Patent Publication Number: US-11045890-B1

Title: Multi-fuel adapter tactical system

Description:
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/986,854 filed Apr. 30, 2014, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to a multi-fuel adapter for a cutting torch, and more particularly to a multi-fuel adapter, method of making and using the same. The invention also includes a portable system including a carrying case for use with the multi-fuel adapter. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the invention is directed to a multi-fuel adapter that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. 
     An advantage of the invention is to provide a cutting torch that can be used with a number of fuels different from conventional gasoline, e.g., fuels such as heavy fuels including kerosene, diesel, bio-diesel, JP-5, JP-8, and JP-24, and combinations of the same. 
     Another advantage of the invention is a torch system that is rugged and ready to serve for decades. 
     Another advantage of the invention is a multi-fuel adapter kit configured to convert a conventional oxygen gasoline cutting system to a multi-fuel oxygen cutting system. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
     To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a multi-fuel oxygen cutting system includes a cutting torch including a head, a body and a base, a multi-fuel adapter releasably attached to the cutting head, and a cutting tip releasably attached to the multi-fuel adapter. 
     In another aspect of the invention, multi-fuel adapter kit includes a multi-fuel adapter, a tip nut for the multi-fuel adapter, an installation wrench sized for the multi-fuel adapter, a cutting tip, a heavy fuel igniter including igniter flint cartridges, and a case. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of converting a conventional gasoline oxygen cutting torch to a multi-fuel cutting torch includes the step of obtaining a the conventional gasoline oxygen cutting torch, the step of attaching a multi-fuel adapter a head of the conventional gasoline oxygen cutting torch, and the step of attaching cutting tip to the multi-fuel adapter. 
     This Summary section is neither intended to be, nor should be, construed as being representative of the full extent and scope of the present disclosure. Additional benefits, features and embodiments of the present disclosure are set forth in the attached figures and in the description herein below, and as described by the claims. Accordingly, it should be understood that this Summary section may not contain all of the aspects and embodiments claimed herein. 
     Additionally, the disclosure herein is not meant to be limiting or restrictive in any manner. Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to provide an understanding to those of ordinary skill in the art of one or more representative embodiments supporting the claims. Thus, it is important that the claims be regarded as having a scope including constructions of various features of the present disclosure insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the methods and apparatuses consistent with the present disclosure (including the originally filed claims). Moreover, the present disclosure is intended to encompass and include obvious improvements and modifications of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary view of a cutting torch system according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates an exemplary enlarged view of the cutting torch of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates an exemplary enlarged view of the fuel tank of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the cutting head assembly of the cutting torch of  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 1E  illustrates an exemplary exploded cross-sectional view of the cutting head assembly of the cutting torch of  FIG. 1D  along line A to A′; 
         FIG. 1F  illustrates an enlarged exemplary view of the mixer body; 
         FIG. 1G  illustrates a first end view of the mixer body of  FIG. 1E ; 
         FIG. 1H  illustrates a second end view the mixer body of  FIG. 1E ; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2B  along line A to A′; 
         FIG. 2D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 2F  illustrates a thermal profile of 120 seconds according to Example 1; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3B  along line A to A′; 
         FIG. 3D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4B  along line A to A′; 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4F  illustrates a thermal profile of 120 seconds according to Example 2; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to yet another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 5B  along line A to A′; 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5F  illustrates a thermal profile of 120 seconds according to Example 3; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to another embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6B  along line A to A′; 
         FIG. 6D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 6F  illustrates a thermal profile of 120 seconds according to Example 4; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a method for installing a multi-fuel adapter assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a method for lighting a multi-fuel cutting torch according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a cutting torch system and carrier according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates an exemplary side view of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8C  illustrates an exemplary top view of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8D  illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 8A  with components; and 
         FIG. 8E  illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 8A  with components. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
     In order to more fully appreciate the present disclosure and to provide additional related features, the following references are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,182,334 by Hammon, which discloses a cutting and welding torch. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,192,987 by Hammon, which discloses a cutting and welding torch. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,026 by Bissonnette, which discloses a fluid cooled cutting torch including a hollow handle, a torch butt assembly, a torch head, supply tubes for preheated gas, preheated oxygen and cutting oxygen and cooling fluid supply and drainage conduits. The torch head is adapted to interchangeably receive a premix or postmix cutting torch nozzle. The cooling supply conduit extends through the torch butt assembly and within the torch handle to a point adjacent to the torch head. The cooling system provides effective cooling of the torch head and even cooling of the torch handle. The torch is easily manufactured at low cost. The torch may be readily converted from a premix torch to a postmix torch. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,930 by Liang, which discloses a cutting torch specially adapted to a gasoline-oxygen cutting machine and a cutting machine provided with said torch. Said torch comprises a cutting torch body; a gasoline tube, a preheating oxygen tube and a cutting oxygen tube; a gasoline adjusting valve, a preheating oxygen adjusting valve and a cutting oxygen adjusting valve fitted to the cutting torch body; and a cutting head, said gasoline tube, said preheating oxygen tube and said cutting oxygen tube being communicated with a main oxygen tube and a main gasoline tube through the gasoline adjusting valve, the preheating oxygen adjusting valve and the cutting oxygen adjusting valve respectively, and further communicated with an oxygen bottle and an gasoline tank through the main oxygen tube and the main gasoline tube respectively, the other ends of said gasoline tube, said preheating oxygen tube and said cutting oxygen tube being communicated with the cutting head, wherein said cutting head comprises a cutting oxygen passage, at least one preheating oxygen passage, at least one gasoline passage and a combustion cover, said cutting oxygen passage being located at the center of the cutting head, said gasoline passage(s) being located at the outside of said cutting oxygen passage, and said preheating oxygen passage being located at the outmost side, said combustion cover being screwed on one end of the cutting head, and the other end of the cutting head being connected with the cutting torch body. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to an embodiment of the present invention, example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the cutting torch is configured with a multi-fuel adapter in order to adapt the cutting torch to operate with a volatile mixture of flammable liquid hydrocarbons derived chiefly from crude petroleum, e.g., gasoline, as its primary fuel. The system does not use acetylene. The multi-fuel adapter is configured to allow cutting torch operation with flammable liquid hydrocarbons such as diesel, kerosene, bio-diesel, mixed fuels and military fuels such as JP-5, JP-8, JP-24, combinations of the same and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the multi-fuel adapter transforms a gasoline cutting torch into a system which can then make cuts using a heavy fuel, e.g., diesel, biodiesel, kerosene, Jet-A, JP-8, JP-5 and JP-24. It is also backwards compatible with some systems, e.g., cutting systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,182,334 and 3,192,987 by Hammon, which are incorporated herein by reference. The efficient thermal coupler draws heat through the high heat tip to pre-heat the heavy fuels using just the return heat energy of the flame itself. The cutting systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,182,334 and 3,192,987 will not operate without standard gasoline that is they will not work with diesel, biodiesel, kerosene, Jet-A, JP-8, JP-5 and JP-24, therefore, the invention solves this problem and allows for a much more robust system. 
