Abstract: A universal measuring bridge for determining the amount of misalignment of the datum points on a damaged vehicle, the bridge including a main beam formed from two extruded box beams, each box beam including a reference surface and an upper and lower track, the box beams being connected with the reference surfaces in a precise parallel spaced relation and the tracks also in a precise parallel spaced relation to each other and to the corresponding tracks on the other side, a slide arm having an upper and lower track and an upper and lower rail on each side and a fixed guide and a movable guide on the bottom for aligning the slide arm on the main beam and a cross slide mounted on each end of the slide arm, the cross slide including a pair of rollers positioned to ride on the lower track on each side of the slide arm and a compensating roller positioned to ride on the upper track, the rollers on the lower track being adjustable with respect to the lower track and movable into engagement with the inside of the rai

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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 which are coupled at datum points on the vehicle so that an operator can readily gauge the deformity of the vehicle longitudinally, laterally and vertically with respect to its center line.

Abstract: 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.