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.

Abstract: A building frame alignment apparatus includes a T-shaped beam member which includes a top planar portion and a bottom planar portion which projects from the top planar portion at a right angle. A longitudinally oriented leveling indicator assembly is connected to the bottom planar portion, and a transversely oriented leveling indicator assembly is connected to the bottom planar portion. The bottom planar portion includes a plurality of beam-reception notches positioned longitudinally along a bottom edge of the bottom planar portion. Side walls of the beam-reception notches are oriented perpendicular to the top planar portion. The plurality of beam-reception notches includes a first beam-reception notch located at a first end of the bottom planar portion, a second beam-reception notch located at a second end of the bottom planar portion, and a third beam-reception notch located on the bottom planar portion between the first beam-reception notch and the second beam-reception notch.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for positioning a truss on a plurality of spaced apart truss tables and for positioning a truss bundle on an expandable rollerbed trailer. A movable image of a truss is superimposed on a stationary image of each of the truss tables. The truss image includes indicia at each location where a respective truss plate is to be embedded in the truss. The indicia has a distinct appearance when a portion of a respective truss plate location overlies an ejector unit slot or space between adjacent truss tables. A movable image of a truss bundle is superimposed on a stationary image of an expandable rollerbed trailer.

Abstract: A jig system is disclosed which includes an assembly table which has a plurality of slots which extend across the width of the table. Pucks are arranged for movement along the openings on carriages which are mounted for sliding movement on rails. The carriages are connected to endless belts which travel around pulleys under the control of a motor for in turn moving the carriages to position the pucks. The motor is controlled by a computer and controller. The carriage has springs which support a plate so that the plate is biased upwardly above the table. Connectors may be located beneath a workpiece supported on the support surface so that when a force is applied to the plates, the plates and workpiece move downwardly against the bias of the springs so that the connector is forced into the workpiece. Cylinders and arms are provided for clamping the workpiece against the pucks. The pucks, cylinders and arms are provided on the support plate.

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: A jig for forming multiple trusses at the same time is capable of clamping the trusses together to simultaneously adhere trimmable blocks to the truss so that the truss can be cut off to different lengths. The jig has floating spacers which translate forces applied to components of one truss on one side of the jig through all of the components of all other trusses in the jig. The same truss can be formed with different modular lengths by selection of a fixed dimension central opening and the number of web members to be used. All other dimensions of the web between upper and lower chords of the truss remain the same.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building using template-directed prefabricated units. The templates for each unit are grooved according to a design plan. The grooves are sized and positioned for use as alignment guides to accept building components or to define openings, such as doors or windows, in the unit. The building components are positioned in the template, checked and adjusted, if necessary, to ensure they are in square, and fastened to each other. A solid backing is fastened, which comprises the exterior of the completed unit. In one embodiment, the solid backing may be the template itself. The units are transported to the construction site, where they can be immediately assembled and fastened to adjacent units so that the solid backings form the exterior structure of the building.

Abstract: A jig system for aligning wooden chords and metal web members in the manufacture of joists, the system includes an assembly surface having a longitudinally extending track therein, and a plurality of jigs positionable in the track. The jigs have upwardly projecting pins for engaging alignment holes in the webs for properly orienting and spacing the webs. The jigs may also have generally parallel alignment bars on either side of the pin for holding the portion of the metal web surrounding the alignment hole therebetween.

Abstract: A table for forming trusses comprises a support frame and first and second substantially horizontally-disposed elongate panels wherein each of the panels has an upper surface, a lower surface, and opposing lateral edge portions with a gap being formed between the panels. A first channel is also included and has a generally horizontal floor and opposed side walls extending upwardly therefrom. One of the side walls supports the lower surface of the first panel, and the other of the side walls supports the second panel. The floor is supported by the frame and is positioned beneath the gap. The table also includes magnetic positioning indicia mechanism located within the channel and magnetically attached to the first channel floor.