     A heavy fuel does not include gasoline, e.g., ethanol-free gasoline, regular gasoline and unleaded gasoline. At 15 degrees Celsius the density of ethanol-free gasoline is 0.74 kg/L; the density of JP-5, JP-8 or JP-24 is 0.78-0.82 kg/L; the density of kerosene is 0.81 kg/L; the density of diesel is 0.83 kg/L and the density of bio-diesel is 0.88 kg/L. The multi-fuel adapter works with heavy fuels having a density of 0.80 kg/L and greater and also with gasoline. However, the conventional oxygen-gasoline cutting systems, e.g., cutting systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,182,334; 3,192,987; and 5,379,930, will not operate with heavy fuels, e.g., gasoline or other fuels having a density of 0.80 kg/L and greater. 
     In one embodiment, the multi-fuel adapter includes a multi-fuel adapter with a tip nut, an installation wrench, one or more cutting tips, a heavy fuel igniter, igniter flint cartridges and a case. Alternatively, the kit simply includes one or fewer of these components, e.g., a multi-fuel adapter. 
     In one embodiment, the cutting torch system and multi-fuel adapters are sized to be portable and for military use or vehicle use, e.g., sized to fit in a hand carrier, backpack or the like. 
     In one embodiment, the cutting torch system eliminates the hazard of explosion from compressed gases when using cutting torches in various environments, e.g., industrial situations, military situations, and the like, by eliminating acetylene which is extremely dangerous. The system can also be stored and transported with no combustible materials present, e.g., by not filling the liquid fuel tank with fuel. The system can also be fueled directly before use and operates using stable fuels, e.g., military (JP) fuel with any of the multi-fuel adapters shown herein. 
     In addition, in one embodiment the system includes bullet proof or resistant materials, e.g., materials or a combination of materials configured to stop a bullet or similar high velocity projectiles, e.g., shrapnel. By way of example, the fuel tank, carrier, torch or combination of the same can include the bullet proofing materials. 
     In one embodiment, the system is designed to operate as an Oxy/fuel cutting torch, that is, it can be adapted to use exothermic cutting rods. The exothermic adapter replaces the cutting tip and allows perishable exothermic rods to be held in place while the oxygen system organic to the torch provides the oxygen control necessary for exothermic cutting operations. The cutting torch optionally includes a unique “clicker” system to aid operators in quickly adjusting the oxygen/fuel mixture. The clicker provides both physical and audible feedback to allow for “no light” adjustments. The system includes the a multi-fuel hose, designed to last 100 times longer than rubber hoses made from thermoplastic material. The multi-layer stainless steel hose provides an extremely durable exterior while the 100% Teflon interior allows any flammable liquid to be used without deterioration. The hose also eliminates fuel evaporation, greatly improving safety over rubber hoses. 
     The system includes a heavy fuel igniter which allows operators to light the torch when using heavy fuels like diesel and kerosene even in low temperatures. The components are contained in a shielded housing designed to protect the equipment from damage as well as to reduce the “misting” which can occur during a bullet or fragment strike. The outer shielding is designed to flex when struck, absorbing shock, as well as be easily replaced. All components of the system are configured to releasably attach and/or lock securely into the carrier. 
     In one embodiment, the carrier can include three releasable panels with an integral handle for ease of caring. The panels are constructed from one or more materials, e.g., aluminum, thermoplastic, alloy, metal, composites and combinations of the same. The panels may also be ballistic or bullet proof with metal plates and/or composite materials. The system includes a pressurizable tank, e.g., 0 psi to 50 psi or greater, preferably 10 psi to about 50 psi for operational pressures for the fuel. The tank is utilized for holding the fuel. The system does not include oxygen as it may be already present for military purposes. Optionally, the system may include a holder for holding an oxygen tank. The system further includes a cutting torch and a liquid transport tube for transporting the fluid to the cutting torch. The cutting torch includes a multi-fuel adapter as shown herein. The tank can be pressurized manually with a pump as shown or electronically with an electric compressor (not shown) and/or a combination of the same. 
     Reference will now be made in detail to an embodiment of the present invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates an exemplary view of a cutting torch system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , the cutting torch system is generally depicted as reference number  100 . The system  100  includes a liquid fuel tank  102  configured to hold flammable liquid hydrocarbons, e.g., gasoline, an oxygen tank  104  configured to hold oxygen gas and a cutting torch  106 . The oxygen tank  104  includes a regulator  112  coupled to the top of the tank  104 . The oxygen tank  104  can be almost any size commercially available oxygen bottle configured to include liquid oxygen and oxygen manufactured using pressure swing adsorption (PSA). As known in the art oxygen manufactured through the PSA process has a lower purity oxygen than oxygen made in cryogenic plants. Although the cutting system will operate with lower purity oxygen it is expected that for every 1% reduction in purity, operators can expect a 4-5% reduction in overall performance. The cutting torch  106  is releasably coupled to a detachable multi-fuel hose  108  that is also releasably coupled to the liquid fuel tank  102 . The cutting torch  106  is also releasably coupled to a detachable hose  110  configured to transport oxygen to the cutting torch that is also releasably coupled to the oxygen tank  104 . In a preferred embodiment, the hose  110  has a 9/16 connection and comes in available lengths, e.g., from about 5 feet to about 100 feet or longer. The system also includes a cutting head assembly  111 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates an exemplary enlarged view of the cutting torch of  FIG. 1A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , the cutting torch  106  includes an oxygen hose back flash arrester  112  coupled to the oxygen hose connector  114 . The oxygen hose back flash arrester  112  is configured to prevent flashback through the oxygen hose  110 . Using a flashback arrester is not a preplacement for manually purging the torch before each light-up. No additional fuel line flashback arrestor is required with this system as combustion is not possible with the absence of oxygen. The cutting torch  106  can be any conventional torch as known in the art, e.g., the torch as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,182,334; 3,192,987; and 5,379,930, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. The cutting torch is a liquid fuel torch designed for use with liquid fuels, such as gasoline, and heavy fuels like diesel and kerosene when using the multi-fuel adapter  124 . The cutting torch  106  can be configured in multiple lengths, e.g., 7, 15, 18, 20, 27, 36, 48, 60, and 72, and 84 inches. The cutting torch  106  is not compatible with compressed gasses. That is, the cutting torch  106  will not operate with compressed gasses, e.g., acetylene. 
