A hose irrigation device for converting a conventional garden hose to an irrigation hose having adjustable flow rates includes a screw having a shaft and a head. The shaft is threaded for being inserted into a garden hose. The shaft may be inserted an adjustable depth into the garden hose. A channel extends into the shaft of the screw. The channel has a base end corresponding to a distal end of the shaft relative to the head. The base end is positionable within an interior of the garden hose. The channel has a top end positionable outside of the garden hose when the screw is inserted into the garden hose. Thus, fluid passing through the garden hose is expelled from the garden hose through the channel.

A corrugated piping assembly for use in an irrigation system for bridging between different pipe sections and/or irrigation appliances. The assembly has a corrugated pipe section fitted at a rear end to a connector and a sleeve overlaying a region where the pipe section fits over the connector. The sleeve is arranged to press inwards against the pipe section to press it against portions of the connector.

Various systems, methods and apparatus for locating emitters embedded in tubing are disclosed herein, as well as forming outlets in said tubing and confirming the placement accuracy of such outlets. In one form, an emitter locator is disclosed having: a housing defining a generally enclosed space and having an inlet located in a first side of the housing and an outlet located in a second side of the housing positioned opposite the inlet; a cutter positioned within the generally enclosed space between the inlet and outlet; a first optical instrument located proximate the inlet; a second optical instrument located proximate the outlet; and a controller connected to the cutter and first and second optical instruments, the controller configured to detect a tubing target area desired for placement of an outlet opening in tubing that passes through the inlet and cut the tubing target area to form the outlet opening therein.

An irrigation emission device includes a barb that is self-piercing, and the irrigation emission device may be installed either manually or with the use of a piercing or insertion tool. In any event, the barb assists in making installation easier by piercing the hose to insert a portion of the device through the hose. Preferably, the barb will not pierce an opposing wall of the hose during installation.

A drip irrigation emitter may be provided with a coupler for bonding to an inner surface of a conduit. The emitter may include for example a button flow restrictor. The coupler may optionally provide an outlet zone on the conduit surface that is large enough for automated perforation. Bonding the emitter to the surface of the conduit may have a minimal effect on the dimensions and/or properties of the conduit. A button drip irrigation emitter may optionally include a two part labyrinth. The labyrinth may for example be confined between a cylindrical surface and a cover and/or wind between intermeshing baffles on the cover and/or the surface.

A method of manufacturing an irrigation implement may include receiving tubing. The tubing may be conventional plastic irrigation tubing. The tubing may be cut to form a first end of an irrigation implement. The tubing may be cut to form a second end of the irrigation implement. Either the first end or the second end of the tubing may be pinched in forming the irrigation implement. The pinched end of the tubing may be sealed in forming the irrigation implement. In an embodiment, the pinched end may be heat sealed to form the irrigation implement.

Methods and apparatus for checking emitter bonds in an irrigation drip line and for manufacturing drip line in a manner that allows the bond between the in-line emitter and surrounding conduit to be checked. In one form, a downstream in-line vacuum tester is provided for monitoring the amount of air escaping from outlet openings in the drip line to detect excessive air associated with poorly bonded emitters.

An irrigation emitter and drip line, and methods relating to same, are provided for reducing the flow and pressure of fluid via an emitter or plurality of emitters defined by two concentric tubes. In one form, the first tube defines an emitter inlet and connected pressure-reducing flow channel and the second tube is extruded over the first tube to enclose the emitter inlet and flow channel and defines an outlet connected to an end of the flow channel opposite the inlet to create an emitter for converting fluid flowing at a high flow rate in the lumen and at the first end of the inlet to a fluid with a low flow rate at the outlet of the emitter. In another form, a drip line is provided having a plurality of such emitters. The emitters capable of being provided with pressure compensation structures to compensate or account for fluctuations in supply line fluid pressure and root growth inhibiting members. Various methods related to the emitter and drip line are also disclosed.

A hybrid emitter of low discharge for water or solutions is inserted and welded into a pipe during the production phase. The hybrid emitter bears at its convex and cylindrical surface local protrusions that are covered completely from the pipe which is swelled locally. The water exits preferably from two nozzles that are created within the protrusions by the cutting-off of the tips, which protrusions protrude and after cutting-off, said nozzles eject the water almost cross-wise to two opposite directions and at short discrete distances left and right of the pipe. A method for welding of emitters and accessories into a pipe where the emitter or the hybrid one with or without protrusions on the outer surface, are inserted into the pipe during its production phase.

Methods and apparatus for transporting or delivering elastomeric emitters and inserting elastomeric emitters into drip line are disclosed herein, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for manufacturing drip line to form an irrigation assembly or system. In one form, the apparatus comprises a feeder, conveyor, emitter drive mechanism and guide bar for insertion into an extruder to bond the elastomeric emitter to an inner surface of the extruded tube. Friction reducing apparatus and methods are further disclosed as well.