U.S. patent application number 10/020006 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for drip irrigation hose with emitters having different discharge rates.
This patent application is currently assigned to T-Systems International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Huntley, Mark.
Application Number | 20020113147 10/020006 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22328900 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020113147 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huntley, Mark |
August 22, 2002 |
Drip irrigation hose with emitters having different discharge
rates
Abstract
An improved drip irrigation hose is provided. The hose has a
water supply passage and a plurality of flow regulating channels
manufactured into the hose that are smaller than the water supply
passage. The flow regulating channels each comprise a predesignated
geometry to provide a desired discharge rate at a given pressure,
an inlet section comprising one or more openings connecting the
water supply passage to that flow regulating channel, and an outlet
section comprising one or more openings connecting that flow
regulating channel to the exterior of the hose. The plurality of
flow regulating channels have at least two different geometries to
provide at least two different discharge rates at the given
pressure. field. This invention has value to the irrigation
designer in that it allows the designer to select emitter
characteristics depending on the position of the emitter in the
field.
Inventors: |
Huntley, Mark; (La Jolla,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
350 WEST COLORADO BOULEVARD
SUITE 500
PASADENA
CA
91105
US
|
Assignee: |
T-Systems International,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
22328900 |
Appl. No.: |
10/020006 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10020006 |
Oct 30, 2001 |
|
|
|
09443561 |
Nov 19, 1999 |
|
|
|
6308902 |
|
|
|
|
60109667 |
Nov 20, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
239/542 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 66/1122 20130101;
B29C 66/71 20130101; B29C 65/48 20130101; B29C 66/4322 20130101;
B29L 2023/22 20130101; B29C 65/4895 20130101; Y02A 40/22 20180101;
A01G 25/023 20130101; B29C 65/4815 20130101; A01G 25/026 20130101;
B29C 53/48 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101; B29K 2023/12 20130101;
B29C 66/71 20130101; B29K 2023/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/542 |
International
Class: |
B05B 015/00 |
Claims
1. A drip irrigation hose having a water supply passage and a
plurality of flow regulating channels manufactured into the hose
that are smaller than the water supply passage, the flow regulating
channels each comprising: a predesignated geometry to provide a
desired discharge rate at a given pressure, an inlet section
comprising one or more openings connecting the water supply passage
to that flow regulating channel, and an outlet section comprising
one or more openings connecting that flow regulating channel to the
exterior of the hose, wherein the plurality of flow regulating
channels have at least two different geometries to provide at least
two different discharge rates at the given pressure.
2. A hose according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow
regulating channels have at least two different heights to provide
at least two different discharge rates at the given pressure.
3. A hose according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow
regulating channels have at least two different widths to provide
at least two different discharge rates at the given pressure.
4. A hose according to claim 1, having a first end for connection
to a water supply source and a second end, wherein the flow
regulating channels nearer the first end of the hose have
geometries different from the geometries of the flow regulating
channels nearer the second end of the hose so that, at a given
pressure, the flow regulating channels nearer the second end have a
greater discharge rate than the flow regulating channels nearer the
first end of the hose, and so that, when the first end of the hose
is connected to the water supply source, the discharge rates of the
flow regulating channels are generally uniform over the length of
the hose.
5. A hose according to claim 1, wherein each flow regulating
channel has a fixed geometry.
6. A hose according to claim 1, wherein each flow regulating
channel has a varying geometry.
7. A hose according to claim 1, wherein the flow regulating
channels each further comprise a turbulent flow section.
8. A hose according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow
regulating channels have turbulent flow sections having at least
two different lengths to provide at least two different discharge
rates at the given pressure.
9. A method for providing generally uniform irrigation in a field
comprising: manufacturing a hose having first and second ends, a
water supply passage and a plurality of flow regulating channels
that are smaller than the water supply passage, the flow regulating
channels each comprising: a predesignated geometry to provide a
desired discharge rate at a given pressure, an inlet section
comprising one or more openings connecting the water supply passage
to that flow regulating channel, and an outlet section comprising
one or more openings connecting the flow regulating channel to the
exterior of the hose, wherein the flow regulating channels nearer
the first end of the hose have geometries different from the
geometries of the flow regulating channels nearer the second end of
the hose so that, at a given pressure, the flow regulating channels
nearer the second end have a greater discharge rate than the flow
regulating channels nearer the first end of the hose; placing the
hose in the field with the first end of the hose connected to a
water supply source; and introducing water through the hose,
whereby the discharge rates of the flow regulating channels are
generally uniform over the length of the hose.
