Specification:

Related Invention:

[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from United States Provisional Patent Application 62/864,214, filed on June 20, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the invention:

[0002] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to an irrigation device emitter’s flow regulator, but not exclusively to, a pressure responding diaphragm that converts a high-rate and controlled flow of fluid into a low one. The application of elastomeric annular components for use in pressure responding diaphragms of flow regulators of irrigation device emitters such as inline drippers, online drippers, micro-sprinklers, micro-jets, and pulsators, etc. is novel.

Background of prior art:

[0003] Moist and well aerated soil prevents plant-root stress from hindering plant growth and production. It is therefore the goal of advancing agricultural irrigation technology such as sensors, controllers, and irrigation device emitters to enable growers to obtain optimal soil and micro-climate conditions. Inherent obstacles of prior art such as extraneous on-demand flow, clogging, root intrusion, and application rate are obstacles to be overcome by the present invention.

[0004] Supply conduits communicate pressurized fluid to operate a group of irrigation device emitters. Pressurized fluid is allowed passage if the pressure and flow from the supply conduit is great enough to overcome the resistance of each flow regulating pressure responding irrigation device emitter’s diaphragm in pressure compensated irrigation systems.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,270 shows a method whereby internally located drip emitters of a supply conduit may include a pressure compensating flow regulating diaphragm. Such devices utilize complex flow passage algorithms and small orifices to accomplish low flow emissions through perforations in said supply conduit retaining said inline devices. With disk shaped or flat elastomeric membranes, like in U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,058, such requirements of these devices lead to performance limitations.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,733 shows a pulsating device where a low flow is converted into a high one. Such a hydraulic transformer is used to accumulate fluid continuously and emit fluid in pulses. The accumulation thereof may comprise of built in components or attachments thereby supplying an accumulation chamber with continuous low flow pressurized fluid. Such device requirements are subject to, coupled with, small orifice clogging and complex labyrinth algorithms of flow regulating inlet devices of prior art.

[0007] Irrigating with high application rates does saturate soil mediums quickly and requires intensive irrigation scheduling due to intrinsic limitations of irrigation systems such as size and structure. Other factors to consider are irrigation device emitters’ device specifications such as operating flow and pressure.

[0008] Natural resource waste occurs when application of water exceeds allowable infiltration into the soil. This results in application runoff, standing surface bodies, and attraction of pests and diseases. Standing surface water aggregates as a result of an application rate that exceeds allowable soil infiltration; conditions which are a haven for pests and diseases. [0009] As For Example:

A typical application rate of conventional drip irrigation is 1 inch per hour. The allowable soil infiltration after 20 minutes of irrigating at this rate may be 0.50 inches per hour. Further application, according to this principle, would be diverted as runoff or form standing surface bodies.

[0010] Low soil water availability results in root stress encouraging subsurface emitter root intrusion during periods of managing allowable depletion of water content in the soil system. Also, over-watering can asphyxiate plants’ roots and are another form of stress. Sub-surface drip irrigation systems that frequently expose the roots to stress increase risks of root intrusion, stunt plant growth, and impair production.

[0011] Deep percolation of highly saline water drainage is a cause for water quality degradation of unconfined aquifers. This is because water that penetrates soil, which does not evaporate or enter root water uptake systems, percolates into underground storage from high application rates.

[0012] Considerations are required for scheduling irrigation events to meet crops’ requirements with available resources. Important properties to consider when selecting flow regulating irrigation device emitters are flow, pressure range, and uniformity. These properties are determined by the internal design which permits regulated fluid passage through multiple restrictive components including small orifices, diaphragms, and flow paths in communication with perforations for emitting water uniformly. Configuring their position relative to the plants to maximize production is known as irrigation efficiency optimization. Reducing operational load of irrigation systems’ irrigation device emitters improves the range of irrigation sets.

[0013] A method of irrigation that keeps the soil moist and well aerated continuously is sought of irrigation system performance. Probes and sensors give farmers a more sophisticated understanding of the dynamics in managing production. Machine learning achieves new prediction models to balance crop environment conditions.

[0014] A struggle is apparent for environmental water allocations during dry years.

Low flow technologies are credited for reducing agricultural and urban water requirements during these periods.

[0015] Irrigation application rates that do not exceed allowable infiltration and are sufficient to maintain low soil tension continuously reduce the operational load of irrigation sets and the requirement to end irrigation cycles.

[0016] Although monitoring natural resources is becoming more advanced there are intrinsic limitations of metric tools and application devices in automated or assisted resource management for optimizing decisions. It is therefore prudent that irrigation technology provides efficient water delivery that is feasible for natural resource conservation and economically viable for production.

Summary of the invention:

[0017] With brief reference now to the invention, it is stressed that information disclosed herein is by way of example and for purposes of discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Provided are the most useful and readily understood principle aspects of the invention in terms that one skilled in the art may find apparent.

