Abstract: A system and method for heating an elongate metal item to cause thermal expansion thereof. The system includes a tubular container having a nozzle and a moveable piston, with gelled fuel disposed between the piston and the nozzle. An advancing mechanism moves the piston toward the nozzle to force the gelled fuel to flow out of the nozzle onto the elongate metal item. The method includes the steps of applying the gelled fuel to a surface of the item, and igniting the gelled fuel.

Abstract: A burner unit holding simulated logs and particularly adapted for the burning of unvented containerized fuels is described which provides for easy ignition and replacement of fuel containers and controlling the burning rate of fuel. Into a support stand is mounted a pivotable grate containing a fuel cell housing at the rear portion thereof. By tilting the grate forwardly cans of fuel in the housing are easily exposed for replacement or ignition. Damper lid means are slidably contained in an assembly above the fuel cell housing to cover and extinguish the flame of ignited fuel containers. The damper lid is contained by guide tabs in slots which allows the damper lid to be moved to partially cover the fuel containers to dampen and control the burning rate. When the damper lid is fully open it rotates in the slot to a vertical position behind the fuel cell housing. The rotation of the damper lid from horizontal to vertical position requires only minimal space behind the burner unit.