Combustible fluid cutting safety system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide components and a system for providing a safer environment for using a cutting torch. The system includes a cutting torch and a control box. There is communication from the user to the control box to allow fluids to flow to the torch. The control box includes closed biased valve(s) such that if there is a condition where there is no instruction from the troch to the control box and/or power is lost, the valves will shut, preventing fluid from flowing into the torch.

1 . An apparatus comprising a control box, the control box comprising:
 a housing;   a fuel valve, wherein the fuel valve is closed biased;   an oxygen valve, wherein the oxygen valve is closed biased;   a fuel inlet;   an oxygen inlet;   a fuel outlet; and   an oxygen outlet;   wherein the fuel valve is located in the housing and is configured to control flow between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet; the oxygen valve is located in the housing and is configured to control flow into the oxygen inlet and out the oxygen outlet; and only material that has flowed through the oxygen valve can flow out the oxygen outlet.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control box further comprises a fuel gauge configured to display pressure existing at the fuel outlet. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control box further comprises kill switch that is configured to cause closure of the fuel valve when the kill switch is actuated to a kill position. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control box further comprises kill switch that is configured to cause closure of the fuel valve and the oxygen valve when the kill switch is actuated to a kill position. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control box further comprises a remote safety actuator that is attached to cable that extends from the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the remote safety actuator comprises a foot pedal. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control box further comprises a transformer and a connector coupled to the transformer. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein both the fuel valve and the oxygen valve comprise a solenoid, and in an absence of electrical power, the solenoid is closed. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the fuel valve and oxygen valve are configured to either both be open or both be closed. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control box further comprises a connector, and the connector is an electrical connection. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the control box further comprises a connector, and the connector is a pneumatic connection.