[0001] This application is being filed on April 22, 2022, as a PCT International Patent application and claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional patent application Serial No. 63/179,012, filed April 23, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] High pressure reinforced hydraulic hose is typically used on a variety of fluid power operated machines, such as earth-moving machines, to provide a flexible connection between several moving parts of a hydraulic circuit employed on or within the machine. Such hoses may include a hollow polymeric inner tube on which successive cylindrical layers of reinforcing material, such as wire or textile, are concentrically applied to contain the radial and axial pressures developed within the inner tube.

[0003] Many applications are demanding hose constructions with both high burst strength and long term fatigue resistance. Using conventional technology, the burst strength of a hose design may be increased by adding additional reinforcing material and/or layers, a practice which is generally discouraged because of its negative impact on the flexibility of the hose, or by universally increasing the tensile strength of each layer of reinforcement material, which may come at the expense of hose fatigue resistance.

[0004] To determine the robustness of a hose design, a hose manufacturer typically performs, among other tests, an impulse test and a burst test on the hose. An impulse test measures a hose design's resistance to fatigue failure by cyclically subjecting the hose to hydraulic pressure. A burst test, on the other hand, is a destructive hydraulic test employed to determine the ultimate strength of a hose by uniformly increasing internal pressure until failure. Based on these and other tests, a manufacturer can estimate a hose life that can be used to determine when a hose has reached the end of its life and may require replacing.

[0005] In some circumstances, it is desirable to detect, in a non-destructive and non-disruptive manner a likelihood of failure of a hydraulic hose. One solution providing this capability is discussed in U.S. Patent No. 7,555,936, and discloses connecting a monitor circuit between two parallel, at least partially-conductive layers of a hose wall. A change in an electrical property observed by that monitor circuit may indicate a change in a property of the hose wall structure that might indicate impending failure of the hose wall. However, even with this solution, it can be difficult to determine whether the changed electrical property is in fact due to a change in a physical feature of a hose wall, or if the changed electrical property is due to a change in the sensing electronics, a change in an electrical property of a harness connecting the monitoring circuit to the hose wall, or simply degradation of an electrical connection to the hose wall. In these cases, there may be a change in an electrical property observed, even when hose wall integrity is not compromised.

[0006] More recent implementations of hose assemblies that include parallel conductive layers integrated into a hose wall utilize a customized diagnostic unit. Such a diagnostic unit may be configured to periodically monitor an electrical characteristic of the hose assembly, for detection of degradation or failure. However, use of such a diagnostic unit can have disadvantages in some circumstances. For example, a diagnostic unit used with the hose assemblies may not be directly compatible with or easily integrable into overall monitoring solutions. For example, circuitry designed to monitor a hose may be constructed assuming a particular input voltage (e.g., 3.3 VDC). However, other industry solutions that monitor hydraulic systems available from different manufacturers typically use different, static voltage levels. Because current solutions are configured to use a specific input voltage, and because output voltage is typically at least partially a function of the input voltage, it is generally the case that existing systems are incompatible with any monitoring solutions that use an input voltage that is different from that which is expected.

SUMMARY

[0007] In general, the present disclosure is directed to a sensor circuit which is capable of interfacing directly with any of a number of different types of monitoring systems that provide, or operate, at different voltage levels. In some instances, a voltage leveling circuit may be included in a sensor circuit to ensure that an output voltage, which is indicative of a health or status of a hose assembly, is independent of the input voltage provided to the sensor circuit.

