Abstract: A method for monitoring a component formed of a polymer material, and the polymer component. The component includes an electrically-conductive polymer sensing element integrally incorporated into the component. An electric potential is applied to the polymer sensing element, and an electric signal generated by the polymer sensing element is sensed in response to the polymer sensing element physically responding to a transitory or permanent distortion of the component. A signal can then be generated if the electric signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value for the component.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a component formed of a polymer material, and the polymer component. The component includes an electrically-conductive polymer sensing element integrally incorporated into the component. An electric potential is applied to the polymer sensing element, and an electric signal generated by the polymer sensing element is sensed in response to the polymer sensing element physically responding to a transitory or permanent distortion of the component. A signal can then be generated if the electric signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value for the component.

Abstract: A structure subjected to stresses that can lead to structural failure. The structure includes first and second conductive layers and an intermediate layer therebetween formed of a dielectric, semiconductive, or resistive material, such that the first, second, and intermediate layers form in combination an electrical element, namely, a capacitive or resistive element. The electrical element is located within the structure so as to be physically responsive to transitory and permanent distortions of the structure resulting from extrinsic and intrinsic sources.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and measuring forces on a fishing rod due to pull on a fishing line associated with the rod or to a weight hanging on the rod, includes a transducer responsive to the deflection of the fishing rod to provide an output indicative of the amount of deflection of the fishing rod, and a timing circuit including a signal counter which counts signals during a time interval and provides a numerical display corresponding to the number of signals counted and thus the force being applied to the rod, the timing circuit being controlled by the transducer to vary the duration of the time interval during which signals are counted whereby the number of signals counted by the signal counter varies in correspondence with the amount of force being applied to the rod.

Abstract: An integral sensor for an hydraulic motor measures speed, torque and rotation displacement produced by the motor by combining pressures produced in pressure chambers of the hydraulic motor as the rotor rotates enabling a pressure sensor to provide a pressure signal defined by at least three states which permits incremental movement of the rotor to be determined. Zero positioning determined by coupling pressure through the rotor to create a unique occurrence reflected in the pressure signal once per revolution.