elastomeric emitter and methods related to it

专利摘要:
summary “elastomeric emitter and related methods” a drip irrigation emitter, and related methods, are provided to deliver water for irrigation from a supply pipe to an emitter outlet at a relatively low flow rate constant. the emitter defines an entrance, an exit and a flow passage that extends between the entrance and the exit. in one form, the emitter includes a root growth inhibiting member disposed at the emitter's outlet. in another form, the emitter includes stepped flippers to control the flow of fluid through the emitter. in yet another form, the emitter includes disconnected or independent outlet walls arranged at the outlet to prevent disassembly of the outlet under increased fluid line pressure without creating dead ends where gravel can accumulate. in another form, the emitter defines one or more indentations within which inserts can be arranged so that the emitter and the insert jointly define a fluid flow passage. related methods are also revealed in this document. 1/1
公开号:BR112016002731B1
申请号:R112016002731
申请日:2014-08-12
公开日:2020-02-04
发明作者:Yung Kim Jae；Nazari Joseph；M Ensworth Mark；Richard Edris Mark；Shah Samir
申请人:Rain Bird Corp；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

“ELASTOMERIC ISSUER AND METHODS RELATED TO THE SAME" CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS
[0001] This order is partly a continuation of Order No. 13 / 964,903, filed on August 12, 2013, and claims the benefit of US Provisional Order 62 / 025,693, filed on July 17, 2014, incorporated into this document in its entirety as a reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to emitters for drip irrigation and, more particularly, to multiple emitters for drip irrigation mounted on a supply pipe to form an irrigation system or assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Drip emitters are commonly used in irrigation systems to convert a relatively high flow rate of water flowing through a supply pipe to a relatively low flow rate at the outlet of each emitter. Each drop emitter generally includes a housing defining a flow path that reduces the high pressure of water entering the drop emitter to a relatively low pressure of water leaving the drop emitter. Multiple drip emitters are commonly mounted on the inside or outside of a water supply pipe. In one type of system, a large number of drip emitters are mounted at regular, predetermined intervals along the length of the supply pipe to distribute water at precise points for surrounding land and vegetation. These transmitters can either be mounted internally (that is, in-line transmitters) or externally (that is, in-line or branched transmitters). Some advantages of in-line emitters are that the emitting units are less likely to be hit and released from the carrier duct fluid and the duct can be buried under the ground if desired (ie, subsurface emitters) which further makes it difficult for the emitter is inadvertently damaged (for example, by being hit or kicked by a person, hit by a lawn mower or trimmer, etc.).
[0004] In addition to the advantages of in-line emitters, subsurface drip emitters provide numerous advantages over drip emitters located and installed above ground. First, they limit water loss due to runoff and evaporation and thereby provide significant savings in water consumption. Water can also be used more economically by targeting it at precise locations of plant root systems or other desired subsurface locations.
[0005] Second, drip subsurface emitters provide convenience. They allow the user to irrigate the surrounding land at any time of the day or night without restriction. For example, such emitters can be used in water parks or school grounds at any desired time. Drip emitters located above the ground, on the other hand, may be undesirable in parks and school grounds during daytime hours when children or other individuals are present.
[0006] Third, subsurface emitters are not easily vandalized, given their installation in a relatively inaccessible location, that is, below the ground. Thus, the use of such subsurface emitters results in reduced costs associated with replacing vandalized equipment and monitoring the occurrence of such vandalism. For example, the use of subsurface emitters can lower the costs associated with maintaining areas accessible to the public, such as parks, school grounds and green areas around commercial buildings and parking lots.
[0007] Fourth, the use of subsurface drip emitters can prevent the distribution of water to unwanted terrain, such as roads and walkways. More specifically, the use of drip subsurface emitters prevents undesirable “over-spraying”. In contrast, above-ground emitters often generate excess spray that bothers vehicles and / or pedestrians. The advantages identified above are illustrative only; other advantages exist in connection with the use of drip subsurface emitters.
[0008] Although some advantages of subsurface emitters are described above, it would be desirable to provide an improved in-line drop emitter design that can be used both in subsurface and above ground applications. For both applications, there is a need to provide a relatively constant water emission from each of the emitters in the irrigation system. More specifically, it is desirable to provide pressure compensation to ensure that the flow rate of the first emitter in the system is substantially the same as that of the last emitter in the system. Without such a flow compensation rate, the last emitter in a series of emitters will experience greater pressure loss than the first. Such loss of pressure results in the use of inefficient and wasteful water.
[0009] There is also a need in the irrigation industry not to let drip emitters in both subsurface and above ground applications become clogged, resulting in insufficient water distribution and potential plant death. Obstruction of an emitter may result from the entry of gravel, debris, or other particulate matter from debris entering the emitter through the supply pipe. It is, therefore, desirable to have an entrance and / or other structures that have a design in order to deflect particles that could otherwise clog flow passages in the body of the emitter. The flow through the inlet area, however, must also be large enough to allow the droplet emitter to function properly.
[0010] It is also desirable to provide a droplet emitter that minimizes parts and assembly as this will not only make the component less complicated to build and likely provide material cost savings, but will also reduce the number of emitters that do not perform as desired due to misaligned parts, etc. Drip emitters are commonly formed of multi-piece components (for example, housing structures of two or more parts with separate flexible diaphragms, etc.) that require the individual manufacture of the various parts of the emitter and then the assembly of the parts before mounting on the pipe supply. Even a slight misalignment of these components during assembly can result in a malfunctioning drop emitter. Thus, in addition to the above needs, it would be desirable to reduce the number of components required to make the emitter and the steps and manufacturing time it takes to create a finished product.
[0011] It is also desirable to provide a drop emitter that minimizes the amount of disturbance that the emitter causes to the fluid flowing through the drip line or conduit to which the emitter is connected. Larger cylindrical emitters are available on the market for in-line emitter applications, however, these emitters interfere with the flow of fluid that travels through the drip line or tube and adds more turbulence to the fluid or system due to the fact that they cover the entire internal surface of the line or the drip tube and extend inwards from it. The increased mass of the cylindrical unit and the fact that it extends over the entire internal surface of the drip line or pipe also increases the likelihood that the emitter will be clogged with gravel or other particulate matter (which are more typically present in the portion tube wall in the middle of the tube) and / or that the emitter itself will form a surface on which gravel or particulate matter will accumulate on the inside of the drip line and reduce the speed of fluid flow through the line drip or reduce the efficiency of this fluid flow. Thus, there is also a need to reduce the size of in-line emitters and to improve the efficiency of the systems within which these items are assembled.
[0012] Finally, it is also desirable to provide a drip line that can be buried subsurface and / or under what is covering the surface such as bark or straw without suffering the interference of obstructions such as roots, gravel, etc. Conventional emitters typically find it difficult to use at least in subsurface applications due to root clogging that occurs from plants or vegetation that grows towards the emitter creating an obstruction to the normal fluid flow through the emitter. In the past, chemicals were created for use with subsurface irrigation equipment to inhibit such root growth / interference, but these chemicals are either expensive to use or cause damage to other materials used in the irrigation system (e.g., piping, couplings, valves, the emitter itself, etc.).
[0013] Consequently, it was determined that there is a need for an improved online issuer and related methods that overcome the above limitations and that additionally provide capacities, resources and functions not available in the current bases and methods, and a method perfected to do the same.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above aspects and other aspects, resources and advantages of several modalities of the present invention will be more apparent from the more particular description of the same that follows, presented together with the drawings that follow.
[0015] Figures 1A-F are perspective views, top, front, rear, bottom and right end, respectively, of a drop emitter incorporating features of the present invention, with perspective and right end views illustrating the emitter connected to the inside of a drip line or tube (shown in broken lines), the opposite end view (i.e., view from the left end) being a symmetrical image of the illustrated end view;
[0016] Figures 1G-H are a cross-sectional view of the emitter of Figures 1A-F taken along line ii illustrated in Figure 1B, with Figure 1G illustrating the tuned portion of the inner deflector wall in the low pressure position to show how the fluid can overflow the top of it, and Figure 1H illustrating the tuned portion of the inner deflector wall in the high pressure position to show how the fluid is prevented from overflowing the top of it;
[0017] Figures 1I-J are tables illustrating the amount of deflection of the tuned portion of the inner deflector wall by increasing pressure at points 1 and 2 along the tuned portion as shown in Figure 1B, with Figure 1I illustrating deflection versus pressure for an elastomeric emitter body material having a durometer value of 50 and Figure 1J illustrating deflection versus pressure for an elastomeric emitter body material having a durometer value of 75;
[0018] Figures 2A-D are seen in perspective, from the top, rear and front, respectively, of an alternative drop emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a tongue and fork arrangement is used in place of a single tuned portion to compensate for the pressure fluctuations to which the emitter is exposed when inserted in a supply line, the end and bottom views of this modality presenting an aspect similar to those of the modality of Figures 1A-F;
[0019] Figures 2E-F are seen in cross section of the emitter of Figures 2A-D taken along line ii illustrated in Figure 2B, with Figure 2E illustrating the tongue and fork arrangement in its low pressure position to show how the fluid can overflow the top of it, and Figure 2F illustrating the arrangement of the tongue and fork in its high pressure position to show how the flow of fluid over the top of it is restricted;
[0020] Figures 3A-D are seen in perspective, from the top, front and rear, respectively, of an alternative drop emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which inlet openings of varying heights are used to compensate for pressure fluctuations at which the emitter is exposed when inserted in a supply line;
[0021] Figures 3E, F and G are additional posterior, bottom and perspective views, respectively, of the modality of Figures 3A-D in which Figure 3E illustrates the inlet opening gloves in a higher pressure position showing at least some of the inlet openings being closed to compensate for an increase in pressure and Figure 3G illustrates the embodiment of Figures 3A-D from a rear left perspective in place of the front right perspective illustrated in Figure 3A;
[0022] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative drip emitter and drip line incorporating features of the present invention and illustrating an emitter with a deflector design that opens and closes in a non-sequential manner;
[0023] Figures 5A-B are seen in perspective of an alternative drop emitter and a drip line incorporating features of the present invention in which the pressure reducing flow channel is made up of deflectors with flexible teeth that move in response to fluid flow through the emitting body;
[0024] Figure 6A is a perspective view of an alternative drop emitter and a drip line incorporating features of the present invention in which the pressure reducing flow channel is made up of deflectors with hollow teeth or teeth that increase at the same time. as the fluid pressure increases within the supply line so that the pressure reducing flow channel has a first cross-section at lower fluid pressures and a second, lower cross-section at lower fluid pressures high to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure so that the emitter and the drip line drip fluid at a generally constant or desired rate;
[0025] Figures 6B-C are seen in perspective of a portion of the flow channel of Figure 6A illustrating the hollow teeth of the baffle partially enlarged and completely enlarged, respectively, in response to the increasing fluid pressure showing how the cross section of the canal pressure reduction flow diagram in Figure 6B has a smaller cross-section than that illustrated in Figure 6A due to an increase in fluid pressure and showing how the cross-section of the pressure reduction flow channel in Figure 6C is even smaller than that illustrated in Figure 6B due to an additional increase in fluid pressure;
[0026] Figure 6D is a perspective view of a portion of the bottom of the emitter illustrated in Figure 6A showing the underside of the hollow tooth members of the deflector and how such surfaces are exposed to the fluid and are affected by an increase in pressure of fluid;
[0027] Figures 7A-B are seen in perspective and in cross-section in perspective, respectively, of another emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary body defines first and second interconnected walls together to form a flow reduction channel. pressure, the cross section being taken along the lines / 7- / 7 in Figure 7A;
[0028] Figures 7C-D are top plan views and top cross section, respectively, of the emitter of Figures 7A-B, with the cross section being taken along the lines v-v of Figure 7H;
[0029] Figure 7E is a bottom perspective view of the emitter of Figures 7A-D illustrating how the first and second walls form a generally curved channel in which pressure increases will act to pressure the first and second walls on the towards each other to further restrict fluid flow;
[0030] Figures 7F-G are seen in lateral and lateral elevation in cross section, respectively, of the emitter of Figures 7A-E illustrating a shape of the first and second walls that combine to restrict the flow of fluid through the emitter, the cross section being taken along lines iii-iii in Figure 7C;
[0031] Figures 7H-I are seen in frontal and frontal elevation in cross section, respectively, illustrating the shape of the emitting body and the shape of the first and second walls and the interconnection between them, the cross section being taken along lines iv-iv in Figure 7F;
[0032] Figures 8A-B are seen in perspective and in cross-section in perspective, respectively, of another emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary body defines a series of deflector rows transverse to the longitudinal geometric axis of the emitter and extending it moves into the pressure reduction flow path, with a portion of the deflectors varying in height to create a structure that compensates for the pressure, the cross section being taken along the line vi-vi in Figure 8A;
[0033] Figures 8C-E are top plan views, in front elevation and bottom perspective view, respectively, of the emitter of Figures 8A-B;
[0034] Figures 8F-G are seen in lateral and lateral elevation in cross section, respectively, of the emitter of Figures 8A-E, the cross section being taken along line vii-vii in Figure 8C; and [0035] Figures 9A-B are top and bottom views in perspective, respectively, of another emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary body defines a series of deflector rows transverse to the emitter's longitudinal geometric axis and extending towards the pressure reduction flow path, and a plurality of outlet basins with at least a portion of the outlet passage being movable between a first and a second position, the second position defining a fluid passage that is more constricting than the first position;
[0036] Figures 10A-E are seen in perspective, in cross section, in lateral elevation, top planes and in frontal elevation, respectively, of an alternative emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary elastomeric body defines an entrance, a pressure reduction and compensation section and an outlet basin having a root inhibitor member to stop root growth that could interfere with the operation of the emitter (Figure 10E further illustrating the emitter mounted on a drip line or pipe) ;
[0037] Figures 11A-E are seen in perspective, cross section, lateral elevation, top planes and frontal elevation, respectively, of another emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary elastomeric body defines an entrance, a section of pressure reduction and compensation and an outlet bowl having a root inhibiting member to stop root growth which could interfere with the operation of the emitter;
[0038] Figures 12A-B are top and bottom views in perspective, respectively, of an alternative emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary elastomeric body defines an inlet, a pressure reduction and compensation section and a basin outlet having an alternative pressure compensation design;
[0039] Figures 13A-B are top and bottom views in perspective, respectively, of an emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary elastomeric body is illustrated with an alternative inlet, flow path and outlet;
[0040] Figures 14A-B are top and bottom views in perspective, respectively, of an emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary elastomeric body is illustrated with an inlet and another flow and outlet path;
[0041] Figures 15A-B are top and bottom views in perspective, respectively, of an emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary elastomeric body is illustrated with an alternative inlet, flow path and outlet;
[0042] Figures 16A-B are seen in perspective and in cross-section, respectively, of an emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary elastomeric body is illustrated equipped with a carrier to assist in the installation of the emitter inside the pipe, with the cross section of Figure 16B being taken along line 16B-16B in Figure 16A;
[0043] Figures 17A-B are seen in perspective and exploded, respectively, of an emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which the unitary elastomeric body is illustrated connected to a carrier or clamp to assist in the installation of the emitter into the pipe ;
[0044] Figures 18A-B are seen in perspective and exploded, respectively, of an emitter incorporating features of the present invention in which the unitary elastomeric body is illustrated with a connector clamp coupled to the connection side of the elastomeric emitter body that can be used to help connect the emitter to the drip tubing;
[0045] Figures 19A-C are seen in perspective, in lateral cross-section and end cross-section, respectively, of another emitter according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed in the present document, with an exploded root growth inhibiting insert from the emitter in Figure 19A, the side cross-sectional view of Figure 19B taken along line BB in Figure 19A and the end cross-sectional view of Figure 19C taken along line CC in Figure 19A; and [0046] Figures 20A-B are seen in perspective and exploded, respectively, of another exemplary transmitter according to an embodiment of the invention disclosed in the present document.
[0047] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the different views of the drawings. Versed in the technique, they will observe that the elements in the figures are illustrated for greater simplicity and clarity and did not need to be drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures can be exaggerated in relation to other elements to help improve the understanding of various modalities of the present invention. In addition, common, but well understood, elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially viable modality will often not be illustrated in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various modalities of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] As shown in Figures 1A-F, a drip irrigation emitter 10 is provided to distribute water from a fluid supply source or conduit, such as a drip line or pipe 70, at a low rate of flow. The drip line 70 carries pressurized fluid along an irrigation system and preferably includes numerous emitters 10 separated at predetermined intervals on the drip line 70 to allow the drip line 70 to be placed above or below the ground to irrigate and / or to treat grass, plants, shrubs, trees or other elements of nature, or to irrigate agricultural crops of various types. In the illustrated form, the emitter 10 includes an integral body 20 defining an inlet 30 that can be connected to a source of pressurized fluid, an outlet 40 for discharging the fluid from the emitter body 20, and a flow or passage channel for reduction pressure 50 between inlet 30 and outlet area 40 to reduce the flow of fluid discharged through outlet 16. In addition, the emitter body 20 defines a pressure compensation member 60 to reduce a cross section of the flow channel by response to an increase in fluid pressure in the pressurized supply line.
[0049] In the illustrated form, the emitting body 20 is made of an elastomeric material, such as a thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomeric material similar to materials using ethylene, propylene, styrene, PVC, nitrile, natural rubber, silicone, etc., to form a polymer or copolymer. In a preferred form, the elastomeric material is made of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and silicone rubber. This combination helps to create an emitter and a drip line that can withstand the high temperatures and strong chemicals that the emitter can be subjected to while in use. In addition, the emitter is made of a single or unitary construction and does not have a construction in multiple parts and / or that requires the assembly of housing parts, diaphragms, etc. This simple construction makes it easier to manufacture the emitter and makes the emitter more tolerant of gravel. More particularly, the simple and flexible construction of the emitter can easily process the gravel or other particulate matter by expansion to process the gravel (also known as expulsion) due to the fact that there are no additional housing portions to prevent such expansion. This simple construction also allows the emitter to be discharged more easily by allowing the line pressure to be increased to process the gravel outside the emitter without the worry of damaging the emitter because there are no additional parts, such as multi-part housings, that limit the amount of movement the emitter can make before breaking or dismounting.
[0050] While in conventional emitters, even those having two-piece housings, diaphragms and metering grooves to assist in the discharge of gravel, the emitter typically reaches a state where additional increases in pressure will not increase gravel processing. For example, in conventional emitters, at a given fluid pressure point, the pressure on both sides of the diaphragm will eventually become the same and the emitter will cease processing or expelling the gravel. In the illustrated form, however, the disclosed emitter will continue to process gravel with increases in pressure long after conventional emitters stop processing gravel (for example, when that state of equal pressures on opposite sides of the diaphragm is reached). Thus, the line pressure can simply continue to be increased in order to propel the gravel through the emitting body. The elastomeric nature of the emitting body 20 additionally assists in the discharge or expulsion of particulate matter or gravel even when the supply line is simply switched on and off.
[0051] As best illustrated in Figures 1E-F, the body 20 defines a plurality of slits 21, 22, 23 and 24, extending longitudinally along the bottom surface of the emitting body 20 which are separated by protrusions , such as guide ribs 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29. The outermost guide ribs 25 and 29 are positioned on the periphery of the bottom surface of the emitting body 20 while the innermost ribs 26 to 28 are positioned in an inner portion separated from the periphery by the entry channel 31. In a preferred form, the entry channel 31 is dimensioned to deflect foreign bodies preventing them from obstructing the entrance 30 or entering the emitting body 20 and the guide ribs 25 to 29 have at least one end tuned and run parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of the emitting body 20 to further assist in deflecting foreign bodies preventing them from obstructing the input channel 31 or entering the emitting body 20. In the illustrated form, the c inlet anal 31 extends continuously around or in a region of the perimeter of the emitting body 20 and empties in the inlet 30. More particularly, in the illustrated form, the inlet channel 31 is in a generally oval recessed track shape in the bottom surface of the emitting body 20 having curved ends 31a, 31b and longer straight paths 31c, 31d which run longitudinally along the body bottom 20. The inlet channel has a generally rectangular cross-section and opens towards the interior of the entrance 30 by means of a rectangular opening.
[0052] The recessed nature and the length of the entrance channel 31 help to prevent gravel or other particulate matter from entering entrance 30, which could clog the emitter 10 or form obstructions that would prevent the emitter 10 from operating in the desired way. More particularly, once installed in the drip line 70, the pressurized flow flows along the bottom side of the emitter body 20 with a portion of the fluid entering the inlet channel 31 and moving around the periphery of the emitter body 20 and then, finally, into the inlet opening 30. In this way, the side walls of the channel 31 serve to deflect gravel and other particulate matter in the fluid so that they do not enter into the inlet channel 31 and into the inlet opening 30. This prevents emitter 10 from becoming clogged and / or obstructions from entering emitter 10, which could otherwise affect or negatively compromise the desired operation of the emitter. The circular flow that is created by the inlet channel 31 further helps to ensure that larger particulate matter that could fit into the inlet channel 31 falls out of or is discharged through the channel 31 as the fluid precipitates over the track before of the fluid entering the inlet opening 30.
[0053] The guide ribs 25 to 29 serve the dual function of helping with the assembly of the emitting body 20 inside the drip irrigation line and additionally helping to deflect gravel or particulate matter in the pressurized fluid away from the inlet channel 31 and inlet opening 30. More particularly, one or more of the guide ribs 25 to 29 can be used by an insertion tool to align and insert the emitting body 20 into the drip line 70 as the drip line is being extruded. In a preferred form, this is done as the drip line 70 is being extruded so that the upper surfaces of the emitting body 20 are bonded or welded to the drip line 70 while the drip line is hot and before the drip line is hot. start to cool. Guide ribs 25 to 29 can also be tuned or pointed to assist in the initial loading of the emitting body 20 from a separating bowl and into the insertion device or charger used to insert the emitting body 20 into the newly drip line extruded 70. This thinning further helps with obtaining fluid in the supply line so that it flows between the narrow passages defined by ribs 25 to 29 without causing excessive disturbance or adding excess turbulence to the fluid flowing through the supply line 70.
[0054] In the illustrated form, the guide ribs 25 to 29 also help to prevent gravel or other particulate matter in the pressurized fluid from entering the inlet channel 31 and the inlet opening 30. More particularly, similarly to the side walls of the Inlet channel 31, ribs 25 to 29 create narrowed passages that help to deflect larger particulate matter away from inlet channel 31 and inlet opening 30. Thus, ribs 25 to 29 deflect larger particulate matter away from the inlet channel. entrance 31 and the entrance opening 30 and the side walls of the entrance channel 31 deflect smaller particulate matter away that can fit in the narrow passages defined by ribs 25 to 29. This prevents the emitter 10 from becoming clogged and / or obstructions from entering on issuer 10, which could otherwise affect or negatively compromise the desired operation of issuer 10.
[0055] In the illustrated form, the inlet opening 30 is generally rectangular in shape and of a desired size to ensure that the emitter 10 receives a desired amount of fluid at a desired fluid flow rate in order to operate as desired . In alternative forms, however, inlet opening 30 can be designed in a variety of different shapes and sizes to accommodate specific wishes or applications. For example, in alternative shapes, the entry opening can be designed as more than one elongated slot or slot (a), or a plurality of slot-like openings as illustrated in Figure 4 (which will be discussed further below), for receiving fluid, but additionally deflecting gravel or particulate matter that is small enough to pass through the walls of the inlet channel 31, or can be designed to cooperate with the pressure reducing flow channel 50 to begin reducing the flow and pressure of the fluid as it enters the emitting body 20 (for example, the inlet can form a winding passage leading to the pressure reducing channel 50). Similarly, input channel 31 can be designed in a variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, in place of a general oval shape, the inlet channel 31 can be designed to be a smaller slot that extends over a small portion of the emitting body 20 instead of moving over a periphery of the bottom of the emitting body 20, or it can be designed with a zigzag pattern to form a winding path to further assist in reducing the pressure of the fluid passing through the emitting body 20 (similar to that of flow path 50, which will now be discussed in more detail) .