     In this embodiment, the cutting torch  106  includes a high pressure oxygen trigger  116  and a pre-heat oxygen knob  117 . Depressing the oxygen trigger  116  permits the flow of oxygen from the oxygen tank  104  through a tube  118  through the head  122  and to the central opening of the multi-fuel adapter  124 . The oxygen trigger  116  controls high pressure flow of cutting oxygen. The high pressure is in a range from about 6 psi to about 190 psi. The pre-heat oxygen knob  117  can be configured with a pre-determined click restrictor to allow a pre-determined volume of pre-heat oxygen to be delivered to the pre-heat flame. 
     The cutting torch  106  also includes a multi-fuel hose  108  coupled to a fuel hose connector  132  that releasably attaches the multi-fuel hose  108  to the cutting torch  106 . The liquid hose connector  132  is the point of the attachment for the fuel hose  108 . In a preferred embodiment, the connection is a reverse thread count (counter clockwise tightening) and marked with a notch. The multi-fuel hose  108  is configured for use with liquid fuels as described herein, e.g., gasoline, diesel, kerosene and the like. The interior of the fuel hose includes a thermoplastic material, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), configured to prevent damage from long term exposure to petroleum. The multi-fuel hose  134  cannot be used with compressed gases. The multi-fuel hose  108  comes in variable length from about 5 ft to about 100 feet or longer. The fuel control knob  130  controls the volume of fuel from the liquid fuel tank  102  into the preheat flame. The knob  130  controls a valve (not shown), which controls the fuel through the tube  120  and into the multi-fuel adapter  124 . A cutting tip  128  is coupled to the multi-fuel adapter  124  with a tip nut  126  and can come in various sizes, e.g., 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, L “Rosebud”,  81 , and  83 . The tip nut  126  secures the cutting tip to the torch head. The angle of the head  122  is shown as a ninety degree angle. In other embodiments, other angles may be used, e.g., from about 25 degrees to about 180 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the angles are about 75 degrees, 90 degrees (as shown) and 180 degrees. 
       FIG. 1C  illustrates an exemplary enlarged view of the fuel tank of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 1A . 
     The fuel tank  102  is configured to hold the multi-fuel which is a volatile mixture of flammable liquid hydrocarbons, e.g., any grade of gasoline, “white” gas, camping fuel, Jet-A, diesel, kerosene, bio-diesel, mixed fuels and military fuels such as JP-5, JP-8, JP-24, combinations of the same and the like. The tank can be single walled, double walled or more than two walls. The tank  102  is constructed from metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the tank is constructed from carbon steel material. The tank  102  may also be reinforced with bullet resistance material herein. The tank  102  is configured with several safety features and includes a removable filler cap  140 , a pressure gauge  142 , a pump  144 , and a fuel valve  146 . The fuel valve  146  is configured as a shut-off valve for controlling the flow of fuel exiting the tank. The removable filler cap  140  seals the tank fill port and includes a pressure relief valve, e.g., 35 psi, 50, psi or 100 psi. The pump  144  is configured in this embodiment to be a manual hand pump used to pressure the tank, but may be electric and provides pressure to the tank  104 . The filler cap  140  is configured to be removable to allow for filling and removable of liquid fuel. The tank may have any volume and in preferred embodiment the tank volume is a range from about 0.5 quart to about 2.5 gallons, and more preferred embodiment there are various tank sizes, such as, a 0.5 quart tank, 1 quart tank, 1.5 quart tank, 1 gallon tank, 1.5 gallon tank, 2 gallon tank and 2.5 gallon tank. In a preferred embodiment, the standard operating pressure is about 20 psi. In operation the tank should be re-pressurized to about 10 psi. Optionally, the tank includes a fill line to indicate the preferred filling capacity. 
       FIG. 1D  illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the cutting head assembly of the cutting torch of  FIG. 1B .  FIG. 1E  illustrates an exemplary exploded cross-sectional view of the cutting head assembly of the cutting torch of  FIG. 1B  along line A to A′. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1D-1E , the cutting head assembly  111  includes a head  122  of the cutting torch, a mixer body  150 , a multi-fuel adapter  124  with an attachment nut  152 , a sealing ring (not shown), cutting tip interior assembly or tip core  154  and exterior assembly or tip shell  156  and cutting tip nut  126 . The attachment nut  152  has a set of threads for engaging threads in the cutting head  122 . As shown, the pieces fit together in a male/female orientation. The mixing body  150  has female adapter side  151  configured to receive the male adapter side  155  of the multi-fuel adapter  124  and the mixing body has a male adapter side  153  configured to be received by the head  122  of the cutting torch. The tip  128  includes a tip shell  156  and a tip core  154 . The tip shell is made an alloy, e.g., tellurium copper. The top The tip core is made of an alloy material, e.g., brass such as navel brass. In one embodiment, there is also a stainless steel interior sleeve. The tip core  154  includes a shell bore  163  and flutes  161  and a male seating surface  165 . The male seating surface  165 , which includes preheat supply channels and a high pressure oxygen supply channel. The multi-fuel adapter  124  includes the male adapter side  155  configured to fit within the female adapter side  151  of the mixing body and a female adapter side  157  configured to receive the male seating surface  165  of the tip core  154 . The overall configuration is held in place by the multi-fuel adapter nut  152  and tip nut  126 . 
       FIG. 1F  illustrates an enlarged view of the mixer body. Referring to  FIG. 1F , the mixer body  150  includes a wick material  160 , a first set of o-rings  162 , and a second set of o-rings  164 . The wick material includes a material configured to distribute the liquid fuel substantially evenly around a circumference of the mixer so that it is evenly received in the mixer to achieve a balanced preheat flame. In a preferred embodiment, the material includes a sintered alloy, e.g., a sintered bronze. The first set of o-rings and second set of o-rings include a thermoplastic material and are configured to provide a liquid seal in the cutting head  122 . The mixer body  150  snugly fits inside the head  122  of the cutting torch  106 . The mixer body is configured to mix oxygen and liquid fuel to supply the pre-heat flame. 
