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: Fire resistant door, glazing, and mullion frames include intumescent material at least partially embedded in the frame adjacent the door or glazing. Trim materials are positioned over the intumescent material to prevent tampering with and damage to the intumescent material while improving the aesthetic appearance of the frame. The jamb trim has a thickness that allows heat to be transmitted to the intumescent material in the event of a fire so that the intumescent material will expand and fill a clearance space between the frame and the door or glazing. The expanded intumescent material retards the passage of heat and, by sealing the clearance space, inhibits the transmission of smoke, flames and gases from one side of the door or glazing to the other. After expanding, the intumescent material will char and solidify, which may provide an added benefit of structural support for the door or glazing.

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: The invention relates to the mast-hydraulic cylinder construction (4, 5) of a two or multiple-stage forklift mast. The substantially vertical beams (4, 5) and cylinder liners (6) of the solid mast structure form an integrated structure (4, 5), in which the cylinder liners (6) consist of ducts integrated within the beams (4, 5), with the mass centre of the cross-section of the integrated structures being at the centre of the cylinder liner (6) or in its immediate vicinity so that the integrated structure (4, 5) can be manufactured by heat extrusion or cold drawing, and in that the integrated structure (4, 5) comprises a first protrusion (14), whose surface is a bearing surface (17) for a roller bearing (16), and a second protrusion (15) for providing a mass centre at the centre of the cylinder liner (6), and a support surface (18, 19) substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the forklift. The invention also relates to a method for producing an integrated structure (4, 5).

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: A punching tool for forming an attachment in a side-lapped seam of steel decking includes four cutting jaws each having a cutting edge. Two jaws are positioned against one side of the seam, and two jaws are positioned on the opposite side of the seam. An actuator selectively pivots the cutting edges of opposing jaws generally toward each other to a closed position, driving the cutting edges of a first pair of jaws partially past each other for cutting a first slot through the seam, and driving the cutting edges of a second pair of jaws partially past each other for cutting a second slot through the seam. Also disclosed are a method for forming such an attachment, as well as the attachment structure which results therefrom.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a section of a support strut member of an offshore oil-drilling rig comprising steps which consist in: a) machining each longitudinal edge of a semi-cylindrical stiffener (13) to provide along the longitudinal edge, a lip (18) for support on a main surface (12A) of a main plate (12), by producing along the longitudinal edge an outer bevel (20) on the side opposite the conduit (17) defined by the stiffener (13); b) applying a base plate (22) of the support lip (18) to weld it with main surface (12A) of the plate (12); heating the support lip (18) to weld it with the plate (12) and constitute a support weld joint; and d) forming a weld bead with filler metal from outside the conduit (17) in the space delimited between the support weld joint, the outer bevel (20) and the main surface (12A) of the main plate (12).

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and a method for assembling a truss utilizing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a truss table having a work surface divided into a first and second assembly zone. The apparatus further includes first and second clamping assemblies for clamping the truss in the first and second assembly zones. The apparatus includes a flip-over assembly having a flip-over arm movable relative to the truss table for moving the truss from a first truss position in the first assembly zone, wherein a first truss face contacts the work surface, to a second truss position in the second assembly zone, wherein a second truss face contacts the work surface. The flip-over arm is movable between a home position adjacent said work surface and an extended position, wherein the flip-over arm may be perpendicular to the work surface. In another alternative, at least a portion of the flip-over arm may extend over the second assembly zone when the flip-over arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of use thereof are provided for improved manufacturing of window and door frames. In particular, the present invention provides an apparatus that can improve efficiency and reduce manpower in manufacturing of window and door frames by being able to accommodate whole assembled window or door frames without manual assistance and by incorporating and utilizing multiple machining tools for machining of multiple surfaces of window and door frames. Correspondingly, the use of the apparatus of the present invention permits the practical use of an unconventional process for manufacturing window and door frames that can reduce wastage of materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight building material (1) for structural work. The light weight building material (1) comprises at least three walls, a first wall (11), a second wall (12) and a third wall (13) formed from a single piece of galvanized iron sheet to form a triangular-section. However, a circular section may also be used while a rectangular section is preferred. The galvanized iron sheet is cut and cold-rolled to form the light weight building material (1).

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: Apparatus and methods for moving a truss assembly from a truss assembly table work surface are presented having lift out rails movable between a recessed position beneath the work surface and a raised position above the work surface. A support element assembly is movably mounted to each lift out rail and has at least one support surface for supporting a truss assembly when the lift out rail is in the recessed position. The support element assembly is movable between an up position and a down position. In the up position the support surface is flush with the work surface of the truss table, the support element assembly in the up position when the lift out rail is in the recessed position. In the down position the support surface does not interfere with a truss assembly sliding on the slide mechanism of the lift out rail, the support element assembly in the down position when the lift out rail is in the raised position.

