Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a locating assembly as a component of a locating table segment for positioning truss segments in a truss assembly system. The system generally includes a plurality of table segments aligned in parallel and adapted to position a series of locating blocks on a top surface of the system/table, where each block is a component of one of a plurality of locating assemblies in the system. The block positions collectively define an outer boundary of a support truss (e.g., as a roofing truss). Once the blocks are moved to their desired position, appropriately sized truss segments are placed within the block-defined boundary and fastened together.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing roof trusses is assembled one joint at a time on an assembly line, which includes a receiving table, an assembly station and an output table. The assembly station includes one or more presses, robot grippers, and arrangements connected to the presses for feeding nail plates and loading them to the presses. Each joint being accomplished so that the members to be joined in addition to the members already present there have been moved and positioned on the receiving table and onwards to the assembly station. Robot grippers hold the members to be joined and align them in place against each other. A press loaded with the nail plates designated to this joint is aligned with the steering in the position of the joint and presses the nail plates in place to complete the joint. The structure is guided to move to the output table.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assembling structural components are disclosed wherein a selectively configurable fixture is placed on an assembly surface of an assembly table. An assembly table interface couples about a pin of a pin slot of the assembly table and, by means of linkage assembly, translates movement of the pin to a positioning member. The positioning member, by the translated movement of the pin, abuts an element of structural component and supports the element while a fastener is applied to join multiple elements of the structural component. A selectively configurable fixture may be used in isolation, or in combination with other fixtures.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention simplifies the configuration of a suction positioning device. An embodiment of the present invention includes: an output rod (3) having an air discharge passage (11); a sleeve (4) which has a tapered outer circumferential surface (12) and is elastically deformable so as to have a reduced diameter; a transmission member (5) having a tapered inner circumferential surface (13); a plurality of balls (B) which are inserted between the tapered inner circumferential surface (13) and the tapered outer circumferential surface (12); and a suction pad (7) attached to the output rod (3) so as to communicate with the air discharge passage (11).

Abstract: A retention system includes a base supporting a wing spar and a post extending through the base from a first side of the base to a second side of the base. The post inserts through an aperture in the spar. A stop is selectively securable to the post over the second side of the base. A locking member engages the post on the first side of the base. The locking member is configured to selectively move the post from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the post is withdrawn toward the first side relative to the unlocked position. A biasing member encircles the post and is positioned between the stop and the second side. When the locking member is in a closed position the biasing member expands to engage the aperture and resist movement of the wing spar. A plurality of cradles may support the wing.

Abstract: The mechanism for a machine for stapling two moldings (21, 22) comprises a surface (10), for supporting the moldings (21, 22), and a linkage for operating two jaws (6, 7) in a functional plane (25) essentially parallel to the surface (10) in order to push the two respective moldings (21, 22) sideways towards respective functional positions against two respective side stops (2, 3) that extend in mutually inclined directions, and in order thereafter following the stapling, to draw back from the stops (2, 3) and return to a rest position; the linkage comprising elevating elements designed to move the jaws (6, 7), under the action of drive elements (50, 51), in a direction (70) perpendicular to the functional plane (25), so that the jaws (6, 7) are thus retracted, in the rest position, out of the functional plane (25).

Abstract: A truss assembly station may include a truss assembler. The truss assembler may be configured to enable assembly of a truss from truss members by providing an automatic sequential placement of the truss members based at least in part upon a planned location of pre-plated truss members within an assembled truss. The pre-plated truss members may be truss members including at least one connector plate installed thereon prior to placement at the truss assembly station.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bearing cap is disclosed using a fixture that has a mandrel that is received in the bearing bore and clamps that engage the outer surface of the bearing caps. A pair of bolt shoulders of the bearing caps are machined and a bolt hole is drilled in each of the bolt shoulder portions. The bearing bores are subsequently machined with the bearing caps being located based upon the location of the bolt holes to form a plurality of finished bearing caps. A holding fixture is disclosed for machining bearing caps that have a generally semi-cylindrical bearing bore on an interior surface and bolt shoulders on opposite sides that are drilled to receive bolts. The holding fixture comprises a fixture frame to which a mandrel is attached that receives the bearing caps with the bearing bore centered relative to the mandrel. A plurality of clamps engage an exterior portion of the bearing caps to retain the bearing caps on the mandrel.

Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.

