valve mechanism opens and closes the channel. The second valve seat is held to be movable back and forth along a center axis of the ring shape such that the seat surface of the second valve seat and the seat surface of the second valve body are separated from each other and contact each other, and is held to be rotatable about the center axis of the ring shape.

Abstract: A float-position adjusting member is circumferentially rotatable around an axis thereof so that a relative position between an arm and a float is adjustable. A small-tank-position adjusting member is also circumferentially rotatable around an axis thereof so that a vertical position to which a small tank is supported is adjustable. These adjusting members are coaxially arranged. When the float-position adjusting member is rotated in one direction, a first contact part of the float-position adjusting member comes in contact with a first contact part of the small-tank-position adjusting member for their corotation. When the small-tank-position adjusting member is rotated in the other direction, second contact parts of the adjusting members come in contact with each other for their corotation. There is no corotation between the contact state of the first contact parts and the contact state of the second contact parts, whose rotational angle is 10 degrees or more.

Abstract: A cooking device includes an oven chamber operable to receive food that is to be cooked, a steam-generating element for generating steam, and a coupling element through which water used for generating steam is fed, at least in part, to the steam-generating element. The coupling element includes a connecting element configured to connect to a fixed water connection. A pipe element is disposed between the coupling element and the steam-generating element and is configured to establish a flow-connection suitable for conveying water. The pipe element includes a free-fall section and a water-conveying element is at least partially disposed in the free-fall section.

Abstract: A float rise speed control tank in a flush toilet is formed so that when the flush water level inside a flush water tank rises and the flush water level reaches a window due to supply of flush water into the flush water tank by a water supply device, the inflow into the float rise speed control tank by flush water in the flush water tank from a window formed above the bottom edge part of the float causes the rise speed of the flush water level in the float rise speed control tank to increase more than the rise speed of the flush water in the flush water tank.

Abstract: Irrigation valves for channels and for irrigation tanks are of three types. All are activated by a pair of tilting float arms to which a pair of floats are attached. One type is a T-shaped duct with a cylindrical valve disposed at 90 degrees to the part that is connected to the incoming flow. The floats rotate the valve. The second type has the same construction as the first type, thereby giving flow control but additionally has a rise and fall gate in the duct part that is connected to the incoming flow. The gate acts as a stop valve. The third type has a cylindrical duct connectable to the incoming flow but no valve and provides both flow control and stop valve facilities through a rise and fall gate actuated by the tilting of the float arms.

Abstract: A swimming pool assembly plumbed for winterization, including a swimming pool body having a top edge and an oppositely disposed bottom member connected by at least one sidewall, a water outlet operationally connected to the at least one wall and defining a high water level, at least one jet inlet body operationally connected to the at least one wall, first and second conduits connected in fluidic communication with the respective water outlet and at least one jet body, an at least partially buried pipe, a first and second manifolds positioned within the pipe and connected in fluidic communication with the respective first and second conduits; valves operationally connected to the respective manifolds; outlet ports operationally connected to the respective valves, and a drain line positioned in fluidic communication with the respective outlet ports.

Abstract: A grey water toilet system utilizing a pedal interface to trigger the toilet flush and to resupply the toilet tank with grey water. The grey water is generally collected from a nearby water fixture such as a wash basin and placed in a storage reservoir until the user flushes the toilet. This invention can be used to retrofit most existing toilets without the need for remodeling thus making it possible to expand the use of grey water for toilets, potentially leading the way for significant fresh water savings. It is estimated that the average American residence uses in the range of 100,000 gallons of water annually and that more water is used to flush toilets than any other individual activity.

Abstract: A height adjusting mechanism for an inlet valve includes a valve body, and inlet pipe, a retaining member and an actuator. The inlet pipe is sleeved in the valve body and connected to the valve body; the retaining member is assembled in the valve body; and the actuator can drive the retaining member to move to make the valve body fixed to the inlet pipe or moved relatively to the inlet pipe in the axial direction. The actuator drives the retaining member to move in order to let the valve body and the inlet pipe to be fixed or moved relatively to each other in the axial direction. There is no need to rotate the valve body during adjusting process, and the float won't affect the tank wall when the water valve body is rotating.

