Abstract: A stamping machine configured to shape a sheet material including an upper binder including first teeth, a lower binder including second teeth, and a punch. A first cylinder is positioned between a lower binder and a support surface. A second cylinder is positioned between the upper binder and the lower binder. A cushion pin is positioned at the support surface that is configured to contact and control movement of the lower binder relative to the punch. A force exerted by the second cylinder is greater than that exerted by the first cylinder, and the force exerted by the cushion pin is greater than that exerted by the second cylinder. The first and second cylinders and the cushion pin are used to control when the first and second teeth are permitted to engage the sheet material, which assists in preventing or minimizing spring back of the sheet material through post-stretching.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an assembly jig are disclosed. The assembly jig includes an elongate support frame that has a first end and a second end, a fixed beam at the second end, transversely oriented to a long axis of the support frame, a pivotable beam at the first end, transversely oriented to the long axis and pivotable in a vertical plane that is substantially perpendicular to the long axis, and a floor contacting transport assembly connected to at least the pivotable beam and configured to enable selective movement of the assembly jig relative to a floor surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inspecting installation of a fastener. One method includes monitoring hydraulic pressure of a tool that is installing the fastener, detecting that the hydraulic pressure has dropped by more than a threshold amount within a period of time, determining that a pintail of the fastener has snapped in response to the detecting, and reducing the hydraulic pressure in response to the determining.

Abstract: The manufacturing method includes a first step in which a pad holding state is established and a second step in which pad draw forming is performed after the first step is completed.

Abstract: A mechanical spreader along a spreading axis, characterized in that it comprises a support (1) and two spreading plates (2), each spreading plate (2) comprising at least one bevel (3), and in that it also comprises a central rod (4) able to slide in said support (1) between the two spreading plates (2), said central rod (4) comprising a plurality of bevels (5) having a profile complementary to the bevels (3) of said spreading plates (2), the bevels (5) of said central rod (4) being in contact with the bevels (3) of said spreading plates (2), said spreader also comprising return means able to exert a return force on the spreading plates (2), means for pushing the central rod (4) and means for immobilizing the spreading plates (2) in planes perpendicular to said spreading axis.

Abstract: An improved dolly particularly suited for the secure transport of disabled vehicles in a repair shop is described. Specifically, the locations of both the points of contact with the vehicle and the points of contact with the ground may be configured independently from one another. This configurability allows the dolly to contact the vehicle in the most optimally secure locations, while also contacting the floor in the most convenient configuration so as to accommodate obstructions and irregularities in the floor.

Abstract: A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame.

Abstract: A bending press system is disclosed. The bending press system may include: at least one guide post; a slide plate mounted at a slider so as to be slidable upwardly or downwardly along the guide post; a bending die including a lower die having an upper surface and an upper die having a lower surface corresponding to the upper surface of the lower die and mounted on a lower surface of the slide plate, and adapted to bend an object supplied between the lower die and the upper die to have a predetermined curvature; and a pair of clamping means mounted respectively at both sides of the bending die corresponding to the bending die and adapted to clamp both end portions of the object.

Abstract: A multiple clamp type stretching and forming machine is composed of multiple material clamping mechanisms (1), multiple material stretching mechanisms (2) and a frame (3). The material clamping mechanism (1) is composed of a material clamping frame (7), material clamping blocks (8, 9) and a hydraulic cylinder (6) for clamping material. The two sides of the frame (3) are arranged with a row of multiple material clamping mechanisms (1), respectively. The material clamping frame (7) of each material clamping mechanism (1) is provided with one or two connecting holes (5), which connect with one or more material stretching mechanisms (2) through a universal push-pull mechanism (4). The stretching and forming machine can improve the utilization ratio of the material, and reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A pipe homing tool includes a plurality of clamps each having a clamp cavity, a chain extending through the clamp cavity of each of the plurality of clamps and a binder engaging the chain and adapted to selectively shorten and lengthen the chain.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys work that was conduction heated at an energizing position to a processing position that is separated from the energizing position in the horizontal direction in order to perform hot press-forming, and comprises: a holding member that freely clamps both end sections in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated; a drive mechanism that moves the holding member from at least the energizing position to the processing position; and a guide member that extends between the energizing position and the processing position and guides and supports the middle section in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated and is being conveyed toward the processing position. A hot press-forming apparatus comprises the conveyor apparatus when conveying conduction heated work to a downstream process.

