Abstract: An enteral feeding connector, coupling or syringe tip configured for compatibility with blenderized feeding applications. The connector, coupling or syringe tip has a minimum internal bore dimension greater than the standard ENFit coupling specifications, to provide improved delivery of blenderized food.

Abstract: A catheter system includes a body, a guide member assembly, an articulation assembly, and a partial sleeve. The guide member assembly extends distally from the body and includes a proximal rigid portion defining a longitudinal axis, a distal flexible portion, and an open distal end. The guide member assembly defines a lumen in communication with the body and the open distal end. The articulation section can flex the distal flexible portion and the open distal end relative to the longitudinal axis between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration. The partial sleeve is disposed within a portion of the lumen defined by the distal flexible portion. The partial sleeve also defines a longitudinally extending gap.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus in the form of a Kelly drilling rig including a drilling tool holder for holding a drill rod, in particular a Kelly bar, which can be rotatably driven by a rotary drive via a gearbox, wherein the gearbox includes a gearbox housing with multiple gearbox elements rotatably mounted therein. At least one plastically deformable shock absorber element for absorbing shocks is provided on at least one of the gearbox elements in the gearbox housing.

Abstract: A joint structure (1) for a composite member made from a composite material. The joint structure includes a plate for increasing thickness (40a, 40b) adhered to at least one side of the composite member (10). The composite member (10) and a counterpart member (20) are fastened together by inserting and fixing a fastener member (30) into a through-hole (24, 26) formed through the composite member (10), the plate for increasing thickness (40a, 40b), and the counterpart member (20) to be joined to the composite member.

Abstract: A first structural member and a second structural member meet at a joint of a truss triangular unit. A bridge plate includes a central portion that spans across the joint. The bridge plate includes a first peripheral portion extending from the central portion in a direction of the first structural member and a second peripheral portion extending from the central portion in a direction of the second structural member. Each peripheral portion includes a slot and a first opening. A stirrup plate is provided for each peripheral portion. Each stirrup plate includes an interlocking mounting flange having an extending tab member received by the slot and a second opening aligned with the first opening. A mounting device extends through the aligned first and second openings to secure the stirrup plate and bridge plate to the underlying structural member.

Abstract: A method of reducing the volume of a blade section of a boiling water reactor control rod for transport or storage that cuts the control rod spline into four substantially equal longitudinal sections, with each longitudinal section including one control rod blade. Each longitudinal section is radiologically characterized and the locations of desired lateral segmentation are identified. A band of malleable metal is wrapped around each longitudinal section at each of the locations and the bands are sheared to separate segments of the longitudinal section and the ends of the bands are crimped at the point of shearing to seal the interior of the segments.

Abstract: A local connection of contact surfaces of top and bottom sheets is formed in a defined connection zone. The zone is polygonal and the top and bottom sheets jointly form within the periphery of this zone a connecting lip with their first side faces located opposite one another cut obliquely through their sheet thickness. These first side faces of the sheets and their adjacent obliquely-oriented second side faces in the zone are complementarily beveled in the form of a conical wall running downwards and inwards, so that in the vicinity of these second neighboring side faces the underside of the bottom sheet protrudes inwards past the top surface of the connecting lip at the location of the top outside edges of its first side faces. A method and an apparatus are arranged to implement the local connection.

Abstract: A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.

Abstract: A mounting system for a component to be mounted to a vehicle frame is provided utilizing keyhole features in the component, and fasteners having sacrificial spacers in the vehicle frame. The sacrificial spacers upon the fasteners prevent them from being pushed into the vehicle frame when the component having keyhole features is placed over them. Once the keyhole features have been placed over the fasteners having sacrificial spacers, the fasteners having sacrificial spacers may be fully tightened, thereby fully contributing to the integrity of the resulting joint.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a component assembly comprising a sheet metal part and a functional element attached to it by a riveting process or by a riveting and piercing process or by a press-in process, wherein the sheet metal part is provided with an imprint, is wherein the imprint is produced prior to attachment of the functional element and consists of a sequence of regions which are raised and recessed relative to one another and wherein, during the attachment of the functional element this is pressed against the sheet metal part in such a way that the imprint of the sheet metal part leads to a complementary shaping of the functional element in the region of the functional element which comes into contact with the imprint. A sheet metal part and a functional element are also claimed.

