Abstract: The warming device of the present invention includes a food tray or pan formed from metal so as to promote the conduction of heat to the food contained in the pan. The pan is held within a sump vessel adapted to contain a heat transfer fluid such as water. The sump vessel is a unitary bowl-shaped container having side and bottom walls and an upper open wide mouth for receiving the food pan whereby the food pan, when inserted, is located within the sump vessel so that the bottom portion of the food pan is spaced from the wall of the sump vessel to define a chamber suited for containing water and steam between the sump vessel and the food pan. The sump vessel has heat-insulating qualities that reduce heat loss and promote the transmission of heat to the food pan. A heat dissipator plate formed from a metal or other conductor of heat is connected to a wall of the sump vessel with an air space between the heat dissipator plate and the sump vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a syringe assembly which greatly reduces the chances of an operator coming in contact with an infectious needle. The syringe assembly is initially provided with its needle retracted within its barrel, in a sterile and safe environment. When used, the needle is engaged by the plunger, and locked in place at the forward end of the syringe barrel. Before disposal, the needle is withdrawn back into the barrel, and the plunger is broken off. Thus, the disposed of syringe is incapable of being reused, and there is little or no danger of accidental punctures, because the needle is retained within the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A combination food warming vessel and lifting frame is described in which a food warming vessel of conventional construction includes side and bottom walls and an upper open wide mouth with a rim extending therearound can be lifted by a separate ring-shaped lifting frame element which encircles the food warming vessel. The lifting frame includes a central opening adapted to receive the food warming vessel so that the rim of the vessel rests on the upper surface of the lifting frame. The frame includes portions that extend laterally beyond the edge of the rim which are adapted to be grasped manually for lifing the vessel. Hinged to the frame on one side thereof is a cover support arm which has a clasp at its free end for connecting the arm to a cover for the vessel. This allows the cover to be raised by pivoting the arm from the hinged connection with the lifting frame. The lifting frame, arm and cover can all be separated from the vessel when the vessel is to be refilled or cleaned.

Abstract: A fully automated machine is capable of selecting a single "A"-frame storage tube for dual in-line integrated circuit packages from a number of such tubes in a bulk storage bin and then rotating that tube about its longitudinal axis so that the dual in-line packages can be fed into or out of the storage tube in either the live bug (leads down) or dead bug (leads up) positions. The machine will also remove and then replace the stop pin at one end of the storage tube.

Abstract: A lid support is described for a food warming vessel which includes lid support arm comprising a channel with a pair of parallel vertical flanges connected by a center panel and a lid connector supported at the free end of the arm and extending downwardly between the flanges. The connector comprises a retaining member formed from sheet material with at least one recess for the handle of a cover with structure for securing the handle in the recess of the connector.

Abstract: A computer controlled apparatus for grain elevators which includes a computer with keyboard and display and suitable output devices such as a printer and which receives inputs from sensing devices such as scales and moisture analyzers and sensors and which records and retains grain transactions as the grain is weighed and unloaded and in which samples of the grain are selected and analyzed in a moisture meter. The elevator operator inputs with the keyboard particular customer numbers and other desired information and the apparatus eliminates weigh ticket writing and prints over the scale transactions automatically and provides instant decision data such as marketing data so that the accounting functions can be automatically selected.