       FIG. 1G  illustrates a first end view of the mixer body of  FIG. 1F .  FIG. 1H  illustrates a second end view of the mixer body of  FIG. 1F . Referring to  FIG. 1G , the female adapter side is formed in a tapered configuration and has four equally spaced orifices  172  to receive the pre-heat fuel mixture and a high pressure oxygen channel  174 . Referring to  FIG. 1H , the mixer is shown as an end view in a tapered configuration. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 2C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 2B  along line A to A′.  FIG. 2D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 2E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 2A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A-2E , the multi-fuel adapter is generally depicted with reference to  200 . The multi-fuel adapter  200  is utilized to convert the cutting torch system  100  or other cutting torch systems, e.g., cutting torch systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,182,334; 3,192,987; and 5,379,930, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, to be operable with any type of liquid fuel as described herein. 
     The multi-fuel adapter  200  includes a main body  202 , neck  204  and head  206 . The main body  202 , neck  204  and head  206  includes brass material, e.g.,  360  brass. The main body mass is configured as an efficient thermal coupler to draw heat through the cutting tip to pre-heat the multi-fuel using only return heat energy of a flame during operation of the cutting system. The large mass of the main body  202 , thereby allows the multi-fuel adapter to remain heated with a pre-heat flame only. 
     A recess  208  is formed on the neck portion  204  and configured to receive a split ring (not shown), e.g., a  360  brass split ring. The split ring (not shown) can be formed as a c-ring and is configured to prevent a sealing nut (not shown) from falling off the neck  204 . The sealing nut  152  is used to pull the neck by putting pressure on the split ring into the cutting head  122 , thereby securing the multi-fuel adapter  200  to the cutting head  122 . In one embodiment, there is a large amount of force required to secure the multi-fuel adapter  200  to the cutting head  122 . The amount of force is in a range from about 3000 psi to about 5200 psi or greater; in a preferred embodiment there is about 4500 psi. 
     Four equally spaced ports or orifices  212  are arranged in the tip portion. Each port  212  extends as a channel via a lumen from the tip  206  through the neck  204  and main body  202 . The neck  204  extends from the upper most portion of the main body  202  to the bottom of the recess  208 . As the length of the neck  204  is increased the mixing time of multi-fuel to oxygen is also increased, thereby improving performance. The lumens are configured in a circular geometrical configuration. The lumens are configured in fluid communication with the orifices on the cutting tip (not shown) and in fluid communication with orifices on a cutting torch head  122 . The lumens are used to provide a oxy fuel pre-heat fuel mixture. A channel  214  is used a high pressure oxygen channel and extends via a lumen from the tip  206  through the neck  204  and main body  202 . 
     An end portion of the tip  206  includes a first taper region  216  and second taper region  218  configured as a male adapter. This first taper region  216  and second taper region  218  are configured to fit into a substantially mirror image of a female adapter mixing body  151  that is arranged in the cutting torch head  122 . In this embodiment, the recess  208  is spaced a small distance  211  from the end of the first taper region  216 ; the distance  211  is about 0.09 inches. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3B  along line A to A′.  FIG. 3D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 3A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3A-3E , the multi-fuel adapter is generally depicted with reference to  300 . The multi-fuel adapter  300  is utilized to convert the cutting torch system  100  or other cutting torch systems, e.g., cutting torch systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,182,334; 3,192,987; and 5,379,930, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, to be operable with any type of liquid fuel as described herein. 
     The multi-fuel adapter  300  includes a main body  302 , neck  304  and head  306 . The main body  302 , neck  304  and head  306  includes brass material, e.g.,  360  brass. The main body mass is configured as an efficient thermal coupler to draw heat through the cutting tip to pre-heat the multi-fuel using only return heat energy of a flame during operation of the cutting system. The large mass of the main body  302  thereby allows the multi-fuel adapter to remain heated with a pre-heat flame only. 
     A recess  308  is formed on neck portion  304  and configured to receive a split ring (not shown), e.g., a stainless steel ring. The split ring (not shown) can be formed as a c-ring and is configured to prevent a sealing nut (not shown) from falling off the neck  304 . The sealing nut  152  is used to pull the neck via the sealing ring into the cutting head  122 , thereby securing the multi-fuel adapter  300  to the cutting head  122 . In one embodiment, there is a large amount of force required to secure the multi-fuel adapter  200  to the cutting head  122 . The amount of force is in a range from about 3000 psi to about 5200 psi or greater; in a preferred embodiment there is about 4500 psi. 
     Four equally spaced ports or orifices  312  are arranged in the tip portion. Each port  312  extends as a channel via a lumen from the tip  306  through the neck  304  and main body  302 . The lumens are configured in a circular geometrical configuration. The lumens are configured in fluid communication with the orifices on the cutting tip (not shown) and in fluid communication with orifices on a cutting torch head  122 . The lumens are used to provide a oxy fuel pre-heat fuel mixture. A channel  314  is used a high pressure oxygen channel and extends via a lumen from the tip  306  through the neck  304  and main body  502 . 
     An end portion of the tip  306  includes a first taper region  316  and second taper region  318  configured as a male adapter. This first taper region  316  and second taper region  318  are configured to fit into a substantially mirror image of a female adapter mixing body  151  that is arranged in the cutting torch head  122 . In this embodiment, the recess  308  is spaced a distance from the end of the first taper region  316 ; the distance  311  is about 0.32 inches. As compared to distance  211  this distance  311  is about three times larger and it is believed that this increased distance allows the nut to provide all the necessary force to seal the multi-fuel adapter face and the mixing body without distortion of the seating or sealing surfaces. The main body  302  has a mass less than the mass of the main body  202  of  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to another embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 4B  along line A to A′.  FIG. 4D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 4A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4A-4E , the multi-fuel adapter is generally depicted with reference to  400 . The multi-fuel adapter  400  is utilized to convert the cutting torch system  100  or other cutting torch systems, e.g., cutting torch systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,182,334; 3,192,987; and 5,379,930, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, to be operable with any type of liquid fuel as described herein. 
     The multi-fuel adapter  400  includes a main body  402 , neck  404  and head  406 . The main body  402 , neck  404  and head  406  include brass material, e.g.,  360  brass. The main body mass is configured as an efficient thermal coupler to draw heat through the cutting tip to pre-heat the multi-fuel using only return heat energy of a flame during operation of the cutting system. The large mass of the main body  402  thereby allows the multi-fuel adapter to remain heated with a pre-heat flame only. 
     A recess  408  is formed on neck portion  404  and configured to receive a split ring (not shown), e.g., a stainless steel ring. The split ring (not shown) can be formed as a c-ring and is configured to prevent a sealing nut (not shown) from falling off the neck  404 . The sealing nut  152  is used to pull the neck into the cutting head  122 , thereby securing the multi-fuel adapter  400  to the cutting head  122 . In one embodiment, there is a large amount of force required to secure the multi-fuel adapter  400  to the cutting head  122 . The amount of force is in a range from about 3000 psi to about 5200 psi or greater; in a preferred embodiment there is about 4500 psi. 
