Abstract: An earring that can be easily put on an ear without coming off during a use thereof and causes no pains in the earlobe of the ear is provided. Moreover, the earring can give a gorgeous decorative feeling. The earring includes a supporting portion formed in a shape of a letter C to be put along a root of a human ear and a decorative body provided at an end of the supporting portion, wherein one end of the supporting portion is caught by an upper end of the ear, and a central part of the supporting portion abuts against a reverse side of the root of the ear. The decorative body is exchangeable.

Abstract: Provided is a burner for manufacturing a porous glass base material, the burner having: a glass raw material gas ejection port; a burnable gas ejection port provided around and centered on the glass raw material gas ejection port; and one or more sequences of small diameter auxiliary gas ejection ports provided inside the burnable gas ejection port, to be coaxial with respect to the glass raw material gas ejection port, where in each of the sequences, the small diameter auxiliary gas ejection ports have the same focal length as each other, and have a concave portion at an end surface thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for automated inspection of the orientation of a glass substrate (100) having a side that is coated and/or impregnated with a non-glass material (e.g., tin). One method (40) includes: picking up the glass substrate (100) by using an automatic lifting assembly (98); inspecting a side of the glass substrate (100) with a sensor (92) so as to determine whether the inspected side is coated or impregnated with the non-glass material; determining whether the glass substrate (100) is correctly oriented based upon the inspection results; and using the automated lifting assembly (98) to place the glass substrate (100) on a conveyor (94) in response to determining that the glass substrate (100) is correctly oriented.

Abstract: A glass manufacturing system and method are described herein that use a forming apparatus (isopipe) made from or at least coated with a magnesium aluminate spinel material which is a chemically stable and compatible refractory material when used for forming an alkali-containing glass sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for balancing the mass flow rate of molten glass flowing over a forming body to form a glass ribbon. The apparatus comprises upper and lower transition members that surround the glass ribbon as the glass ribbon is drawn from the forming body. The upper and lower transition members are independently moveable, and separated by a gap less than 8 cm across. The narrow gap minimizes disruption to the thermal environment contained within the upper and lower transition members, and is positioned a sufficient distance above the setting zone of the ribbon to minimize any influence on the dimensional consistency of the ribbon.

Abstract: A method of cutting glass that prevents uncontrolled crack propagation when high background stress is present, either in the form of thermal residual stress, external mechanical stress or a combination thereof. The method includes masking an edge of the glass by blocking the beam using highly reflective or absorptive material located near the glass surface, or deposited on the surface in a form of a thin film (or highly reflective paint) to prevent uncontrolled crack initiation and propagation starting from the glass edge. The initiation of the laser scoring is located at a predetermined distance from the glass edge. Yet another aspect of the invention embodies stopping propagation of the vent at the exiting end of the score line.

Abstract: Heat in a stream of combustion products obtained from a glassmelting furnace heated by oxy-fuel combustion is passed to incoming glassmaking materials in a heat exchanger without requiring reduction of the temperature of the stream yet without causing softening of the glassmaking material.

Abstract: Isopipes (13) for making a glass or a glass-ceramic using a fusion process are provided. The isopipes are made from a silicon nitride refractory material that is: (a) produced in block form in an atmosphere having a pO2 of less than 0.1 using less than 10 weight percent of one or more sintering aids, (b) machined into an isopipe configuration, and (c) exposed to a partial pressure of oxygen equal to or greater than 0.1 for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to form a SiO2 layer (31) which exhibits substantially only a passive oxidation mechanism. The SiO2 layer (31) serves as a protective barrier for further oxidation of the silicon nitride during use of the isopipe (13). The isopipes (13) exhibit less sag during use than isopipes composed of zircon.

Abstract: An optical fiber manufacturing method, which recycles cooling gas with a simple system (less modification from a conventional device) is provided. The method comprises the steps of heating and melting an optical fiber preform, cooling the glass fiber obtained from the preform using a cooling device, and coating the cooled glass fiber with a coating material. During the cooling step, cooling gas is supplied from the bottom portion of the cooling device 4; a part of the cooling gas in the cooling device 4 is recovered from the top portion of the cooling device 4; and the recovered gas is re-supplied from the bottom portion of the cooling device 4.

