Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a portable mass airflow (MAF) training module configured to simulate an air intake into an internal combustion engine. An in-line blower draws an airflow through an air filter by way of a first air duct and a second air duct. A throttle assembly is coupled between the first air duct and the second air duct. The throttle assembly includes a throttle plate that may be rotated to regulate the airflow. The power output of the in-line blower is variable to simulate the air intake of various sizes of the internal combustion engine. A MAF sensor and a duct velocity sensor are configured to provide airflow information. The portable MAF training module enables a practitioner to select a desired throttle setting and observe a resultant mass airflow through the portable MAF training module that is measured by the MAF sensor.

Abstract: A digital tuner that determines a tuning target period; receives an audio signal from an instrument to be tuned; obtains a plurality of different segments of the audio signal starting at times that correspond to integer multiples of the target period; produces waveform samples from the segments; and displays of a succession of waveform segments at same display position using said segments so that the shape of the waveform appears to move on the display at a speed and direction directly dependent on a difference of a wave period of the audio signal to be tuned and the tuning target period.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a portable mass airflow (MAF) training module configured to simulate an air intake into an internal combustion engine. An in-line blower draws an airflow through an air filter by way of a first air duct and a second air duct. A throttle assembly is coupled between the first air duct and the second air duct. The throttle assembly includes a throttle plate that may be rotated to regulate the airflow. The power output of the in-line blower is variable to simulate the air intake of various sizes of the internal combustion engine. A MAF sensor and a duct velocity sensor are configured to provide airflow information. The portable MAF training module enables a practitioner to select a desired throttle setting and observe a resultant mass airflow through the portable MAF training module that is measured by the MAF sensor.

Abstract: A water gathering and distribution system and related techniques for operating in freezing environmental conditions are disclosed. The system may include a water diverter unit or a water flow regulation unit configured to receive water from a water source situated at a location that is remote, inaccessible (or difficult to access), and/or experiences freezing environmental conditions and to deliver a controlled volume of that water for downstream use. The system further may include a water supply unit configured to receive that water and to supply it to downstream snowmaking equipment. In some instances, the supply unit also may cool the water to a temperature suitable, for example, for snowmaking. In a general sense, the disclosed system may be considered modular, in that multiple system components may be placed in flow communication with one another, as desired, to provide a distributed network of water collection and distribution elements.

Abstract: A mutually opposite generally horizontal gravity-driven flow water toy including at least first and second water inlets, at least first and second generally vertical water conduits coupled to respective ones of the at least first and second water inlets for directing a gravity flow of water therethrough from the respective ones of the first and second water inlets, at least first and second generally horizontal water conduits coupled to respective ones of the at least first and second generally vertical water conduits for directing a gravity flow of water therethrough from the respective ones of the first and second water inlets and via respective ones of the at least first and second generally vertical water conduits, the at least first and second generally horizontal water conduits being arranged such that the gravity flow of water therethrough is in generally opposite directions.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to a demonstration kit for various nozzles. The demonstration kit may include a spray assembly and a control assembly. The spray assembly may include a case having a base and a cover rotatably coupled to the base, a plurality of back wall panels configured to be secured to a sidewall of the base, a boom connected to an interior surface of the case, and one or more nozzles connected to the boom and repositionable along a length of the boom. The control assembly includes at least one pump that when in an operating orientation is fluidly connected to the one or more nozzles and a portable power supply in electrical communication with the at least one pump.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydroplaning debris-flow simulation apparatus which includes an inclined flume provided with a plurality of water permeation units.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to an oil well simulation tool are provided. In one implementation, the oil well simulation tool may include a reservoir tank configured to contain a working fluid, where the working fluid represents a reservoir fluid in a subterranean reservoir. The oil well simulation tool may also include a constant pressure device configured to receive the working fluid from the reservoir tank, where the constant pressure device is configured to maintain a substantially constant pressure within the device. The oil well simulation tool may further include a well tank assembly configured to receive the working fluid from a pipe coupled to the constant pressure device. The oil well simulation tool may additionally include a separator tank configured to receive the working fluid from the well tank assembly and configured to store the working fluid.

Abstract: The water conservation educational mat includes a water-impermeable and flexible sheet, having opposed top and bottom surfaces, and with a plurality of first openings and a plurality of apertures being formed therethrough. A plurality of flexible reservoirs are respectively received by, and seal, the plurality of first openings. In use, a volume of water may be received within one of the plurality of flexible reservoirs and users may manipulate the water-impermeable and flexible sheet to cause the volume of water to flow from one of the plurality of flexible reservoirs to another one of the plurality of flexible reservoirs. The plurality of apertures serve as obstacles to be avoided during water transfer.

