Vehicle Body Or Frame Straightener Patents (Class 72/705)
  • Patent number: 11958094
    Abstract: A tool for repair and maintenance of a rail extending about the perimeter of a bed, the rail separated from the bed by a predetermined distance. The tool comprises a shaft with first and second sides. The first side has a curved surface, and the shaft has a cross-section normal to the curved surface with a maximum width that is less than the predetermined distance. A flange extends from the second side, the combined shaft and flange having a cross-section normal to the curved surface with a maximum width that is at least the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Joseph McGrath
  • Patent number: 11925967
    Abstract: A paintless dent repair kit includes a housing with a handle extending therefrom and a toothed wheel rotatably retained in the housing. The toothed wheel has a plurality of teeth extending outwards therefrom and is configured to receive, replace, and removably retain a connector, which is attached on the other end to a quick-connect coupling. The quick-connect coupling is, in turn, configured to releasably retain a socket of a commercially-available set of dent removal tips, for example, a KIPP socket or an ULTRA socket. The housing features a first button connected to a teethed lever slidably positioned to be either engaged or disengaged with the plurality of teeth of the toothed wheel depending on the position of the first button. Unless the first button is depressed, the dent removal tool is configured to securely and fixedly retain the dent removal tip to facilitate direct transmission of force and torque from the handle to the coupling and then to the dent removal tip during dent removal operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventor: Jake Matthew Thomas
  • Patent number: 11865601
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawing die (10) for working depressions(76) of a sheet-metal component (26), in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a load-bearing structure (12), at least one supporting portion (16), which is fastened or can be fastened on the load-bearing structure (12) and with which the drawing die (10) can be placed on the sheet-metal component (26), characterized by a drawing means (28) which can be connected to the sheet-metal component (26) and is mounted on the load-bearing structure (12), and a moving device (36), which is mounted on the load-bearing structure (12) and by means of which the drawing means (28) can be moved in relation to the sheet-metal component (26), wherein at least the load-bearing structure (12) is formed from a fiber-reinforced plastic (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Siegbert Müller
  • Patent number: 11724880
    Abstract: A storage system configured to house a plurality of containers housing inventory items includes support members, a first set of parallel rails to support a mobile, manipulator robot, and a fluid supply line having a plurality of valves disposed within the fluid supply line. Each of the valves having a closed condition in which the supply line is in fluid isolation from an outside environment and an open condition in which the supply line is in fluid communication with the environment such that the supply line is configured to supply fluid to a mobile, manipulator robot. Mobile, manipulator robots for retrieving inventory items stored within the containers and retrieval methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Nimble Robotics, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Kalouche
  • Patent number: 11712588
    Abstract: A door breaching device includes a longitudinal chassis having a first extremity, a piston assembly with a piston rod adapted for linear displacement within a piston chamber, a hydraulic pump operatively connected to the piston assembly, and a two-part head assembly with a fixed jaw attached to the first extremity of the longitudinal chassis and a moveable jaw operatively connected to an end of the piston rod proximate to the first extremity. When the device is in a rest position, the piston rod is in a retracted position within the piston chamber to allow portions of the fixed jaw and the moveable jaw to fit between a first surface and a second surface. Upon actuation of the door breaching device, the piston rod is linearly displaced from the retracted position and the movable jaw applies a force to increase a distance between the first surface and the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: OFF THE X INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Andre Desgroseilliers, Andrew Mackenzie Henry, Sergiu Mihai Geamanu, Depinder Singh Bhullar, Richard Elliot Fenster, James Joseph Russell Bracken, Michael Ciccone, Ronald Andrew Sutherland
  • Patent number: 11654467
    Abstract: A novel dent-puller assisting apparatus, system, and method are disclosed herein. The invention provides a stable anchor point for the attachment of a variety of mechanisms to be used in the process of straightening or repair of car body panels. The invention is designed to require a minimum number of parts and connections, be easy to install and operate, and have sufficient flexibility to accomplish the required ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Mark Jackson
  • Patent number: 11370010