[0008] In a first aspect, an analog sensor interface between a controller and a hose assembly is disclosed. The analog sensor interface includes a power input connection, an analog signal output electrically connectable to a first conductive layer of a hose assembly, and a ground connection electrically connectable to a second conductive layer of the hose assembly The analog sensor interface further includes a sensor circuit comprising: a resistor network including a first resistor and a second resistor electrically connected in series between the power input connection and the analog signal output; a diode electrically connected to a circuit location between the first resistor and the second resistor, the diode electrically connected to the ground connection; and a third resistor electrically connectable between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer

[0009] In a second aspect, a hose sensor assembly includes a hose assembly having a hose and a sensor circuit. The hose has a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer separated by at least one insulating layer. The sensor circuit is in electrical communication with the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The sensor circuit includes a power input connection, an analog signal output electrically connected to the first conductive layer, and a ground connection electrically connected to the second conductive layer. The sensor circuit further includes a resistor network including a first resistor and a second resistor electrically connected in series between the power input connection and the analog signal output; a diode electrically connected to a circuit location between the first resistor and the second resistor, the diode electrically connected to the ground connection; and a third resistor electrically connected between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

[0010] In a third aspect, a method of sensing operational health of a hose assembly having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer separated by an insulating layer is disclosed. The method includes receiving a voltage within a predetermined voltage range at a power input connection of a sensor circuit electrically connected to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The method includes, at the sensor circuit, converting the received voltage to a constant test voltage to be applied at the hose assembly, and outputting a voltage at an analog signal output indicative of a current state of the hose assembly based, at least in part, on a resistance of the hose assembly across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary hose assembly employing a fault detector having exemplary features of aspects in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially cut away, illustrating an exemplary hose employing a braided conductive layer that is suitable for use with the hose assembly of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially cut away, illustrating an exemplary hose employing a spiral wire conducting layer that is suitable for use with the hose assembly of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a sensor interface installable on a portion of a hose illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a housing forming a portion of the monitoring assembly of FIG. 4.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the housing of FIGs. 4-5 forming a portion of the direct sensor interface described herein.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a monitoring arrangement including a sensor assembly useable in example aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a sensor circuit useable in a sensor assembly, interfaced to a hose assembly, in accordance with example aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a sensor circuit useable in a sensor assembly.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a representation of a method for monitoring the structural integrity of the hose assembly of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] As briefly described above, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a direct sensor integration arrangement that may be used with remote monitoring solutions. An example embodiments, and interface is provided to an analog sensor that allows for integration between that analog sensor and a third-party monitoring solution. In particular, a power signal and ground, are provided to the analog sensor, and an analog signal may be received in response. The power signal may be at any direct current voltage level typically used by such third-party monitoring solutions, and that voltage level will not affect the signal level of the analog signal received in response. Based on the analog signal being outside of a particular threshold of acceptable values, the remote third-party monitoring solution may be able to determine that either communication with the analog sensor has been interrupted or a failure has occurred on the hydraulic hose.

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary hose fault detection system, generally designated 10, is shown. The hose fault detection system 10 includes a hose assembly, generally designated 12, and a monitoring assembly 14 in electrical and physical communication with the hose assembly 12.

[0024] The hose assembly 12 includes a hose, generally designated 16, having a multi-layer construction. In the subject embodiment, the hose 16 is generally flexible and includes an inner tube 18 made from a polymeric material, such as rubber or plastic, or another material depending on the requirements of the particular application, a first conductive layer 20, an intermediate layer 22, a second conductive layer 24 and an outer cover 26. The first and second conductive layers 20, 24 define an electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12, such as resistance.

[0025] In the subject embodiment, the first conductive layer 20 overlays the inner tube 18 and the intermediate layer 22 overlays the first conductive layer 20. The second conductive layer 24 overlays the intermediate layer 22. The first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may be configured as reinforcing layers. The outer cover 26 may overlay the second conductive layer 24, and may include, for example, an extruded layer of rubber or plastic. The outer cover 26 may itself include a reinforcing layer.

[0026] The intermediate layer 22 operates to at least partially insulate electrically the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 from one another. The intermediate layer 22 may have any of a variety of constructions. For example, the intermediate layer 22 may consist of a single layer of an electrically resistive material. The intermediate layer 22 may also consist of multiple layers, wherein at least one of the layers exhibits electrical insulating properties. Certain composite materials may also be employed in the intermediate layer 22, such as a woven fabric bonded to a polymeric material. Composite materials having various other constructions may also be utilized. Composite materials may also be used in combination with other materials to form the intermediate layer 22.