Abstract: A pressure and flow calculation technique that efficiently solves for pressures and flows within a process network uses both a simultaneous and a sequential solving method. The calculation technique first determines a flow conductance for each of the process network elements, linearizes pressure and flow relationships in each flow path by determining a linearized flow conductance for each process element and then determines a composite process network having a linearized, composite process component in each flow path to produce a simplified process network. A simultaneous solving method is then used to simultaneously solve for the pressures and flows at each of a set of junction nodes of the simplified process network and thereafter a sequential solving method is applied to determine the pressures and flows at the other nodes of the process network.

Abstract: A hydraulic training system includes a cart, with a fluid reservoir, a motor, a first pump and a second pump situated on the cart. The first and second pumps are in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and are operatively connected to be driven by the motor. A drivable wheel is rotatably attached to the cart and is selectively connectable to the first pump to drive the wheel. A steering system is selectively connectable to the second pump and arranged to steer a steerable wheel extending from the top of a first planar surface.

Abstract: A simulation system for marine operator training for operation of a floating oil and gas drilling or production facility or platform, or similar marine facilities. The simulation environment combines a process model with equipment coordinates to calculate center-of-gravity, a ballast and bilge model, an emulation or copy of a field control system, actual Distributed Control System (DCS) operator screens, and a load management advisory program.

Abstract: A system and methods for reducing pressure in an enclosed volume is disclosed. A first quantity of steam is inserted into a condensation chamber, and the first quantity of steam is substantially condensed in the condensation chamber. A first quantity of air is extracted from an enclosed volume into the condensation chamber.

Abstract: A system and methods for reducing pressure in an enclosed volume is disclosed. A first quantity of steam is inserted into a condensation chamber, and the first quantity of steam is substantially condensed in the condensation chamber. A first quantity of air is extracted from an enclosed volume into the condensation chamber.

Abstract: A Braille writing device capable of processing information, comprises a motherboard (10) including a plurality of Braille cells (11) arranged in rows and columns, each cell consists of six dot-shaped recesses or pinholes, a sub-board (20) is configured to be inserted into a flute (12) being provided at each of left and right margins of the motherboard and moveable along the flute, a plurality of marks (13) are provided on an outer surface of the flutes (12), and a detent member (30) is formed between each two of the marks (13) in the inner side of the flute (12) and configured to prevent the moveable sub-board from being moved during writing. A Braille information processor (40) is fixed on a concave formed on the backside of the motherboard (10), comprising a circuit board (41), a central processing unit (42), a plurality of Braille trigger switch groups (44) each of which consists of six trigger switches (43), and an infrared transmitter (45).

Abstract: A display mechanism for illustrating fluid dynamics includes a water basin having a base and a mass of water with a water surface within the basin. A waterwheel is supported within the basin. The waterwheel includes a plurality of pump tools equally spaced about the waterwheel and adapted to fill with water on one side of the waterwheel and to open on the other side of the waterwheel. Each of the pump tools includes three upwardly extending inner pipes. The plurality of pump tools are arranged to contact two outer pipes and are adapted to fill with water on one side of the water wheel.

Abstract: A device and method for generating a visible vortex for display or educational purposes is disclosed. A container houses a two-phase fluidic system of a primary fluid, such as water, and a secondary fluid such as silicone fluid carrying a powder which has no affinity for the primary fluid. The two-phase fluidic system may be stirred using a stir bar or pump to general the vortex.

Abstract: A new constrained interpolation profile method, which is stable and accurate but requires less amount of computation, is provided. CIP is a high-order fluid advection solver that can reproduce rich details of fluids. It has third-order accuracy but its computation is performed over a compact stencil. A novel modification of the original CIP method that fixes all of the above problems without increasing the computational load or reducing the accuracy is provided. The proposed method brings significant improvements in both accuracy and speed.

Abstract: A method is provided for predicting thermal energy transfer from an entrained particle to a wall surface, the entrained particle being incorporated within a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a flow scenario. Initially, the method generates grid geometry for the CFD model to form a plurality of finite element cells; and establishes initial and boundary conditions for the flow scenario. The model determines a characteristic particle size of the entrained particle; inserts the particle into a cell at an initial location; initializes physical conditions of the particle as a particle state; and calculates a time-step based on characteristic cell size and flow velocity. The model integrates state change in the particle state over the time-step in the cell; and computes collision effect in response to the particle crossing a face of the cell. After convergence, the model quantifies energy flux to the wall surface from impingement by the particle.

