Pressure-compensated self-flushing dripper and mini spray
US5279460A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB05B15/52
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The dripper and mini-spray include an inlet and an outlet coupled to a housing which defines a substantially spherical or ellipsoidal chamber. The chamber houses a ball which can roll about the chamber freely, but which is too large to exit through either the inlet or outlet. The outlet includes a cradle which is formed with ridges and/or slots. The inlet of the dripper is horizontally attached to an irrigation line and with water pressure in the line the ball is forced against the cradle, effectively closing off the outlet, however some water is able to escape via openings formed by the ridges/slots. At the beginning of each irrigation cycle a small whirlpool is created in the chamber, pushing the ball about, which flushes out any debris which has accumulated in the chamber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.