Abstract: An immersion heater capable of completely avoiding a situation where an outer circumferential border of a spiral heating element is pressed to an inner wall of a protecting tube, and preventing disconnection due to contact between adjacent portions of the heating element. In the immersion heater, one edge portion of a metal strip heating element (8) is inserted into, and held in a spiral groove (7) to form a spiral heating part (9). Cylindrical-body supporting members (11) are provided and each has a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the ceramic bottom protecting tube (2) and larger than an outer diameter of the spiral heating part. The cylindrical-body supporting members are fitted into a hollow portion of the insulating cylindrical body (6) and are arranged in openings at a fore-end and a back-end of the insulating cylindrical body, respectively.

Abstract: There is provided an electric heater support plate which is not likely to be softened or deformed during firing at a high temperature, even if a material to be fired contains an alkaline component or an Si component as a volatile component. A passage 2 for the material to be fired surrounded by a ceiling refractory 11, wall refractories 12 and a floor refractory 13 is provided with an electric heater 3 heating from above and an electric heater 5 heating from below. This electric heater 3 has at least its heating part 31 mounted and supported on a fire-resistant support plate 4, and this support plate 4 in this invention has a two-layer structure in which an insulating ceramic support plate 41 is laminated on an SiC-based ceramic plate 42.

Abstract: A heater probe assembly, a metallic glow plug assembly therewith and method of constructing the heater probe assembly is provided. The metallic glow plug assembly includes a metal shell having a through bore and a metal sheath extending between a distal end and a terminal end. The terminal end of the metal sheath is fixed in the through bore of the shell. Further, an electrode is provided having an end with a heating element attached to thereto. The heating element and end of the electrode are received in the sheath. A packing powder is disposed in the sheath about the heating element. Further, a ceramic seal has an outer surface attached to the sheath by a braze joint and an inner surface attached to the electrode by a braze joint. The ceramic seal provides a hermetic seal between the packing powder and an environment external to the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glow plug capable of preventing a deformation or eccentricity of the coil, thereby improving a durability of the coil and preventing a variation in temperature-rising characteristic. Also, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing the glow plug.

Abstract: A heater assembly is provided that includes a substrate having opposed end portions defining raised flanges, a slot extending between the opposed end portions, and opposed chamfered surfaces extending along the slot and across the raised flanges. In one form, a plurality of layers are disposed onto the substrate, along with a pair of terminal pads. A protective cover defining at least one aperture is disposed over the layers and is secured to the raised flanges and the opposed chamfered surfaces of the substrate, and the aperture is disposed proximate the terminal pads. A pair of lead wires is secured to the pair of terminal pads, and a lead cap assembly is disposed around the pair of lead wires and is secured to the protective cover. Methods of manufacturing the heater assembly are also provided in accordance with the present disclosure.

Abstract: A ceramic heater (12) includes a substrate (60) and a resistor element (30) buried in the substrate (60). The resistor element (30) includes a heat-generating portion (33), lead portions (31), and intermediate portions (40) located between the heat-generating portions (33) and the lead portions (31). The intermediate portions (40) are formed such that, when cross sections at arbitrary two points P1 and P2 along the axis XA direction are compared, both the diameter CL of an imaginary circumscribed circle CG containing cross sections of the resistor element 30 and the total cross sectional area HS of the cross sections become small in the front end side cross section as compared with those in the rear end side cross section.

Abstract: An electrically heated towel rack including two parallel retractable arms (1,1?) and an electric heating board (2) is provided. Each of the retractable arms has a fixed portion (12) and a retractable portion (14). A connecting member (11) is disposed at one end of the fixed portion (12) for connecting the fixed portion (12) and a wall (3). The electric heating board (2) is rotatably disposed between the two retractable arms (1,1?) and supported by two support members (13), the support members (13) being respectively disposed on inner sides of the retractable portions (14) of the two retractable arms (1,1?). The electric heating board (2) can be an electric glass board. The distance between the electric heating board (2) and the wall (3) can be adjusted by pushing or pulling the retractable portions (14). Alternatively, the electric heating board (2) can be rotated to a vertical position.

