Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for testing a tensile strength under a high temperature condition and a unit for measuring elongation provided in the same. The apparatus for testing a tensile strength under a high temperature condition includes a base frame part, a test sample loader and a cylinder part connected to the base frame part and applying a tensile force to a test sample, and a heater for forming a high temperature condition to the test sample. The unit for measuring elongation includes a movable frame, a vertical bar, and a measurement head part connected to the vertical bar to measure elongation of the test sample and blocking heat from the heater.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a device for determining a flow rate through a pipe, wherein a first measurement device is provided which determines the flow profile of the fluid in a first region by means of a Doppler frequency shift, and a second measurement device is provided which determines the flow profile of the fluid in the pipe in a second region by means of a travel time measurement method.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for checking the seal-tightness of closure caps on medical hollow bodies has a drive, a retaining element for the hollow body, and a retaining device for the closure cap. The retaining device is pivotably supported relative to the retaining element. The device further includes a sensor for the relative rotation of the retaining device with respect to the retaining element. A torque may be applied to the closure cap by the drive, the retaining element, and the retaining device. A hollow body and a closure cap are gripped by the retaining device and the retaining element from the same side, as viewed along the longitudinal axis of a hollow body.

Abstract: A torque sensor system having an index function and ascertaining a torque between an input shaft and an output shaft connected to each other via a torsion bar, includes: a magnetic unit having a magnetic pole wheel for generating a magnetic field, the magnetic unit being rigidly connected to one of the two shafts; a flux ring unit having a flux ring system for converting and conducting the magnetic flux generated by the magnetic unit, the flux ring unit being rigidly connected to the other shaft; and a sensor unit having at least one first magnetic field-sensitive sensor element for sensing changes in the magnetic flux through the flux ring system, the sensor unit being mounted in a stationary manner relative to the flux ring unit. The index function is implemented with the aid of an index magnet and a further magnetic field-sensitive sensor element.

Abstract: A load sensor is provided comprising a magnetostrictive material and a wire. The magnetostrictive material may comprise an aperture, a first face, a second face, a thickness, and a first dado. The wire is disposed at least partially in the first dado, wherein the first dado at least partially transverses at least one of the first face and the second face, wherein the wire at least partially transverses the first face and the second face. The load sensor may also comprise a magnetostrictive material comprising an aperture, a first face, a second face, a thickness, and a first channel, and a wire disposed at least partially in the first channel, wherein the first channel at least partially transverses at least one of the first face and the second face, wherein the wire at least partially transverses the first face and the second face.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the load state of a grinding system having rotating grinding elements, the dynamic forces exerted by the grinding stock on the grinding elements being detected in a first frequency range which contains the fundamental oscillation of the grinding elements, and in a second frequency range in which the first harmonic of the fundamental oscillation occurs, and measures for reducing the load state being introduced when the first harmonic exceeds a predetermined threshold value in relation to the magnitude of the fundamental oscillation. Such a method permits very reliable and accurate monitoring of the load state of the grinding system.

Abstract: An actuator apparatus (10) for operation of at least one foot pedal (8) of a motor vehicle (4) has at least one operating element (12) that is drivable for pressure application to the foot pedal (8) by means of an actuator (14), and a force sensor (16), by means of which a pressure-application force that can be generated at a contact surface (20) of the operating element (12) can be detected. Provision is made in this arrangement that the contact surface (20) is formed by a pressure-application plate (18) and that the force sensor (16) is disposed on a side (22) of the pressure-application plate (18) facing away from the contact surface (20).