[0056] With respect to the fluid that passes through the passages defined by ribs 25 to 29 and inside the inlet channel 31, that fluid passes through the inlet opening 30 and enters a pressure reducing flow channel 50 that produces a significant reduction in pressure between the fluid flowing in the primary lumen of the supply line or drip line 70 and the fluid that ends up emptying inside the outlet area of the emitter 40 and is present therein. In the illustrated form, the emitting body 20 defines opposing baffle walls to create the pressure reducing flow channel and, in a preferred form, has an inner baffle wall 51 which is surrounded by an outer baffle wall 52 that extends over the wall inner deflector 51 in a generally U-shaped manner to form a flow corridor that generally directs water in a U-shaped direction of travel. More particularly, the inner and outer deflector walls 51, 52 have projections and setbacks alternating that form a winding passage and make the fluid that flows through the same zigzag back and forth, reducing the pressure with each turn that the fluid takes. The outer deflector wall 52 is defined by an outer margin or peripheral wall of the emitting body 20 and the inner deflecting wall 51 extends from a portion of the outer margin or peripheral wall and inwardly to the middle of the emitting body 20 to form a peninsula around which fluid flows from inlet 30 to outlet 40. The upper surfaces of the emitter body preferably have a radius of curvature that accompanies the radius of curvature of tube 70 so that the emitter body 20 can be safely connected to the inner wall of tube 70 and create a closed pressure reduction passage from inlet 30 to outlet 40. In the illustrated form, the sinuous passage is formed by alternating teeth that extend from opposite surfaces of the inner and outer deflector walls 51, 52 and has a cross-section which is generally rectangular in shape when the emitting body 20 is connected to the inner surface of the extruded drip line 70 (Bearing in mind that the radius of curvature of tube 70 is likely to make the upper portion of the cross-section slightly curved and the side walls slightly wider at the top than at the bottom).
[0057] It should be understood, however, that in alternative modalities, the pressure reduction flow channel 50 can be made in a variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, instead of having projections with pointed teeth, deflectors could be made with blunt or truncated teeth, with teeth that are angled or sharpened, with curved or square projections in place of teeth in triangular shape, with projections of other geometric shapes or geometries, symmetrical or asymmetric, etc.
[0058] In the illustrated form, the pressure reduction flow channel 50 also includes an intermediate bowl 53 in which the fluid is discharged when it turns in the direction of the general U-shaped path which additionally causes a reduction in the pressure since water is flowing from a smaller passage to a larger passage in basin 53. After making a curve, the fluid passes or zigzags through another section of the pressure reducing flow channel 50 and empties into the outlet reservoir 40 .
[0059] In addition to the pressure reducing flow path 50, the emitter 10 additionally includes a pressure compensation feature 60 that additionally allows the emitter 10 to compensate for increases in fluid pressure in the primary lumen of tube 70. More particularly, the pressure compensation feature 60 allows the emitter 10 to maintain a relatively constant fluid flow and outlet pressure even though the inlet fluid pressure may fluctuate from time to time. In the illustrated form, the pressure compensation feature 60 is a two-part pressure compensation mechanism comprising an elastomeric portion 61 that is capable of deflecting under pressure to reduce the cross section of the pressure reducing flow channel 50 and regulating the flow of fluid through the emitter and a movable deflecting portion 62 which is capable of changing the length of the flow channel to compensate for changes in the fluid pressure of the supply line 70.
[0060] The elastomeric portion 61 being a deflectable portion of the emitting body 20 that is movable between a first position in which at least a portion of the pressure reducing flow channel 50 is of a first cross section and a second position wherein at least a portion of the pressure reducing flow channel 50 is of a second cross-section smaller than the first cross-section for regulating fluid flow through the emitter. In the illustrated form, the floor 61 of the flow channel 50 forms an elastomeric portion and rises and falls in response to increases and decreases in the fluid pressure of the supply line 70, respectively. Thus, when the fluid pressure increases in the supply line 70, the floor 61 of the flow channel 50 is pressed upwards or deflected upwardly within the flow channel 50 thereby reducing the cross section of the flow channel to regulate the flow fluid flow through the emitter 10. In contrast, when the fluid pressure in the supply line 70 decreases, the flow channel floor 50 recedes from the flow channel back to a normal position where the floor is not deflected upwardly inward. of the flow channel thereby increasing the cross section of the flow channel to allow the fluid to flow more freely through the flow channel 50.
[0061] Although the above embodiment has been described with the flow path floor 50 deflecting upward into the flow path of the emitter to reduce the cross-sectional size of the flow path to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments other emitter surfaces could be designed either to create that deflection on their own or to cooperate with the floor or other surface so that both deflect in order to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure. For example, instead of causing the floor to deflect, the side walls and / or the roof of the flow channel 50 could be designed to deflect either in combination with any of these items or by themselves as the only deflecting portion.
[0062] The second part of the pressure compensation mechanism 60 comprises a movable structure, such as the movable deflecting portion 62, which is capable of moving between a first low pressure position in which the length of the flow channel 50 is a first distance and a second high pressure position where the length of the flow channel 50 is a second distance where the length of the flow channel is longer than the first distance to compensate for the pressure increase in the supply line 70 More particularly, in the illustrated form, the movable deflecting portion 62 deflects up and down with the floor of the flow channel 50 for sealingly engaging and disengaging the movable deflecting portion 62 with the inner wall of the supply line 70, respectively , and thereby lengthen or shorten the flow channel extension to at least some fluid flowing through it to compensate for changes in line fluid pressure supply.
[0063] As best illustrated in Figures 1C, D and G, the movable deflecting portion 62 comprises a tuned portion of the central or inner deflecting wall 51 that tapers downwardly away from the inner surface of the supply line 70 so that the pressures lower fluid lines in supply line 70, fluid flows through inlet 30 and the first section (or upstream section) of flow channel 50 and then over the top of the tapered baffle section 62, through the second section (or section downstream) of flow channel 50 and then into outlet reservoir 40. Fluid can flow through the remaining portion of flow channel 50 including intermediate bowl 53 (located between the upstream and downstream sections of the flow channel flow 50), but it does not have to do or cause all the fluid to flow through these portions of flow channel 50 due to the gap between the upper surface of the inner deflected wall section 52 and its surface. inner tube surface 70. As the fluid pressure increases in the supply line fluid 70, and as best illustrated in Figure 1H, the floor of the flow channel 50 begins to deflect up and into the flow channel 50 moving the tuned deflector section 62 towards the inner tube surface 70 thereby reducing the gap between these two until the upper surface of the tuned deflector section 62 seals the inner wall of the tube 70 thereby preventing the fluid from overflowing the top of the tapered baffle section 62 and lengthening the extension of the flow channel 50 through which all the fluid has to flow and reducing the fluid pressure and the flow due thereto.
[0064] The emitter body 20 further defines an outlet area 40 that forms a reservoir into which the fluid that passes through the inlet 30 and the winding passage 50 and the pressure compensation mechanism 60 joins or joins. An outlet in the external supply line 70, such as opening 71, provides access to the fluid collected in outlet reservoir 40 and, more particularly, provides an egress for the fluid to drip or drip out of the emitter 10.
[0065] As the emitter 10 is made of an integral body 20, the outlet area 40 is provided with obstructions or stops, such as cones or nodes 41, which prevent the outlet area 40 from dismantling when the line fluid pressure filler 70 rises to a level sufficient to deflect the floor of the flow channel 50 within the flow channel 50 to reduce its cross section and regulate the flow of fluid through the flow channel (or as the movable structure 62 moves from the first position or low pressure position to the second position or high pressure position). In the illustrated form, the cones 41 extend away from the body 20 and are generally tapered in shape to make the cones easier to mold when the body 20 is shaped. In addition, in a preferred form, the upper surfaces of the cones 41 have a radius of curvature common to the radius of curvature of the upper surfaces of baffles 51, 52 and which corresponds to a second radius of curvature of the inner wall of the pipe 70. The nature deflector walls 51, 52 and the outer edge or peripheral wall of the emitter body 20 similarly prevent these portions of the emitter body 20 from disassembling when the supply line fluid pressure 70 pushes the floor of the flow channel 50 inward the flow channel.
[0066] Although the shape illustrated in Figures 1A-D shows the outlet 71 of external tube 70 with a round opening, it should be understood that in alternative modalities, it can be supplied in a variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, in one form, the outlet 71 of the outer tube may be provided in the form of a slot, such as an elongated narrow oval shape, in place of a round hole. In another form, the outlet 71 of the external tube can additionally define a pressure reduction corridor such as a winding or zigzag passage.
[0067] By using a unitary emitter body 20 to form the inlet 30, the flow channel 50, the outlet 40 and the pressure compensation mechanism 60 instead of requiring multiple parts to be built and assembled to form such features, the emitter 10 is much easier to manufacture and provides significant cost savings, due to the reduction in parts and materials, and assembly time. The body 20 can be made of any type of material that has the capacity to allow this type of movement for pressure compensation. In a preferred form, however, the body 20 is made of TPO having a durometer reading ranging from 25 to 100, with the durometer reading preferably being between 50 and 75. In Figures 1I-J, data are provided for the amount of deflection due to pressure increase for materials having durometer readings of 50 and 75, respectively. In these examples, data were collected at location points 1 and 2, as shown in Figure 1B, with the distance (or gap) between the inner surface of the tube 70 and the upper surface of the tapered inner deflector portion 62 being thirty thousandths of a second. one inch (0.030 ”) (0.762mm) at location point 1 and thirteen thousandths of an inch (0.013”) (0.330mm) at location point 2, and the floor thickness of the flow channel 50 being eight thousandths of an inch (0.008 ”) (0.203mm). These distances being calculated when the tapered deflector wall portion 62 is in its normal position (or low pressure / non-deflected position), as illustrated in Figure 1G.
[0068] As can be seen by comparing Figures 1I-J, faster movement of the tapered deflector wall portion 62 and the corresponding elongation of the flow channel 50 can be achieved with the use of a material with a lower reading durometer (for example, a softer material), while a more constant (sometimes almost linear) movement of the tapered deflector portion 62 can be achieved with the use of a material with a higher durometer reading (for example , a harder material). Thus, the specific application to which the emitter 10 is intended may play a role in the material selected for the emitter body 20 (for example, if a faster elongation of the flow channel 50 is desired, a material with a lower durometer reading will be used, while if a more gradual closing of the tapered deflector wall portion 62 and a more gradual elongation of the flow channel 50 are desired, a material with a higher reading durometer reading will be used, etc.).
[0069] To ensure consistency of operation for each emitter 10 mounted on the extruded supply line 70, care is taken to make sure that the various portions of body 20 are constructed with consistent thickness and density from one emitter to the next and that the distances between location points 1 and 2 and the inner surface of the supply line 70 are maintained consistently from one transmitter to the next. In doing so, emitters 10 mounted to supply line 70 must operate in a uniform manner and produce low pressure fluid flow and flow rates common to the respective emissions 40 (for example, the flow rate of the first emitter mounted on the supply line must operate the same as the last emitter mounted on the supply line).
[0070] In an alternative form, the emitter and the drip line can be made up of a multi-part construction and / or use a multi-stage manufacturing or assembly process. For example, a body emitting a first type of material can be combined with another type of material (for example, a structure, a layer, a coating, etc.) that is more easily connected to conventional drip tubing so that the emitter can be connected to the piping in a more consistent way and each emitter is guaranteed to work similarly to the other. More particularly, as soft materials, such as silicon, do not always stick easily to the various types of conventional drip line tubing used in industry, which is typically polyethylene tubing, the emitter body can be made up of a combination of soft and hard to assist in connecting the emitter to the extruded tubing and to provide a process that can repeatedly join such emitters to the extruded tubing so that there is no significant variation (if any) in the connection between the emitters connected to the tubing.
[0071] For example, by combining a soft material such as silicon with a hard material such as polyethylene, the hard portion of the emitter can be more easily connected to the extruded pipe in a uniform and repeatable manner. Although this form of emitter and piping may be considered by some to be a two-part construction, it would preferably remain without housing and the soft portion of the emitter would constitute the major part of the component. For example, in one form, the hard portion of the emitter would simply comprise a polyethylene coating applied to an upper surface of the emitter to assist in consistently bonding the emitter to the inner surface of the drip line tubing in a manner that can be repeated easily from sender to sender. Not all the upper surfaces of the emitting body need to be coated with the polyethylene coating and / or connected to the internal surface of the drip line piping. Thus, in this example, the emitter continues to comprise a singular or uniform structure through which the fluid flows which simply has a polyethylene bonding layer or agent that helps to connect the emitter to the internal surface of the drip line tubing. In addition, this configuration would also produce an emitter that can process gravel better than conventional emitters, including those with multi-part housings, diaphragms and metering grooves. In alternative forms, constructions of two authentic parts can be used to form the emitting body if desired with either part constituting a larger part of the structure or both constituting equal portions of the structure and / or any part or both constituting portions of the entrance, channel flow or output as desired.
[0072] Turning now to Figures 1A-F, a drip emitter for irrigation without housing 10 is provided for attachment to only a portion of an inner circumference of an inner surface of an irrigation line tube by drip 70 having an elastomeric emitting body 20 integrally defining an inlet 30 for receiving pressurized fluid from a fluid supply source, an outlet area 40 for discharging the fluid from the body 20, a pressure reducing flow path 50 that extends between inlet 30 and outlet area 40 to reduce pressure and fluid flow received at inlet 30 and discharged through outlet area 40, and a pressure compensation portion 60 to automatically adjust pressure and flow fluid reducing the effect of flow channel 50 in response to a change in pressure from the fluid supply source 70, in which the pressure reducing flow channel This 50 includes an inner baffle wall 51 and an outer baffle wall 52 that extends over the inner baffle wall 51 in a generally U-shaped manner. The baffle walls 51, 52 having upper surfaces that have a first radius of curvature that corresponds to the second radius of curvature of an internal wall of the drip irrigation line 70, and the internal deflector wall 51 having a first portion of constant height and a second portion 62 of height, the second portion 62 being movable between a first position where the upper surface of the second portion 62 is not flush with the upper surface of the first portion so that the fluid can overflow the upper surface of the second portion at predetermined low fluid pressures and a second position where the upper surface of at least a portion of the second portion 62 is flush with the upper surface of the first portion and the flu acid cannot overflow the leveled upper surfaces of the second portion 62 so that the cross section of the flow channel is reduced and the length of the flow channel is effectively elongated.
[0073] In the illustrated form, the deflectors of the inner and outer deflector walls 51, 52 do not close in sequence when the second portion 62 of the inner deflector 51 moves from the first position to the second position, but instead the teeth of the deflector walls 51, 52 at opposite ends of the flow passage 50 (i.e., some at the inlet end and some at the outlet end) close at the same time. This allows the movable portion 62 of the inner deflector 51 to gradually lengthen the flow passage length 50 as the supply line fluid pressure increases and gradually shorten the flow passage length 50 as the fluid pressure of the supply line decreases. supply line without having to worry about trying to close the deflectors of the pressure reduction passage 50 in sequence.
[0074] In alternative modalities, it should be understood that alternative portions of the emitting body 20 can be moved to compensate for increases in fluid line pressure, either in conjunction with or in place of those discussed above. For example, in an alternative form, the emitter body 20 can be designed so that additional sections of the deflector walls 51, 52 can be moved to compensate for pressure increases in the supply line 70. More particularly and as illustrated in Figures 2A-D , both the inner baffle wall and the outer baffle wall can be designed to move and lengthen the flow path to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure in the supply line. For convenience, items that are similar to those discussed above with respect to emitter 10 in Figures 1A-F will be identified using the same two-digit numerical reference in combination with the prefix “1” merely to distinguish one modality from the other. Thus, the emitting body identified in Figures 2A-D is identified using the numerical reference 120 since it is similar to the emitting body 20 discussed above. Similarly, the inlet, outlet and pressure reduction flow channel are identified using the numerical references 130, 140 and 150 since they are similar to the inlet, outlet and flow channel 30, 40 and 50 mentioned above.
[0075] Although the emitting body 120 of Figures 2A-F defines both a pressure reducing flow channel 150 and a two-part pressure compensation mechanism 160 having an elastomeric portion 161 and a movable deflecting portion 162 as the mode of In Figures 1A-H, the movable baffle portion 163 in Figures 2A-F is made up of portions of the inner and outer baffle walls 151, 152 and not just the inner baffle wall 151. More particularly, the inner and outer baffle walls 151, 152 are move to compensate for increases in fluid pressure and decreases in supply line fluid. In the illustrated form, the central or inner deflector wall 151 tapers at its distal end in a tuned tongue-like structure or projection 163 to form a first movable structure and an outer deflector wall 152 defines a fork or groove-type structure 164 which corresponds in shape to the tongue type structure 163 to form a second movable structure.
[0076] As best illustrated in Figure 2F, the tongue and fork or groove structures 163, 164 cooperate with each other so that when the floor 161 of flow channel 150 rises in response to pressure increases in the supply line , both tuned structures 163, 164 rise towards the inner surface of tube 170, thereby reducing the amount of fluid that can overflow the upper surfaces of tuned structures 163, 164 and effectively lengthening the flow channel 150 and reducing the cross section flow channel 150 to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure in the supply line. Similarly, when flow channel floor 161 falls in response to a decrease in pressure in the supply line, both tuned structures 163, 164 move away from the inner surface of tube 170, thereby increasing the amount of fluid that can overflow the top of the upper surfaces of the tuned structures 163, 164 and effectively shortening the flow channel length 150 and increasing the cross section of the flow channel 150 to compensate for the decrease in supply line fluid pressure as shown in Figure 2E .
[0077] In the illustrated form, the upper surfaces of the tuned structures 163, 164 never completely seal the inner wall of the tube 170 when moved to their high pressure position, however, in alternative forms, the tuned structures 163, 164 could be designed so that this occurs if desired. Similarly, the embodiment of Figures 1A-H could be designed so that the upper surface of the tuned deflector section 62 does not completely seal the inner surface of the tube 70, if desired.
[0078] It should be understood that, in alternative modalities, the first and second movable structures 163, 164 of the inner and outer deflector walls 51, 52 could be exchanged so that the inner deflector wall 51 ended in a groove-like structure and the outer deflector wall 52 defined a tongue-like structure, or in yet another form, both could define other structures destined to correspond with one another or link with each other to achieve the same elongation effect and shorten flow channel 50 by response to increases and decreases in the supply line fluid pressure, respectively, and if desired, reducing and increasing the cross section of the flow channel 150 in response to increases and decreases in the supply line fluid pressure, respectively. For example, in alternative forms, both the inner and outer deflector walls 51, 52 could define structures that correspond in shape to one another including, but not limited to interlacing U or V shaped structures that elongate the flow channel 150 and reduce the cross section of flow channel 150 in response to increases in fluid pressure and which shorten flow channel 150 and increase the cross section of flow channel 150 in response to decreases in fluid pressure.
[0079] Thus, with this configuration, an emitter for drip irrigation 110 is provided for attachment to only a portion of an internal circumference of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line 170 having an elastomeric emitter body 120 defining integrally an inlet 130 for receiving pressurized fluid from a fluid supply source, an outlet area 140 for discharging fluid from the body 120, a pressure reduction flow path 150 extending between inlet 130 and outlet area 140 to reduce pressure and fluid flow received at inlet 130 and discharged through outlet area 140, and a pressure compensation portion 160 to automatically adjust pressure and fluid flow reducing the effect of flow channel 150 in response to a change in pressure of the fluid supply source 170, wherein the pressure reducing flow channel 150 includes a wall d inner baffle 151 and an outer baffle wall 152 that extends around inner baffle wall 151 in a generally U-shaped manner. At least some of the upper surfaces of the baffle walls 151, 152 have a first radius of curvature corresponding to a second radius of curvature of an inner wall of the drip irrigation line 170 and the inner deflector wall 151 defines a first tapered deflector structure 163 and the outer deflector wall 152 defines a second tapered deflector structure 164 positioned close to the first deflector structure 163, with the first and second tuned deflector structures 163, 164 cooperating to form part of the pressure reducing flow channel 150 and the first and second tuned deflector structures 163, 164 tapering in height towards each other and being variably movable between a first position where the upper surfaces of the first and second def structures tuned baffles 163, 164 are not flush with the upper surfaces of the deflector walls with the first radius of curvature so that the fluid can overflow the first and second tuned baffle structures 163, 164 and a second position where the upper surfaces of the structures tuned deflectors 163, 164 move towards and / or are on the same level as the other upper surfaces of the deflector walls with the first radius of curvature and there is a restriction of fluid flow over at least a portion of the first and second tuned deflector structures 163, 164 and the cross section of the flow channel 150 near the first and second deflector structures 163, 164 is reduced and the length or extension of the flow channel 150 is elongated.
[0080] In yet other modalities, the two-part pressure compensation mechanism can use other types of moving walls in combination with a deflecting member to compensate for changes in fluid pressure. For example, in the alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 3A-G, the emitter body is designed with a plurality of fluid inlet openings with gloves or annular walls extending from it, which can move in response to increases and decreases in supply line fluid pressure. For convenience, items that are similar to those discussed above with respect to emitter 10 in Figures 1A-F and emitter 110 in Figures 2A-F will be identified using the same two-digit numerical reference in combination with the prefix “2” merely to distinguish this modality from the others. Thus, the emitting body identified in Figures 3A-F is identified using the numerical reference 220 since it is similar to the emitting bodies 20 and 120, and defines an input 230, an output 240 and a pressure reducing flow channel. 250, which are similar to those discussed above (i.e., inlet 30, 130, outlet 40, 140, and pressure reducing flow channel 50, 150). In addition, the upper surfaces of the peripheral wall of the emitting body 220, the inner and outer deflector walls 251, 252, and nodes 241 all have a common first radius of curvature that corresponds to a second radius of curvature of an inner tube wall of drip irrigation line 270.
[0081] Unlike the modalities discussed above, however, the inlet 230 of emitter body 220 comprises a plurality of inlet openings 232, 233, 234, 235, 236 and 237. In the illustrated form, inlet openings 232 to 237 vary in height, with the initial inlet opening 232 being paired with the floor 261 of the pressure reducing flow channel 250 and the remaining inlet openings 233 to 237 having annular walls, such as gloves or bosses 233a, 234a, 235a, 236a and 237a, respectively, which have end ends that progressively extend further into the pressure reducing flow channel 250 with the end end of each boss moving variably from an open position where the end end of the boss is not generally flush or paired with the first common radius of curvature of the upper surfaces of the deflector walls 251, 252 so that fluid can flow through the boss and into the f channel luxury 250, and a closed position in which the terminal end of the boss is generally flush or paired with the first common radius of curvature of the upper surfaces of the deflector walls 251, 252 so that fluid is prevented from flowing through the boss and stops the interior of the flow channel 250.
[0082] In a preferred form, the upper surfaces of the terminal end of the bosses 233a to 237a have a radius of curvature that is the same as the first common radius of curvature of the upper surfaces of deflector walls 251, 252 corresponding to the second radius of curvature of the inner wall of the drip irrigation line 270 so that the bosses 233a to 237a can pair the inner wall of the tube 270 and prevent the fluid from flowing through the boss and into the flow channel 250 when raised to engage with inner tube wall 270.
In addition, the height of the bosses 233a to 237a is varied so that the entries 233 to 237 close in sequence starting with the entry furthest from the initial entrance opening 232 (that is, which in the example shown is entry 237) and then moving to the entrance that is the most distant next (that is, 236), then the most distant next (that is, 235) and so on. By closing inlets 233 to 237 in that order (that is, starting with the farthest inlet downstream and moving upstream), the emitting body 220 effectively lengthens the pressure reduction passage 250 with each closing in sequence for the entire fluid flowing through it which allows the emitter to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure in the supply line. In contrast, as the fluid pressure in the supply line decreases, the emitter body opens inlets 233 to 237 starting with the farthest inlet upstream and moving downstream, which allows the emitter to shorten the downstream passage. pressure 250 for a portion of the fluid flowing through the emitter to compensate for the reduction in fluid pressure in the supply line.
[0083] In the illustrated form, it is considered that each of the inlet openings 233 to 237 will close during normal operation of the emitter 210, or that the emitter body 220 will be designed so that inlet openings 233 to 237 will normally close at some point during the operation of the emitter due to expected increases in supply line fluid pressure (ie, that sufficient pressure is expected to be reached to cause ports 233 to 237 to close at one point or another). However, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments the emitter body 220 may be designed to close only one or more of the inlets 233 to 237 during normal or expected fluid pressure conditions of the supply line and close the remaining inlets 233 to 237 only under extraordinary conditions (for example, when supply line fluid pressures are reached that are much higher than normal or expected pressures). This can be done either by changing the size of the emitting body 220 or any of its features (for example, inlet opening, floor thickness, deflector wall size, cross-section of the flow path, etc.) or with the use of different materials for body 220 (for example, materials with different reading of durometer values, different compositions that make body 220 harder or less flexible, etc.). In contrast, emitter body 220 can be made of materials that allow inlets 233 to 237 to close more quickly if desired (for example, by changing the features of the body and / or selecting different materials as discussed above). In this way, transmitter 10 can be customized for specific applications.