Abstract: A bending press system is disclosed. The bending press system may include: a base; a slider disposed above the base and moving downwardly toward the base or moving upwardly from the base; a curvature die mounted at the base and the slider, and integrated by descent of the slider such that a pipe member inserted in the curvature die is formed to have a predetermined curvature; and a pair of clamping units disposed to be rotatable by a predetermined angle corresponding to the curvature die at both sides of the base, and clamping both end portions of the pipe member.

Abstract: An apparatus for drawing a metal sheet. In one implementation the apparatus includes a fixed head having a first window through which the metal sheet to be drawn may pass and a first holder for holding a first portion of the metal sheet within the first window during a drawing process. The apparatus also includes a moving head that is moveable relative to the fixed head. The moving head has a second window through which the metal sheet to be drawn may pass and a second holder for holding a second portion of the metal sheet within the second window during a drawing process. A support assembly is attached at one end to the fixed head and extends longitudinally through the second window of the moving head. The support assembly forms a part of an actuator assembly that is operable to situate the moving head in different and fixed longitudinal positions relative to the fixed head prior to a drawing process.

Abstract: A workpiece is press-formed into a press-formed product in a single stroke using a punch and a die by grasping a first portion of the workpiece by a blank holder at a first timing in the single stroke, and grasping a second portion of the workpiece which is different form the first portion by the blank holder at a second timing in the single stroke which is different from the first timing.

Abstract: In order for the straightening of deformed electrolysis potshells to provide operationally reliable equipment which makes it possible to straighten deformed potshell sidewalls even of different deformation resistance independently of one another, specifically both in the case of the potshell carrying structure and in the case of the potshell sheeting, according to the invention an elongate transportable straightening beam (14) is proposed, which with its length can extend over the distance between two potshell walls (12, 13) lying in each case opposite one another and which at each of its two end regions has a straightening jaw (15, 16) with a downwardly open U-profile-shaped through orifice (17, 18), by means of which the straightening beam can be positioned onto the top side of the potshell sidewalls, in or on the U-legs of the straightening jaws (15, 16) being arranged in each case at least one hydraulic straightening ram (25, 26, 27, 29) coming to lie parallel to the potshell bottom, and the straightening

Abstract: A straightening arrangement for straightening a chassis frame, comprising a plurality of bridges (11). Each bridge comprises a horizontal beam (12) and a vertical beam (13) whose lower end is fixed to the horizontal beam, a floor anchorage which detachably fastens the bridge to the floor, a device (15) arranged horizontally on the beam construction, and a chain attachment fitting (18). The bridge is locked in at least two directions, perpendicular to one another and also to the chassis frame. The horizontal device is arranged, in the straightening of a chassis frame which is bent in the lateral direction, to apply a horizontally directed force. The chain attachment fitting is arranged in the straightening of a chassis frame, which is bent in the vertical direction or is crooked, to secure a chain that is attached to the chassis frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to pliers for clamping plates used in conjunction with a manipulator arm, comprising a rigid frame connected to a carrier such as a rigid stand or robot, and an articulation sub-assembly connected to the frame and comprising a fixed arm, a mobile arm, and a main actuator for displacing the mobile arm in translation or rotation relative to the fixed arm for closing or opening the pliers and respectively clamping the plate assembly between the arms or releasing said assembly, wherein said pliers belong to a family of pliers comprising C- and X-shaped pliers, the frame having a similar shape and appearance for all the pliers of said family. Application mainly in the family of C- and X-shaped resistance-welding pliers having similar and preferably identical frames.

