Applied Power Inc.

Other

Dirk J Van Dalen

Pierre N LeGrand

Jeffrey T Bayorgeon

An apparatus for reforming and straightening damaged bodies and frames of vehicles whereby corrective forces are applied to the vehicle through one or more elongated force transmission elements. A force is imposed on the elongated elements respectively by means of a uniquely mounted hydraulic ram which is freely pivotable sideways and limitedly pivotable in a backward direction. Each of the hydraulic rams are attached to a frame situated beneath the vehicle to be straightened whereby the frame further supports a measuring bridge coupled to the vehicle so that the progress of a straightening operation can be readily determined. The measuring bridge includes vertical indicators or gauges which are coupled at datum points on the vehicle so that an operator can readily determine the deformity of the vehicle longitudinally, laterally and vertically with respect to its center line. An operator can gauge the progress of the straightening operation in conjunction with target elements which indicate the ultimate degree of straightening necessary to reform the vehicle. The system thus permits a force to be applied to the vehicle in any desired direction or magnitude until such time as the measuring bridge indicates that the target dimensions have been reached providing a highly accurate and simplified technique of straightening and reforming vehicle bodies or frames.

Vehicle measuring bridge

A measuring bridge coupled to a vehicle by means of a plurality of vertical elements attached to datum points on undamaged portions of the vehicle to properly orient it to the vehicle. In addition, vertical measuring elements attached to datum points in damaged portions of a vehicle are supported on the bridge for movement in two perpendicular directions and a plane parallel to the vehicle and extend along their length to follow and monitor the reforming of the vehicle during the application of force. The measuring bridge is supported by a plurality of air pressure cylinders to maintain proper orientation of the bridge with respect to the vehicle.

Method and apparatus for reforming and straightening vehicles

A method and apparatus for reforming and straightening damaged bodies of vehicles whereby corrective forces are applied to the vehicle through one or more elongated force transmitting elements. A measuring bridge is coupled to the vehicle by means of a plurality of vertical elements. The vertical elements attached to datum points on undamaged portions of the vehicle are restrained from movement relative to the measuring bridge to properly orient it to the vehicle. In addition, vertical elements attached to datum points in damaged portions of a vehicle are supported on the bridge for movement in two perpendicular directions and a plane parallel to the vehicle and are extensible along their length to permit the vertical elements to follow the reforming of the vehicle during the application of force. The measuring bridge is supported by a plurality of air pressure cylinders to maintain proper orientation of the bridge with respect to the vehicle.

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Janesville, WI, United States of America

Dirk J Van Dalen