Patent ID: 8317111
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: A01G,Y02A,Y10T

Abstract:
1. Apparatus comprising a drip emitter for attachment to an inner surface of a wall of an irrigation hose, said drip emitter comprising an elastomer component, wherein said drip emitter is configured such that, when attached to the inner surface of the irrigation hose, said drip emitter defines: (i) a water inlet for receiving water from the irrigation hose; (ii) a drip outlet for releasing water through an opening in the wall of the irrigation hose; and (iii) a fluid flow pathway from said water inlet to said drip outlet, said fluid flow pathway including a labyrinth flow restriction, at least part of said labyrinth flow restriction being fowled in said elastomer component, said at least part of said labyrinth flow restriction comprising: (A) a sequence of baffles, (B) a base underlying said sequence of baffles, and (C) a plurality of under-tooth bypass spaces located between said base and said sequence of baffles; wherein said base is exposed to the fluid pressure within the irrigation hose such that increased fluid pressure within the irrigation hose causes progressive closing of said under-tooth bypass spaces, thereby regulating said flow rate through said drip emitter; wherein said drip emitter further comprises a rigid polymer component, and wherein said rigid polymer component extends around said elastomer component on at least three sides.