Abstract: A continuous press for pressing glued press charges is provided. The press includes first and second generally parallel press platens, a driver for driving the press platens through a working stretch at a predetermined rate of travel, and a system for maintaining a predetermined spacing between the press platens to compress and unify the press charges disposed between the first and second press platens. The system is designed to travel through the working stretch of the press, with the press platens, at the predetermined rate of travel.

Abstract: A glued-block hanger is intended to support a wooden I-beam joist on a support. A block is secured to the web of the I-beam joist at an end thereof intermediate the top and bottom chords. A bore is formed in the block and end, and extend therethrough at a predetermined position. The hanger includes a top tab and an end plate, wherein the end plate extends the height of the hanger. The top tab is constructed to extend over the top of a support. A pair of opposed flanges extend outward from the end plate and are spaced apart to snugly receive the web of the joist, with the block secured thereto, therein. Each of the flanges includes an opening therein. When the opening is aligned with the bore, the top tab of the hanger is in alignment with the top chord of the joist. A connector extends through the bore and the openings to fasten the joist to the hanger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a support member for use with a truss having upper and lower chords with web members extending therebetween. The chords have staggered recesses, and the web members have flattened ends which overlap within the support member. The support member includes a plurality of cases, with one such web case positioned in each of the recesses. Each web case includes a pair of opposed case elements, one of which is positioned to each side of the flattened web member ends, and wherein each case element includes a planar side portion having an interior edge facing the opposing chord, and a flange portion extending normally outwardly from the interior edge. The support member also includes a joining member for joining the web case to the adjacent web member ends.

Abstract: The invention comprises an improved structural support member, and method for making the same, having bonded wood beam members which are prestressed during the bonding process. The prestressing is such that significant stresses are induced in an outer surface in at least one of the beam members and at least partially retained by the cured bond. The stresses are such that a significant compression prestress is induced at the bottom surface of the structural support whereby it is capable of carrying a much greater load represented by the compression prestress at the bottom surface.