Abstract: A storage tray for storing magnetized magnets for assembly in a disc drive. The tray includes a base having a support surface and a cover sized to cover the support surface. The base is formed of a material having magnetic properties for attracting magnetized magnets for removably supporting the magnets until assembled in a voice coil motor.

Abstract: A spin-valve magnetoresistive element includes an antiferromagnetic layer, a first pinned magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic interlayer, a second pinned magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic conductive layer, a free magnetic layer, a pair of longitudinal biasing layers, and a pair of lead layers. When a detecting current is applied from the lead layers, the magnetization vector of the free magnetic layer is aligned in a direction intersecting the magnetization vector of the second pinned magnetic layer, and the magnetization vector of the second pinned magnetic layer is tilted by an angle &thgr; from the normal of a track width direction toward a direction opposite to a longitudinal biasing magnetic field, in order to reduce asymmetry of the output.

Abstract: A fabrication method of a magnetic tunnel junction includes the steps of: forming a magnetic tunnel junction constructed having a first magnetic layer, a tunnel barrier formed at an upper surface of the first magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer formed at an upper surface of the tunnel barrier; and thermally treating the junction rapidly for 5 seconds ˜10 minutes at a temperature of 200˜600° C. to re-distribute oxygens in the tunnel barrier and make the interface between the tunnel barrier and the magnetic layer to be even. The tunneling magnetoresistance and thermal stability of the magnetic tunnel junction can be improved through the rapid thermal annealing.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a thin-film magnetic head with a spin valve effect MR read sensor includes a temperature-annealing step of firmly fixing the direction of the pinned magnetization in the spin valve effect MR sensor. The temperature-annealing step is executed by a plurality of times.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating spin valve sensors in accordance with the invention include forming a pinning layer from an antiferromagnetic material and forming a synthetic antiferromagnet adjacent the pinning layer. A free ferromagnetic layer is formed, and exchange tabs are formed adjacent outer portions of the free ferromagnetic layer for biasing the free layer. The exchange tabs are formed from the same antiferromagnetic material as the first pinning layer. Then, the magnetic moments of the synthetic antiferromagnet are set, and the magnetic moment of the free ferromagnetic layer is biased, during a single anneal in the presence of a single magnetic field.

Abstract: An oven for magnetic annealing of magnetic media, along with methods for using the same. The oven has a vacuum chamber with vacuum port for loading and unloading magnetic media. The vacuum port is sealed by a vacuum seal or door adapted for movement between open and closed positions. A vacuum pump is connected to the chamber to provide a vacuum within the chamber. The oven includes a heat exchanger adapted to receive magnetic media and a heat transfer gas unit connected to the heat exchanger to form a closed, hermetically sealed heat transfer gas circuit for heating and cooling magnetic media loaded in the heat exchanger. A magnet located exterior to the vacuum chamber provides the magnetic field to magnetic media.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating spin valve sensors in accordance with the invention include forming a pinning layer from an antiferromagnetic material and forming a synthetic antiferromagnet adjacent the pinning layer. A free ferromagnetic layer is formed, and exchange tabs are formed adjacent outer portions of the free ferromagnetic layer for biasing the free layer. The exchange tabs are formed from the same antiferromagnetic material as the first pinning layer. Then, the magnetic moments of the synthetic antiferromagnet are set, and the magnetic moment of the free ferromagnetic layer is biased, during a single anneal in the presence of a single magnetic field.