Abstract: Disclosed is a sampling method which comprises the steps of: blowing airflow towards a center portion of a sampling surface through a blowing port; and sucking the blown airflow from periphery of the sampling surface through a sucking port, or a sampling method which comprises the steps of: providing a sampling device on a sampling surface, the sampling device being shaped to form a sampling space together with the sampling surface, and the sampling device including a blowing port arranged at the center portion of the sampling device and a sucking port arranged at periphery of the sampling device; blowing airflow towards the sampling surface through the blowing port; and sucking the airflow blown towards the sampling surface through the sucking port so as to collect samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ measurement of soluble contaminant flux rates from sediments in which an inverted desorption chamber containing a sorbent system is filled with water and placed over an area of sediment, whereby the interior of the chamber is isolated from the exterior of the chamber above the sediment. Soluble contaminants released from the sediment are sorbed onto the surface of a sorbent material disposed within a plurality of semipermeable membrane bags disposed within the chamber. Each semipermeable membrane bag is removed from the chamber in a pre-defined sequence over a period of time and the sorbent material in each bag is analyzed to determine an amount of the soluble contaminant sorbed by the sorbent material. From the results of the analyses, the mass of the soluble contaminant removed from the sediment over time can be calculated.

Abstract: A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.

Abstract: An inlet (37a) of a capillary tube channel that feeds a liquid from a mixing cavity (39) to measurement spots is formed near one (4) of the wall surfaces of the upper and lower surfaces of the mixing cavity (39) situated in a direction of oscillation for mixing. On the other wall surface (3), a level difference (39a) is formed such that an inner gap is larger than an outer gap in the mixing cavity (39), so that a solution is reliably fed from the mixing cavity to the measurement cells.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a rate of turn signal includes a gyroscopic device arranged to generate the output indicative of the rate of turn in a desire plane relative to a nominal predetermined direction. The rate of turn signal includes a drift error generated by a drift of the actual predetermined direction and the error is corrected by generating a first signal with the gyroscopic device in a first orientation and a second signal with the gyroscopic device in a second orientation inverted relative to the first orientation so that the readings will now be in the opposite direction, comparing the two signals to determine the drift error and using the drift error to correct the output.

Abstract: A linear actuator unit has a slide plate which is allowed to freely move along the outer rail while causing a cover to retreat. The linear actuator unit includes: an outer rail, which is formed into a cylindrical shape, and includes the slit-opening portion formed along an axial direction thereof; the slide plate (3), which is coupled to an inner block in the hollow portion through the slit-opening portion; a cover belt, which is tensioned between both ends in a longitudinal direction of the outer rail so as to cover the slit-opening portion; a belt-guiding member, which separates the cover belt from the outer rail correspondingly to movement of the slide plate; and a seal member, which seals between the belt-guiding member and the cover belt and between the belt-guiding member and the outer rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a press drive by means of direct drive modules, wherein a space-saving construction with low height for the press can be achieved.

Abstract: An actuator includes a plurality of chain links that can be wound up to transform a chain of the links into a stable elongated rod protruding from the actuator and can be unwound to transform the elongated rod into a chain that is received in a chain magazine. The actuator is particularly compact and flat and can be placed in the relatively narrow spaces.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism and a robot arm using the same are described. The power transmission mechanism at least includes a first power source, a second power source, a plurality of steel ropes, a support arm component, a stopping component and a joint component. The stopping component is disposed in the support arm component and includes a first stopping unit and a second stopping unit that rotate coaxially. The first and second power sources and the joint component are disposed at two ends of the support arm component. The first and second power sources transmit power via the first stopping unit and the second stopping unit through the plurality of steel ropes to drive the joint component to perform a two-degree-of-freedom motion. The support arm component and the joint component can be applied in an upper arm and an elbow of a robot arm, thereby constituting a multi-degree-of-freedom robot arm.

Abstract: This invention provides a common means of coupling an alternative power source to a vehicle's drive wheels which is particularly well suited for use with a countershaft-type transmission. This invention also addresses clutch wear by eliminating the need to engage the frictional clutch to launch the vehicle. This invention also improves the acceleration of the vehicle compared to a typical dry friction clutch launch by relying on the HLA system to transfer more power to the drive wheels more quickly than would be transferred by a typical launch engagement of a dry friction clutch in a commercial vehicle.