10. A method for providing generally uniform irrigation in a field
having different elevations, the method comprising: mapping the
topography of the field; manufacturing a hose having first and
second ends, a water supply passage and a plurality of flow
regulating channels that are smaller than the water supply passage,
the flow regulating channels each comprising: a predesignated
geometry to provide a desired discharge rate at a given pressure,
an inlet section comprising one or more openings connecting the
water supply passage to that flow regulating channel, and an outlet
section comprising one or more openings connecting that flow
regulating channel to the exterior of the hose, wherein the
plurality of flow regulating channels have at least two different
geometries to provide at least two different discharge rates at the
given pressure; placing the hose in the field so that the flow
regulating channels the produce higher discharge rates are
positioned at higher elevations than the flow regulating channels
that produce lower discharge rates; and introducing water through
the hose, whereby the discharge rates of the flow regulating
channels are generally uniform over the length of the hose.
11. A method for irrigating a field having different soil
conditions, the method comprising: manufacturing a hose having
first and second ends, a water supply passage and a plurality of
flow regulating channels that are smaller than the water supply
passage, the flow regulating channels each comprising: a
predesignated geometry to provide a desired discharge rate at a
given pressure, an inlet section comprising one or more openings
connecting the water supply passage to that flow regulating
channel, and an outlet section comprising one or more openings
connecting that flow regulating channel to the exterior of the
hose, wherein the plurality of flow regulating channels have at
least two different geometries to provide at least two different
discharge rates at the given pressure; placing the hose in the
field so that the flow regulating channels having higher discharge
rates are positioned near soil conditions where a higher discharge
rate is desired and flow regulating channels having lower discharge
rates are positioned near soil conditions where a lower discharge
rate is desired; and introducing water through the hose.
12. A method for manufacturing a drip irrigation hose having a
water supply passage and a plurality of flow regulating channels
having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the water supply
passage, the improvement comprising varying the geometries of the
flow regulating channels so that the plurality of flow regulating
channels have at least two different geometries to provide at least
two different discharge rates at a given pressure.
13. The method of claim 12, comprising varying the heights of the
flow regulating channels.
14. The method of claim 12, comprising varying the widths of the
flow regulating channels.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the flow regulating channel
comprises a turbulent flow section.
16. The method of claim 15, comprising varying the length of the
turbulent flow section.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the hose is formed from a film
having first and second margins that overlap each other, and
further wherein the flow regulating channel is formed between the
margins of the film.
18. The method of claim 17, comprising varying the height of the
flow regulating channel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/109,667, filed Nov. 20, 1998, the entire
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Drip irrigation systems have come into widespread use in the
agricultural area. Drip irrigation systems supply water at a slow,
controlled rate to the root zone of the particular plants being
irrigated. Typically, drip irrigation is accomplished by providing
a low volume water outlet at each plant that permits a limited
dripping of water directly to the root zone of the particular
plant. Because evaporation, runoff, overwatering, and watering
beyond the root zone are eliminated, substantial water and nutrient
savings are realized. In addition, drip irrigation reduces
contaminants to the water table by enabling the farmer to supply
only enough water and fertilizer to reach the plants, reducing
excess water that would run off and contaminate the water table
below.
[0003] Drip irrigation hoses tend to be relatively long to be able
to extend across a field. As the water travels along the hose away
from the water source, the pressure of the water decreases. Thus,
the water pressure at the beginning of the hose (near the water
source) is greater than that at the far end of the hose. Because
the drip rate of the hose is a function of the water pressure, the
drip rate at the beginning of the hose tends to be greater than at
the end of the hose. Other field conditions, such as elevation,
also affect the pressure, and thus the drip rate, along the length
of the hose. However, it is often desirable to have a relatively
uniform drip rate along the length of the hose. Moreover, other
varying field conditions, such as soil type and drainage, create a
need to have different drip rates throughout the field to
compensate for the different field conditions.