Abstract: A method for producing a compact of rare earth alloy powder of the present invention includes: a powder-filling step of filling rare earth allow powder in a cavity formed by inserting a lower punch into a through hall of a die of a powder compacting machine; and a compression step of pressing the rare earth alloy powder while applying a magnetic field, the steps being repeated a plurality of times. When the (n+1)th (n is an integer equal to or more than 1) stage compression step is to be carried out, the top surface of a compact produced in the n-th stage compression step is placed at a position above the bottom surface of a magnetic portion of a die.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transformer and more particularly, to a system and method for making a transformer utilizing dynamic magnetic compaction. A coil is placed in a conductive container, and a conductive powder material, such as ferrite, is placed in the container and surrounds the coil and the turns of the coil. A power supply energizes a capacitor which subsequently provides a high energizing current to a second, energizing coil within which the container, material and inner coil are situated, thereby causing the container, powder materials and coil to be compacted to provide an electrical component, such as a transformer, motor, commutator, rotor or choke.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thin-film magnetic head with a SVMR element which includes first and second layers of a ferromagnetic material (free and pinned layers) separated by a layer of non-magnetic electrically conductive material, and a layer of anti-ferromagnetic material formed in physical contact with the pinned layer. The method has a first temperature annealing (pin annealing) step of annealing the SVMR element under application of magnetic field to provide exchange coupling between the pinned layer and the anti-ferromagnetic material layer so that the pinned layer is pinned toward a predetermined direction, and a second temperature annealing (free layer annealing) step of annealing the SVMR element so that axis of easy magnetization of the free layer orients a direction substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction. The free layer annealing is performed at a temperature lower than 150° C.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a thin-film magnetic head with a MR multi-layered structure using exchange coupling magnetic bias, has a step of forming the MR multi-layered structure, and a step of providing the exchange coupling magnetic bias to the MR multi-layered structure by a temperature-annealing process. The temperature-annealing process includes a step of gradually decreasing the temperature of the multi-layered structure to a first predetermined temperature under application of magnetic field toward a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Shielding materials are fabricated from a new three-layered particle having a core, a metal layer, and a conductive polymer layer. The new particles are blended into a polymer matrix and processed in the absence or under the influence of a magnetic field to form single-layered coatings and freestanding films and sheets. The magnetically processed materials yield a conductive network of particles rather than discrete particles randomly disposed within the polymeric medium.

Abstract: A structure of a two-phase steel is controlled by subjecting a steel containing C: 0.05-0.80 mass % to a strain work in a true strain quantity of not less than 0.1 at a temperature zone of &agr;-phase or &ggr;-phase and then applying a magnetic field of 0.1-20 T thereto within a temperature range forming a two-phase zone of &agr;-phase and &ggr;-phase.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for magnetizing a magnetic system including a ferromagnetic layer magnetized in a first direction and an anti-ferromagnetic layer provided on said ferromagnetic layer in exchange coupling therewith. The method includes a first thermal annealing process including the sub-steps of annealing the magnetic system in a first annealing state, and applying a magnetic field to the magnetic system in a second direction different from the first direction, while maintaining the magnetic system in the first annealing state. A second thermal annealing process includes the sub-steps of annealing the magnetic system after the first thermal annealing process, to a second annealing state, and applying a magnetic field in a third direction different from the second direction while maintaining the magnetic system in the second annealing state.

Abstract: A process for resetting or initially establishing the magnetic orientation of one or more spin valves in a magnetoresistive read head with improved robustness. The spin valve includes subcomponents such as an antiferromagnetic layer, a ferromagnetic pinned layer, a conductive layer, a free layer, and a hard bias layer. A first external magnetic field is first applied to the spin valve sensor, this field having a first orientation relative to the spin valve sensor. During application of the first external magnetic field, a pulse of electrical current is directed through the spin valve sensor in a first direction, preferably parallel to the magnetic orientation of the external field. The current waveform brings the antiferromagnetic layer of the spin valve past its blocking temperature, freeing its magnetic orientation. The first external field exerts a robust bias upon the antiferromagnetic layer in the desired direction.

