Patent ID: 6736337
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: A01G,Y02A,Y02P

Abstract:
A pressure compensating drip irrigation hose for distributing water comprising:a) a hose having a wall with an inner surface, the inner surface defining a main water passage; b) a continuous elastomeric strip member operatively connected to the inner surface, the continuous elastomeric strip member and the inner surface defining a plurality of emitter units, the continuous elastomeric strip member having a bottom wall operatively connected to first and second spaced elongated side members, the bottom wall, sides and inner surface defining an emitter water passageway; c) each emitter unit comprising: i) an inlet wherein water from the main water passageway enters the emitter unit through the inlet; ii) a pressure reducing section downstream from the inlet, wherein water flowing through the emitter is slowed and water pressure is reduced, the pressure reducing section having a plurality of second preformed members, the second preformed members operatively connected to both the bottom, wall and the inner surface, thereby making the pressure reducing section more resistant to deflection; and iii) a pressure responsive section downstream from the pressure reducing section, wherein with increased pressure in the main water passage) the bottom wail deflects toward the inner surface, thereby decreasing a size of the emitter water passageway; and d) an outlet formed in the hose wall, the outlet in fluid communication with the emitter water passageway and downstream from the pressure responsive section.