[0084] Thus, with this configuration, an emitter for drip irrigation 210 is provided for attachment to only a portion of an internal circumference of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line 270 having an elastomeric emitter body 220 defining integrally an inlet 230 for receiving pressurized fluid from a fluid supply source, an outlet area 240 for discharging fluid from the body 220, a pressure reducing flow path 250 that extends between inlet 230 and the outlet area 240 to reduce pressure and fluid flow received at inlet 230 and discharged through outlet area 240, and a pressure compensation portion 260 to automatically adjust pressure and fluid flow reducing the effect of the flow channel flow 250 in response to a change in pressure from the fluid supply source 270, where the pressure reducing flow channel 250 i includes an inner baffle wall 251 and an outer baffle wall 252 that extends around inner baffle wall 251 in a generally U-shaped manner. With at least some upper surfaces of the baffle walls 251, 252 having a first radius of curvature common that corresponds to a second radius of curvature of an internal wall of the drip irrigation line 270, and the inlet 230 includes a plurality of inlet passages 232 to 237 with each pass 232 to 237 extending from a surface of the body exposed to the pressurized fluid to the pressure reducing flow channel 250, with at least some of the inlet passages 233 to 237 extending through bosses each having a terminal end that progressively extends further into the flow channel pressure reduction flow 250, the end of each boss being variably movable from an open position where the end of d the boss is not flush with the upper surfaces of the deflector walls having the first radius of curvature so that the fluid can flow through the boss and into the flow channel 250 and a closed position where the end of the boss is in overall flush with the upper surfaces of the deflector walls having the first radius of curvature so that fluid is prevented from flowing through the boss and into the flow channel 250.
[0085] It should be understood that in alternative modalities the gloves or bosses 233a to 237a can assume other shapes and sizes as may be desired for specific applications. For example, in some applications, entries with rectangular cross sections may be desired over the round entries illustrated in Figures 3A-G. In still other forms, inlet passages that serve for some form of pressure reduction, such as passages defining winding paths, may be desired. In still other embodiments, fewer or more entry openings or bosses can be provided in relation to those shown in Figures 3A-G if desired. For example, in Figure 4, an alternative drop emitter and drip line is illustrated having an inlet consisting of a plurality of inlet openings. According to the above practice, features that are common to those discussed above will use the same two-digit numerical reference, but having the prefix “3” merely to distinguish one modality from the other.
[0086] In the form illustrated in Figure 4, the plurality of inlets is in a shape similar to elongated openings, such as slits or slits 330, which not only allow the fluid to flow through the inlet of the emitter 310, but also help to filter or deflect particulate matter such as gravel away from the emitter 310 to help ensure that the fluid flowing through the emitter 310 is free of such particulate matter so that the particulate matter does not interfere with the operation of the emitter 310. The plurality of openings 330 has longitudinal geometric axes that are parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of the emitter 310, however, in alternative shapes, it should be understood that the plurality of openings can take on a variety of different shapes and sizes and can be oriented in different ways so that there are no longitudinal geometric axes parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis of the emitter 310 (even if there are axes longitudinal geometric ones).
[0087] In alternative ways, it should be understood that the input or inputs of the emitter can be placed in certain positions to help determine how the emitter will operate. For example, in some ways, an inlet opening can be additionally positioned upstream to effectively shorten the length of the pressure reducing flow channel and create an emitter that has a higher fluid flow rate (for example, four gallons per hour or 4 GPH) (15.14 L / h). In another form, the inlet opening can be positioned further downstream to effectively lengthen the pressure reducing flow channel and create an emitter that has a lower flow rate (for example, 1 GPH) (3,785 L / h) . In yet another form, the inlet opening can be positioned somewhere between the locations mentioned above to create an emitter with an intermediate length of pressure reducing flow channel that has a flow rate somewhere between the other flow rates. flow (for example, 2 GPH) (7.57 L / h). Changing this inlet location could be accomplished by having a readily adjustable mold (for example, one where the location of the inlet opening can be slid or moved between desired locations) or, alternatively, separate molds could be made for each modality (that is, one for a low flow rate sender, another for an intermediate flow rate sender, and another for a high flow rate sender).
[0088] The same can be true for outlet openings. For example, when making the drip line, the location of the outlet opening can be changed to affect how the emitter will operate. The outlet opening could be additionally located upstream to effectively shorten the pressure reducing flow channel and create an emitter with a higher flow rate (eg 4 GPH) (15.14 L / h). In another way, the outlet opening can be located further downstream to effectively lengthen the pressure reducing flow channel and create an emitter with a lower flow rate (for example, 1 GPH) (3,785 L / h). In another way, the outlet opening can be positioned somewhere between the locations mentioned above to effectively create an emitter with an intermediate length of pressure reducing flow channel that operates with a fluid flow rate somewhere between the flow rates mentioned above (eg 2 GPH) (7.57 L / h). The outlet opening may be formed in the drip line piping before or after the emitter is connected to the internal surface of the pipeline, however, in a preferred form, the opening will be formed after the emitter is connected to the internal surface of the piping. The opening is typically formed by means of a die, a press, a hole punch or the like. Thus, adjustments to the location of the outlet opening can be made by adjusting where this perforation occurs in the pipeline.
[0089] In addition, in some forms, color can be added to individual emitters and / or drip lines and their manufacturing methods to distinguish these products or product lines from each other or to mean something related to use or application intended for the items. For example, one color can be used to identify an emitter or drip line that drips at a rate of one gallon per hour (1 GPH) (3.785 L / h), another color can be used to identify an emitter or drip line which drips at a rate of two gallons per hour (2 GPH) (7.57 L / h), another color can be used to identify an emitter or drip line that drips at four gallons per hour (4 GPH) (15, 14 L / h). In one form, emitters of different flow rates are distinguished by color so that workers can more easily determine which emitters should be inserted into the extruded pipeline during assembly in order to obtain a drip line with drip rates of common emitter. In another way, the extruded piping can be made in a specific color or have a specific color marking to designate the flow rate of the drip emitters located therein to assist workers and / or end users to distinguish between drip lines of different drip rates. In yet another form, both emitters and piping can include color to specify drip rate or the intended application. In another form, colors can be used to represent the fluid source to be used with the emitter or drip line or the particular application for which the emitter or drip line is to be used (a). For example, the color purple is often used to indicate that reclaimed or recycled water is being used. Thus, the emitter or drip line could be marked with this color to indicate that the emitter or drip line is intended for these types of applications or to indicate the type of fluid that is supposed to run through these types of emitters / drip lines. If desired, any of the modalities and methods disclosed in this document could include adding color for such purposes.
[0090] Turning to the mode of Figure 4, it should be noted that in this form the emitter 310 includes a deflector design having teeth that extend from the sides of the emitter body 320 towards each other to form the passage of winding flow 350 without a central baffle portion. The height of each tooth is higher on the sides of the emitting body 320 than at the distal end of each tooth and as the fluid pressure increases the flow channel floor 361 moves upward towards the inner surface of the tube 370 bringing the portions of the teeth closer to the sides of the emitting body 320 to close (for example, by touching, engaging, etc.) the inner surface of the tube 370 first, before gradually closing each tooth more and more against the inner surface of the 370 tube simultaneously until the floor 361 can no longer move. Thus, instead of closing the deflector teeth consecutively or in sequence against the inner surface of the tube 370 to lengthen the pressure reduction flow passage 350 and compensate for the increase in pressure, this configuration allows each tooth to gradually close the inner surface of the tube 370 simultaneously in response to increases in line pressure thereby extending the pressure reduction flow passage 350 and reducing the cross section of the pressure reduction flow channel 350 to form a 360 pressure compensation mechanism that compensates for increases and decreases in line pressure. For convenience, only a portion of tube 370 is illustrated in Figure 4 so that a portion of the emitter body 320 remains visible, however, it should be understood that tube 370 would extend over the entire emitter body 320 and that the emitter body 320 would be attached to the inner surface of the tube in a similar manner to that discussed above.
[0091] In the illustrated form, the fluid flowing through the drip line 370 enters the emitter 310 through inlet openings 330, travels through the winding passage 350 and then exits emitter 310 through the outlet opening 371. The pressure compensation mechanism 360 reduces the cross section of the flow channel 350 by raising the floor 361 of flow channel 350 and pressing more of the upper surfaces of the deflector teeth in engagement with the inside of the pipe surface 370 as the fluid pressure increases, and cross-section of flow channel 350 increases by allowing flow channel floor 361 to move away from the inner surface of tubing 370 as the fluid pressure decreases. This configuration also provides a large central flow path along the middle of the pressure reduction flow channel 350 that allows easier processing of gravel or other particulate matter, particularly at the beginning and end of the fluid flow due to low pressures associated with them and due to the fact that the portion of the flow channel 350 with the largest cross-sectional area will always remain in the middle of the emitter 310 and, specifically, in the longitudinal geometric axis of the flow channel 350.
[0092] Figures 5A-B are seen in perspective of an alternative drop emitter and drip line incorporating features of the present invention in which the pressure reducing flow channel consists of deflectors with flexible teeth that move in response to fluid flow through the emitting body. According to the practices above, items that are common to those discussed above will use the same two-digit numerical reference, but with the addition of the prefix “4” to distinguish one modality from the other. In the illustrated form, only a portion of the tube 470 is illustrated in Figure 5A so that the details of the emitter body 420 can be seen, however, it should be understood that the entire emitter body 420 would be inserted into the tube 470 and connected to a surface inner tube 470.
[0093] Emitter 410 includes a plurality of flexible baffle walls that extend from opposite sides of the emitter body 420 towards each other and in a staggered arrangement so that a wall is not directly opposite to a wall on the other side of the emitting body 420. In the illustrated form, the deflector walls form flexible teeth that are narrower than those discussed above and form generally rectangular walls connected at their bases to the floor 461 of the pressure reduction flow channel 450 and on one side next to the emitting body 420. Thus, when the fluid flows through the supply line 470, at least a portion of the fluid flows through the inlet opening 430, through the winding passage 450 defined by the deflector walls 452, to the outlet 440 and through outlet opening 471. As the fluid pressure in the supply line increases, the floor of flow channel 461 moves towards the surface inner tube 470 impelling the tops of the deflector walls to engage with the inner surface of the supply line pipe 470 and thereby restricting or reducing the cross-sectional area of the flow channel 450 and / or increasing the length of the flow channel flow 450 in response to the increase in pressure to compensate for the increase in supply line fluid pressure. As the fluid pressure in the supply line continues to increase, the deflector walls 452 closest to the inlet 430 flex or bend in the direction of the fluid flow. This is because the pressure of the fluid is always greater than the pressure of the floor 461 raising the deflector walls 452 to engage with the inner surface of the tube 470. As the fluid pressure increases further within the tube 470, more and more of the flexible baffle walls 452 will flex or bend in the direction of fluid flow which can also assist the emitter in processing obstructions such as gravel or other particulate matter by allowing the baffle walls to bend so that the obstructions can be carried through the channel flow and out of the emitter 410. In contrast, when the fluid pressure decreases in the supply line 470, the deflector walls cease the fold and return to their normal positions (for example, as shown in Figure 5A) and the floor 461 descends, allowing walls 452 to move away from the inner surface of tube 470 and thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of the flow path 450 and / or reducing the length of flow channel 450 to account for the decrease in fluid pressure. Thus, emitter 410 is equipped with a pressure compensation mechanism 460 like some of the other modalities discussed in this document.
[0094] Although the illustrated modality shows circular inlets and outlets 430 and 471, it should be understood that, in alternative modalities, these inlet and outlet openings can take on a variety of different shapes and sizes. In addition, in alternative forms, the emitting body 420 can be designed with larger reservoirs or basins located at entrance 430 and exit 440 (as shown in Figures 1A-H), instead of passing directly to the winding flow passage 450 as illustrated in Figures 5A-B. In addition, the flexible baffle walls 452 disclosed in this embodiment could easily be used in any of the other embodiments disclosed in this document, just as any of the features of the various embodiments discussed in this document could be mixed and combined with each other to form another one. modality no matter in which modality the specific resource is being momentarily illustrated. Thus, in one form, the flexible teeth 452 can be used in a more similar manner to that shown in Figures 1A-H (for example, with a U-shaped winding passage). In yet another form, the flexible teeth 452 can be attached to the emitting body 420 in such a way as to be predisposed to flex or bend in a preferred direction. For example, instead of having flexible teeth 452 bending in the same direction in which fluid flows through emitter 410, teeth 452 could be predisposed at an angle that would cause teeth 452 to bend in a direction opposite to the flow of fluid in order to to cause more turbulence and interference with the fluid flowing through the emitter 410. As mentioned above, however, in the preferred form of the embodiment of Figures 5A-B, the deflector walls 452 will bend in the same direction as the fluid flow.
[0095] Yet another embodiment of an alternative drop emitter and drip line according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 6A-D. As with the other modalities discussed in this document, this modality will use the same two-digit numerical reference to refer to items similar to those discussed above, but will include the prefix “5” to distinguish one modality from the others. Thus, in the form illustrated in Figures 6A-D, the emitter 510 includes an emitter body 520 having an inlet 530, an outlet 540 and a winding flow path 550 extending between them; however, unlike the previous modalities discussed in this document, deflector walls 552 include at least one hollow portion that fills with fluid as the supply line fluid pressure increases in order to reduce the cross-sectional area and / or increase the length of the flow channel 550 to compensate for an increase in fluid pressure.
[0096] More particularly, in the form illustrated in Figures 6A-D, the teeth 552 of the deflector walls are hollowed out or define an opening or void 554 in order to allow fluid from the supply line to fill the void 554 of the hollow teeth 552 (or space 554 defined by each hollow tooth) and, as the supply line fluid pressure increases, swell or increase the size of each 552 tooth by filling that void with pressurized fluid and thereby causing the size of the teeth to grow / expand and reduce the cross sectional area of flow channel 550 to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure. The bottom view of the emitter body 520 (which is the side of the emitter facing the fluid flowing through the supply line 570) is illustrated in Figure 6D showing the void 554 and illustrating how part of the supply line fluid can flow along the bottom surface of the emitter body 520, fill in the voids 554 of the hollow teeth, enter the emitter inlet 530 and / or continue to flow along the supply line 570.
[0097] As the fluid pressure increases, the floor of the emitter 561 will also move upward, and thus the upper surfaces of the deflector walls 552 will gradually engage more and more of the inner tube surface 570 thereby increasing the winding passage length 550 through which the fluid must flow in order to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure. In contrast, when the fluid pressure decreases, the floor 561 will fall, gradually disengaging the deflector walls 552 from the inner surface of the tube 570 and the teeth 552 will shrink or reduce in size to effectively increase the cross sectional area of the flow path. 550 and reduce the length of the winding passage through which the fluid must flow to compensate for the reduction in fluid pressure. Thus, in the same way as the previous modalities discussed in this document, the emitter 510 is equipped with both a pressure reducing flow path 550 and a pressure compensation mechanism 560 to ensure that each emitter operates easily and as desired .
[0098] In Figure 6A, the supply line fluid pressure is low and thus the teeth of the deflector walls 552 are not increased and the upper surfaces of the deflector walls are not completely engaged with the inner surface of the line of the supply line. supply 570. This reduces the length of the flow channel 550 through which the fluid has to flow and allows the flow channel 550 to have a maximum cross-sectional area. In Figure 6B, the fluid pressure of the supply line increased slightly to a generally intermediate pressure level so that the deflector wall teeth 552 increased slightly and the upper surfaces of the deflector walls closest to the emitting body side 520 start to engage the inner surface of the supply line tube 570. This increases the length of the flow channel 550 through which the fluid has to flow and reduces the cross-sectional area of the flow channel 550 to account for or compensate for the increase in fluid pressure. In Figure 6C, the supply line fluid pressure has additionally increased to a high pressure level so that the teeth of the deflector walls 552 have grown or increased to their maximum size (or even close to their maximum size) and the upper surfaces of the deflectors completely engage the inner surface of the 570 supply line tube. This further increases the length of the flow channel 550 that the fluid has to pass through (thereby maximizing the amount of pressure reduction that is happening through flow channel 550) and reduces the cross-sectional area of flow channel 550 to its smallest cross-sectional area to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure. In addition, deflector teeth 552 in Figure 6C are shown by tilting or bending in the direction of fluid flow (similar to that shown with respect to the embodiment of Figures 5A-B). Thus, with this configuration, the pressure reducing flow channel has a first cross-sectional area at lower fluid pressures, a second cross-sectional area, smaller than the first, at higher fluid pressures to compensate for the increase in the fluid pressure so that the emitter and the drip line drip fluid at a generally constant or desired rate, and a plurality of cross-sectional areas gradually decreasing as the fluid pressure increases from the pressure that exists in the first area in cross section until the pressure in the second cross section area.
[0099] Figures 6B-C are seen in perspective of a portion of the flow channel of Figure 6A illustrating the deflector hollow teeth partially enlarged and completely enlarged, respectively, in response to an increase in fluid pressure showing how the area in cross section of the pressure reduction flow channel in Figure 6B has a smaller cross-sectional area than that illustrated in Figure 6A due to an increase in fluid pressure and showing how the cross sectional area of the pressure reduction flow channel of Figure 6C is effectively less than that illustrated in Figure 6B due to an additional increase in fluid pressure.
[00100] Another transmitter incorporating features of the present invention is shown in Figures 7A-I. According to the practices above, this modality will use numerical references with the same last two digits to describe items that are similar to those discussed above, but will include the prefix “6” merely to distinguish one modality from the other (for example, the emitting body will be referred to as 620 indicating that it is similar to previous emitting bodies 520, 420, 320, 220, 120 and 20).
[00101] In this modality, the emitter 620 is made of an elastomeric material and defines a single flow channel or pressure reduction passage 650 seated in a generally straight pattern like the one illustrated in Figures 4-6D above, and not in a curved or U-shaped pattern as shown in Figures 1A-3G. The flow channel 650 has a plurality of teeth extending from external deflector walls 552 which move in response to changes in fluid pressure in order to provide a pressure compensating emitter. In this particular embodiment, however, the unitary emitting body 620 defines a first and a second outer deflector wall 652a, 652c which are interconnected by means of the joint or joint 652e. The deflectors of the first wall 652a extend into the flow path by means of teeth 652b and the deflectors in the wall 652c extend outwards into the flow path by means of teeth 652d. When the fluid pressure increases, the walls 652a, 652c and their respective teeth 652b, 652d are moved from a first position or static position where the walls and teeth are separated from each other to a second, higher or position of high pressure in which the walls and teeth are compressed tightly together thereby reducing the cross section of the fluid passage 650 and restricting the amount of fluid whose flow is allowed through the emitter 620 and reducing the flow rate thereof. In this way, the entire fluid passage 650 is able to serve as the pressure compensation member 660.
[00102] More particularly and as best shown in Figures 7B, 7C-E, 7G and 7I, the unitary emitting body 620 defines an entrance 630, an exit 640 and having first wall 652a and second wall 652c between entrance 630 and exit 640. The first and second walls 652a, 652c define a pressure reducing or pressure reducing flow channel 650 and having an interconnecting member or interconnection 650e between them. In this way, the emitter 620 operates similar to the emitter 520 (Figures 6A-D) in which increases in fluid pressure result in lateral or sideways movement or tooth growth 652b, 652d to reduce the size of the flow path 650 and, in particular, the effective cross-section of the flow passage 650.
[00103] As shown in Figures 7E and 7I, the side walls 652a, 652c and the interconnecting member 652e form an arched cross-sectional shape (for example, a generally U-shape) that extends downwardly from the top of the emitter 620 and which runs along the longitudinal geometric axis of the emitter 620. In addition, and as best illustrated in Figures 7D and 7E, the flow or passage channel 650 further increases in height from the inlet side or end 630 of the emitter 620 to an intermediate point of the emitter 620, but then decreases in height from the intermediate point of the emitter 620 to the outlet end 640 of the emitter 620. More particularly, the walls 652a, 652c increase in height from the inlet end from the emitter 630 to the middle or general center of the emitter 620 and then decreases in height from the middle / center of the emitter 620 to the outlet portion 640 of the emitter 620. Thus, the pressure reducing channel 650 has a variant cross-sectional area along its longitudinal geometric axis and the maximum cross-sectional area of flow channel 650 is in the middle portion of flow channel 650.
[00104] In a preferred form, the series of alternating baffles 652b, 652d extending from the first and second walls 652a, 652c vary in length or height in a manner corresponding to the varied length or height of the walls 652a, 652c giving on the first and second walls a cross section that appears as an oval shape in certain planes as shown in Figure 7D. This configuration means that the intermediate portion 650f of flow channel 650 will have the maximum length or height for baffles 652b, 652d, and that that portion of flow channel 650 will be affected first in relation to increases in fluid pressure due to fact that it offers more surface area than other portions of flow channel 650. Thus, flow channel 650 will be compressed or tightened in the intermediate area 650f of the first emitter, rather than anywhere else along the flow channel. flow (for example, before the portions at or near the intake and emission ends 630, 640).
[00105] As best illustrated in Figures 7C and 7D, baffles 652b, 652d are preferably toothed, causing the edges of baffles 652b for the first wall 652a to overlap the edges of baffles 652d for the second wall 652c. In the illustrated form, the overlap is approximately twenty thousandths of an inch (0.020 ”) (0.508mm) with teeth 652b, 652d varying in length or height from thirty thousandths of an inch (0.030”) (0.762mm) to one hundred thousandth of an inch (0.100 ") (2.54mm) and having a maximum flow span when the first and second walls 652a, 652c are in their static or unmoved position of thirty thousandths of an inch (0.030") (0.762mm) (the space of the gap between the first and second walls 652a, 652c being approximately fifty thousandths of an inch (0.050 ”) (1.27mm). It should be understood, however, that in alternative modalities these dimensions can be changed and instead of overlapping between teeth 652b, 652d, a gap can be maintained to help unload the emitter 650 from obstructions such as gravel (as discussed above).
[00106] Another difference with respect to the emitter 620 of Figures 7A-I and the previous modalities is that the emitter 620 defines an outlet bowl 640 that has projections such as walls or cones / pillars 641 to prevent the outlet reservoir 640 from disassembling under increases in fluid pressure. In this way, these 641 structures are similar to the nodes discussed above (for example, 41, 141 and 241), however, they connect to the outer wall of the emitter 620, the wall defining the basin 640, instead of rising from the surface the floor of exit 640.
[00107] As in previous embodiments, the emitter 620 has a top surface that can be fixed to the surface inside a duct (not shown) at predetermined intervals to form a drip line using said duct. issuer. Unlike previous modalities that used guide ribs (for example, 25 to 29), the emitter body 620 uses indentations or guide slits 621 and 624 to align the emitter 620 and insert it into the conduit during construction, preferably while the conduit is extruded. Inlet 630 also preferably has a recessed opening or inlet, such as channel 631 which helps to prevent large obstructions from entering emitter 620 during operation within a fluid-filled drip line.
[00108] Turning now to Figures 8A-G, in which another emitter is illustrated incorporating features of the present invention, that emitter defines a series of deflector rows transverse to the longitudinal geometric axis of the emitter and extending inwards of the pressure reduction flow path, with the portion of the deflectors varying in height to create a structure that compensates for the pressure. According to what is described above, items that are similar to those discussed in previous modalities will be referred to using the same last two-digit identifier, but using the prefix “7” to distinguish one modality from others. Thus, in the illustrated form, the emitting body is referred to by the numerical reference 720.
[00109] In the form illustrated in Figures 8A-G, the unitary emitting body 720 is made of an elastomeric material and defines a single flow channel or pressure reduction passage 750 seated (a) in a general serpentine pattern. Body 720 has a longitudinal geometric axis and defines an inlet 730 and outlet 740 in addition to the pressure reduction flow path 750 that connects both inlet 730 and outlet 740. Body 720 has a series of deflector rows 752g-m , which extend transversely to the longitudinal geometric axis of the emitter 720 and into the pressure reduction flow path 750. A first series of baffles, 752g, 752h and 752i has a constant height, while a second series of baffles, 752j , 752k, 752l and 752m varies in height. Deflectors having a varying height, 752j-752m, have a static or normal position and a pressurized elevated position (or elevated pressure position).
[00110] In the illustrated embodiment, the deflectors are formed in the form of teeth positioned on a wall in which each deflector tooth of varying height has a base 752n and a distal or terminal end 752o with the variable height being at a maximum height in the base 752n and at a minimum height at the distal or terminal end 752o. The deflector teeth are staggered or positioned to alternate with each other so that the teeth align opposite gaps between teeth members on the opposite wall to define the flow of fluid 750.
[00111] In Figures 8A-G, at least two rows of the baffle series (for example, 752k, 752l) include teeth members of varying height. Two additional rows of the baffle series (eg 752j, 752m) include teeth members of varying height on one side of the baffle. The baffle row 752j includes teeth of continuous height that extend on one side of the row (for example, the side facing inlet 730) and teeth of varying height on the opposite side of the row (for example, the side facing outflow 740). The row of baffles 752h and 752i has a continuous height (including all teeth). The row of baffles 752g and 752m have teeth that extend from just one side of their respective row, with the row of baffle 752g being of continuous height and the row of baffle 752m being of varying height. Thus, with this configuration, the deflectors with varying height 752j-m serve as the pressure compensation member 760 for the emitter 720.
[00112] Thus, when a plurality of emitters 720 is installed in a conduit to form a drip line, the fluid will flow through the conduit, into the entrance of the drop emitter 720 and through a pressure reducing flow passage. 750. As the fluid pressure increases in the conduit, the passage floor of the passage 750 will push up into the flow passage 750 at least in areas where deflectors of varying height are provided (for example, compensation portion 760) due to the spacing that exists and allows movement of the deflector. This will cause the deflector teeth to move to the high pressure position of the teeth, preferably forcing the upper surfaces of the teeth to engage the surface inside the duct (or approach such a hitch), thereby reducing the cut cross-flow flow 750 in that area and restricting the amount of fluid that can flow through that region to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure. Thus, the emitter operates similar to the emitter modalities discussed above with respect to Figures 1A-I and 2A-F.
