Abstract: A dent straightening tool having a manually graspable handle affixed to one end of an elongate shaft and a work piece engaging, helically threaded member affixed to the opposite end of the shaft. The threaded member has a substantially constant radius root with a blunt tip provided at the distal end of the root. The thread begins from a minimum radius at the blunt tip and then progressively increases in radius along the length of the root to attain a size substantially larger than the radius of the root so that the depth of the thread is substantially deeper than the radius of the root. Also, the flat length of the thread, as measured along the root, is at least one-half of the pitch length of the thread.

Abstract: A vehicle-repair apparatus has a floor-mounted generally rectangular track having two long and two short sides that are spaced apart sufficiently to accept a vehicle within the sides. A long portal having a pair of upright leg members and a cross member spans the track between the short sides and a similar short portal spans it between the long sides. These portals can be moved perpendicularly to each other along the respective sides. It is possible to lock each of the legs at the respective side to the track, and to lock the cross members of the portals together. A support can be secured to any of the legs or cross members and a jack in turn can be secured to it to pull or push out a dent in a vehicle standing within the track.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to exert traction on the frame of a vehicle to straighten or reshape the same and characterized by having the front or forward portion free of the winch and of the actuating mechanism for the winch, by allowing to operatively reach a frame at a point higher than the apparatus and close to the floor, by a chain extending along the cable and forming a safety guard for the operator, and by being portable in the trunk of a car. This apparatus includes a base plate, wheels rollably supporting the base plate and including a swivelling wheel to easily position the apparatus on the floor relative to a vehicle, a removable post, a winch rearward of the post, a cable running on a cable guide pulley mounted on the upper end of the post, a chain anchoring the base plate on the floor, and another chain holding the post upright and forming a guard over the cable between the winch and the post.

Abstract: An alignment system for non-adjustable motor vehicle front end suspensions, such as those employing McPherson struts, has a support assembly anchorable relative to an adjacent vehicle being repaired, with a connector arrangement provided on the support assembly for permitting one of the struts to be restrained relative to the support assembly while the other of the struts is being pulled into proper position. Once the struts have been correctly positioned in accordance with factory specifications, the sheet metal forming the fender wells, and the like, can be welded or bolted in place while pressure is maintained on the struts so as to re-unitize the vehicle body portions with which the suspension system is employed.

Abstract: A support for a tool used to straighten the metal portions of a vehicle supported on a support floor. The tool includes a chain adapted to engage the vehicle and the support floor and a hydraulically actuated cylinder having an extensible plunger adapted to engage the chain intermediate its ends. The other end of the cylinder is mounted on a base for pivotal movement about an axis substantially parallel to a support floor. The base has a bottom surface for engaging the support floor and a pin extending perpendicularly from the bottom surface and adapted to be received in a complimentary hole in the support floor.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a pulling apparatus comprising a pair of spaced vertical members each of which is supported upon a base member by a pair of depending diverging support members of unequal length which operate to rigidly support the vertical members against the forces exerted thereon during the pulling operation. An additional vertically extending support member also extends from one of the depending support members to further increase the rigidity thereof. The vertical members may each be provided with opposed channels within which a pulley is movably disposed, said pulley being adjustably supported by a chain or the like engaging a load holding assembly provided upon the upper portion of the vertical members.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a safety tie down assembly particularly adapted for use with pulling apparatus of the type employed in the repair of collision damage to motor vehicles. The safety tie down assembly comprises a pair of attachment members fixedly secured to outwardly facing surfaces of the spaced vertically extending members of the pulling apparatus. Chains or the like are attached to each of the attachment members and are designed to be secured to anchors when the pulling apparatus is being operated so as to restrain or limit movement of the pulling apparatus should the primary anchoring assembly break or otherwise let loose.

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: A method of quickly restoring a deformed outer vehicle panel to its original contour which consists in the steps of placing a deflated inflateable air bag between the inner surface of the indented panel and against an unyielding member in the vehicle, then inflating the air bag with sufficient air pressure to force the indented panel portion back to normal contour, and, if necessary, hammering out any irregularities in the panel while the air bag still remains inflated. After the panel has been restored to normal contour, the air bag is deflated and removed.

Abstract: An adjustable hole-engaging hook device has a body connectable to a pulling element, such as a chain, and a hook assembly mounted on the body and arrangeable in a hole as conventionally provided in a vehicle frame member for permitting a force to be exerted on the frame of the vehicle. A gripping arrangement is provided on the body of the device for positively engaging the vehicle frame member which is provided with a hole in which the hook assembly is removably engageable.

