Abstract A water emitter is provided for drip irrigation systems which can be modified at the irrigation site to accommodate variations in pressure in differing areas in the specific configuration or layout of system used, and the typography of the land to be irrigated. The emitter includes a flexible, collapsible thermoplastic or elastomeric emitter tube, having a plurality of spaced-apart crimps imparted thereto. The crimps serve to close the emitter tube when no water is supplied thereto, and to provide a sinuous path for water supplied to the emitter, thus increasing friction and controlling pressure at each emitter in the system. The length of each emitter and, therefore, the number of crimps can be selected according to the desired pressure at each emitter site along the system. Also included with each emitter is an elongated, relatively rigid protective tube to prevent soil compaction of the emitter in its collapsed non-functioning state.
A water emitter for connection with the longitudinal bore in feeder lines of a drip irrigation system for the distribution of water in said bore to surrounding soil; said emitter comprising a. a substantially rigid cylinder for attachment to a feeder line of a drip irrigation system; b. first means on said cylinder for connecting said cylinder to said bore in a feeder line of a drip irrigation system; c. a substantially rigid annular head; d. an elongated, flexible, collapsible tube with one end connected to said head; e. said tube having a plurality of spaced apart crimps disposed therealong to provide when expanded in internal sinuous path for water passing therethrough; f. opposed cooperating means in one end of said cylinder and on said head for holding said head and its connected tube in said cylinder; g. said cylinder surrounding said tube along substantially its entire length to protect said tube from surrounding soil in its collapsed state.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
A water emitter for connection with the longitudinal bore in feeder lines of a drip irrigation system for the distribution of water in said bore to surrounding soil; said emitter comprising a. a substantially rigid cylinder for attachment to a feeder line of a drip irrigation system; b. first means on said cylinder for connecting said cylinder to said bore in a feeder line of a drip irrigation system; c. a substantially rigid annular head; d. an elongated, flexible, collapsible tube with one end connected to said head; e. said tube having a plurality of spaced apart crimps disposed therealong to provide when expanded in internal sinuous path for water passing therethrough; f. opposed cooperating means in one end of said cylinder and on said head for holding said head and its connected tube in said cylinder; g. said cylinder surrounding said tube along substantially its entire length to protect said tube from surrounding soil in its collapsed state.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A water emitter as described in claim 1, in which a. said connecting means on said cylinder is an annular integral bead disposed at one end thereof for press-fitting engagement into said bore of a feeder line.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A water emitter as described in claim 1, in which a. said opposed cooperating means are cooperating screw threads.