Importance

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Abstract

A small drip irrigation emitter that is capable of providing a constant flow rate over a wide range of high fluid line pressures. The emitter includes a small relatively soft flat flexible membrane, one side of which is in contact with the fluid of a drip irrigation line, and the other side of which is pressed against a flat surface having a perpendicular opening in it. A groove is provided on the surface leading from its edge to the opening, and a small open rounded preferably slotted area is provided in the opening where it meets the groove. As pressure is provided in the conduit line, the membrane is pressed against the opening and groove, limiting the amount of fluid that may escape across the groove and through the opening. As pressure increases, the opening is closed by the membrane; however, even after the opening is closed, the slot between the opening and the groove allows fluid to continue to escape, thereby requiring an extremely high pressure to close both the opening and the slot to shut off the flow of fluid.

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First Claim