Abstract: The system comprises one or more of the following: primary treatment units, flexible pipes, and optionally, one or more pumps. The system is designed and installed in a manner that enables the flow of liquid to be predominantly due to gravity, although one or more pumps may optionally be included at key positions. The system can be sealed and pressure tested in order for optimal performance to be achieved during operation.

Abstract: A point-of-sale multi-directional wind simulator will allow customers to evaluate the aerodynamic properties of active eyewear prior to purchase. The invention is configurable in stand-up and countertop configurations. The device will be positioned at or near the point-of-sale of eyewear counters/displays. The invention will allow customers to assess the effectiveness of their potential eyewear purchase by simulating the air/wind flow commonly experienced on bicycles, boating, motorcycles, skiing, etc.

Abstract: A device and method for generating a visible vortex for display or educational purposes. A container houses a two-phase fluidic system of a primary fluid, such as water, and a secondary fluid such as silicone fluid carrying a powder which has no affinity for the primary fluid. The two-phase fluidic system may be stirred using a stir bar or pump to generate the vortex.

Abstract: The invention relates to the modelling of the interactions between an incident wave and an obstacle, in particular in the area of nondestructive testing. According to the invention, the surface of the obstacle is meshed and at least one source (Si) is allocated to each surface element (dSi). Boundary conditions are then calculated at each mesh cell of the obstacle and source values are deduced therefrom. On the basis of an interaction matrix and of these source values, a physical quantity representative of the interaction between the wave and the obstacle is estimated at any point of space.

Abstract: An irrigation kit comprising a set of irrigation elements adapted for construction of an irrigation system dedicated to a certain manner of growing plants and an educational media adapted to be understood by children, which includes instructions to assemble the irrigation elements to construct the irrigation system. Each such kit is adapted for irrigation of plants to be grown in different manners (e.g. in a field, a garden or a pot, etc.) and it comprises an appropriate set of irrigation elements for construction of an irrigation system therefor.

Abstract: In the evaluation apparatus of the present invention, there are formed a plurality of minute channels having a cross-sectional area of not more than 1 mm2, one end of each of these channels joins in at a single meeting point and, when liquids are put into one or more of the liquid reservoirs in a higher position over any other liquid reservoir, the liquids flow down in the channels by gravity. Therefore, a scientific phenomenon, such as the diffusion of molecules, can be qualitatively observed. Furthermore, the apparatus provides a sufficient level of accuracy to enable the user to watch various phenomena involved in advanced technology, and uses no large quantity of chemicals or the like, which means little load on the environment.

Abstract: A kit for demonstrating Archimedes' principle, comprising a tub having an overflow spout, such that when fluid reaches the overflow spout, all additional fluid added to the tub will flow out the overflow spout; and a stable boat sized to float in the tub without touching the sides of the tub. The kit may further comprise a balance beam which can balance a tub edge, wherein one end of the balance beam has an attachment mechanism for attaching a counter weight, and the other end has an attachment mechanism for attaching a sample weight, such that when the sample weight is attached, and the balance beam is balancing on the tub edge, the sample weight will be submerged in the fluid. There is also a method for using this kit to demonstrate Archimedes' principle both for the buoyancy of a floating body, and the buoyancy for objects that don't float.

Abstract: A discovery toy/play feature apparatus, for use with water and sand, or other particulate or granular material is provided. The apparatus allows the user to play in both sand and water in such a way as to learn and discover physical and engineering principles while having fun. The play feature apparatus allows the user to bury objects in the sand and play as if the user was on a beach looking for shells or to play as if the user was an archeologist. Further the user is allowed to use the varying channels and pools to make dams and other water obstructions and learn fluid mechanics and engineering principles while having fun.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching a child about basic fluid piping systems comprises a kit having a plurality of pipes and pipe fittings, and a media embodying element, all of which are packaged together for sale. The pipes and pipe fittings come in a variety of shapes, sizes and types and are adapted to be interconnected with one another to form a variety of operable fluid piping systems. The media embodying element includes media that conveys information in a form that can be comprehended by children about the manner in which the pipes and pipe fittings may be interconnected with one another to form various fluid piping systems, which are adapted for connection to a water source for operating the fluid piping systems.

