Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a maximum value storage sensor when detecting the maximum strain by generating an invariable electrical resistance change correlative to the strain of the detection object in a conductive body having a plurality of conductive elements. The maximum value storage sensor of the present invention has; a conductive body having a circuit which gives correlative resistance changes corresponding to the sequential cutoff of a plurality of conductive elements each having a given electrical resistance arrayed in parallel; a cutting means for cutting the conductive elements of the conductive body; and a structure for allowing one of the conductive bodies and the cutting means to move relatively to each other.

Abstract: P-type semiconductor 15 and n-type semiconductor 16 are formed as thick films or spray-coated onto electrodes 13 and 14 on top of substrates 11 and 12, with films of p-type semiconductor 15 and n-type semiconductor 16 being formed in such manner that they are in mutual contact. If a gas to be detected is introduced to the contact region while a bias voltage is being applied between the two electrodes, an output will be obtained in accordance with the concentration of flammable gas components in the gas being detected. In addition, if a film is formed from a material comprising a mixture of particles of p-type semiconductor and particles of n-type semiconductor, the bias voltage can be an AC voltage.

Abstract: A strain or stress gauge 1A is presented for measuring the stress of a structure or a member. The gauge 1A comprises a bundle of electric conductive fibers 3, and a pair of terminals 4, for measuring an electric resistance of the bundle of electric conductive fibers provided on both ends thereof. It presents a strain or stress gauge having a simple structure, which can be produced inexpensively, and its size can be chosen freely. It is possible to know not only the state of a strain or stress but also the history of stress in a structure or a structural member which, by the characteristics of a specific curve relating the stress/strain relationship of the gauge.

Abstract: An infrared detective element for detecting a dose of infrared rays by a change in electrical resistance of monofilaments composed mainly of silicon carbide upon infrared radiation thereto,either the monofilaments having a resistivity of 1.0.times.10.sup.5 to 1.0.times.10.sup.3 .OMEGA..cm at room temperature and a diameter of 3 to 200 .mu.m,or the monofilaments having a composition:Si: 50 to 70 wt %C: 28 to 40 wt %O: 0 to 10 wt %the balance (H and/or Ti or Zr): 0 to 10 wt %, and having a resistivity of 1.0.times.10.sup.5 to 1.0.times.10.sup.-1 .OMEGA..cm at room temperature and a diameter of 3 to 200 .mu.m,in either case, the monofilaments being arranged between electrodes without bringing them into contact with each other. The infrared detective elements of the present invention are excellent in properties, especially short response times.