Abstract: An epidural space is cleared of fat and scar tissue in preparation for implantation of a medical lead by utilizing a clearing tool. The clearing tool has a flexible body that allows the clearing tool to deflect when entering the epidural space through a window in the vertebral bone and ligaments. The clearing tool is guided into the epidural space and to a target site by a guidewire present in the epidural space. Upon removal of the guidewire and clearing tool, the medical lead is inserted through the window and cleared epidural space until reaching the target site. The clearing tool may include a distal tip with a shape and size that aids in the clearing of the epidural space. The distal tip may be integral to the clearing tool or may be removable so as to allow for different sizes of the distal tip to be installed as needed.

Abstract: An oil supply unit includes a reservoir connected to an outlet tube. A base has a recessed area defined in the top thereof, and a tubular portion extends from the bottom of the base. The recessed area has a passage which communicates with the tubular portion. The outlet tube extends through the passage and the tubular portion. A securing unit extends through the base and located corresponding to the tubular portion. The securing unit is movable relative to the outlet tube. A board is connected to the base and has a pass hole through which the outlet tube extends. Two springs are biased between one end of the board and one of inside walls of the recessed area. An object is clamped between the base and the securing unit such that the oil supply unit is stably and securely supply oil to a vehicle.

Abstract: A toilet valve float adjustment assembly, including: a dual flush valve; a pair of floats disposed within the dual flush valve, wherein the vertical position of one of the floats determines the flush volume for a full flush and the vertical position of the other float determines the flush volume for a partial flush; a pair of adjustment mechanisms, wherein each adjustment mechanism adjusts the vertical height of one of the floats; and a pair of locking mechanisms, wherein each locking mechanism inhibits movement of one of the adjustment mechanisms, thereby keeping its float at a preferred vertical height when locked, and wherein the adjustment and locking mechanisms are controlled at the top of the dual flush valve.

Abstract: A liquid condition sensor configured to monitor the condition of a liquid in an ultrasonic cleaning system tank, the liquid condition sensor including a first circuit configured to detect a signal transmitted from an ultrasonic generator to one or more ultrasonic transducers located in the tank. The liquid condition sensor further includes a second circuit coupled to the first circuit, the second circuit configured to determine if the signal is indicative of one of a suboptimal liquid level, and an unacceptably high concentration of dissolved gases in the cleaning liquid, and a third circuit coupled to the second circuit, the third circuit configured to provide a warning if one of a suboptimal liquid level, and an unacceptably high concentration of dissolved gases in the cleaning liquid is indicated by the second circuit.

Abstract: A fluid tank assembly is provided for use with a mobile machine. The fluid tank assembly may have a tank with a lower surface, an upper surface located opposite the lower surface, and at least one side surface joining the lower and upper surfaces. The tank may also have a first opening disposed within the upper surface at a first elevation, and a second opening disposed within the upper surface at a second elevation. The fluid tank assembly may further have a float valve interchangeably mountable within the first and second openings, and a plug interchangeably mountable within the first and second openings. The fluid tank assembly may also have a fill port mounted within one of the upper surface and the at least one side surface and fluidly connected to the float valve. Movement of the float valve may function to open and close the fill port.

Abstract: A method of controlling an ebb and flow watering system utilizing existing hardware commonly used in ebb and flow systems including float switches, water pumps, electromechanical timers, reservoir, control bucket, flood lines, indicator LEDs and plant containers such that the filling and draining of the control bucket is improved by accommodating for hydraulic delays, flood line restrictions, and pump limitations, while further providing constant monitoring for leaks or float switch failure, and shutting off the pumps if the same are determined.

Abstract: A balanced water-intake control valve includes an adjusting mechanism for the water-level between two linkage rods. The adjusting mechanism includes a first pivot guide, a second pivot guide, a lead screw and an adjusting nut. The first pivot guide is pivoted on the first linkage rod for driving a valve rod. The second pivot guide is pivoted on the second linkage rod connecting to a float body. The first and second pivot guides are connected by the lead screw at opposite ends. An adjusting nut is placed at the middle of the lead screw. By rotating the lead screw, the length between the first and second pivot guides changes. Therefore, the upper limit of the water level can be adjusted by the user after installation of the control valve.

Abstract: A pilot fill valve includes a float that is separated into upper and lower cavities by an angled partition through which a drain outlet and an overflow outlet are disposed. When the level of the float drops, a portion of the water supplied to the fill valve is diverted to a tank to raise the float, while the remainder is diverted to the upper cavity increasing the weight of the float. As the float begins to rise, the water in the upper cavity drains through the drain outlet and overflow outlet, making the float lighter, and causing the float and pivot arm to rotate with increased velocity, allowing the pilot cap carried by the pivot arm to fully shut off the valve.

