Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusing a bell connector to the end of a corrugated thermoplastic pipe are disclosed in which an expandable mandrel grips a preformed bell and a pipe support grips a pipe co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the bell. A pipe trimmer for facing the pipe end may be moved into and out of the axis of the pipe if necessary for trimming the pipe end to provide a uniform planar face and a heater moved sequentially into and out of the axis of the pipe and bell for heating the opposed faces of the trimmed end of the pipe and the end of the bell to a desired fusing temperature. Upon heating of the opposed faces of the bell and the pipe to a predetermined fusing temperature, the said faces of the bell and the pipe are abutted against each other at a predetermined pressure for a time sufficient to fuse the bell and pipe together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusing a bell connector to the end of a corrugated thermoplastic pipe are disclosed in which an expandable mandrel grips a preformed bell and a pipe support grips a pipe co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the bell. A pipe trimmer for facing the pipe end may be moved into and out of the axis of the pipe if necessary for trimming the pipe end to provide a uniform planar face and a heater moved sequentially into and out of the axis of the pipe and bell for heating the opposed faces of the trimmed end of the pipe and the end of the bell to a desired fusing temperature. Upon heating of the opposed faces of the bell and the pipe to a predetermined fusing temperature, the said faces of the bell and the pipe are abutted against each other at a predetermined pressure for a time sufficient to fuse the bell and pipe together.