Abstract: A resonator, having a width no larger than about 13 mm, for use in a marker containing a bias element which produces a bias magnetic field in a magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance system is produced from annealed ferromagnetic ribbon having a basic composition FeaCobNicSixByMz wherein a, b, c, x, y and z are in at %, wherein M is one or more glass formation promoting elements and/or one or more transition metals, and wherein 15≦a≦30, 6≦b≦18, 27≦c≦55, 0≦x≦10, 10≦y≦25, 0≦z≦5, 14≦x+y+z≦25, such that a+b+c+x+y+z=100. The ferromagnetic ribbon is annealed in a magnetic field oriented perpendicularly to the ribbon axis and/or while applying a tensile stress to the ribbon along the ribbon axis. Single resonator or multiple resonator assemblies can be formed by cutting elements from the annealed ribbon. If multiple resonators are formed, the elements are placed in registration.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating a spin-valve magnetic head including a layered body of a first ferromagnetic layer having a first easy axis of magnetization extending in a first direction, a non-magnetic layer formed on the first ferromagnetic layer, a second ferromagnetic layer provided on the non-magnetic layer, and an anti-ferromagnetic layer provided on the second ferromagnetic layer in exchange coupling therewith. The method includes a first thermal annealing process with the steps of annealing the layered body in a first annealing state and applying a magnetic field to the layered body in a second direction different from the first direction, while maintaining the layered body in the first annealing state.

Abstract: A rare-earth alloy powder pressing apparatus comprises a die. The die includes a die main body. The die main body includes a through hole for formation of a cavity, and an auxiliary yoke. A rare-earth alloy powder is fed into the cavity. A correcting yoke is disposed near the die, on a side from which a compact is taken out, and an orienting magnetic field is applied. At this time, the correcting yoke is disposed on an upper side of the die if the compact is to be taken out from the upper side of the die whereas the correcting yoke is disposed on a lower side of the die if the compact is to be taken out from the lower side of the die, an inward side surface of the correcting yoke and an inward side surface of the auxiliary yoke are made flush with a plane vertical to a direction in which the orienting magnetic field is applied, and the correcting yoke is urged toward the die. Then, the rare-earth alloy powder is pressed by an upper punch and a lower punch to form a compact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a rare earth magnet is disclosed. In a first step, a compact is produced by compacting rare earth alloy powder in a predetermined space in an orienting magnetic field. Next, a demagnetizing process is performed for the compact, and the compact is ejected from the predetermined space. Then, a additional demagnetizing process is performed for magnetic powder adhering to a surface of the compact by applying an magnetic field to the compact after the compact is ejected.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a GMR bridge detector as well as the bridge detector itself in which magnetoresistive resistors are interconnected in the form of a bridge to detect a magnetic field. The resistors consist of a material that exhibits the giant magnetoresistive ratio (GMR) effect. The magnetoresistive sensitivity of the individual resistors is produced through annealing. The annealing of the resistors takes place through selective feeding of a current that is sufficient for reaching the temperature required for annealing into the bridge connections. Depending on the wiring of the bridge connections, the resistors are provided with the property necessary for the GMR effect either singly or in pairs. As the material for the resistors, in particular, a material of the class of discontinuous multilayer materials, particularly NiFe/Ag, is used in which the GMR property is produced through single annealing at a specific temperature.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a low iron loss and low noise grain-oriented electrical steel sheet for securing both low core loss and low noise of a transformer at the same time.

Abstract: A powder pressing apparatus comprises a die having a through hole, an upper punch and a lower punch. At least one of the upper and lower punches has a punching surface having an edge portion provided with a projection. The projection has a tip chamfered by a width not greater than 0.5 mm. The punching surface has a slope having a surface roughness Ra not greater than 1.0 &mgr;m. A rare-earth alloy powder is fed into a cavity formed in the through hole of the die. The rare-earth alloy powder in the cavity is oriented by magnetic field, and pressed by using the upper and lower punches. The upper punch and the lower punch are brought closest to each other at a minimum distance not smaller than 1.7 mm during the pressing. An obtained compact is used for manufacture of a sintered body and a voice coil motor.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a thin-film magnetic head with a spin valve effect MR read sensor includes a temperature-annealing step of firmly fixing the direction of the pinned magnetization in the spin valve effect MR sensor. The temperature-annealing step is executed by a plurality of times.

Abstract: A method of making a keeper layer for a spin valve sensor sputter deposits a layer of cobalt iron niobium hafnium (CoFeNbHf) in the presence of a first magnetic field that is in a first direction, the CoFeNbHf keeper layer is then first annealed in the presence of a second field that is in a second direction and the keeper layer is then subsequently second annealed in the presence of a third field that is in a third direction. The first direction is preferably perpendicular to an air bearing surface of a read head employing the spin valve sensor and the third direction is preferably parallel to the first direction. The second direction is preferably perpendicular to the first direction. This method of making significantly reduces the intrinsic anisotropy (HK) of the keeper layer and also stabilizes the magnetic moment of the keeper layer in a direction which is perpendicular to the ABS.

Abstract: A thin arc segment magnet made of a rare earth sintered magnet substantially comprising 28-33 weight % of R and 0.8-1.5 weight % of B, the balance being substantially Fe, wherein R is at least one rare earth element including Y, and T is Fe or Fe and Co, which has an oxygen content of 0.3 weight % or less, a density of 7.56 g/cm3 or more, a coercivity iHc of 1.1 MA/m (14 kOe) or more at room temperature, and an orientation Br/4&pgr;Imax of 96% or more in an anisotropy-providing direction at room temperature can be produced by using a slurry mixture formed by introducing fine alloy powder of the above composition into a mixture liquid comprising 99.7-99.99 parts by weight of a mineral oil, a synthetic oil or a vegetable oil and 0.01-0.3 parts by weight of a nonionic surfactant and/or an anionic surfactant.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a thin-film magnetic head with a spin valve effect MR read sensor includes a temperature-annealing step of firmly fixing the direction of the pinned magnetization in the spin valve effect MR sensor. The temperature-annealing step is executed by a plurality of times.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic resonator for use in a marker in a magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance system has improved magnetoresonant properties and/or reduced eddy current losses by virtue of being annealed so that the resonator has a fine domain structure with a domain width less than about 40 &mgr;m, or less than about 1.5 times the thickness of the resonator. This produces in the resonator an induced magnetic easy axis which is substantially perpendicular to the axis along which the resonator is operated magnetically by a magnetic bias element also contained in the marker.

Abstract: Within a method for forming a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element there is first provided a substrate. There is then formed over the substrate a first magnetoresistive (MR) layer having formed contacting the first magnetoresistive (MR) layer a magnetically biased first magnetic bias layer biased in a first magnetic bias direction with a first magnetic bias field strength. There is also formed separated from the first magnetoresistive (MR) layer by a spacer layer a second magnetoresistive (MR) layer having formed contacting the second magnetoresistive (MR) layer a magnetically un-biased second magnetic bias layer.

Abstract: A method for forming a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element, and a magnetoresistive sensor element fabricated in accord with the method. There is first provided a substrate. There is then formed over the substrate a magnetoresistive (MR) layer comprising: (1) a bulk layer of the magnetoresistive (MR) layer formed of a first magnetoresistive (MR) material optimized to provide an enhanced magnetoresistive (MR) resistivity sensitivity of the magnetoresistive (MR) layer; and (2) a surface layer of the magnetoresistive (MR) layer formed of a second magnetoresistive (MR) material optimized to provide an enhanced magnetic exchange bias when forming a magnetic exchange bias layer upon the surface layer of the magnetoresistive (MR) layer. Finally, there is then formed upon the surface layer of the magnetoresistive (MR) layer the magnetic exchange bias layer. The method contemplates an magnetoresistive (MR) sensor element fabricated in accord with the method.

Abstract: A structure of a two-phase steel is controlled by subjecting a steel containing C: 0.05-0.80 mass % to a strain work in a true strain quantity of not less than 0.1 at a temperature zone of &agr;-phase or &ggr;-phase and then applying a magnetic field of 0.1-20T thereto within a temperature range forming a two-phase zone of &agr;-phase and &ggr;-phase.

