Abstract: A truss manufacturing apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving upper and lower chords thru a series of assembly stations of the apparatus. A board is inserted between the chords at one station and secured in place forming a trimmable end of a truss. One or more web boards can be inserted between the chords at a second station and secured in place by connector nail plates forming a opening in the truss for ductwork or the like. Metal web members are secured to opposite side edges of the truss at a third station to form a web between the chords. The chords are positioned in a generally vertical plane with one above the other in the apparatus and the board, web boards and web members are moved into position from one or both sides of the chords.

Abstract: An airbag folding engine comprises a frame for removably mounting any one of a number of different airbag folding devices. The airbag folding engine includes a driver system adapted to be removably connected to the airbag folding device mounted on the frame. The driver system, which may be pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical or the like, provides the power to operate the airbag folding device. A control system mounted on the airbag folding engine controls the operation of the airbag folding device. A visual display provides a visual indication of the operation of the airbag folding device. Screw jacks may be mounted on the frame for varying the height of the airbag folding engine. An apparatus for folding an airbag which is adapted to be removably mounted on the airbag folding engine is also provided. The apparatus includes a plate which mounts on the airbag folding engine and an airbag folding mechanism mounted on the plate for folding one of a number of types of airbags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically folding an airbag is provided whereupon an airbag is positioned securely over receiving tooling, and a plurality of portions of the airbag are automatically manipulated in a plurality of directions, respectively, to place the airbag in a folded condition. The apparatus includes a processor to automatically operate means for manipulating the airbag. The apparatuses for manipulating the airbag preferably include an apparatus for fanfolding a portion of an airbag, an apparatus for folding over a portion of an airbag, and at least one hold-down mechanism to receive portions of an airbag. The various apparatuses for manipulating the airbag can be variously combined in accordance with the present invention to automatically prepare airbags of various types in various folding patterns.