    Abstract: A paintless dent removal tool for removing a dent from a vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the paintless dent removal tool includes a stabilizer assembly having a first leg, a second leg and a body therebetween. The body having an opening therethrough, the stabilizer assembly for stabilizing the paintless dent removal tool on a surface of a vehicle. The paintless dent removal tool including a pull bar having a first end and a second end. The first end of the pull bar positioned partially through the opening of the body of the stabilizer assembly and adjustably connected thereto. The paintless dent removal tool including a handle assembly having a first end, a middle portion and a second end. The middle portion of the handle assembly is adjustably connected to the second end of the pull bar. The paintless dent removal tool including a tip member detachably connected to the second end of the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventors: Chris White, Jonathan Vandenfontyne, Reggie Ayers, William J Bickel, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10625318
    Abstract: The inventions relates to a straightening apparatus for straightening body panels of a vehicle, which straightening apparatus includes a support beam, a straightening fastener fastened to the support beam which fastener is fastenable to the body panels of the vehicle, a transfer device for moving the straightening fastener in relation to the vehicle to straighten body panels, and at least two support elements for supporting the support beam during straightening work. In the straightening apparatus according to the invention, the support beam includes a vertical beam and an extension beam movably fastened to it, and the first support element is movably fastened to the vertical beam and the second support element is fastened to the extension beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Olavi Venalainen
  • Patent number: 10010919
    Abstract: A method for of aligning a vehicle includes the steps of: supporting a first portion (19A, 19B) of the vehicle, deforming the vehicle by applying a force to a second portion (5) of the vehicle, positioning at least one motion sensing measuring unit (9A, 9B) including at least one accelerometer on the supported first portion (19A, 19B) of the vehicle before the deforming step, and tracking any movements of the supported first portion (19A, 19B) of the vehicle during the deformation by means of the motion sensing measuring unit (9A, 9B). An arrangement for aligning a vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Car-O-Liner AB
    Inventor: Jonas Bäckman
  • Patent number: 8997545
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for changing physical characteristics of a workpiece which may have been pre-loaded before being further processed. The workpiece is supported in a fixed position during processing. A driven member applies multiple impacts to one surface of the workpiece. The driven member is operated within adjustable parameters. A controller, having the adjustable parameters, is operatively connected to the driven member for causing the driven member to apply multiple impacts against a surface of the workpiece while under the control of the pre-adjustable parameters for changing physical characteristics of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Lauren K. Lundquist, James E. Pillers, McKay A. Kunz, Michael Delos McGraw, Gregory L. Ramsey, Nate Speer
  • Patent number: 8943867
    Abstract: A transportable straightening beam which makes it possible to straighten deformed potshell sidewalls of different deformation resistance independently of one another is disclosed for use both with potshell carrying structure and potshell sheeting. The beam can extend between two potshell walls lying opposite one another. Each of its two end regions has a straightening jaw with a downwardly open U-profile-shaped orifice through which the straightening beam can be positioned onto the top side of the potshell sidewalls. Each straightening jaws being arranged with at least one hydraulic straightening ram parallel to the potshell bottom, and the straightening rams lying along a line of action, and such that one straightening jaw lies opposite the other straightening jaw which is carrying out the straightening work on a deformed potshell wall while being firmly braced with the top side of the potshell sidewall and serving as a captively fixed counterbearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventor: Hardy Nagel
  • Patent number: 8813537
    Abstract: A vehicle body repair device repairs buckled or dented sheet metal to a desired condition. The device includes a housing and a first head coupled to the housing. The first head has an outer surface facing away from the housing. A second head is coupled to a handle. The second head has an outer surface facing away from the handle. A reciprocating unit is coupled to and positioned in the housing wherein the reciprocating unit urges the first head into repetitive contact with a sheet of material adjacent to the first head when the reciprocating unit is activated. Thus, the sheet of material is urged to conform to a shape defined by the outer surface of the first head and the outer surface of the second head when the sheet of material is positioned between the first head and the second head while the reciprocating unit is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Perfecto D. Diego
  • Patent number: 8813536
    Abstract: Described herein is technology for, among other things, removing a dent from a dented surface. The technology includes an automated hammering device positioned on a first side of the dent, and a dolly positioned on a second side of the dent. The automated hammering device repeatedly strikes the dent, thereby restoring proper curvature to the dented surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sears Brands, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8813534
    Abstract: A method for removal of dents from wind turbine masts uses a dent pushing tool. The dent pushing tool includes a self aligning ram assembly with a central ram cylinder and removable adjustable length arms. At the end of one arm is a curved base. At the end of the other arm is a dent pusher plate. Removal of the dent is caused by extension of the central ram cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Barr Fabrication
    Inventor: Hugh C. Barr
  • Patent number: 8800343
    Abstract: A portable, hand-operated rescue tool is provided for rescue and extreme duty operations where an object needs to be cut, crushed, pierced and separated, or lifted. The rescue tool includes a body, a support handle and articulating jaw force members used to impart high forces on an object. The tool includes a manually-operated, pivoting actuation handle connected to a high pressure fluid displacement system to pivotally rotate the jaw force arms in a selected direction or mode of operation to suit the situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Altair Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Wettlaufer, James Trumble, Timothy R. Smith, Shaun C. Muston, Dragi Gasevski, Craig Mackiewicz
  • Patent number: 8783077
    Abstract: A portable tool designed for effective and efficient lateral truing of damaged spoked wheels, in particular bicycle wheels, is described. The tool is mountable on the bicycle frame, and allows the user to position the truing gauge with four spatial degrees of freedom. The inventive tool features a non-rigidly mounted (floating) truing indicator tip to maintain accurate tool alignment when in contact with a rotating wheel rim that is severely bent out the of the plane of the rim by decoupling rim forces from the rest of the tool. In addition, the combination of the floating action of the truing tip and its construction from a soft polymeric material avoids scratching or otherwise marring the surface of the rim during the truing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Robert Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8695395
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for straightening dents and irregularities in wheels including a spindle, a platen mounted on the spindle configured such that the wheel can be mounted on the spindle with the spindle projecting through the central hub hole and at least one actuator device positionable between the spindle and a section of the wheel to be straightened, the actuator exerting a straightening force on the rim of the wheel and a mobile device including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Neubauer
  • Patent number: 8516875
    Abstract: A repairing kit for automotive dents includes a body, a draw bar, a spring, a pull seat, a pull piece, a grab bar, a handle, two foot stands and two foot pieces. The repairing kit can be used to repair automotive dents and restore a smooth surface to an automobile using a DIY method, without damaging the baking finish surface after repairing the automotive dent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Chang Chan
  • Patent number: 8516873
    Abstract: A puller for automotive dents includes a rod unit, a slide hammer, a first handle, a second handle, at least a pull piece and a pull assembly. A user puts a single pull piece or the pull assembly that is formed by plural pull blocks at an automotive dent and pulls flat an automotive dent by hammering with a DIY method to restore the automotive dent to a smooth surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Chang Chan
  • Patent number: 8418522
    Abstract: A hand/pneumatics dual operation vacuum pulling device includes an elongate shank and a slidable backward ram fit to the shank. The shank has an end to which a suction cup is attached. The shank has an upper end to which a handgrip having a pressure relief seat is mounted. A ramp stop section is formed below the pressure relief seat. The handgrip can selectively and switchably couple with a hand-operating pump piston to form a hand-operating vacuum pulling device, or couple with a pneumatic operation seat to form a pneumatically-operating vacuum pulling device. For hand operation or pneumatics operation, the vacuum pulling device is allowed to easily switch between the two modes according to the availability of power supply and the site of use, thereby achieving an excellent device for one device having two ways of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Lih Yann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po Lin Liao
  • Patent number: 8302453
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching edging to a sheet has two stationary guides at each end, an upper hollow guide (8), a pair of lower guides (5), with a fixed base (4) between the lower guides. A hollow profile (1) is vertically movable, having a binding rail (2) on the underside thereof. The upper guide (8) is placed inside the profile, forming upper and lower spaces (7, 9) between the profile and the upper guide. Upper and lower flexible elements (10, 11) are provided in each space. In use, one element is filled while the other element is emptied, such that when an edging and a sheet is placed between the fixed base (4) and the binding rail, the lower element is filled to force the profile and thus the binding rail down to attach the edging. Then the upper element is filled to release the sheet with the attached edging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: TP Holding Hadsund ApS
