ADJUSTABLE DRIP EMITTER

• US 20140374502A1
• Filed: 06/19/2013
• Published: 12/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: National Diversified Sales Inc.
• Original Assignee: National Diversified Sales Inc.
• Inventors: Nourian, Daniel
• Granted Patent: US 9,258,949 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 239/11
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/023 Dispensing fittings for drip irrigation, e.g. drippers

Abstract

A flow-regulating drip emitter, comprising a base that includes an inlet connector configured for connection to an upstream line with a water source; and a cover attached to the base, the cover including an outlet connector configured for connection to a downstream line. At least one of the cover or the base defines at least a first labyrinth passageway having a first resistance to water flow and a second labyrinth passageway having a second resistance to water flow different from the first resistance to water flow; and further wherein the base and the cover are structured so that movement of the cover in relation to the base connects the inlet connector to the outlet connector via only the first labyrinth passageway, and wherein further movement of the cover in relation to the base connects the inlet connector to the outlet connector via only the second labyrinth passageway.

Claims

1. A flow-regulating drip emitter, comprising:

a base that includes an outlet connector configured for connection to an downstream line; and

a cover attached to the base, the cover including an inlet connector configured for connection to an upstream line with a water source;

wherein

at least one of the cover or the base defines at least a first labyrinth passageway having a first resistance to water flow and a second labyrinth passageway having a second resistance to water flow different from the first resistance to water flow; and

further wherein

the base and the cover are structured so that movement of the cover in relation to the base connects the inlet connector to the outlet connector via only the first labyrinth passageway, and wherein further movement of the cover in relation to the base connects the inlet connector to the outlet connector via only the second labyrinth passageway.

2. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the first labyrinth passageway defines a first width and the second labyrinth passageway defines a second width, and wherein the first width is narrower than the second width.

3. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the cover is structured in relation to the base so that, when the cover is attached to the base, the cover is capable of rotational movement in relation to the base.

4. The emitter of claim 1, wherein each of the first labyrinth passageway and the second labyrinth passageway follow a tortuous path that has a generally circular profile.

5. The emitter of claim 1, further including a third labyrinth passageway.

6. The emitter of claim 5, wherein yet further movement of the cover in relation to the base connects the inlet connector to the outlet connector via only the third labyrinth passageway.

7. A flow-regulating drip emitter, comprising:

a base that includes an outlet connector configured for connection to a downstream line;

a cover attached to the base, the cover including an inlet connector configured for connection to an upstream line with a water source;

first means for reducing water pressure between the inlet connector and the outlet connector;

second means for reducing water pressure between the inlet connector and the outlet connector, wherein the first means for reducing water pressure is configured to reduce water pressure to a greater degree than the second means for reducing water pressure.

means for switching water flow through the drip emitter whereby, under a first switch setting the first means for reducing pressure receives no water flow and the second means for reducing pressure receives water flow, and under a second switch setting the second means for reducing pressure receives no water flow and the first means for reducing pressure receives water flow.

8. The emitter of claim 7, wherein the means for switching includes a hub protruding along a central axis of the cover, the hub having a slot and being configured so that rotation of the cover in relation to the base causes water flow to switch between the first means for reducing water pressure and the second means for reducing water pressure.

9. A method for reducing water pressure between an inlet connection and an outlet connection of a drip-emitter, the method comprising:

providing a housing that comprises a first labyrinth passageway having a first resistance to water flow and a second labyrinth passageway having a second resistance to water flow, the first resistance being greater than the second resistance;

inserting the inlet connection into a water line whereby water flows through the housing;

permitting water flow through the first labyrinth passageway;

followed by

switching off water flow through the first labyrinth passageway;

followed by

switching on water flow through the second labyrinth passageway.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein switching off water flow through the first labyrinth passageway includes rotating the first labyrinth passageway in relation to the inlet connection.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein switching on water flow through the second labyrinth passageway includes rotating the second labyrinth passageway in relation to the inlet connection.