Abstract: A lens drive apparatus for driving vertically and horizontally a lens component by employing magnets and coils, includes a lens component, a lens support member, a mass balancing member for balancing with respect to the lens support member, and a seesaw support member for supporting the lens support member and the mass balancing member to perform a seesaw action. The lens drive apparatus can be miniaturized and made lightweight and operates stably as a balanced lens component and serves as an efficient actuator for a focusing/tracking servo with respect to an objective lens of an optical pickup for recording and reproducing optical information.

Abstract: An optical pickup drive device has first through third reference plates parallel to each other and interconnected by three or fourth pivotal support members or connecting arms by which the first through third reference plates are pivotally supported. An optical pickup is mounted on the first reference plate. Drive mechanisms for driving the optical pickup in directions parallel to the second reference plate are disposed on the first and third reference plates, or the pivotal support members. With this arrangement, the drive device allows the optical pickup to read a signal with stable accuracy against external vibrations and shocks applied to the drive device.

Abstract: A diluting and pouring apparatus for a liquid food such as soup or juice supplied in a raw or condensed state is disclosed which comprises a casing having a circular inner periphery and a rotor supported rotatably in the casing so that while rotating it always provides three discrete chambers, the first chamber being for cleaning, the second chamber being for receiving a constant amount of the raw liquid and the third chamber being for diluting the raw liquid with a diluent and pouring the diluted liquid.