Abstract: A method of automatically placing pucks on a truss assembly table includes the steps of receiving input regarding the truss assembly table and a truss to be assembled on the truss assembly table, and processing the input. Locations on the truss assembly table for each puck are selected based on the processed input that optimizes the overall support given to the truss. The pucks are automatically moved to their selected locations.

Abstract: An automated assembly system for assembling a truss from a plurality of truss members and connection plates includes a plurality of rail assemblies, a plurality of trolleys, a plurality of press assemblies, and a control system. The rail assemblies include stationary rail assemblies and moveable rail assemblies. The trolleys are supported by the rail assemblies. The press assemblies are supported by the trolleys. The press assemblies are configured to embed the connection plates into the truss members. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the automated assembly system. An ejector system is configured to remove assembled trusses from the automated assembly system.

Abstract: The invention as depicted in a preferred embodiment is a retrofitted automated truss assembly jig setting system and one or more removable plank units used therewith. Removable plank unit includes a pair of drive motors each connected to a motor plate that is fixed to the bottom surface of a plank. A pair of rods extends along the length of the plank and each is operatively connected to a motor such that activation of a motor rotates a rod. Puck assemblies are carried by rods and are linearly transposed along rods when motors are activated. A computerized control system is operatively connected to provide for automated positioning of pucks. Planks on existing truss assembly tables may be removed and replaced with removable plank units to turn a traditional truss assembly jigging table into an automated truss assembly jigging table.

Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.

Abstract: An automated fabrication system is provided that utilizes electromagnetism to manipulate and/or sense the location of raw materials on a platform. Tools located around said platform may be utilized to fabricate a predetermined structure out of the raw materials. Tags that can be electromagnetically manipulated and sensed may be placed on passive raw materials. Structures fabricated from such a system may be, for example, a roof truss. Additionally, the fabrication system may be mobilized by way of a truck such that structures may be built on-site.

Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.

Abstract: A modular universal holding fixture and corresponding methods, accommodating a wide range of workpiece contours, geometries, sizes, and configurations. The fixture may include a fiducial base, a registration frame, and a bridge module. Fixable to a fiducial (reference) location, the fiducial base may be attached in alignment to the registration frame. The bridge module may have a central cavity and guide tracks on top, exterior, and interior support surfaces. The bridge module transversely engages the registration frame for longitudinal movement to a registration position, and supports a tooling for transverse movement. The bridge module may repositionably constrain the tooling at an indexed position. The bridge module may be configured to engage multiple types of tooling and additional tooling headers, supports, and side actuators. A tooling may be passive linear actuators positioned by a N/C operated gantry engaged with the registration frame.

Abstract: A holding fixture is disclosed for machining bearing caps that have a generally semi-cylindrical bearing bore on an interior surface and bolt shoulders on opposite sides that are drilled to receive bolts. The holding fixture comprises a fixture frame to which a mandrel is attached that receives the bearing caps with the bearing bore centered relative to the mandrel. A plurality of clamps engage an exterior portion of the bearing caps to retain the bearing caps on the mandrel. A method of manufacturing a bearing cap is also disclosed using a fixture that has a mandrel that is received in the bearing bore and clamps that engage the outer surface of the bearing caps. A pair of bolt shoulders of the bearing caps are machined and a bolt hole is drilled in each of the bolt shoulder portions. The bearing bores are subsequently machined with the bearing caps being located based upon the location of the bolt holes to form a plurality of finished bearing caps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable framing fixture for fabricating wall frames. Pneumatically controlled clamping mechanisms retain and locate various components of a frame wall. Spring loaded locator pins allow for variations in openings in the frame wall and allow for various frame wall designs. An offloading system allows for removal of completed frame walls from the portable framing fixture. The portable framing fixture is mounted onto a wheeled axle assembly to allow for easy transportation of the portable framing fixture to different job sites.

Abstract: A clamping device particularly for use in the preliminary stages of the erection of roof trusses, the clamping device comprising a first attachment means (11) to enable the device to be securely and releasably attached to one truss, a second attachment means (20) to enable the device to be attached to an adjacent device or a truss, and means (13) to enable the length between the first attachment means and the second attachment means to be varied.

