Abstract: A driving device includes an electro-mechanical transducer having first and second end portions opposite to each other in an expansion/contraction direction, a stationary member coupled to the first end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, a vibration friction portion mounted to the second end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, and a moving portion frictionally coupled to the vibration friction portion, whereby moving the moving portion in the expansion/contraction direction of the electro-mechanical transducer. The moving portion is driven by equalizing a constant expanding speed of the electro-mechanical transducer with a constant contracting speed of the electro-mechanical transducer and by setting a constant rest time interval after one of contraction of the electro-mechanical transducer and expansion of the electro-mechanical transducer.

Abstract: A driving device includes an electro-mechanical transducer having first and second end portions opposite to each other in an expansion/contraction direction, a stationary member coupled to the first end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, a vibration friction portion mounted to the second end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, and a rod-shaped moving portion frictionally coupled to the vibration friction portion, whereby moving the moving portion in the expansion/contraction direction of the electro-mechanical transducer. The stationary member consists essentially of a base alloy which consists of, by weight, 88 to 97% tungsten, 2 to 11% nickel as a binder, and, as the balance, 0.1 to 2% at least one metal having an ionization tendency which is higher than that of tungsten. The stationary member has a surface without nickel plating.

Abstract: A driving device includes an electro-mechanical transducer having first and second end portions opposite to each other in an expansion/contraction direction, a static member coupled to the first end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, a vibration friction portion coupled to the second end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, and a rod-shaped moving portion frictionally coupled to the vibration friction portion, whereby moving the moving portion in the expansion/contraction direction of the electro-mechanical transducer. The driving device is covered with a cabinet. An elastic member lies between the cabinet and the static member.

Abstract: A laminated piezoelectric element includes plural internal electrodes which are laminated and has a dead area at outer regions thereof. The laminated piezoelectric element has first and second end surfaces in an expansion direction thereof. On bonding a first bonded surface of a piezoelectric element fixing portion to the first end surface, a bonding method includes forming a first ring-shaped adhesive accumulation in the first bonded surface, accumulating an elastic adhesive agent in the first ring-shaped adhesive accumulation, and bonding the first end surface to the first bonded surface.

Abstract: An optical pickup unit includes an optical base and at least one laser diode mounted on an outer wall of the optical base. The laser diode has a base portion, and an LD terminal and a GND terminal which extend from the base portion to a rear surface side. Formed on a short-land flexible printed board, conductive patterns enable to short-circuit the LD terminal and the GND terminal of the laser diode at a position apart from the LD terminal.

Abstract: A reed valve assembly in which a gummous material coating is applied to the noise-propagating passageway of a secondary-air exhaust gas recombustion system for internal combustion engines.