Abstract: A workbench, in particular for welding and structural steel work, includes a frame assembly having opposing axial ends and including a pair of traverses respectively disposed at the axial ends, and a pair of spaced substantially parallel platforms for forming working surfaces for installation and placement of workpieces, with the working surfaces being expandable in all directions by retractable or detachably secured elements. One of the platforms is stationarily fixed on the traverses and the other one of the platforms is movably supported on the traverses for displacement in direction of the stationary platform. Extending laterally of the stationary platform is a support unit for attachment of accessories and including at least one support and a guide bar secured to the frame assembly and configured of polyhedral cross section for guiding the support in longitudinal direction.

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: A machine (20) for positioning a jig (22) relative to another surface (28) is disclosed. The machine includes a truss (24) for supporting the jig. A support stand (26) connected to each end of the truss supports the truss at a first position spaced apart from the surface, and at a second position adjacent the surface. Each support stand includes a first linear movement assembly (72) and (74) for respectively acting upon the first and second ends of the truss to move the truss from the first position to the second position, and from the second position to the first position. Each support stand additionally includes a rotating assembly (48) for rotating the truss along an axis substantially passing through both ends of the truss.

Abstract: An improved table for use in a truss assembly apparatus is provided. The improved table includes a frame supporting a plurality of panels that define a work surface. According to a first aspect, the plurality of panels are separated by at least one opening extending across the table. Mountings are provided for rotationally mounting a lead screw across the table along the opening between the panels. At least one jig stop carrier is threadedly coupled to the lead screw and movable along the lead screw in the opening between the panels across the table in response to rotation of the lead screw. A jig stop is connected to the jig stop carrier and to project above the work surface of the table. To vertically adjust the height of the jig stop mounted to the jig stop carrier, which is coupled to the lead screw, at least one threaded shank is fixed on each of the mountings. The threaded shank extends through an aperture in the frame of the table to selectively position the mountings on the frame.

Abstract: A platform for indexing and clamping metal studs and like building structural members together for manufacturing metal framed walls or trusses of buildings. The platform includes spaced members for supporting studs, plates and the like placed there upon, and is sufficiently open between the spaced and properly placed members to allow applying screws to both sides of the structural members for connection of joints. The platform may be manually loaded with the appropriate framing structural members with the platform in a horizontal position with the indexing stops upward. The indexing stops are used to position studs, and powered clamps are provided to secure the studs in place against the stops. Screws may be applied to a first side of the framing, followed by the platform being rotated 180 degrees under motor or like power to expose the second side of the framing to allow the application of holding screws thereto.

Abstract: A quick release clamp for clamping relative to a member is provided as well as a method of locating frame members of a roof truss frame on a roof truss frame table to permit fabrication of roof truss frames. The clamp has a moveable clamping jaw, a threaded clamping shaft, and a threaded clamping nut. The jaw is attached to one end of the shaft so that it can rotate with the shaft when the shaft is rotated. The shaft has a stop at the opposite end to the jaw. The nut is screw-threadably attached to the shaft between the jaw and the stop. The jaw is arranged to pass through an aperture in a member to which the clamp is to be attached. The aperture may in fact comprise a slot in a track member. The jaw and the aperture are shaped so that in one angular rotated position of the jaw relative to the aperture the jaw can pass through the aperture but in another angular rotated position relative to the aperture the jaw cannot pass through the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely and remotely securing in place and spacing building members such as roof trusses or gables. The apparatus is primarily comprised of a spacer having a first truss connector and a second truss connector. A pull-down arrangement is used to remotely engage the apparatus with a truss. In use, the apparatus is attached to a first building member which is then positioned with the apparatus attached. The apparatus is then remotely secured to a second, adjacent building member. A gable brace is provided that may be used alone or with an attached truss connector.

Abstract: A pivotal hold down arm for holding boards as they are being nailed by nailing guns to form a pallet. The nailing guns are carried on a movable gantry. Rollers are carried by the gantry for limiting the downward movement of the nailing guns.