Abstract: A trainer for teaching the operation of aircraft fuel systems comprised of a fuselage frame portion and fuel tanks mounted to a platform. The trainer utilizes a fuel look-alike with a viscosity below 2.8 cs and a flashpoint above 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A hydraulic demonstration apparatus is disclosed having a hydraulic system including a reservoir, an inlet line and an outlet line. A valve at the inlet line is included for introducing air so as to create aeration in the hydraulic system. A restricting valve is provided at the inlet line for creating cavitation in the hydraulic system. A hydraulic pump is provided having a clear cover for observing the effects of aeration and cavitation inside the pump. A flow meter having a clear housing is provided for observing the air in the system and the reduction of pump efficiency caused by aeration. The demonstration apparatus can be mounted on a movable cart.

Abstract: The invention comprises a container having sidewalls and a bottom; a rigid cover having integrally molded or detachable features simulating natural or manmade topographical features such as riverbeds, mountains, islands, whirlpools, and various rock and stone shapes. In accordance with the invention, the cover is detachably secured to the sidewalls of the container.

Abstract: A swing mechanism for wave-producing ornament. The ornament includes a base and a liquid container and the swing mechanism is mounted inside the base with a top container holder projecting from the base to fixedly connect the liquid container thereto. The swing mechanism includes a round disc which is rotated by a motor in the base of the ornament, a connecting rod pivotally connected to the round disc near an outer periphery thereof, and a sleeve defining a downward open cylindrical inner space with a narrowed lower end for an upper half part of the connecting rod to extend into. The upper half part of the connecting rod are two upward extended arms which slide up and down in the cylindrical inner space like a piston. When the round disc is rotated, the connecting rod moves in circumferential movement, bringing the sleeve and accordingly the liquid container fixedly connected to a top of the sleeve to swing relative to the base of the ornament.

Abstract: An educational amusement device imitates a canal, such as the Panama Canal. The device includes a base having a first water impermeable pan therein. An imitation terrain structure includes three dimensional forms extending upward from a top edge of the pan, and at least one further water impermeable pan therein. The first pan and the further pan are respectively connected to at least one connecting conduit lock to vary water depth between the first pan and the further pan, such as a fluid volume regulating one lock gate openable from a lowered closed position to a raised open position. The connecting conduit lock is in fluid flow communication between the first pan and the further pan. The base includes a bottom floor and a plurality of interconnected upwardly extending walls. One of the walls is a vertically extending transparent proximal wall providing a visual viewing image of respective interiors of the first pan, the further pan and the connecting conduit lock.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a pattern of a magnetic field is provided, comprising a container, a solution within said container having a plurality of magnetic particles, suspended within the solution, that align with a magnetic field in the vicinity of the container, the magnetic particles causing the solution to flow as the particles move into alignment with the magnetic field, and a plurality of flow indicator particles, suspended within the solution so that the flow of the solution in response to the movement of the magnetic particles is displayed. A method for displaying a pattern of a magnetic field and a mixture for use in an apparatus for displaying a pattern of a magnetic field are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wave-producing decoration including an elongated liquid container which has an outwardly and downwardly projecting bubble collector integrally formed at a bottom center. The bubble collector communicates with the liquid container and collects any possible bubbles in the container. In addition, the bubble collector has a shape suitable for engaging a seat member partially exposed from a support member of the decoration, such that the liquid container may laterally sway with the pivoting seat member, causing liquid in the container to flow in waves.

Abstract: Apparatus for modeling the sediment transport characteristics of a selected ection of a river or the like includes an elevated inclined platform adapted to receive an insert representing a scaled model of the section of river to be studied and a water source for delivering water containing a simulated sediment to the model. As the water flows over the model, the sediment is transported so as to simulate the sedimentary characteristics of the modeled portion of the river. The apparatus is provided with a function generator which allows the water to be delivered to the model in accordance with a specified hydrograph and is also provided with a sliding digital micrometer survey system which allows accurate surveys to be taken at selected increments along the model. Method for modeling the sediment transport characteristics of a river is also described.

Abstract: A portable water containing tray that uses various mediums to demonstrate and/or experiment with liquid and gas flow dynamics. It is designed to be compatible with overhead projection and contains a transparent activity area, fluid transport system, and activity components that when placed on an overhead projector allows light transmission through various liquid and/or solid object components. Fluids are recycled on the activity area by a pumping device. Various liquid dye and solid object components are placed on the activity area to simulate real-world events or environments. Solid activity components have a variety of internal and/or external flow configurations for creating a multitude of flow characteristics.

