Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing tapered, cylindrical poles from trapezoidal metal strips. The process is comprised of the steps of curling or pre-forming a trapezoidal blank, then forming the pre-formed blank into a tubular shape by means of a shovel die. The tubular shaped blank is then welded along a longitudinal seam such that a tubular pipe is formed. The resulting tapered cylindrical poles are typically used around highways, parking lots and playing fields to support lights or signs. The process can also be used to form thin wall cylindrical pipes.

Abstract: A device and method for determining the radial pressure profile of a wound roll of material uses internal and external sensors to measure the time of flight of an acoustic wave induced within the roll by sharply impacting the surface, or by impacting a member in contact with the surface. The wave measurements are then fed to a computer which uses a modification of Hakiel's model to compute the radial pressure profile.