Abstract: A railroad car energy absorption apparatus is disclosed. The railroad car energy absorption apparatus includes a spring assembly having an elastomer spring element arranged in operable combination with structure for inhibiting localized heat deterioration of the elastomer spring element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for transporting materials from a shipping end to a receiving end. The device is a slip sheet formed from a flat sheet of material having a flat portion with four side edges. One of the side edges has a compressible tab portion that extends outwardly therefrom. The compressible tab portion has an elliptical lip and an upper lip that forms a convex air foil-type cross-sectional area. The compressible tab portion is canted upwardly from a plane defined by the flat portion of the slip sheet. The slip sheet can be used in combination with a captive pallet to transport materials. Further, a method of transporting materials is disclosed whereby the shipping and receiving ends house the captive pallet whereby only the slip sheet is transported by a push-pull or fork-lift type truck.

Abstract: A writing method includes emitting a first charged particle beam formed to be a first shape by passing through a first shaping aperture and a second shaping aperture, onto a target workpiece; and emitting a second charged particle beam formed to be a second shape by passing through the first shaping aperture and the second shaping aperture, wherein the second charged particle beam is superimposed onto a same position exposed by the first charged particle beam and is formed by using an opposite sides of respective first and second shaping apertures to those used for the first shape.

Abstract: A synchronous buck DC/DC converter to perform an improved switching operation by adjusting a variable resistor is provided. The synchronous buck DC/DC converter includes a switching unit for switching two PWM signals inverted with a dead time and outputting the PWM signals, a smoothing circuit for outputting DC power using a waveform output from the switching unit as an input, a variable resistor connected to the switching unit and adjusting a switching time of the waveform output from the switching unit, and a variable resistor controller for sensing a current from an output terminal of the smoothing circuit and setting the resistance of the variable resistor to a resistance corresponding to the sensed current.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a substrate, a plurality of gate lines formed on the substrate, a plurality of data lines intersecting the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of thin film transistors connected to the plurality of gate lines and the plurality of data lines, and a plurality of pixel electrodes connected to the plurality of thin film transistors and arranged in a matrix, wherein each of the pixel electrodes includes a first side parallel to each gate line and a second side being shorter than the first side, the second side being formed next to the first side, wherein the plurality of pixel electrodes that are adjacent to each other in a column direction are connected to different data lines from each other.

Abstract: An information storage medium including graphic data and presentation information, and an apparatus and method of processing the graphic data are provided. The information storage medium includes the graphic data, page composition information which defines page composition of the graphic data, and the presentation information indicating when graphic screen data, which is composed with reference to the page composition information of the graphic data, is output to a display screen. Therefore, a graphic object is reusable in graphic data processing, and accordingly, a time taken to process the graphic data is reducible and memory area may be saved.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkyd resin-based pre-manufactured thermoplastic airport runway signage that is applied in relatively large sections onto an airport runway. The pre-manufactured preformed thermoplastic formed as a continuous sheet and wound onto a take-up spool. The runway surface is prepared with a CCS an epoxy primer and the preformed thermoplastic is unwound from the take-up spool and positioned onto the runway surface. When the pre-manufactured thermoplastic signage is in a desired location it is initially rolled conforming to the runway surface. Heat is applied to the rolled surface to a preferred temperature with an infra-red (IR) heater to melt and adhere the pre-manufactured thermoplastic signage into the runway surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radio communication apparatus and a radio communications method, a radio communication system, a recording medium, and a computer program in which a response signal to an inquiry is returned to a master only when instructions to perform radio communications are issued. A CPU 51 blinks LED 56 when an inquiry signal is received, and transmits a response to the inquiry signal when a user who has referred to lighting of the LED 56 operates a connection response button 53. The connection response button 53 is operated when the user issues radio communications instructions with respect to the inquiry signal. In other words, even when wireless headphones 2 are within an area capable of radio communications with the master, only if the connection response button 53 is operated by the user, it sends to the master a response to the inquiry, and establishes connection.

