Abstract: A linear expansion or contraction of a piezoelectric element (150) is converted into a corresponding magnified linear movement of an output member (120) along a central axis (34) by a series combination of a pair of magnifying lever arms (100, 102) supported from a retainer structure (52) via a pair of elastic integral hinges (96, 98) and a pair of links (110, 112; 206, 208) wherein the retainer structure is enclosed in a housing (38) and adjustably fastened thereto so as to be adjustably shiftable relative thereto along the central axis.

Abstract: A controller for an automatic transmission includes a sensor for detecting a vehicle operating condition, a transmission for changing a rotational ratio of drive and driven shaft, and an ordering mechanism for ordering shift change to drive the transmission based on the operating condition detected by the sensor. Also provided are a cornering mechanism for detecting vehicle cornering, an accelerating detection mechanism for detecting vehicle acceleration, and an inhibiting mechanism for inhibiting shift down to lower the rotational ratio of drive and driven shaft in the transmission by the controller in case both vehicle cornering detected by the cornering mechanism and vehicle acceleration detected by the accelerating detection mechanism are equal to or greater than the first and second preset values, respectively.

Abstract: A motor vehicle including a radiator support member which extends between fender panels. A pair of first seal members and a second seal member are arranged between the top face of the radiator support member and the bottom face of an engine hood. The first seal members extend along the radiator support member. A cutaway portion is formed between the first seal members at the center of the radiator support member. The second seal member is arranged in front of the cutaway portion. An air suction inlet of the air cleaner is arranged immediately behind the cutaway portion.

Abstract: An engine comprising a main intake passage having a throttle valve therein. A bypass passage is branched off from the main intake passage located upstream of the throttle valve and is connected to the main intake passage located downstream of the throttle valve. A flow control valve, actuated by a step motor, is arranged in the bypass passage. When the engine is operating in an idling state, the step motor is rotated in a rotating direction wherein the engine speed approaches a desired idling speed. An air conditioning device is provided, which comprises an air duct, an evaporator arranged in the air duct, a heat exchanger arranged in the air duct, and an air mixture damper for controlling the flow of air which has passed through the evaporator.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling an hydraulic braking system for an automotive vehicle is operated to apply a reduced braking force upon the innermost wheels of the vehicle during turning thereof in order to prevent undesired locking of the inside wheels. The apparatus comprises a pressure reducing valve connected in the hydraulic brake line extending from a master cylinder to the wheel cylinders of the left and right wheels of the vehicle and a directional control valve which operates to selectively apply to a given wheel either the higher hydraulic braking pressure directly from the master cylinder or a reduced pressure which is produced by passing the hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder through the pressure reducing valve before application to the wheel cylinders.