Abstract: Several methods and a system of a resistive force sensing device and method with an advanced communication interface are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment provides a force measuring device. The force measuring device includes a resistive sensor having a fixed surface and a movable surface. A spring assembly is positioned between the fixed surface and the movable surface. The spring assembly alters in height in response to a force applied perpendicular to the movable surface and causes a change in a resistance of the resistive sensor. A circuit generates a measurement of the force based on an algorithm that considers a change in the resistance of the resistive sensor. A universal serial bus (USB) interface of the circuit provides digital output of the measurement to a computing device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assessing fluid dynamics aspects of corrosion and shear stress in piping networks are provided. Shear stress hot spots of a piping network may be identified using non-dimensional transfer functions that have been developed for identifying the magnitude and location of these local maxima depending upon the geometrical parameters of commonly used components of piping networks, the fluid properties of the flow, and the operating conditions of the piping network. Upon identification of potential shear stress local maxima, piping network operators may monitor these locations for corrosion or other damage to prevent loss of integrity of the pipes.

Abstract: A multi-axis fatigue testing device includes a multiple input, multiple output mechanical linkage driven by a plurality of actuators and a controller operating each of the plurality of actuators in real time and in synchronization to produce user-defined multiple fatigue cycle profiles. A startup method enables a sample mounted at an arbitrary multi-axis state to receive a desired simulation profile while maintaining the sample below any of the extremum values of the desired simulation profile.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a torque measurement device capable of more accurately specifying positions of reflectors which are attached to a rotating body, and more accurately obtaining a torque of the rotating body. [Means for Solving Problems] A pair of reflectors (14a, 14b) is provided on the surface of the rotating body (13) and has a spacing in the axial direction, reflected light data obtained by reflection of reflection patterns in the pair of reflectors (14a, 14b) is input and stored, a point of minimizing AIC is determined for a model of the reflected light data from the rotating body (13), and existence regions of the pair of reflectors (14a, 14b) are detected. Then, a twist amount of the rotating body (13) is calculated from the reflector positions specified by the detected existence regions of the pair of reflectors (14a, 14b), and the torque is calculated from the calculated twist amount of the rotating body.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide stress measurement method that is stress of the measuring object nondestructively in a short period of time.

Abstract: A first step where a computer performs press forming analysis based on a shape of a formed product or a shape of a member, a blank holder force, a friction coefficient, a tensile strength of a material, a yield strength, a stress-strain relation, and a sheet thickness, as press forming conditions, to calculate sheet thickness distribution and post-formation strain distribution of the formed product; and a second step where the computer performs performance analysis based on the sheet thickness distribution, the post-formation strain distribution, and the shape of the formed product or the shape of the member, as state amounts of the formed product, to calculate performance of the member are included, in which the computer repeats the calculations performed in the process from the first step through the second step a predetermined number of times, with at least one of the press forming conditions being changed, to output an optimum press forming condition that gives a maximum value or a target value of the per

Abstract: A driving force calculating device (1) includes: a setting information acquiring section (23) which acquires (a) muscle specifying information that specifies a target muscle, which is a muscle whose function is assisted or resisted by a driving section and (b) a target value of muscle force to be produced by the target muscle at the time of rotational motion under assistance or resistance of the driving section; and a target muscle force evaluating section (24) which acquires an estimated muscle force table (58) and musculoskeletal model data (53) and evaluates the feasibility of the target value of the target muscle. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce time required to calculate a driving force of the driving section of the power assisting device.

Abstract: A method of determining the torque induced in a rotating shaft (51), the shaft (51) having a torsional oscillation frequency that is dependent on the stiffness of the shaft (51), where the torsional oscillation frequency and the stiffness are dependent upon the operating conditions of the shaft (51), the method comprising: measuring (35) the torsional oscillation frequency of the rotating shaft; measuring (39) the twist induced in the rotating shaft (51) by the torque; and using (41) the measured value of the torsional oscillation frequency and the measured value of the induced twist to determine the torque induced in the shaft (51).