Abstract: An amorphous metal alloy strip is disclosed having a width greater than about one inch and a thickness less than about 0.003 inch, this alloy consists essentially of 77 to 80 atomic percent iron, 12 to 16 atomic percent boron and 5 to 10 atomic percent silicon with incidental impurities. The strip has a 60 cycle per second core loss of less than about 0.100 watts per pound at 12.6 kilogauss, saturation magnetization of at least 15 kilogauss, and a coercive force of less than about 0.04 oersteds. Such alloy is further characterized by increased castability and the strip produced therefrom exhibits at least singular ductility. A method of producing such optimum strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: Structure and a method for producing very dense bodies of material from particulate materials. A particulate material is placed within an electrically conductive container. A solenoid or coil encompasses the electrically conductive container, and a large magnitude of electrical current is caused to flow through the solenoid or coil. As the electrical current flows through the solenoid or coil, large magnitudes of magnetic pressures are created upon the electrically conductive container, and the electrically conductive container is compressed, and the transverse dimension thereof is reduced. Thus, the particulate material within the electrically conductive container is very firmly compacted, and a rigid body of material is provided. Any one of numerous types of particulate material may be employed. For example, a body of electrical superconductive material of any desire size and shape can be produced by this method by the use of superconducting particulate material.

Abstract: A thin-film magnetic head having a spin valve effect multi-layered structure including a non-magnetic electrically conductive material layer, first and second ferromagnetic material layers separated by the non-magnetic electrically conductive material layer, and an anti-ferromagnetic material layer formed adjacent to and in physical contact with one surface of the second ferromagnetic material layer. This one surface is an opposite side from the non-magnetic electrically conductive material layer and the multi-layered structure has ends at its track-width direction. The head also has longitudinal bias means formed at both the track-width ends of the multi-layered structure, for providing a longitudinal magnetic bias to the multi-layered structure.

Abstract: In a magnetoresistive effect composite head, magnetic shields oppose each other on a slider main body made of a ceramic material through a predetermined gap, and a magnetoresistive effect element is sandwiched and stacked between the magnetic shields with a magnetic spacer layer made of an insulator. A recording head portion uses one of the magnetic shields as a first magnetic pole, and has a second magnetic pole formed on a surface of the first magnetic pole opposite to the magnetoresistive effect element through a magnetic gap, to record information on a recording medium by means of a magnetic field generated in the magnetic gap. The magnetoresistive effect element includes a central region made of a spin-valve element to sense a medium field, and end regions for supplying a bias field and a current to the central region. The second magnetic pole is constituted by a stacked film of first and second magnetic films having different saturation magnetizations.

Abstract: A magnetic yoke having a magnetic gap provided in the side of the surface facing the medium is disposed on the surface of a substrate. An MR film is disposed on the surface of the magnetic yoke substantially parallel to the substrate with a predetermined separation from the surface S facing the medium. At least both end portions of the MR film are magnetically coupled to the magnetic yoke. A pair of leads for supplying sensing current to the MR film have magnetic lead portions formed from the same magnetic layers as the magnetic yoke. The magnetic lead portions curb deterioration of MR head properties and yield reduction during formation of the leads. Furthermore, a bias magnetic field is applied to the magnetic yoke and the MR film at least during operation of the head. This bias magnetic field is for instance provided by a magnetic field induced by the electric current. Alternatively, a magnetic field induced by the electric current is applied while heat-processing the magnetic yoke.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic resonator for use in a marker in a magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance system has improved properties and can be manufactured at higher annealing speeds and reduced raw material cost by virtue of being continuously annealed in the simultaneous presence of a magnetic field perpendicular to the ribbon axis and a tensile stress applied along the ribbon axis and by providing an amorphous magnetic alloy containing iron, cobalt and nickel in which the portion of iron is more than about 15 at % and less than about 30 at %.

Abstract: A dual stripe magnetoresistive (DSMR) sensor element, and a method for fabricating the dual stripe magnetoresistive (DSMR) sensor element. When fabricating the dual stripe magnetoresistive (DSMR) sensor element while employing the method, there are employed two pair of patterned magnetic biasing layers formed of a single magnetic biasing material. The two pair of patterned magnetic biasing layers bias a pair of patterned magnetoresistive (MR) layers in a pair of opposite canted directions.

