Abstract: A system is provided for the detection of contaminant particulates in closed containers, that system having a plurality of system components susceptible to degredation during the manufacture of container contents and filling of the closed containers, the system components susceptible to degradation comprising a radio opaque composition of matter; an x-ray source disposed proximate to a path of the closed container in a production line; an x-ray image intensifier whereby x-rays from the x-ray source are collected and an image is generated; a ccd camera whereby the x-ray image is digitized; a contaminated container rejection mechanism whereby closed containers having x-ray images with radio opaque portions are rejected as contaminated and removed from the production line.

Abstract: An elastomeric gasket for protecting the sensing diaphragm of a sanitary piping system pressure gauge, the gasket comprising a retaining cuff and first and second flat ring portions, the gauge flange being fittable between the cuff and the first flat ring portion, the second flat ring portion being axially spaced apart from the first flat ring portion, and a protective screen retained between the axially space apart flat rings.

Abstract: A method of preventing particles of elastomeric material employed as seals or spacers in a sanitary piping system from entering the product stream, comprising applying an effective amount of comminuted iron powder to the elastomeric base material prior to forming said material into said seals or spacers, magnetically sensing said particles in said piping system; and responsive to said magnetic sensing diverting a portion of said product stream containing said particles.