CN112075323A

CN112075323A - Drip irrigation emitter with optimized resistance to clogging

Info

Publication number: CN112075323A
Application number: CN202010543614.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: W·C·小泰勒; 丹尼尔·特立尼达; 大卫·S·马丁; 迈克尔·R·奈顿
Original assignee: Toro Usa
Current assignee: Toro Usa
Priority date: 2019-06-14
Filing date: 2020-06-15
Publication date: 2020-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-15
Also published as: CN112075323B

Abstract

The present application relates to drip emitters having optimized resistance to clogging. An emitter comprising at least one of: an inlet section comprising an inlet member forming a first opening and a second opening having different sizes; a pressure reducing section comprising a first pressure reducing portion having a first pressure reducing configuration and a second pressure reducing portion having a different second pressure reducing configuration; a pressure reducing section comprising at least one non-linear track portion; a pressure responsive section comprising at least one non-linear track portion; or a base comprising a first base portion having a first base configuration and a second base portion having a different second base configuration, wherein at least one of the first base portion or the second base portion is positioned in one or more of the inlet section, the pressure reduction section, or the outlet section.

Description

Drip irrigation emitter with optimized resistance to clogging

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application serial No. 62/861,411 filed on day 14, 6, 2019, 62/861,443 filed on day 14, 6, 2019, and 62/951,419 filed on

day

20, 12, 2019, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Background

Drip irrigation hoses (drip) or belts (tape) including emitters (emitter) are commonly used for poor quality agricultural irrigation. When small particles in the water become trapped in the inlet section of the emitter, the emitter can clog and the hoses or bands become dysfunctional until they are flushed or replaced, which is very time consuming. The terms hose or belt may be used interchangeably herein.

For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need for a drip irrigation hose that does not easily clog.

SUMMARY

The above-mentioned problems associated with existing devices are addressed by embodiments of the present disclosure and will be understood by reading and understanding the present specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation.

In one embodiment, an emitter for use with a drip irrigation tape having a tape wall, at least a portion of the tape wall defining a tape flow path and a tape outlet, includes an outlet section, a pressure reduction section, and an inlet section. The outlet section is in fluid communication with the belt outlet, the pressure reduction section is in fluid communication with the outlet section, and the inlet section is in fluid communication with the pressure reduction section and the belt flow path. The outlet section, the pressure reduction section, and the inlet section extend from the base toward the band wall. The outlet section, the pressure reduction section, the inlet section, the base, and a portion of the band wall define an emitter flow path. The emitter comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of:

an inlet section comprising a plurality of inlet members having proximal ends and distal ends, the proximal ends being adjacent to the pressure reduction section, the plurality of inlet members forming at least a first inlet gap and a second inlet gap, the first inlet gap and the second inlet gap comprising at least a first opening and a second opening having different sizes;

a pressure reduction section comprising at least a first pressure reduction portion and a second pressure reduction portion, the first pressure reduction portion having a first pressure reduction configuration (configuration) with at least a first resistance feature and the second pressure reduction portion having a second pressure reduction configuration with at least a second resistance feature, the first and second pressure reduction configurations being different;

a pressure reducing section comprising at least one non-linear track portion;

a pressure responsive section comprising at least one non-linear track portion; and

a base comprising a first base portion and a second base portion, the first base portion having a first base configuration and the second base portion having a second base configuration, the first base configuration and the second base configuration being different, wherein at least one of the first base portion or the second base portion is positioned in one or more of the inlet section, the pressure reduction section, or the outlet section.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. In accordance with conventional practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present disclosure. Throughout the drawings and text, reference characters denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art irrigation hose including an emitter operatively connected to the hose;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the emitter shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art emitter;

FIG. 4 is an end view of a hose to which the emitter shown in FIG. 3 is connected to form an irrigation hose;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a portion of an embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 17A is a side view of an embodiment of the emitter taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 17;

FIG. 17B is a side view of another embodiment of the emitter taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 17;

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 19A is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 19B is a schematic view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19A with another embodiment pressure reduction zone;

FIG. 19C is a schematic view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19A with another embodiment pressure reduction zone;

FIG. 19D is a schematic view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19A with another embodiment pressure reduction zone;

FIG. 19E is a schematic view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19A with another embodiment pressure reducing section;

FIG. 19F is a schematic view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19A with another embodiment pressure reducing section and guide member;

FIG. 20A is a schematic view of a portion of a pressure reduction section of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20B is a schematic view of a portion of a pressure reduction section of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19B;

FIG. 20C is a schematic view of a portion of a pressure reduction section of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19C;

FIG. 20D is a schematic view of a portion of a pressure reduction section of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19D;

FIG. 20E is a schematic view of a portion of a pressure reduction section of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 19E;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a possible profile of an inlet member of an emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 22A is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 22B is a schematic view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 22A with an optional guide member;

FIG. 23A is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 23B is a schematic view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 23A with an optional guide member;

FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art irrigation band including emitters operably connected in-seam to the band;

FIG. 25A is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 25B is a schematic view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 25A with debris in proximity to the inlet member;

FIG. 26A is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 26B is a schematic view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 26A with debris in proximity to the inlet member;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 31A is a schematic view of a portion of the inlet portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 31;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 32A illustrates a cross-sectional view and a side view of the embodiment of the emitter shown in FIG. 32 taken along the section lines shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 32B illustrates a cross-sectional view and a side view of another embodiment of the emitter shown in FIG. 32 taken along the section lines shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 32C illustrates a cross-sectional view and a side view of another embodiment of the emitter shown in FIG. 32 taken along the section lines shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 32D illustrates a cross-sectional view and a side view of another embodiment of the emitter shown in FIG. 32 taken along the section lines shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 32E illustrates a cross-sectional view and a side view of another embodiment of the emitter shown in FIG. 32, taken along the section lines shown in FIG. 32;

FIG. 33A illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 32 corresponding to view F-F in FIG. 32A;

FIG. 33B illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 32 corresponding to view F-F in FIG. 32B;

FIG. 33C illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the emitter shown in FIG. 32 corresponding to view F-F in FIG. 32C;

FIG. 34 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 35 is an end view of a hose to which the emitter shown in FIG. 34 is connected to form an irrigation hose;

FIG. 35A is an end view of another embodiment emitter that may be substituted for the emitter shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 35B is an end view of another embodiment emitter that may be substituted for the emitter shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 35C is an end view of another embodiment emitter that may be substituted for the emitter shown in FIG. 35;

FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a schematic view of an inlet section of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a schematic view of an inlet section of another embodiment emitter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 46A is a schematic view of a portion of another embodiment emitter including portions having differently configured pressure reduction zones constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 46B is a schematic view of portion B of the pressure reduction section shown in FIG. 46A;

FIG. 46C is a schematic view of portion C of the pressure reduction section shown in FIG. 46A;

fig. 46D is a schematic view of a portion D of the pressure reduction section shown in fig. 46A.

Detailed Description

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as "top," "base," "leading," "trailing," etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the figure being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

It should also be understood that the phrase "at least one of a and B", "at least one of a or B", and the like, should be understood to mean "a only, B only, or both a and B".

Example prior art emitters are shown in fig. 1-4. One exemplary prior art emitter 20a is shown in fig. 2, and emitter 20a is shown in fig. 1 operatively connected to a hose or band to form an irrigation hose or band 20. The inner surface 21a of the wall 21 of the hose and the outer surface of the emitter 20a form a hose or belt flow path 20 b. The emitters 20a may be part of a continuous elastomeric strip member 30 comprising a plurality of emitters 20a, and each emitter comprises an inlet section 40, a pressure reduction section 60, an optional pressure responsive section 70, and an outlet section 80 that together with a portion of the hose form an emitter flow path. A portion of the two

inlet sections

40a and 40b are shown in fig. 2. The portion of the hose proximate the outlet section 80 includes an outlet aperture 90 for dispensing from the hose. This example is disclosed in us patent 6,736,337, which is incorporated herein by reference. Other example prior art emitters utilize non-elastic strap members.

Another example prior art emitter 22 is shown in cross-sectional view in FIG. 3, and the emitter 22 is shown in FIG. 4 as being operatively connected to a hose or band 26. FIG. 4 shows the emitter 22 laminated via the rails 25 to the inner wall 26a of the hose 26 to form the irrigation hose or belt 10. The inner wall 26a and emitter 22 form a hose or belt flow path 11 through the hose 10. A continuous strip member 27 comprising a plurality of emitters 22 is laminated to the hose 26 in a manner similar to lamination processes known in the art (e.g., U.S. patent 8,469,294, which is incorporated herein by reference). The continuous strip member 27 may be rolled up and stored for later insertion into the hose 10. Alternatively, the continuous strip member 27 may travel from the die wheel directly onto the extruder for the hose 26. That is, the lamination of the rail 25 from the die wheel and the emitter 22 (including the top surface 22a and fins 22b) is positioned inside the die that extrudes the hose 26, thereby forming the irrigation hose or belt 10. Suitable inlets (not shown) allow water to pass from the hose flow path 11 through the inlet of the emitter into the emitter flow path 12. A suitable outlet 28 is formed in the irrigation hose 10 above the outlet section of the emitter flow path by means well known in the art.

These prior art emitter designs are non-limiting examples, and it will be appreciated that other suitable emitter designs may be used with the present invention, including continuous emitter designs, hot melt emitter designs, discrete emitter designs, and in-seam emitter designs. An example intra-slit emitter design is shown in fig. 24. Emitter 1500 is operably connected to first side 1541a and second side 1541b of band 1540 to form a band flow path 1542 and an emitter flow path 1535. The emitter 1500 may be fabricated online or offline prior to installation of the emitter 1500 within the seam of the belt 1540. If this configuration is used, the inlet member is positioned along a side proximate to the belt flow path 1542. For intra-slit emitter designs, rows (row) are located along the side near the ribbon flow path.

To extend the amount of time that an irrigation hose or belt is active before flushing or replacement is required, embodiments of the present disclosure include various features and configurations for the inlet portion, pressure reduction section, and outlet portion of the emitter, and the features and configurations of these embodiments may be interchanged and/or combined in a variety of different ways. The terms hose or belt are used interchangeably herein. The emitters may be continuous emitters applied to the hose in any suitable manner, such as those described above. Various features and configurations for the pressure reduction section and the outlet portion work together with the inlet portion to form an integrated emitter, wherein the various features and configurations for the inlet portion create differences in resistance to provide graded flow path protection against clogging (filtering) and/or to facilitate continuous or sequential activation of the inlet gaps, which extends the amount of time that the irrigation hose is functional because the inlet gaps are not completely clogged at one time. Instead, water flows through the first inlet gap until they become clogged, then water flows through the second inlet gap, and so on. Typically, water will first enter the inlet gap near the pressure reduction section, and as the inlet gap becomes clogged, water will enter the next available inlet gap closest to the pressure reduction section.

Embodiment emitters generally include a base or floor having outwardly extending features to form an outlet section, a pressure reduction section, and an inlet section. Optionally, a pressure responsive section may interconnect the pressure reduction section and the outlet section. Optionally, the pressure reduction section may include at least one pressure responsive element, such as but not limited to including an elastomeric material, to be able to change dimensionally in response to changes in pressure. The function of the pressure reduction section, however, is to dissipate the pressure difference existing between the inlet section and the outlet section, and if a pressure response section is present, the pressure response section functionally realizes a part of this pressure difference dissipation. To this end, it is clear that the pressure reduction section mentioned herein may also comprise a combination of a pressure reduction element and a pressure responsive element. The emitter forms a cavity with the band wall to form an emitter flow path. The pressure reducing section includes a middle portion between the first rail and the second rail. In some embodiments, the first and second tracks extend into and through the exit section and interconnect with the end tracks to terminate the exit section. The term emitter includes discrete emitters and emitter segment portions of continuous emitters.

In some embodiments, each of the inlet sections includes at least one row of the first inlet member extending generally in alignment with one of the first and second tracks. The at least one row includes a first proximal end (which is proximate to the respective track) and a first distal end. The at least one row may extend linearly or may extend at an angle outward from one of the first track and the second track. In some embodiments, the inlet section comprises at least a first row extending outwardly from the first track and a second row extending outwardly from the second track, wherein one or both rows extend linearly or at an angle from the tracks. The second row includes a second inlet member and includes a second proximal end (which is adjacent the corresponding track) and a second distal end.

The inlet member extends outwardly from the emitter base (similar to the top surface 22a in FIG. 3) to form an inlet gap that includes an opening through which water from the band flow path enters the emitter flow path. The inlet member may have at least one profile selected from the group consisting of circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, and compound angular. The inlet member may include a variety of different configurations, including different profiles, sizes, widths, lengths, and heights. The first inlet member forms a first inlet gap and the second inlet member (if present) forms a second inlet gap. The inlet gap may be formed by the spacing between the inlet members and/or by the height between the inlet gap floor and the belt wall and/or by different configurations of the inlet members. In some embodiments, the first row includes at least a first spacing and a second spacing, and the second row (if used) includes at least a third spacing and a fourth spacing. In some embodiments, the distance between the entrance gap floor and the belt wall varies, thereby varying the height of the opening. In a first row, a first inlet gap floor forms an opening with an adjacent inlet member, which opening (first lower height) is smaller than the opening (second higher height) formed by a second inlet gap floor with an adjacent inlet member, and in a second row (if used), a third inlet gap floor forms an opening with an adjacent inlet member, which opening (third lower height) is smaller than the opening (fourth higher height) formed by a fourth inlet gap floor with an adjacent inlet member. The first height and the third height may be the same, and the second height and the fourth height may be the same. Combinations of varying spacing and varying height may also be used.

The inlet gap may be used on one or both sides of the inlet section. If there are at least two rows of entrance gaps, these entrance gaps may be different. The inlet gaps in different rows may have different opening sizes, the inlet gaps may be staggered or otherwise misaligned, and they may vary linearly (spacing) and/or laterally (height) to create a difference in resistance and to activate the inlet gaps continuously. Furthermore, the size of the inlet gap may depend on the desired function. For example, a narrower gap may be used with a lower flow rate, a wider gap may be used with a higher flow rate, etc. Further, for example, the gap dimensions may be selected to act in conjunction with the specific characteristics of the pressure reduction and outlet sections to provide an integrally integrated emitter.

Optionally, the emitter may comprise a guide member, and the guide member may comprise at least one guide track portion. The at least one guide track portion may be a relatively straight line, it may be angled, it may include compound angles, or it may include a variety of configurations. The at least one guide track portion may comprise a narrower portion and a wider portion such that the distance between the inlet member and the guide member, the gap of the inlet member to the guide member may vary.

The at least one guide track portion may be of any suitable length within the inlet section and may even extend into the pressure reduction section. The at least one guide track portion may extend towards the entrance of the pressure reduction section and terminate adjacent to, at or beyond the entrance into the pressure reduction section. In some embodiments, the guide member is generally parallel to the inlet member. In some embodiments, the at least one guide track portion is not parallel to the plurality of inlet members. In some embodiments, the at least one guide track portion is inclined relative to the entrance member. A portion of the guide member may be parallel to the inlet gap, a portion may be angled or curved relative to the inlet gap, and combinations of configurations may be used. The optional guide member helps to create a difference in resistance and vary the fineness of the filtration, thereby helping to continuously activate the entrance gap, preferably from a position near the proximal end to the distal end.

The distance between the inlet member and the guide member may be arranged to enhance the sequential activation of the induction inlet and to maintain the movement of the fine particles, and the distance may be varied to enhance the sequential action (sequential behavior). If more than one guide track portion is used, the guide track portions may have different distances from the inlet member.

It has been found to be advantageous to combine a thinner inlet gap (opening) and a less thin inlet gap (opening) sequentially. The thinner inlet gap activates first and provides more protection (via thinner filtering) to the flow restriction region (pressure reduction zone). If there is a situation in the field where the finer inlet gap becomes occupied (clogged) with debris, the less fine inlet gap allows the emitter to continue to operate for a longer period of time, providing an opportunity to perform maintenance to flush debris from the inlet gap. The length of the inlet section may also be increased to provide additional inlet clearance. Activation of the geometry of the inlet occurs sequentially, from thin to less thin to … … to least thin. This provides a final stage of protection in the form of a wider range of entry gaps, so the last remaining entry gap remains active until maintenance can take place. Under normal circumstances, the sequential action maximizes protection, and the next wider inlet gap (opening) is used, if necessary, to maintain the overall function of the emitter for longer periods of time, allowing continued functionality until maintenance occurs.

It has also been found beneficial to vary the height and/or configuration of the inlet section, the pressure reduction section and/or the outlet section. For example, the height and/or configuration of the pressure reduction section may be optimized to work with the height and/or width of the inlet opening. The height can be varied by varying the thickness of the emitter base. The configuration may be changed by changing the shape of the inlet member and/or emitter base.

Embodiments of the emitter are schematically illustrated in the drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of emitter components have suitable thicknesses. Suitable thicknesses can range from 0.005 inches to 0.025 inches.

One exemplary emitter portion 100 shown in fig. 5 generally includes an outlet section (not shown), a pressure reduction section 104, and an inlet section 108. The emitter 100 forms a cavity with the band walls to form an emitter flow path 135. The pressure reducing section 104 includes a middle portion 106 located between the first rail 105a and the second rail 105 b.