Abstract: A spin-valve magnetoresistive element includes a plurality of layers. The magnetic moment of a first pinned magnetic layer is smaller than the magnetic moment of a second pinned magnetic layer. In this case, a magnetic field of 100 to 1,000 Oe is applied in a direction opposite to the direction for which obtaining of magnetization for the first pinned magnetic layer is desired, or a magnetic field of 5 kOe or greater is applied in the same direction as the direction for which obtaining of magnetization for the first pinned magnetic layer is desired. Thus, a first magnetization of the first pinned magnetic layer and the magnetic moment of a second pinned magnetic layer can be maintained in an antiparallel state.

Abstract: A method of magnetic annealing a crystalline or nanocrystalline magnetic alloy under application of a dynamic magnetic field, i.e., an external magnetic field whose direction undergoes a periodic change in a plane, at an elevated temperature, preferably in a range of from about 300° C. to about 800° C. The applied dynamic magnetic field preferably has a maximum strength in a range of from about 1 to about 1000 Oersteds and is one of a rotation magnetic field, an elliptic-polarized magnetic field, an oscillation magnetic field, and a pair of pulsed magnetic fields.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using radio frequency waves to artificially create catalytic action in a catalyst-free chemical reaction within a substance. To mimic or imitate the catalyst, radio frequency waves are transmitted through the substance at a signal strength sufficient to electronically reproduce the effect of the physical presence of a selected catalyst. The radio frequency waves have a selected transmission frequency substantially equal to a catalyst signal frequency of the selected catalyst, defined as the signal frequency determined by nuclear magnetic resonance of the selected catalyst. It is commonplace to use nuclear magnetic resonance to identify elements within a substance and the signal frequencies of various elements (including catalysts) are listed in widely published tables. To date, the mechanism by which catalysts bring about chemical reactions has been unknown.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive wire element made of amorphous ferromagnetic material is tailored for installation within a sensor by treatment which includes annealment by heating while a stress condition is imposed thereon, and applying a DC electric current thereto during said annealment to produce a cylindrical magnetic field relative to the wire element establishing spiral magnetic anistropy during cooldown after said heating.

Abstract: In a method for strip-wound core strips composed of amorphous ferromagnetic material, an amorphous ferromagnetic strip composed of a cobalt-based alloy which contains additives of iron and/or manganese in a proportion of between 1 and 10% by atomic weight of the alloy is cast from a melt by means of rapid solidification. The amorphous ferromagnetic strip is then subjected to a magnetic field transversely with respect to the strip direction as it passes through heat treatment. Once the strip-wound core strips have been cut to length from the heat-treated, amorphous ferromagnetic strip, strip-wound cores, preferably toroidal strip-wound cores, are wound. These strip-wound cores can be used to produce inductive components which have excellent magnetic characteristics, and, in particular, inductive components can be produced whose toroidal strip-wound cores have a mean diameter of d≦10 mm.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spin valve GMR head is describe in which a fixed magnetic layer of the head may maintain magnetization in a desired orientation. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises steps of: forming a magnetic film including at least a free magnetic layer, a non-magnetic metallic layer, a fixed magnetic layer, and a magnetic domain control layer; subjecting the magnetic film to a first heat treatment under a magnetic field to enhance magnetic anisotropy of the free magnetic layer; and subjecting the magnetic film to a second heat treatment under a magnetic field and at a higher temperature than the maximum temperature applied in the processes that precede the second heat treatment, to fix the magnetization in the fixed magnetic layer.

Abstract: A method of controlling magnetic characteristics of a spin valve effect MR element and a method of controlling magnetic characteristics of a magnetic head with the MR element include a step of supplying direct current with a gradually increasing value to the MR element so as to generate magnetic field in a desired direction and to generate joule heat, the generated magnetic field and the generated joule heat being applied to the MR element, and a step of controlling a magnetization direction caused by exchange coupling in the MR element based upon the applied magnetic field and the applied joule heat.

