Abstract: A thin-film magnetic field sensor is provided which includes two arms of a bridge circuit formed of a first element having a giant-magneto-resistant thin-film, and soft magnetic thin-films disposed one on either side thereof, with electrical terminals, and a second element having a giant-magneto-resistant thin-film, and conductive films disposed one on either side thereof, with electrical terminals. The electrical resistance value of the second element has sensitivity relative to the magnetic field, such that it is substantially zero when the magnetic field is small, but it changes equally to the first element due to causes other than the magnetic field. Since the output of the bridge circuit is in proportion to the difference in electrical resistance values between the first and second elements, part of a change due to causes other than the magnetic field is canceled in the output of the bridge circuit, whereby the magnetic field value can be accurately measured.

Abstract: A nanogranular thin film consisting of nonmagnetic matrix and ferromagnetic fine particles in nano scale is improved to enhance the thermal stability and the S/N ratio. The ferromagnetic fine particles consist of (FeaCo1-a)1-xPtx, (0.3≦x≦0.7, 0.1≦a≦1), (FeaCo1-a)1-xPdx, (0.3≦x≦0.7, 0.1≦a≦1) or (FeaCo1-a) 1-x(PtbPd1-b)x, (0.3≦x≦0.7, 0.1≦a≦1, and 0<b<1).

Abstract: There is provided a thin-film magnetic field sensor, which has a simple structure and a high detecting sensitivity, and reduces measurement errors due to temperature variation or the like. In the thin-film magnetic field sensor according to the present invention, two arms of a bridge circuit are formed of an element 5 having a giant-magneto-resistant thin-film, and soft magnetic thin-films disposed one on either side thereof, with electrical terminals, and an element 10 having a giant-magneto-resistant thin-film, and conductive films disposed one on either side thereof, with electrical terminals. The electrical resistance value of the element 10 has sensitivity relative to the magnetic field, such that it is substantially zero when the magnetic field is small, but it changes equally to the element 5 due to causes other than the magnetic field.

Abstract: A nanogranular thin film consisting of nonmagnetic matrix and ferromagnetic fine particles in nano scale is improved to enhance the thermal stability and the S/N ratio. The ferromagnetic fine particles consist of (FeaCo1-a)1-xPtx, (0.3≦x≦0.7, 0.1≦x≦1), (FeaCo1-a)1-xPdx, (0.3≦x≦0.7, 0.1≦x≦1) or (FeaCo1-a)1-x(PtbPd1-b)x, (0.3≦x≦0.7, 0.1≦x≦1, and 0<b<1).

Abstract: A magneto-impedance element comprises an alloy composed of at least one of Fe, Co and Ni. The alloy has a mixed texture of an amorphous phase and a fine crystalline phase having an average crystal grain size of 50 nm or less. The magneto-impedance element shows a change in impedance in response to an external magnetic field by applying an alternating current. The magneto-impedance element is applied to an azimuth sensor, an autocanceler, or a magnetic head.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a face portion and a main body portion, wherein at least the face portion or a face of the face portion comprises an amorphous alloy having a glass transition range. The amorphous alloy preferably has a composition represented by the general formula X.sub.a M.sub.b Al.sub.c (where X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr and Hf, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ti and Cu, and a, b and c are, in atomic percentages, 25.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.85, 5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.70 and 0<c.ltoreq.35), and comprises at least 50% by volume thereof being an amorphous phase. The golf club head has a high strength and yet has a low elastic modulus.

Abstract: A method for making a Fe-based soft magnetic alloy where an alloy melt is injected onto a moving cooling unit to form an amorphous alloy ribbon. The alloy melt contains Fe as a main component, B and at least one metallic element M selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo and W, the composition of the alloy melt being selected such that the resulting amorphous alloy ribbon is characterized by a first crystallization temperature at which fine grain bcc Fe crystallites precipitate, and a second crystallization temperature at which a compound phase containing Fe--B and/or Fe--M precipitates. The amorphous alloy ribbon is then annealed at a temperature which is higher that the first crystallization temperature and less than the second crystallization temperature for an annealing time in the range of 0 minutes to 20 minutes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for forming an amorphous alloy material capable of showing glass transition, which comprises holding the material between frames arranged in combination; and heating the material at a temperature between its glass transition temperature (Tg) and its crystallization temperature (Tx) and, at the same time, producing a pressure difference between opposite sides of the material, whereby the material is brought into close contact against a forming mold disposed on one side of the material. As an alternative, the forming mold is brought into close contact against the amorphous material in a direction opposite to the pressing direction for the amorphous material. By the above processes, precision-formed products of amorphous alloys can be manufactured and supplied at low cost.