Abstract: A knitting head (11) for a circular knitting machine (1), with the knitting head comprising the complete main bearing (29) of the cylinder and being provided, on its lower end, with a standardized interface (34) for accommodation with a carrier ring (35) located on the side of the machine frame. The carrier ring (35) supports the head ring (30) along the entire circumference of said head ring, preferably by means of a continuous seating surface (36) extending around the entire circumference.

Abstract: The knitting needle 1 comprises a novel bearing arrangement 16 for its latch 10. The bearing arrangement 16 comprises a swivel pin 20 that is positively and non-rotationally coupled with the latch. An anti-loosening safety may be provided on the base body 2 of the latch needle 1 in order to axially secure the swivel pin 20 in the latch hole 17. Alternatively, the swivel pin 20 may be connected with the latch 10 in order to axially secure said swivel pin.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided that is capable of efficiently draining condensed fluid discharged by a heat pump module. The washing machine may include a first cabinet, a tub installed in the first cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a second cabinet detachably coupled to the first cabinet, a heat pump module mounted in the second cabinet so as to supply hot air into the drum, a condensed fluid drain pump that pumps condensed fluid generated by the heat pump module, and a condensed fluid drain hose, one end of which is connected to the condensed fluid drain pump and the other end of which is connected to the tub, to discharge the condensed fluid pumped by the condensed fluid drain pump to the inside of the tub.

Abstract: A washing machine is provided that is capable of efficiently draining condensed fluid discharged from a heat pump module. The washing machine may include a cabinet, a tub installed in the cabinet, a drum rotatably installed in the tub, a heat pump module installed in the cabinet to supply hot air into the drum, a backflow prevention connector installed in the cabinet to prevent backflow of wash fluid draining from the tub, and a condensed fluid drain hose connected to one end of the backflow prevention connector to drain condensed fluid from the heat pump module.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an evaporator of a condenser with condensation water. The device includes a condensation water pan that collects condensation water condensed from process air by the evaporator, and a collection container above the evaporator that receives the condensation water from the condensation water pan and that dispenses the condensation water with a gush onto the evaporator from a rinsing chamber of the collection container with a sudden opening of a closure part through a downpipe.

Abstract: A fabric treating machine according to the present invention comprises a connector which is disposed at an outer tub and is connected to a driving part which is disposed at either the center or the off-center position of the connector optionally. Therefore, not only the direct driving motor but the indirect driving motor can be disposed without change of the outer tub and the connector. Because the common use of the outer tub is possible regardless of the connecting method of the driving part, there are the advantages that the cost is reduced and productivity and assembly are improved.

Abstract: A disc brake lock used principally with motorcycles has a body (10) with a U-shaped slot (13) to receive an edge of the disc. A locking pin can be moved to extend through a hole in the disc to fix the lock to the disc. A limb (11) of the U-shaped body (10) that is on the outside when the lock is clamped to the disc contains an alarm system (14) housed in a chamber (28) that cannot be accessed through that limb. The other limb (12), which is between the disc and the wheel, contains a removable cover (34) that, for extra security, can only be opened when the locking pin (16) is retracted. The alarm system (14) is inserted into the chamber (28) through the other limb (12).

Abstract: A security enclosure for a handgun includes an enclosure base having an opening to an interior portion and a cover configured to selectively cover the opening in the enclosure base. The cover may be configured in a manner to rotate from a first position in which the cover blocks access to the interior portion of the enclosure base to a second position in which the cover allows access to the interior portion of the enclosure base. A gun enclosure may be rotatably disposed within the enclosure base. A biometric recognition device may be configured to operatively unlock the cover when exposed to a required feature of an authorized user.

Abstract: Door lock apparatus, comprising in combination an elongated housing having input code selectors on the housing, to enable door locking and/or unlocking via a locking element, a locking handle protruding from the housing, a coupling in the housing having parts that interfit to enable force transmission between said handle and element, and first means responsive to code selection to control coupling of the parts.

