Patent ID: 7316068
Filing Date: 2008-01-08
Classification: B27F,E04C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A truss assembly apparatus for assembling a truss having a first and second truss face, said apparatus comprising: a truss table having a work surface, said work surface having a first and second assembly zone; a first clamping assembly for clamping a truss in a first truss position wherein the first truss face contacts the work surface in said first assembly zone, said first clamping assembly having a first movable jig movable between a first jig home position, wherein the truss is free to move, and a first jig clamped position, wherein the first movable jig contacts the truss when the truss is in the first truss position; and a second clamping assembly for clamping a truss in a second truss position wherein the second truss face contacts the work surface in said second assembly zone, said second clamping assembly having a second movable jig movable between a second jig home position, wherein the truss is free to move, and a second jig clamped position, wherein the second movable jig contacts the truss when the truss is in the second truss position; and said first clamping assembly comprising a plurality of first clamping actuators positioned below the work surface and interconnected between the truss table and the first movable jig, wherein at least a portion of each of said first clamping actuators are positioned below the second assembly zone of the work surface; and said second clamping assembly comprising a plurality of second clamping actuators positioned below the work surface and interconnected between the truss table and the second movable jig, wherein at least a portion of each of said second clamping actuators are positioned below the first assembly zone of the work surface.