Abstract: Improvement in an apparatus designed to be employed in the straightening of a damaged vehicle frame or the like wherein a vertically extending tower having pulling members mounted thereon and a rotatally mounted framework for supporting a vehicle frame to be straightened is employed and can be adjusted in a desired position whereby when a pulling force is exerted on the said frame by means of the aforesaid pulling the bent or otherwise damaged portion of the frame may be restored to it's original unbent condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing and straightening is disclosed in its preferred form for use in repairing and straightening the body and frame of a vehicle. The preferred apparatus includes a tread member including left and right track members for supporting a vehicle thereon, a tram member movable along and between the right and left track members and including two elongatable pull towers pivotally mounted thereto, and an additional elongatable pull tower mounted adjacent an end of the apparatus. A flexible connector, preferably a chain, is arranged for connection between the pull towers and the vehicle. The track members further include regularly shaped apertures which vertically pass therethrough. Locking pins are also provided which extend through an aperture of the track members and abut with a portion of the pull towers to lock the pull towers at any desired angle to the tread member.

Abstract: A pull clamp is provided for attaching to sheet metal flanges for transmission of pulling forces to the sheet metal, particularly in collision repair operations. The clamp comprises a pair of opposed clamping jaws adapted to be tightened against each other by bolts and have at one end opposite clamping surfaces for engagement with the sheet metal flange, the jaws furthermore enclosing a connecting member for coupling to a pulling means, said member including a conical wedge element for exerting a spreading-apart action of the inner surfaces of the jaws and hence through the bolts increase the clamping force between the clamping surfaces of the jaws in proportion to the pull of the pulling means.

Abstract: A heavy duty truck liner for working on a truck, or large trailer, where a plurality of pulling and pushing operations are required to straighten a frame, etc. A plurality of tracks in the form of a rectangle surrounding the normal position of the truck and body, is prepared and set into the concrete floor of the work room. A large inverted U-frame is set on rollers which are adapted to travel longitudinally along the long sides of the track. The frame is large enough to completely encircle the truck and body can be moved readily along the track so as to be opposite any point on the side walls of the body where pulling or pushing operations are required. A folding platform is attached in a slidable manner to the sidewalls of the frame so as to position the platform at any level on either side of the body. Hydraulic locking means are provided to lock the frame in any selected position so as to withstand any pulling and pushing forces required.

Abstract: Acccessories are disclosed, in their preferred forms, for use in conjunction with an apparatus for repairing and straightening vehicles having a support surface, for supporting vehicles thereon, including an array of regularly shaped apertures which extend vertically therethrough. A unibody clamp is disclosed including adjustable jaws for removably gripping the pinch weld of a unibody frame. Abutment wings are further provided on the clamp for abutting with a stop member which accepts, substantially in line, the counterforce from the clamp. A first connector member is further provided on the clamp for attaching a chain held in an elevated position by an elevated chain apparatus. First connector member further allows the use of a down pull member including a chain directed to the clamp by a rotatably mounted pulley. A second connector member is further provided on the clamp allowing the exertion of a force perpendicular to the pinch weld of the unibody frame.

Abstract: An electromagnetic dent remover including a dent removal head containing an electromagnetic work coil capable of creating a locally concentrated magnetic field when first energized by a slow rising current followed by a fast pulsing counter current is disclosed. The electromagnetic work coil comprises a cylinder formed of a spirally wound metal strip whose convolutions are electrically insulated from one another by coatings or layers of electrical insulation. In one form, slots and holes, located in the walls of the coil, control the electrical current density within the coil to thereby produce the desired locally concentrated magnetic field. In another form, the ends of the coils are machined such that at least one magnetic field concentration projection projects outwardly from one annular end of the coil. The other end of the coil is machined such that it is a mirror image of the projection end.

Abstract: A sheet metal dent removing tool for attachment to an impacting device, the tool tapering to a metal piercing tip and having a narrow side with opposite convex surfaces converging at their edges to form metal shearing ridges. The ridges, forming the outline of the broad side of the tool, are joined to a neck portion by rearwardly converging shoulders so that when the tool has penetrated the metal and is rotated 90.degree. about its axis, the shoulders lock the tool to the metal whereby the impacting device can be used to pull the dented area back to its initial shape.

