Abstract:
An electronic catalog system for identifying a component includes computer memory storage upon which is stored software and a database containing data for a number of types of the component. The data includes images, diagrams, dimensions and specifications for each of the types of the component. The system also includes a workstation and a server computer in communication with the computer memory storage and the workstation. The server computer executes the software so that images of the different types of the component are displayed on the workstation to a user. The user may select one of the plurality of types of the component. A number of alternative diagrams for the selected type of component are displayed and the user may select one. A dimension is illustrated on the selected diagram, and the user enters this dimension. A component matching the selected type, the selected diagram and the entered dimension is then displayed.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/588,284, filed Jan. 19, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to electronic catalogs accessible by computer and, more particularly, to an electronic catalog whereby components may be searched for and identified using visual images in combination with component specifications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustrating an embodiment of the system of the invention; 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  illustrates an initial data entry screen in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating the steps and processing performed for identifying an air spring component in accordance with an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0006]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a top plate diameter of a Rolling Lobe type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a top plate diagram of a Rolling Lobe type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a length of dimension “A” of a Rolling Lobe type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4D  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting images of a Rolling Lobe type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4E  illustrates a display screen for illustrating specifications of a Rolling Lobe type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4F  illustrates a data entry and display screen corresponding to the screen of  FIG. 2C  when a different top plate diameter is selected using the screen of  FIG. 4A  and a different top plate diagram is selected using the screen of  FIG. 2B ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4G  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting images of a Rolling Lobe type air spring after the screen of  FIG. 4F  is used; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a top plate diameter for a Single Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5B  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a top plate diagram for a Single Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5C  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a length of dimension “A” of a Single Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a top plate diameter for a Double Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a top plate diagram for a Double Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6C  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a length of dimension “A” of a Double Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6D  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a number of studs in a Double Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6E  illustrates a display screen listing Double Convoluted type air springs after the screen of  FIG. 6D  is used; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a top plate diameter of a Triple Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7B  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a top plate diagram of a Triple Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7C  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a length of dimension “A” of a Triple Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7D  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting an air inlet size of a Triple Convoluted type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7E  illustrates a display screen listing Triple Convoluted type air springs; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a top plate diameter of a Cab Bag type air spring in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a display screen listing Cab Bag type air springs after the screen of  FIG. 8A  is used; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating the steps and processing performed for identifying a suspension component in accordance with an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10A  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a Tie Rod type in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10B  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a Tie Rod stud center to rod end size in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10C  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a Tie Rod rod thread size in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10D  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a Tie Rod large diameter size in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10E  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a Tie Rod small diameter size in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10F  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a Tie Rod stud thread size in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10G  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a Tie Rod taper length in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 10H  illustrates a display screen showing an illustration and dimensions for a Tie Rod; 
           [0037]      FIG. 11A  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a type of Torque Rod in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 11B  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a manufacturer of a Torque Rod in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 11C  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a between a rigid and adjustable Torque Rod in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 11D  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a bushing type for a Torque Rod in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 11E  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a hole diameter for a Torque Rod in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 11F  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a length of a Torque Rod in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 11G  illustrates a display screen listing a Torque Rod; 
           [0044]      FIG. 12A-12B  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a King Pin type in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 12C  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a King Pin diameter in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 12D  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a King Pin length in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 12E  illustrates a display screen listing King Pins; 
           [0048]      FIG. 13A-13C  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a U-bolt type in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 13D  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a U-bolt thread size in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0050]      FIG. 13E  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a U-bolt width in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 13F  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a U-bolt length in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 13G  illustrates a display screen for showing a U-bolt in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 14A  illustrates a first data entry and display screen for selecting a Spring Pin type in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0054]      FIG. 14B  illustrates a second data entry and display screen for selecting a Spring Pin type in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 14C  illustrates a third data entry and display screen for selecting a Spring Pin type in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 14D  illustrates a fourth data entry and display screen for selecting a Spring Pin type in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 14E  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a Spring Pin manufacturer in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 14F  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting a Spring Pin diameter in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 14G  illustrates a display screen for listing a Spring Pin; 
           [0060]      FIG. 15A  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting Tie Rod by Axle Code in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 15B  illustrates a display screen listing a Tie Rod after the screen of  FIG. 15A  is used; 
           [0062]      FIG. 16A  illustrates a data entry and display screen for selecting King Pin by Axle Code in an embodiment of the system and method of the invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 16B  illustrates a display screen listing a King Pin after the screen of  FIG. 16A  is used. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0064]    An embodiment of the electronic catalog system of the present invention is indicated in general at  30  in  FIG. 1 . The system includes a server computer  32  that is loaded with and configured to run software that accomplishes the functionality described below. The server communicates with computer memory storage device  34  upon which is stored a database containing data regarding air spring and suspension components. This data includes image data, dimensions and specifications which will be describe in greater detail below. The server computer  32  may be accessed by users via workstations  36   a - 36   c  which communicate with server  32  through a network  38  which may be, for example, the Internet. Workstations  36   a - 36   c  may be computers or other types of display devices known in the art. As an alternative to the network arrangement illustrate in  FIG. 1 , the software may be loaded on a standalone computer. 