Abstract: A ceramic heater comprising a rod-like ceramic member in which a metallized layer is formed on at least a part of an outer surface of the ceramic member, and a tubular metal fitting in which at least a part of the ceramic member is inserted, the inner surface of the tubular metal fitting and the metallized layer being brazed through a brazing member. The ceramic member has a small diameter portion in a region which is located closer to a first end of the ceramic member than the metallized layer and which is inside the tubular metal fitting. A part of the space between the small diameter portion and the inner surface of the tubular metal fitting is filled with the brazing member, the inner surface facing to the part of the small diameter. Consequently, even under severe conditions, such as a high temperature and/or a high pressure, a highly durable brazing structure, such as the ceramic heater, including a brazed portion which has high welding reliability can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for igniting an aluminothermic composition, characterized in that it comprises an electric resistor for connecting two electrodes and to be supplied by an electric current source of in order to generate heat by a Joule effect, said electric resistor being exposed to a medium comprising oxygen and carbon so that the temperature rise of the medium by the resistor results in the formation of carbon monoxide, and then in an exothermal reaction of the latter with oxygen, thus generating a flame capable of igniting of the aluminothermic composition.

Abstract: A heating device includes a heat resisting vacuum insulator (4) wound around the outer periphery of an electric heater (3) disposed along the outer wall of an exhaust pipe (1), wherein the electric heater (3) has a resistance heating element and a heat resisting electric insulator covering this resistance heating element, and the heat resisting vacuum insulator (4) includes a hollow platy covering material air-tightly sealed thereinside by a metal seat (5) having a heat resisting temperature of at least 100° C., and a fibrous or granular filling material (6) filled in the hollow portion of this covering material and having a heat resisting temperature of at least 100° C., the inside of the covering material being kept in a vacuum state.

Abstract: A spark plug of the present invention includes a cylindrical metal shell, a cylindrical ceramic insulator retained in the metal shell, a center electrode retained in the ceramic insulator and extending in an axial direction, and a ground electrode formed into a bent shape and having a rear end portion fixed to the metal shell and a front end portion facing a front end portion of the center electrode with a gap left therebetween. The ground electrode contains a large thickness region formed on a rear end side thereof with a large thickness, a small thickness region formed on a front end side thereof with a smaller thickness than that of the large thickness region, a protruding region formed on the small thickness region and facing the center electrode and a thickness changing region formed between the large thickness region and the small thickness region and located at a different position from a position of a minimum curvature radius region of the bent shape of the ground electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet like resistance heating element for a battery powered lighter. The heating element includes a first terminal for connecting the heating element to a first contact of an electrical circuit and a second terminal for connecting the heating element to a second contact of the electrical circuit. The heating element further includes a heat generating body arranged between the first terminal and the second terminal, the heat generating body providing an electrical current path between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein the heat generating body comprises a planar contact surface along the path, whereby a width of said contact surface in the plane is substantially greater then a thickness of the heat generating body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ceramic heater capable of preventing failures due to the thermal stress, such as cracks, and corrosion by a calcium component. The ceramic heater has a heating element including at least one substance selected from silicides, nitrides and carbides of molybdenum and silicides, nitrides and carbides of tungsten as a main component, and a base mainly containing silicon nitride in which the heating element is embedded, wherein the base includes: a rare earth element component in an amount from 4 to 25% by mass in terms of an oxide thereof; a silicide of chromium in an amount from 1 to 8% by mass in terms of chromium silicide; and an aluminum component in an amount from 0.02 to 1.0% by mass in terms of aluminum nitride.

Abstract: A glow plug includes a heating rod (11), a plug body (13) having a receiving housing (14) of the heating rod, a mounting device (48) for mounting the heating rod, permitting axial translation movements of the heating rod relative to the plug body and ensuring impermeability between the heating rod and the plug body, a load sensing sleeve (17) which extends around the proximal portion (50) of the peripheral metal tube (59, 61) of the heating rod in the proximal zone (51) of the receiving housing, directly adjoining axially the mounting device (48) axially on the proximal side.

