Abstract: In a method of splicing strips of thermoplastic material to form waterstop joints, the strips are first clamped in longitudinal alignment with their adjacent ends spaced apart. While the strips are so clamped, a routing tool is used to cut complementary rebates at these adjacent ends, after which the strips are moved into end abutting relationship while the longitudinal alignment of the strips is maintained, the rebated ends being brought into a half-lap configuration. The cooperating ends are then welded together by means of an electric heating element which was inserted between the ends prior to their being clamped together.

Abstract: A pole climbing aid is disclosed which comprises a hand grip member adapted to be attached to a pole to be climbed and to be grasped by a climber to assist him in climbing the pole. The hand grip member can easily be repositioned on the pole at a desired location thereon, and can be attached by means of a safety line to a body belt worn about the climber's waist to secure the climber to the pole.

Abstract: The closure consists of inner and outer caps which are disposed concentrically about the mouth of a container. A flap or latch is cut into the side wall of the inner cap and the latch is biased such that its upper edge is normally disposed beneath a lip formed in the brim of the container to lock the inner cap about the mouth of the container. The outer cap is maintained concentrically about the inner cap by means of the lower edge of the latch which is accommodated in an annular groove formed in the inside wall of the outer cap. The caps may be removed from the container by first forcing the outer cap downwardly relative to the inner cap. As the outer cap moves downwardly the wall of its groove contacts the lower portion of the latch and causes the latch to pivot to a position at which its upper edge is no longer beneath the brim lip. Secondly the inner cap is grasped along with the outer cap and the two caps are removed together as a unit from the container.

Abstract: The sealing device is used to interconnect a base of an electrical meter of the type having a transparent enclosure secured to the base and a flange connected to and spaced outwardly from a meter socket. The device includes concentrically disposed inner and outer bands. The inner band is provided with spaced apart limbs which straddle the base and flange and thereby interconnect them. The inner band is also provided with flaps which contact the adjacent inner wall of the outer band. The flaps permit movement of the outer band to a position in which it maintains the inner band in place but resists movement of the outer band away from such position.

Abstract: The stair-climbing device is suitable for transporting a load up or down a flight of steps. The device includes a frame on which the load is seated and a number of load-bearing shoes which engage successive steps in the flight of steps to produce displacement of the device along the flight of steps. The shoes are pivotally connected to sprocket chains which are activated by a reversible electric motor. An arm is pivotally connected to the frame and is provided with a sensing head disposed forward of wheels on which the device rolls. As the device rolls forward on the tread of a step, the sensing head contacts the tread until it is beyond the forward edge whereupon the head falls with resulting pivotal movement of the arm.