Drip irrigation hose and method for making same
US7175113B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A40/22
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A drip irrigation hose includes a plurality of emitter elements secured to a tube at longitudinally-spaced locations to define, with an inner surface of the tube, a plurality of labyrinths each having an inlet in communication with the interior of the tube, and an outlet in communication with a tube outlet for discharging water from the tube outlet at a slow rate. The labyrinths are defined by a continuous strip of a relatively inelastic material bonded to the inner surface of the tube, and a formation of a relatively elastic material shaped to define at least the tips of a group of teeth for each of the emitter elements producing, with the inner surface of the tube a turbulent flow passageway at each of the longitudinally spaced locations along the length of the tube. In some embodiments the drip irrigation hose is formed with a clearance between the inner surface of the tube and the teeth normally bypassing at least a part of each labyrinth in the non-pressurized condition of the tube, which clearance is closed in the pressurized condition of the tube to render the labyrinths effective to regulate the flow therethrough in response to pressure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.