[0004] One proposed solution to the pressure variation problems is
to incorporate pressure-compensating emitters into the hoses to
reduce the effect of the pressure difference over the length of the
hose on the drip rate along the length of the hose. Such hoses are
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/308,060, entitled
"Pressure-Compensating Drip Irrigation Hose and Method for Its
Manufacture". However, although these designs address certain
pressure-compensation issues, they do not provide a way to provide
predetermined drip rates that vary along the hose.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention is directed to drip irrigation hosing
having a series of emitters that differ in geometry to provide
different predetermined discharge rates throughout a field. This
invention has value to the irrigation designer in that it allows
the designer to select emitter characteristics depending on the
position of the emitter in the field. For instance, the position of
the emitter in the field may subject it to a different supply
pressure than if it were at a different location in the field. The
supply pressure at different locations will vary as ground
elevation changes or as the distance between the main water supply
and the emitter increases. Changes in supply pressure affect
discharge rate and uniformity of water distribution if all emitters
are identical. Therefore it is desirable to vary the emitter
discharge to compensate for changes in topography. Additionally it
is desirable to vary the discharge rate of the emitters as soil
type and drainage change with field position. The invention can be
used for all types of drip irrigation hosing, including collapsible
tubing, regardless of method of manufacturing, seamless, folded or
otherwise, and hard hose.
[0006] In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a drip
irrigation hose having a water supply passage and a plurality of
flow regulating channels manufactured into the hose that are
smaller than the water supply passage. The flow regulating channels
each comprise a predesignated geometry to provide a desired
discharge rate at a given pressure, an inlet section comprising one
or more openings connecting the water supply passage to that flow
regulating channel, and an outlet section comprising one or more
openings connecting that flow regulating channel to the exterior of
the hose. The plurality of flow regulating channels have at least
two different geometries to provide at least two different
discharge rates at the given pressure.
[0007] In another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method
for providing generally uniform irrigation in a field. A hose is
manufactured having first and second ends, a water supply passage
and a plurality of flow regulating channels as described above. The
flow regulating channels nearer the first end of the hose have
geometries different from the geometries of the flow regulating
channels nearer the second end of the hose so that, at a given
pressure, the flow regulating channels nearer the second end have a
greater discharge rate than the flow regulating channels nearer the
first end of the hose. The hose is placed in the field with the
first end of the hose connected to a water supply source. Water is
introduced through the hose, whereby the discharge rates of the
flow regulating channels are generally uniform over the length of
the hose. This method eliminates difference is discharge rates due
to pressure differences at the different flow regulating channels
due to distance from the water supply source.
[0008] In another embodiment the invention is directed to a method
for providing generally uniform irrigation in a field having
different elevations. This method eliminates differences in
discharge rates due to pressure differences at the different flow
regulating channels due to elevation differences of the flow
regulating channels. In accordance with the method, the topography
of the field is mapped. A hose is manufactured having first and
second ends, a water supply passage and a plurality of flow
regulating channels, as described above. The plurality of flow
regulating channels have at least two different geometries to
provide at least two different discharge rates at the given
pressure. The hose is placed in the field so that the flow
regulating channels that produce higher discharge rates are
positioned at higher elevations than the flow regulating channels
that produce lower discharge rates. Water is introduced through the
hose. The discharge rates of the flow regulating channels are
generally uniform over the length of the hose.
[0009] In another embodiment the invention is directed to a method
for irrigating a field having different soil conditions, such as
different soil types or drainage differences. The method comprises
manufacturing a hose having first and second ends, a water supply
passage and a plurality of flow regulating channels, as described
above. The plurality of flow regulating channels have at least two
different geometries to provide at least two different discharge
rates at the given pressure. The hose is placed in the field so
that the flow regulating channels having higher discharge rates are
positioned near soil conditions where a higher discharge rate is
desired, and flow regulating channels having lower discharge rates
are positioned near soil conditions where a lower discharge rate is
desired. Water is introduced through the hose.
[0010] In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an
improved method for manufacturing a drip irrigation hose having a
water supply passage and a plurality of flow regulating channels
having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the water supply
passage. The improvement comprises varying the geometries of the
flow regulating channels so that the plurality of flow regulating
channels have at least two different geometries to provide at least
two different discharge rates at a given pressure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be better understood by reference to the following
detailed description when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a drip irrigation hose
having a flow regulating channel between its margins.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a top sectional view of a flow regulating channel
according to the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the method for making
a drip irrigation hose of the continuous emitter type.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a portion of the film path for
making a drip irrigation hose in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The present invention is directed to drip irrigation hosing
having a series of emitters that differ in geometry to provide
different discharge rates throughout a field. In a particularly
preferred embodiment, the invention is directed to a continuous
tape with each emitter discharge rate adjusted to conform to
specific irrigation needs at a particular location in a field
layout.
