A vehicle accident rescue tool, constructed so as to lift and pull a steering column vertically and horizontally. The rescue tool (10) includes a base (12), a base arm (14) carried by base (12) and, preferably, disposed at a substantially right angle to base (12). Base arm (14) includes a distal end (16) that carries a first actuator anchor point (18) and a stabilizer anchor point (20). Stabilizer anchor point (20) provides a point of attachment for a first detention cable (22) for securing the distal end (16) to a selected point on the vehicle frame. A lifting arm (36) is pivotally attached to base arm (14) and spaced apart from base (12) a selected distance. The distal end (38) of lifting arm (36) carries a second actuator anchor point (40) and an additional anchor point (42). In use, rescue tool (10) is placed on the vehicle with base (12) proximate the steering column and, preferably, positioned over a portion of the vehicle capable of supporting a load. An actuator (44) is operatively engaged with first and second actuator anchor points (18) and (40), respectively, so as to provide a force that pulls lifting arm (36) in a pivoting fashion. Lifting arm (36) is positioned so as to have its distal end angled toward the steering column. A second detention cable (46) is anchored on anchor point (42) carried by lifting arm (36) and secured to the steering column. As actuator (44) causes lifting arm (36) to rotate upwards a vertical position, the steering column is lifted and pulled.

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. For example, the clamps can be rotated, twisted, extended and/or retracted independently of each other for connection to portions of a vehicle all of which can then be pulled in a single pulling step. Another aspect comprises a device having a plurality of clamps which allow portions of a vehicle to be pulled sequentially during a single pulling operation.

An improved laser scanning apparatus (46) for determining frame or unibody alignment or misalignment of a vehicle (40) is provided, which includes a laser assembly (54), a pair of rotatable mirror assemblies (56,58) and laser detectors (114,116) located within an enclosed housing (50,52). The laser assembly (54) has an upper pair of lasers (122,126) located in known, spaced relationship above a lower pair of lasers (124,128); detector assemblies (114, 116) are also provided including substantially parabolic reflective surfaces (118a, 120a) with detectors (114a, 116a) disposed substantially at the focal point of the surfaces (118a, 120a). The apparatus (46) is used in conjunction with a plurality of individually coded reflective targets (44) which are suspended from known reference points on the vehicle (40). In use, the laser assembly (54) in conjunction with the mirror assemblies (56,58) directs upper and lower laser beams through 360 degree scans to impinge on the targets (44); laser radiation reflected from the targets (44) is detected by the detector assemblies (114, 116), allowing trigonometric calculation of target positions using information derived from the scans of the upper and lower beams. In this way, a determination can be made if any of the targets (44) are out of plumb (i.e., not truly vertical). Preferably, the housing (50,52) includes a pair of elongated, laser-transparent panels (88,90) and is effectively sealed to minimize contamination of the apparatus (46). The provision of parabolic detection assemblies 114, 116 increases the signal-to-noise ratio for the apparatus (46).