[0027] The first and second conductive layers 20, 24 generally extend the entire length and span the entire circumference of the hose. This is generally the case when the conductive layer also functions as a reinforcement layer. The intermediate layer 22 may also extend over the entire length and circumference of the hose. There may be instances, however, where at least one of the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 extends only over a portion of the hose length and/or a portion of its circumference. In that instance, the intermediate layer 22 may also be configured to generally extend over the region of the hose containing the partial conductive layer 20, 24. The partial intermediate layer 22 may be positioned within the hose so as to separate the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 from one another.

[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may include, for example, an electrically conductive braided reinforcement material, such as shown in FIG. 2, or alternating layers of electrically conductive spiral reinforcement material, such as shown in FIG. 3. The braided reinforcement material may consist of a single layer or may include multiple layers. Although a two-wire spiral reinforcement arrangement is depicted in FIG. 3, it shall also be appreciated that other configurations, such as four and six wire arrangements, may also be utilized.

[0029] The first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may each have the same configuration, or each layer may be configured differently. For example, the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may each include the braided material shown in FIG. 2, or one of the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may include the braided material while the other of the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may include the spiral reinforcement material shown in FIG. 3. Additionally, the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may include a single ply or multiple plies of reinforcement material. The first and second conductive layers 20, 24 may comprise metal wire, natural or synthetic fibers and textiles, and other reinforcement materials, provided the selected material is electrically conductive.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 1, the hose assembly 12 may include a hose fitting, generally designated 30, for fluidly coupling the hose 16 to another component. The hose fitting 30 may have any of a variety of different configurations depending, at least in part, on the requirements of the particular application. [0031] In the subject embodiment, the hose fitting 30 includes a nipple, generally designated 32, that engages the inside of the hose 16 and a socket, generally designated 34, that engages the outside of the hose 16. The nipple 32 includes an elongated cylindrical end portion 36 that engages the inner tube 18 of the hose 16. A cylindrically shaped end portion 38 of the socket 34 engages the outer cover of the hose 16. The socket 34 and nipple 32 may be constructed from an electrically conductive material. [0032] The socket 34 and nipple 32 can be secured to the hose 16 by crimping the end portion 38 of the socket 34 overlaying the hose 16. The crimping process deforms the end portion 38 of the socket 34, thereby compressing the hose 16 between the nipple 32 and the socket 34. In the subject embodiment, the portions of the nipple 32 and the socket 34 that engage the hose 16 include a series of serrations that at least partially embed into the relatively softer hose material when the socket 34 is crimped to help secure the hose fitting 30 to the hose 16. The serrations may be configured to prevent the serrations from penetrating the inner tube and outer cover and contacting the first and second conductive layers 20, 24.

[0033] In the subject embodiment, the socket 34 includes an inwardly extending circumferential lug 40 positioned near an end 42 of the socket 34 adjacent an end 44 of the hose 16. The lug 40 engages a corresponding circumferential slot 46 formed in the nipple 32 for securing the socket 34 to the nipple 32. The end 42 of the socket 34 having the lug 40 is initially formed larger than the nipple 32 to enable the socket 34 to be assembled onto the nipple 32. During the assembly process the end 42 of the socket 34 is crimped, which deforms the socket 34 and forces the lug 40 into engagement with the corresponding slot 46 in the nipple 32. The socket 34 can be electrically insulated from the nipple 32 by positioning an electrically insulating collar 48 between the socket 34 and nipple 32 at the point the lug 40 engages the slot 46.

[0034] The hose fitting 30 also includes a nut 50 rotatably attached to the nipple 32. The nut 50 provides a means for securing the hose assembly 12 to another component.

[0035] The first conductive layer 20 may be configured to extend beyond the end of the inner tube of the hose 16. The first conductive layer 20 may engage the nipple 32 to create an electrical connection between the nipple 32 and the first conductive layer 20. Similarly, the second conductive layer 24 may be configured to extend beyond an end of the outer cover of the hose 16. The second conductive layer 24 may engage the socket 34 to create an electrical connection between the socket 34 and the second conductive layer 24.