         [0065]    While the invention is described below in terms of air spring and other suspension components, it is to be understood that the system and method of the invention may be used to electronically catalog and access other types of components, products or other items. In addition, it should be understood that the specific screen layouts and flow charts are presented as examples only and are intended in no way to limit the invention. 
         [0066]    The initial data entry screen displayed to a user accessing the system (such as by workstation  36   a  of  FIG. 1 ) is presented in  FIG. 2 . To search for data for a specific air spring, the user may enter manufacturer part or cross-reference numbers in either field  40  or  42 . If the user does not know this information, but does know the bellows number for the air spring, this number may be entered in field  44 . If the user does not know this information, he or she may select the air spring type by clicking on the “Choose an Air Spring Type” icon, indicated at  46 . When the user takes this action, a list of air spring types is displayed via a drop down menu, indicated in general at  48  in  FIG. 2 . As illustrated at  48 , an illustration of the air spring type is provided by the side of each air spring type listed in the drop down menu. 
         [0067]    Assuming that the user proceeds with using the drop down menu  48 , he or she next clicks on the desired air spring type. This is shown as block  52  in  FIG. 3 . If the user selects a Rolling Lobe spring type, as illustrated at block  54  in  FIG. 3 , the screen of  FIG. 4A  is displayed (such as by workstation  36   a  in  FIG. 1 ) and prompts the user to “Choose a Top Plate Diameter” for the air spring at  56 . This is illustrated as block  58  in  FIG. 3 . Once the user chooses a top plate diameter from the drop down menu (in this example, 11.31″ was chosen), the screen of  FIG. 413  is displayed and presents the user with three images of the top plate,  62   a ,  62   b  and  62   c , as well as a prompt “Choose a Top Plate Diagram” at  64 . This is illustrated by block  66  of  FIG. 3 . In addition, as in further examples presented herein,  FIG. 4B  provides a list of air springs that meets the criteria selected thus far. This list is shortened as more steps of  FIG. 3  are completed (and more search criteria is added). 
         [0068]    Once the user selects a top plate diagram, by clicking on one of images  62   a ,  62   b  or  62   c , the screen of  FIG. 4C  is displayed. As shown in  FIG. 4C , the user is prompted to choose the length of dimension “A” illustrated in the image at drop down menu  66 . This step is shown in block  68  of  FIG. 3 . Once the dimension “A” is chosen, the screen of  FIG. 4D  is displayed, which includes a listing  70  for the air spring that fulfills or matches the entered criteria. As in further examples presented herein, if the user clicks on the “Images (click to enlarge)” icon  72 , the screen of  FIG. 4E  is displayed, which provides specifications including an enlarged image  73  of the air spring, along with the OEM part number and manufacturer ( 74  and  76 ) and cross reference numbers  78  for other manufacturers  80 . In addition, the screen illustrated in  FIG. 4E  provides dimensions and other specifications for the air spring at  82 . 
         [0069]    It should be noted that, depending on the selections made by the user, some of the steps of  FIG. 3  may be skipped/omitted (for example, after block  58  is completed, jump to block  92 ). 
         [0070]    As another example for a Rolling Lobe air spring,  FIG. 4F  illustrates the screen displayed when a top plate diameter of 9.00″ and the top plate diagram  84  is selected. The user is again prompted to choose dimension “A” at drop down menu  86  (block  68  of  FIG. 3 ). After the user selects dimension A at  87  in  FIG. 4G  (6.20″), via successive screens, the user is prompted to select the number of studs  88  (block  92  in  FIG. 3 ), the air inlet size  94  (block  96  in  FIG. 3 ) and the number of bottom plate studs  98  (block  102  of  FIG. 3 ) from drop down menus to arrive at an air spring ( 104 ) that meets the entered criteria. 
         [0071]    If a Single Convoluted air spring type is selected at  48  in the initial screen of  FIG. 2  (block  110  of  FIG. 3 ), the screen of  FIG. 5A  is displayed and prompts the user to “Choose a Top Plate Diameter” for the air spring at drop down menu  112 . This is illustrated as block  114  in  FIG. 3 . Once the user chooses a top plate diameter from the drop down menu (in this example, 11.31″ was chosen), the screen of  FIG. 5B  is displayed and presents the user with two images of the top plate,  116   a  and  116   b , as well as a prompt “Choose a Top Plate Diagram” at  118 . This is illustrated by block  120  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0072]    Once the user selects a top plate diagram, by clicking on one of images  116   a  or  116   b , the screen of  FIG. 5C  is displayed. As shown in  FIG. 5C , the user is prompted to choose the length of dimension “A” at drop down menu  122 . This step is shown in block  124  of  FIG. 3 . In the following screen, the user is prompted to select the number of studs at drop down menu  126  (block  102  in  FIG. 3 ). This results in the display of a listing  128  for the air spring that fulfills the entered criteria on the screen of  FIG. 5C . 