Abstract: A tank for transporting liquids is equipped with a variable volume system. The system provides for the ability to define a variable maximum fluid volume capacity of the tank. The tank is mounted to a vehicle for transport. In one embodiment, the tank is a water tank for use in dispensing water in a working area in order to control dust.

Abstract: A swimming pool water leveler system. Implementations may include a water leveler comprising one or more of the following aspects: separate fill and sensing chambers within the water leveler housing; logical water level adjustment features that provide a tactile indicator of water level change; a continuous balance line and overflow line; a water supply line seal valve with a cup seal; a reducer plug in an outlet between the sensing chamber and the balance line to assist in junk removal; and the ability to pressure test the balance line and overflow line at the same time.

Abstract: A controller and method of using same are disclosed. Preferably, the controller includes a pilot cartridge housing supporting an invertible pilot cartridge assembly (“cartridge”). The cartridge preferably includes a cartridge body supporting a number of pneumatic seals adjacent the housing, wherein at least two of the seals are diaphragms. The cartridge preferably provides a first pilot activation feature and an opposing second pilot activation feature. The operating mode of the cartridge is determined by a selected orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; and preferably the method of operating the controller includes the steps of: selecting an orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; setting a span control mechanism to a neutral position relative to the housing; adjusting a float communicating with the cartridge to a neutral position; and adjusting said span control mechanism to determine a response type of said cartridge.

Abstract: A pilot valve is switchable between snap and throttle modes. The pilot valve supplies output gas to a process control valve and has an adjustable biasing member for applying an adjustable force to a pilot plug in a pilot body interior. An opposed force is applied to the pilot plug to overcome the adjustable force and the output gas.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a toilet fill valve lock and method for adjusting the fill water level in a toilet are provided. In one embodiment a toilet fill valve includes a riser that extends along an axis and an inner shaft that is disposed along the axis between the axis and the riser. The toilet fill valve further includes a lock that is moveable toward and away from the axis and which can limit the movement of the riser relative to the inner shaft about the axis when in a locked position.

Abstract: A device for opening a toilet flushing system, of the type that includes a water cistern fed by a filling tap, and that includes a bottom discharge orifice and a vertical mobile discharge valve element associated with this orifice, which is capable of occupying a low closed position for keeping the water in the cistern or a high open position to discharge the water to a toilet pan, and of the type that includes a float which, when the cistern is full, is submerged to push the valve element towards its open position, and of the type that includes an element for locking the valve element to keep the valve element closed, characterized in that the float is secured to the valve element and in that the locking element includes a vertically mobile locking finger which is capable of being locked or released by an associated latching element.

Abstract: A fill valve for a toilet tank includes a multi-piece shank assembly. The shank assembly includes a first hollow member coupled with a second hollow member using a snap joint. The first hollow member has a tortuous outer surface, which together with the second hollow member forms a plurality of flow paths. The flow paths are configured to reduce water noise. The first and second hollow members are provided separately, resulting in simplified molding process and improved assembly automation.

Abstract: The specification and drawing figures describe and show an adjustable water level controller that includes a stanchion. The stanchion is mounted to a base. A sleeve is included that is movably adjustable on the stanchion. A water delivery device is attached to the sleeve. The base and stanchion are rotationally positioned in relationship to the sleeve to achieve the proper water level in a container in which the adjustable water level controller is positioned.

Abstract: A liquid refill control for a holding tank includes a pneumatic solenoid valve for delivering liquid to the tank in an open state and restricting delivery of the liquid to the tank in a closed state. The solenoid valve has a pneumatic exhaust. A container mounted in the tank includes an inlet for introducing liquid from the tank into the container and an outlet formed below the inlet. A discharge valve is operably mounted to the tank for alternately closing and opening the outlet. A lower float closes the discharge valve when the liquid is at or above a predetermined level in the tank and opens the discharge valve when the liquid is below the predetermined level to discharge liquid from the container. A pneumatic exhaust valve alternately opens and closes the pneumatic exhaust which in turn changes the state of the pneumatic solenoid valve.