[0036] To help prevent the portions of the first and second conductive layers 20, 24 that extend beyond the end of the hose 16 from contacting one another, an electrically insulating spacer 52 may be positioned between the exposed ends of the first and second conductive layers 20, 24. The spacer 52 may be integrally formed as part of the collar 48 used to electrically insulate the socket 34 from the nipple 32. The spacer 52 may also be formed by extending the intermediate layer 22 of the hose 16 beyond an end of the inner tube 18 and outer cover 26. The spacer 52 may also be configured as a stand alone component separate from the collar 48 and the intermediate layer 22 of the hose 16.

[0037] The monitoring assembly 14 may have any of a variety of configurations. In general, the monitoring assembly 14 is connectable over a portion of the hose assembly 12, in particular the portion illustrated in FIG. 1. The monitoring assembly 14, when installed over hose assembly 12, forms a physical and electrical connection with the hose assembly 12, and in particular to nipple 32 and socket 34, respectively. Generally, the monitoring assembly 14 detects an electrical characteristic of the hose assembly 12, while validating the connection to the nipple 32 and socket 34. An exemplary sensor interface and associated monitoring assembly 14 is described in further detail below in conjunction with FIGs. 7-10.

[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 4-10, additional structural details of an example monitoring assembly 14 installable on a portion of the hose assembly 12 are shown. The monitoring assembly includes housing 100 and a circuit board 102.

[0039] In the embodiment shown, the housing 100 includes first and second shell pieces 104a-b which are shaped to be joined together to form the generally hollow cylindrical housing 100, which is sized and positioned to enclose an end portion of the hose assembly 12. The housing 100 includes a channel 106 within at least one of the shell pieces 104a-b within which the circuit board can be seated and positioned to engage the hose assembly 12. In some embodiments, the channel 106 has an open end 107, allowing wire leads to enter the housing 100 and connect to the circuit board 102. As can be seen in FIG. 6, shall piece 104b includes channel 106, within which circuit board 102 resides. Wire leads 130 which are electrically connected to the circuit board 102 may be directly connected to a monitoring circuit, such as a controller and power source. [0040] The shell pieces 104a-b include complementary snap-fit connectors 108, 110 positioned on opposed mating edges 112 of the shell pieces, such that the shell pieces 104a-b can be disengageably interconnected. In alternative embodiments, the housing 100 can be constructed from one or more shell pieces, and can be constructed to be either disengageable or sealed around the hose assembly 12. In some embodiments, the shell pieces can be formed from plastic, and are weather resistant to protect the circuit board 100.

[0041] When the shell pieces 104a-b are joined, the housing 100 forms a generally hexagonal inner surface 113 along one end that is complementary to the nut 50. Additionally, a band 114 is formed circumferentially along the housing 100 over the end 42 of the socket 34. The band 114 prevents the housing from sliding off the hose assembly 12 in the direction of the nut 50, or down along the length of the hose 16. Additionally, because in this embodiment the nut 50 has a diameter generally smaller than the hose 16, the housing 100 will not slide down the length of the hose 16.

[0042] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 7-9, a monitoring assembly 200 includes an external controller 202 electrically connected to a sensor assembly 250. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the external controller 202 may be any of a variety of external controllers that are electrically connected to a sensor assembly 250, which includes a sensor circuit 220. The sensor circuit is electrically connected to the external controller 202 via a power input connection, a ground connection, and an analog output signal in response. In example implementations, the external controller 202 may be configured to provide a direct current power signal, e.g., a voltage signal, to the sensor assembly 250 at a direct current voltage of between about 5 V and about 24 V. Other direct current voltage levels may be used as well.

[0043] In the example shown, the sensor circuit 220 may be positioned within a housing 100, with the power input connection, ground connection, and analog output signal being electrically connected via signal lines 130. The sensor circuit 220 may be electrically connected, as discussed above with respect to monitoring circuit 14, across layers 20, 24 of the hose assembly 10.

