Abstract: A single-crystal transparent ferromagnetic compound that transmits light and has significant ferromagnetic properties is selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth chalcogenides, alkali chalcogenides, I-VII compounds, II-VI compounds, III-V compounds, IV-VI2 compounds, IV-IV compounds, and II-VII2 compounds. At least one element having an incomplete outermost p-electron shell, such as B, C, N, O, F, Si, or Ge, is dissolved in the compound so that the compound has a ferromagnetic transition temperature of room temperature or higher. The ferromagnetic properties of the compound are controlled by adjustment of the concentration of the element having an incomplete outermost p-electron shell and valence electron control through, for example, the addition of an acceptor and a donor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ferromagnetic alkali chalcogen compound capable of providing a completely-spin-polarized transparent ferromagnetic material using an alkali chalcogen compound having light-transparency, and a method of adjusting ferromagnetic properties thereof. The transparent ferromagnetic alkali chalcogenide comprises an alkali chalcogen compound which has an anti-fluorite structure and contains at least one metal element selected from a 3d transition metal element group consisting of Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu; a 4d transition metal element group consisting of Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru and Rh; a 5d transition metal element group consisting of Hf, Ta, W, Os, Re and Ir; and a lanthanum-series rare-earth element group consisting of Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. The selected metal element is incorporated in the alkali chalcogen compound in the form of a solid solution to provide a ferromagnetic characteristic thereto.

Abstract: This electronic component of the rotary switch type may include: a casing; a disk shaped rotor, rotatably supported in the casing, and formed with a cam pattern system; a contact system which is actuated by the cam pattern system as the rotor is rotated; and a sheet spring. The sheet spring has: two pressure portions; a substantially flat portion, intermediate between the two pressure portions, which is stressed so as to press the two pressure portions against the cam pattern system as the rotor is rotated, for providing detent action for the rotor; and a fixing portion, fixed to the casing, and proximate and connected to the substantially flat portion. There may be two each of the substantially flat portion and the fixing portion.

Abstract: A digital switch may have an advantageous actuating member including, in addition to pawls for a ratchet mechanism, a pair of main bodies and spring portions integrally formed therewith, whereby the mechanical integrity of the actuating member and smooth operation are assured. The spring portions are interconnected by a mounting plate which is in turn engaged to a casing member. The switch may include an advantageous electro-conductive pattern which is made by insert molding an embossed metallic plate into synthetic resin, whereby the dimensional accuracy of the pattern is assured and the production may be facilitated. Further, the switching element may make use of a set of concentric cams which selectively drive movable contact pieces onto fixed contact pieces according to the step-wise rotation of a ratchet wheel.