Abstract: An orthopedic component comprising a first element and a second element, with the first element and the second element being secured to one another with a modular connection, wherein the modular connection comprises a taper junction and an engaged-fit junction.

Abstract: A hydraulic unit is elastically supported by means of elastomer elements, through which bolts pass, on two legs of a mounting bracket that extend perpendicular to one another. The leg of the mounting bracket has recesses, open counter to the mounting direction of the unit, for receiving the elastomer element. With clamping means disposed on the bolt, the elastomer element is axially shortened and pressed against both the recess and side faces, located on either side of the recess, of the leg of the mounting bracket. With the shortened elastomer element, a positive and nonpositive engagement with the leg of the mounting bracket is achieved.

Abstract: A clamping device, having a first and a second coupling part, for the tool of a machine tool. The first coupling part is eccentric and comprises small rails having angular off-sets in relation to each other and limiting surfaces for exactly positioning the second coupling part in the xy plane. The second coupling part comprises lateral faces having elastic lips which rest against the limiting surfaces, a connecting device is used to exactly position the first and the second coupling part in the z plane. The second coupling part consists of a piece having various strength values, ductility values and/or hardness, whereby the areas of the lips have higher strength values, ductility values and/or harnesses than the other areas of the lips and/or areas of the second coupling part.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a system of joined structures that includes a first structure having a first aperture in a composite material. The first aperture has a first interior surface and a first minimum radial extent. The system further includes a second structure having a second aperture in a metallic material. The second aperture has a second interior surface and a second minimum radial extent at least approximately the same as the first minimum radial extent. The system still further includes a coupling device having a first shank section extending through the first aperture and a second shank section extending through the second aperture. The portion of the second shank section applies a first radial force to the second interior surface and the first shank section applies at least approximately no radial force to the first interior surface. The composite material proximate to the first aperture is undamaged.

Abstract: A functional element arrangement which includes a functional element which is to be mounted on a component, especially but not exclusively on a brittle or non-rigid component made of a material containing cavities or pores, e.g. plastic, wood, metal foams, plastic or metal filled with hollow bodies, or another relatively soft material, selectively embodied as a sandwich construction or as a composite material e.g. in the form of a single layered or multilayered structure comprising, for example, two layers of sheet metal or plastic and a core made of one of the above-mentioned materials. The invention is characterized in that it is provided with an auxiliary assembly element which enables the functional element to be blocked using forming techniques when it is mounted on the component in a riveting process or a stamping and riveting process.

Abstract: A method of attaching a functional element (10, 210), in particular a fastener element to a sheet metal part (12, 212), optionally in liquid and/or gas-tight manner, is characterized in that the functional element (10, 210, 410) is pressed against the sheet metal part (12, 210, 410) supported by a die (14, 114, 214, 414) and sheet metal material (13) is pressed by means of at least one movably mounted shaped part (16, 116, 216, 416) of the die (14, 114, 214, 414) into an undercut (18, 218, 418) of the functional element (10, 210, 410). The disclosure also claims a die, a functional element, and a component assembly comprising the functional element and a sheet metal part.

Abstract: A method is required in which a plate-like flange member may be firmly secured at the front end of a hollow shaft member through a plastic working treatment by virtue of caulking combination, so as to manufacture a hollow shaft having a flange at one end thereof.

Abstract: Gearwheel, intended to be connected through press fitting to a shaft, the gearwheel exhibiting a hub and a cog path connected to the hub, the hub exhibiting at least one flank extending axially outside the cog path and a through-hole with a first area situated axially outside the cog path and a second area situated radially inside the cog path. A shaft supporting a press fitted gearwheel that exhibits a hub and a cog path connected to the hub, the hub exhibiting at least one flank extending axially outside the cog path whereby the hub exhibits a through-hole with a first area situated axially outside the cog path and a second area situated radially inside the cog path.