Abstract: The method for tracking deformation of a metal part subjected to a pressure force (F) comprises the steps of measuring the displacement (d) of the metal part in the deformation zone, of measuring the intensity of the pressure force (F), of calculating, during a first period, the constant ratio (?) between the intensity of the pressure force (F) and the displacement (d) of the metal part, and of determining, during a second period, displacement values (de) and (dp) related respectively to an elastic deformation and to a plastic deformation of the metal part from the constant ratio (?) and the displacement (d) measured during the said second period. Use in particular for straightening or forming a metal part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means, system and method for measurement of stress strain and fatigue forecasting by the means of Integral Strain Gauges (ISGs) capable of recording information from a surface of a tested object, mathematical processor for analysis of the information recorded on the surface of such gauges. Integral Strain Gauges produced from a custom made reaction sensitive materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining pore size distribution and/or the presence of at least one killer pore in at least a portion of a porous film deposited upon a substrate are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for determining pore size distribution comprising: providing the substrate having the film deposited thereupon wherein the film comprises pores and wherein the pores have a first volume; exposing the film to an adsorbate at a temperature and a pressure sufficient to provide condensation of the adsorbate in pores and wherein the pores after the exposing step have a second volume; and measuring the difference between the first and the second volume using a volumetric technique; and calculating the pore size and pore volume using the change in the first and the second volume, the pressure, and a model that relates pressure to pore diameter.

Abstract: Tension monitoring is described using a sensor which may exhibit an offset for which compensation may be provided to produce a zero voltage amplified output or to increase dynamic range. An arrangement determines whether a power reset is responsive to a battery bounce such that an initially-measured system start-up parameter can be retained. The start-up parameter is automatically saved at start-up if the power reset is responsive to a start-up from a shut-down condition. The start-up parameter may be a zero tension amplified output responsive to the sensor offset at zero tension. Protection of a tension data set is provided such that no opportunity for altering the data set is presented prior to transfer of the data set. A housing configuration forms part of an electrical power circuit for providing electrical power to an electronics package from a battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the torque imposed on a rotatable shaft. The shaft has at least four paired probes, paired horizontal probes and paired vertical probes. The horizontal probes are positioned 90 degrees apart from the vertical probes. If the shaft moves horizontally, the time of arrival detected by the first horizontal probes will be later than a nominal value and the time of arrival for the second horizontal probes will be earlier than a nominal value with the same amount of error. Combining data from the first and second horizontal probes will then automatically cancel out any error from horizontal motion. Similarly, combining data from vertical probes will eliminate the error due to vertical movement. Because any radial movement is a combination of horizontal and vertical movements, the use of the probes removes errors due to movement in any direction.

Abstract: A simple analysis model for an elastomeric material member with a strong nonlinearity is created, that is, for a rubber member gripped between a first member and a second member, first shell elements are created for the contact surface of the rubber member contacting the first member, second shell elements are created for the contact surface of the rubber member contacting the second member, and spring elements are created between specific nodes of the first and second shell elements. The spring constant of the created spring elements is identified by data of material tests.

Abstract: A gantry to be used in the construction process of bridges, viaducts and other structures, which is equipped with a system that automatically adjusts the prestressing of the gantry's structure in accordance to the external actions being applied on it when loadings occur. The adjustment of the prestressing is achieved through the use of at least one sensor (2) that monitors the structure and which sends the measurements taken to a controller (6), . This controller is then capable of activating at least one actuator which alters the tension of the structure's prestressing cable or cables. Amongst the many advantages of the present invention, one is the possibility of applying a large amount of prestressing without this implying undesirable deformations in the main structure (1) when exterior loads are not applied.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a method that can measure a stress component in a short period of time in a nondestructive manner.

Abstract: An encoder 12 a characteristic of which is changed alternately at an equal interval in a circumferential direction is supported/fixed onto a hub 4 concentrically with the hub 4. A sensing portion of a sensor 13 supported on the outer ring 3 is positioned in close vicinity to a sensed surface of the encoder 12 to face thereto. Width dimensions of first and second sensed portions provided onto the sensed surface are changed continuously in a direction along which a to-be-sensed load is applied. Since a pattern according to which an output signal of the sensor 13 is changed is changed pursuant to a change of the load, the load is derived by observing this pattern. The output signal is also utilized to sense a rotation speed of the hub 4 in ABS or TCS control.

