A detection control apparatus for the assembly of building components such
as rafters, trusses, and the like. A pair of sensors located at the output
side of a press for assembling the building components detects metal
connecting plates that are intended to be positioned on opposite sides of
the building component being assembled. If one of the plates is detected
while the other is missing or out of position, the apparatus generates an
alarm to signal an operator or automatically shuts down the press so that
the missing or out-of-position connecting plate can be corrected.