In this example, the inlet section 108 includes a first row 109a of first inlet members 110a and a second row 109b of second inlet members 110b, the first and

second rows

109a and 109b extending generally in-line or parallel with the

tracks

105a and 105b, respectively. The first row 109a includes a first proximal end 114a and a first distal end 116a proximate the first rail 105a, and the second row 109b includes a second proximal end 114b and a second distal end 116b proximate the second rail 105 b. It should be appreciated that the first and

second rows

109a, 109b may extend generally in line with or parallel to the first and

second tracks

105a, 105b as shown, or the first and

second rows

109a, 109b may extend at an angle outward from the first and

second tracks

105a, 105 b. Alternatively, the rows may extend from the track differently. The rows may extend along a portion of the emitter or along the entire length of the emitter. At least one row may extend along the entire length of the emitter. Further, two or more rows may be used, and the two or more rows may have different lengths. If used with an in-slit emitter design, the rows are located along a side near the ribbon flow path.

The first and second inlet members 110a, 110B extend upwardly from the emitter base 101 (e.g., the base is also shown in fig. 17A and 17B, similar to the top surface 22a in fig. 3) to form first and second inlet gaps 118a, 118B, respectively, through which water from the entrained flow path enters the emitter flow path 135. Although an oval 112b profile is shown, the first and

second inlet members

110a, 110b can have at least one profile selected from the group consisting of a circle 112a, an oval 112b, a rectangle 112c, a triangle 112d, and a compound angle 112e, as shown in fig. 21. It should be appreciated that other suitable profiles may be used. In this example, the first inlet gap 118a and the second inlet gap 118b are formed by the spacing between adjacent inlet members. The first row 109a comprises at least a first space 123a and a second space 123b, and the second row 109b comprises at least a third space 123c and a fourth space 123 d. In this example, the

inlet members

110a and 110b are angled inwardly toward the pressure reduction section 104 and are generally mirror images of each other, with closer spacing near the pressure reduction section 104 and farther spacing near the distal ends 116a and 116 b.

Optionally, the emitter 100 may include a guide member 128, and the guide member 128 may include at least one guide rail portion 130. In general, at least one guide track portion may be a relatively straight line, it may be angled, it may include compound angles, or it may include a variety of configurations. In this example, the at least one guide track portion 130 includes a narrow portion 130a and a wide portion 130b such that the distance between the inlet member and the guide member, the inlet member to guide member gap 132 varies. The guide member 128 includes a guide track portion 130, the guide track portion 130 forming a relatively narrow portion 130a near the pressure reducing section 104, the narrow portion 130a bifurcating into two guide track portions 130, the two guide track portions 130 being angled near the narrow portion 130a and parallel near the distal end, forming a wide portion 130 b. The gap 132 is wider near the narrow portion 130a and narrower near the wide portion 130 b.

A variety of guide member configurations may be used. In another example, as shown in fig. 6, the emitter 100 may have a guide member 128 ' with a guide rail portion 130 ', the guide rail portion 130 ' generally forming a narrow portion 130a ', the narrow portion 130a ' bifurcating into two guide rail portions 130 ', the two guide rail portions 130 ' forming a wide portion 130b ', the wide portion 130b ' gradually narrowing into a narrow portion 130a ', forming a gap 132 ' having different distances.

One exemplary emitter portion 200 shown in fig. 7 generally includes an outlet section 202, a pressure reduction section 204, and an inlet section 208. The emitter 200 forms a cavity with the band walls to form an emitter flow path 235. The pressure reducing section 204 includes a middle portion 206 located between the first track 205a and the second track 205 b. In this example, first and

second tracks

205a and 205b extend into and through outlet section 202 and interconnect with end track 205c to terminate outlet section 202. The exemplary emitter portion 200 is part of a continuous emitter, and the outlet section 202' is part of an outlet section from an adjacent emitter portion.

In this example, the inlet section 208 comprises a first row 209a of first inlet members 210a and a second row 209b of second inlet members 210b, the first and second rows 209a and 209b extending generally in line with or parallel to the

tracks

205a and 205b, respectively. First row 209a includes a first proximal end 214a and a first distal end 216a proximate first track 205a, and second row 209b includes a second proximal end 214b and a second distal end 216b proximate second track 205 b. Rows 209a and 209b are generally symmetrical. It should be appreciated that the first and second rows 209a, 209b may extend generally in line with or parallel to the first and

second tracks

205a, 205b as shown, or the first and second rows 209a, 209b may extend at an angle outward from the first and

second tracks

205a, 205 b. Alternatively, the rows may extend from the track differently.

The first and second inlet members 210a, 210B extend upwardly from the emitter base 201 (e.g., the base is also shown in fig. 17A and 17B, similar to the top surface 22a in fig. 3) to form first and second inlet gaps 218a, 218B, respectively, through which water from the band flow path enters the emitter flow path 235. Although an oval 212b profile is shown, the first and

second inlet members

210a, 210b can have at least one profile selected from the group consisting of circular 112a, oval 112b, rectangular 112c, triangular 112d, and compound angular 112e, as shown in fig. 21. It should be appreciated that other suitable profiles may be used. The

inlet members

210a and 210b are angled inwardly toward the pressure reducing section 204 to direct water into the pressure reducing section 204. In this example, the first inlet gap 218a and the second inlet gap 218b are formed by the spacing between adjacent inlet members. The first row 209a comprises at least a first spacing 223a and a second spacing 223b, and the second row 209b comprises at least a third spacing 223c and a fourth spacing 223 d. Thus, in this example, there are two sets of inlet gaps in each row, and adjacent openings 222 are of different sizes. Optionally, the emitter 200 may include a guide member 228, which in this example is a relatively straight line near the middle of the inlet section that terminates short of the pressure reduction section 204. The gap 232 between the guide member 228 and the

inlet members

210a and 210b is relatively constant.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 8, the rows are substantially symmetrical, and the

inlet members

310a and 310b are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the (neutral) emitter 200. In this example, there are three sets of inlet gaps in each row, and adjacent openings 322 have different sizes. A guide member 228 may be included and in this example, the gap 332 between the guide member 228 and the

inlet members

310a and 310b is relatively constant.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 9, the inlet members 410a and 410b are angled outwardly away from the pressure reduction section 204 to direct water near the middle of the inlet section 208 and into the pressure reduction section 204. There are two sets of entrance gaps in each row and adjacent openings 422 are of different sizes. FIG. 9 also illustrates an exemplary sequential activation of the inlet openings when the openings near the proximal end become blocked, allowing water to enter the emitter flow path closer to the middle of the inlet section. As the openings near the proximal end become clogged, successive openings are typically activated sequentially from proximal to distal to allow water to enter the emitter flow path 235'.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 10, the inlet members 510a are angled outwardly away from the pressure reduction section 204 and the inlet members 510b are angled inwardly toward the pressure reduction section. Optional guide member 528 serves to help direct water into the pressure reduction section 204. Fig. 11 shows a similar example without the guide member.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 12, the

inlet members

710a and 710b are angled inward toward the pressure reduction section. The inlet member 710a includes openings of different sizes that are smaller near the proximal end and larger near the distal end, with at least one pair of openings 722 of different sizes. The inlet members 710b are substantially evenly spaced with approximately the same size opening. The guide member 728 is generally parallel to the inlet member 710a and angles outward from near the proximal end of the inlet member 710a to near the distal end of the inlet member 710 b. This provides a gap 232 that is wider near the proximal end of the inlet member 710b and narrower near the distal end.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 13, each of the first and second rows includes four sets of inlet gaps formed by

inlet members

810a and 810b having different sizes, shapes, and spacings (opening sizes). Adjacent openings 822 have different sizes. Optionally, a guide member 828 may be used.

One example emitter portion 900 shown in fig. 14 includes an outlet section (not shown), a pressure reduction section 904, an inlet section 908, and an outlet section 902' from an adjacent emitter portion. Each row of

inlet members

909a and 909b includes three sets of inlet gaps, wherein adjacent openings 922 are of different sizes, and guide members 928 may be included. The entrance gap increases from smaller to larger from the proximal end to the distal end of the entrance member. The guide member 928 is generally V-shaped with a narrow portion 930a near the junction of the first and second sets of inlet gaps and a wide portion 930b near the third and distal end.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 15, the guide member 928 ' is generally longer V-shaped with the narrow portion 930a ' near the distal end and the wide portion 930b ' near the proximal end.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 16, there is no guide member. It should be appreciated that no guide member or one of a variety of guide members may be used.