     Four equally spaced ports or orifices  412  are arranged in the tip portion. Each port  412  extends as channel via a lumen from the tip  406  through the neck  404  and main body  402 . The neck  404  extends from upper most portion of the main body  402  to the bottom of the recess  408 . As the length of the neck  404  increases the mixing time of multi-fuel to oxygen is also increased, thereby improving performance. The lumens are configured in a circular geometrical configuration. The lumens are configured in fluid communication with the orifices on the cutting tip (not shown) and in fluid communication with orifices on a cutting torch head  122 . The lumens are used to provide a oxy fuel pre-heat fuel mixture. A channel  414  is used a high pressure oxygen channel and extends via a lumen from the tip  406  through the neck  404  and main body  402 . 
     An end portion of the tip  406  includes a first taper region  416  and second taper region  418  configured as a male adapter. This first taper region  416  and second taper region  418  are configured to fit into a substantially mirror image of a female adapter mixing body  151  that is arranged in the cutting torch head  122 . In this embodiment, the recess  308  is spaced a distance  411  from the end of the first taper region;  416  the distance is about 0.32 inches. This distance  411  is about three times longer than the distance  211  of the multi-fuel adapter  200 . This increase in distance it is believed to allow the nut to provide all the necessary force to seal the multi-fuel adapter face and the mixing body without distortion of the seating or sealing surfaces. The main body  402  has a mass less than the mass of the main body  302  of  FIG. 3A . In this embodiment, there is a recess  415  in the main body  402 . The recess  415  is configured to receive a wrench for tightening the multi-fuel adapter  400  and cutting tip nut as described herein. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 5B  along line A to A′.  FIG. 5D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 5A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A-5E , the multi-fuel adapter is generally depicted with reference to  500 . The multi-fuel adapter  500  is utilized to convert the cutting torch system  100  or other cutting torch systems, e.g., cutting torch systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,182,334; 3,192,987; and 5,379,930, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, to be operable with any type of liquid fuel as described herein. 
     The multi-fuel adapter  500  includes a main body  502 , neck  504  and head  506 . The main body  502 , neck  504  and head  506  include a brass material, e.g.,  360  brass. The main body mass is configured as an efficient thermal coupler to draw heat through the cutting tip to pre-heat the multi-fuel using only return heat energy of a flame during operation of the cutting system. In this embodiment, the main body  502  further includes a heat catch feature  506  configured to increase the rate of heat transfer from the pre-heat flame to the multi-fuel adapter. The heat catch feature may include one or more heat catch features, e.g., a series of equally spaced concentric holes around a bottom surface of the multi-fuel adapter  500 . The holes may be about 0.01 inches deep to about 0.3 inches deep. Other geometric configurations and/or materials may also be used as the heat catch features, e.g., square configuration, a concentric slot extending in a range from about 5 degrees around the surface to 360 degrees around the surface, etc. In this embodiment, the main body  502  has a mass less than the main body  202 , main body  302  or main body  402 . 
     A recess  508  is formed on neck portion  404  and configured to receive a split ring (not shown), e.g., a stainless steel ring. The split ring (not shown) can be formed as a c-ring and is configured to prevent a sealing nut (not shown) from falling off the neck  504 . The sealing nut  152  is used to pull the neck into the cutting head  122 , thereby securing the multi-fuel adapter  500  to the cutting head  122 . In one embodiment, there is a large amount of force required to secure the multi-fuel adapter  500  to the cutting head  122 . The amount of force is in a range from about 3000 psi to about 5200 psi or greater; in a preferred embodiment there is about 4500 psi. 
     Four equally spaced ports or orifices  512  are arranged in the tip portion. Each port  512  extends as a channel via a lumen from the tip  506  through the neck  504  and main body  502 . The neck  504  extends from the upper most portion of the main body  502  to the bottom of the recess  508 . As the length of the neck  504  increases the mixing time of multi-fuel to oxygen is also increased, thereby improving performance. The lumens are configured in a circular geometrical configuration. The lumens are configured in fluid communication with the orifices on the cutting tip (not shown) and are in fluid communication with orifices on a cutting torch head  122 . The lumens are used to provide a oxy fuel pre-heat fuel mixture. A channel  514  is used a high pressure oxygen channel and extends via a lumen from the tip  506  through the neck  504  and main body  502 . 
     An end portion of the tip  506  includes a first taper region  516  and second taper region  518  configured as a male adapter. This first taper region  516  and second taper region  518  are configured to fit into a substantially mirror image of a female adapter mixing body  151  that is arranged in the cutting torch head  122 . In this embodiment, the recess  508  is spaced a distance  511  from the end of the first taper region  516 ; the distance is about 0.32 inches. This distance  511  is about three times longer than the distance  211  of the multi-fuel adapter  200 . This increase in distance is believed to allow the nut to provide all the necessary force to seal the multi-fuel adapter face and the mixing body without distortion of the seating or sealing surfaces. The main body  502  has a mass less than the mass of the main body  202 , main body  302 , and main body  402 . In this embodiment, there is a recess  515  in the main body  502 . The recess  515  is configured to receive a wrench for tightening the multi-fuel adapter  500  and cutting tip nut as described herein. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a multi-fuel adapter according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 6B  illustrates an exemplary front view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6C  illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of  FIG. 6B  along line A to A′.  FIG. 6D  illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6E  illustrates an exemplary top view of the multi-fuel adapter according to  FIG. 6A . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A-6E , the multi-fuel adapter is generally depicted with reference to  600 . The multi-fuel adapter  600  is utilized to convert the cutting torch system  100  or other cutting torch systems, e.g., cutting torch systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,182,334; 3,192,987; and 5,379,930, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, to be operable with any type of liquid fuel as described herein. 
     The multi-fuel adapter  600  includes a main body  602 , neck  604  and head  606 . The main body  602 , neck  604  and head  606  include a brass material, e.g.,  360  brass. The main body mass is configured as an efficient thermal coupler to draw heat through the cutting tip to pre-heat the multi-fuel using only return heat energy of a flame during operation of the cutting system. In this embodiment, the main body  602  further includes heat catch features  616  configured to increase the rate of heat transfer from the pre-heat flame to the multi-fuel adapter. The heat catch feature may include one or more heat catch features, e.g., a series of equally spaced concentric holes around a bottom surface of the multi-fuel adapter  600 . The holes may be about 0.01 inches deep to about 0.3 inches deep. Other geometric configurations and/or materials may also be used as the heat catch features, e.g., square configuration, a concentric slot extending in a range from about 5 degrees around the surface to 360 degrees around the surface, etc. In this embodiment, the main body  602  has a mass less than the main body  202 , main body  302 , main body  402 , or main body  502 . 