Abstract: The machine has stopper pins for locating two or more truss members to be connected in respective predetermined design positions and a press head adapted for movement from a pre-pressing position in which one or two nail plates may be loaded for pressing to a range of pressing positions in which the nail plates may be pressed into engagement with adjacent truss members in a predetermined securing position by reference to an outside edge of one of the truss members. Securing mechanism on the press head are adapted to secure different sized magazines, each magazine being adapted to hold a plurality of nail plates of a predetermined size. The securing mechanism is adapted to secure each sized magazine in a position in which a selected edge of a nail plate is in a predetermined loading position irrespective of the magazine selected.

Abstract: A truss clamp for connection with a second clamp when installing truss assemblies includes a mechanism for adjustably connecting the two clamps in spaced relation. The truss clamp includes a fixed member and a rotatable member, the rotatable member having first and second ends and being pivotally connected to the fixed member intermediate the ends of the rotatable member and being rotatable between a first position wherein the first end is in confronting relation with a portion of the fixed member and a second position wherein the second end is in confronting relation with the portion of the fixed member. A holding mechanism may be disposed over a center spring action mechanism, for selectively maintaining the rotatable member in at least the second position. A method of installing trusses using a truss clamp is also disclosed.

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: The present invention involves a truss table including a frame; multiple spaced-apart panels supported by the frame and defining an elongated slot between the panels; and a stop member including a stop portion, a clamp portion and a fastener. The stop portion includes a cylindrical puck and a wedge body extending from the cylindrical puck and having a ramped surface, the wedge body disposable within the elongated slot, the stop portion defining a first bore extending through the cylindrical puck and the wedge body. The clamp portion is disposable within the elongated slot and has a ramped top surface complementary to the ramped surface of the wedge body. The clamp portion defines a second bore substantially aligned with the first bore. The fastener is insertable through the first bore and engageable to the second bore. The tightening of the fastener secures the stop member in a locked position in the elongated slot.

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.

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 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 cylindric sleeve having an outer wall configured for engaging the structural member and a bore extending through the sleeve defining an inner wall sized for placement around a stop of the assembly apparatus. The bore is eccentrically positioned in the sleeve. The sleeve is portable, may be secured to the apparatus free from fixed connection, and is rotatable about the stop for adjusting a magnitude of force applied by the sleeve to the structural member.

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 workpiece assembly jig is provided with a plurality of first brackets provided around the perimeter of an aluminum jig main body for mounting thereon and assembling a long aluminum workpiece. A plurality of second brackets are provided around the perimeter of a steel jig base and are connected together via connecting members having first and second male threaded portions extending in opposite directions from a middle flange. The first male threaded portion of the connecting member is screwed into a female threaded portion formed in the second bracket, and the second male threaded portion runs through a long hole formed longitudinally (perpendicular to the plane of the paper) in the first bracket which is secured between the flange and a nut.

Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.

Abstract: A machine and a method for fabricating structural wood components, such as joist building components, is described. The machine comprises a component assembling jig for assembling pre-cut wood pieces at predetermined positions corresponding to a structural wood component design. Magnetic elements are adapted to position connector plates at predetermined locations in the machine. The assembled wood pieces of the jig are displaced to a transfer platform where they are clamped with the wood pieces positioned at interconnecting junctions. The transfer platform then displaces the assembled and held wood pieces to a position adjacent magnetic connector plate applicators whereby the plates are secured to the wood pieces at the interconnecting junctions to interconnect the wood pieces together to form an assembled structural component which is then displaced and discharged from the machine.

Abstract: A portable roof panel structure assembly mechanism that may be transported to a construction site and that is used to automatically assemble roof panel structures at the site. The assembly mechanism includes a purlin feeder, subpurlin clamping mechanisms and feeders, and a diaphragm feeder. The purlin feeder lifts a purlin into position, and advances the purlin into an assembly station. The subpurlin feeders insert a subpurlin into each of a plurality of subpurlin clamping mechanisms, and the clamping mechanisms advance into the assembly station and hold the subpurlins against the section of the purlin that has been advanced. The diaphragm feeder places a diaphragm onto the subpurlins and the purlin at the assembly station. The components are attached by automatic nailers.

Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.

Abstract: A truss jigging system has tools moveable in a channel to different locations on an assembly table and which can be readily interchanged. The tools are capable of snap locking engagement with a carriage mounted in the table channels. A resilient component support on the carriage supports components of the truss in a position above the top of the assembly table. The component support deforms when a downward force is applied by a press for driving connector plates into the components so that the component engages the table. A heel locating device of the jigging system can be secured to the table and extended or retracted as needed to precisely locate the truss heel.