Abstract: An aluminum-based alloy having the general formula Al.sub.x L.sub.y M.sub.z (wherein L is Mn or Cr; M is Ni, Co, and/or Cu; and x, y, and z, representing a composition ratio in atomic percentages, satisfy the relationships x+y+z=100, 75.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.95, 2.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.15, and 0.5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.10) having a metallographic structure comprising a quasi-crystalline phase possesses high strength and high rigidity. In order to enhance the ductility and toughness of the aluminum-based alloy, the atomic percentage of M may be further limited to 0.5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.4, and more preferably to 0.5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.3. The aluminum-based alloy is useful as a structural material for aircraft, vehicles and ships, and for engine parts; as material for sashes, roofing materials, and exterior materials for use in construction; or as materials for use in marine equipment, nuclear reactors, and the like.

Abstract: Hard magnetic materials of the present invention contain at least one element of Fe, Co and Ni as a main component, at least one element M of Zr, Nb, Ta and Hf, at least one rare earth element R and B. The texture of the materials has at least 70% of fine crystalline phase having an average grain size of 100 nm or less, and the residue having an amorphous phase, the fine crystalline phase mainly composed of bcc-Fe or bcc-Fe compound, Fe--B compound and/or R.sub.2 Fe.sub.14 B.sub.1.

Abstract: A method of producing a hard magnetic alloy compact at low cost, in which an alloy that contains not less than 50% by weight of an amorphous phase and exhibits hard magnetism in a crystallized state is solidified and molded at around its crystallization temperature under applied pressure by utilizing the softening phenomenon occurring during a crystallization process. The resulting compact has high hard magnetic characteristics and can be applied as permanent magnet members such as in motors, actuators, and speakers.

Abstract: An alloy material 4 received in a melting hearth 1 is melted by high-density energy supplied from a heat source 5. The molten alloy is transferred to a forced-cooled die 3 having a cavity 2 defining the profile of a product, and quenched to an amorphous state. The alloy has the composition represented by the general formula of Zr.sub.100-a-b-c A.sub.a B.sub.b C.sub.c, wherein the mark A represents one or more elements selected from Ti, Hf, Al and Ga, the mark B represents one or more elements selected from Fe, Co, Ni and Cu, the mark C represents one or more elements selected from Pd, Pt, Au and Ag, and the marks a-c represent the atomic ratios of respective elements A-C under the conditions of a=5-20, b=15-45, c.ltoreq.10 and a+b+c=30-70. The differential temperature region .DELTA.T (=T.sub.x -T.sub.g) in the supercooled liquid phase of the Zr alloy represented by the difference between the crystallization point T.sub.x and the glass transition point T.sub.g is preferably 100 K or more.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliances in accordance with the present invention are formed from amorphous alloys having a supercooling liquid region. The appliances have high corrosion resistance, high durability and high strength. The appliances are particularly useful when changes and adjustments in the orthodontic state become necessary in the course of orthodontic treatment. The present invention also provides improvements in the base surfaces of orthodontic appliances adapted to be bonded to tooth surfaces. The appliances can consequently be securely affixed to tooth surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an Fe-base soft magnetic alloy and a laminated magnetic core formed by using the alloy which contains Fe as a main component and at least one element M and B selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo and W, in which at least 50% of the crystalline structure comprises fine crystalline grains having an average crystal grain size of 30 nm or less and a body-centered cubic structure, and the fracture strain at 300.degree. C. or less is 1. The ratios of the components Fe, and elements M and B are 75 to 93 atomic %, 4 to 9 atomic % and 0.5 to 18 atomic %, respectively. The alloy may contain other additive elements such as Cr, Ru, Hr, Ir, Si, Al, Ge, Ga and the like.