Abstract: A force-moment sensor (1) is used as a switch, with which, depending on the introduction of forces and moments onto an operating part (5) of the force-moment sensor (1), software or hardware functions of a device (2, 2?) to be controlled are triggered. For this purpose, the output signals of the force-moment sensor (1) are analysed by comparisons with threshold values. The selection of a device or a function thereof does not have to be chosen in advance, but takes place while introducing a force or a moment into the sensor. The introduced forces or moments in each degree of freedom of the sensor are analysed. The selection of the device or function coincides with the driving. The device can thus be simplified since no special facilities for selecting devices or functions must be provided. Additionally, the selection and driving are accelerated by this temporal coincidence.

Abstract: A novel displacement instrument that can be used to measure the density or modulus of an aggregate pier upon which a multistory building or parking garage can be built. The aggregate piers are often 35 feet or deeper. These aggravate piers are constructed by adding lifts of approximately 12 to 18 inches of aggregate at a time and tamping it into the pier forming hole. Each lift of aggregate is being tamped or struck by a force of approximately 15,000 psi or greater. The displacement instrument allows aggregate piers to be constructed having a density or modulus that is consistent from the bottom of the hole to the top of the hole. The displacement instrument would be mounted on the side plate of a hydraulic breaker that is mounted on the end of a boom of a crane. The displacement instrument need not be permanently installed on the side of the hydraulic breaker and it is freely removed and installed on another crane.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus using time domain reflectometry to determine electrical properties of concrete for calculating physical and mechanical properties of the concrete that are indicative of concrete quality and durability. The dielectric constant of a concrete is determined to calculate the gravimetric water content of the concrete for use in finding the water-cement ratio of the concrete. Electrical conductivity of curing concrete is determined to calculate compressive strength of the concrete for use in predicting strength development in the concrete.

Abstract: A cyclic time averaging method is directed at processing time-domain vibration data of the machine to produce an averaged time waveform over a selected cyclic time period. It is not necessary to employ a triggering signal to obtain the averaged time waveform.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power steering system, including a steering column and a power steering motor. The column has an upper part bearing a steering wheel and a lower part acting on a mechanical steering device. A setpoint at which the motor should apply a power assist to the steering column is set on the basis of information concerning the torque exerted on the steering wheel. The information is obtained by measuring angles at the steering wheel and at the lower part of the column, and the setpoint is established by comparing the two angle measurements, taking into account the rigidity of the steering column between the two angle-measuring points.

Abstract: A torsion bar type torque sensor system is provided with the following: an elastic member that receives a torque and converts the torque to a torsion displacement; a multipolar ring magnet in which N poles and S poles are circumferentially and alternately magnetized; a pair of magnetic yoke halves disposed coaxially with the ring magnet; and a magnetometric sensor that detects magnetic flux generated between the pair of the magnetic yoke halves. The magnetometric sensor is made of a semiconductor that integrates a semiconductor magnetometric sensor, a non-volatile memory, a computation circuit, and an output circuit. This structure provides a torque sensor system that has an excellent maintainability.

Abstract: A method for adjusting the pitch and roll static torques (PST and RST) on a slider in a disk drive head-suspension assembly (HSA) during manufacturing assures that each HSA is manufactured with acceptable PST and RST values. The method includes measuring each slider's pitch and roll static attitudes (PSA and RSA) and determining each HSA's pitch and roll torsional stiffnesses. These values are then used to calculate the required amount of adjustment to PSA and RSA to achieve the desired values of PST and RST for each HSA. The suspension is then adjusted, such as by heating the flexure with a laser.

Abstract: A multiple sensor, vehicle seat occupant status determination system uses dynamic variations in occupant responsive sensor output due to accelerations of the vehicle seat to discriminate via a statistical method between sensors that are failed and those that are operating correctly and eliminates the contribution of signals detected as not valid from the status determination. If and only if the maximum and minimum sampled signal values of at least one of the received signals span upper and lower control reference values derived from the sampled signal values, a variance value for each of the signals is derived; and one or both of the greatest two or the smallest two variance values are checked against a relative size factor to detect an outlier signal value. If an outlier signal value is detected more than a predetermined number of consecutive times, the status classification is performed without signal values from the outlier sensor.

