Abstract: An in-line junction member for tubes comprising an open-ended longitudinally slitted tubular socket member through which slit a portion of a flexible tube can be moved by flattening the tube either having a hollow spike with a sprinkler-engaging hollow takeoff, or alternatively a takeoff for a normal tube junction whereby a tube can be fitted into the hollow of the slitted tubular socket and engaged on a nipple and optionally with a keeper.

Abstract: A drip irrigation conduit comprising first and second elongated tubes. The tubes have an outer wall of sheet material defining the outer periphery of the tubes. A common wall of sheet material extends from one region of the outer wall to another region of the outer wall to separate the interiors of the tubes. A portion of the common wall overlaps a portion of the outer wall, and these overlapping portions have confronting surfaces. At least regions of the confronting surfaces are spaced apart to define a transfer passage leading from the first tube to the second tube. Discharge orifices lead from the second tube to the exterior of the outer wall.

Abstract: A method of forming holes in plastic tubes which includes advancing a rotating shaft into and through the wall of the tube while maintaining a rate of rotation sufficient to cause the material of the tube to be distressed sufficiently to fluidize and/or disintegrate from the area of operation of the shaft, moving the shaft from the hole, and allowing the periphery of the hole to solidify.

Abstract: An irrigation device with variable flow control which is arranged to give either a drip feed through an elongated helical channel or a sprinkler feed through a direct outlet to a sprinkler and acts as a valve to shut off flow also by turning a key within a body to locate relevant passages.

Abstract: A flushing valve for installation in a drip irrigation system comprises a head portion at one end of a tubular body that fits within the end of one of a series of lateral conduits of the system and has a recess open to the conduit. A transverse passage extends diametrically through the head portion to accommodate a flexible conduit which serves as a pilot line. When filled with fluid under pressure, the pilot conduit covers and seals a port between the recess of the tubular body and the transverse passage. An open slot is provided in the outer side of the head to facilitate installation of the pilot conduit.

Abstract: A hydraulic filter is provided with means for effectively cleaning its mesh filtering element during a flushing or "blow-down" cycle, wherein unfiltered liquid is passed rapidly along the surface of the tubular mesh to be exhausted from the filter substantially without passing through the mesh. The filter assembly includes at its inlet end a flow-restricting orifice for imparting turbulence to the liquid as it enters the interior of the tubular filtering mesh. The turbulence helps clean the mesh directly, and also tends to induce a fluttering of the mesh during blow-down, which adds to the cleaning effect. In addition, the mesh sleeve is of a somewhat tapered or frustoconical configuration which helps induce it to break away from a rigid retaining screen and helps promote fluttering during blow-down to further the cleaning action, as well as tending to deposit filtrate toward the downstream end during filtration, thereby extending the filtering cycle.

Abstract: A small hole may be formed in a wall of a flexible member or structure such as a tube of a thermoplastic material by an apparatus including a rotating wheel by a laser beam source directed towards the wheel, and rotating reflecting means for reflecting the beam from this source so as to direct the beam towards a specific area of the flexible member. Preferably the flexible member is held against a surface of the wheel as the beam is directed so as to engage only a single point on the surface of the flexible member.

Abstract: A coupling device for connecting hoses or flexible conduits to each other or to other fittings comprises a male member with an enlarged end portion having a plurality of conical stages and an annular female member or locking sleeve that is retained on the male member and shaped to grip and seal an end of a hose or conduit inserted between the sleeve and the male member.

Abstract: A connector for use with flexible tubing comprising first and second coupling sections. The first coupling section has a head and a shank with the head being adapted to be forced through an opening in the wall of the tubing. The second coupling section has a shoulder and can be attached to the first coupling section so that the head and the shoulder clamp a region of the wall of the tubing to provide a strong mechanical connection and a substantially fluid tight connection between the connector and the tubing.

Abstract: A filtration system which may include multiple filters capable of being individually washed of clogging filtrate material by a "blow-down" or flushing operation, is regulated by a blow-down controller device. Each filter has a blow-down discharge valve which is normally maintained closed by a required level of fluid pressure in a pilot line connected to the valve. This pressure is supplied by the controller device, which draws pressure from an inlet line feeding all the filters. When the controller relieves pressure in one of the pilot lines, the filter associated with that pilot line is subjected to blow-down for a predetermined time period. To determine when blow-down of one or more filters is required, the controller senses pressure differential between the common inlet line and a common filter outlet line. When the pressure differential reaches a certain level, it indicates that the filters are sufficiently clogged by filtrate to require blow-down.

Abstract: A combination flow control, shutoff and pressure relief device comprises a body with a movable spool and inlet and outlet portions. The spool supports a spring loaded valve head that forms an internal fluid chamber around one end when the handle fixed to the other end is in the closed position. An orifice in the body inlet portion is progressively opened from a complete shutoff position by rotation of the spool within the body to provide flow into the fluid chamber. When fluid pressure within the internal chamber exceeds a preselected spring force on the valve head, the latter opens to provide pressure relief. Regulation of the fluid pressure in the chamber and thus in the outlet can be maintained at the preselected level by controlling the size of the inlet orifice at a point just below the actuation level of the valve spring.

Abstract: A device to facilitate the connection of a relatively small diameter hose to a larger diameter pipe has a tubular plug-like configuration with a flared portion at one end and a cylindrical portion at the other end. With the cylindrical portion placed within the end of the hose, both the device and the hose are inserted through a side opening in the pipe. When inside the pipe the hose is pushed further onto the flared end portion of the device so that the hose is stretched to a diameter larger than the opening. Tension on the hose causes it to lodge tightly in the opening and form a permanent connection.

Abstract: A molding for a panel comprising first and second elongated channels opening in opposite directions. The first elongated channel is adapted to receive an elongated peripheral portion of the panel. A fastener concealment member is located in the second elongated channel. The fastener concealment member includes foam plastic material. A fastener can be driven through the foam plastic material and the molding into a panel to attach the molding to the panel.