[0018] An embodiment of the present invention, having a number of elastomeric annular components encompassing inlet inflow gates and/or secondary passages fixed axially thereof, exhibiting elastomeric hardness, tensile strength, elongation and dimensional properties and posited about the circumference of a tubular rigid insert restricts flow passage to the extent that said elastomeric properties permit in relation to adjunct features of a pressure responding diaphragm according to the embodiment. Said tubular rigid insert may be made from molded or printed plastic material such as ABS, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, etc., and said elastomeric annular components from a resilient flexible material such as silicone, butyl, or natural rubber.

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention with auxiliary support for said pressure responding diaphragm may be provided by an encompassing rigid or flexible material such as ABS, PVC, polyethylene, silicone rubber, etc.

[0020] Provided a pressurized fluid of 1 bar for example, inlet inflow gates with a total cross sectional area of 4 sq mm obstructed by an elastomeric annular component, shore 60A durable silicone rubber o-ring and 2.5 mm wall thickness unstretched with a particular flow path configuration, transmits 1 gallon per hour through a perforated enclosure. Said exemplary flow regulating diaphragm may transmit 0.01 gallons per hour through said perforated enclosure by configuring an auxiliary elastomeric annular component within said diaphragm flow path.

[0021] An embodiment of the present invention, as it relates to the positing of said elastomeric annular components about said molded tubular rigid insert, said tubular rigid insert comprises a number of ridges and/or recessions that provide a dual purpose for further reducing flow and maintaining the position of said elastomeric annular components relative to said pressure responding diaphragm. Said circumferentially fixed inlet inflow gates provide a wide range of radial symmetries for maximum fluid uptake and filtration. Brief description of the drawings:

[0022] Some embodiments of the invention are herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrations shown are by way of example and for purposes of discussion about embodiments of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention adapted to an inline drip irrigation device emitter having a molded elastomeric o-ring made from silicone rubber temporarily sealing in its pressure responding diaphragm. This embodiment of an inline drip irrigation device emitter with a number of inlet inflow gates in a tubular rigid insert and elastomeric o-ring providing ancillary inlet pressure response uniformly across a plurality of devices equipped with identical o-ring configurations inserts into a fluid supply conduit during extrusion thereof, or by other means of assembly with a number of perforated outlet outflow gates that emit pressure compensated fluid contents during irrigation. Silicone rubber is selected for its elastomeric heat resilience during the assembly of said embodiment through insertion during pipe extrusion.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention having a molded silicone rubber o-ring. Having a number of inlet inflow gates in a tubular rigid insert and a number of outlet outflow gates, this embodiment of a drip irrigation device emitter expulses pressure compensated fluid contents, wherein said o-ring provides ancillary inlet pressure response uniformly across a plurality of devices equipped with identical pressure responding diaphragm configurations.

[0025] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention with an inlet to a pulsating valve with an elastomeric o-ring having secondary flow channels for a pulsating irrigation device emitter. The present invention relates to the flow regulator at the base of said valve channel opposite from a disposed outflow barrier. The present invention relates to the pressure responding valve in communication with secondary flow channels, wherein said o-ring provides ancillary inlet pressure response uniformly across a plurality of devices equipped with identical o-ring configurations. Said valve connects a flow regulating diaphragm to one or more fluid channels to facilitate fluid passage into a collection chamber of said pulsating irrigation device emitter.

Description of the invention:

[0026] Some embodiments of the present invention described herein, having a tubular rigid insert, parent to a number of inlet inflow gates, in communication with the resistive self-closing pressure of an ancillary elastomeric annular component and auxiliary forces thereof, allow a pressurized flow passage of pressure compensated fluid regulated by a pressure responding diaphragm having a differential pressure response pressure in the operating range, such that an opening pressure which allows fluid passage through a secondary channel invokes uniform low flow fluid accumulation or emission across a plurality of such devices equipped with same configurations under identical conditions.

[0027] According to some aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of reducing a high flow employing a pressure responding diaphragm having a number of inlet inflow gates, a number of flexible elastomeric annular components, and rigid or flexible case with outflow means according to the embodiment.

[0028] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, the method further relates to transmitting regulated fluid flow from the pressure responding diaphragm of an elastomeric o-ring flow regulator to at least one irrigation device emitter.

[0029] According to some aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises various pressure responding diaphragm configurations that accomplish control of fluid able to serve a multitude of purposes such as expulsion, accumulation and emission at relatively low flow rates.

[0030] According to some aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, an elastomeric annular component, such as silicone rubber or other material, applying inward force about the entire circumference of said diaphragm is stretched over said tubular rigid insert posited by ridges and/or recessions detailing said tubular rigid insert prior to enclosement thereof. At a normally closed position of the pressure responding diaphragm said elastomeric annular component surrounds said tubular rigid insert in a normally closed, pre-set, stretched position, obstructing receiving fluid uptake from inlet inflow gates or a first pressure responding region in communication with said gates.