Abstract: A multi-layer rod shaped ceramic igniter includes an elongated tapered electrode having a central core of resistant material and two annular segments. One of the segments in on one side of the core and the other on an opposite side and connected to two slightly converging facets extending along the core. The multi-layered rod shaped ceramic igniters disclosed herein may be manufactured by slip-casting, injection molding or extruding a green annular body and removing material from opposite sides of the green body to form two almost parallel but slightly converging facets that extend over the heater igniter between the back surface and the tip of the igniter. After removing material between the annular segments the igniter is air dried and then heated in a vacuum at atmospheric pressure to approximately 900° C. in order to burn off the organic binder. The ceramic is then held in an inert atmosphere and heated to a temperature of 1600° C.

Abstract: Ceramic igniters are provided that comprise at least three zones of differing electrical resistance, preferably in sequence a first conductive zone of relatively low resistance, a power booster or enhancement zone of intermediate resistance, and a further hot or ignition zone of high resistance. Igniters of the invention can provide extremely high speeds (low time-to-temperature).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the creation, placement and control of an area of electrical ionization within an internal combustion engine combustion chamber or a fuel burner for a furnace is disclosed. A furnace includes a fuel source, a fuel burner, a plasma nozzle and igniter assembly, and the associated housing and flue structures. The plasma nozzle and igniter assembly is arranged so that the fuel sprayed out from the nozzle into the combustion area passes through or in close proximity to the area of plasma ionization. A fuel burner equipped with this electrical ionization device has its fuel efficiency enhanced by the complete and immediate combustion of substantially all of the fuel that passes through the area of plasma ionization. Exhaust gas recirculation using this system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An igniter for igniting combustible gases in a hot zone, such as in a solid oxide fuel cell, comprising a subassembly including an electrical resistance heating tip comprising SiC, metal leadframe clips formed of a nickel-based superalloy and attached to the heating tip, wire leads formed of a nickel-chromium alloy and connected to the leadframe clips for supplying electric current to the heating tip, and a nickel-based braze alloy comprising palladium and cobalt for connecting the leadframe clips to the heating tip and to the wire leads; an alumina ceramic body for receiving the brazed subassembly; and a potting compound comprising zirconia for potting the subassembly into the alumina ceramic body.

Abstract: A sheath heater for a glow plug comprises a sheath tube having a closed front end portion, and an open rear end portion. An insulating powder is charged into a gap between the sheath tube and a heat-generating resistor disposed within the sheath tube. A seal member includes an expanded portion extending radially outwardly from an outer circumference of the seal member, and a non-expanded portion of a smaller outside diameter than the expanded portion and formed on the outer circumference of the seal member at least at a leading end of the seal member. The seal member is fitted into the open rear end portion of the sheath tube such that the leading end enters the sheath tube first. The sheath tube is deformed radially inwardly around the seal member for sealing the heat-generating resistor and the insulating powder contained in the sheath tube.

Abstract: A configuration in which fixing is performed by inserting a rear end of a lead shaft member into an attachment hole of an external terminal at the rear of a glow plug and crimping an outer peripheral face of the external terminal. The outer peripheral face of a crimp formation region (78) of the external terminal (70) having a polygonal cross section is formed into a crimped portion (79) provided by round crimping toward a circle, and the external terminal (70) is fixed to the rear end (55) of the lead shaft member (50). Due to the configuration obtained from the round crimping of the polygon, plating breaks and the like are not easily produced in the plating layer on the surface of the external terminal.

Abstract: An axial resistance sheathed heater is presented. The axial resistance sheathed heater includes a retaining sheath having a first end and a second end and a resistance wire completely disposed within the retaining sheath. The heater further includes a first conductor rod partially disposed within the retaining sheath and extending beyond the first end of the retaining sheath, the first conductor rod in direct electrical communication and direct mechanical communication with the resistance wire; and a second conductor rod partially disposed within said retaining sheath and extending beyond the second end of the retaining sheath, the second conductor rod in direct electrical communication and direct mechanical communication with the resistance wire. The resistance wire, the first conductor rod and the second conductor rod comprise a circuit achieving a power to voltage rating of about 5000:24.