Abstract: A modular, portable framing table apparatus for facilitating the construction of wood framed structures is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises at least one subassembly. Each subassembly comprises a pair of parallel, longitudinally extending, and transversely, adjustably separated, rectangular shaped bench modules having a plurality of wood framing member location and retention means positioned in defined relationships with each other. Each subassembly also comprises at least two leg modules to support the bench modules when the apparatus is assembled, and at least two divider modules. The divider modules further comprise attachment/alignment means for precisely joining the divider modules to the leg modules into an assembled apparatus in such a fashion that the assembled apparatus is both rigid and square.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a balustrade for a passenger conveying device include a left-hand side, a right-hand side, and apparatus for consistently positioning a balustrade panel holder in a particular geometry. The left and right sides include a midsection, a lower landing section an upper landing section, for assembling a right-hand and a left-hand passenger conveyor balustrades, respectively. The upper and lower landing sections extend away from the midsections at an angle and the midsections may be adjusted lengthwise to accommodate different length balustrade assemblies.

Abstract: A framing jig for building various configurations of wall sections, roof trusses and similar structural components in building construction. In one embodiment, two or more ganged cradle assemblies are provided with spaced cradles for supporting building studs in a spaced transverse configuration. Each set of ganged cradle assemblies may be set for a characteristic spacing distance. In an alternative embodiment, one set of ganged cradle assemblies is provided with means for extending alternate cradles so that staggered stud double walls may be constructed. By providing jig stops along transverse structural members, roof trusses may be constructed using the same framing jig on which building walls may be constructed. In a further embodiment, the framing jig may be deployed in a portable configuration combined with a sawing station and other supporting equipment for a fulling integrated on-sight fabrication facility.

Abstract: A set-up jig for a truss table is disclosed. The jig comprises (a) a body portion having a recessed portion on its lower surface configured to receive and slide upon a rail and further including a securing apeture and (b) stop means for constraining the movement of truss planks. A truss table suitable for use with such jigs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for driving nails in at least one selected nailing pattern into an arrangement of components is disclosed. The device includes a frame, a retaining means for retaining an arrangement of components to be nailed in the frame, a nailing means comprising a plurality of movable nailing heads for delivering nails in the selected nailing pattern to the arrangement, a nail delivery means for delivering nails to the nailing heads, means for causing at least one of the nailing heads to move in a direction transverse to a machine direction relative to the nailing surface during a nailing operation, means for causing the nailing heads to move in a machine direction and in an opposite direction relative to the arrangement of components and means for causing the nailing heads to move in a direction normal to a machine direction.

Abstract: A roof truss fabrication method and apparatus are disclosed in which multiple parallel guideways, or tracks, are laid out along the X axis in an X-Y coordinate system. Multiple pressing stands are mounted for movement on the tracks. A head portion of each stand is movable on its stand along the Y axis and may also be pivoted about a vertical reference axis. Each stand is driven along its track, and the drive means is coupled to a position indicator which gives a digital readout of the X coordinate position of the stand on its truck. Similarly, a drive means for each head is coupled to a position indicator which gives a digital readout of the Y coordinate position of the head. The stands and heads may be manually driven or driven through stepper or servo motors controlled remotely by computer to position each stand and head at predetermined X and Y coordinates of the system.

Abstract: A jointing jig for the assembly of two- and three-dimensional joints is disclosed. The jointing jig includes two rigid bodies which are hingedly interconnected. Each rigid body includes a side having a plurality of channels of uniform size designed to accurately locate parallel-sided members for jointing. Each rigid body includes a channel along the hinged side of the body. A rigid removable connector locks the hinged rigid bodies at 90.degree. to each other. This permits the assembly of accurate three-dimensional corner joints. The advantage is that accurate three-dimensional corner joints may be assembled by persons inexperienced in joint construction.

Abstract: An assembly table for roof trusses has open parallel channels located on the table which contain jig stops. The jig stops are moveable along their respective channels by means of a connector head which can be raised and lowered from a gantry carriage located on a gantry which spans the table and runs along tracks located on each side of the table. The respective movements and operation of the gantry, gantry carriage and connector head are controlled by a computer.