[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, a flexible drip irrigation hose 10
(commonly referred to as "tape") is made from an elongated strip of
plastic film 14, which is typically 4 to 15 mil thick. The film 14
can be made of any suitable material, for example, a laminate of
high density polyethylene or polypropylene. Film 14 is folded
longitudinally to form overlapping inner and outer longitudinal
margins 16 and 18, thus creating a seam. A first longitudinal rib
20 partially seals margins 16 and 18. A second longitudinal rib 22,
outboard of rib 20, completely seals margins 16 and 18. Ribs 20 and
22 contain a repeating longitudinal pattern that defines a series
of small flow regulating channels 24 along the length of the hose
10. By virtue of the longitudinal fold in film 14, the interior
surface of film 14 defines a relatively large water supply passage
26. The water supply passage 26 is connected to a source of water
under pressure, not shown. Examples of such constructions are
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,247,051, 4,984,739, 5,282,578, and
5,522,551, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, the flow regulating channels 24 (i.e.,
emitter regions) each have an inlet section 28, a turbulent flow
section 30, and an outlet section 32. For each flow regulating
channel 24, the inlet section 28 comprises one or more inlet
openings to allow water to flow from the water supply passage 26
into the flow regulating channel 24. In the depicted embodiment, 35
the inlet section 28 comprises a plurality of pillars 36 between
which are formed openings 38. As would be recognized by one skilled
in the art, the inlet section 28 can have any other design that
permits water to enter the flow regulating channel 24 from the
water supply passage 26.
[0019] The flow regulating channels 24 each have a much smaller
cross-sectional area than the water supply passage 26. The
cross-sectional area of the water supply passage 26 is preferably
from about 20 to 300 times, more preferably from about 50 to 200
times, larger than the cross-sectional area of the flow regulating
channel 24. Accordingly, each flow regulating channel 24 creates a
passage between the water supply passage 26 and the outside of the
hose 10 that controls the flow rate of the water flowing through
it.
[0020] The flow regulating channels 24 can have any other design as
is known in the art. For example, the turbulent flow section 30 can
be formed of a series of chevrons, by a series of walls that form a
serpentine path, or by any other configuration that creates
turbulent flow. However, the turbulent flow section can be omitted
if desired and replaced with a straight-path channel.
[0021] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a method for making the drip irrigation
hose shown in FIG. 1. As represented by a block 70, the outlets 44
are first formed in film 14. Preferably each outlet 44 comprises a
single longitudinal slit in the film 14. A preferred method and
apparatus for forming such a knife-formed slit outlet is described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,551, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference. Any other suitable method known in the art for
providing outlets can also be used.
[0022] As represented by block 72, the inner margin 16 is then
folded. As represented by block 74, one or more beads are laid on
the outside surface of the inner margin 14 by one or more extrusion
nozzles. As represented by block 76, a pattern is formed in ribs 20
and 22 by a molding wheel. As represented by block 78, outer margin
18 is then folded onto inner margin 16, with the formed ribs
therebetween. Finally, as represented by block 80, flow regulating
passage 24 is finished by passing inner margin 16, outer margin 18,
and the ribs 20 and 22 through the nip of a form wheel and a
backing wheel to set precisely the height of the ribs.
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an assembly station for performing the
above-described steps. One or more extrusion nozzles 82 deposit one
or more continuous longitudinal beads 84 (in the form of hot molten
glue or resin) on the outside surface of the inner margin 16. The
film 14 is passed through the nip of a rotating molding wheel 86
and a rotating backing wheel 88. The molding wheel 86 contains a
pattern of depressions 90 corresponding to the desired raised rib
pattern, i.e., a pattern such as that shown in FIG. 2. In the nip,
beads 84 are shaped by molding wheel 86 to form the desired bead
pattern on film 14 for the entire length of the hose 10. After
leaving the nip of wheels 86 and 88, the external margin 18 of the
film 14 is folded by a guide 92 to overlap the inner margin 16.
Finally, the overlapped margins of the film 14 pass through the nip
of a form wheel 94 and a second backing wheel 96. The form wheel 94
has a groove 98 that depresses the ribs formed by the beads 84 to
set the rib height at a specified value that determines the flow
rate of the hose 10. During the described process, the film 14 is
continuously transported by a conventional means, not shown. For
example, the disclosed wheels could be driven, or other drive
wheels could be provided, to transport the film.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, as the hose is being made, the
height of each flow regulating channel 24 is adjusted on an
individual basis using a track controller. The track controller is
a device that shapes the final height of the bead pattern by
passing it between two rollers. The space between the rollers is
adjusted by controlling the position of one of the rollers with an
electronically-controlled linear actuator. The input signal to the
actuator is provided by a computer and is programmed to correspond
with a signal from a footage counter locating the position on the
hose. It is important to control the amount of glue extruded to
form the beads to ensure that glue starvation is not an issue. The
extruder output is tied in to the track controller.