Abstract: An ignition source system for an exothermic reaction mold device for welding conductors. The system includes a crucible in a block with an open top so that the crucible receives an exothermic weld material. The conductors to be welded exothermically are placed in the weld cavity of the mold. A lid covers the open top wherein the lid has an opening therethrough. An electronic thermal igniter assembly has an ignition component receivable through the opening in the lid so that the exothermic weld material may be ignited by the electronic thermal igniter assembly. The igniter plug rests on top of the lid and the ignition body is retained in a recess within the igniter plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glow plug comprising a housing (1), a glow element (2) which extends out of the housing (1), a supply lead (4) which is connected to the glow element (2) via a contact spring (5) and is enclosed by the housing (1). According to the invention, the contact spring (5) is a sleeve having at least one slit (6) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the sleeve.

Abstract: A glow plug has a heater probe that can be axially misaligned relative to a central axis of an outer metal shell and of a center electrode and thereafter return automatically to its axially aligned configuration with the central axis. The outer shell has a through bore extending along the central axis. The center electrode is received in the though bore and extends along the central axis. The heater probe is attached in electrical communication with the center electrode in the through bore and extends along the central axis axially outwardly from a distal end of the shell. An annular flex joint provides the sole source of attachment of the outer shell to the heater probe via one end of the flex joint being attached to the outer shell adjacent the distal end and another end of the flex joint being attached to the heater probe.

Abstract: An improved ignitor plug for igniting fuel in a combustion chamber and a smart fuel supply system for ignitor plug applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glow plug comprising a housing, a ceramic pencil-type glow element which projects from the housing with a first end and is arranged inside the housing with a second end, a feed line which is arranged in the housing and leads to the pencil-type glow element, and a sleeve-type element which surrounds a section of the pencil-type glow element projecting from the housing. The invention is characterized in that the pencil-type glow element has a section surrounded by the housing which section tapers towards the second end, the pencil-type glow element is encircled by a contact element in the housing, which contact element has a section that narrows towards the second end of the pencil-type glow element, said narrowing section encircling at least a subsection of the tapered section of the pencil-type glow element. The invention further relates to a method for producing said glow plug.

Abstract: A glow plug for a combustion chamber of a self-igniting internal combustion engine has a ceramic heating element designed as a sheathed-element glow plug, which is surrounded by a supporting tube. The ceramic heating element is sealed with respect to the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine by a seal in the supporting tube. The seal is designed as a sealing element made of an FeNi alloy having an Invar effect.

Abstract: A glow tube, in particular for a sheathed-element glow plug. The glow tube, which has a dome-shaped, closed end section (27) and a cylindrical, open end section (28), is composed of at least two axially serially disposed glow tube parts. The one glow tube part is formed at the closed end section (27) by a seamless glow tube cap (31), and the other glow tube part is formed at the open end section (28) by a substantially cylindrical glow tube extension (32).

Abstract: A backup water heater for installation downstream of a water outlet of a thermosiphon solar water heater includes a corrosion resistant tank having a fin heat exchanger. A burner is supplied with gas from a gas feed valve system that includes at least one electrovalve connected to a cast body configured. A bimetallic temperature detector is disposed to detect the temperature of water in the tank, and a flow detector is disposed so as to activated by water flow through the tank. A first spark plug ignites the burner, and a second spark plug positioned to detect current changes in the first spark plug generated by ionization effect after the burner is ignited. An electronic controller is in operative communication with the various components to send a current to the first spark plug upon detection of a low setpoint temperature from the temperature detector and a detected setpoint flow from the flow detector.

Abstract: A water heater with an ionized ignition system includes an electronic controller in operative communication with a burner electrovalve, temperature detector, flow detector, and first and second spark plugs. The electronic controller is configured to ignite the water heater burner when a temperature detected by the temperature detector is less than (by preset margin) a desired water temperature input to the electronic controller by a user, and a). upon a flow demand signal from said flow detector, b). according to a time schedule input to said electronic controller; or c). when a remote control is actuated by the user.

Abstract: A ceramic heater comprising a ceramic body, a heat generating resistor buried in the ceramic body, an electrode pad that is electrically connected to the heat generating resistor and is formed on the surface of the ceramic body and a lead member bonded onto the electrode pad.

