Abstract:
A system for performing exothermic operations or oxygen delivery uses a rod and handle configuration to create a flowpath of oxygen. The rod includes cables having stainless steel fibers that burn using the oxygen within a hollow center area. While burning, the rod cuts through material. A sheath covers the covers to contain the gases and prevent unraveling of the cables. The handle attaches to the rod and provides control of the flow of oxygen to the rod. A manifold fixing in place bottles of oxygen connects to the handle and can be fixed to provide different mixtures from different bottles. The rod is disconnected when needed to fix a mask thereto for delivering breathable oxygen to a patient.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/268,987, filed on Sep. 19, 2016 by the inventors herein, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/718,371, filed on May 21, 2015 and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,446,468 issued on Sep. 20, 2016, which application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/779,950, filed on Feb. 28, 2013 and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,056,362 issued on Jun. 16, 2015, which application is based upon and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/604,750 filed on Feb. 29, 2012. The specifications of each of the foregoing are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a system and associated devices that use oxygen for torching operations or any oxygen delivery to a user. More particularly, the present invention relates to silent entry torching system and associated exothermic torch devices that incorporate an improved configuration to deliver the oxygen to a torch, user and the like. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Exothermic torches may be used by military, police, fire fighter and rescue personnel to remove metal barriers found in a variety of environments. For example, an exothermic torch may be used to remove or cut into a door that is locked in order to rescue someone injured inside the room. An exothermic torch produces extremely high temperatures using the device to then melt, burn or decimate the barrier. Use of such tools is expedient when other alternatives are infeasible or unavailable. 
     A torch uses oxygen to produce the thermal properties needed for exothermic cutting. Oxygen is supplied using an oxygen regulator and an oxygen hose attached to an oxygen cylinder. Conventional torch systems use a battery to ignite the cutting rod. These batteries usually need to supply a high amperage signal or a 12-volt/24-volt DC capability to ignite the torch, which may result in quicker breakdown on the cable. 
     Hoses suffering from overuse or damage may decrease the pressure needed for exothermic operations. Low pressure may cause the hose to burn from the inside and pose dangers to users. Further, a hose needs to remain unobstructed for proper use. Cables or rods that break down easily are not effective. Further, the delivery of oxygen needs to be continuous and kept at the appropriate pressure to prevent leaks and the like. 
     Conventional torching devices may use a magnesium core to fuel the burning of the rod. The magnesium core is hazardous to ship, and must be handled with caution. Special containers, instructions and the like accompany these devices. The ignition devices used also are inconvenient to ship and use. Conventional rods using magnesium materials ignite with pyrophoric igniters, which themselves may be hazardous materials. Because of the danger posed by these devices, a safety pin or other item is used to prevent ignition. The pin must be removed prior to use, which can be inconvenient. Further, the pin may come loose during shipping. If the pin is configured to be added before ignition, then this poses additional problems if the pin is missing. 
     Moreover, the magnesium core is sensitive to the environment, and degrades over time. The degradation produces dud cables or rods that will not ignite during torching operations. For example, if 1000 rods are shipped, then up to 25% of the rods end up as duds. The number of duds increases costs and possibly endangers personnel or others because the rods do not work. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A silent entry torching assembly provides a torching rod that burns quietly to cut through materials, debris, walls, and the like. Unlike a conventional torching assembly, a silent one may be used without undue noise or an increased potential for harm. The disclosed silent entry torching system may perform these actions with a reduced need for special materials or equipment. The disclosed system may fit into a backpack worn by the user. This feature is especially important for movement within confined areas, such as buildings. The silent entry torching system burns the torching rod to cut through materials. 
     The disclosed system includes a torching rod having a unique configuration along with a handle that provides the features to utilize the rod. The handle creates the flowpath of oxygen into the torching rod. The handle may be comprised of materials readily available for replacement. The handle also may detach from the torching rod when needed. 
     The system can perform exothermic or oxygen delivery operations. The torching rod may be removed from the handle, and a mask coupled thereto. Oxygen from the bottle or bottles fixed to a manifold flows to the handle and into the mask so that personnel may deliver clean, breathable oxygen within an unsafe environment. For example, the disclosed system may burn a rod to cut through a wall within a burning building. Once through the wall, the rod is removed and a mask coupled to the handle. The operator presses the handle to allow oxygen to flow to a victim of the fire. Thus, the need to carry two oxygen delivery systems is eliminated. 
     According to embodiments of the present invention, a torching rod for use in exothermic operations is disclosed. The torching rod includes a plurality of cables having stainless steel fibers configured to burn during an exothermic operation. The plurality of cables surrounds a hollow center portion within the torching rod. The torching rod also includes a flowpath formed by the hollow center portion for oxygen to burn the stainless steel fibers. The torching rod also includes a sheath to enclose the plurality of cables and the hollow center area. 
     A handle device for use with a torching rod system in exothermic operations also is disclosed. The handle device includes a handle body having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet receives a flow of oxygen. The outlet couples with the torching rod to create a flowpath of oxygen into the torching rod. The handle device also includes a valve to set the flow of oxygen to the outlet to a specific pressure. The handle device also includes a handle cover adjacent to the inlet. The handle device also includes a flashback arrestor to couple with the inlet and integrated into the handle. 
     A torching system for exothermic operations also is disclosed. The torching system includes a rod. The rod includes a plurality of cables having stainless steel fibers configured to burn during an exothermic operation. The plurality of cables surrounds a hollow center area within the rod. The rod also includes a flowpath formed by the hollow center portion for oxygen to burn the stainless steel fibers. The rod also includes a sheath to enclose the plurality of cables and the hollow center portion. The torching system also includes a handle device to connect to the rod. The handle device includes a handle body having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the handle devices receives a flow of oxygen. The outlet of the handle device couples with the rod to create the flowpath of oxygen into the rod. The handle device includes a valve to adjust the flow of oxygen to the outlet. The inlet is configured at about a 90 degree angle from the rod. The torching system also includes a bottle containing oxygen to generate the flowpath of oxygen to the handle device. 
     A torching rod for use in exothermic operations is disclosed. The torching rod includes a plurality of cables configured to burn during an exothermic operation. The plurality of cables surrounds a hollow center portion within the torching rod. The torching rod also includes a flowpath formed by the hollow center portion for oxygen to burn the plurality of cables. The torching rod also includes a sheath to enclose the plurality of cables and the hollow center portion. The torching rod also includes an ignition source at a first end of the rod to ignite the oxygen in the flowpath. The ignition source includes steel wool. 
     A handle device for use with a torching rod system in exothermic operations is disclosed. The handle device includes a handle body having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet receives a flow of pressurized oxygen. The outlet couples with a torching rod to create a flowpath of the pressurized oxygen into the torching rod. The handle device also includes a quick disconnect fitting coupled to the outlet and the torching rod. The handle device also includes a valve to open and close the flow of the pressurized oxygen to the outlet. The handle device also includes a handle cover adjacent to the inlet. The handle device also includes a flashback arrestor to couple the inlet and integrated into the handle. 
     A torching rod for use in exothermic operations is disclosed. The torching rod includes a plurality of cables configured to burn during an exothermic operation. The plurality of cables surrounds a hollow center portion. The torching rod also includes a flowpath formed by the hollow center portion for oxygen to burn the plurality of cables. The torching rod also includes a sheath to enclose the plurality of cables and the hollow center portion. The torching rod also includes a first end having a connector. The connector is receivable by a quick disconnect fitting. 
     A torching rod for use in exothermic operations is disclosed. The torching rod includes a plurality of cables configured to burn during an exothermic operation. The plurality of cables surrounds a hollow center portion. The torching rod includes a flowpath formed by the hollow center portion for oxygen to burn the plurality of cables. The torching rod also includes a sheath to enclose the plurality of cables and the hollow center portion. The torching rod also includes an ignition source at a first end of the rod to ignite oxygen in the flowpath. The torching rod also includes a second end of the rod having a connector. The connector is receivable by a quick disconnect fitting. 
     A method for performing exothermic operations is disclosed. The method includes creating a flowpath of oxygen within a rod. The flowpath is surrounded by a plurality of cables having stainless steel fibers. The method also includes igniting the oxygen within the flowpath. The method also includes burning the stainless steel fibers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the below description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of a torching rod having a plurality of cables according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the stainless steel fibers comprising the plurality of cables according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an ignition source for the torching rod according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a side view of a torching rod according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a cutaway view of the torching rod along line A-A in  FIG. 4A  according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a handle device for an oxygen delivery/torching rod system according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a disassembled handle device according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an oxygen delivery/torching rod system according to the disclosed embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of the oxygen delivery/torching rod system according to the disclosed embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in the drawings. Alternate embodiments of the present invention and their equivalents are shown without parting from the spirit or scope disclosed herein. It should be noted that, where applicable, like elements disclosed below are indicated by like reference numerals. 