Abstract: A duct structure (50), includes lengths of square/rectangular duct (52) manufactured by pre-forming the duct in round cross-section (51) and then transforming the round cross-section into square and rectangular cross-sections utilizing expandable die structures (58). The duct (52) may be connected together end to end by flanged connectors (54) formed from strip stock (71), that is notched at locations that correspond to the corners of the formed flange connector. The cross-sectional profile of the flanged connector is then formed by roll forming and/or bending and/or other techniques. Thereafter, the strip stock is bent at its notched locations to define the corners (80) of the flange connector (54) and then the free ends of the strip stock are fixed together.

Abstract: Substantially rectangular-shaped tanks are provided for storing liquefied gas, which tanks are especially adapted for use on land or in combination with bottom-supported offshore structure such as gravity-based structures (GBS). A tank according to this invention is capable of storing fluids at substantially atmospheric pressure and has a plate cover adapted to contain fluids and to transfer local loads caused by contact of said plate cover with said contained fluids to a grillage of stiffeners and stringers, which in turn is adapted to transfer the local loads to an internal truss frame structure. Methods of constructing these tanks are also provided.

Abstract: A truss fabrication system for fabricating trusses includes a table, a gantry press and an obstruction detection device. A top of the table receives truss components arranged with at least some connector plates engaging at least some of the truss members. The gantry press includes a gantry mounted for movement along a path relative to the table for pressing the connectors into the truss components for joining the truss members together. An obstruction detection device is mounted on the gantry for detecting obstructions in the path of the gantry. The detection device defines a vertical detection plane located a predetermined distance from the gantry and is adapted to detect the presence of all obstructions entering the plane at substantially the same time for stopping movement of the gantry.

Abstract: A method of assembling a truss utilizing a truss assembly apparatus having a truss table with a work surface, the steps comprising: arranging at least two truss members on the work surface to form a truss in a first assembly zone; clamping the truss in the first zone with a movable first clamp rail having at least one flip-arm recess therein; and automatically flipping the truss from the first assembly zone to a second assembly zone by activating a plurality of flip arms, at least a portion of one of the plurality of flip arms movable into the at least one corresponding flip-arm recesses of the first clamp rail.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus for assembling truss structures, by assembly on two or more consecutive, spaced apart, coplanar work table surfaces and with a gantry type press assembly of a plurality of wooden truss members and truss connector plates with toothed projections, the truss members coupled by embedding the connector plate projections into said truss members. The truss assembly apparatus has a gantry type press assembly with first and second ends adapted to be mounted on first and second ends of each of said work table surfaces, for movement over the work table surfaces and the space between adjacent work table surfaces. The gantry assembly has a continuous belt on the first and second ends for driving of the gantry assembly, by engagement of the continuous driving belt with the first and second table ends. The gantry assembly is configured to be supported by the continuous belt, during movement of the gantry over a work table surface when crossing the space between work table surfaces.

Abstract: A clamping fixture for use in the assembly of a gate comprised of a number of plastic members includes a flat stationary clamping surface attached to a stationary frame and a flat moving clamping surface extending parallel to the flat clamping surface and driven toward the flat clamping surface by an actuator, so that the plastic members, assembled in the configuration of the gate, are clamped and held between the clamping surfaces. Preferably, the actuator, which includes one or more pneumatic cylinders, is adjustable along the frame to provide for the assembly of gates having different widths. Preferably, the clamping fixture additionally includes a stationary flat guiding strip extending perpendicularly from an end of the flat stationary clamping surface toward the flat moving clamping surface.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a method of manufacturing a thin wall isogrid casing by a chip machining process comprises the steps of: positioning a substantially cylindrical casing (10) on a support (20); the support having a substantially continuous cylindrical support surface (22) engaging at least part of the inner or outer surface of the casing; and machining a plurality of recessed pockets in the said inner or outer surface of the casing opposite the surface engaged by the said support; whereby the support reacts loads acting on the casing by the chip machining tool during machining to minimise distortion of the casing and tearing of the pockets being formed. With this method isogrid pockets (14) can be chip machined, by drilling and/or milling etc, with pocket wall thicknesses of less that 1 mm.

