Abstract: A magnetic head up/down mechanism for an magneto-optical disc drive is provided with a magnetic head supporting member mounting a magnetic head. The supporting member is attached to one end of an elongated plate spring member. A moving system is further provided to move the plate spring member together with the supporting member so that the magnetic head is located either an operative position or a retracted position. The operative position and the retracted position are located between an objective lens of the disc drive and the data recording surface of a magneto-optical disc loaded in the magneto-optical disc drive.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning optical system is provided with a light source unit, polygonal mirror, and an f&thgr; lens. The f&thgr; lens includes a first lens that converges the beams mainly in the main scanning direction, and a second lens that converges the beams mainly in the auxiliary scanning direction. The first and second lenses are made of different materials. Further, one of the first and second lenses is formed integrally with the other using a mold such that the first and second lenses constitute a composite lens unit.

Abstract: An eccentricity-prevention mechanism includes a pair of lens-supporting rings for supporting a pair of lens groups, respectively; and a pair of positioning recesses and a follower projection formed on one and the other of opposed surfaces of the pair of lens-supporting rings, such that the follower projection engages with one of the pair of positioning recess to define a relative position of the pair of lens-supporting rings with respect to the optical axis, at a mutually close position and at a mutually distant position. At least three pairs of the positioning recesses and at least three follower projections are provided at different positions in a circumferential direction, so that eccentricity between the pair of lens-supporting rings is eliminated when all of the follower projections are concurrently brought into engagement with corresponding positioning recesses.

Abstract: A foreign body-recovering instrument for an endoscope in which a plurality of foreign body-catching arms are provided at the distal end of a flexible sheath so that the foreign body-catching arms are opened or closed by remote control from the proximal end of the sheath. The foreign body-recovering instrument has engaging portions serving as hooks for catching a foreign body. The engaging portions are formed on the respective outer sides of the foreign body-catching arms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a select dial of a camera which includes a rotatable member and a click-stop mechanism for making the rotatable member stop with a click at any one of a plurality of click-stop positions of the rotatable member when the rotatable member is rotated. The click-stop mechanism includes: a positioning member having a plurality of holes which determine the plurality of click-stop positions; and a plurality of balls each being pressed against the positioning member to be engageable with any one of the plurality of holes. The plurality of holes and the plurality of balls are arranged so that one of the plurality of balls is disengaged from any of the plurality of holes when another ball of the plurality of balls is engaged with any one of the plurality of holes.

Abstract: An electrically driven zoom lens barrel is provided with an indicating plate for indicating whether a zooming operation is being carried out in an electric mode or in a manual mode. The indicating plate is provided separately from a zooming operation ring, which is moved forwardly and rearwardly to switch a zooming operation between the electric mode and the manual mode. The indicating plate displays the manual mode when the zooming operation is carried out in the manual mode, and displays the electric mode and a zooming speed and direction, when the zooming operation is carried out in the electric mode.

Abstract: A joined prism assembly having more than two prisms adhered to each other at joining surfaces is disclosed. The joined prism includes stepped portions between the end faces of the prisms adjacent to the joining surfaces for defining exposed positioning reference surfaces for when the prisms are adhered to each other.

Abstract: Automatic focusing apparatus in an optical drawing machine, comprising a drawing optical means having a dichroic mirror which transmits light for drawing and reflects light for detecting the focus to apply the focus detecting light to which a photosensitive material is insensitive onto the latter, an imaging lens means, and a focus detecting device for detecting whether the surfaces of the photosensitive material are located in the depth of focus of the drawing optical means.