Importance

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Abstract

A truss assembly machine includes an elongated table for supporting truss members, including a plurality of wood members and a plurality of connector plates, and a pressing roller mounted for rotation about its own axis on a movable gantry above the support table. The gantry transports the roller longitudinally along the table for engaging the connector plates to embed the plates into the wood members and form the completed truss. A hydraulic cylinder with a hydraulically actuated piston carried therein is coupled to each end of the roller for selectively lifting and lowering the roller. When the gantry stops after completion of a pressing operation, the pistons are automatically actuated for lifting the roller a predetermined distance above its normal operating position to permit the completed truss to be moved along the support table and underneath the elevated roller, thereby allowing the truss to be discharged at one end of the support table without having to move the gantry back to the opposite end of the table. The roller remains in an elevated position until the hydraulic system is actuated by means of a manually operable switch for returning the roller to its normal operating position.

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First Claim