Abstract: An adjusting gearing for an adjusting device of a motor vehicle is provided. The adjusting gearing having a gearing housing, having a drive input wheel which is arranged in the gearing housing and which has bearing collars formed at both sides of the drive input wheel, and having a drive output wheel which is arranged in the gearing housing and which meshes with the drive input wheel and the axis of which is aligned substantially perpendicular to the axis of the drive input wheel.

Abstract: Bevel and hypoid gears are used in power transmissions including automotive applications. Provided is a net shaped bevel or hypoid gear having a generally annular gear body including a plurality of radially outwardly extending gear teeth formed from a generally annular blank made of powdered metal. Also provided is a method for manufacturing a net shaped bevel or hypoid gear including the steps of providing and optionally heat treating a generally ring-shaped or annular blank made of metal powder, then incrementally deforming the blank by orbitally forming or roll forming to produce a net shaped gear member with a plurality of outwardly extending gear teeth, which may be of a bevel or hypoid type.

Abstract: A transmission oil control is provided for a motor vehicle transmission comprises at least one oil line adapted to lubricate a transmission gear assigned to the oil line. The oil line can be opened and/or at least throttled by means of a throttle element. A gearshift element is provided for a gear shift device. The engaged transmission gear can be represented through the gearshift element. The throttle element is connected to the gearshift element in such a manner that for the engaged transmission gear, the associated oil line can be opened and/or that the oil line can at least be throttled for another engaged transmission gear. Since the lubricating oil flow for the transmission gears which are not engaged can be automatically reduced, the total lubricating oil flow can be reduced.

Abstract: A shift lever assembly with a button type shift knob may include a lower skirt slidably and rotatably coupled around a shift rod, an upper skirt disposed on the lower skirt and rotatably coupled to the lower skirt to allow relative rotation therebetween and to prevent relative straight motion therebetween, and a shift knob detachably attached to an upper portion of the shift rod, wherein the shift knob is slidably coupled to the upper skirt to permit an upper motion of the upper and lower skirts along a center axis of the shift rod and is eccentrically coupled to the upper skirt to prevent a relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: In general, a shift-by-wire transmission range selector system consistent with the present disclosure may include an actuator one or more electric motors to allow the actuator to operate for shifting the gear position of a transmission. In the event of a power or system failure, a fail safe release motor may be actuated by energy stored in a capacitor. The fail safe release motor drives a slide cam to release a trigger arm. Upon release of the trigger arm, a spring-driven mechanism safely returns the transmission to the PARK position by rotating an output shaft. A redundant control link may be provided, configured to actuate the fail safe release motor in the event of a power or system failure.

Abstract: In a gear shaft mechanism is provided that includes, but is not limited to a gear stick passing through slots in a plate to operate a shifter mechanism to move control cables, The gear stick is not pivotally mounted and performs only translational movements. The shaft is fixed to a bar member that is constrained to slide in a first direction relative to a frame member and the frame member is arranged to slide relative to a fixed support in a second direction. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A first pivot is arranged to slide on the bar member and the mechanism further includes, but is not limited to a two-armed lever pivoted at the junction of its arms to a second pivot fixed to said fixed support, a first arm of the lever being pivotally connected to the first pivot. The control cables are respectively connected to a second arm of the lever and the frame member.

Abstract: A transmission (12) for a vehicle (10) includes a gear shaft (24) having an external periphery (57) and a hub (54). The hub (54) is rotatably secured and axially moveably connected to the external periphery (57) of the gear shaft (24) and has a plurality of external teeth (62). The transmission (12) also includes a gear (56) connected to the gear shaft (24). An external periphery (66) of the gear defines teeth (67). The transmission further includes a shift collar (44) having a bore (64) through the shift collar (44). The shift collar (44) has internal teeth (65) that engage the teeth (62) of the hub (54). The gear and the shift collar (44) have a first configuration where all of the teeth (65) of the shift collar (44) are spaced from all of the teeth (67) of the gear (56) and a second configuration (70) where at least some teeth (65) of the shift collar (44) engage teeth (67) of the gear (56). The shift collar (44) defines a feature (71) for limiting the axial motion of the shift collar (44).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object.