Fig. 17, 17A, and 17B illustrate another example emitter portion 1000 having openings of alternative configurations. Emitter 1000 includes an outlet section 1002, a pressure reduction section 1004 and an inlet section 1008, and an outlet section 1002' from an adjacent emitter portion. The inlet section 1008 includes

inlet members

1009a and 1009b, which may be evenly spaced as shown. In one example, as shown in fig. 17A, the gap floor between the inlet members is gradually reduced in height, gradually increasing the opening size from near the pressure reduction section to the distal end. For example, the gap floor 1020c has a higher height 1024c near the pressure reduction section 1004 to form a relatively small opening with the adjacent inlet member 1009b, and the gap floor 1020d has a lower height 1024d near the distal end to form a relatively large opening with the adjacent inlet member 1009 b. Alternatively, the gap floors may be grouped, with a plurality of gap floors at one height, a plurality of gap floors at another height, etc., with the height of each group decreasing. For example, as shown in fig. 17B, the first group G1 has a gap floor 1020c 'of height 1024 c' that forms a relatively small opening with the adjacent inlet member 1009B, and the second group G2 has a gap floor 1020d 'of height 1024 d' that forms a relatively large opening with the adjacent inlet member 1009B, and the third group G3 between the first and second groups has a gap floor 1020e of height 1024e that forms a medium sized opening with the adjacent inlet member 1009B. It should be appreciated that any suitable number of groups may be used. Further, the gap floor may be angled to taper in height rather than being generally parallel to the base. Thus, the inlet opening size may be formed not only by the spacing between adjacent inlet members, but also by the gap floor height and/or gap floor angle or a combination thereof to vary the fineness of the filtration.

One example emitter portion 1100 shown in fig. 18 includes an outlet section 1102, a pressure reduction section 1104, an inlet section 1108, and an outlet section 1102' from an adjacent emitter portion. Each row of

inlet members

1109a and 1109b includes an inlet gap that increases from near the pressure reduction section 1104 to near the distal end. The

inlet members

1109a and 1109b are contoured with compound angles 1112e to direct water into the inlet section 1108 and toward the pressure reduction section 1104. Further, the compound angular 1112e profile may include a tapered end.

The exemplary emitter portions 1200 a-1200F shown in fig. 19A-19F, respectively, include common features indicated by the same reference numerals, and include different features that may be interchanged between embodiments. In these examples, the rows of inlet members 1209A and 1209b are spaced closer together near the opening into the pressure reduction section (example pressure reduction sections 1204 a-1204E in fig. 19A-19E, respectively), and are progressively spaced further apart as they approach the outlet section. In these examples, the

inlet members

1209a and 1209b extend along the inlet section 1208 and the pressure reduction section to two outlet sections (only 1202') shown. Optionally, the inlet member proximate the pressure reduction section and the inlet member proximate the inlet section 1208 are both angled toward the junction of the pressure reduction section and the inlet section to direct water toward the junction and into the pressure reduction section. Fig. 19F is similar to fig. 19A, but includes a guide member 1228, the guide member 1228 being V-shaped with a narrow portion proximate the inlet of the pressure reducing section 1204a and a wide portion proximate the outlet 1202', and the gap between the inlet member and the guide member narrowing toward the distal end. The guide member may be used with any of the embodiments.

Fig. 20A to 20E illustrate water flow through the pressure reduction sections 1204a to 1204E, respectively. The thicker, longer arrows indicate the primary water flow through the pressure reduction section and the thinner, shorter arrows indicate the secondary water flow through the pressure reduction section. Regions 1206 a-1206 e indicate locations where the mainstream flow line contacts a resistance feature within the pressure reduction zone, and regions 1207 a-1207 d indicate locations where debris may collect in the pressure reduction zone. The pressure reducing section 1204a is more effective in creating a pressure drop than the pressure reducing section 1204b, but is less effective in passing debris through the section, the pressure reducing section 1204b is more effective in creating a pressure drop than the pressure reducing section 1204c, but is less effective in transporting debris through the section, the pressure reducing section 1204c is more effective in creating a pressure drop than the pressure reducing section 1204d, but is less effective in transporting debris through the section, and the pressure reducing section 1204d is more effective in creating a pressure drop than the pressure reducing section 1204e, but is less effective in transporting debris through the section.

In fig. 20A, the pressure reducing section 1204a generally includes a linear rail 1205a and a resistance feature 1211a, the resistance feature 1211a having a face 1212a that is angled with respect to the rail 1205 a. Region 1206a indicates where the mainstream flow line contacts the resistance feature 1211a, and region 1207a is located in the wake downstream of the resistance feature 1211a and forms a "dead zone" in which backflow debris may settle and accumulate.

In fig. 20B, the pressure reducing section 1204B generally includes a resistance feature 1211B having an angled face 1212B and an angled tip 1213B. The angled tip 1213b directs streamlines flowing out of the tip into contact with the subsequent resistance feature 1211b at a location further along the face 1212b of the subsequent resistance feature. This causes a higher percentage of the debris to continue to flow along the labyrinth path and a lower percentage of the debris to be recirculated. Region 1206b indicates where the mainstream flow line contacts the resistance feature 1211b, and region 1207b is located in the wake downstream of the resistance feature 1211b and forms a "dead zone" in which backflow debris may settle and accumulate. Although not shown, the angled face may also be a compound angle (having more than one angle relative to the track from which the angled face extends) or a curve to guide the streamlines.

In fig. 20C, the pressure reduction section 1204C generally includes an angled face 1212C, and also includes a non-linear track 1205C to both promote more efficient recirculation than the pressure reduction section 1204a and to reduce the area 1207C in the wake of the resistance feature 1211C. Region 1206c indicates where the mainstream flow line contacts the resistance feature 1211c, and region 1207c is positioned in the wake downstream of the resistance feature 1211c and forms a "dead zone" in which backflow debris may settle and accumulate. Although fig. 20C depicts a curvilinear non-linear trajectory, related benefits may be obtained using two or more linear elements to form a non-linear trajectory between subsequent resistance features.

In fig. 20D, the pressure reducing section 1204D generally includes the non-linear track 1205D and a resistance feature 1211D having a curved compound angled face 1212D and an angled tip 1213D. This design reduces the area 1207d and promotes more efficient backflow than the pressure reducing section 1204b, while also retaining the benefit of displacing the streamlines of the main flow outwardly closer to the distal end or tip of the subsequent resistance feature 1211 d. This example provides the benefits of the

pressure reduction sections

1204b and 1204 c. Region 1206d indicates where the mainstream flow line contacts the resistance feature 1211d, and region 1207d is located in the wake downstream of the resistance feature 1211d and forms a "dead zone" in which backflow debris may settle and accumulate.

In fig. 20E, the pressure reducing section 1204E generally includes a non-linear track 1205E forming a resistance feature 1211E, with no dead zones in the wake downstream of the resistance feature 1211E. In this embodiment, the features are formed by non-linear tracks. The resistance feature 1211e includes an angled face 1212e and an angled tip 1213 e. Other similar configurations exist, such as, for example, the resistance feature 1211e may include an angled straight face without an angled tip, or may include more than one linear face that combine to form a compound angled face with or without an angled tip. In the design of FIG. 20E, the resistance feature itself acts as a rail to isolate flow inside the emitter from fluid present outside the emitter. This is in contrast to conventional designs in which the outer rail isolates the flow within the pressure reduction zone from the pressure outside the emitter, but is not the primary resistance feature. In this example, the resistance feature extending from the "outer wall" is actually part of the outer wall itself. Region 1206e indicates where the mainstream flow line contacts the resistance feature 1211e, and there is no region in the wake downstream of the resistance feature 1211e where backflow debris may settle and accumulate.

In these examples illustrated in fig. 20A-20E, the overall clogging resistance of the integrated sequentially activated inlet emitters may be optimized by balancing the design of the inlets to match the ability of the pressure reducing section to effectively transport debris through to the outlet section. The outlet section itself may be configured to have similar capabilities in conveying debris as the inlet section and the pressure reduction section. The combination of the inlet section design, pressure reduction section design, and outlet section design embodiments herein optimizes the overall clogging resistance for emitter flow and emitter spacing combinations. When designing an emitter with a longer usable length for the pressure reduction zone, one can choose to choose a design with lower pressure drop generation efficiency while taking advantage of the improved debris transport. The accompanying sequential activation inlet design will be selected to provide a debris size optimized to work with the selected pressure reduction zone design. As such, the inlet design does not become "over-throttled" as compared to the pressure reducing section. In other words, if the emitter is designed in a standard manner, the filtering provided by the inlet may become the weakest link in the overall design as it becomes quickly filled and requires system maintenance to clear debris that has accumulated on the inlet features. With the present invention, the inlet design may be less throttled (i.e., longer time between maintenance) by selecting a pressure reduction section and an outlet section design that enables larger debris to pass through by incorporating the invention herein. By customizing the inlet design, the pressure reduction section design, and the outlet section design in a combined manner, an overall benefit in resisting becoming plugged may be realized.

