Abstract: In a high speed method and apparatus for forming inlet and/or outlet ports in drip irrigation hose, the surface of one margin of a continuous length of plastic film is deformed without puncturing at periodic intervals along its length corresponding to the locations of the inlet and/or outlet ports to form protrusions from the film surface. Thereafter, the protrusions are severed from the film to form the ports. The remainder of the hose is made in a conventional fashion. Preferably, the film surface is deformed by directing the film through the nip of pair of rotating wheels. On the surface of one of the wheels is a series of blunt projections sized, shaped and positioned to correspond to the ports being formed. The protrusions are severed by the edge of a knife across which the film is directed.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 17, 1990
Date of Patent:
June 23, 1992
Assignee:
T-Systems International, Inc.
Inventors:
Davies Allport, David Giuntoli, William F. Holzer