Abstract: An industrial robot includes a joint, a first arm rotatably connected to the joint about a first rotation axis and defining a hollow portion extending along the first rotation axis, a second arm rotatably connected to the first arm about a second rotation axis, a third arm rotatably connected to the second arm about a third rotation axis, a first driver and a first transmission mechanism to drive the first arm, a second driver and a second transmission mechanism to drive the second arm, and a third driver and a third transmission mechanism to drive the third arm. The first, second and third drivers are mounted on the joint. The second transmission mechanism includes a first shaft rotatably received in the hollow portion, and the third transmission mechanism includes a second shaft sleeved on the first shaft.

Abstract: A parking brake system may include a lever mounting bracket including a vertical portion, an operating lever including a vertical fixing portion and a bending-fixing portion, wherein the vertical fixing portion is rotatably coupled to the vertical portion by an end portion of a lever hinge, and the bending-fixing portion is disposed from the vertical portion with a predetermined distance and rotatably coupled to the vertical portion by the other end of the lever hinge, a rotary shaft disposed with a predetermined distance from the lever hinge and having one end connected to the bending-fixing portion, a cable rod having one end connected to a portion of the rotary shaft at a predetermined distance from the vertical portion of the lever mounting bracket, and an equalizer connected to the other end of the cable rod by an adjust nut.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various vehicle braking assemblies. Brake pedal arms include, for example, a cam block that is configured to simplify the engagement between the power booster and pedal arm. Cam block can be movable with respect to the pedal arm to manage the gap between the pedal arm and power booster in by-wire braking assemblies.

Abstract: An integrated drop style handlebar including a left and right palm support. Each palm support is attached to the forward portion of the handlebar frame adjacent to a hood. Each palm support extends laterally outward away from the handlebar's middle portion. An upward facing surface on each palm support is positioned to support a distal lateral portion (the portion of the palm distal to the thumb and proximal to the fifth metacarpal bone) of a rider's palm while the web of the hand is placed on a hood. Each palm support preferably also provides a large enough surface to support substantially all of a rider's palm when the web is not placed on a hood.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various vehicle braking assemblies with gap management devices to manage the distance between the pedal arm and power booster under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A crank set for a bicycle includes a crankshaft having a drive side shaft end part (3) and a non-drive side shaft end part (4), bearings (1, 2) for mounting the crankshaft rotatable in a bottom bracket shell of a frame of the bicycle, a drive side pedal crank (16), a non-drive side pedal crank (20), and at least one chain ring (14, 15) provided on the drive side shaft end part (3). The drive-side shaft end part (3) is provided with an integrally formed radially outwardly extending mounting body (7) upon which the drive side pedal crank (16) and the chain rings (14, 15) are mounted. The non-drive-side shaft part (4) may also be provided with an integrally formed radially outwardly extending mounting body (10) upon which the non-drive side pedal crank (20) is mounted.

Abstract: A baffle plate support structure supports a baffle plate inside a casing of a transmission. The baffle plate support structure includes a fixing portion and a supporting portion. The fixing portion secures a fixed end of the baffle plate to the casing by tightening bolts. The fixed end is one end of the baffle plate. The supporting portion supports a supported end of the baffle plate with respect to the casing. The supported end is another end of the baffle plate. The supporting portion has protruding ribs formed on an inner surface of the casing. The supporting portion is positioned such that the protruding ribs have a clearance of predetermined distance with respect to the supported end of the baffle plate in a vibrating direction of the supported end.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indexation member (100) including a bearing (104) having an outline (106) and at least two indices (102) provided on the bearing (104), characterised in that the indices (102) are evenly distributed on the outline (106) of the bearing (104).