[0025] As would be recognized by one skilled in the art, other
aspects of the flow regulating channel 24 geometry can be changed
in addition to or instead of the height, such as the width of the
flow regulating channel, the size of the inlets openings, the size
of the outlets 44, the number and/or arrangement of the chevrons in
the turbulent flow section 30 or the length of the turbulent flow
section. For example, as the length of the turbulent flow section
is increased, the pressure drop across the turbulent flow section
will increase. For convenience, the flow regulating channels 24 can
be numbered (or otherwise indicated or coded) and the corresponding
track height (or other geometry variation), and therefore discharge
rate, can be identified with a particular position on the hose
10.
[0026] The information for adjusting the geometry of the flow
regulating channels 24 can be provided in any suitable manner. In
one embodiment, GPS (global position satellite) mapping techniques
are used to map the topography of the field in which the hose is to
be placed. The GPS map can be sent electronically to the computer
and can be used to send information to the track controller.
Additionally, the GPS map configuration can be fed into the
assembly mach computer to and automatically mark information, such
as "roll # of a total # of rolls", on the hose so that the farmer
can distinguish between the rolls for proper placement in the
field. The track controller change being linked to the footage
provides the information required by the assembly machine computer
to make the labels according to the product and product section
made. Other surveying techniques could be similarly used to provide
a map of the field.
[0027] Also, as would be recognized by one skilled in the art, the
flow regulating channels 24 need not be formed in the margins 16
and 18 of the hose 10, but can be provided at any location on the
hose. For example, it is known in the art to provide discrete
flexible emitters (not shown) that are adhered or otherwise bonded
to the interior or exterior of the hose, with each emitter having a
flow regulating channel 24 as described above. For example,
flexible discrete external emitters can be adhered to the exterior
of the hose, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/136,354, entitled "External Emitter for Drip Irrigation Hose",
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
Alternatively, emitters can be penetrably mounted within the wall
of the hose, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,850,531, 4,077,570
and 3,970,251, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference. In accordance with the invention, a number of discrete
emitters (i.e., flow regulating channels) having different
geometries are preferably manufactured into the hose to provide a
complete product to the farmer. In other words, the hose is
designed and manufactured to conform to a farmer's particular field
conditions so that the farmer can simply lay the hose without
having to insert or replace the emitters to achieve the desired
drip rates. The emitters having different geometries can be made by
any method known to those skilled in the art, such as injection,
insert, or sequential molding. The hose (or tape) can also be
manufactured by any method known in the art, such as by providing a
film with overlapping margins, as described above, or by extrusion.
The emitters can then be attached to the inside or outside of the
hose by any of several methods including, but not limited to,
adhesive bonding, solvent bonding, thermal bonding, ultrasonic
welding and penetration. The emitters are attached to the hose so
that an emitter having a given geometry (and therefore a given drip
rate at a certain pressure) is provided in a location on the hose
that will ultimately be placed in a location in a field having
characteristics that correspond to the given drip rate.
[0028] Alternatively, a continuous emitter can be bonded to the
hose, where the continuous emitter has a series of flow regulating
channels 24 along its length. In this embodiment, the continuous
emitter can be pre-formed having flow regulating channels 24 having
varying geometries, e.g., varying height, width, inlet size or
outlet size, as desired for a particular field. The pre-formed
continuous emitter can then be manufactured into the irrigation
hose by bonding it to the hose in any suitable manner known in the
art. For example, the emitter can be extruded and formed by means
of an embossing or imprinting tool. This technique is particularly
useful if the hose is also being extruded. Thus, a continuous
emitter could be extruded and formed, then inserted into a die
center around which a hose is extruded. As the emitter and hose are
extruded together, the emitter would be formed and adhered to the
hose before it is cooled. Alternatively, the continuous emitter
could be extruded and formed offline, and then fed through a hole
in the die through which a hose is extruded. In another embodiment,
the continuous emitter could be fed and joined to a long continuous
strip that is then folded to form a hose.
