Abstract: A magnetoresistive element comprises first to fourth magnetoresistive parts formed on a substrate. The first and second magnetoresistive parts are connected in series, and the third and fourth magnetoresistive parts are also connected in series. These series connected parts are connected in parallel to one another, first and second terminals are provided at from both ends of the parallel connection and, third and fourth terminals are provided at the junction of the first and second magnetoresistive parts and at the junction of the third and fourth magnetoresistive parts, respectively. The resistive values of the first and second magnetoresistive parts in the absence of a magnetic field are substantially equal, and the resistance values of the third and fourth magnetoresistive parts in the absence of a magnetic field are also substantially equal.

Abstract: Devices and circuits are described employing magnetoresistive materials exhibiting a negative .DELTA..rho. effect (.DELTA..rho.=.rho..parallel.-.rho..perp.). In these materials, the electrical resistivity .rho. of the material in a direction perpendicular to the direction of current through the material is greater than the electrical resistivity .rho..parallel. of the material in a direction parallel to the direction of the electrical current through the material. These are ferromagnetic materials exhibiting magnetoresistance in the presence of an electrical current through the material and a magnetic field applied to the material to magnetize it to saturation at room temperature. These devices and circuits have advantages over conventional devices and circuits employing magnetoresistive materials of the conventional type, in which .DELTA..rho. is a positive quantity.

Abstract: A rectangular wafer thermistor comprises a piece of ceramic thermistor material having electric contact material covering its opposite surfaces. A contact defining score mark with an open geometric shape other than a straight line extends across the thermistor through one layer of the contact material for separating the contact material on that surface into two contacts. The ends of the contact defining score mark intersect the opposite edges of the thermistor at different locations along the thermistor. The contact defining score marks may be V or U or otherwise shaped, and the intersections between the different sections of these score marks are preferably rounded, but may be sharp corners. The shape of the contact defining score mark prevents the thermistor from breaking at the contact defining score mark when the thermistor is broken off a large sheet of thermistor material.