Abstract: A spin valve sensor is provided with a spacer layer sandwiched between a free layer and a pinned layer. The pinned layer is pinned by a pinning layer constructed of a material having a high coercivity, and a low magnetic moment. The high coercivity is employed for pinning the pinned layer, and the low moment assures that stray fields from the pinning layer do not affect the coercivity of the free layer. The magnetic moment is preferably less than 300 emu/cc and the coercivity is preferably greater than 500 Oe. The magnetic orientation of the pinning layer is set by a magnetic field at room temperature that may be applied at the suspension level. The materials with which the pinning layer may be formed are amorphous materials TbFeCo and CoSm, and a non-amorphous material CoPtCr, provided the Cr is of sufficient proportion to minimize the moment of the CoPtCr material.

Abstract: A glassy metal alloy consists essentially of the formula Fe.sub.a Co.sub.b Ni.sub.c M.sub.d B.sub.e Si.sub.f C.sub.g, where "M" is at least one member selected from the group consisting of molybdenum, chromium and manganese, "a-g" are in atom percent, "a" ranges from about 30 to about 45, "b" ranges from about 8 to about 18, "c" ranges from about 20 to about 45, "d" ranges from about 0 to about 3, "e" ranges from about 12 to about 20, "f" ranges from about 0 to about 5 and "g" ranges from about 0 to about 2. The alloy can be cast by rapid solidification into ribbon, cross-field annealed to enhance magnetic properties, and formed into a marker that is especially suited for use in magneto-mechanically actuated article surveillance systems. Advantageously, the marker is characterized by substantially linear magnetization response in the frequency regime wherein harmonic marker systems operate magnetically.

Abstract: A brushless permanent-magnet direct current motor has a permanent magnet which is magnetized to create an offset angle between detent and mutual torques for providing sufficient starting torque for all relative orientations between the stator and the rotor of the motor. This is accomplished by providing a permanent magnet in which the global magnetization of the magnet has been disrupted by the application of a local magnetic field to a portion of the magnet, thereby to provide a magnetic anomaly in the global magnetization. Also, a method of magnetization of the magnet is described.

Abstract: A spin valve (SV) sensor having a Ni-Mn antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer, a pinned layer, a free layer and a spacer layer disposed between said free and pinned layers. The pinned layer is formed over and in contact with the antiferromagnetic (AFM) Ni-Mn layer where the combination of the AFM and pinned layers is first annealed before depositing the rest of the SV layers. Carrying out the annealing process of the combination of the AFM and pinned layers prior to deposition of the rest of the SV layers provides the exchange coupling field necessary to pin the pinned layer while avoiding thermal degradation of the SV sensor giant magnetoresistive effect.

Abstract: A harmonic-type electronic article surveillance marker includes a thin, elongated active element and flux concentrators provided at the ends of the active element. The flux concentrators have magnetic anisotropies that are oriented perpendicular to the length of the active element. The orientation of the magnetic anisotropies and the anisotropy field of the flux concentrators stabilize the switching threshold of the marker. The switching threshold level can be controlled by varying parameters such as the angle of the magnetic anisotropies relative to the length of the active element, the strength of the anisotropy field of the magnetic anisotropies, and the geometry of the active element and the flux concentrators.

Abstract: A resonator for use in a marker in a magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance system is formed by a planar strip of an amorphous magnetostrictive alloy having a composition Fe.sub.a Co.sub.b Ni.sub.c Si.sub.x B.sub.y M.sub.z wherein a, b, c, x, y, and z are at % and a+b+c+x+y+z=100, a+b+c>75, a>15, b<20, c>5 and z<3, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, P, Ge, Nb, Mo, Cr and Mn, the amorphous magnetostrictive alloy having a resonant frequency f.sub.r which is a minimum at a field strength H.sub.min and having a linear B-H loop up to at least a field strength which is about 0.8 H.sub.min and a uniaxial anisotropy perpendicular to the plane of the strip with an anisotropy field strength H.sub.k which is at least as large as H.sub.min and, when driven by an alternating signal burst in the presence of a bias field H.sub.