         [0073]    If a Double Convoluted air spring type is selected at  48  in the initial screen of  FIG. 2  (block  130  of  FIG. 3 ), the screen of  FIG. 6A  is displayed and prompts the user to “Choose a Top Plate Diameter” for the air spring at  132 . This is illustrated as block  134  in  FIG. 3 . Once the user chooses a top plate diameter from a drop down menu (in this example, 9.0″ was chosen), the screen of  FIG. 6B  is displayed and presents the user with five images of the top plate,  136   a - 136   e . as well as a prompt “Choose a Top Plate Diagram” at  138 . This is illustrated by block  140  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0074]    Once the user selects a top plate diagram, by clicking on one of images  136   a - 136   e , the screen of  FIG. 6C  is displayed. As shown in  FIG. 6C , the user is prompted to choose the length of dimension “A” at drop down menu  142 . This step is shown in block  144  of  FIG. 3 . In the following screen, illustrated in  FIG. 6D , the user is prompted to select the number of studs at drop down menu  146  (block  148  in  FIG. 3 ). Selection of the number of studs results in the display of  FIG. 6E , which provides a listing  149  for the air springs that fulfill the entered criteria. 
         [0075]    If a Triple Convoluted air spring type is selected at  48  in the initial screen of  FIG. 2  (block  150  of  FIG. 3 ), the screen of  FIG. 7A  is displayed and prompts the user to “Choose a Top Plate Diameter” for the air spring at drop down menu  152 . This is illustrated as block  154  in  FIG. 3 . Once the user chooses a top plate diameter from the drop down menu (in this example, 9.0″ was chosen), the screen of  FIG. 7B  is displayed and presents the user with four images of the top plate,  156   a - 156   d , as well as a prompt “Choose a Top Plate Diagram” at  158 . This is illustrated by block  160  of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0076]    Once the user selects a top plate diagram, by clicking on one of images  156   a - 156   d , the screen of  FIG. 7C  is displayed. As shown in  FIG. 7C , the user is prompted to choose the length of dimension “A” at drop down menu  162 . This step is shown in block  164  of  FIG. 3 . In the following screen, illustrated in  FIG. 7D , the user is prompted to select the air inlet size at drop down menu  166  (block  168  in  FIG. 3 ). Selection of the air inlet size results in the screen of  FIG. 7E  being displayed, which provides a listing  169  for the air springs that fulfill the entered criteria. 
         [0077]    If a Cab Bag air spring type is selected at  48  in the initial screen of  FIG. 2  (block  170  of  FIG. 3 ), the screen of  FIG. 8A  is displayed and prompts the user to “Choose a Top Plate Diameter” for the air spring at drop down menu  172 . This is illustrated as block  174  in  FIG. 3 . Once the user chooses a top plate diameter from the drop down menu (in this example, 4.76″ was chosen), the screen of  FIG. 8B  is displayed and provides a listing  174  for the air springs that fulfill the entered criteria. 
         [0078]    With reference to the initial screen of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , and as noted previously, a Bellows Number for the desired air spring may be entered in field  44  instead of selecting an Air Spring Type by use of pull down menu  48 . This is illustrated at block  180  in  FIG. 3 . Because the Bellows Number is directly related to the type of bag and top plate diameter, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the system immediately jumps to the prompts of blocks  66 ,  120 ,  140  or  160  when a Bellows Number is entered. 
         [0079]    The system may also be used to identify suspension components other than air springs via a “special search.” Such components may be selected from the Special Search drop down menu  182  of the initial screen of  FIG. 2 , as indicated by block  200  of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0080]    With reference to  FIG. 9 , as an example, the components that may be selected from drop down menu  182  of the initial screen ( FIG. 2 ) may include Tie Rods (by Dimension)  202 , Torque Rods  206 , Steering King Pins (by Dimension)  207 , U-Bolts  208 , Spring Pins  320 , Tie Rods (by Axle Code)  322  and Steering King Pins (by Axle Code)  324 . 
