US3910500A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drip irrigation system and components thereof
Assignee: XEROS CONTROLS
•
Filing: 1973-09-28
•
Granted: 1975-10-07
•
Expires: 1993-09-28
Abstract
Abstract A drip irrigation system comprising in combination an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed, a sand filter system adapted to be backwashed connected to the inlet conduit, a manifold receiving filtered water from the sand filter system, a plurality of distribution conduits connected to receive water from the manifolds, and at least one emitter connected to each distribution conduit for emitting water therefrom. Optional features of the invention include: a penetrable plug disposed in at least one of the distribution conduits, the plug being penetrable by a probe for measuring pressure in the respective distribution conduit and being self-sealing to close the puncture caused by the penetration after the plug is removed; the inclusion of at least two sand filters in the sand filter system whereby one can be backwashed while the other continues to supply water to the irrigation system so that irrigation does not cease during the backwashing; and the provision of retention screens downstream of the sand filters adjacent to which a sight-glass is provided for visual inspection of the condition of the upstream sand filter.
Inventors
- 👤 Artson P Hardison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 01:47
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D35/00; B01D35/12; A; A01; A01G; A01G25/00; A01G25/02; B01D24/00; B01D24/002; B01D24/02; B01D24/10; B01D24/12; B01D24/46; B01D24/4631; B01D35/02; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A40/00; Y02A40/10; Y02A40/22; Y10; Y10S; Y10S239/00; Y10S239/01
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 40
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; a sand filter system comprising at least two sand filters, each having an inlet and an outlet; a manifold connected to and receiving filtered water from said outlets, the inlet conduit Being connected to the said inlets, the inlets and outlets being connected in parallel through the respective sand filters, the inlets being connected to each other, and the outlets being connected to each other; valving means connected to each of said sand filters so disposed and arranged as selectively to connect or to disconnect the inlet conduit to or from each inlet, and selectively to connect or to disconnect the respective inlet to a flushing outlet; a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; and at least one emitter connected to each distribution conduit for emitting water therefrom.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; a sand filter system comprising at least two sand filters, each having an inlet and an outlet; a manifold connected to and receiving filtered water from said outlets, the inlet conduit Being connected to the said inlets, the inlets and outlets being connected in parallel through the respective sand filters, the inlets being connected to each other, and the outlets being connected to each other; valving means connected to each of said sand filters so disposed and arranged as selectively to connect or to disconnect the inlet conduit to or from each inlet, and selectively to connect or to disconnect the respective inlet to a flushing outlet; a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; and at least one emitter connected to each distribution conduit for emitting water therefrom.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system according to claim 1 in which an adjustable valve is disposed in each distribution conduit between the manifold and the emitters to adjust the rate of flow of water into the distribution conduit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 1 in which a penetrable plug is disposed in at least one of said distribution conduits, said plug being penetrable by a probe and self-sealing to close the puncture caused by said penetration after the probe is removed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 3 in which one of said plugs is disposed in each of said distribution conduits.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 1 in which a dump valve is disposed in each of said distribution conduits whereby to enable its respective distribution conduit to be purged.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 1 in which a fertilizer injector system discharges a metered quantity of liquid fertilizer into the inlet conduit or into the manifold.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A system according to claim 1 in which valving means comprising a three-way valve is connected to the inlet of each respective sand filter, to the inlet conduit, and to a flushing outlet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
109 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; a sand filter adapted to be backwashed connected to said inlet conduit, a manifold receiving filtered water from said sand filter; a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; at least one emitter connected to each distribution conduit for emitting water therefrom; a retention screen having screen apertures proportioned to retain sand from the sand filter disposed in the flow of water between the sand filter and the distribution conduits; and a sight-glass adjacent to the retention screen for visual inspection of said retention screen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
109 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; a sand filter adapted to be backwashed connected to said inlet conduit, a manifold receiving filtered water from said sand filter; a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; at least one emitter connected to each distribution conduit for emitting water therefrom; a retention screen having screen apertures proportioned to retain sand from the sand filter disposed in the flow of water between the sand filter and the distribution conduits; and a sight-glass adjacent to the retention screen for visual inspection of said retention screen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