Abstract: A three-dimensional frame structure for the construction of road mats is disclosed. The structure includes the components of the mat positioned to insure uniformity of assembly of mats of different sizes, with a single end structure that acts as a template and with means for moving a mat for final affixing onto a table while permitting the assembly holding structure to be repositioned for constructing another mat.A method of manufacture for road mats which utilizes a frame to position the components of the mat during the mat's manufacture into a predetermined arrangement to ensure the uniformity of each mat for interchange use in the field is also disclosed, whereby mats may be completed by the apparatus while other mats are being assembled.A temporary road comprised of two sets of mats is also disclosed. The first set of mats is laid down such that its smooth surface is on the ground.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and method comprising a conveyor belt carrying a set of slats, a computer for generating an image of the set of slats and a pattern of stops for a truss jig, and a second set of slats that are used for setting up the jig in accordance with the pattern. The slats of the first set are held to the conveyor belt by spherical magnets partially encased in the undersides of the slats. Each slat is ruled and has holes formed therein for receiving the stops. The slats of the first set that are to be replaced with slats from the second set are ejected from the conveyor with an air gun to identify them and to facilitate their removal. The truss can then be assembled on the truss assembly portion of the conveyor belt as the truss is moved to the unloading portion of the conveyor. To attach the truss elements together, connector plates are seated in adjacent elements by rollers.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a plating apparatus having a pivotally mounted unitary c-shaped plating member including opposing arms joined at a bight portion. Pressing means extend between the opposing arms to force a splice-plate and a portion of a pallet towards each other. The pressing means includes a hydraulic cylinder powered by a two-stage pump that provides low-pressure, high flow during an initial run-out of the cylinder and high-pressure during actual impaling of the splice-plate into the pallet stringer. The pivot for the c-shaped member preferably extends from the center of gravity of the member to minimize unbalanced weight stressing the pivot pin. A holddown means is provided for holding a pallet against a pallet support member. The holddown means is likewise pivotally mounted.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp assembly for use in an automated assembly tool. The clamp assembly includes a column portion and a clamp portion, the column portion being mounted to a support of a jig structure for longitudinal movement relative thereto. The jig supports are spaced apart to receive the components which are to be assembled, and the clamp portions are mounted on the ends of the column portions which protrude into the working envelope between the supports. The column portions are selectively movable relative to the supports so as to adjust the distances by which the clamp portions extend into the working envelope. A threaded shaft is rotatably mounted to the column portion and is rotated by an electric motor so that the shaft interacts with a threaded nut in the column to effect the longitudinal movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling roof trusses including a multi-section assembly table with narrow, parallel, elongated openings in each section. Jig stops are individually adjustable along these openings by respective lead screws driven by stepper motors. The motors are controlled from a computer to automatically position the jig stops in accordance with a particular truss design. The apparatus has conveyor roller carriers between the sections of the assembly table which are raised to lift a completed truss up from the table, so that it can be slid off the table.

Abstract: A jig for forming wooden trusses and like structures, including a table traversed by upwardly opening channels in which stop units are received to define the structure to formed. Each stop unit includes a stop and a clamp member which are adjustable to clamp elements of the channel between them and thereby fix the location of the stop along the length of the channel in which it is received. Each channel carries a scale at one side and the clamp member carries an index mark to be aligned with positions on the scale for accurately locating the stop.

Abstract: A framing aid for use in the construction of a building comprises an elongated member having formed therein a plurality of transverse grooves for accepting the ends of studs and a longitudinal groove intersecting the transverse grooves for accepting a plate and maintaining it in contact with the ends of the studs for attachment thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for fabricating a truss including a plurality of truss components and nailers having projections for engaging the truss components at the ends thereof to form a joint. The present invention includes moving a table from a horizontal position to an inclined position and loading a plurality of nailers and truss components in a predetermined configuration upon a support fixture supported by the table. The present invention includes moving the table to the horizontal position and slidably moving the support fixture from the table to a space between an upper press platen and a lower press platen of a press. The present invention further includes moving the upper press platen towards the lower press platen to advance the projections of the nailers simultaneously into the truss components to form an integral one-piece truss.

Abstract: An assembly jig for making wing spars is adjustable in a manner so that it can be used to produce virtually any size of spar. The jig includes a plurality of vertical posts, each of which has upper and lower clamping mechanisms that are vertically adjustable. The upper mechanism holds the upper spar chord to the spar's web and the lower mechanism similarly holds the spar's lower chord. Adjustment of the clamping mechanisms relative to each other accommodates a variation in web width corresponding to different stations along the length of the spar, or alternatively, different spar designs. Each post is further adjustable in a transverse direction in order to construc spars which are not linear from end to end.