[00113] Although the modality illustrated in Figures 8A-G shows a specific series of deflectors having continuous height and varying height, it should be understood that in alternative modalities, more or less deflectors 752g-m can have varying heights. In fact, in some forms, all deflectors can be supplied at a constant height (for example, in situations where no pressure compensation feature is required or desired for the emitter). Alternatively, in other embodiments, all deflectors may have some form of component of varying height.
[00114] In Figures 8A-G, the emitter 720 preferably includes a guide indentation, such as channel 721, which serves the dual role of assisting in positioning or aligning the emitter 720 for insertion into the duct and helps to retract the entrance 730 from the emitter 720 into a recessed opening 731 which helps to block the entry of major obstructions into the emitter 720 or at least blocks the entire flow of fluid into the inlet 730.
[00115] The emitter body 720 additionally defines an outlet bowl 740 and the pressure reduction flow path 750 includes an outlet end in the outlet bowl. In a preferred form, the unitary emitter body 720 will include at least one projection 741 in the outlet bowl 740 to prevent the outlet bowl from disassembling under increased fluid pressure. In the illustrated form, a plurality of projections or nodes 741 extends upwards from the floor of outlet 740 to prevent disassembly of basin 740. Additional rectangular notches or voids are illustrated in Figure 8E that show how the emitter body 720 can be designed to use less elastomeric material, which will not only save material cost, but will also reduce the amount of time it takes to manufacture the emitter 720 and can potentially improve the operation of the pressure compensation portion 760 of the emitter 720 due to the fact that thinner portions of elastomeric material will be more responsive to pressure increases than larger portions of elastomeric material.
[00116] Turning now to Figures 9A-B, yet another emitter is illustrated incorporating features of the present invention in which a unitary emitter body defines a series of deflector rows transverse to the longitudinal geometric axis of the emitter and extending to the interior of the pressure reduction flow path, and a plurality of outlet basins with at least a portion of the outlet basins being movable between a first and a second position, the second position being more constrictive for fluid flow than the first position . As described above, portions of this modality that are similar to those discussed above will use the same numerical references with the last two digits as those discussed above, but using the prefix “8” simply to distinguish one modality from the others. Thus, in Figures 9A-B, the emitting body will be called the 820 body.
[00117] In the form illustrated in Figures 9A-B, the unitary emitting body 820 is made of an elastomeric material and has a longitudinal geometric axis. Body 820 additionally defines a pressure reduction flow path 850 and an inlet 830 for pressure reduction flow path 850. Body 820 includes a series of deflector rows 852g, 852h, 852i and 852j, which are positioned transversal to the longitudinal geometric axis of the emitter 820 and extending into the flow passage for pressure reduction 850 to form a winding passage that is additionally seated in a serpentine manner. In addition, however, the emitting body 820 further defines a plurality of outlet basins. In the illustrated form, the body 820 defines a first outlet bowl 842, a second outlet bowl 843 and a third outlet bowl 844. The pressure reducing flow passage 850 includes an outlet end that opens to the first bowl of pressure outlet 842, and a first passage 845 extends between the first and second outlet basins 842, 843. In a preferred form, at least a portion of the first outlet or first pass has a first position and a second position, the second position being more constrictive for fluid flow than the first position.
[00118] More particularly, in the shape shown, the first passage 845 is defined by the wall member 847 and moves between a first non-pressurized position where the passage remains in its normal state and the cross section of the passage 845 is in its size initial position, and a second pressurized position in which the first passage is raised or moved towards the inner duct surface so that the emitter is mounted in this way, decreasing the cross section of the first passage 845 to form a more constricting corridor and compensate for the increase in fluid pressure experienced by the emitter 820. The first passage 845 is in the form of a notch, however, it should be understood that notches or grooves of various different sizes could be used as desired while still maintaining the pressure compensation capabilities discussed above. An advantage of smaller configurations, however, is that a small surface area is being used to achieve pressure compensation, and thus the pressure compensation member can be controlled more easily and can be produced in a way that provides more accurate results. consistent from sender to sender.
[00119] In alternative modalities, it should be understood that the floor of the first outlet basin 842 can alternatively be made to be mobile and not the first passage 845. For example, the floor of the first outlet basin 842 can be configured to move between a first non-pressurized position where the floor remains in its normal state and the cross section of the basin opening formed by the first basin 842 is in its initial size, and a second pressurized position in which at least a portion of the floor is pushed or extended into the first bowl 842 by increased fluid pressure within the conduit so that the emitter 820 is thereby assembled by decreasing the cross section of the bowl opening formed by the first bowl 842 to compensate for this increase in fluid pressure. In yet other embodiments, both the first passage 845 and the first outlet basin 842 can be movable between these positions. However, as mentioned above, in a preferred form, only the first pass 845 will be designed to move in such a way because the movement of a small surface like this is easier to control and produce results that can be repeated from emitter to emitter. .
[00120] Turning once again to Figures 9A-B, the emitter 820 additionally defines a third outlet bowl 844 and a second passage 846 that extend between the second outlet bowl 843 and the third outlet bowl 844. The second passage 846 is defined by the wall members 848a, 848b and differs in shape from that of the first passage 845. In a preferred form, neither the second outlet bowl 843 nor the second passage 846 are configured to compensate for pressure and are simply allowed to the fluid flowing through the second outlet basin 843 through to the third outlet basin 844. The conduit to which the emitter 820 is connected will define an outlet opening as the drip line outlet opening 71 (mentioned with respect to Figure 1 above) and this opening can be positioned above or the second or third outlet basins 843, 844. In alternative modalities, it should be understood that if the desired flow rate can be achieved through the first passage 845, the emitter 820 can be designed with only one additional outlet basin which may either result in combining the second and third outlet basins 843, 844 to provide only a second outlet basin, or result in enable the manufacturer to reduce the size of the emitter to finish after the second 843 outlet bowl.
[00121] In yet other modalities, it should be understood that at least a portion of the second outlet bowl 843 or the second passage 846 can also be configured to move between a third position and a fourth position, the fourth position being more constrictive for fluid flow that the third position in order to further compensate for changes in fluid pressure if desired. For example, in the illustrated form, the floor of the second basin 843 could be made movable between a third non-pressurized position where the floor remains in its normal state and the cross section of the basin opening formed by the second basin 843 remains in an initial size , and a fourth pressurized position in which at least a portion of the floor is pushed or extended into the second basin 843 by increased fluid pressure within the conduit so that the emitter 820 is assembled thereby decreasing the cross section of the basin opening formed by the second bowl 844 to compensate for this increase in fluid pressure. Alternatively, the second passage 846 between the second and third outlet basins 843, 844, respectively, could be configured to move so that the cross section of the opening passage reduces in size when moved from a third position to a fourth position. In yet another form, both the second outlet bowl 843 and the second passage 846 could be configured to move in response to increases in fluid pressure to compensate for them.
[00122] In yet other modalities and as mentioned with respect to the first passage 845 above, the second passage 846 can be supplied in a variety of different shapes and sizes. It is preferred, however, to maintain a smaller size and shape for this passage (if configured to compensate for pressure) so that the operation of the passage is easier to control and reproduce with repeated results from emitter to emitter. Alternatively, as mentioned above, no second passage 846 can be provided since the first outlet basin 842 can be configured to emit fluid directly into the second and last outlet basin.
[00123] Turning once again to Figures 9A-B, the third outlet bowl 844 is connected to the second outlet bowl 843 via the second passage 846 and additionally includes projections or nodes 841 to prevent the third bowl from output 844 disassemble in response to increases in fluid pressure. As in the embodiment of Figures 8A-G, the rows of baffles 825g-j of the emitter 820 of Figures 9A-B are preferably formed with teeth extending from wall members with the teeth being staggered with respect to each other. so that the teeth at least partially align with the gaps created between opposing teeth of the deflecting members to form the winding pressure reducing flow 850 passage between them. Finally, emitter 820 preferably includes a guide indentation 821 to align and insert emitter 820 into the conduit and to create a recessed entrance 831 that is protected from major obstructions moving through the conduit in a manner similar to that discussed above in modalities previous ones.
[00124] As mentioned above, in alternative modalities, other portions of the first, second and third outlet basins 842, 843 and 844 (including first and second passages 845 and 846) can be configured to move to compensate for changes in fluid pressure. In addition, it should be understood that other features of previous modalities can be incorporated in the modality illustrated in Figures 9A-B and vice versa. More particularly, any of the resources mentioned above with respect to the various modalities discussed in this document can be combined or mixed and correspond to each other to find alternative modalities that are intended to be covered by this document.
[00125] An alternative embodiment of a transmitter according to aspects of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 10A-E. According to the above practice, items in this modality that are similar to those previously discussed will be referred to using the same two-digit numerical reference, but adding the prefix “9” to distinguish one modality from the others. Thus, the emitter illustrated in Figures 10A-E will be referred to in general by the numerical reference 910.
[00126] In the illustrated embodiment, emitter 910 has a single-piece construction or unitary body and defines an inlet 930, an inlet channel 931, a pressure reducing flow channel 950, a pressure compensation member or channel 960 and an outlet 940. Pressure compensation member 960 and outlet 940 essentially form first and second basins 942, 943 divided by first and second wall members 947a, 947b with a passage 945 passing between them, and a third or last basin 944 separated from the second basin 943 via passage 946. The emitter 910 includes an inlet protrusion or projection, such as an elongated inlet sleeve 932, which extends from the inlet opening 930 more towards the center or middle of the lumen of tube 970 inside which the emitter 910 is mounted (see Figure 10E). This allows inlet 930 to draw fluid from the center region and not a circumferential periphery of the inner lumen of tube 970 on which the emitter is mounted. As a larger gravel or other particulate matter or particles found in the fluid that travels through the drip line tube 970 tend to be close to the inner wall of the tube (close to the circumferential periphery), have sleeve 932 projecting inlet 930 additionally to the interior of or towards the center of the inner lumen of tube 970 helps to reduce the potential that gravel or other particulate matter will enter and / or clog the emitter 910 or prevent it from performing as desired (and particularly the larger parts that are most likely to cause a problem for the operation of the 910 transmitter).
[00127] In the illustrated form, the inlet protrusion 932 forms a sleeve that extends outwardly from the emitting body 910 towards the center of the inner lumen of the tube 970. The sleeve 932 has a rounded or chamfered distal end and defines a inlet opening channel 931 which is generally rectangular in cross-section and connects in fluid communication the outermost inlet opening located at the distal end of the inlet sleeve 932 to the sinuous flow passage 950 and, in particular, to the reducing flow section pressure of the flow channel. Inlet sleeve 932 extends from the longitudinal center of one end of the emitting body 920; however, it should be understood that, in alternative forms, the inlet sleeve 932 may extend from another location on the emitter body 920, such as from a corner or side of the emitter body (as will be discussed further with respect to modalities of Figures 12A-15B). It should also be understood that although the entry sleeve 932 is illustrated as a generally oval or rounded rectangular sleeve in Figures 10A-E, the entry sleeve 932 can be supplied in a variety of different shapes and sizes (including without limitation length and cross section). An advantage of the rounded edges of the entry sleeve 932, however, is that they reduce the number of flat surfaces located at the emitter 910 that are typically prone to joining gravel and other particulate matter (eg, gravel accumulation).
[00128] In the illustrated form, the emitting body 920 has a height varying between one hundred thousandths of an inch (0.100 ") (2.54mm) and one hundred and fifty thousandths of an inch (0.150") (3.81 mm) (see dimension C in Figure 10E), a width varying between two hundred and fifty thousandths of an inch (0.250 ”) (6.35mm) and four hundred thousandths of an inch (0.400”) (10.2mm), and a length varying between eight hundredths of an inch ( 0.800 ”) (20.3mm) and fifteen hundred thousandths of an inch (1,500”) (38.1mm). The emitting body 920 will be inserted into the drip tubing of conventional sizes, which vary not only in the sizes of the external diameter (“OD”) (for example, 1 ”, 1.5”, etc.) (6.35mm , 12.7mm, 19.1mm, 25.4mm, 38.1mm), but also vary in internal diameter sizes (“ID”) due to differences in pipe wall thicknesses. Thus, in a preferred form, the height of the inlet sleeve 932 (see dimension B in Figure 10E) will be such that the inlet opening 930 is positioned between twenty and fifty percent (20 to 50%) of pipe ID 970 The following chart provides exemplary height ranges for the 932 extended inlet sleeve on some of the more conventional ID tube sizes: _________________________________________________________ [00129] Although the chart indicates a height ranging between one hundred and two thousandths of an inch (0.102 ”) (2.59mm) and three hundred and ninety-four thousandths of an inch (0.394 ”) (10.0mm), it should be understood that a pipe of varying sizes can be used, and thus, the actual height of the 932 inlet sleeve can be be above or below that range. In a preferred form, the entry sleeve 932 will be configured to be half to once (% x to 1x) the height of the emitting body 920 (see dimension C in Figure 10E). Thus, using the height range specified above, this would provide a glove height (see dimension B in Figure 10E) of between fifty thousandths of an inch (0.050 ”) (1.27mm) and two hundred and twenty-five thousandths one inch (0.225 ”) (5.72mm). If it is desirable to keep the size of the emitter 910 low to a minimum, staying closer to a glove 932 that is half (% x) the size of the height of the emitting body 920 will be preferred.
[00130] The emitter 910 illustrated in Figures 10A-E additionally includes a different flow passage configuration and, specifically, a different pattern or design for the pressure reduction portion of the flow passage and a different design or orientation for the portion pressure compensation of the flow passage. More particularly, in the illustrated form, the pressure reducing portion of the flow path is a much more condensed serpentine pattern due to the smaller size of emitter 910 (for example, emitter 910 is approximately one third (1/3) of the size of the modalities discussed previously), and the pressure compensation portion 960 includes a different orientation, but still includes two opposing wall members 947a, 947b that bend towards each other to form angled teeth or a notch that can be moved between low pressure fluid positions where maximum spans are provided between upper surfaces of the wall members 947a, 947b and the inner surface of the tube 970 within which the emitter is mounted and high pressure fluid positions in which the spans between the upper surfaces of the wall members 947a, 947b and the inner surface of the tube 970 are at their minimum (possibly not even if there is a gap). The movement of the wall members 947a, 947b is achieved by moving the floor of the emitter close to the wall members 947a, 947b. Thus, when the fluid pressure increases within the inner lumen of the tube 970, the floor of the emitter 910 and associated wall members 947a, 947b are moved towards the inner surface of the tube 970 thereby taking the cross-sectional area of the passage flow through the emitter to be reduced at passage 945 to create a pressure drop from bowl 942 to bowl 943 to account for the increase in fluid pressure. This setting causes the 910 emitter to drip fluid at a generally constant flow rate.
[00131] In the form illustrated in Figures 10A-E, an indentation is formed on the back side (i.e., bottom or rear) of the emitter 910 below the pressure compensation portion 960 in order to tune the floor 961 to make the even more responsive to increases in pressure for the fluid moving through the inner lumen of tube 970. This indentation gives the floor 961 a springboard-like effect or action and allows wall members 947a, 947b to be moved more easily between their low fluid pressure and high fluid pressure positions, similar to the movable wall members discussed above with respect to previous modalities. The indentation extends beyond the movable wall portion (that is, the movable notch or portion of teeth or portion of teeth of the flipper type) of the flow path and into the at least part of the fixed tooth portion of the flow path. flow. This configuration could be used to allow the floor 961 of that portion of the fixed teeth portion to move in response to increases and decreases in fluid pressure in the tube or line 970 to further assist the emitter 910 to compensate for these changes in the system. Thus, that portion of the fixed height section of the flow path can provide both pressure reduction and pressure compensation if desired. In alternative forms, however, the thinning of the floor of the fixed teeth portion will be designed to not move in this way despite the presence of this indentation in which case the fixed portion will only reduce pressure. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments of the invention indentations of different sizes and shapes can be used to create springboard areas of different size and shape to achieve the desired pressure compensation effect (including without limitation those discussed in the modalities below).
[00132] In a preferred form, the emitter 910 is made of any material that has the ability to allow the upper surfaces of wall members 947a, 947b to be moved upwards towards the inner surface of the tube 970 in order to reduce the cut flow channel and compensate for the increased fluid pressure inside tube 970. For example, emitter 910 can be made of TPO having a durometer reading ranging from 25 to 100 (preferably between 50 and 75) and allowing the pressure compensation portion 960 moves between five thousandths of an inch (0.005 ”) (0.127mm) and thirty thousandths of an inch (0.030”) (0.762mm) and preferably between eight thousandths of an inch (0.008 ”) (0.203) mm) and twenty-two thousandths of an inch (0.022 ”) (0.559mm).
[00133] As mentioned above, the emitter illustrated in Figures 10A-E is approximately one third (1/3) the size of the emitters illustrated in Figures 1A-9B. This size still allows the emitter to operate within the desired pressure compensation parameters, but saves a significant amount in material costs. In alternative forms, the emitter of Figures 10A-E can be configured so that it is slightly larger and is approximately half (½) the size of the emitters illustrated in Figures 1A-9B. For example, this can be done in order to increase the size of the trampoline area or the pressure compensation area 960 of the emitter 910 in order to improve the pressure compensation performance of the emitter.
[00134] As shown in Figures 10A-E, the trampoline area or pressure compensation area of the emitter constitutes one third (1/3) to half (1/2) of the entire emitter. In alternative forms, the pressure compensation portion of the emitter may constitute more or less of the entire emitter. For example, in a preferred form, the outlet bowl would constitute one third (1/3) of the emitter and the pressure compensation portion would constitute the remaining two thirds (2/3) of the emitter (which means that there is no pressure-reducing portion in which the gravel is trapped or clogged). Alternatively, a pressure reducing portion could be added and, if desired, the indentation could be extended under the entire pressure reducing portion or fixed teeth portion of the flow passage so that the entire flow path or passage provides pressure compensation. If an emitter with only one pressure compensation portion and outlet bowl cannot be used (that is, one without a pressure reduction portion) in a preferred form, the pressure reduction portion will be one to one and a half (1x to 1.5x) the size or area of the pressure compensation portion in order to provide a desired pressure drop to the fluid passing through the emitter 910. In another form, the pressure reducing portion 950 can be incorporated into the interior of the inlet sleeve 932 and the remaining portion of the flow passage extending between the inlet sleeve 932 and the outlet bowl 940 can be configured to be pressure compensating only.
[00135] In the specific embodiment illustrated in Figures 10A-E, the pressure compensation portion of the flow passage has a width varying between two hundred and fifty thousandths of an inch (0.250 ”) (6.35mm) and three hundred and seventy-five thousandths of an inch (0.375 ”) (9.53mm) and a length varying between one hundred and twenty five thousandths of an inch (0.125”) (3.175mm) and three hundred and seventy-five thousandths of an inch (0.375 ”) (9 , 53mm). The height (or depth) of the pressure compensation flow path varies between twenty thousandths of an inch (0.020 ”) (0.508mm) and thirty thousandths of an inch (0.030”) (0.762mm), with the total height of the emitter again ranging between one hundred thousandths of an inch (0.100 ") (2.54mm) and one hundred and fifty thousandths of an inch (0.150") (3.81mm).
[00136] Emitter 910 also includes a root growth inhibiting member, such as a 980 copper insert or body, which is positioned close to outlet bowl 940 to reduce the risk of roots growing into outlet 940 of emitter 910 In the illustrated form, the copper insert 980 corresponds in shape to the shape of the outlet bowl 940 and is preferably connected to the floor of the outlet bowl 940 so that it cannot move and block the flow of fluid through the emitter 910 and out of outlet 940. In one form, copper insert 980 is formed as a plate that is attached to the bottom of outlet bowl 940 by means of an adhesive. It should be understood, however, that in alternative embodiments, the copper insert 980 can take a variety of different shapes and sizes and can be connected or attached to the emitter in a variety of different ways. For example, with regard to size and shape, in alternative shapes, the copper insert 980 can be shaped to fit only a portion of the outlet bowl 940 (for example, filling only a single finger of the outlet bowl 940 instead of all four fingers illustrated) or in passage 946. In a preferred form, output 940 of emitter 910 will occupy no more than one third (1/3) of the total size of the emitter, thus the copper insert 980 will preferably have a size that is less than one third (1/3) of the total size of the emitter.
[00137] With respect to holding the copper insert 980 in the emitter 910, in alternative ways, the insert 980 can be secured in the emitter 910 by means of alternative ways of fastening (heat stake, rivet, screw, pin, interlocking structures or interlaced (for example, tongue and groove configuration, ball and / or holder, box and ear, etc.), friction or pressure fit, etc.). For example, the side wall of the outlet bowl 940 can be designed with a ledge or projection beyond which the copper insert is pushed during installation in order to hold the 980 copper insert in position or prevent the insert 980 interferes with fluid flow through emitter 910 while generally maintaining insert 980 in a desired location or position. In this form, the lip may be located at a single point on a side wall of the outlet bowl 940. Alternatively, the lip may comprise multiple edges extending outwardly from one or more side walls of the outlet bowl 940. in another form, the flange may comprise a continuous flange that extends around the entire outlet basin 940 or all the side walls of the outlet basin 940.
[00138] In the form illustrated in Figures 10A-E, emitter 910 can be supplied in a plurality of different flow rates (for example, 1 GPH, 2 GPH, 4 GPH, etc.) (3.79 L / h, 7.57 L / h, 15.2 L / h). The 910 emitter can be changed in a variety of different ways to control the emitter flow rate. For example, and without limitation, the gap between movable wall members can be adjusted to achieve different flow rates, the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the emitter can be changed, and the number of fixed or movable teeth can be adjusted to achieve different flow rates. In one form, the gap between the movable wall members 947a, 947b (illustrated as passage 945) can be widened or narrowed in order to change the cross-sectional area of the flow passage to provide emitters of differentiated flow rates. For example, the gap between the wall members 947a, 947b can be widened to allow more fluid to flow through the emitter to provide an emitter with a higher GPH flow rate. In contrast, the gap between the wall members 947a, 947b can be narrowed in order to let less fluid flow through the emitter to provide an emitter with a lower GPH flow rate.
[00139] In another form, the cross-sectional area of other portions of the flow passage can be changed to provide emitters with different flow rates. For example, the floor or depth of the flow passage (either in the pressure reduction portion or in the pressure compensation portion, or both) can be lowered to create a passage with a larger cross-sectional area that allows more fluid flow through the emitter, thereby providing an emitter with a higher flow rate. In contrast, the flow passage floor can be raised to reduce the cross sectional area of the flow passage so that less fluid can flow through the emitter, thereby reducing the flow rate of the emitter.
[00140] In yet another form, the number of teeth can be adjusted for the flow passage to provide emitters with different flow rates. For example, in one form, the number of fixed teeth (that is, fixed-height teeth or teeth that do not move) can be increased to achieve a more sinuous path for further pressure reduction and thus a more rapid flow rate. low. In contrast, the number of fixed teeth can be reduced to achieve a less sinuous path for less pressure reduction and thus a higher flow rate. Alternatively, the number of movable teeth (e.g., wall members 947a, 947b) can be increased or decreased to achieve more or less constrictions to produce more or less pressure compensation, respectively, to achieve different flow rates.
[00141] In yet another form, the height of the movable teeth can be adjusted to provide emitters with different flow rates. For example, movable teeth having a higher height can be used to reduce the amount of pressure required in order to saturate the pressure compensation section of the flow passage. In contrast, movable teeth having less height can be used to increase the amount of fluid pressure the emitter can count on before reaching its saturation point.
[00142] In Figures 11A-E, an alternative form of emitter is illustrated having movable teeth that can be adjusted to provide emitters with different flow rates as discussed above. According to the practices above, items associated with this issuer that are similar to those discussed above will use the same two-digit numerical reference, but with the prefix “10” added to distinguish one modality from the others. Thus, in Figures 11A-E, the emitter is referred to as emitter 1010 and includes a single piece or unitary emitter body 1020 defining an input 1030 and an output 1040. Like the embodiment of Figures 10A-E, the emitter 1010 of Figures 11A-E includes an elongated inlet protrusion, such as sleeve 1032, which is centrally located at one end of the emitter body 1020 and allows the emitter 1010 to extract fluid from the tube into which it is installed from a region closer to the center from the inner lumen of the tube and away from where larger pieces of gravel or particles come together along the inner wall of the tube. The 1032 inlet sleeve preferably includes rounded edges to reduce the number of flat surfaces located on the emitter where gravel build-up can occur. Emitter 1010 also includes outlet walls 1041a, 1041b, 1041c, which support outlet bowl 1040 and prevent the floor of outlet bowl 1040 from dismounting towards the adjacent inner surface of the tube as fluid pressure increases within the supply line or tube. A root growth inhibiting member, such as a copper insert 1080, is also present in the outlet bowl 1040 to prevent roots from hampering the operation of the emitter 1010.
[00143] Unlike the embodiment of Figures 10A-E, however, the embodiment of Figures 11A-E includes a plurality of teeth that move 1062 stepped apart and opposite each other in the pressure compensation section 1060 of the emitter 1010. The emitter 1010 has a notch or indentation formed on the rear side that forms the springboard area of the emitter so that the floor 1061 of the flow path can move the movable teeth 1062 between its low pressure position where the upper surfaces of the movable teeth are separated from the inner surface of the tube or drip line into which the emitter is installed and its high pressure position where the floor 1061 pushes the teeth upwards towards the inner surface of the tube until the upper surfaces of the movable teeth 1062 engage the inner surface of the tube. Moving the movable teeth or flippers 1062 to their high pressure position reduces the cross-sectional area of the flow passage so that less fluid can pass through the emitter 1010 as a means to compensate for the increased line pressure within the tube and to maintain the rate of fluid flow through the emitter 1010 is relatively constant.