Abstract: A balance control system comprises a motor, a transmission system providing connection between the motor and the door and adapted to move the door between a closed position and an open position located above the closed position, a counterbalance system to reduce power required to lift the door, an apparatus to generate first signal representing a force used to move the door from the closed position to the open position, and to generate a second signal representing a force used to move the door from the open position to the closed position, and a controller responsive to the first signal and to the second signal to indicate an imbalance of the door when a difference between the first signal and the second signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for determining the state of tension of a material at a given time, including the step of calculating the value of at least one parameter extracted from the ultrasonic signal received after propagation of an ultrasonic wave emitted in the material between an ultrasound source and at least an ultrasound emitter located at a fixed distance from the source, the value of the at least one parameter varying with the state of tension of the material, the variation of the at least one parameter being proportional or inversely proportional to the variation of the state of tension of the material.

Abstract: A system for real-time signal processing for vehicle monitoring, including a first device disposed in a tire of a vehicle and producing a signal that is a function of a tire contact time period, during which a point at the tire circumference stays in contact with the ground, and a second device operative to repetitively perform a first task of processing the signal to calculate the tire contact time period at a first predetermined rate, and to repetitively perform a second task of calculating a tire load based at least in part upon the calculated tire contact time period at a second predetermined rate, wherein said second predetermined rate is less than said first predetermined rate.

Abstract: A power steering system includes a torsion bar, which is twistable around its axis for an amount corresponding to a steering torque applied to a steering shaft, a torque sensor, an electric motor, which is driven through a drive circuit to provide the steering shaft with steering assisting force, and motor control means for obtaining a steering torque from a digital signal transmitted from sensor and outputting a drive Duty signal to the drive circuit so that a current suitable for the steering torque is supplied to the electric motor. The torque sensor includes a permanent magnet, a magnetic body, and a Hall IC having a galvanomagnetic element, an AD converter circuit, and a serial communication circuit for digital communications with the motor control means through a communication line and a power supply ground line.

Abstract: A novel economical method for determining the residual stress levels in machined, mechanically or thermally processed components and for determining whether the stress is tensile or compressive. Also provided is a system including components for accomplishing the method of the present invention. Also provided is a method of modeling of a component residual stress from production of raw billet through to a finished component.

Abstract: A vehicle seat belt is provided with multiple seat belt tension sensors providing output signals that are received and averaged. Signals having values outside a band around the average are dynamically tested against a signal from an occupant weight sensor, vertical seat accelerometer or other sensor indicating expected vertical acceleration of an occupant restrained by the seat belt. This test provides variance values and time-averaged values of each signal, derives a reference value for each signal and compares the variance value for each signal to its reference value. If the comparisons indicate that the dynamic variance of the signals is significantly different, the signal is declared invalid and the average value is recalculated without the invalid signal. The final average signal after removal of all invalid signals determines the belt tension value, which may be used to compensate a weight sensor signal in an occupant characterization system to help control deployment of a vehicle airbag.

Abstract: A torsion bar type torque sensor system is provided with the following: an elastic member that receives a torque and converts the torque to a torsion displacement; a multipolar ring magnet in which N poles and S poles are circumferentially and alternately magnetized; a pair of magnetic yoke halves disposed coaxially with the ring magnet; and a magnetometric sensor that detects magnetic flux generated between the pair of the magnetic yoke halves. The magnetometric sensor is made of a semiconductor that integrates a semiconductor magnetometric sensor, a non-volatile memory, a computation circuit, and an output circuit. This structure provides a torque sensor system that has an excellent maintainability.

Abstract: A method for predicting potential mine roof failures which generally includes the steps of identifying influence factors that affect mine roof instability, quantifying each influence factor, multiplying each influence factor by a numeric weight factor to obtain a weighed influence factor for each influence factor and calculating a mine roof instability rating based on the weighted influence factors. Supplemental support may be recommended in areas where the mine roof instability rating shows increased risk of mine roof failure.

