In a lumber factory, an automated laminated veneer lumber (LVL) process supported by a lumber production line employing a cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage, a dip-coating stage, a spray-coating stage, a print-marking stage, and a stacking, packaging and wrapping stage. At the dip-coating stage, cross-cut and rip-sawed LVL product is automatically transported and submerged through a dipping reservoir containing clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, and then wet-stacked and set aside to dry. Once dried, the dip-coated LVL products are returned to the production line and sprayed coated with a moisture, fire and UV protective coating at the spray-coating stage, and then passed through a drying tunnel for quick drying of the spray-coating to produce Class-A fire-protected LVL products. The Class-A fire-protected LVL products are stacked, packaged and wrapped at the stacking, packaging and wrapping stage into a package of Class-A fire-protected LVL products, ready for shipping.

In a lumber factory, an automated laminated veneer lumber (LVL) process supported by a lumber production line employing a cross-cutting and rip-sawing stage, a dip-coating stage, a spray-coating stage, a print-marking stage, and a stacking, packaging and wrapping stage. At the dip-coating stage, cross-cut and rip-sawed LVL product is automatically transported and submerged through a dipping reservoir containing clean fire inhibiting chemical (CFIC) liquid, and then wet-stacked and set aside to dry. Once dried, the dip-coated LVL products are returned to the production line and sprayed coated with a moisture, fire and UV protective coating at the spray-coating stage, and then passed through a drying tunnel for quick drying of the spray-coating to produce Class-A fire-protected LVL products. The Class-A fire-protected LVL products are stacked, packaged and wrapped at the stacking, packaging and wrapping stage into a package of Class-A fire-protected LVL products, ready for shipping.

The present disclosure provides in various embodiments a truss member connector including a first attachment section, a second attachment section, a connection section connecting the first attachment section to the second attachment section, and one or more guide pins. The present disclosure provides in various embodiments a reinforced truss and a method for reinforcing a truss member of a truss with the additional reinforcing member which includes attaching an additional reinforcing member to the truss member with a plurality of truss member connectors to enable rotation of the additional reinforcing member relative to the truss member such that the additional reinforcing member adds support and rigidity to the truss member and the entire truss.

The present disclosure provides in various embodiments a truss member connector including a first attachment section, a second attachment section, a connection section connecting the first attachment section to the second attachment section, and one or more guide pins. The present disclosure provides in various embodiments a reinforced truss and a method for reinforcing a truss member of a truss with the additional reinforcing member which includes attaching an additional reinforcing member to the truss member with a plurality of truss member connectors to enable rotation of the additional reinforcing member relative to the truss member such that the additional reinforcing member adds support and rigidity to the truss member and the entire truss.

An interlocking elongate stackable spacer member for spacing structural framing members. The spacer is elongate having a lengthwise main portion and an offset portion, the offset portion defining a recess on a first side of the elongate body and a corresponding protrusion on a second side of the elongate body. The length of the protrusion corresponding to a desired spacing between adjacent trusses. The spacer can include a first end portion with a first connector and a second end portion having a cooperative second connector. The spacer is configured to interlock with another like spacer by inserting a first projection end portion of the first connector, into an aperture of the second connector, of the other of the spacer and the another spacer, such that the first projection end portion and the aperture of the second connector resist separation of the spacer and the another spacer along the lengthwise axis.

A strut and method using same is provided. The strut comprises a body member having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. A first gripping member is connected to the first end of the body member. The first gripping member comprises a first plate for engaging a first structural engagement member. A second gripping member is connected to the second end of the body member. The second gripping member comprises a second plate for engaging a second structural member. The body member of the strut extends in a direction to intercept each of the first and second plates.

A curved brace is described herein. In some embodiments, the curved brace includes a base plate that has a proximal segment with one or more fastener apertures that is configured to confront a vertical post, a distal segment located distal to the proximal segment that includes one or more fastener apertures that is configured to confront a lateral beam and a curved middle segment located between the proximal and distal segments. A support plate with a curved base as well as a curved free edge may be attached to the base plate. The curved middle segment of the base plate may have an apex facing the apex angle formed at the connection of the lateral beam to the support beam. Methods of using and manufacturing the curved brace are also described.

A truss-jig-positioning system that includes a truss-assembly table having a support plane, a plurality of slots in the support plane, and a plurality of puck assemblies automatically movable along the slots. Each puck is self-powered and self-locks at selected locations. A controller controls the pucks. Images of the truss-assembly table and pucks allow the controller to locate pucks, and transmit location-correction information as needed to move pucks to desired locations for building various trusses, wall assemblies, etc. Pucks are self-powered, self-moving, motorized jigging members. Each operates from controller commands to unlock from one location, move along their slot and lock to a new location. Optionally location-measuring (machine-vision) subsystem(s) communicate wirelessly with the pucks to readjust positions and re-lock at the adjusted position. Optionally, the jigging pucks can automatically move along slots to connect to a recharging station to self-recharge on-puck batteries or supercapacitors.

The disclosure generally relates to a locating assembly as a component of a locating table segment for positioning truss segments in a truss assembly system. The system generally includes a plurality of table segments aligned in parallel and adapted to position a series of locating blocks on a top surface of the system/table, where each block is a component of one of a plurality of locating assemblies in the system. The block positions collectively define an outer boundary of a support truss (e.g., as a roofing truss). Once the blocks are moved to their desired position, appropriately sized truss segments are placed within the block-defined boundary and fastened together.

The disclosure generally relates to a locating assembly as a component of a locating table segment for positioning truss segments in a truss assembly system. The system generally includes a plurality of table segments aligned in parallel and adapted to position a series of locating blocks on a top surface of the system/table, where each block is a component of one of a plurality of locating assemblies in the system. The block positions collectively define an outer boundary of a support truss (e.g., as a roofing truss). Once the blocks are moved to their desired position, appropriately sized truss segments are placed within the block-defined boundary and fastened together.