Abstract: A gasket for use with sanitary piping systems contains a receptacle for retaining an encapsulated bacterial test indicator. The receptacle has a length that permits the indicator end of the test indicator to be directly exposed to the sterilizing steam that is introduced into the piping system. The gasket is preferably installed at the sanitary flange of a short “bull” T-section of the stainless steel sanitary piping and secured thereto by a stainless steel cap. The stainless steel cap is recessed to accommodate as much of the test indicator length as may be required to position the indicator end of the test indicator in the central lumen of smaller pipe diameters.

Abstract: A gasket for establishing a seal between the flanges of sanitary pipe fittings having a lumen of pre-determined diameter which comprises an O-ring portion of elastomeric material and an incompressible ring member bonded to said O-ring portion, said ring member having a substantially flat cross-section to limit compression of the O-ring.

Abstract: A torque-limiting fastener in which a threaded member having a drivable head portion is rotationally mounted within a capsule containing a calibrated spring loading element which is adapted to be compressed in one direction of rotation and released in the opposite direction of rotation, the capsule frictionally engaging the drivable head portion in the one direction of rotation until the compressed spring element exerts sufficient axial force to overcome the frictional engagement between the capsule and the drivable head.

Abstract: A two-piece connector includes a collar having an aperture in its relatively thick end-wall which bears an internal annular groove. The skirt of the collar is adapted to be slipped over the end of a length of tubing and contains tines to graspingly engage the outer surface of the tubing. The barb portion of the connector is adapted to fit through the aperture in the end-wall to frictionally engage the lumen of the tubing. An interrupted flange at the upper portion of the barb is adapted to twistably engage the internal annular groove in the end-wall to securely lock the barb to the collar.