     A recess  608  is formed on neck portion  604  and configured to receive a split ring (not shown), e.g., a stainless steel ring. The split ring (not shown) can be formed as a c-ring and is configured to prevent a sealing nut (not shown) from falling off the neck  604 . The sealing nut  152  is used to pull the neck into the cutting head  122 , thereby securing the multi-fuel adapter  600  to the cutting head  122 . In one embodiment, there is a large amount of force required to secure the multi-fuel adapter  600  to the cutting head  122 . The amount of force is in a range from about 3000 psi to about 5200 psi or greater, in a preferred embodiment there is about 4500 psi. 
     Four equally spaced ports or orifices  612  are arranged in the tip portion. Each port  612  extends as a channel via a lumen from the tip  606  through the neck  604  and main body  602 . The neck  604  extends from the upper most portion of the main body  602  to the bottom of the recess  608 . As the length of the neck  604  increases the mixing time of multi-fuel to oxygen is also increased, thereby improving performance. The lumens are configured in a circular geometrical configuration. The lumens are configured in fluid communication with the orifices on the cutting tip (not shown) and in fluid communication with orifices on a cutting torch head  122 . The lumens are used to provide a oxy fuel pre-heat fuel mixture. A channel  614  is used a high pressure oxygen channel and extends via a lumen from the tip  606  through the neck  604  and main body  602 . 
     An end portion of the tip  606  includes a first taper region  617  and second taper region  618  configured as a male adapter. This first taper region  617  and second taper region  618  are configured to fit into a substantially mirror image of a female adapter mixing body  151  that is arranged in the cutting torch head  122 . In this embodiment, the recess  608  is spaced a distance  611  from the end of the first taper region  617 ; the distance is about 0.32 inches. This distance is about three times longer than the distance  611  of the multi-fuel adapter  600 . This increase in distance is believed to allow the nut to provide all the necessary force to seal the multi-fuel adapter face and the mixing body without distortion of the seating or sealing surfaces. The main body  602  has a mass less than the mass of the main body  202 , main body  302 , main body  402 , and main body  502 . In this embodiment, there is a recess  615  in the main body  602 . The recess  615  is configured to receive a wrench for tightening the multi-fuel adapter  600  and cutting tip nut as described herein. 
       FIG. 7A  depicts a method for installing a multi-fuel adapter assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7A , the method of attaching the multi-fuel adapter is generally shown with reference to number  700 . The method  700  includes step  702  attaching the multi-fuel adapter  124  to the torch head  122  using a wrench, e.g., adjustable wrench, to snug the adapter nut  152  to the torch head  122 . In step  704 , a tip nut  126  is slid over a cutting tip assembly  128  and placed into the adapter. Any cutting tip as known in the art may be utilized. In step  706 , a multi-fuel adapter  124  installation wrench, e.g., adjustable wrench, is placed over the multi-fuel adapter  124  to stabilize the body, and a second adjustable wrench is used to tighten the tip nut  126  to the multi-fuel adapter  124 . 
       FIG. 7B  depicts a method of starting the light up method. Referring to  FIG. 7B , the overall process is generally depicted with reference number  708 . The method includes an optional preliminary safety check step  710  that includes one or more of checking yourself and team step, checking the environment step and checking the equipment step. The checking yourself and team step includes checking yourself to ensure you are wearing the correct protective equipment for the job and knowing how the material you are cutting reacts to heat. The checking your environment step includes one or more the following: knowing what is beneath, beside and above the cut that one is about to make, aggressively looking for hidden hazards and not cutting into anything you are not sure of. The checking your equipment step includes one or more of the following checking to ensure all fittings are snug, storing and transporting your cutting system safely, e.g., transporting with a carrier, and purging the system by depressing the high pressure oxygen trigger prior to lighting up. 
     Step  712 , the controlling the surfaces step, includes one or more of the following: preparing the spark striker by ensuring that your spark striker is engaging the flint and creating adequate sparks before beginning the light up process. Doing so will prevent excess fuel from being lost. In step  714  the control surfaces step one or more the following occurs: the pre-heat oxygen knob  117  is turned counterclockwise to open the valve and clockwise to close the valve, the high pressure oxygen trigger  116  is depressed to release the flow of high pressure oxygen and released to cease the oxygen flow and the fuel control knob  130  is turned counterclockwise to open the valve and clockwise to close the valve. 
     Step  714 , the light up step, includes one or more of the following: a light up sequence (½ turn-Purge-1 turn), creates a suitable preheat mixture for light up and also helps to protect from oxygen flashback. The pre-heat oxygen knob is opened precisely ½ turn. Optionally, the pre-heat knob  117  includes ‘+,−’ decals to execute a precise turn. In addition, if using a cutting tip sized as a 6, 7, or 8 open ¼ turn. The high pressure oxygen trigger is purged by fully depressing for about 3 to 5 seconds. The fuel control knob is open precisely 1 turn, e.g., using the ‘+,−’ decals to execute a precise turn. 
     Step  716 , lighting the torch step, includes lighting the torch by striking the sparker directly at the tip. Striking sparks too far away will slow or even prevent ignition. 
     Step  718 , the warm up step, includes after ignition, resting the tip directly on the cutting substrate, e.g., steel, at about a 45 degree angle for about 5 to 10 seconds or longer. The reflected heat will bring the tip to its operating temperature allowing the fuel to fully vaporize inside the Tip. Make no flame adjustments during this period. Failing to allow the tip to fully heat will prevent proper flame adjustment. As the tip warms, the yellow and orange in the flame will disappear. 
     In step  720 , optionally final adjustments are made and can include one or more of the following. With the tip still touching the steel, use the fuel control knob to make the final adjustment. When using the recommended light-up setting (½ turn oxygen/½ turn fuel), the preheat flame will be slightly rich. Using the Fuel Control Knob, adjust the flame so that the preheat jets slightly oscillate. The preheat flame should look and sound more aggressive than the flames of compressed gas cutting torches. Running the torch with a rich flame setting is configured to unlock the performance of the system. Running the torch with a lean (wispy) setting can overheat the head, reduce performance and increase maintenance and repair. A rich setting allows more liquid fuel to enter the head of the torch. The natural cooling effect created by the liquid fuel evaporation protects the mixer and tip against overheating. Additionally, the liquid fuel rapidly increases in volume as it expands into a gas, creating a greater oxy/fuel velocity as it leaves the Tip, ultimately driving more BTUs into the steel. 
