Method and apparatus for splicing drip irrigation tape

A method of splicing together the ends of two lengths of drip irrigation tape, comprising the steps of:

• placing a tubular insert having an inner layer of high melting point material and an outer layer of bonding material into the end of a first length of drip irrigation tape so that a portion of the insert projects outwardly from the end of the tape;
• placing the end of a second length of drip irrigation tape over the projecting end of the tubular insert so that it is positioned adjacent the end of the first length of tape;
• sealing both lengths of tape to the outer bonding layer of the insert by applying heat and pressure to opposing portion of the tape length so as to collapse said opposing portions and the underlying portions of the tubular insert inwardly towards one another, and heat the opposing portions of the tape lengths and the outer layer of the collapsed portion of the tubular member so as to melt the outer layer and fuse it to both tubular members without melting the inner layer;
• operating the jaws to allow the tape length and bonded insert member to return to a tubular configuration;
• and
• the first length of tape being sealed to the insert only along a first circumferential seal spaced from the end of the first length of tape, and the second length of tape being sealed to the insert only along a second circumferential seal spaced from the first seal.

A method of splicing together the ends of two lengths of drip irrigation tape, comprising the steps of:

• placing a two layer tubular insert having an inner layer of collapsible, high melting point material and an outer layer of bonding material into the end of a first length of drip irrigation tape so that a portion of the insert projects outwardly from the end of the tape;
• placing the end of a second length of drip irrigation tape over the projecting end of the tubular insert so that it is positioned in an adjacent but non-overlapping relationship with the end of the first length of tape;
• gripping the two lengths of tape and the enclosed insert between at least one pair of opposing heated clamping jaws;
• urging the clamping jaws towards one another so as to squeeze the tape lengths and underlying insert inwardly and urge opposing portions of the inner layer of the insert towards one another;
• heating the jaws so as to heat underlying portions of the tape lengths and insert so as to melt the tape portions and underlying portions of the outer layer of the insert so as to seal both lengths of tape to the underlying outer bonding layer without melting the inner layer so that it does not bond to itself;
• and
• releasing the clamping jaws to allow the tape lengths and two layer insert to return to a tubular shape.