Abstract: A pilot valve is switchable between snap and throttle modes. The pilot valve supplies output gas to a process control valve and has an adjustable biasing member for applying an adjustable force to a pilot plug in a pilot body interior. An opposed force is applied to the pilot plug to overcome the adjustable force and the output gas.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a toilet fill valve lock and method for adjusting the fill water level in a toilet are provided. In one embodiment a toilet fill valve includes a riser that extends along an axis and an inner shaft that is disposed along the axis between the axis and the riser. The toilet fill valve further includes a lock that is moveable toward and away from the axis and which can limit the movement of the riser relative to the inner shaft about the axis when in a locked position.

Abstract: A tank-type flusher is located in the water storage tank for flushing a toilet. The tank-type flusher includes an intake valve and a flush valve. The intake valve is connected to an external water source and constructed to close water flow to the water storage tank at about a predefined water level in the water tank. The flush valve is constructed to control a flush valve member between a seated state and an unseated state allowing water discharge from the water tank into a toilet bowl. The tank-type flusher may be controlled by a sensor module located at a reference location external to the water storage tank.

Abstract: A collapsible floating apparatus for controlling a valve includes a floating device and a collapsible lever. The collapsible lever includes a first member rotatably coupled to the valve, and a second member attached to the floating device at one end and rotatably coupled to the first member adjacent another end. The apparatus has a retracted position for shipping and storage, and operational positions. In the position, the second member, or the first and second members together, are brought adjacent to the valve. In operational positions, the first and second members act as a single lever to relay the buoyancy of the floating device drives to the valve. An adjusting member is provided for adjusting a relative position or angle between the first and second members, which in turn adjusts a water level.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a toilet fill valve lock and method for adjusting the fill water level in a toilet are provided. In one embodiment a toilet fill valve includes a riser that extends along an axis and an inner shaft that is disposed along the axis between the axis and the riser. The toilet fill valve further includes a lock that is moveable toward and away from the axis and which can limit the movement of the riser relative to the inner shaft about the axis when in a locked position.

Abstract: The standpipe direct float valve of the present invention is configured such that the valve plug is directly connected to the float element and both the valve plug and the float element are deployed within the standpipe housing. The standpipe housing has an inlet port and at least one outlet port. The valve plug is configured to regulate the fluid level, commonly referred to in the art as head, in the standpipe housing by controlling the flow of fluid through the inlet port and into the standpipe housing. The valve plug is deployed within the standpipe housing and is directly connected to, and actuated by, a float element that is deployed within the standpipe housing and reactive to the fluid level in the standpipe housing. Preferably, the valve plug and the float element are integrally formed.

Abstract: The device to adjust and control water levels is an apparatus that functions to secure a float valve at the bottom of an outdoor fountain without permanent installation involving screws, nuts, bolts and the like. The device includes a solid body, a bracket and a decorative float. The bracket is easily assembled to the solid body and retains the body of the float valve submerged in the fountain.

Abstract: A system for accurately measuring and delivering a predetermined amount of fuel to a vehicle for a specified mission. This system rapidly refuels vehicles to a specific wet vehicle weight. The fuel loading value is determined based upon an algorithm, which accounts for interactions of mission duration, and/or mission payload weight, and/or mission environmental effects. The fuel loading is accomplished by using one or more measuring tubes with a floating valve, which precludes the continued flow of fuel into the tank when the predetermined amount of fuel is delivered. The measuring tubes can be of specific lengths each corresponding to an output of the algorithm or a single telescoping tube that enables varying the length of the tube. Each unique tube length corresponding to a unique output of the algorithm. An alternative system comprises different sized fuel bladders. These systems enable a rapid foolproof method of refueling.

Abstract: A supplemental fill valve for use in a toilet tank, to work in conjunction with a flapper and a typical fill valve having a float cup and a valve body, includes a supplemental float cup forming a recess and at least one opening in the bottom thereof, a vertical member installed through the recess, on which the supplemental float cup freely moves up and down, and a coil spring placed between the top of the vertical member and the top inside of the supplemental float cup. A lifting member extending from the supplemental float cup to the float cup, preferably under the float cup, lifts the float cup. An alternative supplemental fill valve includes a weighted supplemental float cup, and a lifting cam activated by the weighted supplemental float cup, extending from the supplemental float cup to the float cup for lifting the float cup, wherein when water flows out of the tank, the weighted float cup activates the cam, lifting the float cup.