Abstract: Method to determine the tension condition of a material at a given time, comprising one step during which one calculates the value of at least one parameter extracted from the ultrasonic signal received after propagation of an ultrasonic wave transmitted in said material between an ultrasound source and at least one ultrasound transmitter situated at a fixed predetermined distance from said source, the value of the parameter(s) varying with the tension condition of the material, said variation of the parameter(s) being proportional or reversely proportional to the variation in the tension condition of said material.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyze the performance of a mechanical system having two identical rotating members therein. Light is directed from two identical light sources to intercept encoded portions of the rotating members. A portion of the light is reflected from the encoded portions of each rotating member. The reflected portion of the light can be then detected to recover performance data maintained therein, wherein the performance data contains performance characteristics of the mechanical system. A reflected portion of the light can be detected to recover performance data. The light sources can be configured as Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSEL). The encoded portions of rotating members thereof can include a bar code. Images from a first encoded surface may interact with an image from a second encoded surface after the light beams are reflected off the first and second rotating surfaces to produce Moirè fringes.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes first and second shafts, an elastic shaft, a magnet, a pair of ring plates, and a magnetic sensor. The elastic shaft connects the first and second shafts coaxially. The magnet is fixed to the first shaft. The pair of ring plates is fixed to the second shaft, and faces each other in an axial direction of the elastic shaft so that the pair of ring plates sandwiches the magnet. The magnetic sensor is disposed in a gap between the pair of ring plates so that the magnetic sensor detects a magnetic flux density in the gap. Each ring plate includes a convexity and a concavity in an inner circumference of each ring plate, respectively. The pair of ring plates is rotatable against the magnet in accordance with a twist of the elastic shaft so that the rotation of the ring plates causes the magnetic flux density in the gap.

Abstract: A detector for monitoring rotation of a target includes a sensor unit, a microcontroller, and an operator conversation apparatus. The operator conversation apparatus is connected to the microcontroller and enables setting of the detector in a working mode or a learning mode.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft and first and second targets coupled to the rotatable shaft so as to rotate therewith, a first probe for transmitting a first transmission signal to the first target and receiving a first response signal from the first target, and a second probe for transmitting a second transmission signal to the second target and receiving a second response signal from the second target. The apparatus further comprises a processor operatively coupled to the first and second probes for determining a torsional displacement of the shaft based on the first and second response signals received by the first and second probes, respectively. The processor then determines a torque imposed on the rotatable shaft based on its torsional displacement.

Abstract: The condition of a machine is monitored with cyclic time averaging, a technique of allocating vibration energy to particular sources in a complex signal. The cyclic time averaging method is directed at processing time-domain vibration data of the machine to produce an averaged time waveform over a selected cyclic time period. Utilizing cyclic time averaging, the systems and methods analyze machine vibration signals to detect and evaluate specific sources of enemy contribution to the vibration energy of the machine. It is not necessary to employ a triggering signal to obtain the averaged time waveform.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for detecting the early signs of cycle-induced fatigue and thereby predicting failure of the rotating disk in turbo-machinery. It identifies change in shape of the entire disk in radial, tangential and axial directions. It examines these deformations as a function of rotational velocity and compares them to a data base of deformations due to cracks in the rotor. Blade-tip measurements are processed through specialized algorithms to detect such asymmetry during operation, providing a real-time, non-destructive method of prediction. The sensors can be housed within the machinery case, and are capable of operating in harsh environments while maintaining adequate stand-off distance, making the entire apparatus robust enough for conditions in high-speed turbo-machinery.

Abstract: A method and device for determining force exerted on a rolling vehicle wheel are disclosed. Firstly, data on functionality between a force exerted on a vehicle wheel and a physical parameter such as strain of the radius part of the wheel predetermined measuring positions are obtained, and using the obtained data on the functionality, a formula for the force is made. Then, the vehicle wheel is measured for the physical parameter during rolling, and using the measured physical parameter and formula, the force is worked out. The force may be a vertical force, lateral force, longitudinal force or self aligning torque. The physical parameter may be the magnitude of a radial strain.

Abstract: An automated indentation system based on finite element solutions or performing a non-destructive compression test by loading a compressive indentation load (P) and calculating a elastic modulus (E) and a yield strength (&sgr;0), and a hardening exponent (n) from measured indentation depth (ht) and indentation load (P), and unloading slope (S). The system comprises a stepmotor control system (1), a measurement instrumentation (2) having a load cell (15), laser displacement sensor (17) for measuring the indentation depth and ball indenter (18), a data acquisition system (3) having an signal amplifier for amplifying and filtering signals from the load cell (15) and laser displacement sensor (17), and a control box (4) pre-stored computer programming algorisms for adjusting and controlling the moving speed and direction of stepmotor (12).