Abstract: An operation mechanism section has a key lever that follows operation of a key cylinder, a lock lever that can move to an unlock position where operation of an operation handle is enabled and to a lock position where it is disabled, linkage levers that, when the lock lever is at the unlock or lock position, follows operation of the operation handle to make a door openable or not openable, and a motor that can move the lock lever to the unlock or lock position. The lock lever is formed by integrating together a gear section, a key operation input section, and an operation transmission section. The gear section is supported so as to be pivotable about a pivot shaft to the unlock and lock positions and directly meshing with a worm gear installed on the rotating shaft of the motor. The key operation input section is directly connected to the key lever. The operation transmission section is directly connected to the linkage lever.

Abstract: A multipoint locking system includes a body having an upper aperture and a lower aperture therein. An upper latch pawl is disposed in the upper aperture and is pivotable about a first vertical axis between a first retracted position and a first extended position. A lower latch pawl is disposed in the lower aperture and is pivotable about a second vertical axis between a second retracted position and a second extended position. At least one actuator is configured to move the upper and lower latch pawls between their retracted and extended positions. The body can be an astragal, a vertical frame member, or the like.

Abstract: A lock system for a tool box is disclosed wherein locking is achieved with a lock which is located in a recessed portion along the front wall of the tool box in order to prevent tampering. A latch rod is slidably disposed adjacent a front wall of the box. The lock and the latch rod are disposed such that the lock body blocks the longitudinal movement of a lock engager and maintains the latch rod in the latched position when the lid of the tool box is in the closed position and the lock is locked. When the lock is unlocked, the lock engager is allowed to move past the lock to move the latch rod to the unlatched position thereby allowing the lid of the tool box to be opened. The lock system may be used for a horizontal or a vertical tool box.

Abstract: In an electric steering lock for vehicles, an element for angular locking of a steering shaft is displaced by a driving group between a forward operational position, in which it holds the steering shaft in an angular position, and a retracted resting position in which it allows a free rotation of the steering shaft; the driving group being provided with an electric motor and a mechanical transmission interposed between the motor and the locking element, and with an elastic device cooperating with the electric motor to displace the locking element towards its retracted resting position.

Abstract: An electric steering lock for a motorcycle includes a housing, a transmission assembly, a spindle, and a circuit board. The transmission assembly has an actuator, a first gear, a second gear and a sliding block each arranged within the housing in transmissive engagement with each other. The spindle is assembled with the sliding block and acts in the second space. The circuit board is arranged on the bottom of the housing. The primary control chip of the motorcycle controls the circuit board to make the transmission assembly to drive the spindle to move accordingly. The sliding block touches an inner wall of the casing to make it unable to move forwards or backwards any more. The current of the actuator at this time is larger than that in its normal operation. The rotation of the actuator is ceased by the circuit board when a variation in current of the actuator is detected by the circuit board.

Abstract: A bicycle lock includes a first part and a second part located close to bicycle wheels by two bolts and two respective protection members are connected to the first part and the second part respectively. The protection members cover the heads of the bolts so that the unauthorized person cannot access the bolts to detach the bicycle lock from the bicycle. A lock rod is connected to the first part which is pivotable about the bolt corresponding thereto so as to be inserted into the second part to lock the wheel.

Abstract: A combination antitheft-quick lock device for the wheels or saddle rod of a bicycle includes a lever connected to an eccentric and at least one rod having a threaded end for receiving a bearing washer and a nut. The eccentric bears upon and is rotationally linked to the bearing washer and to the threaded rod extending through the hub of the wheel. A guiding channel for at least one ball is formed as a blind channel in the lever, forming an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis thereof. A bore is formed in the axis and opening into the channel and has a shoulder defining a widened recess. An eccentric reversible locking means includes a widened head configured for displacement in the widened recess and a rod guided by the channel and abutting the ball. A spring is disposed between the widened head and the bore shoulder.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical lock assembly comprises a casing, an electric control mechanism and a manual control member. The casing has a base and an axial bore formed at the base. The manual control member is installed penetrating the axial bore of the casing and has a knob and a spindle coupled to the knob. The electric control mechanism is disposed within the casing and comprises a control switch, a rotatable member capable of actuating the control switch, a clutch gear capable of driving the rotatable member, a position member capable of controlling movement of the clutch gear and a motor capable of driving the clutch gear. The rotatable member is coupled to the spindle of the manual control member and has at least one first coupling portion. The clutch gear has at least one second coupling portion corresponding to the first coupling portion. The second coupling portion is capable of being moved along the spindle to catch with the first coupling portion of the rotatable member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disc tumbler cylinder lock and a key for it. The key according to the invention comprises a groove that is transverse to the key shank. The groove comprises a bottom section and side sections that are transverse to the bottom section between the bottom section and the outer surface of the key shank. The bottom section of the groove is the key's main driving surface used to transfer turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock. This reduces wear on the O-surfaces of the key because the O-surfaces do not transfer the majority or any of the key turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock.

