Patent ID: 7722733

Claim:
A method of connecting tubing sections comprising: for each of the tubing sections: clamping at least a portion of the tubing section such that a collapsed portion of the tubing section extends past the clamped portion; covering an end of the tubing section with an energy absorption member, the energy absorption member formed of a material that absorbs energy from an electromagnetic beam; directing the electromagnetic beam onto the energy absorption member; transferring heat from the energy absorption member to the collapsed tubing section portion by contact therewith to melt and seal the collapsed tubing section portion in its collapsed configuration; and removing the energy absorption member; placing the tubing sections in opposed, end-to-end relation; positioning a separate sheet of material between axially facing surfaces at the ends of the tubing sections, the sheet being formed of a material which absorbs energy of the electromagnetic beam; bringing the respective axially facing surfaces of the tubing sections into engagement with the sheet; and directing the electromagnetic beam onto the sheet for welding the sections of tubing together.