Abstract: A load monitoring system for use with a load conveyor such as a lifting assembly of a forklift truck or other mobile load handler. The conveyor has a load support for supporting a load to be conveyed and a load-bearing chain or cable. A load transducer is attached to the load conveyor and generates an output signal representative of the load applied to the chain at any particular point in time. From the output signal the time during which the element has been used in a particular load range is determined as well as the remaining service life of the element. The load data may be collected and processed locally or may be transmitted to a remote computer or hand-held device for analysis. The mobile load handler may also have a data reader so that that it may be used in inventory management in which a plurality of loads each labelled with load identification data are moved between a plurality of storage zones each labelled with location identification data by the handler.

Abstract: A portable testing apparatus operable with a force applying apparatus for testing loading characteristics on an integrated circuit assembly coupled to a circuit board. Included is a housing assembly having a size and shape to simulate an integrated circuit assembly to be tested; a loading element coupled for movement relative to the housing assembly and engageable with a load detecting system for transferring forces thereto in response to forces applied by a force applying apparatus; an interposer which mates the housing assembly to a circuit board; and, a load detecting system associated with the housing assembly for providing signals representative of characteristics of loading forces applied thereto by a force applying apparatus, whereby the load delivery characteristics of a force applying apparatus can be determined. A method of testing is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for measuring loading, stresses and/or material fatigue in a structure. The invention also relates to a measuring sensor unit (50) and a measuring sensor (302) suitable for use in connection with said method. The invention is applicable especially to the measurement of stresses and loading on a ship hull. One inventive idea is that the measuring sensor unit (50) of the measuring system comprises means (310) for processing a signal from the sensor so as to allow complete mathematical measuring results to be transmitted (316, 21) from the measuring sensor unit to the central processing unit. Another inventive idea is to form a measuring sensor from the sensor assembly and the strain gauge so that deformations are transmitted to the strain gauge attached to an elastic area of the sensor assembly. By means of the invention, the measuring units can be calibrated apart from the structure material and additional measuring units can be provided in the system whenever necessary.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and method for determining localized strain in a target body by identifying sets of features in reflected echo sequences and by comparing sets of features to determine time shift values between features.

Abstract: A measuring device useful for measuring mechanical properties of highly flexible or limp sheet materials. The device includes a base, a pair of clamping members, with one of the clamping members being movable away from and toward the second clamping member. A load sensor is mounted in one of the clamping means for measurement of the required mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluation of films, such as low-k thin films with nano-scale pores, are provided. The evaluation may include characterization of the pore structure, the characterization results in determining pore sizes, hence obtaining pore size data. Moreover, the characterization may result in a non-destructive evaluation of mechanical properties, in particular the Young's Modulus, or the effect of interfering physical & chemical factors such as Pore Killers. Further, in line monitoring or studying of pore structure porosity and pore size distribution (PSD) of low-k films and evaluation of the mechanical properties of porous low-k films simultaneously using the same set of experimental data is provided.

Abstract: Such an excitation circuit is intended for use in a Coriolis mass flowmeter which is connected to, is powered exclusively from, and outputs a measurement signal exclusively via, a two-wire process control loop. The Coriolis mass flowmeter has a vibrating flow tube and an excitation assembly for vibrating the flow tube at a frequency equal or adjacent to the instantaneous mechanical resonance frequency of the flow tube. It further comprises transducer assemblies which are positioned at a given distance from each other along the flow tube and provide respective transducer signals.

Abstract: A pole support for ground poles, such as telephone poles and power poles, is disclosed. The support can be driven into the ground next to the pole. It has a pair of spaced apart longitudinal end plates which are interconnected intermediate their ends by an intermediate plate. The end plates are spaced apart to allow the ground pole to pass at least partially between the end plates. Each end plate has a front longitudinal edge which, in use, is adjacent to the pole and a rear longitudinal edge which, in use, is directed away from the pole. The pole support has means to reduce sharp edges on the rear longitudinal edges. Also disclosed is a method for testing pole strength which comprises applying a load to the pole and either measuring its displacement or observing if it withstands the load. The amount of load applied to the pole and the degree of displacement is undergoes can be used to calculate the residual strength of the pole.