Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed having a pipe and a continuous tape of irrigation emitters that is affixed to an inside surface of the pipe and extends along its length. The pipe includes a plurality of fluid outlet ports, with one output port for each emitter in the tape. Each emitter includes a base member that is affixed to the inner surface of the pipe to create an enclosed fluid flow channel between the inner surface of the pipe and the base member. For each emitter, the fluid flow channel extends from a fluid inlet port, though filtering, flow regulation and collection sections, and to one of the fluid outlet ports formed in the pipe. The flow regulation section is formed as a labyrinth path and established which reduces the deposition of particles in the emitter which can reduce flow and/or clog the emitter.

Abstract: A pressure compensating drip emitter for controlling fluid flow through a hole in an irrigation line includes an enclosing sidewall that has two ends, surrounds a volume, and is formed with an internal ledge between the ends to support an elastomeric membrane. A pressure-reducing fluid passageway that is formed as a labyrinth is provided that includes an outer, annular portion that is in fluid communication with an emitter inlet and an inner annular portion that is in fluid communication with an emitter outlet. The membrane is deformable between a first low-pressure membrane configuration which allows fluid to bypass the inner annular portion in flowing from the outer portion to the outlet. In a second high-pressure membrane configuration, the deformed membrane covers the inner fluid passageway forcing the fluid to flow through both the outer and inner fluid passageway portions.

Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed having a pipe and a continuous tape of irrigation emitters that is affixed to an inside surface of the pipe and extends along its length. The pipe includes a plurality of fluid outlet ports, with one output port for each emitter in the tape. Each emitter includes a base member that is affixed to the inner surface of the pipe to create an enclosed fluid flow channel between the inner surface of the pipe and the base member. For each emitter, the fluid flow channel extends from a fluid inlet port, though filtering, flow regulation and collection sections, and to one of the fluid outlet ports formed in the pipe. The flow regulation section is formed as a labyrinth path and established which reduces the deposition of particles in the emitter which can reduce flow and/or clog the emitter.

Abstract: A pressure compensating drip emitter for controlling fluid flow through a hole in an irrigation line includes an enclosing sidewall that has two ends, surrounds a volume, and is formed with an internal ledge between the ends to support an elastomeric membrane. A pressure-reducing fluid passageway that is formed as a labyrinth is provided that includes an outer, annular portion that is in fluid communication with an emitter inlet and an inner annular portion that is in fluid communication with an emitter outlet. The membrane is deformable between a first low-pressure membrane configuration which allows fluid to bypass the inner annular portion in flowing from the outer portion to the outlet. In a second high-pressure membrane configuration, the deformed membrane covers the inner fluid passageway forcing the fluid to flow through both the outer and inner fluid passageway portions.