Abstract: A ceramic heater (12) includes a substrate (60) and a resistor element (30) buried in the substrate (60). The resistor element (30) includes a heat-generating portion (33), lead portions (31), and intermediate portions (40) located between the heat-generating portions (33) and the lead portions (31). The intermediate portions (40) are formed such that, when cross sections at arbitrary two points P1 and P2 along the axis XA direction are compared, both the diameter CL of an imaginary circumscribed circle CG containing cross sections of the resistor element 30 and the total cross sectional area HS of the cross sections become small in the front end side cross section as compared with those in the rear end side cross section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an igniter. In one aspect, the igniter has one or more conductive electrodes made from a conductive plastic and is surrounded by a non-conductive plastic. A conductive sleeve made from conductive plastic can optionally surround the non-conductive plastic. A high voltage signal can be sent from one end of the electrode to the second end where an arc is formed between the second end of the electrode and a second electrode or the conductive sleeve. The arc can ignite combustible material in the vicinity, including potentially the non-conductive sleeve.

Abstract: The protrusion 16 is formed on one end face of the ceramic member 11, and the positive electrode lead-out section 13a which is electrically connected to the heat generating member 12 is drawn out and exposed on the side face of the protrusion 16 at several positions, while the terminal 14 of the positive electrode lead-out fixture can be connected to each of the exposed portions.

Abstract: High sparking initiator compositions with a controlled amount of power are disclosed. The initiator compositions comprise a metal containing oxidizing agent, at least one metal reducing agent, and a non-explosive binder. Low voltage igniters that provide bidirectional plumes upon ignition are also disclosed. These igniters have a electrically resistive element positioned across a hole in a support which directs the plume. These igniters and compositions are useful in the actuation of solid fuel heating unit, in particular, sealed heating units.

Abstract: A heater resistance in particular for heating a solid part. An electric wire, and a ceramic sheath surround the wire. The sheath has a woven layer.

Abstract: The ceramic heater used in a glow plug, which is used under harsh conditions, is required to be improved in durability. The ceramic heater 11 comprising: a heating resistor 13; a first lead member 15 and a second lead member 17; a first electrode lead-out member 19 and a second electrode lead-out member 21 electrically connected, respectively, to the ends of the first and second lead member opposite to the respective ends thereof that are electrically connected to the heating resistor 13; a ceramic base 23 in which the heating resistor 13, the first lead member 15, the second lead member 17, the first electrode lead-out member 19 and the second electrode lead-out member 21 are embedded; and a first electrode 25 and a second electrode 27 that are formed on the surface of the ceramic base, wherein in the first electrode lead-out member 19 the area S1 of the connection part with the first electrode is larger than the area S2 of the connection part with the first lead member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glow plug for diesel engines, having a glow plug body comprising an external thread for threading into a threaded hole of a diesel engine, a heating rod that is displaceable in an axial direction of the glow plug body and protrudes from it, a pressure measuring device for measuring a combustion chamber pressure acting on the heating rod, and a sealing membrane disposed between the glow plug body and the heating rod. It is provided according to the invention that an annular or sleeve-shaped vibration damper composed of a perfluorelastomer is disposed between the glow plug body and the heating rod for damping radial oscillations of the heating rod.

Abstract: A glow plug, in particular for use in an internal combustion engine. The glow plug includes at least one heating body and at least one housing. The heating body has at least one first terminal contact extending from a base body of the heating body into a housing. The glow plug also has a second terminal contact extending at least partially within the housing. At least one contacting element having at least one opening is provided inside the housing, the first terminal contact and the second terminal contact being introduced into the opening from opposite sides and being electrically connected.

Abstract: The protrusion 16 is formed on one end face of the ceramic member 11, and the positive electrode lead-out section 13a which is electrically connected to the heat generating member 12 is drawn out and exposed on the side face of the protrusion 16 at several positions, while the terminal 14 of the positive electrode lead-out fixture can be connected to each of the exposed portions.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for operating glow plugs in a diesel engine that comprises a housing and a heater element projecting beyond that housing which interacts with an engine control unit and a glow plug control unit which, following a preheating phase, controls the electric power supplied to the glow plugs in dependence on an input received from the engine control unit. According to the invention it is provided that the engine control unit determines a value representative of a temperature that is to be reached at the heater element and the engine control unit transmits that value as target value to the glow plug control unit which converts that target value using an algorithm stored in the glow plug control unit and taking into account the characteristic values stored in the glow plug control unit.

