Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a magnetoresistive element having a magnetization pinned layer, a magnetization free layer, and a spacer layer including an insulating layer provided between the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer and current paths penetrating into the insulating layer. A process of forming the spacer layer in the method includes depositing a first metal layer forming the metal paths, depositing a second metal layer on the first metal layer, performing a pretreatment of irradiating the second metal layer with an ion beam or a RF plasma of a rare gas, and converting the second metal layer into the insulating layer by means of supplying an oxidation gas or a nitriding gas.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive effect element includes a magnetization pinned layer, a magnetization free layer; a nonmagnetic metal layer disposed between the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer, a resistance increasing layer, a spin filter layer, and a pair of electrodes. The resistance increasing layer includes a insulation portion and is disposed in at least one of the magnetization pinned layer, the magnetization free layer, and the nonmagnetic metal layer. The spin filter layer is disposed to be adjacent to the magnetization free layer and has a thickness in a range of 5 nm to 20 nm. The magnetization free layer is disposed between the spin filter layer and the nonmagnetic metal layer. The magnetization pinned layer, the magnetization free layer, the nonmagnetic layer, the resistance increasing layer, and the spin filter layer are disposed between the electrodes.

Abstract: A sheet feeding device is adapted to be placed beside a sheet processing apparatus by being lifted on a side close to the sheet processing apparatus for engagement with the sheet processing apparatus. The sheet feeding device includes a housing, casters, and an elastic member. The housing stores therein sheets to be supplied to the sheet processing apparatus. Provided for supporting the housing, the casters are mounted on a bottom portion of the housing and include a first caster and a second caster. The first caster is located close to the sheet processing apparatus so as to be movable upward and downward. The second caster is located far from the sheet processing apparatus. The elastic member applies a downward force to the first caster.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive element has a first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer separate from each other, the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer each having a magnetization whose direction is substantially pinned, and a non-magnetic conductive layer formed in contact with the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer and electrically connecting the first and second magnetic layers, the non-magnetic conductive layer forming a path of spin-polarized electrons from one of the magnetic layer to the other magnetic layer, the non-magnetic conductive layer comprising a portion located between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, the portion being a sensing area.

Abstract: An imaging device has: a video camera that takes a video of an imaging object; a camera holder that supports the video camera at a position of imaging the imaging object; an output module that outputs the video taken by the video camera; and an image processing module configured to superimpose a predetermined figure at a reference point of expanded display or contracted display in the video output by the output module. The imaging device of this arrangement enables easy adjustment of an expansion display area of an imaging object in the course of outputting a video signal representing a taken video of the imaging object to an external device.

Abstract: Mechanism unit(s) functioning as automatic-feed cassette(s) and mechanism unit(s) functioning as manual-feed tray(s) together form a single integral module, constituting a hybrid paper supply module. In such constitution, paper transport path(s) may be formed between or among first guide member(s) provided at automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit(s) and second guide member(s) provided at manual-feed mechanism unit(s), and manual-feed mechanism unit(s) may be pulled outward and to side(s) of apparatus(es) so as to cause paper transport path(s) to be opened up to the exterior, facilitating removal of jammed paper. Furthermore, given such constitution, a plurality of hybrid paper supply modules may be stacked together to constitute a paper supply mechanism. Manual-feed tray(s) with which manual-feed mechanism unit(s) of respective hybrid paper supply module(s) is or are provided may be collapsible so as to permit extension and/or retraction.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus in which an original reading portion is disposed in an upper portion of the apparatus main body, a feed portion is disposed in a lower portion of the apparatus main body, and a printing portion is disposed between the original reading portion and the feed portion as an image forming system, a paper post-processing portion that can perform a plurality of types of paper post-processing for recording paper transported from the apparatus main body after printing by the printing portion is finished, and a discharge portion to which recording paper is discharged after paper post-processing by the paper post-processing portion is finished, are disposed in a space of the apparatus main body formed by the original reading portion, the printing portion, and the feed portion, and the paper post-processing portion is controlled according to print conditions selected when a print request is made.

Abstract: A magneto-resistance effect element, including: a first magnetization layer of which a magnetization is substantially fixed in one direction; a second magnetization layer of which a magnetization is rotated in accordance with an external magnetic field; an intermediate layer which contains insulating portions and magnetic metallic portions and which is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and a pair of electrodes to flow current in a direction perpendicular to a film surface of a multilayered film made of the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer and the second magnetic layer; wherein the magnetic metallic portions of the intermediate layer contain non-ferromagnetic metal.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive element includes a magnetoresistive film having a magnetization pinned layer whose magnetization is substantially pinned to one direction, a nonmagnetic intermediate layer, and a magnetization free layer whose magnetization is changed in direction depending on an external magnetic field, in which the magnetization pinned layer or nonmagnetic intermediate layer includes an insulator, and a pair of electrodes electrically connected to the magnetoresistive film so as to supply a sense current in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the magnetoresistive film. The magnetization free layer includes a body-centered cubic layer with a body-centered cubic structure, and the thickness of the body-centered cubic layer is 2 nm or more.

Abstract: A printer provided with a printer controller and a printer engine, wherein the printer controller includes a user interface control unit with a function for grouping together parameters associated with the paper, overlay and so on and recording this group of parameters under a desired name.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect (MR) device incorporating a spin valve film, and a magnetic head, a magnetic head assembly and a magnetic recording/reproducing system incorporating the MR device, wherein the magnetization direction of a free layer is at a certain angle to the magnetization direction of a second ferromagnetic layer therein when the applied magnetic field is zero. A pinned magnetic layer includes a pair of ferromagnetic films antiferromagnetically coupled to each other via a coupling film existing therebetween. The magnetization direction of either one of the pair of ferromagnetic films constituting the pinned magnetic layer is maintained, and a nonmagnetic high-conductivity layer is disposed adjacent to a first ferromagnetic layer on the side opposite to the side on which the first ferromagnetic layer is contacted with a nonmagnetic spacer layer. With that constitution, the device has extremely high sensitivity, and the bias point in the device is well controlled.

