Abstract: A laser telemeter is driven on two mutually orthogonal axes by stepper motor assemblies to acquire targets mounted at predetermined points on a vehicle. The distances to the targets and the angular orientations are obtained. A computer equipped with a microprocessor controls the movement of the stepper motors by storing in memory the number of steps made during rotation about each axis, and calculates, from the distance between the telemeter and each point, and from the angles of rotation of the beam between the various points measured, the distance between at least two points. These are automatically compared with known standard distances to obtain discrepancies which indicate the deformation of the vehicle. The targets can be disks with back-reflective material thereon as a peripheral ring and a central dot.

Abstract: This device employs a telemeter (2) which serves to measure its distance from each point to be measured, pivoting mount (9,10) for orientation of the telemeter about two perpendicular axes of rotation, two stepping and reducing motor assemblies assuring the two movements of rotation, and a computer equipped with a microprocessor intended to acquire each distance measurement measured by the telemeter, to control the movement of the stepping motors by storing in memory the number of steps made during the rotation, around each axis, and to calculate, from the distance between the telemeter and each point, and from the angles of rotation of the beam between the various points measured, the distance between at least two points.

Abstract: A vehicle repair system for locating and defining predetermined points of vehicle components to ensure compliance with the vehicle specifications. The system utilizes a common base for interchangeably receiving any one of a plurality of control heads in order to enable the base portion of the system to be utilized in checking and verifying the position of vehicle components for any or a large number of vehicles. Each of the interchangeable control heads is specifically configured for use with a particular vehicle and for locating a component of that particular vehicle so that each of the specific control heads can be utilized in a standard system base eliminating the necessity of individual bases being formed as an integral portion of the position locating or verifying apparatus. In addition, the checking and verification system may be utilized to effect localized repairs or reforming of the automotive components to effect their correct positioning.

Abstract: The apparatus for mounting a damaged vehicle body on a checking frame comprises two cross-members carried by vertical end-plates and rigidly fixed to two mounting-plates. The first cross-member is intended to be fixed directly in holes of the longitudinal members of the checking frame. The second cross-member is mounted in an adjustable position on the longitudinal members by means of two sole-plates. Four vehicle body supports are slidably mounted on the cross-members and capable of receiving detachable positioning elements which are specific to each type of vehicle body. The two cross-members are raised to a sufficient height to permit positioning of the horizontal frame of a measuring device beneath the cross-members. The measuring device can thus rest on the longitudinal members of the checking frame so as to permit all the necessary checking operations.

Abstract: In a device for straightening vehicle bodies, a long-stroke traction jack is mounted vertically within a vertical column, the jack body being attached to the lower end of the column. The column is carried by a movable base and can be attached to the ground by means of retaining chains. One end of a traction chain passed over a guide pulley and engaged within the interior of the column is attached to the free end of the jack operating rod.

Abstract: The device for checking the positions of shock-absorber heads of a McPherson suspension system comprises a horizontal cross-beam which is placed above the front end of a damaged or undamaged vehicle body to be checked and which is pivotally mounted on two lateral support brackets. Two sliders mounted on the cross-beam each carry a pivoted control arm, the lower end of which is placed opposite to the center of the corresponding shock-absorber head. Graduated scales placed above each slider and on each control arm provide a direct visual indication of forward or backward angular displacement of the cross-beam with respect to the lateral support brackets and of outward or inward inclination of the control arms of the sliders.

Abstract: Apparatus for the positioning of an automobile vehicle bodywork on an inspection and/or repair gauge block of the type comprising two parallel longitudinal members having an I-section. The apparatus comprises two cross members for disposition beneath the longitudinal members the cross members being mounted for movement along the longitudinal members by means of rollers rolling on the lower flanges of the longitudinal members. The extremities of these cross members each carry, outside the gauge block, a lateral bracket containing a sliding vertical arm the upper extremity of which carries an element adapted to support the base of a vehicle body. This element is movably mounted in the transverse direction while mechanical control structure is provided permitting sliding the vertical arm in order to adjust the position of this support element in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The equipment unit comprises a checking bench constituted by a plurality of removable cross-members provided with uniformly spaced holes for fixing in different positions on longitudinal members, and two removable longitudinal sole-pieces each provided on one side with a lateral appendage for mounting measuring accessories. The vehicle body is secured to the sides of the bench at intermediate points while two brackets or sets of brackets for attaching or checking the body are fixed on the front and rear portions respectively of the bench. It is thus possible to modify the positions of the cross-members, sole-pieces and brackets with respect to each other and to carry out with equal ease a positive checking operation, a measuring operation or a body-reshaping and truing operation.