Abstract: A device to assist carpenters in holding a stud in position to be nailed or otherwise fastened to a sill or plate. Sill guides allow the device to be positioned at a predetermined point on a sill. A single blow with a hammer drives pins in the bottom of the base region of the device into the plate to secure the device on the plate. Three sill guides define the area in which the stud is positioned and supported for nailing to the sill. A hammer blow on the flange rocks the device so that the pins are pulled free and the device removed when the stud has been secured.

Abstract: Wood is bent using a unit and a method in which a continuous and uninterrupted curved path is defined over a workpiece-supporting surface and form and clamp blocks are electromagnetically attached to the workpiece-supporting surface adjacent to the path. The form and clamp blocks engage a wood workpiece to force that workpiece into a shape that matches the path defined over the workpiece-supporting surface.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and method for assembling a truss utilizing the apparatus are presented, the apparatus comprising a truss table having a work surface with a first and second assembly zone. A first clamping assembly has a movable first clamp rail for clamping the truss in the first assembly zone, the first clamp rail having at least one flip-arm recess therein. A flip-over assembly has at least one flip-over arm movable relative to the work surface for moving the truss from a first truss position-in the first assembly zone to a second truss position in the second assembly zone, the flip-over arm movable into the flip-arm recess of the first clamp rail. The apparatus may have a plurality of such recesses and flip arms. The truss assembly apparatus may further comprise a second clamping assembly having a movable second clamp rail for clamping the truss in the second assembly zone, the second clamp rail having a flip-arm recess therein movable into the flip-arm recess of the second clamp rail.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for fabricating or repairing trusses, rafters, joints, and splices by pressing the barbs of a barbed connector plate into the lumber to be joined or spliced.

Abstract: A device for receiving and processing an elongated workpiece that proceeds along a path is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of clevis-shaped members, each clevis-shaped member being pivotable about a vertical axis and having a pair of spaced apart upwardly extending posts. The clevis-shaped members are spaced apart relative to the path, and the posts of each clevis-shaped member defining therebetween a centered workstation disposed along the path. At least one actuator is provided, with the actuator operatively engaging each of the clevis-shaped members such that the each clevis-shaped member will pivot about its vertical axis. Accordingly, in response to operation of the actuators the posts of each of the clevis-shaped members shift in unison to center and clamp the workpiece at the workstation.

Abstract: A device for setting studs includes a rigid face plate that has a fixed length and includes a lower surface, a front edge, a rear edge, and opposite side edges; a rigid bar member extending from the face plate lower surface so as to have a rear surface perpendicular to the face plate lower surface. The face plate has first and second square inside corners formed in its rear edge for squarely aligning and setting studs a desired distance apart between centers and restricting movement thereof during fastening to a sill plate or similar structure.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping and holding an elongated workpiece in a machine includes a fixed support, and a longitudinally extending conveyor for supporting the workpiece relative to support. A pair of longitudinally extending clamping members are slidably mounted on the support and are retrained for transverse movement relative to the conveyor. A camming mechanism is actuated by power cylinders to move the clamping members into clamping engagement with opposite sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of constructing trusses includes providing a laser jigging system that projects the location of the jigging hardware so that an operator can easily, quickly, and precisely position the jigging hardware on the work-surface prior to positioning any truss members on the work-surface is described. More particularly, the system projects puck and other jigging hardware alignment or location guides on the table work-surface. With the alignment guides projected on the table, the pucks and other jigging hardware are located in alignment with the projected guides, and secured to the table. The truss members are located on the table in accordance with the pattern defined by the jigging, and connector plates are then engaged with the truss members.

Abstract: A locator stop (10) having a body (12) is arranged to be supported on an upper surface of a truss table formed with a plurality of panels (P), so as to extend across a slot (S) between successive panels. The body (12) has a basal surface (22) by which it is supportable on the upper surface of the table. The stop has a lock (14) which projects below the body (12) so as to be at least partly locatable in the slot (S). The lock (14) has dimensions in two mutually perpendicular directions, substantially parallel to the basal surface (22), which respectively are less than the width of the slot (S) and greater than the width of the slot. The lock (14) is adjustable by a manual operation performed above the table, wherein the lock (14) is able to firmly engage at least one of the panels (P) defining the slot (S) and thereby clamp or hold the body (12) on the upper surface at a required position along the slot.