Abstract: A liquid level controller including a pilot valve switchable between snap and throttle modes. A displacer translates changing liquid level in a tank into movement that is transferred to the pilot valve which will provide output gas to a control valve to allow or to prevent the discharge of fluid from the tank. The pilot valve has a throttle supply inlet and a snap supply inlet and a single output passage. When the pilot valve is in the throttle mode, the snap supply inlet is a vent passage and when the pilot valve is in the snap mode, the throttle supply gas inlet is a vent passage.

Abstract: A liquid level controller for maintaining the level of liquid in a tank at a predetermined height includes a housing with an upper and lower section wherein the upper section is connected to a liquid supply and the lower section is submerged in liquid the level of which is to be maintained. The upper section includes a pressure chamber and an outlet chamber divided by a resilient material; a bore extending through the resilient material; and an inlet tube extending from the supply to the bore. A control valve controls the liquid flow through a hole providing communication between the pressure chamber and the lower part of the housing.

Abstract: An automatic liquid shut-off system for a vessel and having a valve in a liquid passageway to control the level of liquid in the vessel so as to prevent an overflow of the liquid. The shut-off system comprises a conduit extending exterior from one wall of the vessel and in liquid communication therewith. A float is disposed in the conduit, and a stem extends from the float co-axially with the conduit, and is affixed to the valve to actuate the valve to a closed position. When the liquid level in the vessel rises to an undesired level, and the liquid in the vessel therefore reaches a level approximately the level of the float, the liquid acting upon the float will actuate the valve to a closed position, thereby shutting off the liquid.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a water tank such as a toilet tank. The fill valve assembly includes a head portion containing a valve mounted on top of a vertical water outlet tube and a float which moves vertically along the outlet tube to control the opening and closing of the valve. The float is vertically adjustable without removal or disassembly of the valve assembly in order to adjust the tank water level to a preselected position. The float includes an inverted cup-shaped structure which moves vertically along the outlet tube in response to any change in the water level. The valve contains a flexible main valve disk held in a closed position against a valve seat by water pressure in a control chamber to prevent the flow of water into the tank, and is moved to an open position upon venting of the control chamber. A pilot valve controls the pressure in the control chamber and, therefore, the movement of the main valve disk.

Abstract: A device for obtaining a desired pool water level is provided. The device includes a tank in communication with a pool containing a automatic fill device and an overfill drain device in fixed relation to each other. The height of the automatic fill device and overfill drain device can be simultaneously adjusted.

Abstract: A liquid level control apparatus for a flush tank includes a valve mechanism communicating with a fill tube and operable between open and closed conditions, two floats, at least one of which is coupled to the valve mechanism for closing it when the at least one float reaches a predetermined height, and structure interconnecting the floats so as to substantially prevent their vertical movement until a predetermined liquid level is reached corresponding to the predetermined height, thereby causing sudden movement of the at least one float to the predetermined height and sudden closing of the valve.

Abstract: A water filler includes a water filling device, and a regulating device. The water filling device includes an inner filling tube, an outer filling tube, and an upper cover. The regulating device includes a floating barrel, a sliding barrel, a water support disk, and an adjusting unit. Thus, the floating barrel is lifted instantaneously and rapidly to stop the water filling action exactly and actually, thereby saving the water source. Thus, the water filler has a quick water stop function.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable valve for a toilet in which the valve remains in a lower setting unless it is activated by the user to a higher setting and automatically returns to the lower setting after flushing the toilet. The amount of water used for each flush is dependent on the water level in the toilet tank. The water level in the tank is set by adjusting the height of the valve assembly. The valve assembly can be activated by the user to raise the height of the valve assembly and maintain the height using a release clip, thereby increasing the amount of water in the tank. When the handle is pressed to flush the toilet, the release clip is pulled back by a chain extending from the handle and the adjustable valve springs back to the lower setting.

Abstract: Various toilet valves and methods are described that provide for locking of the toilet filled in a closed state. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve is provided having an actuating arm. The toilet fill valve is closed when the actuating arm is disposed in a first position and is open when the actuating arm is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is attached to the actuating arm. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position. The valve lock fixes the actuating arm in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.

Abstract: A lavatory flush tank silent-operating fill device has a silencer extending along an axis and through which a stream of water flows; a number of channels are defined inside the silencer by a bundle of substantially straight, parallel tubes housed inside the silencer and parallel to the axis, and into which the stream of water is divided; and the flow section of the channels is such that flow of the water inside is substantially laminar.