Component states can be formalized in higher-order logic as (1) functions from variables to values and (2) records, among other pos- sibilities. Variable-to-value maps are natural, but they yield weak typing and restrict the user to a predeflned value space. Record types deflne component signatures and properties need to be transferred between the various signatures. The method yields strong typing, but transferring properties requires an elaborate theory and not all properties can be transferred. The paper reports experiments with a third method: the state is rep- resented by an abstract type. The method is described and contrasted with respect to the others.