Abstract: A mechanism for clamping and holding an elongated workpiece in a machine includes a fixed support, and a longitudinally extending conveyor for supporting the workpiece relative to support. A pair of longitudinally extending clamping members are slidably mounted on the support and are retrained for transverse movement relative to the conveyor. A camming mechanism is actuated by power cylinders to move the clamping members into clamping engagement with opposite sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of assembling components of an assembly, such as the components of a truss, using a laser imaging system in combination with assembly jigs. The jigs may be slidably mounted on an assembly table wherein the jigs include laser alignment indicia on a top surface of the jigs spaced a predetermined distance from a side surface of the jigs. The method includes projecting an enlarged laser generated outline of at least a portion of the components to be assembled which is spaced laterally from an outline or template of the components in the assembled position a distance equal to the distance between the laser alignment indicia and the side surface of the jigs and spaced vertically a distance equal to the distance between the indicia and the work surface. The jigs are then moved on the work surface to align the laser alignment indicia with the enlarged outline and affixed relative to the work surface.

Abstract: A truss element positioning clamp for use on a truss fabrication table to position a truss element in a preselected position comprising a clamp chassis slideably disposed over a clamping channel formed in the surface of the truss fabrication table including a truss stop operatively disposed on the upper surface of the clamp chassis to selectively engage and position the truss element of a truss having at least one guide member formed on the clamp chassis and disposed within the clamping channel to prevent rotation of the truss element positioning clamp relative to the clamping channel and a clamp stop movably coupled to the clamp chassis extending into the interior of the clamping channel and selectively movable between a first position and a second position such that when the clamp stop is in the first position the clamp stop is disengaged from the inner surface of the clamping channel whereby the truss element positioning clamp may be positioned longitudinally along the length of the clamping channel and wh

Abstract: Trackless gantry press apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a plurality of truss setup tables configured to form a row of spaced truss setup tables. Each table includes wheel guides coupled at opposing ends and extending the width of the table. The guides are configured to be in substantial alignment with the guides coupled to adjacent tables. The apparatus also includes a press assembly for pressing nailing plates into truss members. The press assembly includes a substantially cylindrically shaped roller movably coupled to a substantially inverted U-shaped frame. The press assembly also includes at least four support wheels and at least four reaction pressure wheels coupled to each opposite end of the frame and configured so that at least three support wheels on each end of the press assembly are in contact with the wheel guides at all times as the press assembly traverses the spaces between the spaced setup tables.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful workpiece locating device for use on a machine table comprising at least two spaced elongated support members arranged in parallel so as to create at least one elongated slot, in a top surface of said table, between adjacent support members in which the locating device comprises a first member for insertion into the slot, which first member comprises a base having a width less the width of the slot and at least one locking means to releasably secure the base within the slot and a second member fastened to the first member in which the second member is upstanding relative to the top surface of the table when the device is positioned in the slot.

Abstract: A table for forming trusses that includes channels that do not unduly deform or bend during truss construction comprises: a support frame; first and second substantially horizontally-disposed elongate panels; a first channel having a generally horizontal floor and opposed side walls extending upwardly therefrom; and a locator stop. Each of the panels has an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposing lateral edge portions, and the panels are positioned so that their respective upper surfaces are substantially coplanar and so that a first of the lateral edge portions of the first panel is in adjacent, non-contacting relationship with a first of the lateral edge portions of the second panel, thereby forming a gap therebetween. One of the side walls of the channel supports the lower surface of the first panel, and the other of the side walls supports the lower surface of the second panel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assembling a truss are described. In one embodiment, the truss table apparatus includes a truss table and a roller assembly. The truss table includes two guides and a worksurface which supports the truss members as nailing plates are pressed into the truss members. The guides are coupled to opposing sides of the truss table and are substantially C-shaped. The roller assembly is movably coupled to the truss table guides and includes a roller for pressing the nailing plates into the truss members. The roller assembly also includes a plurality of drive wheels that rest on the truss table guides to move the roller assembly relative to the truss table. The roller assembly further includes a plurality of pressure wheels rotatably coupled to the truss table to maintain the proper spacing between the roller and the truss table worksurface during pressing of the nailing plates.