Having Regulation Of Flow Through Channel Patents (Class 405/39)
  • Patent number: 4900189
    Abstract: A device for the automatic and pulsed delivery of an irrigation liquid, which can be connected, at its upstream side, to a source liquid under a constant or substantially constant pressure, and at its downstream side, to a distribution network equipped with pressure-responding valves. These valves are capable of closing, during the step charging of the distribution system, at a pressure equal to, or substantially equal to, the liquid feed pressure, and of opening, during irrigation liquid expelling, when the pressure decreases under said value. The device comprises a Venturi device, fed with the same irrigation liquid, from whose region of constricted stream a duct is branched off, to transmit to a sliding member depressure generated by the Venturi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Enichem Agricoltura S.p.A.
    Inventors: Emilio Barosso, Aldino Rivi
  • Patent number: 4890955
    Abstract: The disclosure herein describes a control device for use with an underground drainage network of main collectors and adjacently disposed water-collecting pipes. A head control stand is used defining a water-collecting chamber with a float member therein. The latter is operatively connected to a valve disposed in an associated main collector and is opened as a result of the float member being influenced by the measurement of the water table depth between two adjacently disposed water-collecting pipes of the network. The valve remains opened as long as the level of underground water exceeds a value corresponding to optimal plant growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Innotag Inc.
    Inventor: Francois Mercier
  • Patent number: 4812082
    Abstract: An irrigation device designed to change the water flow in the main supply pipe (underground) to different directions for a timed period, then switch back. A timer in a control-box determines the switching cycles. A butterfly-valve actually changes the direction of the water flow, and an extension converts the power applied from the control-box to the valve body. This underground surge irrigation system is designed for furrow flood irrigation and some forms of sprinkler irrigation to increase the efficiency of the water applied, for a more uniform soak profile through the whole field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Robert L. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4685827
    Abstract: A plant watering system for flower pots, plant boxes or open fields which uses watering cylinders located adjacent to the plant roots with the watering cylinders connected to a water supply unit through a closed pipeline system with the water supply unit maintaining a constant level of irrigation water. Moistening of the soil in the region of the watering cylinders permits the inherent suction intensity of the soil to suck water from the reservoir to the plant root when the available water in the soil is low and to not suck water from the reservoir when there is adequate moisture in the soil. The watering cylinders having means to prevent growth of roots therein while permitting water to be discharged to the surrounding soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1987
    Inventor: Uwe Sibbel
  • Patent number: 4678367
    Abstract: A riser assembly for a sub-surface irrigation and drainage system is disclosed having a molded, housing defining a generally rectangular, elongated cavity. A divider within the housing divides the cavity into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber. A drainage opening and a weir opening are defined by the divider, and slidable gate valves are disposed over each opening. By adjusting the positions of the gate valves, the upstream water level cable may be readily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Inventor: James I. Warner
  • Patent number: 4621945
    Abstract: In association with a subsurface drainage/irrigation tile system, a head control stand is provided to selectively control the flow of water through a drainage/irrigation tile system and in turn control the depth of the water table. An actuating unit which includes a water level sensor floating on the surface of the water table is disposed within a riser pipe which extends upward from a subsurface drainage tile. A valve disposed within the drainage tile is connected to the water level sensor and opens upon the sensor raising in response to a raising in the water table which allows water to flow through the valve and subsequently closes the valve upon lowering of the water table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Inventors: Christopher E. Schafer, William P. Schafer, Charles J. Schafer
  • Patent number: 4538377
    Abstract: A field crop treatment system, characterized by a first treatment pipe submerged under the root system of growing field crops, and a second drain pipe submerged under the treatment pipe. The system is connected in such a manner that it can operate in several modes. Among the modes are a drainage mode wherein both pipes drain the water from a wet field; and an irrigation mode wherein the top pipe is used to irrigate at the underground level. In addition, the system may be used in various modes between complete drainage and complete irrigation to allow underground application of chemicals, herbicides and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1985
    Inventor: Ken O. Thornton
  • Patent number: 4293237