Fig. 46A illustrates a portion of another embodiment emitter comprising a portion of the pressure reduction section shown in fig. 46B, 46C and 46D having different configurations B, C and D, respectively. There are benefits to using varying geometries, such as, but not limited to, the geometry illustrated in fig. 46A. For example, when water and debris first enter the pressure reduction zone, velocity streamlines have not yet been established. This is where the pressure reducing section is likely to be most susceptible to blockage. To this end, a geometry as illustrated in fig. 46D may be useful that is similar to the geometry shown in fig. 20E without "dead zones". However, the geometry according to fig. 46D is not particularly effective for generating a pressure drop. As the water and debris move further along the pressure reduction zone, streamlines become more prevalent and the mixture is better able to pass through the zone without depositing debris, as indicated by the bold arrows. The section illustrated in fig. 46C (which is similar to fig. 20D) may be suitable here. However, while more effective in pressure drop than fig. 46D, fig. 46C is still less effective than fig. 46B. Eventually, when the water and debris have passed further away, the streamlines are already stronger, and a geometry similar to that of FIG. 46B may be appropriate. The geometry shown here has different configurations of tracks (larger and larger radii of curvature, curved (again downstream to straight tracks although not shown here), linear compound angles, track dimensions, track separation distances) and different configurations of features (curved compound angles, linear compound angles, different tip angles, linear no tip angles, different linear angles, spacing between features, feature shapes, feature sizes). This example includes portions similar to those of fig. 20C, 20D, and 20E, however, any suitable geometry may be used, including any suitable continuum (continuum) of varying geometry may be used. For example, the configuration at 1 may be different from the configuration at 2, the configuration at 2 may be different from the configuration at 3, the configuration at 3 may be different from the configuration at 4, the configuration at 4 may be different from the configuration at 5, the configuration at 5 may be different from the configuration at 6, the configuration at 6 may be different from the configuration at 7, the configuration at 7 may be different from the configuration at 8, the configuration at 8 may be different from the configuration at 9, the configuration at 9 may be different from the configuration at 10, and so forth. These configurations may be a transition from a first portion configuration to a second portion configuration, and the like. For example,

locations

1, 2, and 3 may include gradual changes in configuration that transition from the first portion to the second portion, locations 4, 5, and 6 may include gradual changes in configuration that transition from the second portion to the third portion, and so on.

One exemplary emitter portion 1300 shown in fig. 22A and 22B includes an elongated inlet section 1308 having relatively thin, closely spaced inlet members proximate to the pressure reduction section 1304 and relatively thick, more distally spaced inlet members proximate to the distal ends of the inlet members 1309a and 1309B. The inlet member may be generally rectangular as shown or tapered to direct water into the pressure reduction section 1304. Fig. 22B includes a guide member 1328 similar to guide member 1228. The present example provides multiple width inlet gaps (openings) for staged flow path blockage prevention (fine, less fine … …), or for sequential inlet activation.

One exemplary emitter portion 1400 shown in fig. 23A and 23B includes an elongated inlet section 1408 having relatively thin, closely spaced inlet members proximate to the pressure reduction section 1404, relatively thick, more distally spaced inlet members proximate to the distal ends of the inlet members 1409a and 1409B, and intermediate sized and spaced inlet members therebetween. The inlet member may be generally rectangular or tapered as shown to direct water into the pressure reduction section 1404. Fig. 23B includes a guide member 1428 similar to guide

members

1228 and 1328. The present example provides a multiple width inlet gap (opening) for a staged flow path to prevent clogging (fine, less fine, … … least fine), or for sequential inlet activation.

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate inlet members 1610 in an inlet section along one side of emitter 1600. Although the inlet member 1610 has a substantially uniform density D1, the inlet member 1610 may have different configurations to provide different sized inlet gaps and openings. Fig. 25B illustrates how debris may accumulate near the inlet component 1610.

Fig. 26A and 26B show an inlet member 1710 within an inlet section along one side of emitter 1700. This example shows an inlet member 1710 having a first gap density D2 forming larger openings near the proximal end and a second gap density D3 forming smaller openings near the distal end. The larger opening near the proximal end prevents larger debris, such as that often present during irrigation initiation, from clogging the inlet section. The larger opening prevents larger debris from entering the inlet section while allowing water to enter the emitter flow path. As the larger openings become clogged, e.g., by larger debris during start-up, the smaller openings allow water to enter the emitter flow path, as shown in FIG. 26B.

Emitters

1600 and 1700 may be used with a variety of hoses or belts, including but not limited to in-seam installations (in-seam installations) in which the inlet member is in fluid communication with the hose or belt flow path.

Fig. 27 illustrates an emitter 1800 having an inlet member 1810 with three different densities D4, D5, and D6 forming three sizes of openings. While a different arrangement may be used, the present example includes smaller openings formed in D4 interconnecting the larger openings formed in D5 and D6.

Generally, fig. 28-30 illustrate outer inlet members having proximal ends near the pressure reduction section and distal ends near the outlet section. If more than one row of inlet members is used, one or more of the rows may comprise different opening sizes. For example, fig. 29 and 30 illustrate embodiments in which the inner inlet members are evenly spaced and the outer inlet members have varying spacing. Furthermore, the inlet member may be angled relative to the emitter rail, which may also be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the emitter.

FIG. 28 illustrates emitters 1900 and 1900 ', emitters 1900 and 1900' having inlet members 1910 and 1910 'along one side of the emitters, inlet members 1910 and 1910' having multiple configurations and different opening sizes near different portions of the emitters. For example, near the inlet section and the pressure reduction section, the inlet components 1910a form smaller openings between the inlet components, and near the pressure reduction section and the outlet section, the

inlet components

1910b, 1910c, 1910b 'and 1910 c' form larger openings between the inlet components. In addition to the longitudinal spacing between adjacent inlet members, as shown, the transverse lengths of the

inlet members

1910a, 1910b, 1910c and 1910d may be different so as to define varying distances between the innermost portions of the inlet members and the outermost portions of the track inside the inlet members, as a means of facilitating activation of the inlets in sequence. In this case, a possible development may typically be that water will first flow through the opening formed by the inlet member 1910a and then flow into the inlet portion, either directly or via the space between the inlet member and the track. When the opening formed by inlet members 1910a becomes plugged, water will enter the openings formed by

inlet members

1910b and 1910d ', and when these openings become plugged, water will enter the openings formed by

inlet members

1910c and 1910 c'. Water flowing through the opening formed by inlet member 1910c can flow to one or both adjacent emitters, and water flowing through the opening formed by

inlet members

1910d and 1910 b' flows to the inlet portion of the nearest emitter. While this possibility has been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that various advances may occur.

FIG. 29 illustrates emitter 2000 with an inner inlet member 2010 and an outer inlet member 2011 along one side of the emitter 2000. Optionally, one side 2005a of the rail may include one or more angled portions, and the inner inlet member 2010 may also be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the emitter. The other side 2005b may also include one or more angled portions.

Fig. 30 illustrates emitter 2100 with inner inlet member 2110 and outer inlet member 2111, and rails 2105a and 2105b include angled portions along both sides of emitter 2100. The angled portions of the rails 2105a and 2105b need not be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the emitter. An optional guide member 2128 is also shown.

Fig. 31 illustrates an emitter 2200 with an inlet member 2210, the inlet member 2210 being formed with different configurations and opening sizes, and being longer in length on one side than the other. Fig. 31A illustrates different shapes of inlet members forming an effective inlet gap G. The effective entrance gap defines an entrance opening.

Some features of the embodiments illustrated in fig. 28-31 include:

1. one or more of the pressure reduction section rails are not parallel to one or more of the inlet rows.

a. The innermost extension of the inlet feature is parallel to the axis of the emitter, while the outermost portion of the pressure reducing segment rail is not parallel to the axis of the emitter.

b. The innermost extension of the inlet feature is not parallel to the axis of the emitter, while the outermost portion of the pressure reduction segment rail is parallel to the axis of the emitter.

c. Neither the innermost extension of the inlet feature nor the outermost portion of the pressure reduction zone track is parallel to the axis of the emitter.

2. One or more of the pressure responsive section rails are not parallel to one or more of the inlet rows.

a. The innermost extension of the inlet feature is parallel to the axis of the emitter, while the outermost portion of the pressure responsive section rail is not parallel to the axis of the emitter.

b. The innermost extension of the inlet feature is not parallel to the axis of the emitter, while the outermost portion of the pressure responsive section rail is parallel to the axis of the emitter.

c. Neither the innermost extent of the inlet feature nor the outermost portion of the pressure responsive section rail is parallel to the axis of the emitter.

3. One or more of the exit section tracks are not parallel to one or more of the entry rows.

a. The innermost extension of the inlet feature is parallel to the axis of the emitter, while the outermost portion of the outlet segment rail is not parallel to the axis of the emitter.

b. The innermost extension of the inlet feature is not parallel to the axis of the emitter, while the outermost portion of the outlet segment rail is parallel to the axis of the emitter.

c. Neither the innermost extent of the inlet feature nor the outermost portion of the outlet section rail is parallel to the axis of the emitter.

4. One or more features within a row of inlets are offset relative to features in one or more adjacent rows of inlets.

5. One or more features within one or more of the rows of inlets are at a different angle than other features in the rows of inlets.

6. One or more rows of inlets have all or part of the features arranged such that the row is not parallel to the entire emitter axis.

7. One or more inlet rows define an effective inlet gap with the relative positions of two or more inlet member profiles.

