Abstract: A complete production line assembly of a wooden I-beam manufacturing apparatus is disclosed, wherein generally identical chord members are simultaneously formed by cutting of a wooden stock material into the chord members and simultaneously providing grooves in one surface of each chord into which web members are received to form the I-beam. The individual web members are conveyed as stacks into a web infeed hopper where the individual web members are sequentially discharged from the hopper into a chords and webs assembly line. The web transfer mechanism for conveying the webs to the hopper is fully automated. The individual web members are conveyed along the assembly line between the grooved chords and the chords are converged so that the grooves interfit with the web edges to form the I-beam. The chords and webs assembly line is adjustable by virture of mounting guide rollers on at least one adjustable side frame to enable the line to manufacture wooden I-beams of varying depth.

Abstract: A complete production line of a wood I-beam manufacturing apparatus and the method of manufacture is disclosed wherein generally identical chord members are simultaneously formed by cutting of a wooden stock material into the chord members and simultaneously providing grooves in one surface of each chord into which web members are received to form the I-beam. The individual web members are conveyed along a chords and webs assembly line between the grooved chords and the chords are converged so that the grooves interfit with the web edges to form the I-beam. The web longitudinal edges are preferably beveled in an off-line beveling operation. The beveled webs are stacked for feeding into the chords and webs assembly line. Prior thereto, first and second glue layers are applied to one transverse edge of each stacked web member. The web members are subsequently conveyed in the assembly line in end-to-end abutting relationship.

Abstract: A one-piece holddown comprising a back plate, opposing parallel side plates, and overlapping parallel base plates. The side plates are integrally connected to the back plate, and the base plates are integrally connected to respective side plates, creating a one piece holddown. The upper portions of the side plates adjoining the back plate are narrower than the side plates' lower portions, which extend below the lower edge of the back plate. The base plates are each integrally connected along a base edge of a side plate, and extend perpendicularly toward the opposite side plate. Aligned base holes allow the holddown to be attached by its base plates to an anchor bolt in a concrete foundation. Two back holes allow the back plate to be attached to a stud oriented perpendicularly to the foundation.A method for continuously manufacturing holddowns using a four-stage progressive die.

Abstract: A joist hanger of the type comprising an upright back, parallel opposing sides forming a channel and a horizontal bottom extending forwardly from the back forming a seat for a joist, the hanger having at least one pair of opposing tabs extending inwardly from the sides of the hanger into the channel, the tabs presenting downwardly, rearwardly sloping surfaces to a joist forced against the tabs to urge the joist against the back of the hanger. The innermost edges of the tabs being knife-like for penetrating a joist forced against the tabs. The tabs are preferably formed by a portion of the side folded inwardly along a downwardly, rearwardly sloping fold line.

Abstract: A scissors truss comprises elongated structural wooden members establishing pairs of top chords and bottom chords connected at opposite ends thereof to establish a top apex joint, a bottom apex joint and heel joints at opposite ends of the truss. At least one vertical wooden member extends between the top and bottom joints to provide structural reinforcement. While the heel joints may be formed with conventional rectangular connector plates with struck teeth embedded into side faces of the chord members, the nail plate establishing the top apex joint is formed with upper inclined edges approximating the pitch of the top chords without projecting upwardly above an upper edge surface of the top chords. Similarly, the bottom nail plate establishing the bottom apex joint is formed with lower inclined edges approximating the pitch of the bottom chords without projecting downwardly below a lower edge surface of the bottom chords.