    Abstract: The present invention constitutes an improved subsurface irrigation and drainage apparatus and system for its use that includes at least one main pipe or line arranged to receive a water flow therein that can include a water born fertilizer and, optionally, the main pipe or line can incorporate a fan or like arrangement for injecting an air-flow therein and, as required, an airborn fertilizer. The main line preferably includes spaced cross-pieces that are joined to lateral lines or laterals and may incorporate sleeves therewith, which main line, laterals, and sleeves may contain weirs for maintaining a desired water head therebehind as appropriate, and may include slots, holes or like openings formed therein above and/or below a water line therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Inventors: Melvin J. Robey, David E. Bingaman, Arthur E. Read
  • Patent number: 4253952
    Abstract: A weed screen and trash eliminator for irrigation systems utilizing open ditches or canals for transmission of water. A rigid frame supports a stationary screen having a planar surface. A front trough directs water within a ditch onto the upper screen surface, which is inclined slightly from its front edge to its rear edge. The water passes through the screen, leaving weeds and other debris on the upper screen surface. Endless conveyors continuously move a transverse bristle brush along working flights that span the length of the screen. The conveyors are powered continuously in a direction such that the brush moves along the screen from front to back. A recessed catch pan is fixed across the frame immediately adjacent the rear edge of the screen to receive materials swept from the screen by the brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Inventor: Don Grebb
  • Patent number: 4246305
    Abstract: This invention relates to drainage by use of elongated strips of such a physical structure that they allow an exchange of fluids between their core and the medium in which they are placed. The drainage strips are used by vertically placing them in wet soils to evacuate water contained in said soils by use of a pressure differential exerted upon the water due to the pressure of the soil layer over the atmospheric pressure in the interstices of the drainage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Solentanche-Entreprise
    Inventor: Henri Delattre
  • Patent number: 4193711
    Abstract: An improved valve for a subsurface irrigation system which valve includes a foot with a pair of oppositely facing laterally opening holes. The foot is sized to extend through a hole in the bottom surface of a pipe of the system and has an upstanding leg of flexible material to be received within the pipe in a flexed condition; the leg has a longitudinal passageway to deliver fluid flowing in the pipe to the holes in the foot; to the leg, a flexible tube extension is fitted to extend within the pipe and which is of a preselected length, to present predetermined resistance to the water flow, so that the water distribution from the system may be generally equalized by selecting the proper length tube extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1980
    Inventor: Sergio Riusech
  • Patent number: 4180348
    Abstract: An irrigation and drainage system for cultivated fields, croplands and the like for supplying and extracting water and similar liquids through a subsurface conduit network automatically responsive to the ground water table occurring above or below a predetermined subsurface reference level near the depth of the conduit network. A plurality of elongated subsurface perforated conduit lines are located throughout the field at a uniform depth below ground along one or more ground elevation contour line or lines for outflow or inflow of water through the conduit line perforations when the ground water level is respectively below and above the predetermined subsurface reference level. Distribution boxes having an adjustable weir and supply water and excess water connections are provided for the conduit lines at each elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Inventor: Richard H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4153380
    Abstract: An emitter device for a drip type irrigation system. The emitter has an elongated body with a tapered portion at its lower end to facilitate easy insertion into the soil. The upper end of the emitter forms a small receiving chamber connectable to an opening. An adjustable valve means is interposed between the chamber and the opening so that the flow of water from a suitable supply source can be regulated. Outlet openings for the emitter are located near or within the tapered portion of the body so that emission is accomplished below ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Inventor: Gary R. Hartman
  • Patent number: 4153297
    Abstract: An in situ oil shale retort is formed in a subterranean formation containing oil shale. The retort contains a fragmented permeable mass of particles containing oil shale. An open base of operation is excavated in the formation above the retort site, and an access drift is excavated to the bottom of the retort site. Formation is explosively expanded to form the fragmented mass between the access drift and an elevation spaced below the bottom of the base of operation, leaving a horizontal sill pillar of unfragmented formation between the top of the fragmented mass and the bottom of the base of operation. The sill pillar provides a safe base of operation above the fragmented mass from which to control retorting operations. A plurality of blasting holes used in explosively expanding the formation extend from the base of operation, through the sill pillar, and open into the top of the fragmented mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Assignee: Occidental Oil Shale, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Ridley