Abstract: A hypodermic syringe assembly which is self-sheathing in that use of the syringe activates a locking mechanism which automatically and irreversibly causes a hypodermic needle to be retracted into an outer sheath. As a result, the syringe assembly is automatically and permanently made safe to handle by the user. In addition, reuse of the syringe is prevented by the locking mechanism, in that the locking mechanism serves to puncture the syringe if an attempt is made to reuse the syringe. The syringe includes a tubular-shaped sheathing member having an apertured end through which the hypodermic needle extends when the syringe is in use. Telescopically disposed within the sheathing member is a tubular-shaped insert having one end which is open to receive a plunger, with the other end being provided with an aperture and boss for receiving the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: An automatic stove damper having a temperature responsive element which activates a damper plate, the temperature responsive element being oriented by a movable adjustment means. The device allows for easy adjustment of the relative amount of damping provided by the device by shifting the adjustment means, but if the damper plate reaches and is stopped at a fully closed position the adjustment means is allowed to shift, preventing further temperature increases from permanently deforming the temperature responsive element. The adjustment means can release the temperature responsive element to quickly shift the damper plate to a fully damped position. In other aspects of the application a metal ring is attached to a stove pipe, with a magnet being positioned thereupon for orienting the temperature responsive element to provide the desired amount of relative damping. A counterweight urges the damper plate to a fully closed position when the magnet releases the temperature responsive element.