Abstract: Surgical scissors devices are disclosed. The surgical scissors devices may comprise an end effector with first and second blade members. The first and second blade members may respectively comprise proximally positioned cams and distally positioned blade ends. Also, the first and second blade members may be coupled at a pivot point by a fastener held in tension along its longitudinal axis by the blade members. A reciprocating shuttle may comprise at least one pin positioned within slots defined by the respective cams of the blade members. Distally-directed motion of the shuttle may cause the first and second blade members to open and proximally-directed motion of the shuttle may cause the first and second blade members to close. Methods and apparatuses for forming the surgical scissors device are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a bending machine for bending rod-shaped workpieces made from wire, tubular material or the like, a machine frame is provided with at least one bending station including two bending units. Each of said bending units includes a bending head with a bending head housing and a bending tool, an auxiliary gripper arranged on the bending head housing so as to be pivotable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine frame, and a gripping unit, which is spaced apart from the bending head as viewed along the longitudinal axis of the frame, pivotable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine frame and displaceable on a guide in the direction of said axis.

Abstract: Aluminium panels curved in mutually orthogonal x, y and z dimensions are made by stretch forming. A former (34) for use in this process comprises a plurality of steel bars (60) extending generally in the y direction and mutually spaced apart in the x direction. The bars (60) are held in side rails (62) and (64), which are formed with holes (66) to receive the bars (60), and flexed over an intermediate rail (68). Thus each bar (60) is curved in a yz plane. The holes (66) and the seats for the bars on the intermediate rail (68) each lie on a curve in an xz plane. So located, the bars (60) combine to define an envelope which is curved in mutually orthogonal x, y and z dimensions. When an aluminium sheet is stretched over the former (34), it takes up the shape of this envelope.

Abstract: Machine for drawing metal sheets, which comprises a static support (3) and a moving support (4) that hold a metal sheet (2) during a process of drawing said metal sheet (2), and driving means (5) that cause a longitudinal movement of said moving support (4) in relation to said static support (3) during said process, a section (S) of said metal sheet (2) comprised between said supports (3, 4) being drew and tensioned. Said machine (1) also comprises a third support (6) that remains static during the drawing process and which is disposed between the static support (3) and the moving support (4), and the driving means (5) cooperate with said third support (6) in order to move said moving support (4) longitudinally during said drawing process.

Abstract: In order to provide a method and apparatus for forming a sheet metal, in which a three-dimensional product such as a prototype for commercialized press-forming can be formed in short time without limitations as to the shape and with high accuracy, preventing body wrinkles or reduction of the sheet thickness, a process of: performing drawing-forming to a predetermine height by pushing the forming punch having a desired shape in the sheet thickness direction with the edges of the blank workpiece being clamped; performing shape-forming with the shaping tool in the opposite side to the forming punch by increasing a clamping pressure to lock movement of a material with the forming punch being pushed; performing drawing-forming again by decreasing the clamping pressure and raising the forming punch by a desired height; and performing shape-forming with the shaping tool by increasing the clamping pressure to lock movement of a material, is repeated at least once.

Abstract: A frame for holding sheet material taut comprises a support as well as two legs which extend essentially parallel to one another transversely from the support, on which legs fixing elements are provided for fixing, in each case, one of the opposing edges of a piece of sheet material thereto. At least one of the legs can be moved along the support towards and away from the other leg. Furthermore compensation elements are provided for compensating for stretch and/or shrinkage of the piece of sheet material fixed between the legs.