Abstract: A substantially integral one-piece interval locator in flat relatively thin elongate material and having two or more interval spaced notches for locating building components on selected interval positions and including hardened punch points locating and holding the centers of structural members with high precision and repetitive accuracy. The structure includes hand grip means and tapered ends.

Abstract: A truss assembly table having a plurality of sections in succession along its length separated by openings. Each section of the table has several panels in succession separated by openings which extend across the table. Below each opening between the panels, a lead screw drives a carrier which supports a jig stop projecting above the top of the table. Each lead screw is driven by a manually-controlled power-operated device for positioning the corresponding jig stop at a selected position across the table. Power-operated lifts at the openings between sections of the table can be raised to lift a completed truss above the top of the jig stops so that it can be slid off the table laterally.

Abstract: For assembling display boards of varying, predetermined sizes, and of the type comprising two sign element holders (1, 2) determining the height of the display board, one or more back elements (3, 4) determining the width of the display board and arranged to be rigidly connected to flat outer surfaces (5) of the sign element holders (1, 2), and sign elements which are inserted into corresponding grooves in the sign element holders, said holders having substantially L or J shaped cross section with a shank (8) and a foot portion (9), the invention proposes a fixture comprising a flat plate (14) which is somewhat larger than the largest predetermined size of the display boards and which has a plurality of parallel grooves (19 to 26) to receive the foot portions (99) of the sign element holders (1, 2) without friction or play, the grooves (19 to 26) being arranged in a coordinate system with a first groove (19) located on the y-axis and the remaining grooves (20 to 26) being arranged with predetermined distances

Abstract: A clamp for holding lumber which is used to form roof trusses. A plurality of clamps are placed on a work table oriented to constrain plural pieces of lumber forming the truss until truss plates attach ends of adjacent pieces of lumber. The clamp includes an inner and outer sleeve, the inner sleeve telescopes with respect to the outer sleeve and a spring bias connection exists between the inner and outer sleeve through a threaded shaft which causes the inner sleeve to telescope so that imperfections in the lumber can be accounted for and several identically configured trusses can be formed without removing the clamps from the table. Specific types of clamp support for the lumber as well as a specific means for supporting the clamp on the work table is disclosed.

Abstract: A stairway fabricating apparatus includes a structural machine frame that can support an elongated linear stringer work piece thereupon. A plurality of tread supports include multiple work stations which are movably supported by the frame for simultaneously supporting multiple, selectively pre-spaced stair-step treads in a position against the stringer so that the tread and stringer can be connected to define thereafter horizontal stair-step positions of staircase treads that are of a pre-selected spacing and of a pre-selected angular position with respect to the stringer. Connection of the treads to the stringers can be accomplished by welding, for example, once the correct linear spacing and the correct angular position of the treads are selected.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus having utility in the construction of roof trusses at a job site. An elongate trailer frame is mounted to a wheel and axle assembly and is transportable on public highways by towing. A jig assembly supported by the frame is formed primary of uni-strut members and has a first elongate fixed position side rail and a second parallel but movable jig support rail. Plural transversely disposed jig members are slidably mounted for lateral movement along the extent of the first and second side rails of the jig assembly. A clinching device is mounted for longitudinal movement along the extent of the jig assembly by an overhead cantilevered track support structure. The jig assembly is longitudinally extendable, and the overhead track support member has a hingedly mounted auxiliary portion that may be deployed so that the clincher device can reach even the extended portion of the jig assembly.

Abstract: A machine (20) forming of pallets by affixing deck boards (52) to two or more stringers (50). The apparatus includes a base (22) defining a bed which has input and output sections. An inverter (28) is pivotally mounted to the base (22) for pivotal movement between a first position, overlying the input section, and a second position, overlying the output section. With the inverter (28) in its first position, a pallet is partially formed by affixing a plurality of deck boards (52) to first sides of two or more stringers (50) while those pallet components (50, 52) are held within fittings (56, 62, 64, 66, 68) carried by the inverter (28). Affixation is effected by a tower (86), having a plurality of nailer guns (100), moving across the inverter (28).

