Abstract: An apparatus for forming a truss assembly is discussed which is particularly configured for versatility and efficiency of operation. The apparatus includes a frame which supports a pair of laterally spaced first and second support rails which receive the chords and the webs of the truss assembly being formed. A pair of pressure clamps are provided which are selectively positionable longitudinally of the apparatus frame for applying clamping pressure to nail plate connector portions of the truss assembly for joining the truss webs and chords. Notably, the apparatus includes an arrangement whereby the support rails of the apparatus can be laterally relatively moved for forming truss assemblies of varying finished heights, with the arrangement including a plurality of slide cylinder assemblies which function in the nature of double-acting fluid rams for applying a clamping pressure to this truss assembly laterally of the apparatus frame as the pressure clamps are operated for joining the elements of the truss.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a jig for constructing a carcase-type article of furniture. A panel which is to form a part (e.g. a door) of the finished article, is placed down on a horizontal surface. A jig is assembled around the panel using the panel as a template, the jig incorporating abutment blocks to contact the edges of the panel and locating blocks in predetermined positions relative to the abutment blocks to define the positions of the carcase walls and to locate the walls in position while being secured to one another. The carcase walls are cut to the desired size, and placed edge down within the locating blocks of the jig. Securing the walls to one another now forms a carcase the walls of which are correctly aligned with the edges of the panel.

Abstract: A clamping means is disclosed for use in clamping wooden chord and web members together in manufacturing wooden trusses. The clamping means uses an inflatable conduit to force an elongated clamp to a closed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in assembling wooden trusses and girders by holding wooden members in proper location and orientation while fastener plates are pressed into place. A frame supports an adjustable grid for supporting a clamp table at the location of each joint between wooden members, and a tower, moveable along the length of the frame, carries an articulated boom supporting an upper clamp assembly which is matable with each clamp table to press fastener plates into opposite sides of the wooden members to join them together. The apparatus is extendable and includes a wheeled undercarriage which is removeable.

Abstract: A jig for manufacturing wooden fencing or shed panels is adaptable to a range of sizes. A horizontal rectangular main frame (4) provides location for all the peripheral battens of a maximum size panel and for some of the peripheral battens of lesser panels. Spanning the frame is an array of parallel beams (12) which can be adjusted transversely to their longitudinal direction. These beams carry locating elements (14) which can be adjusted longitudinally of their respective beams. Intermediate panel battens, and peripheral ones for reduced size panels, can be laid along the beams or transversely to them, in each case being held laterally by the locating elements, and at a height compatible with that of any batten resting on the main frame. Corner and T-junctions of battens can be made at any locating element, with access for nailing them together, and the main frame also provides nailing access for such junctions.

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 trailer bed or chassis including side rail extensions and center rail support posts serves to mount a wooden truss fabricating jig including laterally adjustable center rail sections and associated transverse arms for the support of truss lumber. An arrangement of permanent stops and swivel stops on the jig together with a truss peak locator and splice locator enable the setting up on the job site of a calibrated jig prior to placing the truss lumber thereon, resulting in a great savings of time in truss fabrication. Trusses are produced with precision and uniformity having improved quality and a wider range of truss sizes can be accommodated with the apparatus because of its versatility.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning and holding on an elongate bed pieces of a floor truss of the type comprising a pair of generally parallel spaced-apart wood chord members and a series of relatively flat metal web members having connector portions with teeth struck therefrom to be pressed into the wood chord members for rigidly interconnecting them.

Abstract: A jig for assembling table tops such as picnic table tops, which have a plurality of similar elongated rectangular top members secured together in aligned fashion on transverse bottom members. The jig comprises a frame to which are secured transverse member holders having bottom and side surfaces to receive and secure in parallel position at predetermined spaced locations the transverse members in such a way that the upper surfaces of the transverse members in position in the transverse member holders lie in the same plane. The jig also comprises alignment means secured to the frame to align one end of the top members when in assembly position on the transverse members in the transverse member holders. An alignment means is rigidly secured to the frame at a position which will properly orient a top member with respect to the transverse member by abutment of one of the top member's side surfaces against this alignment means.