Abstract: A bump resistant pin-tumbler lock having a housing; a plug rotatably mounted within the housing and having a keyway; and a shear line defined between the interface between the plug and housing. The plug has one or more pin chambers extending from and orthogonally to the shear line and the keyway, wherein each pin chamber is capable of housing a bottom pin and is aligned with a corresponding driver chamber when the plug is in a locked position. Each driver chamber extends into the housing from and orthogonally to the shear line, includes a biasing means and is capable of housing one or more top pins. The plug further includes a bottom pin retaining means extending into one of the pin chambers so as to selectively retain a predetermined bottom pin in its respective pin chamber and prevent the predetermined bottom pin from fully extending into the pin chambers, such that, in use, kinetic energy cannot be transferred to the predetermined bottom pin from a bump member.

Abstract: The method for producing functional compost according to the invention includes: inoculating a filamentous fungus with a function, such as the Coprinus curtus GM-21 strain (NITE BP-37) with a plant disease control function, into compost in an bacterial-activity-restricted state which is, for example, at least one state selected from the group consisting of a nutrient-restricted state, a pH-restricted state and a water content-restricted state; and cultivating the filamentous fungus in the compost to allow its selective proliferation. Further, the invention provides functional compost obtained by the above production method, as well as compost for proliferating a filamentous fungus in a bacterial-activity-restricted state.

Abstract: A machine arrangement including a vacuum transfer turret assembly configured to releasably hold one or more containers and to rotate the one or more containers about the turret assembly when the one or more containers are held by the turret assembly. The turret assembly includes a shaft assembly, a starwheel assembly, and a vacuum assembly. The starwheel assembly is releasably secured to the shaft assembly. The turret assembly is adapted to, when the starwheel assembly is secured to the shaft assembly, rotate the shaft assembly to rotate the starwheel assembly relative to the vacuum assembly and when the starwheel assembly is rotatably released from the shaft assembly, enable movement of the starwheel assembly and the vacuum manifold along the shaft assembly towards and away from the vacuum assembly.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for guiding a metal strip 200 in the vicinity of a coiler and a method for operating a device of this type. The device of the invention comprises a support frame 160, which at its first end is rotatably supported about a second axis of rotation D2 relative to a fixed structure 400 and supports a guide table 120 and at its second end, i.e., the end that lies opposite the first end, is rotatably connected with a swivel frame 140 about a first axis of rotation. The swivel arm supports a first guide table at its end that lies opposite the first axis of rotation D1. Both the support frame 160 and the swivel frame 140 are controlled by their own associated actuators and are suitably positioned according to the desired operating position. It is advantageous that the device of the invention can be adjusted in an especially universal way, i.e., that it can be moved into many different operating positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a rolling mill for producing a seamless steel pipe in a continuous rolling process, where semi-finished material is first formed into a hollow block (8) in a rotary rolling mill, said block then being rolled in a multi-tooled continuous rolling mill (1) over a previously inserted mandrel (10) to form a tube blank (9), wherein the mandrel (10) receiving the hollow block and held by a mandrel holding and transporting device (5) disposed on the entry side is fed into the continuous rolling mill (1) and is transported back to the entry side after the tube blank has been rolled off of the mandrel (10) on an extracting rolling mill (4) connected downstream of the continuous rolling mill An aim of the invention is to allow high production rates at the same product quality, particularly at a low drop in the temperature of the tube blanks.