     The present invention includes a cable or rod assembly for use as an oxygen supply system for exothermic torches and devices. Preferably, the disclosed assembly is a long flexible cable or rod that provides oxygen with sufficient pressure and without obstruction. While oxygen is flowing through the cable, it may be ignited using a much lower voltage or amperage than known exothermic torches. For example, a 9 volt battery may be used for ignition. A consumable electrode of stainless steel fibers provides the fuel for the torching, or exothermic, operations. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a front view of a torching rod  100  having a plurality of cables  102  according to the disclosed embodiments. Torching rod  100  also may be known as a cable. Rod may be used to denote a rigid embodiment while cable may be used to denote a flexible embodiment. Rod, however, may be bendable with an adequate applied to the rod. Torching rod  100  includes a multi-strand configuration that provides better performance than conventional metal rods. 
     Torching rod  100  includes a sheath  102  that provides the outer covering of the rod. Sheath  102  serves to keep the components and air within rod  100  from unraveling or escaping. Sheath  102  shown in  FIG. 1  is a flexible sheath made of plastic material that allows torching rod  100  to bend or be shaped. 
     Torching rod  100  also includes a plurality of cables  104 . Cables  104  may form a circular pattern, as shown in  FIG. 1 . A hollow center portion forms a flowpath  106  for oxygen within torching rod  100 . The oxygen flows through rod  100  without blockage. This feature may be especially important if rod  100  is bent or shaped. Conventional rods may not have a hollow center portion, which can be blocked during exothermic operation, which causes harm to a user. Flowpath  106  delivers oxygen under most conditions though air having other elements may be delivered. 
     The pressure of the oxygen flowing through torching rod  100  may be set to a range from 70 pounds per square inch (psi) to 130 psi. Thus, flowpath  106  may be a pressurized flowpath. More preferably, the range for oxygen pressure may be 90 psi to 100 psi. This range increases cutting performance of torching rod  100  so that it burns faster. Pressures within this range give the highest performance for the length of cut compared to the volume of oxygen consumed. This precise setting results in at least a 20% increase of cutting performance. 
       FIG. 2  depicts another view of torching rod  100  with stainless steel fibers  202  comprising plurality of cables  104  according to the disclosed embodiments. Stainless steel fibers  202  comprise the multi-strand configuration. The fibers encircle with each other to form each cable  104 . Fibers  202  may be comprised of high tensile wires that provide superior flexibility over conventional metal rods. Further, the stainless steel of fibers  202  burns in a safer manner than conventional magnesium rods. Stainless steel fibers  202  may be transported without the need for hazardous alerts or containers, and do not degrade over time. Thus, transportation costs may be lowered using torching rod  100 . 
     Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a special blend of stainless steel fibers  202  that promote burning during exothermic operations. The oxygen within flowpath  106  may burn, or oxidize, fibers  202  at a pressure between 70 psi and 130 psi. Upon completion of exothermic burning, torching rod  100  may be set aside for future use. Nothing flammable is present when the oxygen flow stops as stainless steel is not combustible on its own. Stainless steel also will not contaminate its surrounding environment. The stainless steel may be handled safely shortly after completion of the burning process. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , plurality of cables  104  may encircle each other to weave in a pattern. The disclosed weave may interlace the cables together for a snug or tight fit but allow for the burning to be promoted as the torching rod melts. This pattern also promotes burning of fibers  202  and prevents unraveling. Long, straight magnesium cable rods do not provide this feature. Moreover, plurality of cables  104  may be coated with an ultraviolet inhibitor or stable jacketing. This feature further protects fibers  202  from deterioration or harm from environmental factors, such as sunlight or rain. 
     Torching rod  100  shown in  FIG. 2  also includes a rigid or metallic sheath  102 . Sheath  102  may be rigid when desired, especially when poked through holes for burning away walls or debris. In any embodiment, sheath  102  may burn away as cables  104  cut through materials. In some embodiments, sheath  102  is comprised of metal that is bendable when force is applied against it. This feature is disclosed in greater detail below. 