[00144] The dimensions specified for the emitter of Figures 10A-E apply equally well to the emitter of Figures 11A-E, and it should be understood that the alternative modalities discussed with respect to Figures 10A-E also apply to the modality of Figures 11A -And also. For example, in alternative forms, the height of the 1032 inlet sleeve can be adjusted as needed to make the emitter draw more fluid from the center region of the tube. In addition, the emitter could be configured with only one flow passage for pressure reduction instead of a pressure reduction portion and a pressure compensation portion. In yet another form, the pressure reducing portion could be incorporated into the interior of the inlet sleeve 1032 with the remainder of the flow passage between the sleeve 1032 and the outlet bowl 1040 being pressure compensating.
[00145] Similarly, it should be understood that the alternative modes for providing emitters of varying flow rate also apply to the embodiment of Figures 11A-E. For example, the depth of the flow passage or a portion of the flow passage could be adjusted to provide emitters of varying flow rates (for example, 1 GPH, 2 GPH, 4 GPH, etc.) (3.79 L / h, 7.57 L / h, 15.2 L / h). Alternatively, the height or number of teeth members (either fixed or movable) can be adjusted to provide emitters of varying flow rates. In yet another form, the gap or spacing between the tooth members can be adjusted to provide emitters of varying flow rates.
[00146] Another emitter modality according to the invention is disclosed in Figures 12A-B. According to the above practice, items with respect to this issuer that are similar to those discussed in the modalities above will use the same two-digit numerical reference, but will add the prefix “11” to distinguish one modality from the other. Thus, in Figures 12A-B, the emitter is referred to by numerical reference 1110 and comprises a unitary body 1120 defining an inlet opening 1130, a flow passage and an outlet bowl 1140. As with the modalities of Figures 10A-11E, emitter 1110 of Figures 12A-B includes an elongated inlet 1032, outlet basin walls 1141a, 1141b and 1141c, and a root growth inhibiting member, such as a copper insert 1180 (shown exploded from the emitter body with purpose of illustrating their presence). Unlike the modalities of Figures 10A-11E, however, the emitter 1110 of Figures 12A-B has an elongated inlet sleeve 1032 that is positioned in a corner of the emitter body 1120 and not centrally located at the end of the emitter. This configuration allows the length of the pressure reducing portion 1250 of the winding flow passage to be maximized in its beginning from the corner of the emitting body 1220, and not in the middle of the body 1220, as is done in the emitter of Figures 10A-11E .
[00147] The emitter 1110 of Figures 12A-B additionally includes a different configuration or design for a pressure compensation portion 160 of the emitter 1110. Specifically, the emitter uses first and second movable wall members 1147a, 1147b, respectively, to compensate increase in fluid line pressure. When in the low pressure position (illustrated), walls 1147a, 1147b and floor 1161 remain in a static state and allow the fluid to overflow the top surfaces of walls 1147a, 1147b. However, when fluid line pressure builds up, the floor or springboard area 1161 of the pressure compensation portion 1160 moves upwards towards the inner surface of the tube on which the emitter is mounted to the upper surfaces of walls 1147a, 1147b seal the inner surface of the tube (or approach that point), which reduces the cross-sectional area of the passage 1145 through which the fluid passes and thereby compensates for the increase in pressure in the fluid line.
[00148] As previously mentioned, the alternative modalities covered above also apply to the modality of Figures 12A-B. For example, although the copper insert 1180 is adhered to the floor of the outlet basin of the emitter 1140, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments the insert 1180 could be connected to the emitter in a variety of different ways (for example, heat stake, rivet, screw, pin, interlocking or interlocking structures (for example, tongue and groove configuration, ball and / or stopper, housing and pin, etc.), friction or pressure fitting, etc.). Similarly, the dimensions of the 1110 emitter or any of its parts could be changed as discussed above in order to suit a particular application.
[00149] Another form of emitter according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 13A-B. According to the above, items that are similar to those discussed above will be numbered using the same reference with the last two digits, but adding a prefix “12” to distinguish one modality from the others. In the illustrated form, the emitter 1210 includes a single-piece body 1220 defining an inlet opening 1232, a flow path and the outlet 1240. The emitter additionally includes an inlet protrusion, such as a sleeve 1232, which extends from a corner of the emitter body to maximize the length of the winding flow passage 1250. A pressure compensation configuration 1260 similar to that described with reference to Figures 12A-B is also disclosed in which movable walls 1247a, 1248b are allowed to move a low pressure position to a high pressure position in response to increased line pressure to help compensate for the increase in pressure.
[00150] Unlike the previous embodiments of Figures 10A-12B, however, emitter 1210 of Figures 13A-B includes a filter at the distal end of the inlet sleeve 1232 to block relatively large particles (e.g., gravel, particulate matter, etc.). ). Specifically, the distal end of the glove 1232 includes a plurality of slits, such as filter channels 1232a, 1232b, 1232c, 1232d, 1232e and 1232f which are used to assist in blocking larger particles of debris or gravel from entering into the input channel 1231 from emitter 1210. Channel network 1232a-f additionally reduces the likelihood that a piece of debris or an accumulation of debris could block the flow of all fluid through the emitter 1210. Instead, these large objects would likely to be blocked by the outermost surfaces of the 1232 inlet sleeve, while allowing the fluid to make its way through channels 1232a-f and continue to flow through emitter 1210.
[00151] The emitter 1210 of Figures 13A-B additionally includes projections or nodes, such as cones 1241, in outlet bowl 1240 in place of walls (such as those shown in Figures 10A-12B). Cones 1241 prevent the outlet basin floor 1240 from dismounting towards the inner surface of the tube on which the emitter is mounted when line pressure increases in the tube so that the emitter continues to allow fluid to flow through the emitter as the wished. In view of this configuration, the shape of the root growth inhibiting member (for example, of the 1280 copper insert) is also changed to match the 1241 cones.
Specifically, insert 1280 defines a plurality of slot openings that correspond to the location of cones 1241 so that insert 1280 can be positioned within outlet bowl 1240 of emitter 1210. In a preferred form, cones 1241 and openings in 1280 inserts are configured to allow the 1280 insert to rest paired against the outlet basin 1240 floor so that the 1280 insert can be adhered to the 1240 outlet basin floor. This may require that the 1280 insert has a slight fold that accompanies the curvature of the floor of the outlet basin 1240 (if any). However, in alternative embodiments, cones 1241 and openings in insert 1280 could be configured to engage with each other in a friction fit so that no adhesive is required. This configuration could also allow the plate to be retained in a different position with respect to cones 1241 instead of adjacent to the outlet basin floor 1240 (although this position is possible with this configuration as well). For example, it may seem desirable to position the 1280 plate closer to the outlet opening in the piping on which the 1220 emitter body is mounted. In that case, the size of the openings in the 1280 insert could be made so that the 1280 insert rests near the top of the 1240 cones.
[00152] As mentioned above, the various alternative modalities discussed for each modality are equally applicable to other modalities, including, without limitation, the modality of Figures 13A-B. For example, in alternative forms, the 1280 insert does not have to fill the entire 1240 outlet basin, but instead it could be a narrower plate that covers a smaller portion of the 1240 outlet basin. In one form, the insert 1280 can take the form of a narrow plate that has openings only for a 1241 cone or a row of cones. In another form, the 1280 insert can be configured with a different shape if desired (for example, a triangular shape, several polygonal shapes, round or curved shapes, symmetrical shapes, asymmetric shapes, non-flat shapes, etc.). For example, in one form, the 1280 insert can be configured to have a non-flat shape in which the 1280 insert has a chimney portion that extends upward from a flat portion to create a bulge in the pipe once the emitter is mounted inside the pipe which can then be used to locate and cut the outlet in the pipe to complete the manufacturing process and provide a finished emitter and / or drip line (a). With this configuration the chimney of the 1280 copper insert would extend upward into the tube outlet opening like a glove to further stop root growth towards or near that portion of the emitter and / or the pipe. In still other forms, the 1280 insert can start with a shape, but change during the manufacturing process. For example, insert 1280 can start as a flat plate, but when the outlet opening is punctured through the tube wall near outlet bowl 1240, the plate can also be punctured down into the floor of the outlet bowl 1240 leaving a dent in the 1280 insert. This can help to chase the 1280 insert into friction 1210 and / or can punch a portion of the 1280 insert partially into the floor of the emitting basin 1240 (but not through) in order to secure the 1280 insert in the 1210 emitter.
[00153] Another difference between the mode of Figures 13A-B and the previous modes of Figures 10A-12B is that the indentation on the rear side of the emitter defining the springboard area of the pressure compensation portion 1260 is smaller in size and shape and restricted to the pressure compensation portion 1260, rather than extending further under the winding passage of the pressure reducing portion 1250. This smaller springboard area of the pressure compensation portion 1260 is designed to make the emitter 1210 less responsive to increases in pressure in the supply line. Specifically, the smaller recoil or trampoline area of the pressure compensation portion 1260 reduces the amount of movement that the floor 1261 will have and / or requires greater pressure to move the wall members 1247a, 1247b to seal the inner surface of the tube .
[00154] Another exemplary transmitter is illustrated in Figures 14A-B. According to the above, items that are similar to those discussed above with respect to previous modalities will be marked designated with numerical references with the same last two digits, but include the prefix “13” to distinguish one modality from the other. Thus, in Figures 14A-B, the emitter is called emitter 1310 and includes a body 1320 defining an input 1330, an output 1340 and a winding passage connecting input 1330 and output 1340. Like the embodiment in Figures 13A-B, emitter 1310 of Figures 14A-B has an eccentric inlet 1330 that extends downwardly from the corner of the emitter body 1320 thereby allowing the length of the pressure reducing flow passage 1350 to be maximized. The 1310 emitter also includes an inlet projection, like the 1332 sleeve, with an integral filter in the form of filter channels 1332a, 1332b, 1332c, 1332d, 13332e and 1332f, which allows the emitter to draw fluid closer to the center or from the center region of the inner lumen of the tube on which the emitter is mounted and filter out relatively larger gravel particles so that it does not enter the 1310 emitter. The emitter additionally includes a smaller pressure compensation portion 1360 and a growth inhibiting member root in the form of a 1380 copper insert that is positioned in the projections or exit nodes 1341.
[00155] Unlike the embodiment of Figures 13A-B, however, the emitter 1310 of Figures 14A-B includes a plurality of movable teeth or flippers 1352 that move between a low fluid pressure position where the upper surfaces of the flippers are separate from the inner surface of the tube on which the emitter 1310 is mounted and a high pressure fluid position in which the upper surfaces of the flippers are moved towards the inner surface of the tube to reduce the cross-sectional area of the 1360 flow passage by response to increased fluid pressure to make the emitter 1310 a pressure compensator. In the illustrated form, the flippers are generally triangular in shape and taper from a higher end 1352n to a shorter distal end 1352o. As best illustrated in Figure 14B, the smaller size of the trampoline area 1360 for the emitter 1310 means that a greater amount of fluid pressure will be required in order to move the flippers between their low and high fluid pressure positions. In an alternative way, the trampoline area 1360 can be expanded as shown in Figures 10A-12B, in order to make the pressure compensation trampoline area easier to move and thus more responsive to increases and decreases in fluid pressure . More particularly, the size of the trampoline area on one side of the emitter (for example, see springboard 1360 in Figure 14B) can be made larger than that of the pressure compensation portion on the other side of the emitter (for example, see the movable teeth of the flippers 1360 in Figure 14A) in order to make the emitter more responsive to increases or decreases in fluid pressure. This increase in the 1360 trampoline area can additionally be designed to convert a portion of the pressure reduction flow channel 1350 into a part of the pressure compensation member 1360 (for example, allowing the floor of the pressure reduction flow channel to become move in response to increases and decreases in fluid pressure), but it does not have to be if it is desired to keep the pressure reduction flow channel 1350 separate and apart from the pressure compensation portion 1360.
[00156] As mentioned above, it should be understood that resources of any of the modalities mentioned above can be incorporated in the emitter 1310 of Figures 14A-B if desired. For example, outlet basin walls could be used in place of or in addition to the 1341 cone members. Similarly, alternative flow channel patterns and orientations can be used. The size of the 1310 transmitter can also be adjusted within the range specified above.
[00157] Another modality of emitter is illustrated in Figures 15A-B. According to the above practice, features of this modality that are similar to those discussed above will use the same last two digits of the numerical reference, but include the prefix “14” in order to distinguish one modality from the others. Thus, the issuer will be referred to using the numeric reference 1410 for convenience.
[00158] In the illustrated form, the emitter 1410 has a larger format more similar to the modalities of Figures 1A-9B. Unlike those previous embodiments, however, emitter 1410 includes a smaller entry channel or lane 1431 that is positioned (a) at one end or half of the emitter and does not circumnavigate the entire periphery of the emitter. In addition, emitter 1410 includes a root limb growth inhibitor, such as a 1480 copper insert, and defines a smaller pressure compensation area or trampoline 1460. As illustrated, copper insert 1480 forms a plate with corresponding openings for the cone members 1441 of the outlet bowl 1440 so that the plate 1480 can be arranged in the outlet bowl 1440 near the outlet opening of the tube emitter in which the emitter 1410 is mounted or affixed.
[00159] The pressure compensation portion 1460 of the emitter 1410 includes a plurality of movable teeth or flippers which are oriented so that they continue the flow passage coil pattern for reducing pressure 1450. The teeth move between one position low pressure fluid (shown) in which the upper surfaces of the teeth are separated from the inner surface of the tube within which the emitter 1410 is mounted and a high pressure fluid position in which the upper surfaces of the teeth are moved towards the , if not in engagement with the, inner surface of the tube within which the emitter is mounted in order to reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow passage to compensate for the increase in fluid pressure.
[00160] Another exemplary embodiment according to the invention disclosed in the present document is illustrated in Figures 16A-B. According to the above practice, items of this modality that are similar to those discussed above will use numerical references with the same last two digits, but include the prefix “15” to distinguish one modality from the others. Thus, the emitter of Figures 16A-B will generally be referred to as emitter 1510. In the illustrated form, emitter 1510 includes a unitary emitter body 1520 defining an inlet 1530, an outlet 1540 and a winding flow passage connecting inlet 1530 and the outlet 1540. In addition, the emitter 1510 additionally includes a carrier 1590 connected to at least a portion of the emitter body 1520 to assist with the insertion of the emitter 1510 into the pipeline or line to form a finished drip line. For example, the elastomeric material of the emitter body 1520 can increase the amount of friction that exists between the emitter body 1520 and the insertion equipment used to install the emitter body 1520 in the piping. Such an increase in friction can lead to the joining of the insertion equipment and can ultimately cause the process to be interrupted while the insertion equipment and emitters are cleared of obstructions and / or rearranged for proper insertion. To prevent this, carrier 1590 can be used to easily guide the emitting body 1520 through the insertion tool and into the piping to form a finished emitter product and drip line.
[00161] In the form illustrated in Figures 16A-B, the carrier forms a skirt member that covers at least a portion of the lower and lateral surfaces of the emitting body 1520 since these are the surfaces used by the insertion tool to place the emitter inside the pipe. In the illustrated form, carrier 1590 forms a generally rectangular skirt member having vertical and horizontal wall portions 1590a, 1590b (respectively) and defines a large rectangular opening in the middle of the carrier to provide fluid access to the bottom surface of emitter body 1520. The vertical wall member allows the carrier 1590 to form an indentation or bowl to house at least a portion of the emitter body 1520 and helps prevent lateral movement of the emitter body 1520 along the geometrical axes x and y on the 1590 carrier. Preferably, carrier 1590 is connected or attached to emitter body 1520 to further assist in preventing longitudinal movement of emitter body 1520 along the z axis on carrier 1590.
[00162] In the illustrated form, carrier 1590 is made of polyethylene and emitter body 1520 is made of thermoplastic or thermoset elastomeric (for example, TPO) and carrier 1590 is connected or attached to emitter body 1520 by means of a sticker. It should be understood, however, that in alternative embodiments the carrier 1590 and the emitting body 1520 can be connected in a variety of different ways including, without limitation, heat stakeout, thermal bonding, friction fitting, fitting structures (such as ball and retainer, tongue and groove, box and ear, etc.), calibration screws, etc. or using the format or the structures themselves (for example, as will be discussed further with respect to Figures 17A-B below). In a preferred form, the elastomeric emitter 1520 and the carrier 1590 will be formed in a two-step molding process with either the body 1520 or the carrier 1590 being formed in a first step and the other from the body 1520 or the carrier 1590 being formed in a second stage remaining still in the same mold. For example, carrier 1590 could be injection molded over body 1520 or, in contrast, body 1520 could be injection molded over carrier 1590. Molding by injection over one another in a single mold will help reduce time manufacturing process that takes to create the emitter unit and thus speed up the manufacturing process to produce the final drip line product.
[00163] Emitter 1510 is similar to emitter 1010 of Figures 11A-E, however, inlet sleeve 1732 does not extend all the way to the front edge of emitter body 1520 so that it will not interfere with the clamp or carrier 1590 extending around the periphery of the issuing body 1520. It should also be understood that in alternative embodiments, a carrier can be used with any of the issuing modalities mentioned above. In addition, although the carrier of Figures 16A-B is in the form of a rectangular clamp with an open area in the middle so that the carrier 1590 covers only the outer periphery of the lower surface of the emitting body 1520, it should be understood that in modalities alternatives more or less of the emitting body 1520 can be covered by the carrier. For example, in one form, carrier 1590 may form a solid rectangular structure covering the entire lower surface of the emitting body 1520 instead of having a large open area in the middle. However, in a preferred form, carrier 1590 will define an opening that is at least as large as the pressure compensation portion of the emitting body 1520 (for example, the trampoline area or indentation at the bottom of the body 1520) in order to provide fluid communication between the fluid in the drip line or pipe within which the emitter is mounted and the pressure compensation portion 1560 of the emitter 1520. In another form, carrier 1590 may define a plurality of openings instead of an opening in the middle in order to further cut material costs as long as a sufficient amount of material is supplied to the carrier 1590 so that it allows the emitting body 1520 to be easily moved through the insertion tool and in the piping. This plurality of openings can be located on the horizontal or bottom surface of the carrier 1590 and / or on the vertical or lateral surfaces of the carrier 1590 and can be made in a variety of different sizes and shapes (for example, angled rectangular slits, round slits, circular openings, triangular openings, symmetrical designs, asymmetric designs, etc.).
[00164] Similarly, although the carrier 1590 of Figures 16A-B illustrates a design that covers only a portion of the sides or side walls of the emitting body 1520, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments the carrier can be designed to cover more or less of the side walls of the emitting body 1520 (both vertically and horizontally). For example, in one form, carrier 1590 can be designed with a skirt member having a vertical side wall that covers the entire side of the emitter body 1520. In that form, the emitter body 1520 would probably not be designed with a notch or indentation with a shoulder to receive the carrier 1590 (such as the notch or shoulder with the shoulder illustrated in Figures 16A-B), but would preferably have a flat side wall that the 1590 carrier simply covers. Again, the side wall of the 1590 carrier could be designed with one or more openings to reduce or save material costs associated with the 1590 carrier (as will be discussed further below with respect to Figures 17A-B). In another form, the vertical side wall of the carrier 1590 can be designed to cover only that portion of the side wall of the emitter body 1520 necessary to ensure uniform movement of the emitter body 1520 through the insertion tool and in the piping. For example, in some forms the vertical side wall may not extend all the way around the side of the emitting body 1520, but may instead cover only a portion of the side wall of the emitting body 1520.
[00165] In another form, the 1590 carrier can be designed without any vertical wall that extends over the side of the emitting body 1520. For example, if the insertion device or insertion tool used (a) to install the emitting body 1520 in the pipeline it contacts only the bottom surface of the structure in which it is inserted, the carrier 1590 could be designed to cover only the bottom surface of the emitting body 1520 since this is all that is necessary to guarantee uniform movement of the emitting body 1520 through the insertion tool and into the piping. As mentioned above, in this form, the carrier body 1520 could cover as much or as little of the bottom surface of the emitting body 1520 as desired and could define one or more openings in the bottom surface in order to save material costs and to provide contact with fluid for the bottom surface of the emitter body 1520 at least where the pressure compensation portion of the emitter is located (e.g., the stepping area or the indentation on the bottom side of the emitter body). As shown, carrier 1590 remains connected to the emitter body 1520 after the emitter is connected to the inner surface of the pipeline and remains connected afterwards. It should be understood that in alternative modalities, however, carrier 1590 can be designed to disengage from the emitting body 1520 once the emitting body 1520 is connected to the inner surface of the tube if such a configuration is desired. For example, carrier 1590 could be returned to the insertion tool to load another 1520 emitter body or it could simply fall into the pipeline and blown out of the pipeline prior to shipment.
[00166] Another emitter according to the invention is disclosed in Figures 17A-B. According to the above practice, features of this modality that are similar to those previously mentioned will be referred to using the numerical references with the same last two digits, but adding the prefix “16” to distinguish one modality from the others. Thus, in Figures 17A-B the emitter will be referred to as emitter 1610. In the illustrated form, emitter 1610 appears similar to the modality of Figures 16A-B and 10A-E and includes a body 1620 defining an inlet opening 1630 and a basin outlet 1640 with a winding fluid passage between them.
Unlike previous embodiments, however, the emitter 1610 includes a carrier or clamp 1690 that captures portions of both the bottom and top of the emitting body 1620. More particularly, the bottom portion of carrier 1690 includes horizontal and vertical wall members 1690a, 1690b , respectively, similar to those illustrated in Figures 16A-B. In addition, carrier 1690 defines a large internal rectangular opening as carrier 1590 of Figures 16A-B. Unlike previous embodiments, however, carrier 1690 additionally includes an upper clamp portion 1690c that extends above an upper portion of the emitting body 1620.
[00167] In the illustrated form, the body 1620 forms an indentation 1620a and a flange 1620b which corresponds in shape to the upper clamp 1690c so that when the carrier 1690 is installed on the emitting body 1620 the upper flange surfaces 1620b and the upper clamp 1690c are paired with each other. This configuration allows the upper surfaces of the upper clamp 1690c and parts of the emitting body (for example, the flange 1620b, the outlet walls 1641a, 1641b, 1641c, and the walls 1652g-m, etc.) to make contact with the surface inner tube when the emitter is installed in it so that the fluid flows properly through the inlet, along the pressure reducing portion 1650 and the pressure compensating portion 1660 of the winding fluid passage and into the outlet 1640. The upper clamp 1690c is separated from the lower clamp portion consisting of vertical and horizontal wall members 1690a, 1690b by means of risers or spacers, such as cones or pillars 1690d, located in the corners of the carrier 1690 and the emitter body 1620. Thus, carrier 1690 defines a plurality of openings which represents savings in material costs and reduces the weight of the entire emitter 1610. As in the case of As shown in Figures 16A-B, the entry sleeve 1632 is recessed inward from the edge of the emitter body 1620 or inserted towards the center of the emitter body 1620 and away from the edge to allow the carrier 1690 to connect to the around the periphery of the emitter body 1620 (for example, to allow the bottom wall member 1690b to engage the bottom surface of the emitter body 1620 over the periphery of the body 1620).
[00168] In the form illustrated in Figures 17A-B, carrier 1690 captures the emitting body 1620 between the upper and lower clamp portions 1690c and 1690a, b, respectively, and the pillars 1690d, and prevents the emitting body from moving laterally along the geometric axes x and y and longitudinally along the geometric axis z. This configuration holds the 1690 carrier to the 1620 body without the need to attach additionally as per adhesive, bonding, etc., however, additional fasteners can be used if desired. In addition, the upper surface of the upper clamp 1690c additionally provides a material and surface that can assist in connecting the emitter to the pipeline. With the configuration of Figures 17A-B, a cross link between the emitter and the pipe could be improved by using the upper surface of the upper clamp 1690c to ensure proper connection between the emitter and the pipe.
[00169] As in the embodiment of Figures 16A-B, the emitting body 1620 and the carrier 1690 of Figures 17A-B are preferably made of an elastomeric material and a plastic polymer, respectively. In the shape shown, the elastomeric body 1620 is made of TPO and the carrier 1690 is made of polyethylene. The piping into which the emitter is inserted is also made of a plastic polymer, such as polyethylene. In a preferred form, the component is manufactured using a two-step molding process and a single mold in which either the 1620 emitter body is made and then injection molded with the 1690 carrier or vice versa without the need for remove the mold structure before starting the injection molding process. The component is then inserted into the pipe and thermally connected to it during the pipe extrusion with the carrier 1690 providing uniform passage of the emitting body 1620 through the insertion tool and into the pipe.
[00170] It should be understood that although two carrier modes have been illustrated in Figures 16A-17B, the carrier can be supplied in a variety of different shapes and sizes. It should also be understood that various aspects of any of the modalities mentioned above can be combined with each other in order to provide a finished emitter and / or drip line or piping. For example, the carrier of Figures 17A-B can be configured for use with the mode of Figures 1A-J. Alternatively, a portion of the carrier of Figures 17A-B can be used with one of the foregoing embodiments. According to the latter, Figures 18A-B show another emitter according to the invention, in which a portion of the clamp of Figures 17A-B is used to assist in connecting an emitter similar to that illustrated in Figures 11A-E in the piping . As with the modalities above, features of the issuer in Figures 18A-B that are similar to those discussed above will use the same numerical references with the last two digits, but include the prefix “17” to distinguish this modality from others. Thus, the emitter will be referred to as emitter 1710, which includes an input 1730, an output 1740 and a winding flow passage that extends between them including a pressure reduction passage 1750 and a pressure compensation passage 1760.
[00171] In Figures 18A-B, the emitting body 1720 defines an indentation formed by the horizontal wall 1720a and the vertical wall or flange 1720b which are configured to receive the clamp 1790. The depth and width of the indentation 1720a and the flange 1720b are such that the clamp 1790 is positioned so that its side wall is paired with the side of the emitting body 1720 and its upper surface is paired with the upper edge surfaces 1720b. The depth and width of the indentation formed by the surface 1720a and the rim 1720b will preferably allow easy injection molding of the clamp 1790 on the emitting body 1720 in a two-stage molding process using the same mold. It should be understood, however, that the emitter could also be formed using two separately molded parts that are later connected to each other. With such a configuration, the shoulder 1720b forms a shoulder that aligns and guides the clamp 1790 to its position on the emitting body 1720. In the illustrated form, the clamp 1790 could be positioned in two orientations with one being illustrated in Figures 18A-B and the another consisting of the one hundred and eighty degrees (180 °) articulated clamp. In alternative shapes, the clamp 1790 and the body 1720 could be configured to allow assembly in just one orientation, such as adding snap structures that need to be aligned or using shapes that correspond to one another in just one orientation. As mentioned above, however, in a preferred form, the clamp 1790 is simply molded on the emitting body 1720 using a two-step molding process and a single mold, and thus the orientation of the clamp 1790 is irrelevant once that it is not assembled as a component of two separately molded parts.