Abstract: A jig for bending a wire tray comprising: a base to carry a rear end portion of the wire tray, having a front end portion having two spaced points adapted for hangable connection; b) two swinging arms each hingably attached to the front end portion of the base; c) an arm spacer having a rear end portion having two spaced points, adapted for hangable connection, and attached to a central point on a corresponding swinging arm, so that movement of either arm moves the other arm in parallel alignment thereto; d) an interior block/clamp positioned within and thereafter clamped to the wire tray on the base; e) an interior block/clamp positioned within and thereafter clamp the wire tray on the spacer; and wherein, f) an interior side portion of the base surrounds the wire tray. When the block/clamps are properly secured within the rear and front end portions of the wire tray then the wire tray is prevented from bending.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of securing a vehicle to a conventional vehicle repair frame rack utilizes conventional and readily available T-brackets or angle irons welded to four corners of the base of the vehicle to be repaired. A pair of square crossbeams extending in parallel from side to side, one of them near the vehicle's forward and the other near the aft end, under the base of the vehicle, are removably attached to the clamping tie-down members of the frame rack by sliding insertion through a first pair of aligned sleeves, each sleeve affixed to a bracket clamped by a tie-down member of the frame rack. Each crossbeam is releasably attached to the base of the vehicle by sliding insertion through a second pair of aligned sleeves bearing clamping assemblies, each clamping assembly of the invention being clamped to a T bracket welded onto the rocker panel, or angle iron, as the case may be, welded onto the bottom of the base of full-size-frame vehicles.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to an automated handling device for handling a forged piece during a forging press. A method in accordance with an implementation of the present invention involves positioning the workpiece between two tools in a predetermined shaping position in at least one working region of a shaping machine (positioning step), particularly one that operates percussively, moving the tools of the shaping machine relative to one another and shaping the workpiece between the tools during at least one shaping step, holding the workpiece in its shaping position by at least two handling devices during each shaping step, and thus also when the tool(s) strike the workpiece, and automatically controlling or regulating by mutual coordination the motions and positions of at least two handling devices by use of at least one control device.

Abstract: An elbow rotator apparatus for rotating an integrally formed section of an elbow workpiece includes a pair of gripping arms which are selectively positionable in a first position displaced from the elbow workpiece, and a second position in which the gripping arms are in contact with the integral section of the elbow workpiece. A rotary actuator is operatively connected to the gripping arms to selectively rotate the gripping arms by a predetermined amount when the gripping arms are in the second position.

Abstract: An automobile body repair machine incorporating a quill and shaft load shouldering assembly whose quill includes lateral, medial, and oppositely lateral sections; slide stopping set screws extending through the quill sections for impingement upon the quill and shaft combination's shaft; weld seam grasping left and right anchor clamps fixedly attached to the lateral and oppositely lateral quill sections; a pull force transferring cantilevered stem; a selectively lockable and unlockable pivot joint interconnecting the stem and the medial quill section; a pivoting cantilevered foot attached to a distal end of the stem; and a foot extending hydraulic cylinder triangulating between the stem and the foot; the automobile body repairing machine further incorporating a body damage pulling tie attached to a distal end of the cantilevered foot.

Abstract: In a bending machine for bending rod-shaped workpieces made from wire, tubular material or the like, a machine frame is provided with at least one bending station comprising two bending units. Each of said bending units comprises a bending head with a bending head housing and a bending tool, an auxiliary gripper arranged on the bending head housing so as to be pivotable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine frame, and a gripping unit, which is spaced apart from the bending head as viewed along the longitudinal axis of the frame, pivotable perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine frame and displaceable on a guide in the direction of said axis.