       FIG. 3  depicts an ignition source for torching rod  100  according to the disclosed embodiments.  FIG. 3  shows an end of rod  100  that is directed away from the oxygen delivery source and ignited to commence burning operations. The ignition source includes steel wool  302 . Steel wool  302 , like fibers  202 , may be transported without the need for special packaging or hazardous containers. Steel wool  302  may be placed in tip cover  304 , which encloses a tip of rod  100 . Other materials also may be used to ignite the oxygen, and the disclosed embodiments are not limited to steel wool. A part of tip cover  304  may be removed to expose the material for igniting rod  100 . In other embodiments, tip cover  304  attaches to rod  100  and burns with the rod. 
     Unlike conventional rods that use magnesium cables, rod  100  may be ignited simply using ignition source  304  with a reduced chance of harm to an operator. Further, steel wool  302  may be replaced easily and cheaply, if needed. Steel wool  302  also may avoid the negative effects of environmental factors, such as heat or cold. Once ignited, steel wool  302  may be burn easily and without the potential for harm to the operator. This process may avoid harmful fumes. 
     Battery  306  is placed against steel wool  302  to ignite the oxygen within flowpath  106 . Preferably, battery  306  is a 9 volt battery, but other batteries and ignition sources may be used. The ignition is performed using the electric arc created by the terminals of battery  306 . Battery  306  is preferred over other ignition mechanisms, such as open flames, as it will not ignite the oxygen if it flows out of rod  100 . This prevents accidents. Moreover, it also can be transported conveniently and without the need for hazardous containers or pyrophoric igniters. Conventional torching systems may require large batteries to ignite a rod, which can be bulky and hard to transport. Battery  306  is small and can be used quickly without the need for removal or insertion of safety pins or other fail-safe devices. In this embodiment, a 9 volt battery may sit for a long time without serious degradation. Replacement of battery  306  also is simple and easy. 
       FIG. 4A  depicts a side view of rod  100  according to the disclosed embodiments.  FIG. 4B  depicts a cutaway view of rod  100  according to the disclosed embodiments.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  also show tip cover  304  as well as connector  402 . Connector  402  may couple or connect rod  100  to a handle that delivers the oxygen to flowpath  106 , disclosed in greater detail below. Connector  402  is detachable from the handle, and configured as a threaded fitting. 
     Rod  100  may have any length, such as 2, 4, 6 or 8 feet. Further, the width and diameter of rod  100  may be any size. Preferably, a flexible cable may have a diameter of 6 millimeters to 12 millimeters while a rigid rod may have a diameter of ¼ inch to ⅜ inch. 
     The disclosed rod configuration may be used in a torch assembly or oxygen delivery system, as disclosed in greater detail below. A regulated and pressurized oxygen flow is maintained and fed through torch rod  100 . Once activated, the flames consume the oxygen and part of the rod. An operator then may use torch rod  100  to cut or pierce a material. 
     Torch rod  100  may be held at a 90 degree angle from the hand of the operator to provide a pierce point for the material being cut. Torch rod  100  provides a cutting tool in which oxygen flow may be regulated as desired. For cutting or burning, the disclosed rod is placed against the material at an angle, and moved in the direction of the intended cut. Oxygen is delivered via the disclosed system and handle. Alternatively, torch rod  100  may be placed against the material for gouging. The flexibility and increased capabilities of the disclosed configuration, especially the hollow center and stainless steel fibers, allow these functions to be performed more efficiently with less likelihood of breakage or disruption. 
     As shown, rod  100  includes an ignition source at a first end  490 . The ignition source preferably is steel wool  302  attached to first end  490  by tip cover  304 . Rod  100  also includes connector  402  at a second end  492 . Air, preferably oxygen, flows within flowpath  106  from second end  492  to first end  490 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , connector  402  includes a hollow center portion  406  that introduces air into flowpath  106  from handle  500 , disclosed in greater detail below. 
