Abstract: A fire-starter device for survival or emergency use has a handle portion and case portion that twist together, to sheath a mischmetal flint rod inside the case, and a seal ring protects the flint rod from environmental moisture. The case has a steel strike plate and a guide channel. The mischmetal flint rod favorably has a composition of cerium—50%, lanthanum—26%, magnesium—10%, praseodymium—3%, neodymium—1%, and iron—10%.

Abstract: A pyrophoric material comprises a pyrophoric metal coated onto a wire mesh substrate. Iron and nickel are the preferred metals and a steel wire mesh is suitable. A process for making the pyrophoric material involves spraying an alloy of iron and/or nickel with aluminium onto a mesh using a high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process following by leaching out at least a proportion of the aluminium by treatment with an alkaline solution. The product has application as a supported catalyst or as either an ignition medium or as a flare material in military countermeasures in which applications it is capable of burning at a high temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ignitable fire starting system, including the fuel and the means to ignite. A method is disclosed comprised of the steps of soaking a strip of cloth in a liquid fuel and laying one or more sources of ignition on the fuel soaked strip of cloth. The one or more sources of ignition can be one or more matches. The strip of cloth can be divided into a plurality of sections. The fuel soaked strip of cloth and the one or more sources of ignition may be rolled up to form a cylinder. When one wants to start a fire, one may unroll the cylinder and detach a first section of the fuel soaked strip of cloth. The liquid fuel may be a wax such as paraffin. The step of dividing the strip of cloth into a plurality of sections may comprise partially cutting the cloth along first and second lines where the first line and a first end of the cloth are the boundaries for a first section of the cloth and the second line and the first line are the boundaries for a second section of the cloth.

Abstract: A portable fuel element made from stacked sheets of cardboard impregnated and held together with paraffin wax. In a preferred embodiment, each portable fuel element contains at least one match that is protected from moisture by the paraffin wax and cardboard. The embodiment is made from a stack of five sheets of paraffin wax impregnated recycled cardboard. The stack, which is about 3/4 inch high, is perforated into 21/2 inch squares. Rectangular blocks that measure 3/4 inch high, 21/2 inches wide, and 5 inches long are broken out along the perforations, leaving a perforation in the middle of each block which separates each rectangular block into two 21/2 inch square, 3/4 inch thick blocks attached at the perforation. A wick is placed into each half of each block and two matches are inserted inside the rectangular block along the line formed by the perforation. The rectangular block is then dipped into paraffin wax to get a wax coating.

Abstract: A lighter or igniter apparatus for igniting fireworks, pyrotechnic set pieces or ordnance has a carrier tape with a first face coated with adhesive and a strip of fuel such as gunpowder applied to the first face at a location spaced from the opposite side edges of the tape. A cover or closure device encloses the strip of fuel on the tape. In one example, a second tape is adhered to the first face of the carrier tape covering the strip of fuel. The second tape is narrower so as to leave adhesive side edge portions of the carrier tape exposed for adhering the device to supports of a pyrotechnic display for ignition purposes.

Abstract: A fire starting kit is configured for easy lighting of fires, particularly by those involved in camping and other outdoor activities. The fire starting kit includes an elongated hollow case having a first casing section and a second casing section which fit together. A pyrophoric element is mounted to one of the casing sections and is enclosed by the case when both casing sections are fitted together. A separate striker is also contained within the case and may be used with the pyrophoric element to create sparks. Also included in the case is a tinder which may be removed and ignited by bringing the striker and the pyrophoric element into contact with each other.

Abstract: A solid fuel obtained by mixing highly combustible, fusible materials such as polymer resin, and low calory powder such as fuel combustion ashes containing unburnt carbon components and inorganic component, and molding the mixture. The solid fuel has a controlled calorific value and a controlled combustion rate with a good shape retention.