Truss fabrication system with obstruction detection device

A truss fabrication system for fabricating trusses from truss components including truss members and connectors joining together the truss members, the truss fabrication system comprising:

• a table including a table top and legs supporting the table top and extending to the floor, the table top being adapted to receive truss components arranged with at least some connectors engaging at least some of the truss members;
• and
• a gantry press including a gantry mounted for movement along a path relative to the table over the table top for pressing the connectors into the truss members for joining the truss members together, a side portion of the gantry being located on a side of the table, a motor for driving movement of the gantry relative to the table, and an obstruction detection device mounted on the gantry for detecting obstructions in the path of the gantry, the detection device having portions which are spaced apart vertically thereby defining a vertical detection plane, the detection device comprising a detection plate defining the vertical detection plane thereon, a linkage supporting the plate on the gantry for substantially linear movement relative to the gantry upon contacting an obstruction, and a switch adapted to shut off the motor upon linear movement of the detection plate relative to the gantry, the detection plane being located a predetermined distance from the gantry, the detection device being adapted to detect the presence of all obstructions entering the plane at substantially the same time for stopping movement of the gantry.