VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUM RICHTEN UND REFORMIEREN BESCHAEDIGTER RAHMEN UND KAROSSERIEN VON FAHRZEUGEN

摘要

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.