112 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; at least one sand filter adapted to be backwashed having an inlet connected to said inlet conduit and having an outlet; a manifold receiving filtered water from said outlet; a retention screen disposed between the outlet and the manifold, the retention screen having apertures proportioned to retain sand from the sand filter; a sight-glass adjacent to the retention screen for visual inspection of said retention screen; a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; and at least one emitter connected to each distribution conduit for emitting water therefrom.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
112 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; at least one sand filter adapted to be backwashed having an inlet connected to said inlet conduit and having an outlet; a manifold receiving filtered water from said outlet; a retention screen disposed between the outlet and the manifold, the retention screen having apertures proportioned to retain sand from the sand filter; a sight-glass adjacent to the retention screen for visual inspection of said retention screen; a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; and at least one emitter connected to each distribution conduit for emitting water therefrom.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
56 words
A system according to claim 9 in which the system includes at least two sand filters, each having an inlet and an outlet respectively connected to the inlet conduit and to the manifold, whereby their outlets are interconnected, and in which one of said retention screens and sight-glasses are disposed between each outlet and the manifold.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
171 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; a sand filter system adapted to be backwashed connected to said inlet conduit comprising at least one sand filter having an inlet connected to the inlet conduit, and an outlet; a manifold receiving filtered water from said sand filter outlet; a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; at least one emitter connected to each diStribution conduit for emitting water therefrom; a pre-filter including a chamber having an inlet port and a first and a second outlet port; and a screen dividing the chamber into a flow chamber and an outlet chamber, the first outlet port discharging from the flow chamber, and the second outlet port discharging from the outlet chamber, the second outlet port being connected to the outlet of the sand filter, the inlet port being connected to the inlet conduit, and the first outlet port being connected to the inlet of the sand filter.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
171 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; a sand filter system adapted to be backwashed connected to said inlet conduit comprising at least one sand filter having an inlet connected to the inlet conduit, and an outlet; a manifold receiving filtered water from said sand filter outlet; a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; at least one emitter connected to each diStribution conduit for emitting water therefrom; a pre-filter including a chamber having an inlet port and a first and a second outlet port; and a screen dividing the chamber into a flow chamber and an outlet chamber, the first outlet port discharging from the flow chamber, and the second outlet port discharging from the outlet chamber, the second outlet port being connected to the outlet of the sand filter, the inlet port being connected to the inlet conduit, and the first outlet port being connected to the inlet of the sand filter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
59 words
A system according to claim 11 in which valving means is disposed between the inlet conduit and the inlet port, and between the outlet port and a flushing outlet, whereby to provide the capacity for fluid flow through the chamber selectively from the inlet port to its two outlet ports, or from its second to its first outlet port.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
60 words
A system according to claim 11 in which a retention screen with apertures proportioned to retain sand from the sand filter is disposed across the flow between the said second outlet port and the manifold, and between the sand filter outlet and the manifold, and in which a sight-glass is disposed adjacent to each retention screen for visual inspection thereof.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system according to claim 12 in which an adjustable valve is disposed in each distribution conduit between the manifold and the emitters to adjust the rate of flow of water into the distribution conduit.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 13 in which a penetrable plug is disposed in at least one of said distribution conduits, said plug being penetrable by a probe and self-sealing to close the puncture caused by said penetration after the probe is removed.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
171 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; a sand filter system adapted to be backwashed connected to said inlet conduit comprising at least two sand filters, each having an inlet connected to the inlet conduit, and an outlet; a manifold receiving filtered water from said outlets, a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; at least one emitter connected to each distribution conduit for emitting water therefrom; a pair of pre-filters, each of which has a chamber with an inlet port and a first and a second outlet port; and a screen dividing each chamber into a flow chamber and an outlet chamber, the respective first outlet port discharging from the flow chamber, and the respective second outlet port discharging from the outlet chamber, the respective first outlet port being connected to the inlet of the respective sand filter, and the second outlet port being connected to the outlet of the respective sand filter.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