Abstract: A fence rail bracket system. The bracket system may include a bracket with an open end for receiving a fence rail, a retention clip for attaching the rail to the bracket, and a cap for covering the open end of the bracket. The bracket may attach to a wall or post and the fence rail may be slid into the open end of the bracket. The retention clip may attach the bracket to the fence rail and prevent the rail from sliding out of the bracket. The cap may be removably attached to the bracket to conceal the hardware used in the system for a more aesthetically pleasing look.

Abstract: A crossarm system adapted to support power lines from a vertical pole. The crossarm system comprises a wooden crossarm member and first and second nail end plates. The wooden crossarm member defines upper, lower, inner, and outer surfaces and first and second end surfaces, a main bore, a plurality of pin bores, and at least one brace bore. Each nail end plate comprises a plate member defining an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of nail projections extending from the inner surface of the plate member. Each nail projection defines a width dimension. In use, the first and second nail end plates are displaced towards the first and second end surfaces, respectively, such that the nail projections enter the wooden crossarm member. The nail projections are arranged such that the width dimensions substantially prevent splitting of the ends of the crossarm member.

Abstract: A rail bracket mounting system, including a bracket that is attached to a post. The bracket is formed to support the notching of a rail. The end of a rail is then nested into the bracket, and is supported by the bracket. The rail is then secured to the bracket by fasteners such as screws, and a cover may then be placed over the bracket, housing the securing fasteners. The rail may be hollow or solid. A hollow rail may be reinforced along its entire length by the insertion of one or more reinforcing members through a hollow portion of the rail.

Abstract: A method for making a composite structural member. The composite structural member has a flange having a base wall and two side walls extending from the base wall, the base wall and side walls forming a pocket to receive a portion of a web. Each side wall of the flange is doubled with an inner wall panel and an outer wall panel joined along a fold line spaced from, and parallel to, the base wall. Fasteners are formed from each side wall adjacent the fold line, each fastener having inner and outer wall panel sections joined by a section of the fold line and extending transversely from its side wall toward the other side wall. The flange is used with the web, a portion of the web mounted in the pocket with the side walls of the flange adjacent the sides of the web and the fasteners pressed into the sides of the web to secure the flange to the web.

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: An apparatus for reinforcing at least one load-bearing section of a tower assembly which apparatus includes two leg members, at least one brace member for connection to both of the leg members, and at least one connecting plate for attachment to a respective flange plate of the section of the tower assembly and for attachment to an end of one of the leg members, which flange plate is attached to or integral with the section of the tower assembly. The apparatus components form a reinforcing panel which is attachable to the load-bearing section of the tower assembly, so that the two leg members bear at least a portion of the section load when the panel is attached. The apparatus may include adjustable length leg members which enable the length of the panel to be adjusted and at least a portion of the section load to be transferred to the legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing one or more load-bearing sections of a tower assembly, which apparatus comprises two leg members, a plurality of brace members, sized and configured for connection to both of the leg members and at least one connecting plate sized and configured for attachment to a respective flange plate of the section of the tower assembly and for attachment to a leg member, which flange plate is attached to or integral with the section of the tower assembly. The leg members, plurality of brace members and at least one connecting plate are sized and configured for attachment to one another to form a panel or a plurality of panels so that the two leg members bear at least a portion of the section load when installed. Related methods of reinforcing load-bearing sections of a tower assembly are also described.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a slat-screen assembly is provided, wherein the slat-screen assembly is formed by at least one slat member, at least one spacer member and an axial member that penetrates through the slat member and the spacer member, allowing a plurality of slat members and spacer members to be mounted to the axial member with adjacent slat members being spaced apart from each other by a spacer member. The slat member can be flexibly fabricated by a construction material such as metal, plastic, wood, glass, stone, etc. The spacer member can be desirably processed into different shapes as long as it provides the function for spacing adjacent slat members apart. With flexible combination and arrangement of the slat member, spacer member and axial member, a variety of slat-screen assemblies can be fabricated with desirable shapes, materials and mechanical strengths.

Abstract: A method of forming a joist assembly including the steps of forming a top chord, forming a bottom chord, bending a tubular member into a serpentine configuration, positioning an upper bent portion of the tubular member into the top chord, positioning a lower bent portion of the tubular member into the bottom chord, and welding the tubular member to the top chord and to the bottom chord. The top and bottom chords are cold formed of a single length of generally rectangular tubular material.

