Abstract: A truss fabrication system for fabricating trusses includes a table, a gantry press and an obstruction detection device. A top of the table receives truss components arranged with at least some connector plates engaging at least some of the truss members. The gantry press includes a gantry mounted for movement along a path relative to the table for pressing the connectors into the truss components for joining the truss members together. An obstruction detection device is mounted on the gantry for detecting obstructions in the path of the gantry. The detection device defines a vertical detection plane located a predetermined distance from the gantry and is adapted to detect the presence of all obstructions entering the plane at substantially the same time for stopping movement of the gantry.

Abstract: An adjustable leg for a truss fabrication system used in mass production of trusses. The system has a truss set-up table and a gantry press movable relative to the truss set-up table for pressing nailing plates into truss members. The table is supported on legs which are readily adjustable in height even after installation of the table to maintain the table in a level orientation.

Abstract: A receiving stand for a frame stacking system of the type used to stack prefabricated frames has a bench configured for receiving and supporting the frames thereon. A stanchion is pivotally movable relative to the bench about a pivot axis of the stanchion between a raised, generally upright position in which at least a portion of the stanchion extends above the bench to facilitate the stacking of frames on the bench, and a lowered position away from the frames stacked on the bench to facilitate unloading of the frames from the bench. A spring member biases the stanchion toward its upright position.

Abstract: A press apparatus for pressing connector plates into opposing surfaces of structural members which are to be secured together to form a structure such as a roof truss. The apparatus includes a frame particularly constructed to reduce stress concentrations and failure. Forces applied to the frame are transmitted in a loadpath which is smooth and free from discontinuity to inhibit concentration of stress and thereby strengthen the frame against fatigue damage. The frame includes ribs spanning and connecting an inner rim and outer rim for strengthening the frame. A powered actuator has a body which is removably attachable to the frame, and a timer control operates the press to make sure the connector plates are fully embedded.

Abstract: A press apparatus for pressing connector plates into opposing surfaces of structural members which are to be secured together to form a structure such as a roof truss. The apparatus includes a frame particularly constructed to reduce stress concentrations and failure. Forces applied to the frame are transmitted in a loadpath which is smooth and free from discontinuity to inhibit concentration of stress and thereby strengthen the frame against fatigue damage. The frame includes ribs spanning and connecting an inner rim and outer rim for strengthening the frame. A powered actuator has a body which is removably attachable to the frame, and a timer control operates the press to make sure the connector plates are fully embedded.

Abstract: A receiving stand for a frame stacking system of the type used to stack prefabricated frames has a bench configured for receiving and supporting the frames thereon. A stanchion is pivotally movable relative to the bench about a pivot axis of the stanchion between a raised, generally upright position in which at least a portion of the stanchion extends above the bench to facilitate the stacking of frames on the bench, and a lowered position away from the frames stacked on the bench to facilitate unloading of the frames from the bench. A spring member biases the stanchion toward its upright position.

Abstract: Apparatus for connecting wood members with a connector plate segmented from a continuous strip of connector plates. The connector plates have integral nails extending from one face of the plate. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding the strip forward to a position where the connector plate is segmented from the strip. A driver drives the segmented plate into the wood members. The apparatus has a table for the emplacement of the wood members in a pattern for being fastened together. The table is mounted for movement between a position out from under the driver for emplacement of the wood members and a position under the driver for the driving of a segmented connected plate down for penetration of its nails into the wood members. The table also has slots and locating stops to facilitate holding the wood member is the pre-selected pattern on the table.

Abstract: A coil advance drive apparatus for connector plate coils is described. The coil advance drive apparatus includes a support structure, a motor coupled to the support structure, at least one elongate coil support member coupled to the support structure, and at least one drive wheel operatively coupled to the motor Each drive wheel is configured to engage the connector plate coil stock. The coil support member includes a plurality of grooves extending longitudinally in one surface of the support member The grooves are configured to receive the pre-punched teeth extending from the connector plate coil stock. The drive wheel includes a plurality of teeth extending from a circumferential surface of the drive wheel. The teeth are configured to engage the open slots in the connector plate coil stock so as to move the coil stock along the support member as the drive wheel rotates. An elongate coil guide cover is coupled to the surface of each coil support member above the grooves.

Abstract: A connector plate application apparatus presses connector plates into wood members to connect them together for forming wood frames, truss components and the like. Connector plates are supplied to the apparatus in the form of a strip which is pre-punched with nailing teeth. The connector plates are sheared from the strip and driven into the wood members by drivers. The strip is fed forward automatically by a strip feed which engages the strip in openings left by punching the nailing teeth. Loading of a new strip of connector plates is facilitated by an alignment mechanism which allows non-visual alignment of the strip with the strip feed so that the strip feed engages the strip in the openings.