Abstract: An automotive service price comparison application is provided. An application executed on a processor of a computing device, for comparing a plurality of automotive service prices across a plurality of service locations, comprising a display module of the computing device capable of displaying one or more of the plurality of service locations related to a GPS defined area, one or more price lists and reviews and a service history of one or more users. The price lists containing one or more automotive services provided by each of the plurality service locations wherein one of the one or more reviews for the one or more service locations is completed by the one of the one or more users and a database, coupled to the application, for storing the one or more price lists of automotive services, the one or more reviews and the service history of the one or more users.

Abstract: A biaxial electromagnetic actuator for a materials testing apparatus comprises a first electromagnetic actuator for imparting a linear force to an output shaft and a second, direct drive electromagnetic actuator for imparting a rotational force to the shaft. The shaft is mounted in two combination bearings which permit the shaft to move axially and rotationally. One of the bearings is located within a hollow cylindrical member which constitutes the armature of the direct drive actuator in order to provide a compact and symmetrical arrangement.

Abstract: A biaxial electromagnetic actuator for a materials testing apparatus comprises a first electromagnetic actuator for imparting a linear force to an output shaft and a second, direct drive electromagnetic actuator for imparting a rotational force to the shaft. The shaft is mounted in two combination bearings which permit the shaft to move axially and rotationally. One of the bearings is located within a hollow cylindrical member which constitutes the armature of the direct drive actuator in order to provide a compact and symmetrical arrangement.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for tuning a device under test uses a spider diagram-like chart that provides the operator with visual cues as to the tuning status of a device under test (DUT). The spider diagram may be displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI), along with various adjustment points or potentiometers. The spider diagram includes a unit circle that represents the acceptable bounds for each measured parameter. Overlaying the unit circle is a polygon of three or more sides, with a vertex of each angle of the polygon representing a measured parameter. The polygon changes shape as the various potentiometers are adjusted. When a measured parameter value is at the center of its allowable range, the vertex of the angle corresponding to that measurement lies near the center of the unit circle. When a measured parameter is at its upper or lower bound, the vertex lies on the unit circle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for tuning a device under test uses a spider diagram-like chart that provides the operator with visual cues as to the tuning status of a device under test (DUT). The spider diagram may be displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI), along with various adjustment points or potentiometers. The spider diagram includes a unit circle that represents the acceptable bounds for each measured parameter. Overlaying the unit circle is a polygon of three or more sides, with a vertex of each angle of the polygon representing a measured parameter. The polygon changes shape as the various potentiometers are adjusted. When a measured parameter value is at the center of its allowable range, the vertex of the angle corresponding to that measurement lies near the center of the unit circle. When a measured parameter is at its upper or lower bound, the vertex lies on the unit circle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for tuning a device under test uses a spider diagram-like chart that provides the operator with visual cues as to the tuning status of a device under test (DUT). The spider diagram may be displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI), along with various adjustment points or potentiometers. The spider diagram includes a unit circle that represents the acceptable bounds for each measured parameter. Overlaying the unit circle is a polygon of three or more sides, with a vertex of each angle of the polygon representing a measured parameter. The polygon changes shape as the various potentiometers are adjusted. When a measured parameter value is at the center of its allowable range, the vertex of the angle corresponding to that measurement lies near the center of the unit circle. When a measured parameter is at its upper or lower bound, the vertex lies on the unit circle.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for tuning a device under test uses a spider diagram-like chart that provides the operator with visual cues as to the tuning status of a device under test (DUT). The spider diagram may be displayed on a graphical user interface (GUI), along with various adjustment points or potentiometers. The spider diagram includes a unit circle that represents the acceptable bounds for each measured parameter. Overlaying the unit circle is a polygon of three or more sides, with a vertex of each angle of the polygon representing a measured parameter. The polygon changes shape as the various potentiometers are adjusted. When a measured parameter value is at the center of its allowable range, the vertex of the angle corresponding to that measurement lies near the center of the unit circle. When a measured parameter is at its upper or lower bound, the vertex lies on the unit circle.

Abstract: A sorting device includes a plurality of shelves placed one above the other in a frame, each adapted to receive a printing plate in sorted fashion. Located in front of the insertion opening of the shelves is a transport device for moving the printing plates along the shelves, preferably from top to bottom. Between the transport device and the shelves is a sorting carriage which can travel along the shelves and which includes a pivotable flap which operates to deflect the printing plates from the transport device to a desired shelf. To allow the printing plates to be introduced into the shelves, while keeping the shelves placed close together, the shelves are pivotally mounted at their lower edges and the sorting carriage is provided with a tappet for engaging the shelf located above the selected shelf, to lift the upper shelves and thereby enlarge the insertion opening. The arrangement is especially suitable for sorting so-called "flexoplates" and flexible offset plates.

Abstract: A sorting device includes a plurality of shelves placed one above the other in a frame, each adapted to receive a printing plate in sorted fashion. Located in front of the insertion opening of the shelves is a transport device for moving the printing plates along the shelves, preferably from top to bottom. Between the transport device and the shelves is a sorting carriage which can travel along the shelves and which includes a pivotable flap which operates to deflect the printing plates from the transport device to a desired shelf. To allow the printing plates to be introduced into the shelves, while keeping the shelves placed close together, the shelves are pivotally mounted at their lower edges and the sorting carriage is provided with a tappet for engaging the shelf located above the selected shelf, to lift the upper shelves and thereby enlarge the insertion opening. The arrangement is especially suitable for sorting so-called "flexoplates" and flexible offset plates.

Abstract: Flexible printing plates are produced by a printing plate producing machine and then transferred at a transfer station to a series of grippers mounted on an endless roller chain and which can be swiveled and opened by cooperating connecting links to engage the printing plates. The printing plates are then brought to an unloading station where the grippers are pneumatically opened in a receiving head and the printing plates are dropped into a plate stacker for guiding the printing plates into a series of bins.