    Inventor: Tomas Pedersen
  • Patent number: 8302441
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (6) and method for repairing an upright profile (2) which has been bent out of an original position, in particular a profile of a warehouse rack upright for mounting of warehouse rack girders (3), wherein an inner space (13) accessible from an open side is defined in the profile. The device comprises an outer template (7) adapted to the form of the outer surface of the profile, an inner template (16,17) adapted to the form of the inner surface, wherein during use the inner template is arranged in the inner space of the profile via the open side, and pressing means for pressing the outer template against the outer side of the profile and pressing the inner template against the inner side of the profile with pressing force such that the upright profile is bent back into its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Reparatie Onderhoud Slavenburg
    Inventor: Johannes Cornelis Slavenburg
  • Patent number: 8250899
    Abstract: A dent removal tool for removing dents from automobile panels is provided. The tool includes a body with a handle on one end and a rest plate for contacting the body panel on the opposite end. A clamp for gripping one or more studs which have been welded to the body panel is located between the handle and the rest plate. The tool gives an automobile repair technician a high degree of mechanical advantage and control in removing dents from body panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: H&S Autoshot Manufacturing Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Hamid Janversan
  • Patent number: 8181497
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening an article are disclosed. The apparatus and method disclosed provide for the conservation of metal, reduction waste worldwide, and the extension of the useful life for an article. The apparatus may comprise an actuator, an endpiece coupled to the actuator, the endpiece including two arms, the arms defining a space therebetween; and a support member including two rails, the rails defining a space therebetween. Upon activation of the actuator, the arms engage the article disposed on the rails. Also, the space between the arms is aligned with the space between the rails. Both spaces are adapted to receive article portions such that portions within the spaces are not engaged by the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Double Z Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Zaloudek
  • Patent number: 8181498
    Abstract: Method for shaping a rim of a three dimensionally arched sheet metal, wherein the sheet metal is placed on a female die provided with a chamfer which follows the contour of a peripheral edge of the rim, the rim spanning the chamfer, and a male roller die is rolled on the sheet metal following the course of the chamfer while being pressed against the rim, thereby plastically deforming the rim locally into the chamfer while advancing along the chamfer in rolling contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: EDAG, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Joel Tocco
  • Patent number: 8166788
    Abstract: A lip-rolling and flanging tool for bending back and/or widening fender-wheelwell edges of motor vehicles, the tool having a flanging roll (46) that is attached through a telescoping tube arrangement (10) to an affixing flange (4) mountable on a wheel axle of the motor vehicle, and while generating a pressing force against the fender-wheelwell edge is pivotable together with the wheel axle, the flanging roll (46) is mounted in a forked support bracket (44) disposed at one end of the telescoping tube arrangement (10), which bracket is disposed in a rotatable and lockable manner between the clamping jaws (40, 40?) attached to the telescoping tube arrangement (10?), the clamping jaws (40, 40?) each have at least one recess or milled-out section (100,100?) that interacts with a pin (103) disposed in the flanging-roll support bracket (44) so as to restrict the pivoting range of the flanging-roll support bracket (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Röpke
  • Patent number: 7987692
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and leveling an associated vehicle door having an elongated member, a head member attached to said elongated member adapted to engage a vehicle door lock recess, a support member extending downwardly from said elongated member towards a vehicle door and a support plate attached to said support member adapted to rest on said vehicle door. The apparatus is designed to aid in the leveling and aligning processes of a vehicle door after assembly of the vehicle. The elongated member may include a series of bends to improve the ergonomic efficiency of the vehicle door leveler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Kiefer, Jr., Patrick S. Mckinney, Jose Gonzalez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7958767
    Abstract: A dent removal tool for removing dents from automobile panels is provided. The tool includes a body with a handle on one end and a rest plate for contacting the body panel on the opposite end. A clamp for gripping one or more studs which have been welded to the body panel is located between the handle and the rest plate. The tool gives an automobile repair technician a high degree of mechanical advantage and control in removing dents from body panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Hamid Janversan
  • Patent number: 7921687
    Abstract: A wheel reconditioning apparatus provided. The wheel reconditioning apparatus includes a support frame upon which a base support plate is attached. A rotatable adapter plate is supported on the base support plate by a precision bearing for supporting the rotation of the adapter plate about the vertical axis of a mounted wheel. Adjustable chucks are set in place on the adapter plate. The disfigured wheel is mounted on the adjustable chucks and held in place by the chucks during the reconditioning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: P 5 Wheels, LLC
    Inventor: Robert G. Stretch
  • Patent number: 7900494
    Abstract: A device for re-shaping a trailer frame includes a support structure for receiving the trailer frame therein and means connected to the support structure for securing the trailer therein. Once secured, at least one hydraulic ram that is connected to and selectively moveable about the support structure is able to apply a predetermined force against the frame. A control device is positioned on the support structure and connected to the at least one hydraulic ram for controlling operation thereof. Upon securing the trailer via the securing means, the at least one hydraulic ram is positioned adjacent the frame and the control mechanism is selectively operable to cause the at least one hydraulic ram to apply the predetermined force on the frame thereby reshaping the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Isidro Chavez
  • Patent number: 7870667
    Abstract: To provide a reliable terminal crimping apparatus and a terminal crimping method, which crimps an electric wire to a terminal having crimping pieces, ends of which curve in a direction of approaching each other, the terminal crimping apparatus includes a first die for placing the terminal on a surface thereof, a second die arranged correspondingly to the first die and freely approaching and parting the first die to crimp the crimp pieces by approaching the first die, and a third die arranged correspondingly to the first die and freely approaching and leaving from the first die to approach the first die before the second die crimps the crimping piece so as to push the electric wire toward the bottom plate and insert the electric wire between the pair of crimp pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Takada
  • Patent number: 7856862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool, suitable for body shops for correcting damaged vehicle body sheets, but also suitable for saving people trapped in a damaged vehicle and also for other applications that require opposite codirectional forces of high intensity with a rectilinear movement of a movable element, which is practical and independent from external energy sources. The tool (1) uses, as source of rotational movement, a common electric screwer (2) connected in a releasable way within the box (70) of said tool, with its driven shaft connected to a screw mechanism which supports in translational movement a movable element (10). The box of the tool has a front face (8) and a rear face (23), arranged at the lend of the side faces (29, 29?) and the lower face kept together by the four screw pulling elements (28, 28?) tightened by respective four nuts (25). On the front face (8) a fixed element (9) is connected, in which telescopically slides the movable element (17) operated by the screwer (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Dino Sodini
  • Patent number: 7765851
    Abstract: A device for straightening a vehicle panel comprising a base which is attachable to a pulling device and at least three fingers pivotally connected to the base and movable from a retracted position designed for insertion into a drilled hole in a damaged panel. The fingers are movable to an extended position wherein a gripping portion extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal pulling force. Another aspect comprises providing the gripping portion of at least one of the fingers with a substantially flat pulling surface in order to maximize the contact area between the finger and the damaged vehicle panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Bradley R. Weschler
  • Patent number: 7730758
    Abstract: An apparatus straightens vehicular structure, and comprises a U-shaped main frame, a pair of lift tower assemblies, and a pull tower assembly. The length of the main frame comprises spaced attachment structure for attaching the pull tower assembly. The lift tower assemblies are fastened to the main frame intermediate its length and function to fix the position of the vehicle relative to the main frame. The pull tower assembly is attachable to the main frame at a select attachment site and a tension member is attached to adjacent select vehicular structure. Thereafter tension may be applied to the select vehicular structure based from the attachment site to the main frame. Multiple tower assemblies may work in tandem with one another peripherally to the vehicle; a rear frame member may close the open end of the main frame; and vehicle support cross members may be included to support the framed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: George D. Smith
  • Patent number: 7690239
    Abstract: The sheet metal pry hooks are pry hooks having a hook end oriented in a manner to allow gripping and bending of an automotive sheet metal panel(s) in almost any situation encountered in the repair of such panel(s). As presently contemplated, the pry hooks will be made available either individually or as a kit of three pry hooks having different configurations of the hook, including at least one hook having the hook member offset from the longitudinal axis of the shank of the tool. The kit allows a user to have at hand a complete array of hooks needed for bending and orienting sheet metal panels in almost any repair situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert J. Griffis
  • Patent number: 7661287
    Abstract: An auto body decrimping tool assembly for decrimping a panel from a vehicle frame. The decrimping tool assembly includes a hollow housing body member with a first aperture at one end and a second aperture. A decrimping head member is pivotally mounted near an end thereof on a drive shaft member rotatably secured in the body member's second aperture. The decrimping head member includes a base portion having a protruding contact section and an opposed, protruding blade section having a concave, helical surface facing the contact section. The blade section includes a tapered edge at a side of the concave, helical surface opposite the base portion. The decrimping head member is mounted to the drive shaft member at the contact section. The decrimping head member is positioned at an edge of a panel crimped to the frame with the contact section on an edge of the crimped panel and the tapered edge of the blade section between the crimped panel and the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Arendt, Tod O. Rousseau
  • Patent number: 7640781
    Abstract: A rescue device and a method of using same, for opening a jammed or stuck door of a vehicle, including a door having battle latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Ibis Tek, LLC
    Inventor: Scot Rose
  • Patent number: 7607332
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing a dent in finished sheet metal heats a steel panel by applying a high frequency induced current thereto and simultaneously cools a clear coat by spraying a coolant to a surface of the sheet metal and a cooling pipe, wherein the finished sheet metal is composed of at least the ferromagnetic steel panel and the non-ferromagnetic clear coat having different thermal expansion coefficient and thermal damage temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Beom-Seok Choe, Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 7604474
    Abstract: A dent removal system includes a plurality of elongated members. Each of the elongated members has a first end and a second end and each of the elongated members has a different shape and size with respect to each other. A plurality of heads is provided and each has a first side and a second side. The heads each have a different shape with respect to each other. A plurality of couplers is provided. The second sides each have one of the couplers attached thereto. Each of the couplers is configured to releasably secure a selected one of the heads to a selected one of the second ends. The first side of the selected one of the heads is positioned against an inner surface of a bumper while an outer surface the bumper is heated to conform the bumper to the first side of the selected one of the heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventors: Lee M. Small, Lanceolot Small
  • Patent number: 7600408
    Abstract: A trolley (30) for use with a frame-straightening bench (10) and allowing for moving a vehicle into the bench (10) for initial repair; moving the vehicle out of the bench (10) and into holding area to allow for curing or other time-consuming repair processes or operations, thereby making the bench (10) available for other uses; and moving the vehicle back into the bench (10) for additional repair or final confirmation of a previous repair. A repair jig (140) is coupleable with the trolley (30) for facilitating the alignment and otherwise proper positioning of a portion of the vehicle being repaired. The trolley (30) can also be used with a lift (2072) to separate the vehicle's body from its frame (2010).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Chief Automotive Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Gregory Potter, Jeffery A. Hess, Jeffrey L. Dobbins, Richard Keefer, Richard H. Nagorski, Gregory Richards, Randy Gard
  • Patent number: 7568372
    Abstract: A hydraulic rescue tool (10) is comprised of a hydraulic thrust apparatus (20) consisting of a hydraulic cylinder body (24) having slots (28) within a hollow end and interlocking ears (36) protruding from the slots. A gland (38) is interfaced between the ears, with the gland and ears connected to the cylinder hollow end with threaded fasteners (98). A connecting link (50) is attached to each interlocking ear and a quick disconnect implement unit (22) is attached to each link and to a piston rod (30) within the cylinder body (24). Six dissimilar embodiments of implement units, each having quick disconnect capabilities and different vehicle structure separating utility are attached to the hydraulic thrust apparatus (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventors: Tommy L. Patton, Edward H. Hagbloom
  • Patent number: 7549313
    Abstract: A vehicle frame and unibody straightening jig has multiple receivers at each end for connection with pulling tower assemblies on all sides of the vehicle. Multiple pulling towers can be installed side-by-side on the same side or end of a vehicle. Receivers at the end of the jig may be installed in parallel orientation. The receivers are selectively removable. The jig also includes lateral support legs or outriggers pivotable about a 90° arc and foldable against the spine to reduce the width of the jig for storage. Height-adjustable, rotatable clamps are mounted on the outriggers for connecting the jig to a vehicle frame or unibody, The clamps are adjustable along the length of the legs to permit connection of the jig with a wide variety of vehicle frames and unibody structures. The jig also includes a carriage assembly with wheels for easy positioning beneath a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Spider Pulling Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7520154
    Abstract: A repair apparatus for a vehicle has first and second telescoping pipes clamped to present a coupling part at elevated position and at a lateral position selected for restoring a damaged body portion of a vehicle. A leverage bar is secured to a receptacle joined by a hinge pin to each of the coupling parts of both telescoping pipes. A puller or one of popper heads of differing length is an attachment mounted by a hinge pin to the receptacle at spaced relation from the first hinge pin whereby a force excreted on the leverage bar simultaneously moves the quarter puller or popper head in a direction for restoring the damaged body portion of the vehicle. The position of the puller on the receptacle can be changed by removal of a hinge pin located between the puller and the leverage bar. The first telescoping pipes fit in a larger pipe welded to a plate that is either position under a tire or secured to the tire by a chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Anthony Pallotti
  • Patent number: 7493789
    Abstract: A rescue tool includes an elongate body and a pair of opposing arms. The arms include a first arm and a second arm that extend outwardly from the body. At least one of the first arm and the second arm is slidably coupled to the body. Each of the arms includes an inner face and an outer face, wherein at least one of the arm inner and outer faces includes a plurality of teeth. At least one of the first arm outer face and the second arm outer face includes a plurality of grooves defined therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Jason Cerrano
  • Patent number: 7467532
    Abstract: An apparatus for electromagnetically forming a workpiece. The apparatus includes a solenoid coil for generating an electromagnetic force and a tool for concentrating electromagnetic force against the workpiece. The tool includes an electrically conductive body having an aperture and an insulator disposed in the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Sergey Golovashchenko
  • Patent number: 7434444
    Abstract: A frame rail pulling apparatus for realigning a frame rail of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, backing plate, side sway adapter, eye hook and fasteners. The base includes a platform with openings therein, cylinder, and side supports which distribute pressure equally from the cylinder to the openings in the platform. The backing plate has openings therein and is positioned adjacent to a first side of the base. The backing plate distributes pulling pressure over a greater area of the frame rail to prevent additional damage to the rail during realignment. The side sway adapter has a center opening and peripheral/end openings and is positioned adjacent to a second side of the base. The eye hook has a top portion and a shaft, wherein the shaft is positioned through the center opening of the side sway adapter and attaches to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher L. Browning
  • Patent number: 7430891
    Abstract: A pneumatic dent removing tool, wherein a sleeve is sheathed onto a vacuum ejector, and the inner screw thread of the sleeve is screwed to the outer screw thread of the vacuum ejector such that the combination of the free space of the vacuum ejector and the sleeve are sealed together. An air tube fitting opening is connected with an air tube which contains a suction cup. A jet faucet fitting opening connects with a jet faucet, and the jet faucet is connected with an air supply hose. The user need only eject the high pressure air into the vacuum ejector to generate suction under the suction cup. This process achieves the function of saving time and effort, increasing user safety, and decreasing the negative impact on the strength of the sheet metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
  • Patent number: 7426847
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Rodney Congreaves
  • Patent number: 7347079
    Abstract: WHEEL RECONDITIONING DEVICE, composed of a base (1), from whose upper facing extends a vertical, rear column (2), from which extend forward one upper cross brace (3) and one intermediate cross brace (4), the latter equipped with axles (5) and (6) for the positioning and fixation of the wheel, and which interconnect with the upper cross brace (3) by means of a frontal, vertical and mobile column (11), and additional swinging cross brace (13) connected to the upper cross brace (3), responsible for the fixation of the wheel in the desired position for use of the hydraulic jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Indústria de Màquinas e Ferramentas Carjac Ltda.
    Inventor: Vicente Moreno Moreno
  • Patent number: 7343771
    Abstract: A deck leverage anchor for securing an external device has an anchor body that is positioned at least partially within an opening of the deck so that a notch receives the edge of the surface. The anchor body comprises a swivel coupler that extends outward from the opening. The swivel coupler couples to an external device. A swivel plate is disposed opposite the swivel coupler to engage and distribute a load on the surface of the deck opposite the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Marx