[0031] According to some aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of reducing a high flow employing a pressure responding diaphragm, whereby a first elastomeric annular component provides ancillary pressure response and a second elastomeric annular component with similar properties provides auxiliary pressure response.

[0032] For example, an irrigation device emitter flow-regulating apparatus, with four radial symmetrically fixed inlet inflow gates, reduces an irrigation device emitter flow rate to 0.01 gallons per hour with a total inlet inflow cross sectional area of 6 sq mm using two elastomeric annular components. A first elastomeric o-ring reduces the inlet inflow, via contact with said gates, to 1 gallons per hour. A second elastomeric o-ring posited downstream in the same flow regulator, providing auxiliary pressure response, reduces the passing flow to 0.01 gallons per hour. Then its contents are dispensed via outflow means, whereby a flexible or rigid case may provide auxiliary pressure response of said flow-regulating apparatus prior to the transmittance of displacing fluid. [0033] Some embodiments of the present invention comprise a rigid or flexible enclosure with a number of perforations, ports, or gates to transmit fluidic contents thereof.

[0034] According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, an irrigation device emitter comprises an elastomeric sleeve and annular section of said elastomeric sleeve provides ancillary or auxiliary pressure response in said irrigation device emitter’s flow regulating apparatus.

[0035] Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods for reducing operational load of irrigation system requirements to deliver adequate amounts of water and nutrients efficiently.

[0036] Some embodiments whereby pressure responding diaphragms of irrigation device emitters employ an elastomeric annular component to regulate fluid uptake and expel, accumulate, or emit said fluid save water and increase production.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention with an inline dripper having a tubular rigid insert 5 and a number of perforated outlet outflow gates 18. An elastomeric o-ring 4 provides ancillary inlet pressure response uniformly across a plurality of similar devices equipped with same diaphragmatic configurations. Said elastomeric o-ring 4 is stretched over tubular rigid insert 5 ridges (2,3), whereby said elastomeric o-ring 4 applies an inward force covering inlet inflow gates 10 fixed axially about the circumference of said tubular rigid insert 5. Said tubular rigid insert 5, equipped with said elastomeric o-ring 4 is inserted into a flexible fluid supply conduit 17 during the extrusion of said pipe conduit. The pressure responding device allows fluid passage through outlet perforations 18 in said extruded fluid supply conduit 17, thereby emitting regulated flow. Tubular rigid insert 5 in communication with inlet inflow gates 10, elastomeric o-ring 4 and ridges (2,3) connected to a pressurized fluid supply 1 comprises a pressure responding diaphragm in sealing communication with said fluid supply conduit 17. Extruded fluid supply conduit 17 in communication with said elastomeric o-ring 4 provides a closing pressure response upon said inlet inflow gates 10 for pressurized fluid 1 uptake below a predetermined pressure threshold of the inline dripper embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention with an online dripper having a number of perforated outlet gates 18, a tubular rigid insert 5 comprising, inlet inflow gates 10 disposed of said tubular rigid insert 5 in communication with elastomeric o-ring 4 and ridges (2,3). A pressurized fluid 1 is received from a natural or pressurized source to operate. An elastomeric o-ring 4 provides ancillary inlet pressure response uniformly across a plurality of similar devices equipped with same o-ring 4 configurations. Said elastomeric o-ring 4 is stretched over tubular rigid insert 5 ridges (2,3), whereby said elastomeric o-ring 4 applies an inward force on said tubular rigid insert 5, covering a number of inlet inflow gates 10. The pressure responding device allows fluid passage through outlet gates 18, thereby emitting regulated flow.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention within a valve of an irrigation device emitter having secondary flow channels 18, a tubular rigid insert 5. The present invention relates to the flow regulator at the base of said irrigation device emitter, opposite to a disposed outflow barrier 19. An elastomeric silicone rubber o-ring 4 provides ancillary inlet pressure response uniformly across a plurality of devices equipped with same configurations. Said elastomeric o-ring 4 is stretched over ridges (2,3) disposed about said tubular rigid insert 5. Said elastomeric o-ring 4 applies an inward force upon said tubular rigid insert 5, covering a number of inlet inflow gates 10. Tubular rigid insert 5 having inlet inflow gates 10 in proximity with a pressurized fluid 1 uptake, elastomeric o-ring 4, and ridges (2,3) form a pressure responding diaphragm to allow fluid passage above a preset pressure. The pressure responding irrigation device emitter communicates fluid through passage channels 18, thereby transmitting regulated flow.

[0040] Some features described herein, pertaining to specific embodiments or combinations thereof, are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0041] It is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art to reproduce embodiments of the present invention or combinations thereof with the information regarding the embodiments described herein. It is therefore intended to embrace such embodiments as it relates to the irrigation device emitter flow-regulating apparatus that fall within the broad scope of the appended claims.