         [0081]    If Tie Rods (by Dimension) are selected from the initial screen (block  202  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIG. 10A  is displayed where the user may select between tie rod types A-D. Once the user selects a tie rod type (block  210  in  FIG. 9 ), for example, type A, the screen of  FIG. 10B  is displayed. The user is prompted to choose a stud center to rod end size via drop down menu  212  (block  214  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 10C  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose a rod thread size via pull down menu  216  (block  218  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 10D  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose a large diameter size via pull down menu  220  (block  222  in  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0082]    While not required in this example, since the tie rod corresponding to the entered search criteria is identified at  224  in the screen of  FIG. 10 ), additional narrowing search criteria may be entered if more than one tie rod is listed at  224 . More specifically, as illustrated by the screen of  FIG. 10E , a small diameter size may be entered via pull down menu  226  (block  228  of  FIG. 9 ), a stud thread size may be entered via drop down menu  230  of the screen of  FIG. 10F  (block  232  of  FIG. 9 ) and a taper length may be entered via pull down menu  234  of the screen of  FIG. 10G  (block  236  of  FIG. 9 ). As in the further examples presented herein, clicking on the listed tie rod ( 224  of  FIG. 10D ) causes the screen of  FIG. 10H  to be displayed, which provides an enlarged illustration and dimensions for the tie rod. 
         [0083]    It should be noted that, as with  FIG. 3 , depending on the selections made by the user, some of the steps of  FIG. 9  may be skipped/omitted. 
         [0084]    If Torque Rods are selected from the initial screen (block  206  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIG. 11A  is displayed where the user may select between, or to include all, tie rod types via drop down menu  240 . Once the user selects a tie rod type (block  242  in  FIG. 9 ) or all tie rod types (as in the present example), the screen of  FIG. 11B  is displayed. The user is prompted to choose a manufacturer via drop down menu  244  (block  246  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 11C  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose between a rigid or adjustable torque rod via pull down menu  248  (block  250  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 11D  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose a bushing type via pull down menu  252  (block  254  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 11E  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose a hole diameter via pull down menu  256  (block  258  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 11F  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose a length via pull down menu  260  (block  262  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the tie rod corresponding to the entered search criteria is identified at  264  in  FIG. 11G . 
         [0085]    If Steering King Pins (by Dimension) are selected from the initial screen (block  207  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIGS. 12A and 12B  is displayed where the user may select between steering king pin types A-F. Once the user selects a king pin type (block  272  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIG. 12C  is displayed. The user is prompted to choose a diameter via drop down menu  274  (block  276  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 12D  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose a length via pull down menu  278  (block  280  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the king pins corresponding to the entered search criteria are identified as indicated at  282  in the screen of  FIG. 12E . 
         [0086]    If U-Bolts are selected from the initial screen (block  208  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIGS. 13A-13C  are displayed where the user may select between U-bolt types FTR, FTS, FTSR, HS, MR, QR, R, S, S-FTL, SR or TR. Once the user selects a U-bolt type (block  292  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIG. 13D  is displayed. When viewing this screen, the user is prompted to choose a thread size via drop down menu  294  (block  296  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 13E  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose a width, as defined in the U-bolt image, via pull down menu  298  (block  300  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 13F  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose a length, as defined in the U-bolt image, via pull down menu  302  (block  304  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 13G  is displayed, upon which the U-bolt corresponding to the entered search criteria is identified at  306 . 
         [0087]    If Spring Pins are selected from the initial screen (block  320  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIGS. 14A-14D  are displayed where the user may select between spring pin types A-K. Once the user selects a king pin type (block  326  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIG. 14E  is displayed. The user is prompted to choose a make (i.e. manufacturer) via drop down menu  328  (block  330  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the screen of  FIG. 14F  is displayed, which prompts the user to choose a diameter via pull down menu  332  (block  334  in  FIG. 9 ). Once this selection is made, the spring pins corresponding to the entered search criteria are identified as indicated at  336  in the screen of  FIG. 140 . Additional information for the spring pin may be accessed by clicking on a link  337 . 
         [0088]    If Tie Rods (by Axle Code) is selected from the initial screen (block  322  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIG. 15A  is displayed where the user may select between looking up a tie rod by axle code by selecting an axle code from the pull down menu  340  or by entering an axle code into the search field at  342 . Once the user enters an axle code (block  344  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIG. 15B , listing the appropriate tie rods at  344 , is displayed. Additional information for a tie rod may be accessed by clicking on a link  345 . 
         [0089]    If King Pins (by Axle Code) is selected from the initial screen (block  324  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIG. 16A  is displayed where the user may select between looking up a king pin by axle code by selecting an axle code from the pull down menu  346  or by entering an axle code into the search field at  348 . Once the user enters an axle code (block  350  in  FIG. 9 ), the screen of  FIG. 16B , listing the appropriate king pin at  352 , is displayed. Additional information for the king pin may be accessed by clicking on a link  353 . 
         [0090]    While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.