Abstract: A computer-aided geographic system highlights a specified area of a map based on operator input. In a preferred embodiment, a voice recognition system receives the operator input in voice form and determines the area to be highlighted. In the preferred form, the map used is a globe, and computerized controls turn and tilt the globe in response to the voice command so that one or more spotlights inside the globe illuminate the area of interest. Information related to the geographic location selected may be retrieved and simultaneously displayed on a computer monitor, video screen, slide screen, and/or narrated by synthesized voice.

Abstract: A water toy construction kit includes a plurality of elongate tubular elements and mating connectors, which elements and connectors provide for the flow of water therethrough. The kit may include rigid and/or flexible elements, and the elements may be opaque, translucent, and/or transparent. At least some of the elements may include radial passages therethrough, either in line or randomly spaced, to provide for the spray of water therethrough. Transparent or translucent tubes may include solid articles therein, which provide movement due to water flow through the tubes. The connectors may include shutoff valves therein to provide for the selective control of water flow through the individual tubes connected thereto. At least one separate element may be provided, which is actuated by free water flow from the remaining structure.

Abstract: A educational water toy designed for mounting on a vertical surface, such as a bathtub wall, is disclosed. It consists of a variety of interlocking parts which can be arranged in various sequences. The various parts are designed to conduct water; control, or respond to, water flow; or to attach other parts to the vertical surface. The fluid-conveying and -operated toy has a reservoir, at least one activity component, a fluid conduit which provides fluid communication between the reservoir and the activity component, with the activity component being placed into motion by fluid exiting from the conduit, coupling structures interconnect the components in fluid communication, and attaching devices for removably attaching the components to the vertical surface in an orientation such that the fluid flows along the fluid flow path under the force of gravity. The various activity components may include a paddle wheel, a turbine, an hourglass member, a dipper, a sprayer and a squirter.

Abstract: A training device for the graphic representation of the fluidic processes and functions for basic and advanced fluidics training, with an essentially vertically oriented panel, on which fluidic practice devices are mounted in a systematic arrangement and are controllable by means of directly or indirectly operated directional valves through permanently installed tube connections to create various functional flow path patterns, is improved upon with regard to its handling characteristics and its instructional utility. Toward this end it is provided that each practice device is coupled with a movable symbol plate (12) on the face of which the flow-path alternatives (13) of the practice device are indicated, and that the movement of the symbol plate (12) is directly translatable into the hydraulic loading of the practice device.

Abstract: Apparatus for training an operator in use of hydraulic and electrohydraulic fluid power systems that includes a vertical panel upstanding from a wheeled base. A first plurality of electrohydraulic devices are mounted on one side of the panel, and second plurality of hydromechanical devices are mounted on the opposing side of the panel. Both of the device pluralities include fluid flow control valves that are distinct from each other between the respective pluralities, and fluid load devices such as rotary hydraulic motors and linear hydraulic cylinders that are shared by the respective pluralities. A fluid power source is carried by the base, as are a multiplicity of hoses for connecting the fluid power source to the devices among either or both of the first and second pluralities. Thus, a hydromechanical trainer and an electrohydraulic trainer are provided in a single device with shared components for loading the valves of the respective training sections, which may be used simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for illustrating the operation of an Archimedes screw. Two passages (8,9) are defined which together form a single closed loop passageway. A first passage (8) is generally linear and a second passage (9) is of helical form and is connected at its ends to the ends of the first passage. The walls of the two passages are transparent such that the movement of fluid (10) can be clearly seen. The first and second passages are arranged such that if the first passage (8) is positioned at a predetermined inclination to the vertical fluid can be transferred through the second passage (9) from the lower to the upper end of the first passage by rotating the apparatus about an axis extending parallel to the length of the first passage. The second passage (9) may be in the form of a helical tube wound around the outside of a straight tube defining the first passage (8) .