One exemplary emitter portion 3000 shown in fig. 32 generally includes an outlet section 3002 extending from a base 3001, a pressure reduction section 3004, an inlet section 3008, and a portion of an outlet section 3002' from an adjacent emitter portion. The emitter 3000 forms a cavity with a hose or band wall to form an emitter flow path. The pressure reducing section 3004 includes a middle portion 3006 between the first and second rails 3005a, 3005b, and an end rail portion 3005c interconnects the first and second rail portions 3005a, 3005b near the outlet.

In this example, the access section 3008 includes a first row 3009a of first access members 3010a and a second row 3009b of second access members 3010b, the first and

second rows

3009a, 3009b extending generally in a row or parallel with the tracks 3005a, 3005b, respectively. The first row 3009a includes a first proximal end and a first distal end proximate the first rail 3005a, and the second row 3009b includes a second proximal end and a second distal end proximate the second rail 3005 b. It should be appreciated that the first and

second rows

3009a, 3009b may extend generally linearly or parallel to the first and second tracks 3005a, 3005b as shown, or the first and

second rows

3009a, 3009b may extend at an angle outward from the first and second tracks 3005a, 3005 b. Alternatively, the rows may extend from the track differently. The rows may extend along a portion of the emitter or along the entire length of the emitter. At least one row may extend along the entire length of the emitter. Further, two or more rows may be used, and the two or more rows may have different lengths. If used with an in-slit emitter design, the rows are located along a side near the ribbon flow path.

First and

second inlet members

3010a and 3010b extend upwardly from the emitter base 3001 to form first and

second inlet gaps

3018a and 3018b, respectively, through which water from the band flow path enters the emitter flow path, 3018a and 3018 b. Although an oval profile is shown, the first and second

portal members

3010a and 3010b can have at least one profile selected from the group consisting of circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, and compound angular. It should be appreciated that other suitable profiles may be used. In this example, first and

second access gaps

3018a and 3018b are formed by changing the configuration of adjacent access members. It should be appreciated that spacing between adjacent inlet members may be used to form the inlet gap instead of or in addition to changing configurations. Optionally, emitter 3000 may include a guide member (not shown).

It should be appreciated that various configurations of inlet, pressure reduction, and outlet sections may be used. For example, the base height (formed by the thickness of the emitter base) may vary in height, and the inlet members (posts) may vary in spacing and/or thickness and/or configuration. Some exemplary configurations are shown in fig. 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E, and these examples are not exhaustive. In these examples, there are different configurations between the sections, and the inlet section includes different configurations. FIG. 32 includes several cross-sectional view lines illustrating the locations in the emitter portion where the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D and 32E are taken. In general, the cross-sectional view A-A is a cross-section in the exit section showing the base between the rails. The cross-sectional view B-B is a cross-section in the middle of the pressure reduction section showing the base between the rails. The cross-sectional view C-C is a cross-section in the pressure reduction section near the entrance section showing the base between the rails. The cross-sectional view D-D is a cross-section in the middle of the inlet section showing the base between the inlet members. A cross-sectional view E-E is a cross-section in the inlet section near its distal end, showing the base between the inlet members. The cross-sectional view F-F is a side view of the inlet section. The scale of the cross-sectional view F-F is different from the scale of the cross-sectional views A-A through E-E.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 32A, the base height and rail thickness are very similar in cross-sectional views A-A, B-B and C-C. Within the inlet section 4008 (cross-sectional views F-F), the base height varies. Between the rows of inlet members 4009B, the central portion of the base height is similar to the base height in the cross-sectional views A-A, B-B and C-C. The portions of base height on opposite sides of each row proximate the inlet member 4009b are preferably higher than the central portion and preferably taper in height from near the distal end upward toward the pressure reduction section, and the inlet member preferably tapers in height from near the distal end downward toward the pressure reduction section. Thus, the openings near the pressure reduction section (e.g., cross-sectional views D-D) are smaller than the openings near the distal end (e.g., cross-sectional views E-E), but the height of the channel 4001a created by the base 4001 between the rows of inlet members 4009b near the pressure reduction section is similar to the height near the distal end. Channel 4001a is the path to the pressure reduction section.

In this example, the configuration differs between the inlet members 4009 b. For example, the gap floor 4020c (which may be one of one to several) has a higher height 4024c near the pressure reduction zone to form a relatively small opening with the adjacent inlet member 4009b, and the gap floor 4020d (which may be one of one to several) has a lower height 4024d near the distal end to form a relatively large opening with the adjacent inlet member 4009 b. This is also shown in fig. 33A.

In FIG. 32B, the base height varies between sections as shown in cross-sectional views A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D and E-E. In cross-sectional view F-F, the inlet section 5008 includes a gap floor formed by the base 5001 that gradually decreases in height from near the pressure reduction section (e.g., cross-sectional view D-D) to the distal end of the inlet section (e.g., cross-sectional view E-E) and thus changes in configuration between the inlet members. For example, the gap floor 5020c (which can be one of one to several) has a relatively high height 5024c near the pressure reduction zone to form a relatively small opening with the adjacent inlet member 5009b, and the gap floor 5020d (which can be one of one to several) has a relatively low height 5024d near the distal end to form a relatively large opening with the adjacent inlet member 5009 b. Preferably, the base height between rows of inlet members 5009b is similar to the base height of the adjacent gap floors. This is also shown in fig. 33B.

In FIG. 32C, the base height varies between sections as shown in cross-sectional views A-A, B-B, C-C, D-D and E-E. Within the inlet section 6008, between rows of inlet members 6009b, the central portion of the base height is preferably concave. The portion of the base height on the opposite side of each row proximate the inlet member 6009b is preferably higher than the central portion and preferably tapers downwardly in height from near the distal end (e.g., cross-sectional view E-E) toward the pressure reducing section (e.g., cross-sectional view D-D), and the inlet member preferably tapers upwardly in height from near the distal end toward the pressure reducing section. Thus, the opening near the pressure reduction zone (e.g., cross-sectional views D-D) is larger than the opening near the distal end (e.g., cross-sectional views E-E), but the channels 6001a created by the base 6001 between rows of inlet members 6009b are shorter near the pressure reduction zone and taller near the distal end. The channel 6001a is a path leading to the pressure reducing section.

In this example, the configuration differs between the inlet members 6009 b. For example, the gap floor 6020c (which may be one of one to several) has a lower height 6024c near the pressure reduction zone to form a relatively large opening with the adjacent inlet member 6009b, and the gap floor 6020d (which may be one of one to several) has a higher height 6024d near the distal end to form a relatively small opening with the adjacent inlet member 6009 b. This is also shown in fig. 33C.

In fig. 32D and 32E, the base height varies between sections as shown in section views a-A, B-B, C-C, D-D and E-E. However, as shown in cross-sectional views D-D and E-E, the base height may be the same in

inlet sections

7008 and 8008. In cross-sectional views F-F, it is shown that the spacing between

inlet members

7009b and 8009b and the base height may be the same in

inlet sections

7008 and 8008.

In fig. 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, and 32E, the gap floors may alternatively be grouped, with multiple gap floors at one height, multiple gap floors at another height, etc., with the height of each group falling. Further, the gap floor may be angled to taper in height rather than being generally parallel to the base. Thus, the inlet opening size may be formed not only by the spacing between adjacent inlet members, but also by the gap floor height and/or gap floor angle or a combination thereof to vary the fineness of the filtration. Further, the base may include a channel between the inlet members, and the channel may be square, concave, V-shaped, or any other suitable shape or configuration.

In general, the base height may vary in one or more locations in the emitter portion. The base height between the inlet members may match the base height in the middle of the inlet members. The base height between the inlet members may match the base height in the pressure reduction section. The base height in the middle of the inlet section may match the base height in the pressure reduction section. The base height within the pressure reduction section may match the base height in the outlet section. The base height in the middle of the inlet section may be uniform or may vary in height at one or more locations. The base height between the inlet members may be uniform or may vary in height at one or more locations. The base height within the pressure reduction zone may be uniform or may vary in height at one or more locations. The base height within the outlet section may be uniform or may vary in height at one or more locations. Any suitable combination of these base heights may also be used.

In another example, as shown in fig. 34, the emitter portion 9000 includes a guide member 9028 between the

inlet members

9010a and 9010 b. An example of how the emitter portion may be connected to an irrigation hose or band 9040 is shown in fig. 35. The emitter portion may have different configurations. The inlet member may extend beyond, be flush with and/or short of the edge formed between the base or floor and the inlet member. The inlet members may be at a uniform height above the base height, or there may be a variation in height at one or more locations along the length of the individual inlet members or between groups of inlet members. One or more of the inlet members may be fully in contact with, partially in contact with or spaced a desired distance from the inner surface of the wall of the irrigation hose or belt. A guide member may be included and may at least partially contact or be spaced a desired distance from the inner surface wall of the irrigation hose or belt. At least a portion of the guide member may be in full contact with, in part contact with, or spaced a desired distance from the inner surface of the wall of the irrigation hose or belt. Examples of possible configurations are shown in fig. 35A, 35B, and 35C.

In fig. 35A, the

inlet members

10010a and 10010b extend upwardly and then outwardly from the base 10001 toward the irrigation hose or band 9040, forming

projections

10011a and 10011b and

notches

10012a, 10012b proximate the outside of the projections, thereby expanding the surface that may contact the irrigation hose or band 9040 during use. The guide member 10028 interconnects the base 10001 and the irrigation hose or band 9040 between the

inlet members

10010a and 10010 b.

In fig. 35B, inlet members 11010a and 11010B extend upwardly from the base 11001 and interconnect the base 11001 and an irrigation hose or belt 9040. The guide members 11028 interconnect the base 11001 and the irrigation hose or belt 9040 between the

inlet members

11010a and 11010 b. This is one example of the ends of the

inlet members

11010a and 11010b being flush with the outer edge or side of the base 11001.

In fig. 35C,

inlet members

12010a and 12010b extend upwardly from base 12001, and are preferably recessed from the outside of base 12001, forming

notches

12012a and 12012b about the outside. The outer top portion of the inlet member contacts the irrigation hose or belt 9040 and the inwardly extending

protrusions

12011a and 12011b formed by the inner top portion of the inlet member do not contact the irrigation hose or belt 9040, but may selectively contact the irrigation hose or belt 9040 during use.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 36, the emitter portion 13000 includes

rows

13009a and 13009b of

inlet members

13010a and 13010b, the

inlet members

13010a and 13010b being spaced closer together near the pressure reduction zone 13004 and progressively farther apart as the

inlet members

13010a and 13010b approach the outlet zone (only outlet zone 13002' is shown). In this example, the

inlet members

13010a and 13010b extend along the inlet section 13008 and the pressure reduction section 13004 to two outlet sections. Alternatively, the

tracks

13005a and 13005b may be non-linear. For example, the inner surface can be concave such that fluid is directed toward the

extensions

13007a and 13007b of the track as it flows toward the outlet, the extensions being compatible with inlet filtration. For a given inlet and flow combination, the curvature of the trajectory may be established to create a certain flow pattern between the extensions such that the settling area is reduced and particles capable of passing through a given inlet gap propagate downstream through the pressure reduction section and exit the outlet section. Non-linear rails may be used with other emitter configurations.

Fig. 37-40 illustrate embodiments having a tapered inlet section that includes two or more inlet members forming each row. In fig. 37, a pressure reduction section 3704 interconnects an inlet section 3708 and an outlet section 3702. The outer inlet component 3710a and the inner inlet component 3711a are interleaved to form a first row 3709a in the inlet section 3708, and the outer inlet component 3710b and the inner inlet component 3711b are interleaved to form a second row 3709 b. In this example, the outer inlet member has a triangular profile with its apex facing inwardly, while the inner inlet member has a circular profile. First and

second rows

3709a and 3709b are spaced closer together near an exit section 3702' of an adjacent emitter portion and further apart near a pressure reduction section 3704 to form a taper T1, as indicated with dashed lines. In this way, the effective inlet gap becomes continuously larger during the change in position from the inlet member near the pressure reduction section toward the inlet member near the outlet section. This makes it possible to activate the inlet members sequentially in a sequence ranging from fine filtering to less fine filtering. Furthermore, the

outer inlet members

3710a and 3710b and the

inner inlet members

3711a and 3711b are spaced farther apart near the outlet section 3702' of the adjacent emitter portion for less fine filtering and closer together near the opening of the pressure reduction section 3704 for finer filtering.

In fig. 38, the pressure reduction section 3804 interconnects the inlet section 3808 and the outlet section 3802. The outer inlet members 3810a and the inner inlet members 3811a are interleaved to form a first row 3809a in the inlet section 3808, and the outer inlet members 3810b and the inner inlet members 3811b are interleaved to form a second row 3809 b. In this example, the outer inlet member has a triangular profile with its apex facing inwardly, while the inner inlet member has a circular profile. The effective gap is defined by the relative distances between 3810a and 3811a and between 3810b and 3811b, and varies between the sets of inlet members. The first and

second rows

3809a, 3809b are spaced closer together in group G1 near the outlet section 3802' of the adjacent emitter portion and are spaced further apart in group G3 near the pressure reduction section 3804, with intermediate spacing in group G2 between group G1 and group G3. Furthermore, the

outer inlet members

3810a and 3810b and the respective adjacent

inner inlet members

3811a and 3811b are spaced farther apart near the outlet section 3802' of the adjacent emitter portion for less fine filtering, and closer together near the opening of the pressure reduction section 3804 for finer filtering.

In fig. 39, pressure reducing section 3904 interconnects inlet section 3908 and outlet section 3902. Outer access member 3910a and inner access member 3911a are interleaved to form a first row 3909a in access section 3908, and outer access member 3910b and inner access member 3911b are interleaved to form a second row 3909 b. In this example, the outer and inner inlet members have a triangular profile with their apexes facing inwardly of one another in the row. The effective gap is defined by the relative distances between 3910a and 3911a and between 3910b and 3911b, and varies between sets of inlet members and between tapered inlet members. The first and

second rows

3909a and 3909b are spaced closer together in group G4 near the outlet sections 3902' of adjacent emitter portions and are spaced further apart in group G5 near the pressure reducing sections 3904, with an intermediate spacing between group G4 and group G5 forming a taper T2, as shown in dashed lines. Further, the

outer inlet members

3910a and 3910b and the

inner inlet members

3911a and 3911b are spaced farther apart near the outlet section 3902' of the adjacent emitter portion for less fine filtering and closer together near the opening of the pressure reducing section 3904 for finer filtering.

In fig. 40, the pressure reduction section 4004 interconnects the inlet section 4008 and the outlet section 4002. Outer inlet member 4010a and inner inlet member 4011a are substantially aligned, with intermediate inlet member 4012a between adjacent outer inlet member 4010a and inner inlet member 4011a to form a first row 4009a in inlet section 4008, and outer inlet member 4010b and inner inlet member 4011b are substantially aligned, with intermediate inlet member 4012b between adjacent outer inlet member 4010b and inner inlet member 4011b to form a second row 4009 b. In this example, the outer and inner inlet members have a triangular profile with their apexes facing inwardly of one another in the row, while the intermediate inlet member has a circular profile. The first and

second rows

4009a and 4009b are spaced closer together near the outlet section 4002' of adjacent emitter portions and further apart near the pressure reduction section 4004 to form a taper T3, as indicated by the dashed lines. Further, the

outer inlet members

4010a and 4010b and

inner inlet members

4011a and 4011b are spaced farther apart near the outlet section 4002' of adjacent emitter portions for less fine filtration and closer together near the opening of the pressure reduction section 4004 for finer filtration. In this example, the outer inlet member and the inner inlet member contact each other and then fuse together as they get closer to the pressure reduction section.

41-43 illustrate embodiments in which the inlet member extends along the length of the emitter portion, effectively extending a portion of the inlet portion along the length of the emitter portion. In fig. 41, a pressure reduction section 4104 interconnects an inlet section 4108 and an outlet section 4102. In this example, the spacing of adjacent

outer inlet members

4110a and 4110b and the spacing of adjacent

inner inlet members

4111a and 4111b are not fixed. The outer inlet member 4110a and the inner inlet member 4111a are staggered to form a first row 4109a in the inlet section 4108, while the outer inlet member 4110b and the inner inlet member 4111b are staggered to form a second row 4109 b. In this example, the outer inlet member has a triangular profile with their apexes facing inwardly, while the inner inlet member has a circular profile. The first row 4109a extends along the length of the emitter portion, effectively extending an inlet portion along the length of the emitter portion, with the pressure reduction zone 4104 and outlet zone 4102 located along a distal portion of the first row 4109a of emitter portions. The

outer inlet members

4110a and 4110b and the

inner inlet members

4111a and 4111b are spaced farther apart near the outlet sections 4102 and 4102' for less fine filtration and closer together near the opening of the pressure reduction section 4104 for finer filtration.

In fig. 42, a pressure reduction section 4204 interconnects an inlet section 4208 and an outlet section 4202. The outer inlet member 4210a and inner inlet member 4211a are interleaved to form a first row 4209a, while the rails 4205b extend along the length of the emitter portion forming part of

emitter segments

4202, 4204 and 4208 in place of a second row of inlet members. In this example, the outer inlet member and the inner inlet member have elliptical profiles with different dimensions. The first row 4209a extends along the length of the emitter portion, effectively extending the inlet portion along the length of the emitter portion, with the pressure reduction section 4204 and the outlet section 4202 located along distal portions of the first row 4209a of the emitter portion. The

rails

4205a and 4205b form the sides of the pressure reduction section 4204 and the outlet section 4202. The outer inlet members 4210a are spaced farther apart near the outlet sections 4202 and 4202' for less fine filtration and closer together near the opening of the pressure reduction section 4204 for finer filtration. As illustrated, the inner inlet members 4211a are uniformly spaced, however, it should be appreciated that their spacing may be different.

In FIG. 43, the pressure reduction section 4304 interconnects the inlet section 4308 and the outlet section 4302. The outer inlet member 4310a forms a first row 4309a, while the track 4305b extends along the length of the emitter portion forming part of emitter sections 4302, 4304, and 4308, in place of a second row of inlet members. In this example, the outer inlet member has an elliptical profile of different sizes. The first row 4309a extends along the length of the emitter portion, effectively extending the inlet portion along the length of the emitter portion, with the pressure reduction zone 4304 and the outlet zone 4302 being located along distal portions of the first row 4309a of the emitter portion. The rails 4305a and 4305b form the sides of the pressure reduction section 4304 and the outlet section 4302. The outer inlet members 4310a are spaced farther apart near the outlet sections 4302 and 4302' for less fine filtration and closer together near the opening of the pressure reduction section 4304 for finer filtration. Near the middle section of the pressure reduction section 4304, the outer inlet member 4310a extends closer to the track 4305a to increase the resistance in this position compared to the pressure reduction section near the input section, thereby further enhancing the sequential inlet action (sequential inlet channel).

Fig. 44 and 45 illustrate embodiments having nested inlet members. In fig. 44, the inlet section 4408 includes an inner inlet member 4411, the inner inlet member 4411 being spaced from

outer inlet members

4410a and 4410b by

tracks

4405a and 4405b, respectively. These track portions serve as guide members to help direct the flow into the pressure reduction section 4404. The inlet member is shown as having an elliptical and circular profile, but any suitable profile may be used. Several configurations are shown, and these configurations may be combined in any desired combination including one or more of the configurations. For example, possible configurations are shown in table 1:

table 1 exemplary configurations

Configuration(s)	Size of
		A	a1>b1>c1…>n1
B	a1<b1<c1…<n1
		C	a1＝b1＝c1…＝n1
D	a1＝b1＝c1>d1＝e1＝f1>g1…n1
		E	a1＝b1＝c1<d1＝e1＝f1<g1…n1

Although exemplary configurations are shown, these configurations are not exhaustive, and it should be appreciated that successive inlet members may be spaced differently, and that segments of an inlet member may have the same spacing that differs from the spacing of adjacent segments of an inlet member in any suitable manner. The corresponding dimensions n1, n2, n3 may be equal, or may not be equal. For example, a1, a2, and a3 may all be the same, or at least one may be different. The angle "θ" and the angle "" may or may not be equal, and the angle may be equal to 0 degrees. In configurations B and E, preferably, angle "θ" is greater than or equal to 0 degrees.

In fig. 45, the inlet section 4508 includes an inner inlet member 4511 extending along a mid-portion and

outer inlet members

4510a and 4510b extending along opposite sides of the inner inlet member 4511. The track 4505 is positioned between an inner inlet member 4511 and an outer track member 4510b as a guide member to help direct flow into the pressure reduction zone 4504. Although one track is shown, more than one track may be used. The inlet member is shown as having an elliptical and circular profile, but any suitable profile may be used. Several configurations are shown, and these configurations may be combined in any desired combination including one or more of the configurations. For example, possible configurations are shown in table 2:

table 2 exemplary configurations

Although example configurations are shown, these configurations are not exhaustive, and it should be appreciated that successive inlet members may be spaced differently, and that segments of an inlet member may have the same spacing that differs from the spacing of adjacent segments of an inlet member in any suitable manner. The corresponding dimensions n1, n2, n3 may be equal, or may not be equal. For example, a1, a2, and a3 may all be the same, or at least one may be different. Angle "" may or may not be equal to 0 degrees. Preferably, the angle "" is greater than or equal to 0 degrees.

Several examples are described and illustrated, but it should be recognized that various features and configurations may be interchanged and modified to accommodate different desired results.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An emitter for use with a drip irrigation tape having a tape wall, at least a portion of the tape wall defining a tape flow path and a tape outlet, the emitter comprising:

an outlet section in fluid communication with the belt outlet;

a pressure reducing section in fluid communication with the outlet section;

an inlet section in fluid communication with the pressure reduction section and the band flow path, wherein the outlet section, the pressure reduction section, and the inlet section extend from a base toward the band wall, and wherein the outlet section, the pressure reduction section, the inlet section, the base, and a portion of the band wall define an emitter flow path;

the emitter comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of:

the inlet section comprising a plurality of inlet members having proximal ends proximate to the pressure reduction section and distal ends, the plurality of inlet members forming at least first and second inlet gaps comprising at least first and second openings having different sizes;

the pressure reducing section comprising at least a first pressure reducing portion and a second pressure reducing portion, the first pressure reducing portion having a first pressure reducing configuration with at least a first resistance feature and the second pressure reducing portion having a second pressure reducing configuration with at least a second resistance feature, the first and second pressure reducing configurations being different;

the pressure reducing section comprising at least one non-linear track portion;

the base comprising a first base portion and a second base portion, the first base portion having a first base configuration and the second base portion having a second base configuration, the first base configuration and the second base configuration being different, wherein at least one of the first base portion or the second base portion is positioned in one or more of the inlet section, the pressure reduction section, or the outlet section.

2. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the first opening is near the proximal end and the second opening is larger than the first opening.

3. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the first and second openings are defined by at least one selected from the group consisting of:

a first spacing and a second spacing, the first spacing and the second spacing respectively between adjacent inlet members;

a first height and a second height between a first inlet gap floor of the first inlet gap and the belt wall and between a second inlet gap floor of the second inlet gap and the belt wall, respectively;

a first angular relationship and a second angular relationship of the inlet member; and

a first configuration and a second configuration of the plurality of inlet members.

4. The emitter of claim 1, further comprising at least one guide member within at least a portion of the inlet section, wherein the at least one guide member comprises at least one configuration selected from the group consisting of: straight, angled, compound angled, curvilinear, tapered, the at least one guide member being at least partially in contact with the inner wall of the band wall and at least partially spaced relative to the band wall.

5. The emitter of claim 4, wherein the plurality of inlet members includes an inner inlet member and an outer inlet member, wherein the at least one guide member is positioned between the inner inlet member and the outer inlet member.

6. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet members form one or more rows extending from proximate the pressure reduction zone, wherein at least a portion of the one or more rows are parallel or angled with respect to the emitter longitudinal axis.

7. The emitter of claim 1, wherein a portion of the plurality of inlet members extends at least partially along at least one of the group consisting of the pressure reduction section and the outlet section.

8. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the base of the inlet section comprises a configuration that varies in height between: at least a portion of the central portion between the rows of inlet members; and at least a portion of the floor gap between the inlet members in the row.

9. The emitter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of inlet members forms a protrusion relative to a side of the base.

10. The emitter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of inlet members is recessed relative to a side of the base.

11. The emitter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of inlet members is flush with an outside of the base.

12. The emitter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of inlet members is at least partially in contact with the walled inner wall.

13. The emitter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of inlet members is selectively spaced from the walled inner wall.

14. The emitter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of features in the pressure reduction zone, one or more of the plurality of features having a configuration selected from the group consisting of: an angle, a curved compound angle, a linear compound angle, a curved angle, an angled tip, and an angled face with respect to at least one track portion.

15. The emitter of claim 14, wherein the plurality of features have one or more from the group consisting of: varying configurations, varying spacing between features, and varying dimensions.

16. The emitter of claim 1, further comprising a rail, a portion of the plurality of inlet members having a varying distance from an inner surface of the plurality of inlet members to the rail.

17. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the pressure reduction section comprises a rail, at least a portion of which is angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the emitter.

18. The emitter of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of inlet members differs in angular orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the emitter.

19. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet members includes a row of inlet members forming the first and second inlet gaps, wherein the first and second openings having different sizes are adjacent.

20. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet members includes at least a first row of first inlet members and at least a second row of second inlet members, the at least a first row of first inlet members forming the first inlet gap and the at least a second row of second inlet members forming the second inlet gap.

21. The emitter of claim 20, wherein the first inlet gap comprises a first opening and a second opening, and the second inlet gap comprises a third opening and a fourth opening, the first opening and the third opening being proximate the proximal end, and the second opening and the fourth opening being proximate the distal end, the first opening being different from the second opening, the third opening being different from the fourth opening.

22. The emitter of claim 20, wherein at least a portion of one of the at least first row or the at least second row extends in a straight line parallel to at least a portion of a track of the pressure reducing section.

23. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the first and second base configurations are at least one of first and second base heights or first and second base cross-sections.

24. The emitter of claim 1, wherein the emitter is assembled as part of the drip irrigation strip, the strip wall comprising a perimeter selected from the group consisting of a continuous perimeter and a discontinuous perimeter formed by stitching the strip wall in at least one location of the perimeter.