[00172] With this configuration, an upper surface of the 1790 clamp will be paired or will maintain the same radius of curvature as the upper surfaces of the remaining parts of the emitting body (for example, the upper surfaces of exit walls 1741a-c, the walls flow passage 1752g-m, etc.) so that the emitter body 1720 and the clamp 1790 are mounted unobstructed on the inner surface of the piping inside which the emitter is mounted and that the fluid flows properly through inlet 1730, from flow passage and outlet 1740. The clamp 1790 can additionally be made of a material that joins well with the piping to improve the problems of cross-linking or the connection between the emitter and piping.
[00173] Figures 19A-C illustrate yet another embodiment of an emitter according to the invention disclosed in the present document. According to previous practice, items of this modality that are similar to those previously discussed will be identified using the same numerical references with the last two digits, but adding the prefix “18” in order to distinguish this modality from others. Thus, the emitter will be referred to as emitter 1810, which includes an entrance 1830, an exit 1840 and a winding flow passage that extends between them or located intermediate to entrance 1830 and exit 1840. In a preferred form, the passage winding flow includes a pressure reduction passage 1850 and a pressure compensation passage 1860, and the emitter is configured in a non-cylindrical in-line emitter construction for attachment to only a portion of an inner circumference or line pipe surface of drip within which the emitter is installed (for example, attachment to an internal circumference of one hundred and eighty degrees (180 °) or less, and preferably less than ninety degrees (90 °)).
[00174] As in previous modalities, the 1810 emitter is formed of integrated or unitary elastomeric material defining the entrance 1830, the exit 1840 and the passages located between them. The emitter also includes an 1832 entry protrusion or projection as the modality discussed in Figures 10A-E above. The elongated inlet protrusion 1832 forms a sleeve that extends the inlet opening 1830 further towards the center or middle of the tube within which the emitter 1810 is mounted (in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 10E). This allows inlet 1830 to draw fluid from the center region of the pipe and not from a circumferential periphery of the pipe on which the emitter is mounted. As a larger gravel or other particulate matter or particles found in the fluid that travels through the drip line piping tend to be close to the inner wall of the tube (close to the circumferential periphery), having the 1832 glove projecting the 1830 inlet additionally to the inside or towards the center of the pipe helps to reduce the potential that gravel or other particles will enter and / or clog the 1810 emitter or prevent it from performing as desired (and particularly larger pieces of gravel or other particulate matter that most likely causes a problem for the 1810 emitter's operation).
[00175] In the illustrated form, the entry sleeve or protrusion 1832 has a rounded or chamfered distal end and defines an entry opening channel 1831 which is generally rectangular in cross-section and connects in fluid communication to the outermost entry opening located at the distal end of the inlet sleeve 1832 to the winding flow passage 1850 and, in particular, to the pressure reducing flow section 1850 of the flow channel. The entry sleeve 1832 extends from the longitudinal center of one end of the emitting body 1820; however, it should be understood that, in alternative forms, the entry sleeve 1832 may extend from another location on the emitter body 1820, such as from a corner or side of the emitter body (as discussed with previous modalities). It should also be understood that although the 1832 entry sleeve is illustrated as a generally oval or rounded rectangular sleeve in Figures 19A-C, the 1832 entry sleeve can be supplied in a variety of different shapes and sizes (including without limitation in length and cross section). An advantage of the rounded edges of the 1832 inlet sleeve, however, is that they reduce the number of flat surfaces located on the 1810 emitter that are typically prone to joining gravel and other particulate matter (eg, gravel accumulation). For example, over time a film can build up on the flat surfaces of the emitter due to prolonged exposure to fluid, and that film can attract gravel or particles that build up over time that can interfere with the flow of fluid through the piping or drip line and / or individual emitters installed in the piping or drip line.
[00176] The 1810 emitter includes a pressure compensation section or portion 1860 that includes at least one stepped movable baffle, such as a flipper or tooth member, which has an upper surface separate from adjacent upper surfaces (or connecting surfaces upper sides of the 1810 emitter) and / or the inner surface of the pipe once the 1810 emitter is inserted in them. In a preferred form, the pressure compensation portion 1860 will include at least one pair of stepped flippers 1847a, 1847b (also referred to herein as deflectors, deflecting teeth or tooth members, flippers, etc.) and, as illustrated , the emitter 1810 contains a series of staggered and movable alternating flippers 1847a, 1847b positioned on a springboard portion 1861 of the emitter 1810 to form a mobile pressure compensating baffle section 1862 with steps 1865 being located on the top surface of the base or root of each flipper / deflector tooth and the tooth thinning towards the tip or distal end of each tooth. The pressure compensation section 1860 changes volume based on the change in fluid pressure in the tube. As the pressure in the tube increases, it raises the trampoline portion 1861 that moves the stepped deflectors 1847a, 1847b towards the inner surface of the tube. This reduces the volume of the pressure compensation section 1860 (for example, it reduces the cross-sectional area of the flow passage in that portion of the emitter), which in turn restricts the flow of fluid through the pressure compensation section. 1860. The change reduces flow in coordination with an increase in pressure within the system (for example, within the irrigation pipe and / or drip line network).
[00177] Lowering the upper surface of the flippers 1847a, 1847b to create steps 1865 (or creating a stepped configuration for these alternating teeth), the 1810 emitter is able to provide improved pressure compensation because the connection (for example, partial connection ) of the top surface of the stepped tooth is no longer a concern, and thus the operation of the 1860 pressure compensating portion of the 1810 emitter will not be impacted based on how much of the top surface of the tooth is attached to the inner surface of the irrigation. Without this step or lowered surface at the base of the same, it was found that some pressure compensation teeth (particularly at the base of those teeth) join the inner surface of the irrigation pipe more than other pressure compensation teeth (from one tooth to another tooth in the same emitter and / or from one emitter to another emitter) or in a non-uniform way between the pressure compensation teeth (from one tooth to another tooth in the same emitter and / or from one emitter to another emitter) making it more it is difficult to form an emitter, emitters and / or drip lines that operate consistently. As illustrated by the data in the table below, the stepped flipper configuration shown in Figures 19A-C provides a more consistent pressure compensation feature that can be repeated from emitter to emitter and from drip line to drip line, which It is important if these items are to be mass produced.
[00178] To illustrate this point, an emitter having a length (L) of nine hundred and one thousandths of an inch (0.901 ”) (22.9mm), width (W) of two hundred and thirty-two thousandths of an inch (0.232” ) (5.89mm) and height (H) of ninety-six thousandths of an inch (0.096 ”) (2.44mm) with an 1850 pressure reduction section having a flow passage with a floor height or height (FH ) twenty-five thousandths of an inch (0.025 ”) (0.635mm) and flow passage width (FW) of twenty thousandths of an inch (0.020”) (0.508mm) and a two hundred pressure compensation trampoline area thousandths of an inch (0.200 ”) (5.08mm) long by two hundred and thirty-two thousandths of an inch (0.232”) (5.89mm) wide and staggered flippers 1847a, 1847b with a reinforcement step of five thousandths one inch (0.005 ”) (0.127mm) descending from the upper connection surface of the connection surfaces of the adjace emitter or near and a floor thickness of fifteen thousandths of an inch (0.015 ”) (0.381 mm) was tested under various fluid line pressures and showed remarkably constant pressure compensation (for example, flowing steadily at seven pounds) per square inch (7 psi) (48.3kPa) (up to sixty pounds per square inch (60 psi) (413.7kPa)). The floor thickness of the 1850, 1860 emitter 1810 flow passages is fifteen thousandths of an inch (0.015 ”) (0.381 mm), and it must be understood that the floor height refers to the distance from the upper floor surface to the surface of the top or connection of the 1810 emitter (or effectively at the height of the flow passage formed between the floor of the emitter and the internal surface of the pipe once the emitter is inserted in it). The entry protrusion 1832 has a length and width of one hundred and four thousandths of an inch (0.104 ”) (2.64mm) and a height of one hundred thousandths of an inch (0.100”) (2.54mm). The results were as follows: [00179] In the illustrated modality, the flippers or stepped teeth tune from a height and width of twenty thousandths of an inch (0.020 ”) (0.508mm) by forty-four thousandths of an inch (0.044 ”) (1.12mm), respectively, at the base or root of each tooth, all the way down to the floor of the flow passage in Figures 19A-C (which is also referred to as zero terminal thinning or zero thinning because the distal end of the tooth tapers to zero or mixes with the floor surface instead of truncating on a step). It should be understood, however, that in alternative modalities, different shapes and sizes of teeth 1847a, 1847b can be used. For example, in another form, the pressure compensation portion 1860 may alternatively include flippers or stepped teeth 1847a, 1847b that taper to a truncated tip at the distal end of the tooth or flipper having a height of five thousandths of an inch (0.005 ”) (0.127mm) and a width of five thousandths of an inch (0.005 ”) (0.127mm), similar to that shown with respect to Figures 18A-B. The tip of the flippers or teeth can be truncated in height (for example, leaving another lower step in height for the flow passage floor surface) and / or in width. In the form illustrated in Figures 19A-C, the flippers or teeth have zero pitch, but the tips do not come to a point but are instead truncated before reaching a pointed tip. In alternative forms, however, the thinning can fine-tune both in height and in width to zero fine-tuning. In practice, it has been found to be easier to shape a tip that is truncated in width than to shape a tip that tapers in width to zero or tending to zero. However, as mentioned in this document, sharper surfaces form more turbulence within the emitter, so the geometry of the emitter can be changed to provide sharper or less sharp surfaces to make the emitter perform as desired (for example, using sharper surfaces to add turbulence and create more pressure reduction across the emitter, using less sharp surfaces to reduce turbulence and create less pressure reduction across the emitter). The rate of thinning of the flippers or teeth can also be adjusted in order to make the emitter perform as desired. The use of a slower rate of tuning to obtain a transmitter with a first performance characteristic and a higher rate of tuning to obtain a transmitter with a second performance characteristic different from the first. Any of these modifications can be used with any number of the other modifications discussed in this document to produce emitters with desired performance characteristics.
[00180] In addition to having an alternative pressure compensation portion 1860, the emitter 1810 illustrates an alternative outlet configuration 1840, which includes alternative protrusions or outlet stops 1841. In the form illustrated, the outlet protrusions 1841 are free-flowing walls or that independent stops 1841a, 1841b, 1841c are able to perform the function of preventing or hindering the disassembly of outlet 1840 when the supply line fluid pressure rises to a level sufficient to deflect the elastic floor of the 1810 emitter, similar to obstructions output discussed above (for example, 41, 941, etc.). As protrusions 1841a, 1841b and 1841c are independent, they do not connect to the outer side walls of outlet 1840 and operate more similar to the cone-shaped protrusions 41 in Figures 1A-H in which they allow fluid to flow throughout the path around protrusion 1841, which helps to prevent or hinder the accumulation of gravel / particulate matter that could otherwise form at the corners or ends of passages (also called inoperative ends) like those illustrated in Figures 10A-12B. Thus, in the form illustrated in Figures 19A-C, protrusions or walls 1841a, 1841b, 1841c do not form inoperative ends at outlet 1840 where debris can collect and accumulate over time and ultimately negatively affect the operation or performance of the emitter 1810.
[00181] Emitter 1810 additionally includes an alternative fastener 1849 to hold root growth inhibitor 1880 to emitter 1810. In the illustrated form, fastener 1849 comprises a protrusion, such as a shoulder, lip or rib 1849, which extends to from at least one outlet side wall 1840 to hold a copper insert 1880 in position inside outlet 1840. In a preferred form, fastener 1849 includes at least two protrusions 1849a, 1849b (Figure 19C) to hold separate sides of the insert 1880 covers to securely position insert 1880 at a desired point within outlet 1840. More particularly, protrusions 1849a, 1849b are positioned on opposite sides of outlet 1840 in order to hold opposite sides of insert 1880 and are spaced above the floor of outlet 1840 for a length sufficient to hold the paired insert 1880 against the floor of outlet 1840 so that debris or particles cannot join deb around the insert 1880 or between the insert 1880 and the outlet floor 1840. The insert 1880 will preferably be curved or arched to follow the radius of curvature of the outlet floor 1840 to allow for this paired assembly with the insert 1880.
[00182] During the manufacture or assembly of the 1810 emitter, the 1880 insert will preferably be snap-in on the 1840 outlet having the plate as the 1880 insert inserted or disposed on the 1840 outlet and pressed after passing through the 1849 protruding fastener to safely mount the insert 1880 in position inside outlet 1840. This can be done manually if desired, however, in a preferred form, insert 1880 will be automatically inserted in this way by means of machines such as a press. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to apply another fastener such as an adhesive or to the floor of outlet 1840 or to the bottom surface of insert 1880 to further attach or secure the insert to outlet 1840. In yet another form, another fastener can be used to connect insert 1880 to outlet 1840 (or in place of or in addition to shoulder protrusion 1849) such as a friction fit between the openings defined by insert 1880a, 1880b, 1880c and the respective outlet wall members 1841a, 1841b, 1841c .
[00183] An advantage of mechanical fasteners, such as the 1849 shoulder protrusions and / or the friction fit between the 1880 insert and the 1841 outlet wall members, is that chemicals are not involved in the assembly of the emitter components and , so there is no need for concern as to how those chemicals could react to materials such as pesticides and fertilizers, which can be discharged from time to time via the emitter and the drip line that contains the emitter (for example, there is no need for concern as to whether these pesticides, fertilizers or other chemicals of the type could cause the adhesive to come loose or not). Other advantages of such mechanical fasteners are that there is no curing time involved in causing the 1880 insert to be stuck at outlet 1840 as it could otherwise have been with adhesives and the like or additional cost associated with the purchase and / or application of such adhesives. A mechanical fastener can be quickly and easily attached so that the 1810 emitter can be inserted immediately into the pipeline rather than requiring it to be cured or requiring additional steps such as UV treatments to facilitate connection, etc. Insertion machines and methods of transporting and / or inserting emitters such as those described in this document are disclosed in Provisional Patent Application No. US 61/894296, filed on October 22, 2013, which is incorporated herein by way of reference in its entirety.
[00184] As illustrated in Figures 19A-C, the floor of outlet 1840 and the flow passage of the pressure compensation portion 1860 and the pressure reducing portion 1850 are of a common depth (for example, a floor height common as described). Thus, when insert 1880 is installed at outlet 1840, insert 1880 forms a step that raises the effective floor level of outlet 1840 and thus reduces the floor height in that portion of the 1810 emitter. it will be understood that the outlet floor 1840 could be set at a different level or position than the rest of the flow passage, if desired. For example, outlet floor 1840 could be sunk so that when insert 1880 is installed at outlet 1840, the upper surface of insert 1880 is flush with the rest of the flow path of the emitter so that a common floor height is provided along the 1810 emitter. This configuration can be desired in order to prevent a step in a flow passage where debris or particles could come together.
[00185] In yet other embodiments, different types of root growth inhibitory structures may be desired. For example, as discussed above with respect to the preceding modalities, different positions may be desired for root growth inhibitor 1880. In some ways, it may be desired to position insert 1880 on top of emitter outlet 1840, just below the inner surface. of the pipe in which the emitter is mounted and / or make the insert define an opening for the pipe outlet. In other ways, it may be desirable to have the insert positioned intermediate to the floor of outlet 1840 and to the inner surface of the pipe on which the emitter is mounted, such as halfway between the two and occupying only a portion of the outlet so that the fluid can flow around the insert and pass through to the pipe outlet. In such configurations, the insert can have one or more passages (for example, perforations, holes, tracks, etc.) or be sized to allow fluid to pass through the emitter and out of the emitter outlet. In some forms, a plurality of projected shoulders may be positioned parallel to each other and separated from each other sufficiently to allow insert 1880 to be positioned or retained between parallel protrusions to retain insert 1880 in the desired position. In addition and / or alternatively, the walls 1841 could be designed so that they hold the insert 1880 in the desired position. For example, walls containing a base wider than the respective openings of the insert could be used (for example, a wall could be gradually widened towards the base to provide a point where the insert cannot be further pressed into the interior of the Exit 1840, a wall could be designed with a step or step on an outer surface of the wall in order to place the insert in a desired position, etc.). Thus, the protrusion protrusion 1849 could alternatively be located on the internal independent walls 1841a, 1841b and / or 1841c instead of being formed on the external external walls of the outlet 1840 as illustrated in Figures 19A-C. In yet another form, it may be desirable to have an insert that takes up less space within outlet 1840, such as a narrower or shorter plate that extends only over one of the protruding outlet walls 1841a, 1841b, 1841c. Similarly, a structure other than a plate could be used, such as a frame that surrounds a portion of the external independent walls or internal independent walls of outlet 1840. Although a solid plate-type insert has been shown in Figures 19A-C, it should be it will be understood that in alternative forms the insert may be formed from a mesh or mesh type structure, or a matrix structure of the type that allows fluid to flow through the emitter, the insert and out through the emitter outlet.
[00186] In yet another form, it may be desirable to have the root growth inhibitor 1880 positioned anywhere else on the emitter or drip line in addition to the 1840 emitter outlet. For example, in some forms, it may be desirable that if the root growth inhibitor 1880 is connected to the drip line outlet opening and not to the 1810 emitter. As mentioned above, the root growth inhibitor could be connected to the drip line tubing like a copper sleeve or rivet positioned in the pipe outlet opening. Pending International Patent Application No. PCT / US2013 / 046603, filed on June 19, 2013, illustrates an alternative outlet tube that could be connected to the drip line at the outlet and communicates with the emitter to control where the fluid through end exits the emitter / drip line (for example, at a location spaced from a surface outside the supply line or drip tube so that fluid does not simply flow along the outer surface of the drip line / supply tube). In some ways, this outlet tube and the root growth inhibitor could be combined in one structure to perform both tasks. For example, the outlet tube could be made of copper so that it both directs the fluid flowing from the emitter away from the outer surface of the drip line and inhibits root growth towards the drip line and / or of the issuer. Thus, the disclosure of International Patent Application No. PCT / US2013 / 046603 filed on June 19, 2013 is incorporated into this document by reference in its entirety, and it should be understood that the outlet tube disclosed in this document could be integrated to the 1880 root growth inhibitor. It should be understood that any of the features of the above modalities can be used with each other to form a variety of different emitter modalities. For example, in some ways, an emitter according to the invention may include one or more of the input protrusion feature, the root growth inhibitor feature, the root growth inhibitor catch feature, the stepped tooth or teeth, etc.
[00187] Additional issuer modalities and resources are illustrated on two sheets attached to this document in the form of an Addendum. These sheets will not be described in greater detail in this document due to their similarity with the modality of Figures 19A-C, except to mention that the first sheet illustrates exemplary dimensions and a design for a stepped flipper with a different tip angle than zero (for example, the tip of the flipper is truncated in height and width) and the second sheet illustrates exemplary dimensions and a design for an inclined stepped flipper with zero end (for example, the flipper tapers to zero at its tip or distal end ). In these embodiments, the outlet portion has walls that are not independent, but instead connect to an end of the outlet (for example, a portion of the outer or peripheral wall that forms the outlet).
[00188] Thus, it should be understood that several modalities are considered according to the invention disclosed in this document. For example, in one form, an emitter for drip irrigation is revealed for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line pipe carrying pressurized fluid having a unitary elastomeric body defining an inlet or inlet area. , an exit or exit area and a flow channel connecting in fluid communication the entrance and exit or the entrance area and the exit area. The flow channel defining a pressure reducing portion and a pressure compensating portion having a first volume at a lower fluid pressure and a second volume less than the first volume at a higher fluid pressure to restrict flow through of the channel. Where the pressure compensation portion includes one or more stepped deflector teeth having a base, a tip, an upper surface extending between the base and the tip and a step along the top surface, the step spacing at least a portion from the upper surface of the one or more stepped baffle teeth to an internal surface of the drip irrigation line tube to facilitate movement of the one or more stepped baffle teeth.
[00189] In a preferred form, the one or more stepped baffle teeth will comprise a plurality of stepped tuned baffle teeth which alternate with each other and have a first set of stepped baffle teeth extending from a first wall and they tune in a first direction and a second set of stepped deflector teeth that extend from a second wall located opposite the first wall and tune in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some forms, the one or more stepped deflector teeth taper until they reach a truncated tip spaced slightly above the floor of the pressure compensation portion of the emitter. In another form, the one or more stepped deflector teeth are tuned down until they reach a floor of the pressure compensating portion of the emitter.
[00190] In a preferred form, the drop emitter will include at least one independent wall positioned within the outlet or the outlet area of the emitter so that fluid can flow entirely around the exposed sides of at least one outlet wall independent. In addition, the emitter may also include a root growth inhibitor positioned at or near the outlet or outlet area to arrest roots preventing them from obstructing the flow of fluid from the emitter. In some ways, the emitter includes a fastener to hold the root growth inhibitor in the outlet area of the emitter. In the form illustrated in Figures 19A-C, the fastener comprises at least one protrusion that extends from at least one lateral wall surface located within the outlet or outlet area to secure the root growth inhibitor in the outlet area. Emitters such as any of those described above can be positioned within a drip irrigation line tube at predetermined intervals and, preferably, evenly spaced or evenly spaced to form a drip line.
[00191] In other embodiments, emitters for drip irrigation are revealed for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line pipe carrying pressurized fluid having a unitary elastomeric body defining an inlet area, an area output and a flow channel connecting the incoming and outgoing areas in fluid communication. The flow channel defining a pressure reduction portion and a pressure compensation portion having a first volume area or in cross-section at a lower fluid pressure and a second volume area or in cross-section less than the first area in volume or in cross-section at a higher fluid pressure to restrict flow through the channel. In a preferred form, the emitter will have at least one independent outlet wall member positioned within the outlet area of the emitter so that fluid can flow entirely around exposed sides of the at least one independent outlet wall member.
[00192] In yet other forms, drip irrigation emitters are disclosed in this document for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line pipe carrying pressurized fluid having a unitary elastomeric body defining an area of inlet, an outlet area and a flow channel connecting the inlet and outlet areas in fluid communication, with the flow channel defining a pressure reducing portion and a pressure compensation portion having a first volume area or in cross section at a lower fluid pressure and a second volume area or a cross section less than the first volume at a higher fluid pressure to restrict flow through the channel. The emitter additionally having a root growth inhibitor positioned at or near the outlet area to stop roots preventing them from obstructing the flow of fluid from the emitter and having a fastener to hold the root growth inhibitor at or near the emitter exit area.
[00193] In yet other forms, a non-cylindrical drip irrigation emitter is disclosed in this document for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line pipe carrying pressurized fluid having a unitary elastomeric body defining an inlet area, an outlet area and a flow channel between them connecting the inlet and outlet areas, with the flow channel defining a pressure reducing portion and a pressure compensation portion having a first volume or cross-section at a lower fluid pressure and a volume area or cross-section smaller than the first volume area or cross-section at a higher fluid pressure to restrict flow through the channel. The pressure compensating portion including at least one deflecting tooth having a base, a tip and an upper surface extending between the base and the tip, with at least one deflecting tooth having an additional stepped configuration in which the base of the tooth it is positioned at a different height from an upper connection surface close to the transmitter.
[00194] In one form, the at least one deflecting tooth is tuned downwards from the base towards the tip and is movable between a first lower pressure position in which the upper surface of at least one deflecting tooth is separated of an internal surface of the drip irrigation line pipe for a first distance and which coincides with the first volume of the pressure compensation portion and a second higher pressure position in which the upper surface of the at least one deflector tooth is separated the internal surface of the drip irrigation line pipe for a second distance less than the first distance and coincides with the second volume of the pressure compensation portion. In a preferred form, the at least one deflecting tooth is tuned down so that the tip of the tooth is paired with a floor of the pressure compensating portion of the emitter (for example, a setting that tunes to zero). As in previous embodiments, the at least one deflector tooth may comprise a plurality of stepped, tuned deflector teeth, each being movable between the first lowest pressure position and the second highest pressure position. Similarly, the plurality of stepped tuned baffle teeth may alternate with each other with a first set of stepped baffle teeth extending from a first wall and tapering in a first direction and a second set of stepped baffle teeth extending from a second wall located opposite the first wall and tapering in a second direction opposite the first direction.
[00195] In some forms, the non-cylindrical emitter for drip irrigation may include at least one independent outlet wall member positioned within the emitter outlet area so that fluid can flow entirely around the exposed sides of at least an independent outlet wall member, and may include a root growth inhibitor positioned at or near the outlet area to arrest roots preventing them from obstructing the flow of fluid from the emitter. A fastener for securing the root growth inhibitor in or near the exit area of the emitter can also be provided and / or used. For example, in the form illustrated in Figures 19A-C, the fastener comprises at least one protruding shoulder that extends from at least one lateral wall surface located within the outlet area that holds the root growth inhibitor inside the exit area.
[00196] Although most of the modalities discussed in this document have specified a unitary emitter body constructed of elastomeric material, it should be understood that any of the above modalities can be provided in other materials if desired for particular applications. For example, in some ways it may be desired to provide versions of the above transmitters where there is no pressure compensation. In such cases, the emitting bodies can be made of a more rigid material, such as polyethylene or any material with a higher durometer number, since the movement of the emitting body portions in response to increases and decreases in the fluid pressure in the line dripping is not required in versions of the emitters where there is no pressure compensation.
