Elastomeric emitter and methods relating to same

摘要

An irrigation drip emitter, and methods relating to same, are provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. The emitter having at least one movable member for compensating for fluctuations in supply line fluid pressure. In one form the movable member includes a tapered baffle section movable between a first position wherein fluid is allowed to flow over the tapered baffle section and a second position wherein fluid is prevented from flowing over at least a portion of the tapered baffle section and the tapered baffle section effectively lengthening the extent of a pressure reduction passage. In another form, first and second movable members are provided for compensating for such pressure fluctuations. In another form, a plurality of inputs are provided which are movable between first and second positions to compensate for such pressure fluctuations.

主权项

1. An irrigation drip emitter for attachment to only a portion of an inner circumference of an inner surface of an irrigation drip line tube comprising:
a discrete elastomeric emitter body integrally defining: an inlet on a first side of the body for receiving pressurized fluid from a fluid supply source; an outlet on a second side of the body for discharging the fluid from the body; a pressure reducing flow channel extending between the inlet and the outlet for reducing a pressure and flow of fluid received at the inlet and discharged through the outlet, the pressure reducing flow channel defined by at least one inner wall and further comprising:
a pressure compensating portion configured to adjust the pressure and flow of the fluid received at the inlet and discharged through the outlet by movement of at least a portion of the at least one inner wall of the pressure reducing flow channel in response to a change in pressure of the pressurized fluid from the fluid supply source; anda perimeter wall forming at least a portion of an exterior of the emitter body, the perimeter wall forming at least a portion of a curved upper surface of the emitter body that is shaped to correspond to an interior radius of curvature of the portion of the inner circumference of the inner surface of the irrigation drip line tube to which the emitter body is to be mounted.