Abstract: A sheet metal punching apparatus 1 includes an upper die holder 2 which is raised and lowered by a hydraulic ram and the like; a pressing plate 3 secured to the upper die holder 2; a pressing pad 5 suspended from the upper die holder 2 through a resilient member 4; a punch holder 7 constructed as a punch unit secured to the pressing pad 5 by means of a bolt 6 and the like; a lower die 9 on which thin sheet metal 8 to be subjected to punching is placed; and a die 10 embedded in the lower die 9.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method of manufacturing a hollow body (1, 10) by applying to such a hollow body blank seated in a cavity an internal pressure at increased temperature, wherein said hollow body blank is made using at least one previous forming or master shaping process, said hollow body blank differing by at least 10% in circumferential length on its circumference.

Abstract: A dual ram assembly for a turret machine includes a first and second ram. The first ram comprises a first cam follower bracket and a first set of cam followers. An outer die tooling is connected to the first ram. The second ram comprises a second cam follower bracket and second set of cam followers. An inner knockout tooling is connected to the second ram. The first set of cam followers is configured to follow a first cam surface. The second set of cam followers is configured to follow a second cam surface. The first ram is connected to the second ram on a slide block. As the first and second sets of cam followers follow the first and second cam surfaces, the inner knockout tooling and the outer die tooling move toward or away from an article to be worked on.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of hand-operated pliers (1), in particular pressing pliers, with jaws (6, 7) and hand levers (4, 5), wherein the jaws (6, 7) are pivotable around a preferably common rotational axis (x). Furthermore, one hand lever (5) is connected by a joint to one of the jaws (7), and a pressure support is located between the hand levers (4, 5) for the formation of a toggle (K). In order to further improve a tool of this type, particularly with respect to the design of the pressure support, it is proposed that the pressure support consist of a support roller (18) arranged on one hand lever (4), and of a curved section (19) which is attached to the other hand lever (5) and which works together with the support roller (18).

Abstract: A hot stretch wrap forming die typically includes a rigid backing section, a series of spaced ribs extending forward from the backing section, and an elongated face sheet secured to the ribs forward of the backing section with a convex forward-facing die face. The ribs elastically deflect during thermal expansion of the face sheet when a heated metal bar is forced against the die face so that the metal bar transfers heat to the face sheet. The die typically includes stiff ribs secured to the backing section and the face sheet which provide substantially fixed points for the face sheet during its thermal expansion. The face sheet may include several face sheet segments which together form the die face. The face sheet may also include contour plates which form respective portions of the die face and which may be used to adjust the specific contour of the die face.

Abstract: A machine arrangement that operates on a plurality of articles includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner to form a machine arrangement. Each machine includes a modular base, a transfer star wheel, and a turret mechanism configured to perform a working operation on an article. The turret mechanism includes a turret star wheel. A central axis of the transfer star wheel is approximately 45 degrees below horizontal relative to a central axis of the turret star wheel. The turret mechanism includes a cantilevered portion overhanging a portion of the base.

Abstract: A machine arrangement that operates on a plurality of articles includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner to form a machine arrangement. Each machine includes a modular base, a transfer star wheel, and a turret mechanism configured to perform a working operation on an article. The turret mechanism includes a turret star wheel. A central axis of the transfer star wheel is approximately 45 degrees below horizontal relative to a central axis of the turret star wheel. The turret mechanism includes a cantilevered portion overhanging a portion of the base.

Abstract: A docking station for use with gas sensors includes limited test and diagnostic circuitry directed to specific characteristics of selected detectors. Where a family of detectors is to be evaluated, a universal interface for that family can be included. A single port can be used for multiple different detectors irrespective of specific detector characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor assembly for downhole use in a wellbore. This invention also relates to a new pack-off assembly housing the sensor. The new pack-off assembly protects the sensor from the environment and from impact damage. Additionally, the new pack-off assembly allows for the testing of the sensor immediately prior to insertion into the wellbore.

Abstract: The invention relates to the method and apparatus for forming the calibration chart used to measure the amount of fuel inside the fuel tanks (1) which comprises at least one laser distance measurement device (2) positioned inside said fuel tank (1) and measuring the distance between itself and the inner wall of said fuel tank (1) at separate points, at least one main shaft (14) providing said distance measurement device (2) with rotational movement circularly in the direction of B through up to 360 degrees and in the upward-downward direction of A through up to 270 degrees and at least one inclinometer (4) positioned on the surface (9) and measuring the angle X between said fuel tank (1) and the ground on which it is located.