Abstract: A method of making steel beams in accordance with the present invention comprises sending web fabrication information to a web cutting station indicative of web sizes needed to make webs for steel beams and indicative of a web discharge sequence in which the webs are to be discharged from the cutting station. Steel plate is cut at the cutting station to form webs having the indicated web sizes. A series of the webs are transported from the cutting station to a beam station according to the web discharge sequence. Flange fabrication information is sent to a flange station indicative of flange sizes needed to make flanges for the beams and a flange discharge sequence in which the flanges are to be discharged from the flange station corresponding to the web discharge sequence. Steel stock is cut so as to form flanges having the indicated flange sizes. The flanges are transported to the beam station according to the flange discharge sequence so as to match the flanges with an associated one of the webs.

Abstract: A plurality of wooden roof trusses for constructing a roof includes first and second wooden roof trusses. Each of the first and second wooden roof trusses includes a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord. A first web is provided to the first wooden roof truss and a second web is provided to the second wooden roof truss. Each of the first and second webs has a tapered web end shape set without regard to a shape of a first and second joint, respectively, into which said tapered web end shapes of the first and second webs fit. The first and second webs are substantially identical in length and web end shape. The first and second webs are located at different positions in their respective first and second wooden roof trusses.

Abstract: A truss assembly apparatus and a method for assembling a truss utilizing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a truss table having a work surface divided into a first and second assembly zone. The apparatus further includes first and second clamping assemblies for clamping the truss in the first and second assembly zones. The apparatus includes a flip-over assembly having a flip-over arm movable relative to the truss table for moving the truss from a first truss position in the first assembly zone, wherein a first truss face contacts the work surface, to a second truss position in the second assembly zone, wherein a second truss face contacts the work surface. The flip-over arm is movable between a home position adjacent said work surface and an extended position, wherein the flip-over arm may be perpendicular to the work surface. In another alternative, at least a portion of the flip-over arm may extend over the second assembly zone when the flip-over arm is in the extended position.

Abstract: A box beam is provided that may be fabricated to any desired size, having a box-like structure defined by a seam defined by spaced apart first and second allowance ends or other connection means configuration, first and second top portions, first and second side portions, and a bottom portion, the bottom portion having a raised ridge formed midway about its width and running substantially along the length of the box beam. A method is also provided for fabricating the various embodiments of the box beam described from sheet metal, namely, forming the ridge, turning up the allowance ends at about right angles to the sheet, turning up the top portions likewise, then turning up the side portions likewise.

Abstract: A plurality of wooden roof trusses for constructing a roof includes first and second wooden roof trusses. Each of the first and second wooden roof trusses includes a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord. A first web is provided to the first wooden roof truss and a second web is provided to the second wooden roof truss. Each of the first and second webs has a tapered web end shape set without regard to a shape of a first and second joint, respectively, into which said tapered web end shapes of the first and second webs fit. The first and second webs are substantially identical in length and web end shape. The first and second webs are located at different positions in their respective first and second wooden roof trusses.

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 frame apparatus made of two side frames and four interlocking cross arm supports, held together with a locking member with leg support feature. This configuration provides a frame apparatus that is less complex to assemble, and when the components are in place and locked together, the shape of the frame apparatus will not become distorted. In a preferred embodiment the frame apparatus is used as a bed frame.

Abstract: A stack assemblage of metallic, paper, or paper-like sheets or strips of material secured to one another to define a honeycomb core structure when the assemblage is expanded and flange tabs provided on the opposite edges of said stack. When the stack is expanded, the flange tabs can be deformed into flange orientation on the opposite edges of said stack. The method of fabricating the flange tabs and flanges on the assemblage and the expanded core structure.

Abstract: A method of producing the floor-bridging units, which increases production rate of the floor-bridging units. First rough lumber beams are fed through a planer, which planes the lumber to the required consistent size tolerance. The planed lumber is transferred to a cut-off saw to cut the legs. The legs are transferred to a dado machine and a dado slot is cut into the lumber. The legs are transferred to a joining station to form the X member, where the dado slots are joined into a dado joint by gluing and stapling the joint. The X member is transferred to a trimming station to be trimmed. At the same time flanges are being made by cutting sheet lumber in strips and then into rectangles to form the flanges. The flanges are transferred to a nailing jig, while glue is applied to the trimmed ends of the legs of the X members. The X members with the applied glue are transferred to the nailing jig.

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: Metallic track members having locking slots designed for receiving and retaining metallic stud members that contain construction aids enable the assembly of metallic frames used in the construction of buildings. A flat metallic strip is converted to a W-shaped metallic track member by a series of stamping, bending and severing steps. U-shaped stud members, manufactured in a similar manner are inserted into the track members and held relatively stable by upper and lower track members. An upper track member can be the same shaped design as the lower member or can be U-shaped with stud retaining means into which the stud members can slip-fit. The process for manufacturing is adaptable for computer aided manufacturing using data from the computer aid design of the building. Manufacturing equipment for the manufacture of the construction members is relatively light-weight and can be transported to the job site.

