Abstract: A drip irrigation hose comprises a tubular body enclosing a water supply passage. An external emitter is attached to the outside of the tubular body. The emitter comprises a front wall, a back wall, side wall and a top wall that defining a flow regulating channel. The emitter further comprises an outlet in at least one of the walls. The hose further comprises an inlet to the emitter.The inlet is in fluid communication with the water supply passage in the hose and the flow regulating channel in the emitter. Water flows through the water supply passage, through the inlet into the emitter, through the flow regulating channel, and out the outlet. The emitter can further comprise a purging bulb to provide a simple and efficient way for the farmer to unclog the emitter.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for splicing together a pair of drip irrigation hoses using splicing means internal to the pair of hoses. The pair of hoses are joined in axial alignment to form a junction with the splicing means interposed internal to each hose. A splicing means is bonded to an inside surface of each hose to fashion the pair of hoses and splicing means into a unitary structure using means for fixing the splicing means to another surface. A seal is formed using means for sealing circumferentially at the junction to create a water-tight seal.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for splicing together a pair of drop irrigation hoses using splicing means internal to the pair of hoses. The pair of hoses are joined in axial alignment to form a junction with the splicing means interposed internal to each hose. A splicing means is bonded to an inside surface of each hose to fashion the pair of hoses and splicing means into a unitary structure using means for fixing the splicing means to another surface. A seal is formed using means for sealing circumferentially at the junction to create a water-tight seal.