Abstract: A device is provided for delivering gases to an analyzer, such as an isotopic ratio mass spectrometer. The device includes first and second reactors, preferably arranged in parallel. At least one of the reactors may be selectively activated, or means may be incorporated to circumvent one of the reactors, such that different types of gas conversions may be achieved.

Abstract: An improved gas analyzer for analyzing the concentrations and amounts of one or more different gases in drilling mud returning from a borehole is disclosed. An oil well drilling rig re-circulates the drilling mud by continuously pumping it through a gas separation means. The gas separation means generally includes a fluid stop, a bubble jar and a dririte chamber in order to separate the gases from the drilling mud. A gas sample from these separated gases can be mixed with a carrier gas and are conveyed to gas analyzing means where the concentration of the different hydrocarbon components of the gases in the mud can be continuously measured.

Abstract: Provided is a detection unit mold package (2A), which is equipped with plate-shaped protrusions (21P and 22P) to contact an object liquid so as to exchange the heat with the object liquid. The plate-shaped protrusions (21P and 22P) are formed by sealing a liquid-kind detecting unit (21a) and a liquid-temperature detecting unit (22a), which are made of thin-film chips containing at least temperature-sensitive elements, and metallic die pads (21c and 22c) having those detecting units joined thereto, with a sealing material (23), so that they may not be exposed to the surface. The plate-shaped protrusions (21P and 22P) have their two principal planes in parallel with the metallic die pads (21c and 22c).

Abstract: A method of operating a screening system includes applying an electromagnetic field to a specimen in a region at least partially enclosed by electromagnetic shielding and measuring an output from a sensor, wherein the output is induced by an interaction of the electromagnetic field and the specimen. The method also includes dislodging trace particles from the specimen within the region, collecting the trace particles, and identifying the trace particles. The method further includes evaluating an association of the specimen with a substance based on the measured sensor output and the identified trace particles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for precision non-destructive non-contact control of super small differences of pressure, which is used for non-destructive control of tightness of various products regardless of the method of sealing and the state of the internal volume of products, with the apparatus consisting of a body of the control unit of the device, working and control units, sensitive membrane, transparent window of the control unit, connecting pipes of the control and working chambers, electronic speckle interferometer, the base that is isolated from the vibration, and the electronic processing unit for monitoring results and presenting results on the display. The bending of the membrane characterizes the quality of sealing of the investigated object and is determined by the laser method of non-contact electronic speckle interferometry.

Abstract: A sensor for selectively determining the presence and measuring the amount of hydrogen in the vicinity of the sensor. The sensor comprises a MEMS device coated with a nanostructured thin film of indium oxide doped tin oxide with an over layer of nanostructured barium cerate with platinum catalyst nanoparticles. Initial exposure to a UV light source, at room temperature, causes burning of organic residues present on the sensor surface and provides a clean surface for sensing hydrogen at room temperature. A giant room temperature hydrogen sensitivity is observed after making the UV source off. The hydrogen sensor of the invention can be usefully employed for the detection of hydrogen in an environment susceptible to the incursion or generation of hydrogen and may be conveniently used at room temperature.

Abstract: A safe, precise, and cost effective storage tank leak detection system. Embodiments include two highly precise quartz crystal type pressure transducers held at a constant temperature. A bubbler to achieve access to the hydrostatic pressure at the tank bottom and just below the liquid surface. First transducer and bubbler are used to measure fluid mass while second transducer and bubbler are used to measure fluid density then used in combination with data correction and regression techniques to yield a storage tank leak detection system for use in horizontal cylindrically shaped tanks with an extremely low leak detection threshold. The storage tank leak detection system is thought to be most useful for detecting and measuring very small leaks in large horizontal cylindrical storage tanks.

Abstract: A method of testing pipes for use in making subsea pipelines comprises cutting a ring from one or more pipes of the type used to make the pipeline; forming flat, substantially parallel surfaces on the ends of the ring; providing means for measuring strain and deformation of the ring; mounting the ring in a pressure chamber such that the ends of the ring form seals with opposing walls of the chamber to isolate the inside of the ring from the outside; increasing the pressure outside the ring and measuring the strain and deformation on the ring as the pressure increases; and using the deformation and strain measurements to determine a wall thickness for pipes to be used for the pipeline.