Abstract: A truss-fabricating machine comprising a table for supporting a pair of parallel spaced-apart wood chord members, a series of web members spanning the chord members, and connectors having teeth adapted to be pressed into the wood chord members. The machine further comprises apparatus on the top of the table for clamping the chord members in fixed position with respect to the table, including a pair of outside jaws engageable with the outside faces of the chord members, and expansible tubing extending longitudinally of the table for effecting movement of the outside jaws relative to one another transversely of the table to clamp the chord members in fixed position with respect to the table. A press is movable longitudinally with respect to the table for pressing the teeth of the connectors into the chord members when the chord members are clamped in fixed position.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a wood roof truss, or the like, comprising a system which includes a wood member positioning and upper fastener engaging station for arranging and maintaining wood members in positions corresponding to the ultimate positions of the wood members in the completed truss, a fastener embedding station for permanently anchoring upper and lower fastener in the wood members to fix the wood members in their ultimate positions with respect to one another, and a wood roof truss stacking station for automatically moving a completed wood roof truss from a substantially horizontal position to an upright position. The wood member positioning and upper fastener engaging station includes wood member receiver having associated therewith unique truss elevating and advancer for quickly and simultaneously raising the partially fixed wood members of the truss, thereby enabling the wood members to be rapidly moved, as a unit, to the next station in the system.

Abstract: A plurality of serially-disposed and pivotally-connected elements comprise the object-spacing tool of the present invention. The tool can be compactly folded to a size approximately the length of one element or expanded to a length approximately the total length of all the elements. Each element has two members projecting therefrom; typically, each projecting member is at or near an end of the element. Each projecting member is constructed to cooperate with a projecting member from an adjacent element for clamping an object therebetween. These cooperating pairs of projecting elements are spaced a fixed distance from each other, thereby spacing the objects clamped therebetween a predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: A trailer bed or chassis including side rail extensions and center rail support posts serves to mount a wooden truss fabricating jig including laterally adjustable center rail sections and associated transverse arms for the support of truss lumber. An arrangement of permanent stops and swivel stops on the jig together with a truss peak locator and splice locator enable the setting up on the job site of a calibrated jig prior to placing the truss lumber thereon, resulting in a great savings of time in truss fabrication. Trusses are produced with precision and uniformity having improved quality and a wider range of truss sizes can be accommodated with the apparatus because of its versatility.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus (10) comprises an elongate table (12) with a presser carriage (14) supported for movement along the table. The carriage (14) supports a roller (116) for embedding fastener plates into precut truss members positioned on the table (12). Two clamping assemblies (40) are mounted on the table (12) to define a pair of truss assembly zones and an intermediate truss transfer zone. Each clamping mechanism (40) is selectively actuated to effect positive clamping engagement of the precut truss members or semi-complete truss positioned therein. A plurality of lift means (80, 100) are mounted in the table (12) for facilitating advancement of the truss during assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a wood roof truss, or the like, comprising a system which includes a wood member positioning and upper fastening means engaging station for arranging and maintaining wood members in positions corresponding to the ultimate positions of the wood members in the completed truss, a fastening means embedding station for permanently anchoring upper and lower fastenings means in the wood members to fix the wood members in their ultimate positions with respect to one another, and a wood roof truss stacking station for automatically moving a completed wood roof truss from a substantially horizontal position to an upright position. The wood member positioning and upper fastening means engaging station includes wood member receiving means having associated therewith unique truss elevating and advancing means for quickly and simultaneously raising the partially fixed wood members of the truss, thereby enabling the wood members to be rapidly moved, as a unit, to the next station in the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating, assembling and erecting the frame for a steel building, in which the frame is made up of a set of modular truss units which are joined together at the building site. The individual components of each truss unit are fabricated at a central location and are then shipped to an assembly location near the building site. At the assembly location, the components are welded together, prior to shipment to the building site, by use of special welding jigs.

Abstract: A clamping device for simultaneously holding a plurality of workpieces is provided and includes a pair of movable jaws which hold the workpieces against an integral fixed jaw having bearing faces directed toward each movable jaw. The device is lightweight and includes work engaging supports remote from the fixed jaw to facilitate orienting the device in any desired position on the work. An indexable anvil can be disposed over the fixed jaw to accommodate irregularly shaped workpieces, and an alternative embodiment of the device is arranged to hold the workpieces at any desired angle with respect to one another.