Apparatus for manufacturing a truss

摘要

PCT No. PCT/GB92/01480 Sec. 371 Date Sep. 14, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date Sep. 14, 1995 PCT Filed Aug. 10, 1992 PCT Pub. No. WO94/03312 PCT Pub. Date Feb. 17, 1994The invention provides apparatus for manufacturing a truss, comprising a plurality of press heads (8) arranged in a single plane about a fixed datum point (12) and movable within the plane about the datum point (12), wherein the press heads (8) are each connected to control means for automatically positioning each head (8) with respect to the datum point (12). The invention also provides a press head (8) for use in such apparatus, comprising a platen (24) and a retractable trolley (34), the trolley (34) having a trolley head (36) and being movable between a retracted position wherein the upper surface of the trolley head (36) is level with or below the upper surface of the platen (24), and an operating position wherein the lower surface of the trolley head (36) is located above the upper surface of the platen (24) so that when the trolley (34) is in the operating position, the platen (24) can be raised towards the trolley head (36) to carry out a pressing action on any truss members (28) and connectors (30, 32) located therebetween. The invention further provides apparatus for connecting a plurality of timber members comprising a fixed pressing member (102), a platen (100) movable with respect to the pressing member (102) and means (106, 110, 112) for introducing at least one connector (108) between the pressing member (102) and the platen (100), wherein the platen (100) and/or the pressing member (102) comprise holding means for holding the or each connector (108) in place during movement of the platen (100).