Abstract: The ceramic heater comprises a heating resistor that includes opposing portions disposed side by side, a pair of lead members connected to ends of the heating resistor, and a ceramic base in which the heating resistor and the lead members are embedded, wherein a high heat conductivity member that has a heat conductivity higher than that of the ceramic base is disposed between the opposing portions in the ceramic base.

Abstract: A pressure pickup heating bar, in particular for a pressure pickup glow plug, having an electrical heating element (1) and a pressure sensor (3) onto which the pressure present at the heating bar (1) is transmitted. The heating bar has a support tube (2) which encompasses the heating element (1) on the outside with an axial pretension. A pressure sensor (3) is arranged between the heating element (1) and the support tube (2) and is subjected to pressure that is present on the heating bar.

Abstract: A glow plug including a tubular body with elements for fixing it into a bore, an intermediate tubular part arranged inside the tubular body, a finger disposed inside the intermediate tubular part with a heating electrode, and a pressure sensor connected to the intermediate tubular part, wherein a face of the sensor facing the finger is pressed thereto.

Abstract: A method for producing a ceramic heater includes performing firing at 1,600° C. to 1,750° C. in a state in which front and back surfaces of an inner shaped body 32 composed of low-temperature sinterable raw material powder containing aluminum nitride powder as a main component and 0.03% to 1% by weight of rare earth oxide powder are sandwiched between a pair of outer layers 30 composed of aluminum nitride sintered bodies having a volume resistivity of 1015 ?cm or more through resistive heating elements 14 and 16 composed of metal meshes, thereby obtaining a ceramic heater 10.

Abstract: A heating plate for a hair straightening iron and a method for its manufacture are provided. The heating plate consists of a case comprising two laminates made of insulating ceramic material; one of them holds a band made of electrical conductor material with outer connections, while one of the laminates has a surface coated with a polished layer of material; the case of the heating plate has features to adapt to the base structure of the iron. The manufacturing process comprises: 1) preparing a ceramic powder which comprises the milling of dispersants and adding solvents, mixing with a binding agent and adding plasticizer to control viscosity of the result, 2) moulding and corresponding drying; 3) cuffing plates and screen-printing the resistor; 4) laminating the whole by pressure and cutting; 5) burning the binding agent and sintering; and 6) welding contact terminals, and coating with a polished layer.

Abstract: New methods are provided for manufacture ceramic resistive igniter elements that include injection molding of one or more layers of the formed element. Ceramic igniters also are provided that are obtainable from fabrication methods of the invention.

Abstract: A ceramic glow plug which prevents the occurrence of damage on a small diameter portion formed on a rear end portion of a ceramic heater fixed in a metallic outer sleeve. The rear end portion of the ceramic heater is positioned inside the metallic outer sleeve, and the small diameter portion is formed on the rear end portion. The rear-end small diameter portion of the ceramic heater is connected to an electrode lead-out member for taking out a positive electrode of a heat generating material. Granulated powder (alumina, for example) made of inorganic insulating material is filled in around a connecting portion of the ceramic heater in the metallic outer tube and the electrode lead-out-wire, and in addition, an insulating material is sealed outside the granulated powder. Thereafter, swaging is performed to bring the insulating material into a highly dense state thus fixing the electrode lead-out wire and an electrode lead-out rod in the metallic outer sleeve.

Abstract: The gas engine for burning a gaseous fuel-air mixture includes a combustion chamber containing the gaseous fuel-air mixture, at least one ignition device projecting into the combustion chamber to ignite the gaseous fuel-air mixture and having a heating device serving as an ignition source, and a mounting unit separating the heating device from the fuel-air mixture to be ignited. The mounting unit includes a heatable section in contact with the fuel-air mixture to be ignited, and the heating device is designed to heat the heatable section in such a way that the heatable section has a temperature required to ignite the fuel-air mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for igniting an aluminothermic composition, characterized in that it comprises an electric resistor for connecting two electrodes and to be supplied by an electric current source of in order to generate heat by a Joule effect, said electric resistor being exposed to a medium comprising oxygen and carbon so that the temperature rise of the medium by the resistor results in the formation of carbon monoxide, and then in an exothermal reaction of the latter with oxygen, thus generating a flame capable of igniting of the aluminothermic composition.