[0044] FIGs. 8-9 illustrate two different possible sensor assemblies integrated with a hose assembly 10, according to example embodiments. In the arrangement seen in FIG. 7, a sensor assembly 250 includes a ground connection 204, an analog output connection 206, and a power connection 208 leading to a sensor circuit 220. [0045] In the example of FIG. 8, the sensor circuit 220 includes a first resistor 210, a second resistor 212, a diode 214, and a third resistor 230. In the example show, the first resistor 210 and second resistor 212 are electrically connected in series between the power connection 208 and the analog output connection 206. The diode 214 is electrically connected between the ground connection 204 and a point 209 between the first and second resistors 210, 212. Further, the ground connection 204 is electrically connected to the first later 20 of the hose assembly, and analog output connection 206 is electrically connected to a second layer 24 of the hose assembly 12. The third resistor 230 is electrically connected between the first layer 20 and second layer 24 of the hose assembly.

[0046] In this arrangement, the first resistor 210 and the diode 214 cooperate to provide a voltage regulating function. For example, the diode 214 may be a reverse- voltage, or Zener, diode having a predetermined reverse voltage. In example embodiments, the reverse voltage is a predetermined, known voltage at which the sensor circuit 220 operates (e.g., 3.3 VDC). The first resistor 210 provides a current control as well. Accordingly, different external monitoring circuits (e.g., circuits 202) may be used having different input voltages (e.g., in a range of 5-24 VDC). The second resistor 212 and the third resistor 230 are selected to establish minimum and maximum signal ranges of the output analog output connection 206, when used in conjunction with a known-good hose assembly 12. During normal operation, the analog output connection 206 will have a value represented as a voltage divider of the second and third resistors 212, 230, with some nominal additional resistance provided by the electrical connection to layers 20, 24. Accordingly, in example embodiments, the resistance of the third resistor 230 is greater than that of the second resistor 212, such that a value of the analog output connection 206 is closer to the voltage value at the electrical connection point 209. In some example embodiments, the voltage at the analog output connection 206 can be in a range of 0-3.3 VDC, or in some instances, 0-5 VDC.

[0047] When the hose begins to degrade, an electrical resistance across layers 20, 24, which in normal circumstances is approximately infinite, drops. In some instances, degradation of the hose assembly 14 may result in a short circuit across layers 20, 24. In the case of a short circuit, or as a resistance drops to a level even comparable to that of the third resistor 230, the hose assembly 14 acts as a further resistor in parallel with the third resistor 230, thereby reducing the effective resistance between the analog output connection 206 and ground connection 204. Accordingly, the voltage divider between the second resistor 212 and the effective resistance of the hose assembly 14 and third resistor 230 will cause the voltage at the analog output connection 206 to drop. When that voltage drops below a predetermined level, a remote monitoring circuit such as external controller 202 (which again, may provide an input voltage at any of a variety of input voltage levels) can detect the reduced voltage, and determine the presence, or emergence, of a failure of the hose assembly. Details regarding such a process are provided below in conjunction with FIG. 10.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 9, a further example schematic view is provided of an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the third resistor 230 is not included on the same circuit board as the rest of the sensor circuit 250. Rather, the first resistor 210, second resistor 212, and diode 214 remain on a common circuit board, which has two separate contacts to the first layer 20 and second layer 24 of the hose assembly 12, respectively. The third resistor 230 is electrically connected between the first layer 20 and second layer 24 in the same way as in FIG. 8; however, in this arrangement, the third resistor is placed within a separate housing 100 at an opposite end of the hose assembly 12. For example, a similar housing 100 and associated circuit board 102 may be placed at the opposite end of the hose assembly in this arrangement. However, because only the resistor 230 is located at the opposite end of the hose assembly 12, no wire leads 130 would be required at this opposite end of the hose assembly.