     Connector  402  includes a shape that facilitates coupling to quick disconnect  605 , disclosed below. Quick disconnect  605  may be part of handle  500  disclosed in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Connector  402  is inserted into quick disconnect  605  up to flat portion  420 . Flat portion  420  prevents rod  100  from being inserted into quick disconnect  605  too far and provides stability while connected to handle  500 . Connector  402  also includes indented portion  418  that allows quick disconnect  605  to engage the connector. To remove rod  500  from quick disconnect  605 , it is disengaged from indented portion  418 . 
     Connector  402  fits into rod  100 . A portion of connector  402  is inserted into second end  492  of rod  100 . Thus, part of rod  100  is crimped, shown as crimped portion  422 , to secure connector  402 . Crimped portion  422  is pressed onto the part of connector  402  that fits into rod  100 . Silicone O-ring  424  also helps secure connector  402  into rod  100 . Rod  100  also includes crimped portion  426  to secure cables  104  into place. Crimped portion  426  may be located about 3 inches from the end of rod  100  at second end  492 . 
     First end  490  includes the ignition source that starts rod  100  burning. As noted above, the ignition source includes steel wool  302 . Steel wool  302  is wound densely and tightly around first end  490 . Tip cover  304  holds steel wool  302  in place. In some embodiments, cables  104  protrude slighting from rod  100 . Thus, cables  104  may have a protruding portion  428  that extends outward from rod  100  into steel wool  302 . Preferably, the length of protruding portion  428  may be about 0.625 inches. Protruding portion  428  is ignited using battery  306  and steel wool  302 . In some embodiments, protruding portion  428  includes a frayed end. Tip cover  304  tightly encompasses steel wool and first end  490 . Tip cover  304  may be heat shrunk to tip cover  304  with an adhesive lining. Tip cover  304  prevents steel wool from becoming unraveled or falling out. This feature may be important during operations with little to no light as the operator does not need to place steel wool  302  at first end  490  for ignition. 
     Rod  100  may be bendable when a force is applied against it. This feature allows rod  100  to be shaped to fit into a hole or crack, for example, in a wall or structure. The ignition source is activated for torching operations and rod  100  burns along its shape. Sheath  102 , therefore, may comprise bendable metallic material. Preferably, rod  100  may be bent using hands so that the rod has support and structure but still bendable in the field. As noted above, sheath  102  also may be flexible. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a handle  500  for an oxygen delivery/torching rod system according to the disclosed embodiments.  FIG. 6  depicts a disassembled handle  500  according to the disclosed embodiments. Handle  500  also may be known as a handle device. Handle  500  receives torching rod  100  and provides oxygen flow  502  to flowpath  106  to enable exothermic operations. Handle  500  also stops oxygen flow  502  to stop exothermic operations. Handle  500  performs these actions with better reliability and efficiency than conventional handles. Handle  500  also enables torching rod  100  to have a flowpath  106  with oxygen flowing freely and without disruption. In other words, a stream of oxygen is delivered when needed, and cut off when not. 
     Handle  500  includes handle body  602 . Handle body  602  includes an inlet  603  and an outlet  604 . Inlet  603  introduces the oxygen flow into handle body  602  while outlet  604  expels it to torching rod  100 . Preferably, outlet  604  is configured to be perpendicular to an axis for inlet  603 . In other words, there is a 90 degree angle change in the flow of oxygen from inlet  603  out to torching rod  100 . This configuration is more convenient and useable, and allow for positioning of torching rod  100 . Handle body  602  may be comprised of brass, or other suitable metal. 
     Handle  500  connects handle body  602  to torching rod  100  using quick disconnect fitting  605 . Quick disconnect fitting  605  fits into inlet  604 , preferably using a threaded configuration. Quick disconnect fitting  605  includes a spring-loaded mechanism to release torching rod  100  quickly. An operator may pull back a portion of quick disconnect fitting  605  when rod  100  burns down far enough or needs replacing without having to grab or press anything. Further, this action may be accomplished using one hand. Quick disconnect fitting  605  receives connector  402 , disclosed above. 
     Torch handle  606  connects to handle body  602  using pin  608 . When pressed into handle  500 , torch handle  606  allows oxygen to flow through handle body  602 . Pin  608  blocks the flow of oxygen while torch handle  606  is not pressed. This configuration allows an operator to commence oxygen flow with one hand and stop it simply by releasing pressure on torch handle  606 . 