Abstract: A portable frame puller is jointed to increase the number of attachment points for fixing the frame puller relative to a vehicle being repaired and/or to reach difficult to reach pulling points. In one embodiment, the frame puller includes a pivot head pivotally connected to the main beam to easily position a clamp assembly relative to the vehicle to fix the frame puller relative to the vehicle by clamping onto the vehicle, thus eliminating the need for tie downs or anchor pot. In another embodiment, a jointed support post provides flexibility to apply pulling forces to difficult to reach attachment points on the vehicle, and a clamp assembly fixes the frame puller relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: Devices for straightening portions of a vehicle, particularly the unibody and/or frame of a vehicle following a collision. A device comprising a clamp which is attachable to a pulling device which exerts a pulling force in a direction P. The clamp comprises jaws which open in the general direction of pulling force P to engage a flange or other portion of a vehicle extending away from the direction of the pulling force P. This aspect is particularly useful for repairing the wheelhouse of a vehicle. Another aspect is a clamp with two openings, preferably in a single set of jaws. One opening may, for example, open proximally, i.e., in the general direction of pulling force P, while the other opening may open in a direction away from pulling force P. Another aspect of the present invention comprises providing a plurality of clamps in a single pulling device wherein the clamps are connectable, via a chain, to a single pulling arm, and where the clamps are independently positionable relative to each other.

Abstract: Vehicle repair clamps for grasping curved or non-linear surfaces. One embodiment comprises a hinged clamp comprising at least one jaw formed of a plurality of jaw sections that are hingedly connected and that may be adjusted to grasp surfaces of different angles. The clamp segments may be straight or arcuate. These embodiments facilitate attachment of the hinged jaws to portions of a damaged vehicle which form different angles and/or have various radii of curvature. Vehicle repair clamps comprising jaws with non-linear clamping portions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening propeller drive shafts without the need for removing the shaft from the lower unit/drive assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a mechanical linkage is provided that is configured to securely grip the propeller drive shaft and that is mechanically coupled to an extension module. The extension module may be a hydraulic ram that provides a linear force. The linkage is configured to receive the linear force from the extension module and transfer the linear force to the propeller drive shaft. Because the propeller drive shaft is securely fixed within the linkage and within the lower unit/drive assembly, the force applied to the propeller drive shaft is operative to bend the propeller drive shaft opposite of the existing bend in order to straighten it.

Abstract: A bending apparatus for bending and transporting an aluminum metal sheet. The bending apparatus includes a central retaining portion that has gripping elements mounted on the central retaining portion for retaining an aluminum metal sheet. There is also included a bending mechanism that is mounted to the central retaining portion. The bending mechanism is capable of axial movement in relation to a central axis of the central retaining portion for imparting a curvature to an aluminum metal sheet.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus (1,31) for forming a three-dimensional object and in particular to a method and apparatus (1,31) for forming a three-dimensional beam, it is desirable to form three-dimensional beams (5) having complex forms by using an efficient forming process for the beams which may be incorporated into existing high volume production techniques. The apparatus (1,31) for forming three-dimensional beams (5) comprises a support device and an actuation device. Support members (2, 32, 41, 51, 61) spaced about the longitudinal axis of the support device locally define an opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) for supporting a section of the beam (5). The position of adjacent openings (4, 35, 43, 53, 63) relative to one another defines the overall form of the beam (5) and the actuation device defines the position of each opening (4, 35, 43, 53, 63).

Abstract: A modular mobile bench for supporting a vehicle chassis comprises a modular frame and a plurality of modular fixture holders supported on such frame having fixtures pick-up points on the chassis or vehicle body that is to be suported thereon. The modular frame and fixture holders are constructed and arranged in such a way they can support the entire vehicle chassis in any desired position, upright, upside-down, on either side, on either end, one portion of the vehicle elevated relative to another portion, and at various desired angles and attitudes for working on the vehicle chassis as well as for design purposes.