     In step  722 , cutting is performed by depressing the high pressure oxygen trigger and placing the cutting tip in contact with the surface of the steel that is desired to be cut. Performing clean, fast cuts requires practice. Make the following habits a standard part of cutting operations to greatly increase productivity and reduce the learning curve of the operator. In a preferred embodiment, the operator does one or more of the following: take the time to find a stable, comfortable position, use what&#39;s available to rest or stabilize the torch and/or the operators hand, use small, smooth movements, Use one consistent speed of travel throughout the cut, pay extra attention at the beginning of the cut to ensure that the flame has completely penetrated the material before proceeding. If at any time sparks or molten material exits the cut from a direction other than directly from the bottom of the material, examine the area, as the flame may not be fully penetrating the steel. The torch position should be examined by analyzing the precise path the cut will follow before lighting the torch. This path is called the cut line. Identify and mark the cut line with soap stone or chalk. This will result in a smoother and thus faster cut. Position the preheat flame so that half of the flame is on the steel and the other half runs down the leading edge of the steel. Keep the torch perpendicular to the face of the steel while cutting. This directs all of the energy of the preheat flame and high pressure oxygen jet directly into the steel, maximizing cutting efficiency and controlling hot material as it exits the cut. 
     In an embodiment of the system with the multi-fuel adapter a v-cut method can be used. The v-cut is a very subtle technique used to grab added steel from the top most layer of a stack to fuel the layers beneath. This added back and forth “V” motion is useful in situations when there is a significant buildup of debris between layers or there is difficulty achieving penetration through all layers. 
     In an embodiment of the system with the multi-fuel adapter a hole punching method can be used. The hole punching method includes placing the preheat flame in the location of the desired hole. Maintain about a ¼ inch coupling distance and watch beneath the preheat flame for a molten puddle to form. Once a molten puddle has formed and begins to drip (spider out) perform the following three actions simultaneously. Smoothly engage the high pressure oxygen trigger fully, increase the coupling distance (¼ to ½ inch) and move the torch head (¼ to ½ inch) left, right or back. The movement of the torch head will create a small trench which molten material and expanding gases will follow. The material will travel in the opposite direction of the movement of the torch. For example, to direct the material to the left, move the torch head right. Don&#39;t push the torch forward as this will direct the material toward the operator. Once a hole has been pierced through the steel, the operator may enlarge the hole by keeping the high pressure oxygen depressed and moving the torch in an outward spiral. With this technique, little or no popping will occur and the tip will be protected from overheating because the heat is directed away. It is noted that failure to use a proper hole punching technique may result in overheating the head of the torch or melting the tip. Indications that this has occurred include: the tip nut becoming loose, and leaking around the tip nut due to melted o-rings on the mixer body. 
     In an embodiment, the system with the multi-fuel adapter can be used for cutting layers. In this method, the layers are exposed, preheat the cut line and down the side of the material where the cut will be initiated before beginning the cut. If the layers are not exposed, begin by punching a hole. Once the top-most layer becomes molten, depress the high pressure oxygen trigger smoothly and fully, allowing the heat generated from the top layers to ignite the bottom layers before moving deeper into the cut. When proceeding into the cut, executing the small, controlled ‘V’ pattern will make penetrating the bottom layers much easier. Once through all layers, proceed with the cut normally, using the ‘V-Cut’ technique whenever needed. Watch the material as it leaves the bottom of the cut. If it does not exit directly from the bottom, as it would when cutting a solid piece, then the cut is probably not penetrating all of the layers. In a preferred embodiment, when cutting layers, it is generally preferred to increase one tip size over the cutting chart recommendation for the solid equivalent of the cut thickness. 
     In an embodiment of the invention the system with the multi-fuel adapter can be used for cutting gaps. The method uses the same techniques described in layer cutting. Preheat the cut line and down the side of the material where the cut will be initiated before beginning the cut. Once the top-most surface becomes molten, depress the high pressure oxygen trigger while maintaining this position until the heat from the burning of the top layers has passed through the air gap and ignited the layer(s) below. As you move into the cut, make the “V” motion to increase the heat of the cut. Watch the material as it leaves the bottom of the cut. If the material does not exit directly from the bottom as it would when cutting a solid piece, then the cut is probably not penetrating all of the layers. 
     In another embodiment, the system with the multi-fuel adapter can be used with a drive technique. If there is a significant buildup of debris between the layers or there is difficulty achieving penetration through all layers, it may be necessary to increase the forward speed of the cut and increase the size of the ‘V’ until complete penetration is achieved. This technique will increase the heat significantly, allowing for deeper penetration. Note that there may be uncut layers at the start of the cut when using this technique. 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a cutting torch system carrier according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 8B  illustrates an exemplary side view of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8C  illustrates an exemplary top view of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8D  illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 8A  with components.  FIG. 8E  illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the cutting torch system of  FIG. 8A  with components. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8E , the cutting torch system is dimensioned to fit within the carrier  800 . The carrier  800  includes a first protective siding  802 , a second protective siding  804  and a third protective siding  806 . The protective siding in this embodiment includes aluminum material. The protective siding can include one or more logos, designs  808  and/or combinations of the same. In one embodiment, the protective siding is configured to reduce fuel mist or spray mist to safeguard an operator for air fuel emission and/or confine mist to the interior of the carrier, e.g., with the sizing and/or shape of the protective siding. In one embodiment, the protective siding includes bullet proof or resistant materials, e.g., materials or combination of materials configured to stop a bullet or similar high velocity projectiles, e.g., shrapnel such as metals, combination of metals, composites, Kevlar, and the like. Optionally and/or alternatively, there can be either one, two or three protective sides. In another embodiment, there is no protective siding. There does not need to be a gap on the protective sides and the sides can be solid material that partially or fully surrounds the components. The protective sides may be integral with the carrier or held on with one or more attachment mechanisms  814 , e.g., rivets, screws and bolts, welds, combinations of the same and the like. The carrier also includes a handle  810  and a base  812 . The base  812  is configured to allow the carrier to stand up vertically and may also be configured to prevent tipping with anti-tipping mechanism. 