Abstract: A rotary mechanism of a machine tool (driving device) includes a first motor for carrying out rotary driving and positioning of a workpiece support (rotary stacking-receiving die assembly), and second motors for supplementing rotation of the rotary stacking-receiving die assembly. The stop positioning accuracy of the rotary stacking-receiving die assembly due to the second motors is lower than the stop positioning accuracy of the rotary stacking-receiving die assembly due to the first motor.

Abstract: A method for refining a metal such that, after a base material derived from the metal is melted by being irradiated with an electron beam, the base material is refined by solidifying the base material which was melted, the method including: a step melting all of the base material by irradiating the electron beam over an entire surface of the base material loaded inside a water-cooled crucible placed inside a high vacuum atmosphere; a step gradually solidifying the base material which was melted from a molten metal bottom part of the base material which was melted toward a molten metal surface part at a side being irradiated by the electron beam by gradually weakening an output of the electron beam while maintaining a condition in which the base material which was melted is irradiated with the electron beam; and a step removing a molten metal part which is not solidified, after the base material which was melted is solidified to a certain percentage.

Abstract: A method of using scrap rubber and other scrap materials, such as tires or parts or pieces of tires, to manufacture or melt steel and other metals in a furnace is disclosed. The scrap rubber may be used as a carbon source for the manufacture of steel and other metals, and may be used as an energy source to melt the scrap metal used to make the steel and other metals. The net benefit of this method includes reducing the amount of scrap rubber, such as tires, to be sent to a waste disposal facility or landfill, thereby improving the environment. In addition, by increasing the use of scrap rubber as a source of energy for steel or metal production, less energy is required from other sources.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of steel using metal charge material that is preheated in an upper part of a melting vessel, is then melted in a lower part of the melting vessel with fossil fuels and the molten material is continuously discharged into a treatment vessel in which the desired steel quality is adjusted while gases are introduced into the melting vessel from the exterior to afterburn the melting exhaust gases. The process gases are step-wise afterburned when ascending in the melting vessel by introducing the afterburn gases into the interior of the charge material column by way of an interior shaft that projects into the material column and in whose walls inlet openings for the gases are disposed and form afterburn planes arranged one on top of the other.

Abstract: A method of recovering rhenium from rhenium-containing superalloy scrap is provided. The superalloy is usually a nickel-based superalloy. The method includes the steps of forming an oxidation feedstock of flaky morphology of the superalloy scrap, and oxidizing the oxidation feedstock to convert rhenium into a volatile rhenium oxide. The flaky morphology of the oxidation feedstock is achieved by increasing the surface area of the superalloy scrap.

Abstract: Methods of forming earth-boring tools include assembling a plurality of head sections about a longitudinal axis to form a bit body, rotatably mounting a cutter to the cutter bearing shaft of each head section, and forming at least one groove on an outer surface of a bit leg of at least one head section, causing the at least one groove to extend along a curved path from a leading side of the bit leg to a trailing side of the bit leg between an upper sidewall and a lower sidewall.

Abstract: A seal breaker to break the seal of a container includes the container cap having either one or more slots with an adjacent rigid portion capable of penetrating the seal or one or more pointed projections capable of penetrating the seal or one or more pointed projections.

Abstract: A power ratchet assembly has a handle, a power shaft, a sleeve, a crankshaft, multiple planet gears, multiple pins, two support bearings and a ratchet head device. The crankshaft has an outer surface. The support bearings are securely mounted around the outer surface of the crankshaft. Because the crankshaft is supported by the support bearings, the crankshaft is effectively stabilized so mitigating vibration of the crankshaft and reducing wear of the planet gears and noise and increasing useful life of the power ratchet assembly.

Abstract: A line wrench includes a drive receiving portion, a holder movably connected to the drive receiving portion and a fastener engaging body. The fastener engaging body has a plurality of fastener engaging surfaces defined by a fastener receiving aperture having an axis and a side opening through which an elongate member can enter the fastener receiving aperture by a movement transverse to the fastener receiving aperture axis. The holder is arranged to receive the fastener engaging body, has a free end portion and is movable between a position in which the free end portion is spaced from the drive receiving portion to permit an elongate member to enter the side opening and a position in which the free end portion engages the drive receiving portion such that a drive force applied to the drive receiving portion is transmitted to the holder via the free end portion.

Abstract: A ratchet device includes a body having a compartment extending along a first axis. A ratchet member is rotatably received in the compartment about the first axis. The body includes first and second sides each having a receptacle in communication with the compartment. A ratchet block is received in each receptacle. A control member is received in a groove in a top side of the body. The groove is in communication with the compartment via an opening. The control member is movable between three positions along an axis perpendicular to but spaced from the first axis to disengage a toothed portion of either of the ratchet blocks from teeth on the ratchet member so as to control the driving direction of the ratchet device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for slicing food products, in particular to high-performance slicers, having a product feed which is made to feed at least one product to a cutting plane in which at least one cutting blade moves, in particular in a rotating and/or orbiting manner, for cutting slices from the product, wherein the cutting blade is pivotally mounted and is pivotable for carrying out at least one additional function, in particular for carrying out blank cuts, for setting a cutting gap and/or for the vertical or dipping depth setting such that the spacing between the cutting blade and a reference plane which extends parallel to the cutting plane or coincides with the cutting plane is changed and in this process the cutting blade remains parallel to the cutting plane or departs from a parallel alignment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for slicing food products, in particular to a high-performance slicer, comprising a product feed, at least one cutting blade which rotates about a blade axis and/or orbits a center axis in a planetary manner and to which at least one product to be sliced can be fed in a product feed direction and having an adjustment device for the cutting blade with which the cutting blade is movable in an adjustment direction, with the blade axis and/or the center axis of the cutting blade being inclined with respect to the horizontal during the slicing and with the adjustment direction of the cutting blade extending obliquely to the blade axis and/or to the center axis of the cutting blade.

Abstract: In a method for severing a protruding section of a layer of a laminate, particularly a backing film of a laminate, which comprises at least one solid plate, particularly a glass plate, a severing tool having a rotating cutting blade and a rotating counter-blade is used. The blades are rotated in opposite directions about parallel axes. The cutting blade and the counter-blade are furthermore offset laterally such that a main surface of the cutting blade contacts a main surface of the counter-blade in a working region. The offset arrangement of the blades, and the fact that the main surface of the cutting blade and the main surface of the counter-blade mutually contact each other, enable a precise, scissors-like cutting operation, which is particularly suited for severing protruding sections of a laminate. Because the two main surfaces directly abut each other, a jamming of severed material between the blades is prevented.

Abstract: Table saws and table saws designed to implement safety systems that detect contact between a person and a dangerous portion of the saw are disclosed. Table saw components, mounting systems for table saws, and table saw attachments are also disclosed. One embodiment may include a first clamp surface, a second clamp surface spaced apart from the first clamp surface so that a base portion of a riving knife or splitter can be placed between the clamp surfaces with the opposing sides of the base portion generally parallel to the first and second clamp surfaces.

Abstract: A rotary sheet metal cutter for cutting sheet metal in various curvatures. The rotary cutter generally includes a base, a first cutting assembly supported by the base and including a first drive assembly and a first circular blade, a second cutting assembly supported by the base and including a second drive assembly and a second circular blade cooperating with the first circular blade. The first circular blade is driven in a first rotational direction and the second circular blade is driven in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The first circular blade and the second circular blade each include an overlapping portion along a feed path for cutting a piece of sheet metal engaging the overlapping portions of the first circular blade and the second circular blade. Another circular blade aligned with the first circular blade may also be used.

Abstract: A studio tool for working stock includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a viewfinder, a viewfinder cover, an alignment tool, and a pressure column. The upper housing and the lower housing are slidably connected so as to at least partially contain the alignment tool and pressure column. A main spring and lower springs may be used to bias the column blade.