[0029] In another embodiment, the drip irrigation hose is a hard
hose having a plurality of discrete emitters (i.e., flow regulating
channels) provided therein, as is known in the art and described,
for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,111,996 and 4,824,025. In
accordance with the invention, the emitters can have varying
geometries, for example, from five to fifteen different geometries,
to provide for different drip rates. As the hard hose is extruded,
the emitters having different geometries are inserted into the hose
in a predetermined order so that the emitters are positioned in the
hose to correspond to the field conditions in the field in which
the hose is to be placed.
[0030] Preferably, regardless of the type of emitter used, the
emitter characteristics or ratings are varied under computer
control during manufacture to match the field location where the
segment of hose in question is to be laid in the course of its
installation. The field where the hose is to be laid is mapped so
each area of the field is uniquely identified. The mapped areas of
the field and the length of hose to be installed in the field are
marked according to this identification. For example, one corner of
the field could be marked as row 1, point a . . . , to point n at
the other end of the field; Next to row 1, is row 2, point a, . . .
, to point n at the other end of the field, etc. to row n. Thus, a
visible grid of rows and points is formed on the field to assist
the field workers lay the hose so the positions of its emitters are
congruent with the positions of the field where the emitters are
supposed to be according to their discharge rates. The hose is
marked by the computer in coordination with the control of the
discharge rate. As a result, the field workers can proper lay the
hose by matching the markings on the hose with the markings on the
field.
[0031] The invention is not limited to fixed geometry emitters over
the length of the hose, but also allows for varying geometry
(pressure-compensating) emitters with different target flows
positioned along the run. A combination of these concepts is
useful, for example, where the geometry of the emitters is altered
to account for changes in soil conditions and the emitters are also
pressure-compensating to account for changes in pressure along the
length of the hose.
[0032] The inventive hoses have numerous applications. The
invention permits customer-unique irrigation products using
specific flow rate emitters with different flow rates positioned
specifically over the length of a customer's run as a means of
accommodating changes in elevation or as a means of accommodating
changes in supply pressure over the specific length of the run. For
example, the hose can be designed to gradually increase the output
towards the end of the run to compensate for pressure decreases
along the run. This will allow the length of run to be extended
while maintaining the distribution uniformity.
[0033] Additionally, customized hose can be made to have different
sections with different flows to account for variations in soil
conditions or crop requirements. Sandy soil may require higher flow
than would clay soil. With the farmer being able to plot GPS maps
of their field and identify different soil characteristics, a
custom tape can be made to match the different flow requirements of
that field. In addition to varying emitter flow rates, variations
in emitter spacing may be employed as a means of accounting for
customer unique requirements. For example, a denser population of
lower flow emitters may be provided if advantageous for specific
soil conditions.
[0034] Moreover, non-customer specific irrigation products could be
designed that use fixed geometry emitters of varying flow rate
capabilities specifically positioned over the length of a run as a
means of accommodating changes in pressure along a level or
slightly sloping run.
[0035] In accordance with the invention, specific emitter
characteristics are provided on the hoses to assist the farmer with
installation. Generally the hose is provided to the farmer in
rolls. Information is put on the rolls in such a way as to account
for specific customer installation patterns. For example, the
information would recite "lay down four parallel rows driving away
from the water header, skip four rows, and drive back towards the
water header." Other installation could information could be
provided as desired.
[0036] In another aspect of the invention, a system is provided
that stores customer field information, such as topography, soil
conditions, and drainage requirements, for purposes of providing
customer specific irrigation products on a periodic basis.
Additionally, the system can automatically update customer specific
irrigation products in response to crop yield information (provided
by satellite sensing, airborne sensing, or other means), or in
response to changes in crops planted.
[0037] The invention is also directed to a manufacturing process
that allows sales managers, dealers, customers or other personnel
to use software to convert field characteristic data into specific
irrigation layout designs, which are fed electronically to the hose
manufacturing equipment, and customer specific product is
automatically produced. Field characteristic data includes, but is
not limited to, soil conditions, target flow rates, installation
patterns, topography, and crops planted.
[0038] In another aspect, the invention is direct to a method for
improving discharge rate uniformity by controlling the flow rate of
the header pipe, to which the individual irrigation hoses are
connected. In one embodiment, the header pipe is designed to
selectively deploy different flow rates to the individual hoses
that extend throughout the field. Selective deployment of different
flow rates is accomplished by varying the geometry, e.g., the
cross-sectional area, of the header pipe.
[0039] The above-described embodiments of the invention are only
considered to be preferred and illustrative of the inventive
concepts. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted to
such embodiments. Various and numerous other arrangements may be
devised by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
* * * * *