     Valve  612  is coupled to handle body  602  to set the oxygen flow at the prescribed pressure. Preferably, valve  612  is a quarter-turn valve that is placed into aperture  611 . Aperture  611  may be a hole that extends to the other side of handle body  602 . Valve  612 , therefore, may extend through the width of handle body  602 . O-ring  610  engages valve  612  against handle body  602 . Using this configuration, valve  612  may be placed on either side of handle body  602 , thereby allowing right and left-handed adjustment of oxygen flow. Handle  500  can be used with either hand. An operator may turn valve  612  as needed to turn on and off the flow of oxygen. A pin may be used to keep valve  612  in place. 
     In some embodiments, when valve  612  is turned on, air does not flow out of handle  500  until rod  100  is coupled to quick disconnect fitting  605 . Connector  402  engages with quick disconnect fitting  605  to release the air into rod  100 . A portion of quick disconnect fitting  605  may be pushed towards handle  500  by the end of connector  402  to form flowpath  106 . This feature prevents air from escaping from handle  500  until rod  100  is attached. It also prevents excess noise coming from handle  500  until rod  100  is ready for ignition. 
     Flashback arrestor  616  is coupled to inlet  603  with pipe  614 . Pipe  614  may be threaded to receive both parts and includes a hollow portion to allow the flow of oxygen into inlet  603 . Flashback arrestor  616  is used to prevent a flame or other dangerous condition from moving out of handle  500  to a bottle of oxygen connected thereto. Thus, if rod  100  burns down and the flame consuming it reaches handle  500 , then flashback arrestor  616  shuts off oxygen flow to prevent the bottle from exploding, thereby injuring the operator. 
     Handle  500  also includes hose barb adapter  618  coupled to flashback arrestor  616 . Adapter  618  may be coupled to a hose or tube from the bottles within the oxygen delivery/torching system, disclosed in greater detail below. Handle cover  620  encloses these lower parts of handle  500 . Preferably, handle cover  620  is comprised of rubber and covers flashback arrestor  616 . Handle cover  620  hides these parts and protects them from damage. An exposed flashback arrestor  616  may be subject to damage or environmental factors, and handle cover  620  helps prevent that. Further, the operator can hold the entire assembly comfortably and with an increased range of motion. 
     Thus, when torching rod  100  is attached to quick disconnect fitting  605 , handle  500  may be engaged to deliver oxygen flow to rod  100 . As rod  100  burns, oxygen flow may be turned on and off using valve  612  while torch handle  606  is pressed. A release of torch handle  606  stops the flow of oxygen to rod  100 . Handle  500  places torching rod  100  at a 90 degree angle from the source of oxygen, and does not require special fittings or parts. In fact, handle  500  may replace faulty parts with standard parts. Handle  500  also fits conveniently in the palm of an operator. 
     Handle  500  and torching rod  100  may be used in an overall oxygen delivery or torching system. The other parts may store the oxygen or other materials used by these features.  FIG. 7  depicts an oxygen delivery/torching rod system  700  according to the disclosed embodiments. System  700  is a lightweight, compact oxygen delivery system that is worn by an operator and used in emergency or tactical situations to perform exothermic operations or deliver oxygen to personnel. System  700  may fit in a backpack or similar carrying bag, and may be taken off or out as needed. System  700  also uses an interchangeable configuration to allow an operator to change bottles or gases as needed. 
     System  700  includes torching rod  100  and handle  500 , as disclosed above. System  700  also includes manifold  702 . Manifold  702  is comprised of lightweight metallic material or plastic that is, preferably, worn on the back of the operator. Manifold  702  includes connectors  704  that accept bottles. The oxygen flows from the bottles into tube  710  to handle  500 . As shown, system  700  includes oxygen bottles  706 . Bottles  706  may be exchanged as desired by removing them from connectors  704 . In one embodiment, bottles  706  include oxygen specially blended for exothermic operations. 
     Bottle  708 , however, may be a bottle of breathable oxygen. Selector  709  may switch flow from one of bottles  706  to bottle  708  when one provides air to a patient. The breathable oxygen may be blended differently than the oxygen in bottles  706 . The operator adjusts selector  709  as needed. System  700  also includes tube  712  and breathing mask  714  that may attach to handle  500  much like rod  100 . Once attached, the operator may place mask  714  around a patient to provide air in smoke-filled rooms or other dangerous situations. Alternatively, handle  500  may be removed and mask  714  coupled directly to bottle  708 . 