Abstract: A magneto-resistance effect element includes: a first magnetization layer of which a magnetization is substantially fixed in one direction; a second magnetization layer of which a magnetization is rotated in accordance with an external magnetic field; an intermediate layer which contains insulating portions and magnetic metallic portions and which is provided between the the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer; and a pair of electrodes to flow current in a direction perpendicular to a film surface of a multilayered film made of the first magnetic layer, the intermediate layer and the second magnetic layer; wherein the magnetic metallic portions of the intermediate layer contain non-ferromagnetic metal.

Abstract: Mechanism unit(s) 6 functioning as automatic-feed cassette(s) and mechanism unit(s) 7 functioning as manual-feed tray(s) together form a single integral module, constituting hybrid paper supply module 5. Manual-feed mechanism unit(s) 7 is or are arranged below transport paths 36, 37, which extend toward printing unit(s) 3. Furthermore, path(s) along which recording paper P taken up from automatic-feed cassette mechanism unit(s) 6 is transported and path(s) along which recording paper P taken up from manual-feed mechanism unit(s) 7 is transported are made to intersect within the module, decreasing length(s) of respective path(s).

Abstract: A paper feeding device includes a stacking plate for stacking sheets. The stacking plate is movable vertically within a range from a lower limit position to a pick-up position. The stacking plate has a first surface facing the lower limit position and a second surface facing the pick-up position. The paper feeding device also includes a driving device for driving the stacking plate. The paper feeding device has a locking member for locking the staking plate in the lower limit position. The locking member has a deformable section for contact with the second surface of the stacking plate. The deformable section becomes deformed by a driving force applied through the stacking plate as locked in the lower limit position by the driving device, to unlock the stacking plate.

Abstract: A base film of a hard magnetic film containing Co as a structural element has a crystal metal base film such as a Cr film formed on the main surface of a substrate and a reactive base film (mixing layer) formed between the substrate and the crystal metal base film and having a reactive amorphous layer containing a structural element of the substrate and a structural element of the crystal metal base film. A hard magnetic film containing Co as a structural element is formed on the crystal metal base film. With the crystal metal base film such as the Cr film formed on an amorphous layer, a hard magnetic film with a bi-crystal structure can be obtained with high reproducibility. With the hard magnetic film, magnetic characteristics such as coercive force Hc, residual magnetization Mr, saturated magnetization Ms, and square ratio S can be improved without need to use a thick base film.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive effect element, includes: a magnetoresistive effect film including: a magnetization fixed layer having a first ferromagnetic film of which magnetization direction is practically fixed in one direction; a magnetization free layer having a second ferromagnetic film of which magnetization direction changes with corresponding to an external magnetic field; and a spacer layer disposed between the magnetization fixed layer and magnetization free layer, and having an insulating layer and a ferromagnetic metal portion penetrating through the insulating layer; a pair of electrodes applying a sense current in a perpendicular direction relative to a film surface of the magnetoresistive effect film; and a layer containing a non-ferromagnetic element disposed at least one of an inside of the magnetization fixed layer-and an inside of the magnetization free layer.

Abstract: A magnetoresistance effect element comprises: a magnetoresistance effect film, a pair of electrodes, and a phase separation layer. The magnetoresistance effect film includes a first ferromagnetic layer whose direction of magnetization is pinned substantially in one direction, a second ferromagnetic layer whose direction of magnetization changes in response to an external magnetic field, and an intermediate layer provided between the first and second ferromagnetic layers. The pair of electrodes are electrically coupled to the magnetoresistance effect film and configured to supply a sense current perpendicularly to a film plane of the magnetoresistance effect film. The phase separation layer is provided between the pair of electrodes. The phase separation layer has a first phase and a second phase formed by a phase separation in a solid phase from an alloy including a plurality of elements.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive element has a magnetization pinned layer, a nonmagnetic spacer layer including a stack of a nonmagnetic metal layer, a resistance increasing layer and another nonmagnetic metal layer, a magnetization free layer having an fcc crystal structure, a cap layer having an fcc, an hcp, or a bcc crystal structure and having an interatomic distance between nearest neighbors greater than that of the magnetization free layer, and a pair of electrodes configured to provide a sense current in a direction substantially perpendicular to planes of the magnetization pinned layer, the nonmagnetic spacer layer, and the magnetization free layer.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive element has a magnetization pinned layer including a magnetic film a magnetization direction of which is substantially pinned in one direction, a magnetization free layer including a magnetic film a magnetization direction of which is varied depending on an external magnetic field, a composite spacer layer interposed between the magnetization pinned layer and the magnetization free layer, and including an insulating portion and a magnetic metal portion, and a pair of electrodes configured to supply a sense current in a direction perpendicular to planes of the magnetization pinned layer, the composite spacer layer and the magnetization free layer, in which the magnetic film included in the magnetization pinned layer and being in contact with the composite spacer layer has a bcc structure.

Abstract: A cover support mechanism regulates an opening angle of an openable cover with respect to a chassis of an electronic device. The cover constitutes a portion of the chassis. The mechanism has a cord shaped or tape shaped stopper, and a support unit. The stopper has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being fixed to the cover. The support unit supports the second end portion of the stopper. The support unit is provided to the electronic device. The support unit has a receiving portion, a biasing member, and a braking unit. The receiving portion has a space for pulling in the second end portion of the stopper. The biasing member applies force to the stopper for pulling in the stopper into the receiving portion. The braking unit applies frictional force to the stopper when the cover is opened.