[00197] It should also be understood that in alternative modalities, the geometry or design of the emitter can be changed in order to make the emitter perform in a desired manner for a particular application. For example, in some cases, a transmitter with a higher flow rate may be desired, for example, 1 gallon / hour (1gph) (3,785 L / h), instead of one with a lower flow rate, for example. example, 0.2 gallon / hour (0.2 gph) (0.757 L / h). In these cases, the emitter can be designed with fewer teeth in the region or portion of the pressure reducing emitter (PR), fewer teeth in the region or portion of the pressure compensation emitter (PC), with a flow channel with a greater depth (or higher floor height), with tooth geometries and flow channel that show less pressure reduction or greater fluid flow through the emitter (for example, more rounded edges, less flat surfaces, smoother angles, etc.), and the like. In addition, the entire emitter or only a portion of the emitter, such as the PC portion, could be made of a more rigid material with a higher durometer value so that the emitter will choke or constrict less to allow for a higher flow rate. high. Alternatively or in addition, the emitting body or portions thereof (for example, the trampoline of the PC portion) could be made thicker so as to be less flexible and to paralyze or constrict less. As mentioned in this document, the shape of structures can be made sharper or less sharp to change performance, the rate of teeth thinning in the PC or PR section can be changed to change performance, etc.
[00198] In still other modalities, the emitter could be designed to have one or more receptacles to receive different emitter portions (for example, portions with different geometries, such as different shapes, sizes, patterns, designs, etc., and / or portions that are made of different materials so that the emitter can be supplied at different flow rates or with different optional features intended for a particular application). For example, in one form, the emitter can be designed with a receptacle to receive different PR portions to provide emitters with different flow rates (for example, 0.2gph, 0.5gph, 1.0gph, 2.0gph, 5, 0gph, 7.0gph, 10.0gph, 12.0gph, 18.0gph, 24.0gph, etc.) (0.757 L / h, 1.89 L / h, 3.79 L / h, 7.57 L / h, 18.9 L / h, 26.5 L / h, 37.9 L / h, 45.4 L / h, 68.1 L / h, 90.9 L / h). In one form, a PR portion insert with a lower flow rate may be provided with additional teeth, teeth with more features or shapes that induce turbulence, a lower flow cross-section, etc. In another form, an insert of the PR portion with a higher flow rate may have fewer teeth, teeth with softer features or shapes, a cross-section with greater flow passage, etc. The different inserts of the PR portion can be inserted into the receptacle and optionally secured in it via any form of fastener such as a friction fit, an adhesive, injection molding (for example, having the insert molded over the rest of the emitter body or having the emitter body molded on the insert, etc.). In a preferred form, the inserts will be chained together within the emitter and emitters with common inserts placed inside a vibrating drum feeder for manufacturing drip line with common emitter flow rates as revealed in the Provisional Patent Application pending No. 61/894296, filed on October 22, 2013, which has been incorporated into this document as a reference in its entirety.
[00199] In alternative forms, the emitter can be designed with a receptacle to receive different PC portions to provide emitters of different properties (for example, flow rates, reaction times to variations in the fluid pressure of the supply line, etc.). ). In one form, an insert in a PC portion with a lower flow rate and / or a PC portion with a faster reaction can be provided with additional teeth, teeth with more features or shapes that induce turbulence, smaller cross-section of the flow passage , made of a material or structure with a higher durometer (for example, with a higher durometer value), etc. In another form, an insert in a PC portion with a higher flow rate may have fewer teeth, teeth with smoother features or shapes, a cross-section with greater flow passage, made of a material or structure with a durometer value. lower, etc.
[00200] In still other forms, the emitter can be designed with a plurality of receptacles to receive different emitter portions (for example, emitter input portions, PR portions, PC portions and / or output portions, etc.). For example, in some forms the emitter may be provided with first and second receptacles for receiving inserts in PR and PC portions, respectively. Figures 20A-B show an exemplary modality of a transmitter with removable, replaceable, or interchangeable PR and PC inserts. In accordance with the above practice, items that are similar to those discussed above with respect to other modalities are identified using numerical references with the last two digits similar numbers, but having the prefix 19 to distinguish one modality from the others. Thus, in this modality, the emitter is generally referred to by the numerical reference 1910 and includes an emitter body 1920 made of a uniform elastomeric material defining an emitter inlet 1930 and an emitter outlet 1940 integrated in the emitter body 1920 with a flow passage that extends between inlet 1930 and outlet 1940. In a preferred form, the flow passage includes a 1950 pressure reduction portion and a 1960 pressure compensation portion. Unlike earlier embodiments, however, the emitter includes an insert for pressure reduction (“PR”) 1950a and a pressure compensation insert (“PC”) 1960a which are arranged within recesses defined by the emitter body 1920. The recesses form nozzles within which the PR 1950a and the PC 1960a insert can be inserted or arranged before the emitter is connected to the pipeline.
[00201] Thus, with this configuration, the 1910 emitter defines a non-cylindrical open emitter for drip irrigation for fixing to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line pipe carrying pressurized fluid. The 1910 emitter includes an emitter body made of elastomeric material and defining at least one indentation for receiving an insert (for example, at least one of the indentation for receiving the 1950 insert, the indentation for receiving the 1960 insert, etc.). The 1910 emitter additionally includes the insert (e.g. 1950a, 1950b, 1960a, 1960b, etc.) disposed within the indentation defined by the emitter body 1920, the emitter body and the insert together defining a flow passage between an inlet and an outlet through which the fluid can pass. In a preferred form, the indentation defined by the emitting body 1920 is an open nozzle having a first wall that extends approximately around most of a lateral periphery of the insert and a second wall that passes through an opening defined by the first wall to close a end of the indentation and define the open nozzle within which the insert is disposed, the insert being disposed within the open nozzle to an extent sufficient to allow an upper surface of the insert and an adjacent upper surface of the emitting body to be paired with each other so that the emitter assembly can be connected to an internal conduit surface without the formation of gaps between the upper surfaces of the emitter body and the insert and the internal conduit surface.
[00202] In this way, the 1910 emitter can be customized for a particular purpose (for example, application, environment, flow rate, etc.) allowing different types of inserts to be installed in the various portions of pressure reduction and pressure compensation. pressure. For example, inserts 1950a, 1960a can be desired and used to form an emitter having a first fluid flow rate (for example, 0.195 gallons per hour (GPH) (0.738 L / h) or approximately 0.2 GPH (0.757 L) /H)). Whereas alternative inserts 1950b, 1960b shown in dashed lines in Figure 20B can be desired and used to form an emitter having a second fluid flow rate different from the first fluid flow rate (for example, 1GPH (3.79 L / H)). The 1950a-b, 1960a-b inserts can do this by defining flow passages of different size, shape, pattern or characteristic, by using materials with different durometers (either from the chosen material itself or from differences in thickness or in material shape, etc.), using deflecting teeth of different geometries (eg shapes, sizes, etc.) or with a different number of deflecting teeth, etc. For example, a set of PC inserts 1860a, 1860b can be provided with flippers or movable stepped teeth of the baffle that taper to zero at the distal end thereof, while in another form another set of PC inserts 1860b, 1860a can be provided with flippers. or movable deflector teeth that are not staggered at the base of the deflector and that are truncated at their end instead of tapering to level with the flow passage floor. In another form, a set of inserts PC 1850a, 1850b can be provided with a first standard flow passage and / or a first number of deflector teeth to achieve an emitter with a first characteristic, while in another form another set of PR inserts 1850b, 1850a can be provided with a second flow passage pattern and / or a second number of deflector teeth (both different from the respective first standard flow passage and the respective number of deflector teeth) to achieve an emitter with a second characteristic different from the first feature.
[00203] In a preferred form, the inserts PR and PC 1950, 1960 are made of the same elastomeric material as the rest of the emitting body 1920 and the upper surfaces of the inserts 1950, 1960 have the same radius of curvature as the upper surfaces of the rest of the emitter body 1920 so that the mounted emitter 1910 (including body 1920 and inserts 1950, 1960) can be connected to the inner surface of the pipe or conduit to produce a properly functioning emitter and a non-leaking drip line that drips fluid at the desired or desired flow rate. Because the radius of curvature common to the upper surfaces of the emitter body 1920 and the inserts 1950, 1960 will remain paired with each other so that the emitter 1910 can be connected to the surface inside the pipe or duct without gaps that could result in leaks.
[00204] In other examples, the emitter may be provided with input and / or output receptacles to receive inserts in the input portion and / or the exit portion (or in addition to the inserts of the PR and PC portion or in place of them). In still other forms, the entry can be formed integrated into the PR portion and thus can be removed and inserted with the PR portion. It is to be understood that the issuer may be provided with any one or more of such receptacles and inserts and that any of the inserts or portions of the inserts discussed herein may optionally be secured to the issuer by means of a fastener or the like as discussed above.
[00205] In addition to different geometries, different inserts can be used to allow a consumer to customize the emitter for a particular application or to provide options that can be added to or removed from the emitter. For example, in some applications such as steep or downhill terrain (for example, hill or mountainous regions, etc.) inserts can be fitted with optional designs with a check valve used to prevent fluid from flowing out of the emitters or of the drip line when there is no such intention. In other applications, a protruding inlet that draws fluid from an internal portion of the supply or drip line (for example, as illustrated in Figures 10A-14B and 16A-19C) may be desired; whereas, in still other applications, a non-protruding inlet may be desired to draw fluid from an outer circumference or circumference of the supply line or drip line (for example, as shown in Figures 1A-9B and 15A-B) . Thus, with this configuration, emitters according to the invention can be customized for various applications, such as specific applications and / or based on specific attributes with respect to the environment in which the emitters are to be used.
[00206] The different designs or designs of emitter can be formed by interchanging several portions of emitter to obtain the desired emitter properties for the particular application. In addition to having these interchangeable portions or instead of having these interchangeable portions, it should be understood that the mold to produce the emitter could be configured with different inserts to produce emitters of different types (for example, emitters of different flow rates, emitters of different pressure compensation characteristics (if there is any pressure to compensate), emitters with different flow channel shapes or sizes, etc.).
[00207] Thus, a non-cylindrical open drip irrigation emitter is also disclosed in this document for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line pipe carrying pressurized fluid comprising an emitter body having a inlet portion, a flow passage portion and an exit portion, wherein at least one of the inlet portion, the flow passage portion or the exit portion is formed from a first insert disposed in the emitting body which can be interchanged with a second insert to provide an emitter with a different performance characteristic. In one form, the flow-through portion of the emitter for non-cylindrical open drip irrigation includes both a pressure reduction portion and a pressure compensation portion and at least one of the inlet portion, the pressure reduction portion , the pressure compensation portion and the outlet portion are formed by the first insert disposed in the emitter body which can be interchanged with the second insert in order to provide an emitter with a different performance characteristic. An emitter body having an inlet portion, a flow passage portion and an exit portion, wherein at least one of the inlet portion, the flow passage portion or the exit portion is formed as an interchangeable insert or which can be exchanged, which can be changed or replaced with a second portion of emitter insert in order to provide an emitter with a different design or performance characteristic. Thus, the first insert disposed in the emitter body comprises an interchangeable or exchangeable insert, which can be interchanged or exchanged with a second insert having a different design or performance characteristic to change the way the emitter performs. This configuration provides yet another way in which emitters with different performance characteristics can be made or formed (for example, emitters with different flow rates, reaction rates to changes in fluid line pressure, etc.).
[00208] In addition to the above modalities, it should be understood that various methods of making or assembling drip irrigation lines, methods of compensating pressure in a supply line (for example, increases or decreases in the fluid pressure of the supply line), methods of making an emitter and methods of reducing fluid flow pressure are also disclosed herein. For example, a method of assembling a drip irrigation line is disclosed which comprises providing a drop emitter according to any of the modalities mentioned above where at least one of the inner and outer deflector walls includes a finely deflected deflector section, extruding a drip line tube and insert the supplied drop emitter into the drip line tube as it is extruded so that upper surfaces of the emitter other than the thinned deflector wall section are connected to an inner surface of the drip line tube. extruded drip to form a sealed coupling so that a pressure reducing flow channel is formed between the inlet and outlet area of the emitter. In a preferred form, the upper surfaces of the unrefined deflector walls are attached to the inner surface of the extruded drip line tube to form this sealed coupling so that an elongated winding passage is formed between the emitter inlet and outlet.
[00209] In addition to this method, several methods of compensating pressure in emitters for drip irrigation are revealed. For example, a method of compensating pressure in an emitter for drip irrigation is disclosed which comprises providing a drop emitter according to any of the modalities mentioned above in which the deflector walls have upper surfaces with a first radius of curvature and the deflector wall inner has a first portion of constant height and a second portion of fine height that is variably movable between a first low pressure position where the upper surface of the second portion is generally not flush with the upper surface of the first portion and the fluid may overflow the upper surface of the second portion at low fluid pressures and a second high pressure position where the upper surface of the second portion is flush with the upper surface of the first portion so that fluid is prevented from overflowing the upper surface of the second portion and cross section of the flow channel is reduced and the flow channel length is effectively elongated, and moving the second portion of the inner deflector wall between the first low pressure position where the upper surface of the second portion is not flush with the upper surface of the first portion and the fluid can overflow the upper surface of the second portion at low fluid pressures and the second high pressure position where the upper surface of the second portion is flush with the upper surface of the first portion so that fluid is prevented from overflowing the upper surface of the second portion to reduce the cross section of the flow channel and effectively lengthen the length of the flow channel that the fluid has to pass through the high fluid pressure to compensate for an increase in fluid supply pressure, and to variably move the second portion of the wall internal deflector in the direction of and / or up to the second high pressure position to compe Use an increase in fluid pressure and in the direction of and / or to the first low pressure position to compensate for a decrease in fluid supply pressure.
[00210] Alternatively, a method of compensating pressure in an emitter for drip irrigation is disclosed which comprises providing a drop emitter according to any of the modalities mentioned above in which the deflector walls have upper surfaces with a first radius of curvature and the the inner deflector wall ends in a first structure and the outer deflector wall includes a second structure that generally corresponds in shape to and / or intertwines with the first structure and is positioned close to the first structure, with the first and second structures tapering in height towards each other and being variably movable between a first low pressure position where the upper surfaces of the tuned structures are not flush with the upper surfaces of the deflector walls and the fluid can overflow the tuned structures at a low fluid pressure and a second high pressure position where the surfaces upper parts of the tuned structures are flush with the upper surfaces of the deflector walls and fluid is prevented from overflowing the tuned structures to reduce the cross section of the flow channel near the first and second structures and effectively lengthen the length or quantity of the flow channel that the fluid must pass through a high fluid pressure, and move the first and second structures variably towards and / or to the second high pressure position to compensate for an increase in fluid supply pressure and towards e / or even the first low pressure position to compensate for a decrease in fluid supply pressure.
[00211] Alternatively, another method of compensating pressure in an emitter for drip irrigation is disclosed which comprises providing an emitter for drip irrigation according to any of the modalities disclosed in this document, in which the deflector walls have upper surfaces with a first bend radius and inlet includes a plurality of inlet openings or passages that extend from an exposed body surface to the pressurized supply fluid to the flow pressure reducing channel, each inlet passage extending through a boss with a terminal end that progressively extends further into the flow pressure reducing channel, each end being movable variably between an open position where the upper surface of the terminal end of the boss is not at the same general level as the deflecting walls (or with the upper surfaces s of the terminal end and deflector walls not being in a common radius of curvature) so that the fluid can continue to flow through the boss and into the flow channel and a closed position where the terminal end of the boss is generally flush with the upper surfaces of the deflector walls and has a radius of curvature generally common to the first radius of curvature of the deflector walls so that the fluid is prevented from flowing through the inlet or inlet and into the flow channel, and variably moves the inlet openings or end ends of the bosses towards and / or to the second high pressure closed positions to compensate for an increase in fluid supply pressure and towards and / or to the first low pressure open positions to compensate for a decrease in fluid supply pressure.
[00212] In the examples above, it should be clear that the movement of mobile walls or structures to compensate for increases and decreases in fluid pressure may or may represent complete movements from a first travel limit to a second travel limit (ie , from the most open position possible to the most closed position possible and vice versa), or, alternatively, it can simply represent movements in the direction of one or more of those travel limits without those limits having been effectively reached (ie , movement in the direction of the most open position possible to the most closed position possible and vice versa). In addition, the material chosen for the emitting body (for example, 20, 120, 220 above), can be selected so that such movement happens at a desired pace. For example, if you want a quick opening and closing, a material that is more flexible or has a lower durometer value can be selected. While if a slower or more gradual opening and closing is desired (or making a transition from one or the other), a material that is less flexible or has a higher durometer value can be selected.
[00213] Various methods of gravel processing through a cleaning emitter or emitters and / or obstruction drip lines are also disclosed in this document. For example, a gravel processing method comprises providing an emitter of the type discussed above, adjusting the fluid pressure to which the emitter is subjected in a supply line to change the size or shape of the flow channel to expel any obstructions that are clogging the emitter (for example, obstructions clogging an inlet, a flow channel, an outlet, etc.). In one form, this is done by decreasing the fluid pressure to maximize the cross-sectional area of the flow channel and / or to create a central flow channel through which any obstructions such as gravel or other particles can be discharged. In another way, this is done by increasing the fluid pressure to cause the deflecting walls of the flow channel to deflect, bend or tilt so that obstructions can pass through the flow channel or be carried out of the emitter by means of of the high pressure fluid that passes through it.
[00214] Other methods disclosed in this document include manufacturing methods of an emitter which comprise providing an emitter body consisting of a single material or a unitary body construction defining an emitter inlet, at least part of the winding flow passage and a basin outlet and insert a root inhibitor member in or near the emitter outlet bowl to inhibit roots by preventing them from obstructing the emitter or its operation once the member unit body is connected to a pipe to form the finished emitter. In another form, a method of manufacturing an emitter comprises providing an emitter body consisting of a single material or a unitary body construction defining an emitter inlet, at least part of the sinuous flow passage and an outlet basin and lengthening the opening inlet to extract fluid closer to the center of the inner lumen of the tube in an effort to extract fluid with less gravel to inhibit gravel by preventing it from obstructing the emitter or its operation once the member unit body is connected to the tubing to form the finished emitting product. Another method disclosed relates to the manufacture of an emitter which comprises providing a unitary emitter body defining an emitter inlet, at least a portion of the winding flow passage and an outlet basin and either inserting a root inhibiting member into or near the outlet basin and lengthen the inlet opening to extract fluid from a point closer to the middle or region of the center of the inner lumen. Yet another disclosed method relates to a method of controlling a pressure compensation portion of an emitter by defining a springboard area that allows the pressure compensation portion to move as desired. For example, this method may include increasing the trampoline area size of the pressure compensation member on one side of the emitter to an area larger than the total size of the pressure compensation area member located on the opposite side of the emitter (e.g., the area containing the movable teeth or flippers) to make the emitter more responsive to increases and decreases in fluid pressure. In contrast, the size of the trampoline area can be reduced in order to make the emitter less responsive to increases and decreases in fluid pressure.
[00215] Another method comprises a method of fabricating and / or inserting an emitter into the pipeline which includes providing an emitter body having an inlet, outlet and a sinuous flow passage connecting the inlet and outlet in fluid communication with each other the other, providing a carrier in which the sending body is arranged or in which the sending body is connected, and connecting the sending body to the carrier so that the sending body can be transported more easily through an insertion tool and into the interior drip pipe. In a preferred form, the connection between the emitter body and the carrier is permanent so that the carrier remains with the emitter body after the emitter is installed in the pipeline. However, in alternative forms, the method may additionally include separating the carrier from the emitter body once the emitter body is installed inside the pipeline.
[00216] In addition, a method of reducing problems associated with cross-linking and the connection between an emitter and the piping has also been disclosed in this document. For example, a method like this may include providing an emitter body having an inlet, an outlet and a fluid passage connected between the inlet and outlet, and connecting a clamp to the emitter body made of a material that easily joins with the pipeline while the piping is being extruded to ensure a good connection between the emitting body and the piping that is free of cross-linking or connection defects.
[00217] It should also be understood that methods of improving and / or controlling emitter pressure compensation are also disclosed in this document. For example, methods of perfecting and / or controlling emitter pressure compensation by forming a step on at least one tooth or movable deflector flipper of the emitter pressure compensator have been revealed (or forming a step on one or more teeth / deflector flippers for this purpose). Similar methods to this have been disclosed which include forming a plurality of steps in a plurality of movable deflectors to assist in improving and / or controlling emitter pressure compensation. Methods of holding a root growth inhibitor in an emitter and methods of preventing and / or hindering gravel build-up in an emitter and specifically in an emitter outlet have also been disclosed.
[00218] In view of the above, it should be noted that a method of making an open flat emitter inline has been disclosed herein including one or more of the following additional features: a root limb growth inhibitor, an entry projection and / or a carrier to assist in the installation of the emitter inside the pipe and / or in the connection of the emitter in the pipe. In addition, methods of manufacturing or assembling components in which there is no pressure compensation are disclosed and also methods of manufacturing or assembling emitters in which there is pressure compensation and / or in which there is no pressure compensation with interchangeable parts. Similarly, methods of making or assembling custom emitters and methods of customizing or configuring emitters are also disclosed herein. In addition to providing methods of customizing or configuring emitters with interchangeable inserts, there are also methods of customizing or configuring emitters using a mold. The different designs or designs of the emitter can be formed by interchanging various portions of the emitter to obtain the desired emitter properties for the particular application. In addition to having these interchangeable portions, it should be understood that the mold to manufacture or produce the emitter could alternatively be configured with different inserts to produce emitters of different types (for example, emitters with different designs or designs, emitters with different flow rates, emitters with different pressure compensation characteristics (if they are pressure compensation), emitters with different flow channel shapes or sizes, etc.).
[00219] In some exemplary forms, the method of manufacturing an emitter for non-cylindrical open drip irrigation for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an inner surface of a drip irrigation line pipe carrying pressurized fluid comprises providing an emitter body having an entry portion, a flow passage portion and an exit portion, wherein at least one of the entrance portion, the flow passage portion or the exit portion is formed as an interchangeable or interchangeable insert , and interchange or exchange the interchangeable or interchangeable insert with a second emitter insert in order to change the design or performance of the emitter. In another exemplary form, the method of making an emitter for non-cylindrical open drip irrigation for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an inner surface of a drip irrigation line carrying pressurized fluid comprises providing a mold to form an emitter body having an inlet portion, a flow passage portion and an exit portion, wherein the mold includes at least one interchangeable insert or that can be exchanged to form at least one of the inlet portion, the flow passage portion and the outlet portion, and interchanging or exchanging the interchangeable insert or which can be interchanged with a second emitter insert in order to change the design or performance characteristic of the emitter manufactured by the mold. In yet other exemplary forms, the method of improving the pressure compensation performance of a non-cylindrical drip irrigation emitter for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an inner surface of a drip irrigation line pipe carrying pressurized fluid comprises providing an emitter body defining an inlet area, an outlet area and a flow channel between them connecting the inlet and outlet areas, the flow channel defining a pressure reducing portion and a pressure compensation portion having a first volume at a lower fluid pressure and a second volume less than the first volume at a higher fluid pressure to restrict flow through the channel, wherein the pressure compensation portion includes at least one deflector tooth having a base , a tip and an upper surface that extends between the base and the tip, and form at least one deg rau at the base of at least one deflecting tooth so that the base of the tooth is positioned at a different height from an upper connection surface near the emitter in order to optimize the pressure compensation performance of the emitter.
[00220] Thus, it is apparent that, according to the invention, an elastomeric emitter and related methods have been provided that completely satisfy the objectives, targets, and advantages presented above. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specified embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description presented. Consequently, it intends to encompass all these alternatives, modifications, and variations to the extent that they are covered by the general spirit and scope of the attached claims.

权利要求:
Claims (30)
[1]
1. Emitter for drip irrigation (1810) for insertion in a conduit (70, 270, 370, 470, 570, 970) carrying pressurized fluid, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a unitary body (1820) defining an entrance (1830 ), an output (1840) and a flow channel between them to connect the input and the output; the flow channel defining a pressure reducing flow passage (1850) and a pressure compensating flow passage (1860) having a first cross-sectional area at low fluid pressure and a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area at high fluid pressure to restrict flow through the channel; and a root growth inhibiting member (1880) positioned at or near the outlet to stop roots preventing them from obstructing the flow of fluid through the emitter.
[2]
2. Drip irrigation emitter according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the outlet has a floor and projections (1841) to prevent the outlet floor from dismounting in response to high fluid pressure and the inhibiting member Root growth comprises a copper insert that corresponds in shape to the outlet so that the copper insert can be disposed within the emitter outlet.
[3]
3. Drip irrigation emitter according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the outlet projections comprise a plurality of cones or walls of a first shape and the copper insert defines openings of a second shape that correspond to the first shape so that the copper insert can be arranged inside the emitter outlet.
[4]
4. Emitter for drip irrigation, according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the copper insert is connected to the emitter outlet by means of a fastener (1849).
[5]
5. Drip irrigation emitter according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the emitter inlet includes a protrusion (1832) that extends towards a central portion of the duct so that the fluid entering the emitter come from a position closer to the central portion of the conduit than to a periphery of the conduit in order to avoid major obstructions that may be located near the periphery of the conduit.
[6]
6. Emitter for drip irrigation, according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the emitter body has a first side that is positioned against an internal surface of the duct and the inlet protrusion is a sleeve that extends on one side opposite the first side of the emitting body and extends towards the central portion of the conduit.
[7]
7. Emitter for drip irrigation, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the emitter body has a first side that is positioned against an internal surface of the duct and a second side opposite the first side that is positioned close to a central portion of the conduit, the pressure compensation flow passage being located on the first side of the emitting body and constituting a first portion of the emitting body, and the pressure compensation flow passage additionally including a recessed portion (1861) located on the second side of the emitter and constituting a second portion of the emitter body that is larger than the first portion to make the flow of pressure compensation flow more responsive to changes in fluid pressure.
[8]
8. Emitter for drip irrigation (1310) for insertion in a conduit (70, 270, 370, 470, 570, 970) carrying pressurized fluid, FEATURED by the fact that it comprises: a unitary body (1320) defining an inlet (1330 ), an output (1340) and a flow channel between them connecting the input and the output; the flow channel defining a pressure reducing flow passage (1350) and a pressure compensating flow passage (1360) having a first cross-sectional area at low fluid pressure and a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area at high fluid pressure to restrict flow through the channel; and the emitter inlet includes a protrusion (1332) that extends towards a central portion of the conduit so that the fluid entering the emitter comes from a position closer to the central portion of the conduit than to a periphery of the conduit in order to prevent major obstructions from entering the emitter which may be located near the periphery of the duct.
[9]
9. Emitter for drip irrigation, according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the emitter body has a first side that is positioned against an internal surface of the duct and the inlet protrusion is a glove that extends from one side opposite the first side of the emitting body and extends towards the central portion of the conduit.
[10]
10. Drip irrigation emitter according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the inlet sleeve includes a filter (1332a-f) to block the entry of obstructions within the flow channel of the emitter.
[11]
11. Drip irrigation emitter according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it additionally comprises a root growth inhibiting member (1380) positioned at or near the outlet to stop roots preventing them from obstructing the fluid flow through the emitter.
[12]
12. Drip irrigation emitter according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the duct has an internal diameter and the inlet protrusion is of sufficient length to extend a distal end of the protrusion into the duct between twenty and fifty percent of the inner diameter of the conduit so that the fluid entering the emitter comes from a position closer to the central portion of the conduit than to a periphery of the conduit in order to prevent major obstructions from entering the emitter which may be located nearby the periphery of the conduit.
[13]
13. Drip irrigation emitter according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the unitary body has a first height and the inlet protrusion has a second height that is between half and once the first height of the unitary body.
[14]
14. Emitter for drip irrigation (1610) for insertion in a conduit (70, 270, 370, 470, 570, 970) carrying pressurized fluid, FEATURED by the fact that it comprises: a unitary body (1620) defining an inlet (1630 ), an output (1640) and a flow channel between them connecting the input and the output in fluid communication; the flow channel defining a pressure reducing flow passage (1650) and a pressure compensating flow passage (1660) having a first cross-sectional area at low fluid pressure and a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area at high fluid pressure to restrict flow through the channel; and a carrier (1690) connected to the unit body to assist with the installation of the unit body inside a conduit carrying pressurized fluid with the use of tooling for inserting the emitter, in which the carrier is positioned on the unit body in locations where the body unit would otherwise come into contact with the insertion tooling to minimize contact between the unitary body and the insertion tooling to allow the unitary body to be easily guided through the insertion tooling and into the conduit for form a finished emitter and drip line product.
[15]
15. Drip irrigation emitter according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the unit body has bottom and side surfaces and the carrier covers at least a portion of the bottom and side surfaces of the unit body and defines an opening aligned with at least a portion of the pressure compensation flow passage to allow fluid communication between the pressurized fluid within the conduit and at least a portion of the pressure compensation flow passage to allow the drop emitter to compensate for the increases and decreases in the pressure of fluid inside the conduit.
[16]
16. Drip irrigation emitter according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the carrier is made of polyethylene and includes a portion arranged in an indentation defined by an upper surface of the unit body in order to help connect the unitary body on an internal conduit surface without cross-linking or connection problems.
[17]
17. Drip irrigation emitter (1810) for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line tube (70, 270, 370, 470, 570, 970) carrying pressurized fluid, FEATURED by the fact of which it comprises: a unitary elastomeric body (1820) defining an entrance area (1830), an exit area (1840) and a flow channel connecting the entrance area and the exit area in fluid communication; the flow channel defining a pressure reduction portion (1850) and a pressure compensation portion (1860) having a first volume at a lower fluid pressure and a second volume less than the first volume at a lower fluid pressure high to restrict the flow through the channel; and wherein the pressure compensation portion includes one or more stepped deflector teeth (1847a, 1847b) having a base, a tip, an upper surface extending between the base and the tip and a step (1865) along the surface upper, the step spacing at least a portion of the upper surface of the one or more stepped baffle teeth from an internal surface of the drip irrigation line tube to facilitate the movement of the one or more stepped baffle teeth.
[18]
18. Drip irrigation emitter (1810) for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line tube (70, 270, 370, 470, 570, 970) carrying pressurized fluid, CHARACTERIZED by the fact of which it comprises: a unitary elastomeric body (1820) defining an entrance area (1830), an exit area (1840) and a flow channel connecting the entrance and exit areas in fluid communication; the flow channel defining a pressure reduction portion (1850) and a pressure compensation portion (1860) having a first volume at a lower fluid pressure and a second volume less than the first volume at a lower fluid pressure high to restrict the flow through the channel; and at least one independent outlet wall member (1841a, 1841b or 1841c) positioned within the outlet area of the emitter so that fluid can flow entirely around exposed sides of the at least one independent outlet wall member.
[19]
19. Drip irrigation emitter (1810) for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line tube (70, 270, 370, 470, 570, 970) carrying pressurized fluid, CHARACTERIZED by the fact of which it comprises: a unitary elastomeric body (1820) defining an entrance area (1830), an exit area (1840) and a flow channel connecting the entrance and exit areas in fluid communication; the flow channel defining a pressure reduction portion (1850) and a pressure compensation portion (1860) having a first volume at a lower fluid pressure and a second volume less than the first volume at a lower fluid pressure high to restrict the flow through the channel; a root growth inhibitor (1880) positioned at or near the exit area to stop roots preventing them from obstructing the flow of fluid from the emitter; and a fastener (1849) for securing the root growth inhibitor in or near the exit area of the emitter.
[20]
20. Non-cylindrical drip irrigation emitter (1810) for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line tube (70, 270, 370, 470, 570, 970) carrying pressurized fluid, CHARACTERIZED the fact that it comprises: a unitary elastomeric body (1820) defining an entrance area (1830), an exit area (1840) and a flow channel between them connecting the entrance and exit areas; the flow channel defining a pressure reducing portion (1850) and a pressure compensating portion (1860) having a first volume at a lower fluid pressure and a lower volume than the first volume at a higher fluid pressure to restrict the flow through the channel; and wherein the pressure compensation portion includes at least one deflecting tooth (1847a, 1847b) having a base, a tip and an upper surface extending between the base and tip, the at least one deflector having additionally a staggered configuration ( 1865) in which the base of the tooth is positioned at a different height from an upper connection surface close to the emitter.
[21]
21. Non-cylindrical drip irrigation emitter according to claim 20, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least one deflecting tooth is tuned downwards from the base towards the tip and is movable between a first pressure position lower where the upper surface of the at least one deflecting tooth is separated from an internal surface of the drip irrigation line by a first distance and coincides with the first volume of the pressure compensation portion and a second more pressure position high where the upper surface of the at least one deflecting tooth is separated from the internal surface of the drip irrigation line by a second distance less than the first distance and coincides with the second volume of the pressure compensation portion.
[22]
22. Non-cylindrical drip irrigation emitter according to claim 21, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least one deflecting tooth is tuned down so that the tip of the tooth is paired with a floor (1861) of the portion of pressure compensation of the emitter.
[23]
23. Non-cylindrical drip irrigation emitter according to claim 21, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the at least one deflecting tooth comprises a plurality of stepped tuned deflecting teeth, each movable between the first lowest pressure position and the second highest pressure position.
[24]
24. Non-cylindrical emitter for drip irrigation according to claim 23, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the plurality of stepped deflector teeth alternated with each other having a first set of stepped deflector teeth extending from a first wall and tapering in a first direction and a second set of staggered deflector teeth extending from a second wall located opposite the first wall and tapering in a second direction opposite the first direction.
[25]
25. Non-cylindrical drip irrigation emitter according to claim 20, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises a root growth inhibitor (1880) positioned at or near the outlet area to stop roots preventing them from obstructing the flow fluid flow.
[26]
26. Non-cylindrical emitter for drip irrigation according to claim 19, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the fastener comprises at least one protruding shoulder (1849a or 1849b) extending from at least one lateral wall surface located within from the exit area that holds the root growth inhibitor into the exit area.
[27]
27. Emitter for non-cylindrical open drip irrigation (1910) for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line tube (70, 270, 370, 470, 570, 970) carrying pressurized fluid, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: an emitting body (1920) having an inlet portion (1930), a flow passage portion (1950, 1960) and an outlet portion (1940), in which at least one of the portion inlet, the flow passage portion or the outlet portion is formed from a first insert (1950a, 1960a) disposed in the emitter body that can be interchanged with a second insert (1950b, 1960b) in order to provide an emitter with a different performance characteristic.
[28]
28. Non-cylindrical open emitter for drip irrigation according to claim 27, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the flow passage portion comprises both a pressure reduction portion (1950) and a pressure compensation portion (1960) and at least one of the inlet portion, the pressure reducing portion, the pressure compensation portion and the outlet portion is formed by the first insert disposed in the emitting body which can be interchanged with the second insert in order to provide a emitter with different performance characteristic.
[29]
29. Non-cylindrical open drip irrigation emitter (1910) for attachment to only a circumferential portion of an internal surface of a drip irrigation line tube (70, 270, 370, 470, 570, 970) carrying pressurized fluid, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: an emitting body (1920) made of elastomeric material and defining at least one indentation to receive an insert; and an insert (1950a, 1960a) disposed within the indentation defined by the emitting body, the emitting body and the insert together defining a flow passage between an inlet (1930) and an outlet (1940) that the fluid can travel through.
[30]
30. Non-cylindrical open emitter for drip irrigation, according to claim 29, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the setback defined by the emitting body is an open nozzle having a first wall that extends around a greater part of a lateral periphery of the insert and a second wall that passes through an opening defined by the first wall to close one end of the indentation and define the open nozzle within which the insert is disposed, the insert being disposed within the open nozzle by an amount sufficient to allow a surface upper part of the insert and an adjacent upper surface of the emitter body are paired with each other so that the emitter assembly can be connected to an internal duct surface without the formation of gaps between the upper surfaces of the emitter body and the insert and the internal duct surface.

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公开号 | 公开日

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AU2014306803A1|2016-02-11|

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AU2014306803B2|2018-02-22|

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EP3032939A4|2016-12-07|

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BR112016002731A2|2017-08-01|

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EP3032939A1|2016-06-22|

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法律状态:
2018-02-27| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2019-07-16| B06A| Patent application procedure suspended [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|

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2019-12-10| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|

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2020-02-04| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 12/08/2014, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US13/964,903|US10285342B2|2013-08-12|2013-08-12|Elastomeric emitter and methods relating to same|

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US201462025693P| true| 2014-07-17|2014-07-17|

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PCT/US2014/050623|WO2015023624A1|2013-08-12|2014-08-12|Elastomeric emitter and methods relating to same|

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