Patent ID: 7076856
Filing Date: 2006-07-18
Classification: B21J,B23P,B23Q,B25B,B64F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of joining at least one structural member in a desired configuration, the method comprising: forming a plurality of pads extending from a first structural member; forming a plurality of elongate pockets in a second structural member to correspond with the pads of the first structural member, the elongate pockets being elongate relative to the pads of the first structural member in a longitudinal direction of the structural members such that the elongate pockets provide a longitudinal range of alignment with the pads; positioning the second structural member relative to the first structural member such that the elongate pockets of the second structural member correspond to respective pads of the first structural member; extendably adjusting a plurality of extendable members such that a support surface of each extendable member corresponds to and supports the at least one structural member; sequentially retracting the extendable members and adjusting a gantry in a longitudinal direction of the at least one structural member such that first and second beams of the gantry are disposed in an opposing configuration with the at least one structural member therebetween and the second beam is adjusted through a range of motion that intersects the extendable members in an extended position; adjusting a first joining head in a transverse direction along the first beam and a second joining head in a transverse direction along the second beam; extending at least one of the heads toward the at least one structural member to engage the at least one structural member between the heads; and actuating at least one of the heads to join the at least one structural member.