Abstract: Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DP 4) inhibiting compounds are provided having the formula where x is 0 or 1 and y is 0 or 1 (provided that x=1 when y=0 and x=0 when y=1); n is 0 or 1; X is H or CN; and wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as described herein. A method is also provided for treating diabetes and related diseases, especially Type II diabetes, and other diseases as set out herein, employing such DP 4 inhibitor *or a combination of such DP 4 inhibitor and one or more of another antidiabetic agent such as metformin, glyburide, troglitazone, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone and/or insulin and/or one or more of a hypolipidemic agent and/or anti-obesity agent and/or other therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A cardiac resuscitation device that includes a pulse sensor configured to detect pulse information characterizing the cardiac pulse in the patient, an accelerometer configured to detect chest movements of the patient during chest compressions, and memory and processing circuits configured to process the outputs of the pulse sensor and accelerometer to monitor the effect that chest compressions have on the patient's pulse.

Abstract: A computer readable medium comprising instructions which when executed by a computer system causes the computer to implement a method for dynamically improving a process flow is provided. For a plurality of cells, which define activities within the process flow and are characterized by a corresponding plurality of productivity data elements, the method triggers a state engine to simulate the process flow, with the state engine configured to manage all operations rules related to the process flow, and determines at least one process improvement. The method further identifies productivity data elements that correspond to the at least one process improvement, and dynamically modifies the identified productivity data elements to improve the process flow.

Abstract: A method is employed to impound funds from merchant sales electronically in an escrow account for later use such as payment of associated sales taxes. An electronic funds processor (EFP) determines escrow information for credit/debit card charge payment requests made by the merchant via a credit/debit card terminal, forwards the requests to one or more credit/debit card issuers, extracts an escrow amount from payments made by the issuers to the merchant, and credits an escrow account of the merchant with the extracted amounts. An escrow agent periodically makes payments from the escrow account, and provides associated reporting to the merchant. The merchant is able to report cash sales via the credit/debit card terminal, and associated escrow amounts are extracted from credit/debit card payments or from another merchant account.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus including a multiplier unit forming a product from L bits of each two data buses of N bits each N is greater than L. The multiplier forms a N bit output having a first portion which is the L most significant bits of the of product and a second portion which is M other bits not including the L least significant bits of the product, where N is the sum of M and L. In the preferred embodiment the M other bits are derived from other bits of the two input data busses, such as the M other bits of the first input data bus. An arithmetic logic unit performs parallel operations (addition, subtraction, Boolean functions) controlled by the same instructions. This arithmetic logic unit is divisible into a selected number of sections for performing identical operations on independent sections of its inputs. The multiplier unit may form dual products from separate parts of the input data.

Abstract: A method, a system, electric devices applying the method, and computer programs implementing the method are provided. According to the invention, a second set of information is communicated between electric devices over a wireless proximity interface, the second set of information being associated with a second user application of the second electric device. A correspondence indicator value characterizing the readiness of a first electric device and the second electric device to execute at least one command associated with a first user application and the second user application is evaluated on the basis of a first set of information and the second set of information, wherein the first set of information is associated with a first user application of the first electric device. On the basis of the correspondence indicator value, a decision is made whether to execute the at least one command.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for injecting synchronized stream data into a Motion Picture Experts Group 2 (MPEG-2) video/audio transport stream for a digital data broadcasting service. The apparatus and method for injecting synchronized stream data calculate the injection time point of data access unit (DAU) that forms the synchronized stream data and injects DAU into the MPEG-2 video/audio transport stream based on the calculated injection time point so that the synchronized stream data could be presented smoothly in a receiver. The synchronized stream data injecting apparatus includes: an additional data storing unit, a synchronized stream data selection/establishment unit, a synchronized stream data analyzing unit, a transport stream analyzing unit, a synchronized stream data injection/management unit, a presentation time stamp re-stamping unit and a multiplexing unit.

Abstract: An adjustable bathing suit including a channel extending through the length of a waistband. An adjustable band is received within at least a portion of the channel and is attached to the bathing suit. Preferably, the adjustable band extends around the front of the hips around a majority of the waistband. The adjustable band includes a plurality of openings for receiving a button attached to the bathing suit. The button can be located at the rear of the bathing suit. An opening in the waistband is provided in the location of the button to provide access to the adjustable band contained within the channel. A flap attached to an upper portion of the waistband extends over the opening of the waistband for closing the opening. The flap can include a self-gripping material and a self-gripping material can be positioned under the flap for providing secure closure of the flap.

