US3917174A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Drip irrigation system
Assignee: Andco Inc
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Filing: 1974-06-17
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Granted: 1975-11-04
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Expires: 1994-06-17
Abstract
Abstract A drip irrigation system and method for installing the same including utilizing a supply of emitters of different flow potential designed to supply a given amount of water at various line pressures. Fluid is delivered through a feeder tube at a predetermined flow rate and the pressure at the head end of the tube is maintained at a predetermined level. Openings are formed, in sequence, in the tube at each location where an emitter is to be installed. The pressure at each hole is measured and an emitter of appropriate flow potential is selected and installed at that location to deliver the given amount of water to a plant root area.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert W Hildebrandt
- 👤 Jr Howard Hanks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 19:55
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G25/00; A01G25/02; A01G25/023; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A40/00; Y02A40/10; Y02A40/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
167 words
An irrigation system comprising: a main supply line for conveying fluid under pressure; a feeder tube having a head end connected to said main supply line; control means connected to said feeder tube adjacent said head end for controlling the flow rate of fluid through said feeder tube; means maintaining the fluid at a predetermined presssure at said head end whereby a decreasing pressure gradient exists from said head end of said feeder tube towards the downstream end thereof during flow of fluid therethrough; and a plurality of emitters of varying flow capacities connected to said feeder tube downstream of said flow rate control means, and emitters having relatively lower flow capacities being connected to said feeder tube at said head end portion thereof with emitters having progressively relatively higher flow capacities being connected to said feeder tube at respective locations progressively closer to the downstream end of said feeder tube so that substantially equal amounts of fluid are delivered to a plurality of plant root areas.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
167 words
An irrigation system comprising: a main supply line for conveying fluid under pressure; a feeder tube having a head end connected to said main supply line; control means connected to said feeder tube adjacent said head end for controlling the flow rate of fluid through said feeder tube; means maintaining the fluid at a predetermined presssure at said head end whereby a decreasing pressure gradient exists from said head end of said feeder tube towards the downstream end thereof during flow of fluid therethrough; and a plurality of emitters of varying flow capacities connected to said feeder tube downstream of said flow rate control means, and emitters having relatively lower flow capacities being connected to said feeder tube at said head end portion thereof with emitters having progressively relatively higher flow capacities being connected to said feeder tube at respective locations progressively closer to the downstream end of said feeder tube so that substantially equal amounts of fluid are delivered to a plurality of plant root areas.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said fluid pressure maintaining means comprises a pressure relief valve connected to said feeder tube adjacent the downstream end thereof and having a sensing conduit connected to said feeder tube adjacent said head end just slightly downstream of said control valve means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
118 words
An irrigation system comprising: a main supply line for conveying fluid under pressure; a feeder tube having a head end connected to said main supply line; control means connected to said feeder tube adjacent said head end for controlling the flow rate of fluid through said feeder tube; means maintaining the fluid at a predetermined pressure at said head end; and a plurality of emitters of varying flow capacities connected to said feeder tube downstream of said control means wherein said emitters vary in length in accordance with the varying line pressures at varying locations along said feeder tube whereat said emitters are connected for delivering substantially equal amounts of fluid to a plurality of plant root areas.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
118 words
An irrigation system comprising: a main supply line for conveying fluid under pressure; a feeder tube having a head end connected to said main supply line; control means connected to said feeder tube adjacent said head end for controlling the flow rate of fluid through said feeder tube; means maintaining the fluid at a predetermined pressure at said head end; and a plurality of emitters of varying flow capacities connected to said feeder tube downstream of said control means wherein said emitters vary in length in accordance with the varying line pressures at varying locations along said feeder tube whereat said emitters are connected for delivering substantially equal amounts of fluid to a plurality of plant root areas.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
An irrigation system according to claim 3 wherein said emittErs are progressively shorter from said feeder tube head toward the downstream end thereof in accordance with the decreasing gradient pressure of fluid flowing through said feeder tube.
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) | 1978-11-03 | 1979-05-05 | 1979-11-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-11-03 | 1983-05-05 | 1983-11-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-11-03 | 1987-05-05 | 1987-11-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |