Flexible mat with fluid conduit, method of manufacture thereof and apparatus for the manufacture thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a flexible mat with fluid conduit, methods of manufacture thereof and apparatus for the manufacture thereof. In an embodiment, the mat comprises a base layer, one or more fluid conduits and a thermoplastic bonding tape that attaches the fluid conduits to the base layer. The base layer can be a textile fabric, mesh or netting, or a flat flexible sheet. The base layer is preferably also formed of a thermoplastic layer. The fluid conduits can carry heated or cooled fluid, such as water, that can be used for heating or cooling an environment in which the device is deployed. For example, the device can be used for heating or cooling in a greenhouse environment. The fluid conduits can additionally or alternatively carry irrigation fluids, such as water or treated water, for irrigating plants and crops. The fluid conduits can additionally or alternatively carry gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon dioxide mixed with other gasses, for treating plants and crops.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.