Abstract: Compressible and storable items of apparel are disclosed. In one embodiment, an item of apparel has a generally circular channel substantially centered on a panel. A flexible, elongate member or drawstring extends through the channel and protrudes from an opening in it. The item of apparel can be compressed by folding toward the area defined by the channel and pulling the drawstring, causing the area defined by the channel to be drawn up and around the folded item of apparel, thereby compressing and encapsulating it. The item of apparel may be, for example, a sweatshirt or jacket, in which case the generally circular channel may be disposed on a rear panel of the torso portion.

Abstract: A composite fabric comprises perforated expanded low density polyethylene foam that is mechanically attached to two opposing facing layers, at least one of which outer facing layers is a non-woven material. The mechanical attachment of the perforated expanded low density polyethylene foam layer to the outer facing layers may be through stitching or quilting; through adhesive; or through thermal bonding. The composite fabric provides a textile with exceptional buoyancy, cold-resistant and water-resistant properties and which can be easily handled by conventional textile manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An athletic glove having at least one padded insert is provided. The padded insert comprises reticulated or open cell form, or a rubber formed into a matrix that allows ventilation paths.

Abstract: A sound attenuating device for standard helmets worn by riders of recreational vehicles is provided. The sound attenuating device includes low profile ear cups and compressible members mounted between the shell of the helmet and ear cups. The compressible members permit the ear cups to be moved away from the rider's face when doffing or donning the helmet and otherwise push the ear cups against the rider's face forming a tight seal between the rider's face and the ear cups around each ear. The means for attaching the compressible members to the helmet shell are non-penetrating so as to maintain the structural integrity and sound suppression characteristics of the shell.

Abstract: A release device, such as a toilet freshener that releases at least one preparation into the interior of a toilet bowl, comprises a dispenser, at least one container connected to the dispenser for storing at least one preparation, a release element for releasing preparation, a line connecting the release element and the container in communicating manner, a sensor unit capable of detecting vibrations, and a fastening means for detachably fixing the dispenser to the rim of a toilet bowl. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening means rests at least in part on the toilet bowl and is configured to pick up vibrations, such as structure-borne noise, from the toilet bowl and transmit them to the sensor unit.

Abstract: A toilet seat connection for a toilet having a top bowl surface and side surfaces includes an elongate mounting bracket mounted to the bowl portion, the mounting bracket being connected to either side of the toilet, the mounting bracket being elevated above the top bowl surface and defining a space between a top bowl surface and the mounting bracket, and a toilet seat pivotally mounted to the elongate mounting bracket.

Abstract: A shower arrangement is proposed which comprises a sanitary fitting designed as a concealed fitting. On the front side of the sanitary fitting is arranged a cover rose. The cover rose has a lateral stub which projects forwardly beyond the front side of the cover rose and is oriented vertically. On the upper side of this stub is mounted a water-conveying wall bar which leads rectilinearly upwards and on whose upper end is mounted an overhead shower head. On the opposite end of the stub is connected a shower hose. The cover rose can be mounted with the stub oriented either on the right or left.

Abstract: A sofa is convertible to a bed. An air mattress normally stored in deflated condition in the sofa, is automatically deployed upon opening a folded framework into a bed. An electric pump inflates or deflates the mattress. A bag enclosing the bottom and sides of the mattress, is zipped onto the mattress, and has hook-and-loop fasteners securing it to strategic locations on the framework. The conversion from sofa to bed, and back to sofa, is done without removing any cushions and without moving the sofa away from anything behind it.

Abstract: An easy-access over-the-bed bassinet especially useful in hospitals for new mothers and babies. The bassinet has a barrier to prevent the infant from rolling off a sleeping platform, and one portion or wall of the barrier is convertible to permit a mother to reach in and cradle the infant, for breast-feeding for example. The convertible portion has a restoring mechanism such as a spring force or weighted arm to transform it back to its original barrier position upon removal of the weight of the mother's arms. The convertible portion may be a wall surrounding the sleeping platform that translates vertically into a frame, or pivot about a bottom edge, or pivot underneath the sleeping platform. The entire sleeping platform may tilt about a horizontal axis, and may rotate about a vertical axis for ease of positioning relative to the mother.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bedding or seating product (10) having a spring core (12) comprising coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to being wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.

Abstract: Suspender-type strap members for securing sheets and bedding to mattress and the like. The ends of the strap members have fasteners for securing the strap members to the sheet or bedding. The strap members can also be adjustable.

Abstract: A lateral tilting device for a patient lying on a mattress is capable of being inserted between the mattress and a level bed base or bed frame on which the mattress rests. The lateral tilting device comprises at least two independent first and second inflatable cells, pneumatically independent and positioned at least partly symmetrically from one another in relation to a median axis of the tilting device. The lateral tilting device includes two ‘U’ shaped inflatable compartments that are fitted into one another. A method for the lateral tilting of the mattress includes inflating a said first or second cell and concomitant deflation of the other second or respectively first cell of the tilting device laid out under the mattress.

Abstract: A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongate pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to rest at a back side of the individual when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual. The attachment structure provides sufficient flexibility to allow the pillow to rotate with respect to and rest against the individual's back to a laterally offset and suspended configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine.

Abstract: A fire-retardant mattress having at least one sleeping side is disclosed that has an inner support compartment with a generally parallelepiped shape with a top side opposite the sleeping side and a fire-containing compartment covering the top side of the inner support compartment and located between the sleeping side and the inner support compartment. The fire-containing compartment includes a first fire-resistant layer consisting essentially of natural fibers, the first fire-resistant layer being in direct contact with the top side of the inner support compartment, a second fire-resistant layer consisting essentially of natural fibers, the second fire-resistant layer located separate from the first self supporting layer of fire-resistant material, and a plurality of combustible cushioning layers positioned between the first and second fire-resistant layers.

Abstract: An improved encasement for a mattress which thwarts the escapement of bed bugs from a mattress through the encasement and which thwarts the encroachment of beg bugs through the encasement into the mattress. An elongated opening is provided in the encasement which is selectively closed by a zipper associated therewith. The encasement includes a flap secured to the lower side wall portion of a side of the encasement which is positioned inwardly of the zipper for retarding or preventing the escapement of bed bugs through the zipper. Hook and loop fasteners are also provided at the end location for further preventing the escapement of bed bugs from the mattress through the encasement and preventing the encroachment of beg bugs into the mattress through the encasement.

Abstract: A patient-support apparatus includes an inflatable support structure, a variable output pump, a power supply and a controller. The pump includes a driver that is responsive to variations in the power signal applied to the driver to vary the output from the pump. The pump output is varied depending on the amount of flow needed as determined by a sensor that senses the pressure in the inflatable support structure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bedding or seating product (10) having a spring core (12) comprising coil springs (26) having unknotted end turns (72, 74) made from high tensile strength wire. In each embodiment, the end turns (72, 74) of the coil springs (26) are generally U-shaped having one arcuate leg (76) longer than the other (78), the legs (76, 78) being joined by a connector (80) having an arcuate bump (81) therein. The springs (26) are oriented in the spring core (12) such that a long leg (76) of one end turn (72) abuts a short leg (78) of the adjacent end turn (72) prior to be wrapped in helical lacing wire (32). The high tensile wire enables the coil springs (26) to be manufactured using less wire than heretofore possible.

Abstract: A coupling module is an interface between the cabin of an air passenger bridge and an aircraft, wherein the coupling module has a canopy roof and a floor spanned over by the canopy roof, wherein the coupling module is held by the cabin of the air passenger bridge to be pivotable about the center axis.

Abstract: A handheld modular mechanized windshield scraper with a rotating brush attachment to remove snow, and a rotating scraper blade attachment to scrape ice and frost from the windshield and window panes. The unit can have a built-in power source or can be connected directly to the power outlet of the automobile.

Abstract: Polishing systems, subsystems and pads adapted for use in conjunction with a polisher. A relatively incompressible backing pad is configured to be attached to a drive system of the polisher. The backing pad includes at least one substantially straight backing pad edge along a perimeter thereof. A relatively compressible polishing pad is configured to be attached to the backing pad, to be driven in contact with a surface to be polished. The polishing pad includes at least one substantially straight polishing pad edge along a perimeter thereof corresponding to the at least one substantially straight backing pad edge when the polishing pad is attached to the backing pad.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, and a light source incorporated into or adjacent the head. The light source is incorporated prior to the attachment of the cleaning elements. For ease of manufacturing and a cost-effective assembly. The cleaning elements are preferably preformed and attached to the head after the incorporation of the light source so that the provision of the light source does not require any post-processing that might impair the integrity of the head or cleaning elements.

Abstract: A fiber optic component cleaning device includes a folder having a base, a cover and a separator. The cover and the separator are opposite one another relative to the base. The folder has a width. The base and cover have a fold therebetween such that the cover folds onto the base and the base and separator have a fold therebetween such that the separator folds onto the base. The base and cover have about an equal length and the separator has a length less than the length of the base and cover. A plurality of cleaner sheets are disposed in the folder. The cleaner sheets have a width that is about equal to or less than the width of the folder and have a length that is about equal to or less than the length of the base and cover. A top-most fresh cleaner sheet is separated from the plurality of cleaner sheets and is positioned on the separator sheet for cleaning the connector. When soiled, the soiled cleaner sheet is removed and discarded. A method for cleaning a fiber optic connector is also disclosed.

Abstract: The erectably operable hand trowel is composed of an elongated handle that extends from a trowel head up to a handle that is engaged upon by an end user. The elongated handle includes an actuator handle that is pivotally engaged about the elongated handle and of which includes at least one pivot rod, which extends from the actuator handle down to the trowel head. The actuator handle provides for articulation of the trowel head about the bottom of the elongated handle, which enables the end user to adjust the angle of the trowel head when pulled across a surface being flattened or smoothed via the trowel head. The erectably operable hand trowel enables an end user to trowel a surface from an upright position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device (10) for the articulated connection of a wiper blade (28, 30) to a wiper arm, wherein a connection element (12, 120, 126) is tightly connected to the free end of the wiper arm, and the connection element is connected in an articulated manner via mounting means (88, 122, 124) to an adapter (22, 24), and the adapter is tightly seated on a support element (28) of the wiper blade (28, 30).

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning assembly for use in a media processing device. In various embodiments, the cleaning assembly includes a first roller that at least partially engages a second roller, and a transport path that passes between the first roller and the second roller. There may also be a third collection roller that at least partially engages the second roller. The third collection roller may also engage a drive assembly that may be used to drive a media substrate along the transport path. In one embodiment, the second roller defines a surface adherence that is greater than a surface adherence of the first roller and the third collection roller defines a surface adherence that is greater than the surface adherence of the second roller and the drive assembly. As a result, the present invention provides a cleaning assembly capable of cleaning the drive assembly and opposed surfaces of a media substrate in a single pass.

Abstract: A liquid separation nozzle utilized with a suction source, such as a vacuum cleaner. Liquid and air are drawn through an intake by the suction, and pass through a plurality of liquid separation passages. The liquid separation passages divide the flow and separate the liquid from the air. The liquid drops out from the separation passages and accumulates in the bottom of the collection tank, while the air is drawn out through the upper part of the tank. A float valve prevents liquid from being drawn out with the air as the tank becomes full.

Abstract: A vacuum including a housing with a suction device disposed within the housing is provided. The vacuum can also include a frame having a plurality of wheels mounted thereto. The frame can include an aperture, which can be adapted to removably receive the housing therein. The frame can have a handle attached thereto.

Abstract: A vacuum grooming tool is disclosed that includes a vacuum nozzle attachable to a vacuum source and has a hollow body with a mouth opening. A grooming device selected from a variety of standard animal grooming hand tools, such as a shedding blade, rake or de-matting tool, may span the mouth opening. The grooming device is positioned such that the airflow created by the vacuum source flows over at least one side of the grooming device. A vacuum cleaning tool for removing any animal hair from a grooming tool is also disclosed. A vacuum plenum of the cleaning tool is attachable to a vacuum source and has an opening for cleaning the grooming tool in one pass. The cleaning tool can be mounted on a stationary support may also include a pivot-action mechanism that connects the vacuum grooming tool or the cleaning tool to the vacuum source.

Abstract: An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body and a stand pivotable relative to the main body between a supporting position and a retracted position. A stand retaining mechanism is provided for releasably retaining the stand in the supporting position, and which includes a locking member pivotably moveable about a first axis to release the stand as it is moved from the supporting position to the retracted position, and about a second axis spaced from the first axis to retain the stand as it is returned to the supporting position. At least one biasing member applies a relatively large first force to the locking member which resists movement thereof about the first axis. To facilitate the return of the stand to its supporting position, the biasing member is arranged to apply a relatively small second force to reset the locking member following movement thereof about the second axis.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance includes a motor arranged to drive a fan for generating suction air flow and a cleaner head having a drivable agitator with a dedicated motor. The agitator drive motor has a selectively-operable switch and a resettable circuit breaker arranged such that, when the switch is activated, the circuit breaker is reset. A button actuates the switch and simultaneously resets the circuit breaker. When there is a blockage so that the circuit breaker trips out the motor, the user can reset the circuit breaker and restart the agitator motor by the simple act of depressing one button, thereby obviating the need for a separate control.

Abstract: A door check is provided comprising a housing (2) that can be fixed to a door or door frame and is provided with a first housing half (3) and a second housing half (4) which can be connected to each other, and a stay bar (24) that penetrates an opening (23) within the housing (2) and is pivotally mounted on the door frame or door, the housing (2) and the stay bar (24) not being fixed to/mounted on the same part. The first housing half (3) and the second housing half (4) respectively delimit only one section of the circumference of the opening (23). In order to create a door check that allows reliable and secure retaining and can be produced at low cost, a braking member (13) which is biased in the direction of the stay bar (24) by means of a spring element (20) is disposed in at least one of the two housing halves (3, 4).

Abstract: An adjustable door hinge includes a receptor base and a panel leaf adjustably secured to the receptor base and at least partially defining a vertical adjustment opening and a horizontal adjustment opening. An adjustment transfer element is at least partially contained within the vertical adjustment opening and a vertical adjustment element is rotatably connected to the adjustment transfer element. Rotation of the vertical adjustment element adjusts a position of the panel leaf to any position between a first position and a second position. A horizontal adjustment element is rotatably connected to the horizontal adjustment opening. Rotation of the horizontal adjustment element adjusts a position of the panel leaf to any position between a third position and a fourth position. Vertical and horizontal adjustment of the hinge may be performed independently.

Abstract: A triple-tooth weld-on hinge includes a cradle plate, connector spinal plate, crowfoot wrench, riveting pin, connector plate, and spring. The cradle plate, connector spinal plate, and crowfoot wrench are connected through the connector plate and secured with the riveting pin. The bottom is joined by the spring. The range of movement between the cradle plate and the connector spinal plate is between ?1-?2, or between 105° and 125°. The hinge can be used for securing furniture, particularly steel-framed sofas, as it allows for three angled adjustments between the seats and backs of the sofas. With the various insertion slots on the spinal plate, riveting piece, and cradle plate, the steel-framed sofas can be adjusted to different dimensions.

Abstract: A plate 5 fastened to a D-cut section 3c of a rotation shaft 3 by caulking has an engaging hole 5b provided therethrough. Further, a positioning protrusion 4c for engaging the engaging hole 5b is provided in a leaf spring 4 sandwiched between the rotation shaft 3 and the plate 5. The inclination ?1 of the leaf spring 4 made by the amount of a clearance B between the engaging hole 5b and the positioning protrusion 4c that are distant from the rotation central axis X is smaller than the inclination ?2 made by the amount of a clearance A between the D-cut section 3c and the straight portion 4d that are close to the rotation central axis X. Thus, the backlash in the rotation direction of the leaf spring 4 can be reduced by providing the positioning protrusion 4c and the engaging hole 5b.