WO2003089691A1 - Comprehensive cleaning device for jewelry and the like - Google Patents
Comprehensive cleaning device for jewelry and the like Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2003089691A1 WO2003089691A1 PCT/US2003/011782 US0311782W WO03089691A1 WO 2003089691 A1 WO2003089691 A1 WO 2003089691A1 US 0311782 W US0311782 W US 0311782W WO 03089691 A1 WO03089691 A1 WO 03089691A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- tank
- jewelry
- cleaning
- steam
- insert
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
- B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
- B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25F—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC REMOVAL OF MATERIALS FROM OBJECTS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25F1/00—Electrolytic cleaning, degreasing, pickling or descaling
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25F—PROCESSES FOR THE ELECTROLYTIC REMOVAL OF MATERIALS FROM OBJECTS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
- C25F7/00—Constructional parts, or assemblies thereof, of cells for electrolytic removal of material from objects; Servicing or operating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B2230/00—Other cleaning aspects applicable to all B08B range
- B08B2230/01—Cleaning with steam
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a device for cleaning and polishing jewelry and the like, and, more particularly, to an improved and comprehensive cleaning device that can clean jewelry or the like initially by electro-cleaning and subsequently by means of steam.
- Electro-stripping the jewelry acts as an anode at positive potential
- the process can often be dangerous to a user especially when dealing in small scales with arrangements including burners, conductive beakers and power supplies with lead lines going to the jewelry and the conductive beaker.
- Ultrasonic cleaning has been used in the jewelry fields due to its ease of use in small scale operation such as the cleaning of jewelry (as opposed to the cleaning of steel or the like in industrial settings). Such ultrasonic arrangements may be sized for the cleaning of individual jewelry items and may be easily used with little danger to a jeweler or operator of the equipment. Unfortunately, ultrasonic cleaning tends to damage jewelry and particularly damages jewelry with gemstone settings and the like. Ultrasonic cleaning tends to vibrate the stones to either cause the stones to be disengaged from the jewelry setting or to become chipped or cracked as a result of the ultrasonic cleaning. Accordingly, ultrasonic cleaning provides a convenient arrangement but, the damage to jewelry is unacceptable, especially the damage to the jewelry after repeated ultrasonic cleanings.
- Thermal and chemical actions have been employed to clean metal and stones for some time. Unfortunately, some chemicals and thermal action on a small scale tends to be dangerous due to the high heat levels and the caustic nature of the chemicals. Additionally, some chemical and thermal action tends to erode the metals and can significantly damage jewelry over time. As with other processes, chemical action tends to loosen gemstones mounted in metal settings of the jewelry. Such thermal chemical processes may include alkaloid or acid substances which act on the metal or gem surface to result in cleaning action.
- the known processes suffer from several different problems.
- the electro- stripping processes tend to be awkward and extremely dangerous when used to clean jewelry and the like. Accordingly, electro-stripping is more often used in industrial metallurgical processes.
- Ultrasonic cleaners readily adapt to use by jewelers due to the known compact arrangements which are safe and easy to use. Unfortunately, ultrasonic cleaners tend to damage jewelry to a great extent and do not provide the desirable cleaning effect which the electro-stripping processes provide.
- the electro-cleaning tank of the '673 patent is described as containing conductive fluid that is heated to enhance the activity of the electro-cleaning action.
- separate heating elements are provided for both the electro- cleaning tank as well as for the water container or reservoir used to generate the steam.
- the use of separate heaters again, increases the cost and overall reliability of the uni
- the additional costs might be acceptable for use by the jewelry trade or thi like, the additional costs and dangers inherent in the use of the previous device rendered it unacceptable for wider marketing to the general public and average consumers.
- a cleaning device for jewelry and the like in accordance with the present invention includes a housing having an electro-cleaning portion and steam cleaning portion.
- a cleaning bath tank is provided that is formed of an electrically conductive material, said tank being supported within said electro-cleaning portion of said housing and being connectable to an electric potential and being tillable with a conductive fluid that exhibits enhanced cleaning properties when heated.
- An eleo conductor extends into the interior region of said tank, and is electrically insulated said tank, and connectable to an electric potential.
- An insert in the form of a bask movable in relation to said tank and positionable therein.
- Said insert includes a su surface that supports at least one conductive engagement means for providing ele conductive engagement with the jewelry or other item to be cleaned. Said insert is arranged to avoid direct electrical contact between said conductive engagement rr and said tank.
- a water reservoir is provided within said housing, and a steam noz; provided at said steam cleaning portion.
- a single heating element heats both the conductive fluid introduced into said tank, and the water drawn from said water res for converting the water into steam, within the heating element, for release through steam nozzle.
- the cleaning action in said cleaning batl tank is effective when the conductive fluid is at ambient temperature (i.e., without b heated).
- the heating element need not heat the clean bath tank and can be used to only convert water from the water reservoir into stean
- feeding means are provided for selectively feeding water from sail water reservoir into said steam generating means for generating steam on demand so that only water that is pumped from the water reservoir into the steam generating means is converted into steam upon actuation of said feeding means to feed a predetermined amount of water from said water tank to said steam generating means.
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device in accordance with the present invention, showing the cover or lid of the electro-cleaning portion of the device partially open;
- Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the cleaning device shown in Fig. 1 ;
- Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the cleaning device shown in Figs. 1 and 2, with the cover or lid removed to expose the interior of the electro-cleaning portion of the device;
- Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the insert or basket that is movably inserted into the cleaning bath tank of the electro-cleaning portion of the device shown in Figs. 1-3;
- Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the insert shown in Fig. 4, generally taken along a plane 5-5 taken in Fig. 4;
- Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a modified design of the cleaning device, generally taken along a plane 6-6 taken in Fig. 3;
- Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a steam-generating member or thermoblock shown in Fig. 6;
- Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the electrical circuit that can be used in conjunction with the cleaning device of the present invention.