Abstract: A loader boom has arms constructed as tubes that are rectangular in cross section and taper from a bracket for mounting the arms to a tractor. The tubes are each formed by bending a blank of steel material so as to create four 90° corners with opposite ends of the blank extending parallel to each other and forming a gap along, and in the center of, an under side of the tube. A reinforcing bar is located in the gap and secured to the tube by fillet welds.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wooden roof truss having a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord, with the upper chord and the bottom chord being connected by at least one web via nail-plated joints, the method including the steps of: designing a plurality of web designs having tapered end shapes at each end thereof and being of discrete web lengths at increments between minimum and maximum web lengths, the plurality of web designs, tapered end shapes and discrete web lengths being predetermined without knowing shape, pitch and span of said wooden roof truss to be manufactured; engineering a truss design for the wooden roof truss taking into consideration the plurality of web designs and the shape, the pitch and the span of the wooden roof truss to be manufactured by selecting at least one of the plurality of web designs for the truss design; and, assembling the upper and bottom chords and webs by securing joints created by the upper and bottom chords and th

Abstract: A system is provided for cutting and finishing muntins. The system comprises a device for cutting muntins, a device for pinning muntins, and at least one device for punching muntins. The device for cutting muntins comprises a pair of cutting blades that are independently rotatable, translatable and positionable, and indexable, and further comprises means for precisely measuring muntins fed into the apparatus. The device for pinning muntins comprises means for stabilizing a muntin during punching; a guide, which is preferably magnetic; a pin or a blade, which is preferably made of metal; means for punching the pin or blade into a muntin; and means for precisely measuring the location at which a pin or blade is to be punched into a muntin. The at least one device for punching muntins comprises means for stabilizing a muntin strip; means for cutting the muntin strip; and means for translating the means for cutting. Power for the at least one punching apparatus is preferably pneumatic.

Abstract: A composite structural member of the invention comprises a linear member having a first end and a second end attached to each end of the linear member as an end piece or end cap structure. Covering the composite member is a thermoplastic envelope preferably adherently bonded to the composite member. The end caps or end pieces are preferably thermoplastic materials typically thermoplastic composites comprising a thermoplastic resin and a fiber. Such a member is environmentally stable, resists moisture absorption, forms strong mitered joints and can be used in the assembly of fenestration products for commercial and residential real estate.

Abstract: Wooden roof trusses of the kind having a bottom chord (13) and at least one obliquely disposed upper chord (11) with webs connecting the chords by means of nail-pated joints, in which the webs are selected from a set of standard stock length webs (50), and the ends of the webs (49) are provided with a standard shape set without regard to the geometry of the particular web joints.

Abstract: Wooden roof trusses of the kind having a bottom chord (13) and at least one obliquely disposed upper chord (11) with webs connecting the chords by means of nail-pated joints, in which the webs are selected from a set of standard stock length webs (50), and the ends of the webs (49) are provided with a standard shape set without regard to the geometry of the particular web joints.

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 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 method for manufacturing a wooden roof truss having a bottom chord and at least one upper chord obliquely disposed relative to the bottom chord, with the upper chord and the bottom chord being connected by at the least one web via nail-plated joints, the method including the steps of: designing a plurality of web designs having tapered end shapes at each end thereof and being of discrete web lengths at increments between minimum and maximum web lengths, the plurality of web designs, tapered end shapes and discrete web lengths being predetermined without knowing shape, pitch and span of said wooden roof truss to be manufactured; engineering a truss design for the wooden roof truss taking into consideration the plurality of web designs and the shape, the pitch and the span of the wooden roof truss to be manufactured by selecting at least one of the plurality of web designs for the truss design; and assembling the upper and bottom chords and webs by securing joints created by the upper and bottom chords and th

Abstract: A building panel constructed of a gypsum-cement-catalyst formulation molded in layers and including a rigid stud framework. The layers include surface layers, a fire resistant layer and an insulating layer, as well as reinforcement and building paper. A modified panel is molded in layers with structural strength provided by a grid providing spaced apart wire panels. The panel is constructed by a method that includes applying a fluid material of gypsum and cement into a mold having a removable base. Reinforcing mesh and a rigid framework are inserted into the mold along with building paper and reinforcement which are secured to the framework. Additional gypsum and cement are then applied to cover the framework after setting. The base is removed and the initial layer of gypsum and cement is mechanically fastened to the framework.

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.