Abstract: A tubular joist structure. The joist structure includes a tubular top chord; a tubular bottom chord; and, a plurality of diagonals extending between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The diagonals may also be tubular. The diagonals are arranged in a zig-zag formation between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. A doubler plate may be affixed to the bottom surface of the top chord and/or the top surface of the bottom chord such that at least one of the diagonals is affixed to the doubler plate. The joist structure may include at least two joist segments spliced together. A method of constructing a joist assembly includes assembling at least two joist segments each including a top chord, a bottom chord, and a plurality of diagonals extending between the top chord and bottom chord and splicing the joist segments together to form a joist structure.

Abstract: A tubular joist structure. The joist structure includes a tubular top chord; a tubular bottom chord; and, a plurality of diagonals extending between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The diagonals may also be tubular. The diagonals are arranged in a zig-zag formation between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. A doubler plate may be affixed to the bottom surface of the top chord and/or the top surface of the bottom chord such that at least one of the diagonals is affixed to the doubler plate. The joist structure may include at least two joist segments spliced together. A method of constructing a joist assembly includes assembling at least two joist segments each including a top chord, a bottom chord, and a plurality of diagonals extending between the top chord and bottom chord and splicing the joist segments together to form a joist structure.

Abstract: A hollow tubular joist structure, a joist assembly including a plurality of aligned repetitive tubular joist structures, and a method of constructing this joist assembly. The tubular joist structure may include any suitable cross-sectional geometry. The joist structure includes a tubular top chord; a tubular bottom chord; and, a plurality of diagonals extending between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The diagonals may also be tubular. The diagonals are arranged in a zig-zag formation between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The tubular top chord may be capable of receiving a power actuated fastener (PAF). The tubular top chord or the tubular bottom chord may also be capable of receiving a utility conduit.

Abstract: A hollow tubular joist structure, a joist assembly including a plurality of aligned repetitive tubular joist structures, and a method of constructing this joist assembly. The tubular joist structure may include any suitable cross-sectional geometry. The joist structure includes a tubular top chord; a tubular bottom chord; and, a plurality of diagonals extending between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The diagonals may also be tubular. The diagonals are arranged in a zig-zag formation between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The tubular top chord may be capable of receiving a power actuated fastener (PAF). The tubular top chord or the tubular bottom chord may also be capable of receiving a utility conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating air gaps to act as insulators within a semiconductor die. Wires, support structures, and sacrificial structures are constructed from vias and trenches. A top layer die is subdivided so that spaces reside between each adjacent subsection. The air gaps are created by etching the sacrificial structures via allowing etchant to seep through the spaces between subsections. After the air gaps have been created, the spaces residing between the subsections are sealed.