Abstract: An ignition mechanism for a heater which includes a metal exothermic container in which are mounted an exothermic part, a firing part and an igniter. The igniter is a type which may be actuated by pushing or pulling a string. The mechanism comprises a tube mounted on the container, the tube having one end positioned adjacent the igniter. A string is connected to the igniter and extends into the tube, the string being extendable to the other end, whereby the string may be manually pulled or pushed and thereby operate the igniter. A float may be attached to the string, and a water-soluble glue may be provided to initially hold the string in place before use.

Abstract: A self-heating container comprising a container with a heater fixed therein. The heater includes a pyrogen, a firing agent in contact with and easier to fire than the pyrogen, and an igniter including a rotatably supported striker wheel and a flint mounted for compressive engagement with the wheel. The wheel is rotatably engageable from outside the container.

Abstract: A-self heating container comprising a container with a heater fixed therein. The heater includes a pryogen, a firing agent in contact with and easier to fire than the pyrogen, and an igniter including a rotatably supported striker wheel and a flint mounted for compressive engagement with the wheel. The wheel is rotatably engageable from outside the container.

Abstract: An ignition system comprising a metal plate having a pyrogen on one side thereof, a turning shaft journalled by the plate, and a sparking wheel secured to the shaft. A flint is supported by the plate and pressed against the wheel. An opening is formed in the plate adjacent the wheel, and a screen is formed on the plate adjacent the opening. The screen deflects sparks through the opening to the pyrogen, and the screen is preferably angled to efficiently deflect the sparks. The igniter is mounted in a self-heating container for heating food or a liquid.

Abstract: A self-heating container comprising a heater contained in a container. The heater includes a pyrogen of high energy density having a large heating value, and a firing agent contacting the pyrogen and easier to fire than the pyrogen. Each of the pyrogen and the firing agents is a mixture of one or more kinds of metal oxide powder and one or more kinds of powder of elementary substances or alloys of metal and semimetal. The heater is supported on a wall of the container through a heat insulator to reduce the heat loss. The insulator has a bore formed through it and extending between the firing agent and the outside of the container. An igniter can be inserted into the bore to ignite the firing agent.