Abstract: Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric actuator comprising a plurality of driving columns separated by grooves in which the width of each driving column in the direction of the groove width widens from the displacement output surface to the substrate. The widening of the diving column width toward the substrate realizes a piezoelectric actuator having a high strength and a high reliability capable of stably and effectively generating an output displacement.

Abstract: An ink droplet eject apparatus comprises a plate-shaped member defining a conical ink droplet eject chamber increasing from an eject port to an opening, and a vibrating plate covering the opening. A spacer is disposed between the vibrating plate and the plate-shaped member surrounding the opening. An annular space is delimited by the spacer. An ink flow path is formed in the spacer. The vibrating plate is excited so as to generate an intermittent liquid flow of an ink W in the ink droplet eject chamber in the direction of the eject port. An actuator can arbitrarily control an amount of displacement of the vibrating plate and a generation time of displacement during the excitation.

Abstract: In an image recording device which records an image on a recording medium responsive to a desired gradation in each pixel and which includes a recording head for jetting an ink droplet having a diameter at a speed therefrom, the diameter of the ink droplet is modulated in response to the desired gradation in each pixel while the speed is modulated dependent on the modulated diameter. Thus, a position of impact of the ink droplet is not deviated, so that quality of image is not deteriorated.

Abstract: A device for mirror-polishing the end of an optical fiber connector or similar elongate workpiece into a convex shape. A first grindstone polishes the workpiece while a second grindstone corrects the work surface of the first grindstone when it is deformed. The work surfaces of the first and second grindstones run in perpendicular directions or in inclined directions, so that an arcuate concavity having a circular or oval cross-section is formed in the work surface of the first grindstone. Electrolytic dressing is applied to the work surface of the first grindstone to provide it with high processing ability at all times. When the concavity of the first grindstone is deformed, the second grindstone corrects it with the work surface thereof.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing an optical fiber connector or similar workpiece formed of, e.g., glass, ceramic or plastic with a mirror-finished convex tip efficiently is disclosed. While a film-like abrasive tool is conveyed in contact with the wall of a groove formed in a stage, the workpiece is caused to rotate about its axis (and to move in a reciprocating motion). By the resulting grinding operation, the sectional shape (arcuate) of the abrasive tool contacting the wall of the groove is transferred to the end of the workpiece. As a result, the end of the workpiece is provided with a convex tip. The abrasive tool is replaced with an abrasive tool for finishing, as needed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing an optical fiber connector or similar workpiece formed of, e.g., glass, ceramic or plastic with a mirror-finished convex tip efficiently is disclosed. While a film-like abrasive tool is conveyed in contact with the wall of a groove formed in a stage, the workpiece is caused to rotate about its axis (and to move in a reciprocating motion). By the resulting grinding operation, the sectional shape (arcuate) of the abrasive tool contacting the wall of the groove is transferred to the end of the workpiece. As a result, the end of the workpiece is provided with a convex tip. The abrasive tool is replaced with an abrasive tool for finishing, as needed.

Abstract: A connection structure of the present invention allows an optical waveguide device having a base plate connected to a connecting member to be removably connected not only to an optical connector but also to another optical waveguide device having an identical configuration without resorting to optical axis adjustment. The connection is therefore easy and highly reproducible.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a hemispherical convex mirror surface on the end of a ferrule or optical fiber connector efficiently and accurately. The apparatus has a grinding wheel having a concave work surface, a tool for correcting the shape of the work surface, a stage for bringing the tool into contact with the wheel, a mechanism for causing the end of the ferrule to contact the work surface, and a mechanism for displacing the axis of the ferrule from the center of the curvature of the arcuate section of the work surface. After the axis of the ferrule has been displaced from the center of the curvature, the ferrule is caused to contact the work surface and roughly ground thereby. Subsequently, after the ferrule axis has been brought into alignment with the center of curvature, the ferrule is sequentially finished from the tip to a preselected point thereof.