Abstract: An obstruction detection device for use with a truss fabrication system including a table having spaced accessways. The obstruction detection device includes a support structure configured for movable attachment to a table having spaced accessways. An obstruction sensor is connected to the support structure and configured to detect obstructions in the spaced accessways of the table. The obstruction sensor has an activated state and a deactivated state. A control system is operatively connected to the obstruction sensor to activate and deactivate the obstruction sensor in response to a position of the obstruction sensor relative to the spaced accessways. The control system activates the obstruction sensor when the obstruction sensor is aligned with one of the spaced accessways of the table and deactivates the obstruction sensor when the obstruction sensor is out of alignment with the spaced accessways of the table.

Abstract: An obstruction detection device for use with a truss fabrication system including a table having spaced accessways. The obstruction detection device includes a support structure configured for movable attachment to a table having spaced accessways. An obstruction sensor is connected to the support structure and configured to detect obstructions in the spaced accessways of the table. The obstruction sensor has an activated state and a deactivated state. A control system is operatively connected to the obstruction sensor to activate and deactivate the obstruction sensor in response to a position of the obstruction sensor relative to the spaced accessways. The control system activates the obstruction sensor when the obstruction sensor is aligned with one of the spaced accessways of the table and deactivates the obstruction sensor when the obstruction sensor is out of alignment with the spaced accessways of the table.

Abstract: A truss fabrication system and method for use in fabricating trusses has a truss set-up table and a gantry movable relative to the truss set-up table for pressing connector plates into truss members. A wheel guide directs movement of the roller assembly relative to the truss set-up table. The truss set-up table has a substantially horizontal table deck having a side edge, and extension arms projecting generally horizontally outward from the side edge. A gantry press moves relative to the truss set-up table and is sized and arranged relative to the truss set-up table for pressing connector plates into truss members supported on the table deck and for pressing connector plates into truss members supported on the extension arms. The extension arms are spaced apart from each other along the table deck side edge to define work bays sized to permit a worker to pass into the work bay to the table deck side edge for manipulating the truss components on the table deck.

Abstract: A locator for locating and holding a structural member in engagement with an adjacent structural member at a predetermined position of an assembly apparatus during a truss assembly operation. The locator includes a stop configured for engaging the structural member. A securing device includes a body operatively connected to the stop and a holding member movable relative to the body between an extended position for engaging the assembly apparatus to hold the securing device at a fixed position on the assembly apparatus and a retracted position to release the securing device and enable moving the locator to a different location. The securing device includes a hand-operable actuator for manually moving the holding member between the extended and retracted positions.

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.