     Thus, once assembled, system  700  provides a steady flow of oxygen from bottle  708  through tube  710  to handle  500 . Handle  500  is used to control the flow of oxygen into a rod  100  or mask  714 , as needed. Both of these features may be switched out without the need for special equipment or lengthy conversion steps. Moreover, an operator can do so quickly and without the need for additional personnel. 
     Other gases may be attached to manifold  702 , but the disclosed embodiments prefer to keep the bottles to mixtures of oxygen so as to not contaminate the flow of oxygen to handle  500 . 
     Thus, system  700  provides unique and compact options for tactical breaching or rescue operations. In exothermic cutting torch operations, the disclosed embodiments provide operators with the option of using either a rigid rod-style cutting torch or a flexible cable-style cutting torch. The configuration of the plurality of cables with the rod provides increased cutting capability. A switch between cutting options is accomplished easily with user-friendly disconnect features. Further, mask  714  may be incorporated to provide breathable air using the disconnect features. 
     System  700  comes complete with an electrical ignition option, disclosed above, for either the rigid or flexible configuration. For example, a 9 volt battery may be used to ignite the cutting rod. System  700  may be enclosed securely and protected with a padded tactical pack unit. System  700  also may be expanded, as disclosed above, to include a respiratory protection (SCBA) option to enhance the substantial breaching and rescue tool capabilities. These feature combine to make the disclosed system a smaller, lighter and more versatile tactical torch breaching and rescue system over conventional systems. 
     System  700  may have a weight of about 23 lbs, when fully loaded with both torch options and ignition systems. Dimensions preferably are a length of 20 inches, a width of 13 inches and depth of 4 inches. These dimensions make it reasonable for the average adult to carry system  700 . Other dimensions and weights may be used depending on the capacity and need for the system. 
       FIG. 8  depicts another embodiment of the oxygen delivery/torching rod system according to the disclosed embodiments. System  800  includes a single bottle  801 , as opposed to the plurality of bottles shown in  FIG. 7 . Bottle  801  also may be filled with oxygen that is delivered to a rod through handle  804 . System  800 , however, may deliver oxygen pressurized to a certain value, such as between 80 psi and 120 psi. These pressure settings help improve cutting efficiency, as disclosed above. 
     Handle  804  may connect to bottle  801  using quick disconnect fitting  808  and tube  810 . Tube  810  may be flexible or any length to accommodate handle  804 . Tube  810  attaches to regulator  812  using fitting  814 . Thus, oxygen may flow through tube  810  from bottle  801 . 
     Cylinder  802  of bottle  801  houses the oxygen. Regulator  812  is located at the top of cylinder  802 . Regulator  812  includes knob  810  to adjust the pressure of the oxygen leaving cylinder  802 . Regulator  812  may set the pressure for the oxygen used in flowpath  106 . The user may turn knob  810  to adjust pressure of the oxygen, or, alternatively, regulator  812  may be set to a specific pressure of the oxygen. As noted above, the specific pressure may be set to optimize burning of the rod. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  is smaller and lighter than the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . Further, the single bottle configuration may be more convenient to carry and use. Preferably, the weight of the single bottle embodiment may be below 18 pounds. The single bottle configuration may include a manifold or other apparatus to attach additional bottles to the single bottle. 
     Using the single bottle configuration, bulky equipment is reduced and system  800  is easier to manufacture. Further, regulation of the oxygen pressure coming from bottle  801  may be set and monitored. Regulator  812  may set the pressure to a specific value to optimize burning operations using a rod attached to handle  804 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made in the disclosed system, handle and rod without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover these modifications of the embodiments disclosed above and shown in the Figures provided that the modifications come within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. 
     Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. 
     In the foregoing and in the examples, all temperatures are set forth uncorrected in degrees Celsius and, all parts and percentages are by weight, unless otherwise indicated. 
     The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited herein and of corresponding U.S. Application No. 61/604,750, filed Feb. 29, 2012, U.S. application Ser. No. 13/779,950, filed Feb. 28, 2013 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,056,362, and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/718,371, filed May 21, 2015, are incorporated by reference herein. 
     The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described reactants and/or operating conditions of this invention for those used in the preceding examples. 
     From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions.