Abstract: A vibration actuator includes a vibration element, which simultaneously generates a radial symmetric expansion vibration mode in which it expands and contracts in the radial direction and a non-axisymmetric planar vibration mode in which it bends to and fro in a non-axisymmetric manner within a single plane, and thereby drives a relative movement member, and a base member to which the vibration element is fixed. The vibration element includes at least one superimposed layer structure comprising a pair of electrical energy to mechanical energy conversion elements and an elastic member sandwiched between the pair of electrical energy to mechanical energy conversion elements. The elastic member includes a ring shaped portion to both the sides of which the pair of electrical energy to mechanical energy conversion elements are stuck, and a cylindrical shaped support portion, formed integrally with the ring shaped portion, which fixes the vibration element to the base member.

Abstract: A diaphragm blade for a diaphragm-blade assembly having a plurality of diaphragm blades forming an opening of a diaphragm. The diaphragm blades cooperatively move to change the diameter of the opening of the diaphragm. Each diaphragm blade has a thin blade sheet and a pair of protruding engage members formed on the blade sheet. Each diaphragm blade is integrally formed with the protruding engage members by injection molding synthetic resin.

Abstract: A connector including a first connector cover having a first engaging portion, a second connector cover having a second engaging portion for engaging with the first engaging portion and adapted to be mounted in a superposed manner on the first connector cover, plural contact members positioned between the first and second connector covers and having plural movable contact pins biased as to protrude from the external face of the first connector cover, and a conductive pattern bearing member positioned partly between the first and second connector covers and provided with conductive patterns on a face contacting the movable contact pins. The first connector cover is further provided with a third engaging portion, while the conductive pattern bearing member is provided with a fourth engaging portion for positioning the conductive pattern bearing member relative to the first connector cover by engagement with the third engaging portion.

Abstract: An electrical connector for a camera provided on a camera body, an interchangeable lens and accessories for the electrical connection thereof comprises an upper contact holding member having an engagement portion and a fitting portion, a lower contact holding member having an engagement portion and a fitting portion corresponding to the engagement portion and fitting portion of the upper contact holding member, a plurality of contact springs, and a flexible print distributing panel having a pattern for conduction on the surface of contact thereof with the contact springs, the plurality of contact springs and the flexible print distributing panel being appropriately disposed between the upper contact holding member and the lower contact holding member, the engagement portion and fitting portion of the upper contact holding member being engaged with and fitted to the engagement portion and fitting portion of the lower contact holding member.