Abstract: Solid-fueled torches, wherein the metallic material of a thermal lance provides the solid fuel for the torch flame, are ignited by a substantially self-contained igniter not requiring any source of electrical energy. These torches are particularly well-suited for specialized types of manual on-site cutting or welding. The igniter is designed to be activated by sudden exposure of a pyrophoric material (disposed within the sealed interior of the igniter) to a flow of substantially pure oxygen. The igniter can be either pre-attached to an ignitable tip of the thermal lance, followed by activation (the oxygen gas flows through the interior of the lance), or simply placed on a firm surface so that an ignitable tip of the thermal lance can be used to break the seal on the igniter and thereby introduce the flow of oxygen into the interior of the igniter.

Abstract: Pyrophorically activated surfaces of metal foil or screen, prepared by diffusing into surface a selectably removable second metal that is then selectively removed as by leaching, can be covered with reactive or inert materials. Reactive materials such as easily ignited metals or carbon or decomposable chemicals increase the heat generated by pyrophoric action. Inert materials slow down or prevent pyrophoric action. Pressure-sensitive adhesive tape in which the adhesive is of the non-transfer or transfer types can be adhered to pyrophorically activated surfaces to slow down action or to adhere material that reduces or increases severity of pyrophoric action. Pyrophoric Ni can be preserved for many months in alkaline solutions such as aqueous KOH, NaOH and triethanolamine. Pyrophoric Fe is prepared and preserved in aqueous alkaline stannite. Even better preservation is obtained for Ni and Fe with glycerine, ethylene glycol, triethanolamine and propylene oxide.

Abstract: A new and improved thermal torch or lance useful in boring, cutting, burning, and the like, of hard base materials having a metal burner pipe with fusible wire or rod-like elements therein forming gas passages therebetween. The wire or rod-like elements are surface-pitted by oxidation or other means to cause turbulence within the transient gaseous oxygen stream caused to pass through the torch assembly is heated at the outlet end of the torch to cause an effectively concentrated thermic reaction with the metallic burner pipe and the associated rod-like elements. The result is an exceptionally efficient cutting temperature.

Abstract: An exothermic cutting electrode or burning bar having an oxidizable metal fluid conduit (tube) surrounded by a mass of metal similar to that of the fluid tube, the entire structure covered with an outer oxidizable metallic tube and/or an electrically insulating water impervious cover, either end of the electrode being adapted for connection to a source of oxidizing fluid and electric current, so that, an arc can be struck between a workpiece and the free end of the electrode to produce a cutting flame. By proper selection of the type and mass of the materials of construction the electrode will burn after the electric current has been turned off.

Abstract: A cutting torch arrangement is disclosed, including a thermal bar having a metal burner pipe with rod-like metal elements therein and gas passageways formed between these elements. A shroud/shield is disposed around the thermal bar, with an open shroud/shield end laterally spaced from the thermal bar. A spring-biased feeder assembly and shroud/shield biasing assembly is provided for yieldably urging the thermal bar forward within the shroud/shield and for retaining the shroud/shield against a target. A cluster arrangement of thermal bars is also provided.