Abstract: A system (1) for connecting mounting rails comprises a base member (2) and an angular attachment member (3). The base member (2) has an opening (6.1, 6.2) in at least one lateral wall (4.1, 4.2 or 4.3) for passage therethrough of a bolt (7). The openings (6.1, 6.2) are each provided with a collar (10.1, 10.2), which can be brought into engagement with the opening (13) in the attachment member (3). The collar (10.1, 10.2) has at least in an axial region a conical section (8.2) shaped as a clamping cone. At the time of tightening the bolt 7, a form- and force-locking connection between the base member (2) and the attachment member (3) is created.

Abstract: A device for connecting a shaft (10), in particular a worm shaft, to a ring (12), in particular a ring magnet, which has an inside face (14) that is in contact with an outside face (16) of the shaft (10). It is proposed that on the outside face (16) of the shaft (10), there are deformation regions (18), by means of which a nonpositive-engagement, rotationally fixed connection of the ring (12) to the shaft (10) is assured.

Abstract: A joining connection between a circumferentially closed hollow profile and an add-on part which is provided with a passage opening and consists of a material of lower strength than the material of the hollow profile is disclosed. Additionally, a method for producing the connection and to a steering column having this joining connection is disclosed.

Abstract: A staple for assisting in the coupling of a shim to a first side surface of a backing plate in a brake assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the staple comprises a head section; a body section coupled to the head section, the body section having a concavity so as to form a recessed region therein; and a leg member, shaped for permitting a portion of the material comprising the backing plate to be displaced towards and into the recessed region as the leg member is piercing the first side surface of, and progressing into, the backing plate; and wherein upon insertion of the body section into the backing plate, the concavity of the body section causes the displaced material to fill the recessed region; whereby a shim mounted onto the first side of the backing plate and secured thereto at least in part by the head section is inhibited from movement on and separation from the first surface of the backing plate.

Abstract: A system for pivotably coupling components. The system comprises a pivot structure having a head, a body, a deformable retention feature and a stop. The stop is positioned to limit movement of a cooperating deformation tool to ensure predictable pivot spacing.

Abstract: A base plate support for a container, comprising a main body, horizontal fastening plate, and at least one vertical fastening plate. The main body has a tube-like structure extended along a longitudinal direction and an upper side which is by a gap divided into two half-plates. A connecting plate bridges the gap inside the tube-like structure. The horizontal fastening plate extends from a lateral side of the main body for holding a base plate of a container. The vertical fastening plate extends from an upper side of the main body for holding a lateral wall plate of the container, continuing from one of the two half-plates. A force generated by a bomb blast flexibly deforms at least one of the two half-plates and is thus effectively absorbed.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of cooking vessels, in particular pots and/or pans and the like suitable for magnetic induction heating, is remarkably simple and comprises the steps of: providing a metallic semimanufactured vessel (A) of the cooking vessel, comprising a hollow (21) and a bottom portion (20); providing a plate member (1), in a metallic material of relatively high hardness, provided with a plurality of points (6a, 6b) projecting from a surface thereof (4) and forming an angle (&agr;) equal to or larger than 90° therewith; inducing, by compression or the plate member (1) at the bottom portion (20), the penetration of said points (6a, 6b) and the adhering of said surface (4) of said plate member (1) on said bottom portion (20).

Abstract: A machine for deforming metal tubes to resemble the culm of a bamboo plant, and a method for using same.

Abstract: A riveted attachment for a rotating part, such as for a swiveling handle, is provided using a rivet and two parallel pieces of sheet material. A cylindrical raised dimple with a central through hole is formed in a first piece of sheet material. The dimple is inserted through a hole in the second piece of sheet material. A rivet is inserted through the dimple and swaged against opposite ends of the dimple, trapping the second piece of material while leaving it free to rotate around the cylindrical axis of the dimple.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of cooking vessels, in particular pots and/or pans in a relatively soft metallic material, with a plate in a metallic material of high hardness applied to the bottom of the vessel, performs a stable connection among said parts with no mechanical and/or thermal trauma for the materials and comprises the steps of: providing a plate (1) provided with a plurality of points (6) projecting from a surface (4) thereof; inducing, by compression, the penetration of said points (6) and the adhering of said surface (4) at the bottom (20); and stretching said bottom (20), thereby causing the deformation and the clutching of said points (6).

Abstract: A support for an interior lining part of a vehicle has a first attachment element connectable to the interior lining part and a second attachment element connectable to the body of the vehicle. An elastically and/or plastically deformable deformation element, which lies between the attachment elements and is connected to the attachment elements, has a tensile load absorption feature which relieves the deformation element in the tension direction. To achieve reproducible deformation results on the support, the tensile load absorption feature includes a hook on at least one of its ends, which is hooked onto one of the attachment elements or onto an end of the deformation element on the attachment element side. The hook is open toward the tension direction.

Abstract: A connecting apparatus is provided for connecting a number of components, in particular for connecting the enclosure parts of circuit breakers. It includes a connecting element which has a shaft which passes through through-openings which are aligned with one another in the connection of the components, having an insertion end and having a holding end opposite it. In order to achieve firstly centering and secondly a turning or twisting distance which is as short as possible when the connecting element is twisted in order to brace the components, a first mounting depression, which holds the holding end and is aligned with the through-openings, as a centering cone, with the holding end being conical, forms a mating surface which corresponds with the centering cone.

Abstract: A novel locking mechanism for mounting a radio to an antenna. The mounting face of a radio is secured to the mounting portion of an antenna. The mounting portion of the radio has a locking ring on which a plurality of radio locking tabs are located at equally spaced positions. The ring can be fixed to the radio, or in another embodiment, is still secured to the radio but can rotate independently. The mounting portion of the antenna has a corresponding number of equidistantly spaced tension springs, which have a plurality of spring fingers. To mount the radio to the antenna, the radio locking ring with radio locking tabs is twisted so that each antenna tension spring is deflected by a corresponding radio locking tab. The engagement of the radio locking ring to the antenna spring fingers secures the radio to the antenna. The deflection force also produces a friction force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling device having two coupling parts and clamping means for releasably axially clamping both coupling parts. A plurality of circumferentially spaced non parallel grooves are cut into the surface of one of both coupling parts for having a reference in a plane perpendicular to the clamping direction. Pins project from the surface of the other coupling part each pin having two opposing parallel lateral surfaces for obtaining alignment of the grooves with the pins upon clamping. At least one of the lateral surfaces of each pin forms an angle with the associated flank of each groove upon axial alignment of the coupling parts. For improving the repeated precision of the positioning of one of the coupling parts relative to the other coupling part even upon high stress on one of the coupling parts in circumferential direction a clamping plate is provided between the lateral surface and the associated flank which is axially elastic and is mounted to one of the coupling parts.

Abstract: An assembly consists of a first component and of a second component. The first component is provided with at least one opening and with at least one holding projection which is associated with the opening The second component consists of sheet metal and is provided with at least one holding tongue which has a cross-piece and a head. The cross-piece extends through the opening in the first component and is bent around such that the head lies against the side of the holding projection facing away from the opening.

Abstract: A connection union and method for securing together first and second components of an ultrasonic waveguide or blade. The first and second components of the ultrasonic waveguide or blade are formed as complementary components which engage each other with a complementary fitting. Then a compressed fit over the connection union is formed by an electromagnetic metal forming operation which compressively deforms a female coupling member over the connection union. The female coupling member can comprise a separate sleeve which is compressed over the connection union by the electromagnetic metal forming operation. Alternatively, the female coupling member can comprise a terminal end of one of the first and second components which includes a longitudinally extending recess which forms an outer circumferentially extending sleeve which is compressed over the connection union by the electromagnetic metal forming operation.

Abstract: A sintered, flanged cam pulley includes a sintered cam pulley body and an annular flange caulked to the sintered cam pulley body. The sintered cam pulley body has at an end portion thereof an axial annular projection and a stepped portion formed on an outer periphery side of the annular projection. An inner peripheral surface of the annular flange is fitted on the stepped portion of the sintered cam pulley body. The tip of the annular projection is deformed plastically from the inner to the outer periphery side of the annular projection by a caulking roller. The caulking roller has a first conical surface of a large angle and a second conical surface of a small angle contiguous to the first conical surface, the first and second conical surfaces being formed on an outer peripheral surface of the caulking roller. The annular flange is thereby caulked to the sintered cam pulley body.

Abstract: An improved crimp joint for joining components of gas or fluid distribution systems is disclosed. The joint is particularly suited for use with components made from low ductility materials including die cast metals. The joint comprises a flange formed by a first joined component and a second component that defines a second mating surface and a lip that is configured to closely surround at least a portion of the flange when the flange is positioned adjacent to the second mating surface. The joint is formed by deforming the lip to overlie the flange, capturing the flange between the deformed lip and the second mating surface. The flange includes a bead formed near the periphery of the flange on a surface against which the lip is deformed to abut to form the crimp joint. The bead is sized to deform and engage the lip thereby increasing the strength of the crimp joint.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting an object to a support utilizes a push-pin that is adapted to be pushed or screwed into the support (such as a wall), without necessitating the use of hammers, screwdrivers, drills, etc. The push-pin has a novel head that includes resilient “grippers” for providing a friction fit within a hole or channel of the object (such as a shelf) to be mounted to the support. In an exemplary embodiment, the grippers are a plurality of resilient annular rings sized to be slightly larger in diameter than the dimension of the mating hole or channel so that when the mating hole or channel of the object engages with the larger diameter rings, the rings are deformed slightly upon entering the hole or channel, thereby, providing a friction fit between the head of the pin and the object to be mounted to the support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shim for a wiper arm in a windshield wiper blade assembly. The shim includes a base having a deck and an arcuate extension extending from the deck. The base defines a hook-shaped upper bearing surface and a hook-shaped lower bearing surface. The shim also includes first and second side walls as well as a pair of opposed tabs. The first and second side walls extend from the base and are spaced from one another to define a channel. The opposed tabs extend from the side walls into the channel for coupling the shim to the wiper arm. The present invention is also directed to a wiper arm assembly with a hook-shaped wiper arm and a shim such as that described above.

Abstract: In an inertia-press-fit method in which a kinetic energy is applied to at least one of two members in a direction which causes the two members to approach each other, and the two members are press-fitted with each other, an end surface 80 of the first member 10 and a bottom surface 82 of the second member 12 are caused, for stabilizing a relative position of the two members at a time when the press-fitting ends, to butt each other to define the relative position of the two members 10, 12 at the time when the press-fitting ends and, immediately after the butting, at least one of the two members 10, 12 is caused to plastically deform and thereby absorb a remaining kinetic energy of the one of the two members. Thus, the relative position of the two members 10, 12 when the press-fitting ends is stabilized.

Abstract: An assembly including a first component and a second component, the first component having a first deformed portion, in which the first deformed portion engages with the second component to allow rotation therebetween and the first deformed portion secures the first component to the second component.

Abstract: A sheath clamp for a welding torch, comprising a sleeve (5) having a spherical head (3) adapted to be inserted into a seat in the torch and a flange axially spaced from the head, with a collar (9) slidably mounted on the sleeve (5), and means for urging the collar (9) along the axis of the sleeve in order to clamp a sheath (2), fitted over the sleeve (5), against the flange (4). Preferably the collar (9) is provided with at least one inwardly protruding tooth (10), preferably two inner opposed teeth, and the sleeve has a reduced diameter portion between the flange (4) and the spherical head (3), which is bounded by inclined raised walls (7) which can be engaged by the tooth (10) of the collar (9), so that rotation of the ring causes an axial displacement of the collar along the sleeve (5).

Abstract: Disclosed is a coupling device having two coupling parts and clamping means for releasably axially clamping both coupling parts. A plurality of circumferentially spaced non parallel grooves are cut into the surface of one of both coupling parts for having a reference in a plane perpendicular to the clamping direction. Pins project from the surface of the other coupling part each pin having two opposing parallel lateral surfaces for obtaining alignment of the grooves with the pins upon clamping. At least one of the lateral surfaces of each pin forms an angle with the associated flank of each groove upon axial alignment of the coupling parts. For improving the repeated precision of the positioning of one of the coupling parts relative to the other coupling part even upon high stress on one of the coupling parts in circumferential direction a clamping plate is provided between the lateral surface and the associated flank which is axially elastic and is mounted to one of the coupling parts.

Abstract: A connection of a tube to a machine includes a plurality of rolled grooves in a region of contact between the collet of a compression fitting and the tube. The grooves reduce the occurrence of fretting of the tube surface while a region of residual compressive stress formed in the tube proximate the bottom of each groove by the rolling process serves to counteract the stress concentration created by the grooves. In one embodiment a single groove formed in a thread pattern extends from above collet to within the area of contact.

Abstract: A base for fastening of a hinge to a piece of furniture comprises a body (11) from which, at the lower part thereof, a pair of anchors (12) of the radial expansion type for fastening to a piece of furniture and, at the upper part thereof, an element (13) for hooking of the hinge, project. A U-shaped lever (15) has arms connected to the anchors to produce a simultaneous movement of both anchors between a non-expansion position and an expansion position on movement of the lever between a lifted position and a lower position. Advantageously, the lever can be employed as a handle for easy removal of the base from the piece of furniture.

Abstract: A new and useful clip is disclosed for securing an elongate member, or lather's channel, to a horizontal T-bar of a ceiling grid, conventionally used to form a drop ceiling. The clip comprises a body having a downwardly opening recess therein for permitting the body to be placed over the lather's channel, without removing the channel from the T-bar. The lather's channel is in a seated position in which the channel is received in the recess of the clip. The clip has clasps depending from the body configured so that as the body is moved toward its seated position, the clasps assume positions on opposite sides of the stem of the T-bar for clasping the T-bar and securing the clip to the T-bar. The clip further includes a spring finger formed integrally with the body. The finger is engageable with the lather's channel as the body is moved to its seated position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the attachment of a mounting rail, as well as to a connecting device for a mounting rail. In the process for the attachment of a mounting rail to a rod which is, if necessary, at least partially premounted, of a folding top for a motor vehicle, particularly for a convertible, a tubular connecting element (7, 7), which has at least one stopping surface (stopping surface [11]), is inserted through a hole (5) in the mounting rail (3). The tubular connecting element (7, 7′) is inserted through an additional hole (25) in the rod (23) and secured in its position, and the mounting rail (3) is moved forward up to a predetermined position on the rod (23), whereby the tubular connecting element (7, 7′) is plastically deformed and a connection between the rod and the mounting rail is brought about.

Abstract: A sintered, flanged cam pulley includes a sintered cam pulley body and an annular flange caulked to the sintered cam pulley body. The sintered cam pulley body has at an end portion thereof an axial annular projection and a stepped portion formed on an outer periphery side of the annular projection. An inner peripheral surface of the annular flange is fitted on the stepped portion of the sintered cam pulley body. The tip of the annular projection is deformed plastically from the inner to the outer periphery side of the annular projection by a caulking roller. The caulking roller has a first conical surface of a large angle and a second conical surface of a small angle contiguous to the first conical surface, the first and second conical surfaces being formed on an outer peripheral surface of the caulking roller. The annular flange is thereby caulked to the sintered cam pulley body.

Abstract: Replacement of a damaged post for a parking meter can be accomplished by cutting the post off near the ground and affixing a replacement post to the stub of the original post with a retaining device which grips the two portions of the post from inside the post. The retaining device is only reachable through the post when the meter head is removed, thus preserving the integrity of the post from vandals.

Abstract: A die and method of assembling a high torque capacity metal spool. The spool comprises a cylindrical barrel, a pair of flanges and a pair of flange hubs. The die includes a support member and a curling member that is adapted to move relative to the support housing. The die is adapted to be driven towards a matching die to press a spool therebetween. Each curling member includes an annular curling face which is adapted to curl and compress metal edges of the cylindrical barrel, the flanges and the flange hubs into tightened curls. The tightened curls secure the cylindrical barrel with the flanges and flange hubs. Each die further includes a plurality of nibs carried by the support housings which project outward from the curling face of the curling member after the tightened curls have been formed to swage a plurality of detents into the tightened curls of the spool. The resulting detents in the metal spool provide for increased torque transfer between the flanges, the flange hubs and the cylindrical barrel.

Abstract: A fixing device for a brush holder having a pair of leg pieces extending away from an upper surface of the brush holder. The leg pieces have fingers extending away from the free ends of the leg pieces and penetrating through holes in an attachment surface section of a holder stay. The fingers are bent onto a back face of the attachment surface section such that the bent fingers are oblique relative to a longitudinal axis of the brush holder, thereby preventing any backlash from occurring. The fixing device is formed by a two step bending process using first and second jigs.