Abstract: Orthodontic appliances in accordance with the present invention are formed from amorphous alloys having a supercooling liquid region. The appliances have high corrosion resistance, high durability and high strength. The appliances are particularly useful when changes and adjustments in the orthodontic state become necessary in the course of orthodontic treatment. The present invention also provides improvements in the base surfaces of orthodontic appliances adapted to be bonded to tooth surfaces. The appliances can consequently be securely affixed to tooth surfaces.

Abstract: An alloy material 4 received in a melting hearth 1 is melted by high-density energy supplied from a heat source 5. The molten alloy is transferred to a forced-cooled die 3 having a cavity 2 defining the profile of a product, and quenched to an amorphous state. The alloy has the composition represented by the general formula of Zr.sub.100-a-b-c A.sub.a B.sub.b C.sub.c (wherein the mark A represents one or more elements selected from Ti, Hf, Al and Ga, the mark B represents one or more elements selected from Fe, Co, Ni and Cu, the mark C represents one or more elements selected from Pd, Pt, Au and Ag, and the marks a-c represent the atomic ratios of respective elements A-C under the conditions of a=5-20, b=15-45, c.ltoreq.10 and a+b+c=30-70. The differential temperature region .DELTA.T (=T.sub.x -T.sub.g) in the supercooled liquid phase of the Zr alloy represented by the difference between the crystallization point T.sub.x and the glass transition point T.sub.g, is preferably 100 K or more.

Abstract: Quasi-crystalline aluminum alloy ultrafine particles are produced by a gas-phase reaction and consist of at least one alloy element from the group of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Pd, for example palladium (Pd) in an amount represented by 20 atomic %.ltoreq.Pd.ltoreq.30 atomic %, and the balance of aluminum. Palladium has a catalyst power, and the ultrafine particles have a large specific surface area, because they have a particle size d.ltoreq.200 nm. Such ultrafine particles have a high catalytic activity in a methanol decomposing reaction and also have a good retention of catalytic activity.

Abstract: An Fe-based soft magnetic alloy having a high saturated magnetic flux density and having a composition represented by formula (I) below:(Fe.sub.1-a Q.sub.a).sub.b B.sub.x T.sub.y T'.sub.z (I)wherein Q represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co and Ni; T represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo and W, with Zr and/or Hf being always included; T' represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, Au, Ni, Pd and Pt; a, b, x, y and z are real numbers satisfying relationships below:0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.05,0.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.93 atomic %,0.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.16 atomic %,4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.10 atomic %,0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.4.5 atomic %provided that when 0<z.ltoreq.4.5 atomic %, Q represents Co and 0<b.ltoreq.92 atomic %; and when z=0, 0.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.8 atomic % and 4.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.9 atomic %.

Abstract: A hard thin film having fine crystalline ceramic particles dispersed in a metallic matrix phase is disclosed. The production of the film is effected by first depositing a substantially amorphous film on a substrate and then heat-treating the deposited film. Deposition of the film on the substrate is carried out by using a source of evaporation having a composition represented by the general formula: Al.sub.a M.sub.b, wherein M stands for at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ta, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Mo, Hf, W, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu and "a" and "b" respectively stand for atomic % in the ranges of 60.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.98.5 and 1.5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.40, providing a+b=100. Deposition is effected by a physical vapor deposition process in an atmosphere of an inert gas containing a reaction gas while controlling the feed rate of the reaction gas into a chamber in such a manner that the partial pressure of the react/on gas is kept constant or varied continuously or stepwise.

Abstract: A catalyst for methanol reforming which consists of an alloy represented by the general formula TM, wherein T is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, Y, Nb and Zn; and M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements (Cu, Ag and Au) belonging to group IB of the periodic table and elements (Fe, Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt) belonging to group VIII of the periodic table, said alloy having a surface comprising an oxide including the element T and, dispersed therein, fine metal particles composed of the element M. The catalyst is produced by preparing an alloy having an amorphous phase and/or a microcrystalline phase from a molten composition of TM, and subsequently heating the alloy at 50.degree. to 700.degree. C. in an oxidizing atmosphere or an atmosphere like that in which methanol reforming is performed. Using the catalyst, methanol reforming can be efficiently performed at relatively low temperatures.