Abstract: A clamping device including a housing having a base portion slideably mounted to be positionable along the width of a carriage, the carriage being slideably mounted to be positionable along the length of a guide track. The housing includes a clamping jaw pivotally mounted therein and activatable by a hydraulic cylinder. The carriage is designed to interlock with the base portion of the housing and with the guide track upon activation of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A dual clamping adapter for securing a vehicle body undercarriage having both horizontal pinchwelds and vertical jack tabs to a vehicle repairing device includes a generally L-shaped clamp bracket having a generally upright upper leg and a generally horizontal lower leg, a first pair of clamps for releasably clamping a horizontal pinchweld of a vehicle body undercarriage and a second pair of clamps for releasing clamping a vertical jack tab of a vehicle body undercarriage. The first and second clamping plates are adjustably mounted on the upper and lower leg of the clamp bracket, respectively and the clamp bracket is height adjustable. A vehicle repairing device utilizing the aforementioned dual clamping adapter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual clamping adapter for securing a vehicle body undercarriage having both horizontal pinchwelds and vertical jack tabs to a vehicle repairing device includes a generally L-shaped clamp bracket having a generally upright upper leg and a generally horizontal lower leg, a first pair of clamps for releasably clamping a horizontal pinchweld of a vehicle body undercarriage and a second pair of clamps for releasing clamping a vertical jack tab of a vehicle body undercarriage. The first and second clamping plates are adjustably mounted on the upper and lower leg of the clamp bracket, respectively and the clamp bracket is height adjustable. A vehicle repairing device utilizing the aforementioned dual clamping adapter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle holding system for use with a vehicle frame straightener including a vehicle supporting rack and one or more pulling towers positioned adjacent thereto. The system of this invention comprises a pair of elongated cross bars which are secured to the rack and which extend between the sides thereof. A pair of blocking sockets are selectively mounted on each of the cross bars. Each of the locking sockets has a socket insert sleeve positioned therein which has a blocking upright mounted therein. Various components may be either secured to the sleeve or to the blocking uprights to block or hold the vehicle frame during the straightening operation.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable force deflection device which can be used to guide, deflect, and apply force used in the restoration of deformed vehicle bodies on work benches or straighteners. The device consists of at least two fixable, pivoted joints, each comprising a pair of coupling discs that can be independently rotated about a common central axis to a desired angle relative to each other and then fixed in place. One of the coupling discs in each of the at least two pivotable joints is connected to either a separate force application device or to a tool attached to the portion of the vehicle body to be restored. The second of the coupling discs in each pair is connected to at least one rigid, elongated element of various possible sizes and shapes, or to a plurality of such rigid, elongated elements and interconnecting pivotable joints connected in alternating series.

Abstract: In a device and method for unfolding a shaped metal article having a longitudinal bent or curved portion, the shaped metal article is unfolded along the bent or curved portion. The device is provided with a vacuum-type absorbing means for absorbing at least one side of the shaped metal article adjacent to the bent or curved portion. The one side of the shaped metal article is unfolded against the other side of the shaped metal article about the bent or curved portion.

Abstract: A lightweight pipe connector fabrication method for rolling clamping groove for each end of metal plate made semi-finished pipe connector of various forms by using a specified groove rolling machine, the groove rolling machine including a rolling unit and a positioning unit; the rolling unit having a rolling roll permitted to be received into the opening end of the pipe connector, an impression roll moved relative to the rolling roll to impress the pipe connector against the rolling roll, the positioning unit having a rack moved horizontally toward the rolling unit, an operation saddle supported on the rack and moved vertically, an upright frame raised from the operation saddle, a vertical turning table disposed on the upright frame, a 4-directional fixture means mounted on the turning table and controlled for fixing and centering the pipe connector, permitting it to be moved to receive the rolling roll into the opening end of the pipe connector and rolled by the rolling roll and the impression roll.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for straightening the bodyshell of an automotive vehicle in a straightening jig, said method comprising fixing the bodyshell (1) to a straightening jig, moving a straightening boom (2) incorporated in the straightening jig to a proper position relative to the bodyshell, fixing at least two clamp tools (3) to the automotive bodyshell and to a pulling tool member (4) which is passed via a backing member (7) connected to a power actuator (6). Furthermore, the invention concerns a straightening apparatus comprising a straightening boom (2), a clamp tool (3) and a pulling tool member (4). Conventional apparatuses fail to provide equal force at the different points being pulled and are not capable of stopping the movement of a pulling tool member in a selected direction.

