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 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.