Abstract: An improved welding rod having a solid homogeneous core of thermoplastic material and a resistance element comprised of a plurality of wires is presented with a method and apparatus for forming the welding rod. The welding rod is positioned between members of the thermoplastic material to be welded and a current and pressure is applied to the resistance element causing the thermoplastic material of the solid core and the adjacent thermoplastic members to fuse and form a unitary weld. Simultaneously the electrical resistance element is embedded in the weld, mechanically reinforcing and strengthening the connection. There is also disclosed a method for electric fusion welding of thermoplastic members wherein the welding rod is pre-attached to one of the thermoplastic members.

Abstract: An improved welding rod having a solid homogeneous core of thermoplastic material and a resistance element comprised of a plurality of wires is presented with a method and apparatus for forming the welding rod. The welding rod is positioned between members of the thermoplastic material to be welded and a current and pressure is applied to the resistance element causing the thermoplastic material of the solid core and the adjacent thermoplastic members to fuse and form a unitary weld. Simultaneously the electrical resistance element is embedded in the weld, mechanically reinforcing and strengthening the connection. There is also disclosed a method for electric fusion welding of thermoplastic members wherein the welding rod is pre-attached to one of the thermoplastic members.

Abstract: A steel joist is disclosed consisting of a web, a bottom chord and a double top chord construction consisting of two elongated substantially identical portions each being of S cross-section and being connected to or integral with the web.

Abstract: A steel joist formwork and a composite steel and concrete floor structure provided with a top chord, a bottom chord and a web joining the top and bottom chords with the top chord being serpentine shaped like and S or Z and including top and bottom, generally horizontal portions and an intermediate portion integrally connecting opposite edges of the top and bottom portions with the top and intermediate portions substantially being adapted to be embedded in the concrete floor to cause the floor and steel joists to act structurally as a composite beam. Either the web or a leg depends vertically from the free end of the bottom portion of the top chord, and the web joining the top and bottom chords is substantially slid or is, an open web formed of a zig-zag bar member. There is also disclosed a building system and erecting method utilizing steel joists spaced apart by spanner bars which also support rigid panels which act as formwork for the pouring of concrete.

Abstract: A steel joist formwork and a composite steel and concrete floor structure provided with a top chord, a bottom chord and a web joining the top and bottom chords with the top chord being serpentine shaped like an S or Z and including top and bottom, generally horizontal portions and an intermediate portion integrally connecting opposite edges of the top and bottom portions with the top and intermediate portions substantially being adapted to be embedded in the concrete floor to cause the floor and steel joists to act structurally as a composite beam. Either the web or a leg depends vertically from the free end of the bottom portion of the top chord, and the web joining the top and bottom chords is substantially solid or is, an open web formed of a zigzag bar member. There is also disclosed a building system and erecting method utilizing steel joists spaced apart by spanner bars which also support rigid panels which act as formwork for the pouring of concrete.