Abstract: A device for alignment of a vehicle body and a method in the work of alignment of a vehicle body. The device includes an alignment table to which the vehicle is attached by skirt clamps, the vehicle being fixed from skirt plates to the skirt clamps and through the skirt clamps to the alignment table during alignment work. Each skirt clamp has a support arm which is positionable in relation to, and separated from, the skirt clamp and which support arm can be coupled with the skirt clamp by a fastening member. The support arm is also connected with the constructions of the vehicle directly or through intermediate parts such that damage to the skirt beam is prevented by the support arm during the alignment work as the support force of the support arm is received by the skirt clamps.

Abstract: An integrated platform/clamping structure for use in combination with a frame straightening system; the structure including multiple clamp assemblies slidably attached to the platform of the system for lateral movement relative to the platform. The clamp assemblies can be moved independently of one another until they are located underneath the automobile pinchweld. The clamp assemblies also have a mechanism (in the preferred embodiment, a vertically aligned piston/cylinder system) which raise each clamp relative to the platform. Once the clamp touches the pinchweld, means (in the preferred embodiment, a second, horizontally aligned piston/cylinder system) are provided to automatically fix the jaws of the clamp over the pinchweld and lock. The system also has linear measurement gauges underneath the platform and made a part of the system, with means to raise the gauges into an operable location adjacent the undercarriage of the car.

Abstract: A portable frame straightening apparatus for straightening and repairing vehicles which is comprised of a frame structure (1) to which the damaged vehicle (124) is attached. The structure (1) is bolted to a plate (21) which is anchored to the floor. The frame structure (1) and the attached damaged vehicle (124) can be rotated to achieve the desired angle of pull needed to repair the damage. The structure (1) is then secured to the floor with a chain (214) on either side which are fastened to anchors (216) in the floor so as to prevent rotation of the structure (1) while pulling. An independently standing pulling tower (213) which is also rotatable in a similar fashion to the plate (21) can accommodate various vertical adjustments for height variation as needed in pulling on the damaged vehicle.

Abstract: An portable apparatus for inexpensively forming plain angle ends of bullnose corner beading includes a base; an external die on the base; a pair of retainers for symmetrically holding opposite leg extremities of the corner bead relative to the external die; an internal die pivotally supported relative to the base for movement between open and closed positions for forming the end portion of the corner bead into the plain angular shape; a handle and link mechanism for operating the internal die; and a stop member rigidly located relative to the base for providing a predetermined length of the end portion. The retainers can be adjustable relative to the external die for accommodating corner bead having different flange widths, the retainers being movable symmetrically relative to a dihedral apex of the external die member.

Abstract: The portion to be deformed of a metal sheet is heated by irradiating it with a laser beam which is scanned at a high speed, and, when the portion to be deformed has attained a predetermined temperature, a bending force is applied to the portion to be bent to perform bending of the metal sheet. When the shape of a metal sheet is to be worked into a circular arc of 90.degree. having a predetermined radius by means of six bending processes, the metal sheet is worked such that the working process is divided into six processes and the bending processes are sequentially performed after fixing a metal sheet edge of the metal sheet. The yield strength of a steel material is reduced when it is heated and a metal sheet is worked using a laser by which a local heating is possible. Dies are therfore unnecessary, whereby processing at low costs and an apparatus therefor may be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus to be used in combination with an automotive vehicle and a frame rack, of the type having two substantially parallel and spaced apart longitudinal members, which is used for correcting the frame alignment of damaged vehicles. The apparatus comprises four carriages, with at least two carriages being mounted for independent movement on each member. Each carriage comprises a chassis with a dolly mounted thereon for movement transverse to the longitudinal movement of the carriage. Each dolly is capable of supporting one automotive support point even when the support points are out of alignment, permitting easy movement of the automotive vehicle on the frame rack and easy movement of the support points during repairs, and providing a means for determining the relationship of each automotive support point relative to one another.