[0049] In this arrangement, the third resistor is able to both detect degradation of the hose assembly 12 when a resistance between layers 20, 24 reduces, but is also able to detect a discontinuity in the hose (e.g., if the hose is severed). For example, if the hose assembly 12 is severed along the length of hose 16, this will effectively remove the third resistor 230 from the sensor circuit 220. In such an instance, severing the hose 16 may or may not cause a short between the first and second conductive layers 20, 24. If a short is caused, the severing of the hose can be detected in the same way as hose degradation (i.e., based on a reduction in the voltage at the analog output connection 206. However, if no short is caused, in the arrangement of FIG. 9, the third resistor 230 is effectively disconnected from the remainder of the sensor circuit 220, and therefore the output voltage at the analog output connection 206 be equivalent to that at the point 209 between first and second resistors 210, 212, respectively. This is in contrast to the circumstance seen in FIG. 8, in which the resistor 230 would remain within the circuit and the analog output connection 206 would otherwise indicate normal operation, since no short is present between first and second conductive layers 20, 24. Accordingly, in the arrangement of FIG. 9, an external controller 202 may be able to detect additional failure modes within the hose assembly.

[0050] Referring to FIGs. 8-9, in some embodiments, one or more of the resistors 210, 212, 230 may be implemented in different ways, either with standard resistive elements or using one or more integrated circuits. In example implementations, the first resistor 210 may be implemented using an integrated circuit to ensure a constant output voltage based on a variable input voltage. Each of the elements 210, 212, 230 are described herein as resistors, although a person of skill in the art would recognize the variety of ways equivalent functions may be achieved.

[0051] FIG. 10 is a representation of a method 300 for monitoring the structural integrity of the hose assembly of FIG. 1. The method 300 illustrates an example method for measuring an electrical characteristic of a hose assembly 12 using the sensor circuit described herein. In some embodiments, and in the illustrated example measurements discussed herein, the method 300 can be performed by, or using, an external controller 202, in a monitoring circuit 200 that includes a sensor circuit 250. [0052] In the example shown, the method 300 includes connecting an external controller 202 to a hose sensor assembly, such as assembly 250 (step 302). This may also include, for example, programming the external controller 202 with known acceptable and known faulty output levels at the analog output connection 206. For example, the external controller 202 may have one or more threshold set, such as a threshold below about 1.5 VDC being indicative of potential damage to the hose assembly, and a threshold above about 3 VDC being indicative of potential severing of a hose, in the context of the arrangement of FIG. 9.

[0053] In the example shown, the method 300 further includes delivering a power signal from the external controller 202 to the sensor circuit 220 (step 304). The power signal that is provided to the sensor circuit 220 may be any voltage level between, for example, 5-24 VDC. That power signal may be conditioned to a standard input level, for example, 3.3 VDC.

[0054] As illustrated, the method 300 includes receiving an analog voltage, for example via the analog output connection 206 (step 306). If the voltage is outside of a predetermined threshold (operation 308), the external controller 202 may identify a lost connection or failure (step 310). This may include, for example, retesting the circuit, generating an alert or display notifying a person of the failure, altering operation of machinery to avoid further damage (e.g., halting operation), or other actions. If the voltage is not outside of the predetermined threshold, the external controller 202 may continue to monitor the analog voltage (returning to step 306).

[0055] In some example embodiments, identifying a loss connection or failure may include identifying a particular type of failure based on the received voltage. For example, a very low voltage may be indicative of a complete hose failure, while a voltage just below a threshold may be indicative of an impending hose failure. Furthermore, in conjunction with the arrangement seen in FIG. 9, a very high voltage may be indicative of the hose being severed or a failed connection to a third resistor, indicating a need for manual inspection of the hose assembly.

[0056] Referring to FIGs. 1-10 generally, it is noted that the current arrangement provides a number of advantages over existing hose monitoring systems. In particular, manufacturers seeking to integrate a hose assembly 12 into an overall machine or industrial process may be able to do so without utilizing a special purpose controller that operates at a particular voltage level. Rather, such manufacturers or machines may be able to use existing controllers which operate at various voltage levels, and may receive in response a reliable output voltage range indicative of hose assembly status. This reduces an overall cost of integration of a hose assembly, while improving interoperability. Still further, the sensor circuit provided herein may be able to be integrated into existing housing arrangements that may be provided to connect circuit components to conductive layers of a hose, still further simplifying integration.

[0057] The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.