     In one embodiment, the carrier  800  is configured to carrier all of the components of the cutting system  100  except the oxygen tank  104 . In another embodiment, the components include a cutting torch  106 , an oxygen hose  110 , a multi-fuel hose  108 , an igniter  843 , a cutting tip  128 , and a liquid tank  102 . In another embodiment, the components include a cutting torch  106 , an igniter  843 , a cutting tip  128 , and a liquid tank  102 . Of course, any combination of components can be used in the carrier  800 . Each of these components are secured in the carrier system  800  with one or more securing mechanisms. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8C, 8D and 8E , the carrier  800  includes a vertical bracket  816  extending from the base  812 , a first vertically adjustable securing bracket  818  for securing the liquid tank  102  and a second vertically adjustable securing bracket  820 . The first vertically adjustable securing bracket  818  is configured to releasably move vertically up and down along the vertical bracket  816  and configured to secure the liquid fuel tank  102 . The first vertically adjustable securing bracket  818  includes a first removable piece  822  releasably coupled to a second removable piece  824  with a series of securing mechanisms  825 , e.g., screws. The second bracket  824  is releasable coupled to the vertical bracket  816  and configured to move up and down. 
     In this embodiment, a horizontal bracket  826  is releasably coupled to the vertical bracket  816  with a series of securing mechanisms, e.g., clamp mechanism. The horizontal bracket  816  terminates on opposite sides with a first plate  830  and second plate  832  that are configured to receive protective siding  804  and protective siding  806 . In addition, another horizontal bracket  827  extends at about 90 degrees relative to the horizontal bracket  826  and terminates with a third plate  833  configured to receive protective siding  802 . In this embodiment, protective siding  802  is releasably coupled to the plate  833  with a securing mechanism, protective siding  804  is releasably coupled to plate  830  and the protective siding  806  is coupled to plate  832 . 
     The carrier  800  also includes a second vertically adjustable securing bracket  834  having a first recess  840  for securing the cutting torch  106  and a second recess  842  an igniter  843  for lighting the cutting torch  106 . The recess  840  includes one or more quick release pins  846  for securing the cutting torch  106 . The recess  842  includes one or more quick release pins  848  for securing the igniter  844 . In this embodiment, the quick release pins are spring loaded locking pins as known in the art. Optionally, a cabling system is further integrated in the interior of the carrier and configured to secure the oxygen hose and/or multi-fuel hose. The cabling system may one described with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,253,716, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if forth herein. By way of example, the bottom may include a circular cable management system for receiver the oxygen and/or multi-fuel hose in a recessed slot. In another embodiment, the cabling system may be a hose reel. In another embodiment, the carrier system  300  includes wheels. In another embodiment, the carrier system  300  includes a vehicle mounting kit to couple the carrier  300  to a vehicle. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Without intending to limit the scope of the invention, the following examples illustrate how various embodiments of the invention may be made and/or used. 
     Example 1 
       FIG. 2F  illustrates a thermal profile of 120 seconds according to Example 1. This Example 1 illustrates a computer simulation that accurately describes the real world performance of heat gain based on a pre-heat flame for a 120 second duration with the multi-fuel adapter  200  as described in  FIGS. 2A-2E . The computer simulation was run using Solid works flow simulation professional  2013 . The computer simulation uses a heat power of 250 BTUs applied directly to the bottom most portion or face of the multi-fuel adapter  200  for 120 seconds with a time step of 1/20. As shown the temperature profile is the temperature after 120 seconds of applied heat. The temperature scale is in Fahrenheit and ranges from 72.6° F. to 115.9° F. degrees. As shown, due to the large mass of the main body the head and neck portion of the multi-fuel adapter did not substantially increase in heat during the 120 seconds. In addition, the temperature gradient from the head, tip and body is large indicating non-uniform temperature. The bars on  FIG. 2F  indicate the initial temperature of 72.6° F. on each of the shown surfaces. 
     Example 2 
       FIG. 4F  illustrates a thermal profile of 120 seconds according to Example 2. This Example 2 illustrates a computer simulation that accurately describes the real world performance of heat gain based on a pre-heat flame for a 120 second duration with the multi-fuel adapter  400  as described in  FIGS. 4A-4E . The computer simulation was run using Solid works flow simulation professional  2013 . The computer simulation uses a heat power of 250 BTUs applied directly to the bottom most portion or face of the multi-fuel adapter  400  for 120 seconds with a time step of 1/20. As shown the temperature profile is the temperature after 120 seconds of applied heat. The temperature scale is in Fahrenheit and ranges from 72.0° F. to 143.0° F. degrees. As shown, due to the smaller mass of the main body as compared to Example 1 the head and neck portion of the multi-fuel adapter did increase more in heat during the 120 seconds. In addition, the temperature gradient from the head, tip and body is smaller as compared to Example 1 indicating a more uniform temperature. The bars on  FIG. 4F  indicate the initial temperature of 72.0° F. on each of the shown surfaces. 
     Example 3 
       FIG. 5F  illustrates a thermal profile of 120 seconds according to Example 3. This Example 3 illustrates a computer simulation that accurately describes the real world performance of heat gain based on a pre-heat flame for a 120 second duration with the multi-fuel adapter  500  as described in  FIGS. 5A-5E . The computer simulation was run using Solid works flow simulation professional  2013 . The computer simulation uses a heat power of 250 BTUs applied directly to the bottom most portion or face of the multi-fuel adapter  500  for 120 seconds with a time step of 1/20. As shown the temperature profile is the temperature at after 120 seconds of applied heat. The temperature scale is in Fahrenheit and ranges from 72.0° F. to 329.5° F. degrees. As shown, due to the smaller mass of the main body as compared to either Example 1 or 2 the head and neck portion of the multi-fuel adapter did increase more in heat during the 120 seconds. In addition, the temperature gradient from the head, tip and body is smaller as compared to either Example 1 or 2 indicating a more uniform temperature. The bars on  FIG. 5F  indicate the initial temperature of 72.0° F. on each of the shown surfaces. 
     Example 4 
       FIG. 6F  illustrates a thermal profile of 120 seconds according to Example 4. This Example 4 illustrates a computer simulation that accurately describes the real world performance of heat gain based on a pre-heat flame for a 120 second duration with the multi-fuel adapter  600  as described in  FIGS. 6A-6E . The computer simulation was run using Solid works flow simulation professional  2013 . The computer simulation uses a heat power of 250 BTUs applied directly to the bottom most portion or face of the multi-fuel adapter  600  for 120 seconds with a time step of 1/20. As shown the temperature profile is the temperature after 120 seconds of applied heat. The temperature scale is in Fahrenheit and ranges from 72.0° F. to 418.0° F. degrees. As shown, due to the smaller mass of the main body as compared to either Example 1, 2, or 3 the head and neck portion of the multi-fuel adapter did increase more in heat during the 120 seconds. In addition, the temperature gradient from the head, tip and body is smaller as compared to either Example 1, 2, or 3 indicating a more uniform temperature. The bars on  FIG. 6F  indicate the initial temperature of 72.0° F. on each of the shown surfaces. 
     The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation. 
     The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure. 
     Moreover, though the description has included a description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.