Abstract: A new and improved pulling hook apparatus for straightening and bending automobile frames and bodies wherein the hook is formed having a longitudinal handle portion with a hook pulling portion at one end and an eye connecting portion at the other end and including a pulling plate member having a greater size than the hook pulling portion for removably mounting on the hook pulling portion to increase the work engaging surface of the hook to apply the force over a larger surface area of a work piece.

Abstract: A flanging tool used with an impact tool to attach a vehicular door panel to a door frame is disclosed. The flanging tool has a connecting end and a crimping end with means attached to the connecting end for connecting the shank to the impact tool. A hook is mounted with the crimping end of the shank for folding a door panel edge over and crimping the edge to the door frame lip. The hook has a flared lip to aid in folding the edge over the lip and a crimping portion to force the panel edge against the door frame lip. The crimping portion is of generally U-shaped cross-section with one side of the "U" extending into the shank and the other side of the "U" extending into the flared end which generally curves outwardly from the shank side. The folding and crimping of the edge to the door frame lip is accomplished by use of the impact tool.

Abstract: Repairing dents as in automobile bodies through the use of a tool having an appliance to underlie the dent approximately at the center thereof and to withdraw the dent to its approximate original location by means of a hand operated tool including a rod retracting the material of the dent in increments, retraction of the rod being inhibited by a cockable washer. The provision of extra wide detachable legs for straddling the dents so that larger dents can be processed, said legs being mounted on a bracket which holds the rod.

Abstract: A flux concentrator has a pair of primary coils wrapped around a thin walled cylindrical portion of a secondary coil. The secondary coil has a conductive head at an end and the coil is slotted to generate a rapid high intensity axially acting flux at the head in response to a flow of current through the primary coils. A pulling force is generated as a result of a slow rise high amplitude current flow through one of the coils followed by a rapid rise reversed polarity current flow through the second primary coil.

Abstract: An anchoring device for use in straightening automobile bodies of unitized construction includes a hook comprising an elongated steel bar having a long, generally straight portion bent at one end to form a C-shaped portion for being releasably hooked around a means of attaching the leaf spring of the automobile suspension system to the automobile body. A chain is releasably attached to the straight portion of the hook, and in one method of using the hook the free end of the chain is affixed to the ground to anchor the rear of the automobile against a pulling force applied to the front of the automobile.

Abstract: A chisel clamp used to provide a pulling point or anchor point when straightening automobile bodies comprises a pair of jaws each having a blade edge at one end and a serrated surface extending inboard the blade edge. The jaws are clamped to a structural member, such as the sheet metal floor of the automobile trunk space, by (1) hammering the blade edges of the jaws into the automobile body to sandwich the trunk floor between the serrated surfaces of the jaws; (2) aligning portions of the jaws which remain outside the automobile body to provide a corresponding alignment of threaded holes in the serrated portions of the jaws which are not mutually visible to the repairman because of their location on opposite sides of the trunk floor, and (3) tightening threaded fasteners engaged with the threaded holes to clamp the serrated surfaces of the jaws against the trunk floor.

Abstract: A dent puller tool has a bracing frame which straddles a small dent, which may even be curved. An exteriorly threaded turn rod has a puller tip for penetrating a drilled hole and pulling out the dent. The tool includes a hollow, tubular guide shaft, threadedly adjustable longitudinally in the frame, and the turn rod is freely movable therein. The guide shaft is adjusted to locate its lower rim as a stop for the puller tip at the desired level when a winged nut, threaded on the rod, is turned against the upper rim of the guide shaft. A separable elongated frame-like base extension receives the base of the frame for straddling large dents and serving as a pull stop therefor.

Abstract: The means of this invention comprises a rectangular cage means including spaced apart frame members adapted to receive the cycle frame therein. A plurality of length adjustable support members are secured to the frame members for supporting and positioning the cycle frame relative to the cage means. A hydraulic ram is selectively adjustably secured to the frame members as required and includes a rod portion adapted to engage the cycle frame to deflect or bend the same upon actuation of the ram means. A device is also disclosed for straightening the frame head portion of the cycle frame and for determining if the frame head has been properly vertically aligned and to determine if the frame has the proper rake angle. The method of straightening the cycle frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body and frame straightening apparatus including an endless track member of generally rectangular shape and having arcuate corners, the track member being of substantially round cross section and having at least one portion of reduced thickness so as to be engageable by both a force applying unit and anchoring unit at the portion of reduced thickness, each of the units being slidably positionable to any point of the track member to provide great flexibility in the locations at which the force applying unit and the anchoring unit may be attached to a vehicle.

Abstract: A pneumatically driven, impact-actuated auto body dent puller has a cylindrical slide weight coaxially movable along a slide shaft for impact against an abutment collar near one end thereof, the slide member being slidably enclosed within a tubular cylinder member having free fitting caps at each end and provided with a through opening near one end connected with a manually controlled valve for impressing a blast of pressurized air behind the slide weight when disposed at the forward end of the slide shaft for projecting the slide weight rearwardly against the abutment collar through the interposed rear end cap, thereby imposing a rearward striking force upon a sheet-metal screw secured at the forward end of the slide shaft which is removably receivable within a punched opening in the dented zone of an area of sheet metal to be repaired.

Abstract: An improvement to a conventional slap-hammer which allows the hammer to be rotated by a pneumatic wrench or like device. A universal joint is attached to the top of the slap hammer to enable the latter to be rotated by the output shaft of a pneumatic wrench. The housing of the wrench is held by a closable harness that encircles the housing when closed and thereby prevents the output shaft from becoming disengaged from the universal joint.

Abstract: The hold down anchor is for anchoring a chain or the like and includes a metal rod having two straight arm sections forming an angle of about 90.degree., one arm section being adapted to be received in a socket hole in a floor or support, a reenforcing plate means secured to the second arm and dependent therefrom to rest on a floor or support when the anchor is in use, a support block having a bifurcated top portion secured to the second arm and having a top portion adapted to engage a link of a chain anchored by the hold down anchor and extending towards a load means for applying load to the hold down anchor.

Abstract: A metal deforming apparatus to be used for purposes such as automobile repairs. A frame of the apparatus carries a vertically movable support structure which in turn carries a gripping structure for gripping a part such as a vehicle body which is situated over the vertically movable support structure, a suitable structure being provided for vertically moving the vertically movable support structure with respect to the frame. A horizontal telescopic beam assembly is carried by the frame and is capable of having its length changed by a beam moving structure. A clamp is provided for clamping a part which is to be deformed or for clamping a tool which is to act on such a part. A positioning structure carries the clamp and is connected with the beam assembly for adjusting the position of the clamp.

Abstract: A vehicle axle straightening system for straightening a bent and twisted vehicle axle includes members engaging the axle to hold certain portions while forces are applied to the axle at portions spaced therefrom to bend and twist the axle to return same to its original orientation, the system particularly includes a pair of axle engaging assemblies each extending between and having opposite end portions thereof attached to respective anchors mounted in a floor and each assembly having a top member engageable with an upper surface of the vehicle axle thereby resisting upward movement of the respective engaged portion of the vehicle axle in response to an upwardly directed force by a force applying device extending between the floor and a selected portion of the vehicle axle and spaced from the axle engaging assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for applying a pulling force to an automobile body or the like, the apparatus including a generally upright column member adapted to be secured via a chain or similar flexible element to a portion of a vehicle body, the lower end of the column being supported by a support base structure including a pair of upstanding members spaced apart a distance approximately equal to the width of the lower end of the column and adapted to have the lower end of the column received therebetween, the upstanding members and the lower end of the column being formed with pairs of vertically spaced aligned bores adapted to receive a pair of pins for either lockingly securing the column in a generally upright and vertical position or permitting pivotal movement of the column relative to the base structure, whereby the apparatus may be used as a relatively rigid anchor structure in one mode of operation thereof, and in an alternative mode of operation thereof, may be used in conjunction with a force-apply

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: An improved apparatus for repairing indentions in a rigid skin, the apparatus comprising a frame supportingly holding a transparent base plate that is positioned to rest on a portion of the skin in close proximity to the indention. A chuck assembly is slidingly supported by the frame to grippingly hold and movably position a dent engaging member that contacts the dented portion of the skin. A retraction assembly moves the chuck assembly in a direction to pull the dented portion towards the base plate.

Abstract: A method for the repair of damaged vehicle body structure by mounting the vehicle upon frame apparatus of the type adapted for applying forces to selected portions of the damaged vehicle body to restore the vehicle body and/or frame to its original configuration and for concurrently making measurements relative to selected datum points. A plurality of parallel, generally horizontal spaced rigid supporting beams are secured to the underside of the vehicle body, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The vehicle is raised with the transverse beams secured thereto a sufficient distance to permit the insertion underneath said transverse beams of a rigid substantially rectangular frame whose width is less than the length of the transverse beams and whose length exceeds that of the vehicle body.

Abstract: In manufacturing a hammer for sheet metal work and repair or shaping of metal sheets, the hammer is made with a hammer head and an adapter which has a face for striking the workpiece and is coaxially connected to the hammer head in such a manner that the adapter, upon the striking of the hammer, rotates with respect to the hammer head in a predetermined direction from its "at rest" position, and then automatically returns to its original position. The hammer head and the adapter are, first, provided in the area where they are in contact with other when set in the at rest position with a lubricant, then, they are positioned with respect to each other in a predetermined relationship, and temporally bonded to each other by a temporary bonding agent which is applied over adjoining peripheral portions of the hammer head and the adapter and the liquid then tightly covers the adjoining peripheral portions.

Abstract: A pulling tool which comprises a pulling bar which, in a simple form, comprises an L-shaped length of tool steel rod and a pulling hook which comprises a length of tool steel rod having a hook formed in one end thereof for hooking the pulling hook with one leg of the pulling bar. The opposite end of the pulling hook can be adapted to have coupling means affixed to it for pulling on the pulling hook.To use the pulling tool, two holes are drilled in the body of the vehicle in the damaged area, and in spaced apart relationship. One leg of the L-shaped pulling bar is inserted through one of the holes, and the pulling bar is manipulated so that the leg extended through the hole extends substantially parallel with the surface contour of the body of the vehicle, and so as to project towards the second hole drilled in the body. The hook on the pulling hook then is extended through the other hole formed in the body of the vehicle and hooked with the leg of the pulling bar.

Abstract: An auto body clamp having first and second plates attachable to a pulling device and selectively drawn together at a metal-gripping jaw arrangement by a clamp which pivots the plates about a fulcrum formed by a ball disposed in recesses provided in the plates. The jaw arrangement includes teeth disposed in apertures provided in the plates, with the teeth of each plate being offset from the teeth of the other plate. Each of the teeth is arranged in a respective aperture for movement within the aperture relative to the respective plate. Setscrews are arranged in countersunk portions provided in the apertures for permitting variation in the amount a given tooth will extend beyond the respective plate when the tooth is applying pressure to a portion of an automobile body, and the like. A tongue connected to the ball disposed in the recesss of the plates advantageously forms the connection of the plates to a suitable pulling device.

Abstract: A metal leveler tool includes a body having a handle portion and a housing. A chuck is received by the body through the housing for linear movement between two limit positions. A movable handle is coupled to the chuck and mounted by the body for pivotal movement about a fulcrum. A machine screw is supported by the chuck to be threadedly received through a workpiece within an area of a dent upon movement of the chuck to one limit position followed by pivotal movement of the movable handle. The housing of the body is supported by an anvil which is supported by the workpiece over the dent. Pivotal movement of the movable handle in the other direction followed by reverse movement of the chuck to the second limit position acts to draw the dented area of the workpiece toward the anvil.

Abstract: A variable impact jarring tool comprising a handled shaft with a massive impact sleeve slideable thereon. A self-tapping screw on the end of the shaft is driven to grip the workpiece and a first collar adjacent the handle serves as an anvil against which the sleeve impacts. A second collar may be fixed on the shaft in either of two positions, one adjacent the end for a full impact stroke and the other midway thereof for a limited stroke, but providing more clearance at the end for placement of the screw in close places.

Abstract: A portable hand held tool for restoring the surface of a metal sheet such as the body skin of a vehicle from a dented condition. The tool is in the form of a pair of levers pivotably joined at their mid-section together and to an arm that extends from the pivoted joint. One free end of the arm is fitted with a suction cup and one end of each lever is fitted with a cushion pad or a suction cup so that with the pads pressed against a dented sheet at opposed boundary sections of the skin adjacent the dent, and the arm suction cup pressed against the dented section, manual movement of the levers will pull the dented section into the plane of the remainder of the skin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the repair of damaged vehicle body structure of the type in which the apparatus is secured to the vehicle body or frame and supports force-applying apparatus and measuring apparatus to permit concurrently the repair of damaged parts and the making of measurements relative to selected datum points. The apparatus comprises a pair of beam members each of which movably supports thereon a pair of clamping means for clamping to the underside of the vehicle body so as to permit these two beam members to be clamped in horizontal parallel spaced relationship to each other transversely to the vehicle's longitudinal axis. A means such as a pair of supporting wheels affixed to each of the transverse beams holds the beams and the attached vehicle in an elevated position to permit the insertion under the transverse beams of a rigid rectangular frame whose length at least equals that of the vehicle body and whose width is less than the length of each transverse beam.

Abstract: An integrated structure is disclosed for completely enveloping vehicles having a damaged and/or misaligned chassis or frame, which structure serves en masse as an anchor point for hydraulic jacks and other tools used in straightening the chassis or frame.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to horizontal frames for supporting damaged motor vehicles and allowing various pulling operations to be performed thereon. These pulling operations are performed by anchoring of the vehicles to the frame and force applied to the damaged sections of said vehicles through a pulling means supported by a generally L-shaped device which cooperates with said frame thereby restoring said damaged vehicle to its original configuration.

Abstract: A body sill clamp having first and second plates connectible to a pulling device and embraced and selectively drawn together by jaws adjustably connected to one another as by a bolt and nut. Teeth provided with square points are replaceably arranged on the plates so as to be retained by the jaws, with the teeth of one of the plates being offset from the teeth of the other of the plates such that the teeth can penetrate more of the metal being held, and can resist becoming clogged or stopped up.

Abstract: A pulling apparatus having a stand which supports a chain connected between a floor anchor and a piece of sheet metal, and the like, to be straightened. A power head is arranged engaging the chain for tightening same. The power head may be disposed along an open run of the chain, or alternatively may be mounted on the stand in place of a pulley which normally guides the chain over the stand. A plurality of hangers are provided at different heights on the frame for receiving the pulley or power head.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for use in spreading or otherwise shifting parts of a wrecked vehicle to permit removal of occupants in such vehicle, including a U-shaped support member having a longitudinally extending base and two arm members extending perpendicularly therefrom, such arm member having chains and chain hoists attached thereto whereby the chains can be attached to selected parts of the vehicle and such selected parts can be spread or pulled away from one another by operating the chain hoists. The U-shaped support member is composed of a plurality of small components which are readily portable and which can be quickly assembled in rigid relation to one another at a rescue site. The U-shaped support may include stabilizer members extending outwardly therefrom to stabilize the U-shaped support in an upright position for some rescue operations.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for repairing indentions in a rigid skin, the apparatus comprising frame means supportingly holding backup means positioned to rest on a portion of the skin in close proximity to the indention, chuck means slidingly supported by the frame means to grippingly hold and movably position a dent engaging member contacting the indented portion of the skin. Retract means move the chuck means in a direction to pull the dented skin towards the backup means. In the preferred embodiment, the backup means comprise an apertured base plate contoured to matingly match the contour of the rigid skin in close proximity to the indention, a portion of the dentengaging member clearingly extending through the aperture.

Abstract: An impact tool for dressing metal sheets, particularly for repairing damaged vehicle bodies, has a tool carrier, in a bore of which there are guided at least two jaws separated from each other in the rest position of the tool by resilient elements, e.g. springs or rubber elements. The jaws are guided for a limited stroke between a rigid abutment formed by the front face of the tool carrier and a stop formed by a bolt fixed to the tool carrier and intersecting holes of the stems of the jaws with play. The jaws are loaded by at least one resilient element, e.g. a helical spring, abutted with its one end against the end of the bore of the tool carrier and with its other end against the inner end of each jaw. Surfaces having portions diverging in direction to the outer ends of the jaws force the jaws radially inwardly when the jaws hit the metal sheet to be treated.

Abstract: Hydraulic pulley apparatus including a frame, anchored to a tiedown assembly, supporting a first pulley on a movable axis and a second pulley on a selectably fixed axis. A cable or chain extends over the first and second pulleys and is connected at one end to the frame, with the other end being attached to a workpiece. The pulleys are arranged in such a manner that movement of the first pulley away from the second pulley draws the end of the chain attached to the workpiece toward the second pulley. The movement of the first pulley is accomplished by selectively operable and controllable hydraulic power means. A third pulley may be mounted on the frame at various positions above the first and second pulleys for receiving the end of the chain attached to the workpiece, and maintaining the chain at various attitudes. Locking means hold the chain under tension to permit release of the hydraulic power means for sequential operation thereof.