Abstract: A tilt-top table is described having features that facilitate tilting a top frame between an upright storage and transport condition and a horizontal operative condition. The top frame is connected to a primary support platform and a secondary support brace by a linkage arrangement that facilitates independent pivotal motion of the secondary support brace and the tilt-top frame between upright storage and transport conditions and substantially horizontal, operative conditions. The secondary support brace will pivot from a location above and within the width dimension of the primary support platform to an outboard position, upright to receive and partially support the tilt-top frame when pivoted to the horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to exterior wall and roof constructions wherein a space is provided between an outer sheathing layer and the underlying structure for passage of air to assist in heating, cooling and ventilation functions. Perforated channel members are installed in the area at which air enters and/or leaves the vented space, permitting free flow of air while preventing entry of insects, rodents, or other foreign materials into the space. Means may be optionally provided for blocking off air flow through the vent space when desired to assist in heating and cooling functions. Plenums and ductwork may be provided for recirculation of air from the vented spaces to other portions of the structure. In one embodiment, a vented roof structure is provided which may advantageously be employed in conjunction with an interior, cathedral-type ceiling. An angle bracket useful in both marking roof rafter members for cutting and in assembly thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixture for holding workpieces at predetermined angles while they are being interconnected includes a pair of legs and a hypotenuse forming a right triangle, whose three vertices are truncated to enable the fixture to function as a jig, as a template, or as a bending tool. Workpieces may easily be attached to the fixture, obviating the need for special clamps.

Abstract: A jig comprising a support frame rectangularly-configured having first and second longitudinal sides, against the first of which a major beam is to be clamped. A pair of spaced pattern members are fixedly positioned on the frame and in which minor beams are mounted in contemplation of being secured (nailed) to the major beam and assembled, joined secured roofing panels. The pattern members include spaced notches to receive the minor beams in a perpendicular attitude to the clamped major beam. An outwardly upwardly inclining rack mounted along the second longitudinal side mounts the panels for assembly, joining and stapling in sequential fashion. Then the panels are mounted on the major beam and minor beams on the support frame, with an overhanging edge of the panels aligned with the centerline of the clamped major beam by aligning means on the jig.

Abstract: A jig for constructing pipe support brackets is disclosed, the brackets having a shank portion, an anchoring portion, and a pipe holding portion. The jig has a base member which receives the shank portion and first and second templates which receive the anchoring portions and pipe holding portions respectively, while they are being secured to the shank. The templates may be axially adjustable and pivotally mounted for constructing brackets of different sizes and for facilitating removal of the finished bracket from the jig.

Abstract: An articulated rafter framing jig and it's method of use and structure. It depends on the correct usage of the jig to hold securely and quickly rafter stock so that accurate marking for seat cuts, cheek and plumb cuts be made without use of complicated measurements, tools or calculations and needs only one measurement to accurately position a rafter stock in jig relative to other roof members, thereby saving time and expense.

Abstract: An adjustable jig incorporating combined magnetic and mechanical means for adjustably mounting the jig on a workpiece support whereby the jig may be utilized to locate and maintain the correct positional relationship between components of work during assembly and manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus is disclosed for use in clamping wooden chord and web members together in manufacturing wooden trusses. The clamping apparatus uses an inflatable conduit (50) to force an elongated clamp to a closed position. In a second embodiment, two inflatable conduits (150 and 152) move a tubular member (136) in opposite directions for urging a truss (120) against a stationary brace (32). Tubes (150 and 152) are selectively inflated and deflated through a valve (170).

Abstract: A jig for assembling a prefabricated building wall or similar structure including a supporting frame formed of first and second pairs of supporting members disposed in a generally polygonal configuration, at least two pair of clamping members, each pair of clamping members including opposing first and second clamping members between which are supported first parallel structural members, such as a header and sill plate and a plurality of joist therebetween, at least one of the clamping members of each pair having a rod received in a sleeve with a cooperative pin and a plurality of cam slots effect stepwise adjustment thereof, the same clamping member of each pair also including a threaded rod for fine adjustment, and a flexible cable interconnecting the clamping members of each pair to augment the clamping force provided by each pair of clamping members adjacent to nailing the structural members together to form the prefabricated building wall.