171 words
A drip irrigation system comprising in combination: an inlet conduit to receive a supply of water to be distributed; a sand filter system adapted to be backwashed connected to said inlet conduit comprising at least two sand filters, each having an inlet connected to the inlet conduit, and an outlet; a manifold receiving filtered water from said outlets, a plurality of distribution conduits connected to and receiving water from said manifold; at least one emitter connected to each distribution conduit for emitting water therefrom; a pair of pre-filters, each of which has a chamber with an inlet port and a first and a second outlet port; and a screen dividing each chamber into a flow chamber and an outlet chamber, the respective first outlet port discharging from the flow chamber, and the respective second outlet port discharging from the outlet chamber, the respective first outlet port being connected to the inlet of the respective sand filter, and the second outlet port being connected to the outlet of the respective sand filter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
69 words
A system according to claim 16 in which a retention screen having apertures proportioned to retain sand from the respective sand filter is disposed across the flow between each of the said second outlet ports and the manifold, and between each of the sand filter outlets and the manifold, and in which a sight-glass is disposed adjacent to each retention screen for visual inspection of the respective retention screen.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
62 words
A system according to claim 17 in which valving means is disposed between the inlet conduit and each inlet port, and between each first outlet port and a flushing outlet, whereby to provide the capacity for fluid flow through each chamber selectively from its inlet port to its two outlet ports, or from its second outlet port to its first outlet port.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 11 in which the screen in the pre-filter is formed as a tube, said tube interconnecting the inlet port and the first outlet port.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
A system according to claim 16 in which the screen in each of the pre-filters is formed as a tube, said tube interconnecting the respective inlet port and first outlet port.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system according to claim 8 in which an adjustable valve is disposed in each distribution conduit between the manifold and the emitters To adjust the rate of flow of water into the distribution conduit.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 8 in which a penetrable plug is disposed in at least one of said distribution conduits, said plug being penetrable by a probe and self-sealing to close the puncture caused by said penetration after the probe is removed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 22 in which one of said plugs is disposed in each of said distribution conduits.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 8 in which a dump valve is disposed in each of said distribution conduits whereby to enable its respective distribution conduit to be purged.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 8 in which a fertilizer injector system discharges a metered quantity of liquid fertilizer into the inlet conduit or into the manifold.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system according to claim 11 in which an adjustable valve is disposed in each distribution conduit between the manifold and the emitters to adjust the rate of flow of water into the distribution conduit.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 11 in which a penetrable plug is disposed in at least one of said distribution conduits, said plug being penetrable by a probe and self-sealing to close the puncture caused by said penetration after the probe is removed.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 27 in which one of said plugs is disposed in each of said distribution conduits.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 11 in which a dump valve is disposed in each of said distribution conduits whereby to enable its respective distribution conduit to be purged.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 11 in which a fertilizer injector system discharges a metered quantity of liquid fertilizer into the inlet conduit or into the manifold.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system according to claim 16 in which an adjustable valve is disposed in each distribution conduit between the manifold and the emitters to adjust the rate of flow of water into the distribution conduit.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 16 in which a penetrable plug is disposed in at least one of said distribution conduits, said plug being penetrable by a probe and self-sealing to close the puncture caused by said penetration after the probe is removed.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system according to claim 32 in which one of said plugs is disposed in each of said distribution conduits.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 16 in which a dump valve is disposed in each of said distribution conduits whereby to enable its respective distribution conduit to be purged.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
A system according to claim 16 in which a fertilizer injector system discharges a metered quantity of liquid fertilizer into the inlet conduit or into the manifold.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-06 | 1979-04-07 | 1979-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-06 | 1983-04-07 | 1983-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-06 | 1987-04-07 | 1987-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |