Abstract: A magnetic switch using magnetoresistive elements having respective free layers whose magnetization directions are varied by an external magnetic field. The magnetic switch also has a first magnet and a second magnet that produce respective magnetic fields that serve as the external magnetic field and are different from each other in strength and opposite to each other in direction, and a magnetic shield member whose relative position with respect to the first magnet and the second magnet varies. The magnetic shield member moves between a first position with which both of the magnetic fields of the first magnet and the second magnet act on the magnetoresistive elements to magnetize their free layers in a first direction and a second position with which only one of the magnetic fields of the first magnet and the second magnet acts on the magnetoresistive elements to magnetize their free layers in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: When shape anisotropy energy (H) of giant magnetoresistive elements (GMR elements) is expressed by H=A*Js*(Br/&pgr;) using saturation magnetization Js of a free magnetic layer and remanent magnetic flux density Br, A is set within a range of −350<A<0, and pairs of the GMR elements having opposite directions of fixed magnetization are electrically connected so that a differential of electric resistance values between electrode layers is outputted.

Abstract: When shape anisotropy energy of giant magnetoresistive elements (GMR elements) is expressed by A*Js*(Br/&pgr;) using saturation magnetization Js of a free magnetic layer and remanent magnetic flux density Br, A is set within a range of −350<A<0, and pairs of the GMR elements having opposite directions of fixed magnetization are electrically connected so that a differential of electric resistance values between electrode layers is outputted.

Abstract: A magnetic switch using magnetoresistive elements having respective free layers whose magnetization directions are varied by an external magnetic field. The magnetic switch also has a first magnet and a second magnet that produce respective magnetic fields that serve as the external magnetic field and are different from each other in strength and opposite to each other in direction, and a magnetic shield member whose relative position with respect to the first magnet and the second magnet varies. The magnetic shield member moves between a first position with which both of the magnetic fields of the first magnet and the second magnet act on the magnetoresistive elements to magnetize their free layers in a first direction and a second position with which only one of the magnetic fields of the first magnet and the second magnet acts on the magnetoresistive elements to magnetize their free layers in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A rotary variable resistor comprises a wiper mounted in a recess in a substantially cylindrical, hollow wiper holder formed integrally with a control shaft, and an elastic flange integrally formed with the lower peripheral end portion of the wiper holder. This variable resistor is characterized in that the wiper holder is rotatably supported between an insulating substrate and a cover such that wiper legs projected from the lower end surface of the flange can be slid resiliently on the insulating substrate.