Abstract: A magnetic encoder containing a magnetic drum having on its side surface a plurality of magnetic signal-generating means having different magnetic pole pitches, and a plurality of magnetoresistance elements each disposed opposite to each of the magnetic signal-generating means. The magneto resistance elements include a plurality of series-connected thin, ferromagnetic layer patterns having a magnetoresistance effect so that an output signal of each magnetoresistance element is in the form of a substantially sinusoidal curve. The magnetic pole pitch of one magnetic signal-generating means is 5 times or more the magnetic pole pitch of other magnetic signal-generating means, and the magnetoresistance element opposite to the magnetic signal-generating means having a larger magnetic pole pitch includes by 5 or more series-connected thin, ferromagnetic layer patterns within the range of one-fourth the larger magnetic pole pitch.

Abstract: The magnetic encoder of the present invention includes a magnetic signal generating drum having plural magnetic pole lines respectively having different magnetization pitches. Magnetic signals are repeatedly generated from the plural magnetic pole lines. A magnetic sensor is provided which includes plural magnetic resistant effect elements for converting the respective magnetic signals generated from the plural magnetic pole lines into electric signals. The plural magnetic resistant effect elements respectively confront the plural magnetic pole lines and output electric signals of different pulse numbers in accordance with incident magnetic signals. The magnetic signals generated from the plural magnetic poles lines and incident on the magnetic resistant effect elements are less that an anisotropic magnetic field level of the respective magnetic resistant effect elements.

Abstract: A wire dot printer head comprising a leaf spring welded to an armature and biased by a permanent magnet, and a magnetic coil adapted to erase the magnetic field of the permanent magnet so as to release the leaf spring and to drive a print wire. The leaf spring is made of an alloy which consists essentially of 13-14 wt % Cr, 0.37-0.43 wt % C, 0.25-0.5 wt % Si, 0.3-0.5 wt % Mn, 1.15-1.35 wt % Mo and the balance Fe. The alloy makes the width of the weld metal of the leaf spring wide and its depth of weld penetration deep and thus minimizes the generation of micro-cracking.