I have no clue what it came out of, but I do know that under that metal cover is a board with the chips in sockets. I've just been tossing the boards into barrels or crates and carrying them down stairs when they're full. Someone was supposed to come have a look at them, but never showed up, that is the only reason I started having a look at them. I'm going to try and do some re-reading and see if I can figure out just what to do as far as cleaning them and then I'll try ewasted. Thanks so much to everyone for there input, it's always greatly appreciated.