Abstract: A topographical model simulates mountains having stream beds, a river valley, a dam creating a lake therebehind, and a cultivated field. A chamber formed in the top of the mountain is charged with ice, which melts and escapes to the stream bed. A diverter selectively directs this water to the lake or to a dry side of the mountain, thus influencing water level of the lake and the river. The dam includes a simulated hydroelectric generator and a simulated irrigation system delivering water from the lake to the cultivated field. A secondary dam is provided to trap spillage from the main dam. A trench and optional surface screen protect the lake from floating or submerged debris. The model thus demonstrates that portion of a natural water cycle originating with snow melting on mountains, and exploitation of water resources to generate power and to irrigate a cultivated field.

Abstract: A trainer, mounted and housed within a mobile console, is used to teach and reinforce fluid principles to students. The system trainer has two centrifugal pumps, each driven by a corresponding two-speed electric motor. The motors are controlled by motor controllers for operating the pumps to circulate the fluid stored within a supply tank through a closed system. The pumps may be connected in series or in parallel. A number of valves are also included within the system to effect different flow paths for the fluid. In addition, temperature and pressure sensing instruments are installed throughout the closed system for measuring the characteristics of the fluid, as it passes through the different valves and pumps. These measurements are indicated on a front panel mounted to the console, as a teaching aid, to allow the students to observe the characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A chaos waterwheel teaching device is provided for demonstrating and illustrating to students that random appearing phenomena occurring in natural systems such as biological, chemical, physical, and mathematical may actually reflect the action of simple underlying non-random processes or deterministic systems that illustrate basic concepts of dynamics and chaos theory. A dual wheel device is provided in which one wheel is driven by a stream of water and the other wheel acts as a brake, resisting the rotation created by the first wheel by dragging a series of vanes through a water bath. The operation of the device can be varied and controlled by varying one or the other of the parameters, including the water level in the braking compartment to cause different states of operation, namely periodic or chaotic.

Abstract: An apparatus for primarily aiding in teaching born-again Christian religious beliefs includes a base and a hollow structure mounted in upstanding fashion on the base. The structure has a closed bottom, open top, and sidewall with spaced-apart upper and lower opaque wall sections and a middle transparent wall section. The structure defines a chamber representing a person's body. Liquid contained in the chamber represents the person's spirit and its color represents the state of the person's spirit. A pair of valves are respectively mounted to the base and structure. One valve communicates with the chamber bottom and is operable to drain liquid therefrom, representing the death of the person's spirit. The other valve communicates with the chamber middle and is operable to drain portions of the liquid therefrom, displaying the state of the person's spirit.

Abstract: An assembly of a display panel and a mounting base for a plurality of light-emitting elements. The mounting base is adjacent to one side of the display panel, and the display panel has a plurality of light-transmitting apertures, holes or openings representing at least two different fluid flow paths and specific fluid devices, such as valves and fluid containing cylinders. A microprocessor is used to control the operation of voltage sources coupled to the light-emitting elements so that, by selectively actuating a first set of light-emitting elements, a visual representation of a first fluid flow path can be provided to indicate the flow of a first gas from one location to another. Alternately, the assembly can be operated such that a second fluid flow path can be visually represented while the light elements of the first path are deactuated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching physical principles of fluid flow and the mathematical principles of integration by concrete, measurable examples comprised the use of a plurality of teaching funnels each capable of being supported by a mounting mechanism in a stable position over a receptacle. Each funnel has perimetric sidewalls with interior surfaces that conform to equations that will provide an integrable function when plugged into the equation for computing the time it takes for the funnel to empty of liquid. The funnels can have a base covering the lower end of the funnel with an outlet orifice formed in the base. The orifice is spaced a predetermined distance away from the sidewalls to achieve a desired outflow rate. The different sidewalls can be formed of different shapes as long as each conforms with a formula that yields an integrable function when plugged into the equation for computing the time it takes for the funnel to empty of liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching physical principles of fluid flow and .[.the.]. mathematical principles .[.of.]..Iadd., such as .Iaddend.integration.Iadd., .Iaddend.by concrete, measurable examples comprised the use of a plurality of teaching funnels each capable of being supported by a mounting mechanism in a stable position over a receptacle. Each funnel has perimetric sidewalls with interior surfaces that conform to equations that will .Iadd.allow various flow characteristics to be computed, and in preferred embodiments will .Iaddend.provide an integrable function when plugged into the equation for computing the time it takes for the funnel to empty of liquid. The funnels can have a base covering the lower end of the funnel with an outlet orifice formed in the base. The orifice is spaced a predetermined distance away from the sidewalls to achieve a desired outflow rate. The different sidewalls can be formed of different shapes as long as each conforms with a formula that .[.yields an.]. .Iadd.