- a cleaning device for cleaning jewelry and the like is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.
- the device 10 has a housing 12 that includes an electro-cleaning portion 14 and a steam cleaning portion 16.
- the electro-cleaning portion 14 includes a cleaning bath tank 18 (Fig. 6) formed of an electrically conductive material, in the presently preferred embodiment, stainless steel.
- the tank 18 is supported within the electro-cleaning portion 14 of the housing and is connectable to a positive electrical potential 20 (Fig. 8), and is tillable with an electrically conductive cleaning fluid 22 (Fig. 6).
- the conductive fluid exhibits enhanced cleaning properties when heated.
- a variation of the invention can be used with a conductive fluid that provides satisfactory cleaning when maintained at ambient temperature, in which case the conductive fluid need not be heated during use.
- At least one basket or insert 28 is positionable within the tank 18 that includes a support surface 28a and a handle 28b.
- the conductive engagement members 30 can be in the form of springs or helical coils, as shown, an are more fully described in U.S. Patent No. 4,966,673, which is fully incorporated herein. It will be clear, however, that any other conductive engagement members m, be used, including spring-loaded clips, simple flat or especially configured surfaces c which items of jewelry can be placed, etc. It will be evident, therefore, that by connection of an electrical conductor 24 to the conductive jewelry holders or engagement members 30, the application of a negative potential to the electrical conductor 24 also applies that negative potential to the holders or members 30.
- the electrical conductor 24 (Fig. 6) is electrically insulated and/or physically separated from the tank 18 and preferably extends into the interior region of the inse 28.
- the electrical conductor 24 is adapted to be connected or connectable to engagement members 30 at one end, and at the other end with a contact 42a on har 28b of insert 28.
- Contact 42a is connectable to a negative electrical potential 26 via contact 42 on shoulder 12' of housing 12, as described in more detail hereinbelow.
- a water reservoir 32 is provided within the housing.
- the water reservoir 32 in accordanc with the present invention can be any container for holding the water, including containers made of a plastic material, an open container or the like, since steam is nc generated within the water container 32 and there is no pressure buildup therein.
- Th water in the water reservoir 32 is directed to a steam generation station, to be described, where selected quantities of water are converted into steam. Steam so generated is released as a jet of steam through a steam nozzle 34 at the steam cleaning portion 16.
- a single heating element 36 serves the dual functions of heating the conductive fluid introduced into the tank 18 and for heating water from the reservoir 32 to convert the water into steam for release through the steam nozzle 34.
- the manner in which the insert 28 is placed within the tank 18 and its dimensions and its ability to make physical contact with the metallic portions of the tank will depend on the material from which the insert 28 is made. If the insert 28 is made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic or an insulated mesh or wire basket, it should be clear that the insert can have any dimensions that will fit within the tank 18 even if the walls or the bottom of the insert make contact with the exposed or conductive portions of the tank. However, if the insert 28 is made of a conductive material, the bottom wall or side wall of the insert cannot make contact with the tank 18 when in the fully inserted position shown, for example, in Figs. 1 and 2. In that event, the basket must be made smaller so that there is a space or clearance 37 between the insert and the stainless steel tank.
- a direct current must be capable of flowing through the following: from the source of positive potential at 20 (Fig. 8) through the tank 18, the conductive fluid 22, the conductive engagement member 30, the item of jewelry supported thereby, and the electrical conductor 24, to return to the negative potential 26.
- a lid or cover 40 may be provided with a safety-disengaging arm 39 for moving the insert 28 from a lowered position within the tank 18, whereby the conductive engagement members 30 are electrically engaged with the negative potential 26 via electrical conductor 24 and contacts 42, 42a, to an elevated position, whereby the conductive engagement members 30 are electrically disengaged from the negative potential 26.
- the bottom of insert 28 In the elevated position, the bottom of insert 28 preferably lies above the surface level of the conductive fluid 22 in the tank.
- the safety disengagement arm 39 is hingedly connected to lid 40, and lid 40 is hingedly connected to the housing 12.
- the lid or cover 40 is movably mounted between a first forward or closed position 40', and a second, elevated or open position 40".
- the closing of the cover 40 lowers the insert 28 to a position in which an annular or circumferential flange 28a of the insert 28 rests upon and makes contact with a shoulder 12' of the housing. Opening of the lid 40 can substantially elevate the insert 28.
- a contact 42 is mounted on shoulder 12' and disposed opposite to a contact 42a that is mounted on the insert 28, whereby contacts 42, 42a are physically in contact when lid 40 is lowered or closed, but are physically separated when lid 40 is raised or elevated.
- Contact 42 is connected to the negative electrical potential 26, while contact 42 is connected via the conductor 24 to the engagement members 30.
- the contacts 42, 42a are open to prevent current flow through the conductive fluid 22 when the insert 28 is at least partially raised or withdrawn from the tank 18.
- the contacts 42, 42a therefore, effectively serve as a safety control when the cover 40 is opened that overrides any other switch or control that might cause a current to flow through the tank.
- thermoblock heater in accordance with the present invention, is in the form of a thermoblock heater.
- Such thermoblock may be in the form of a cast aluminum block 36 (Figs. 6 and 7) provided with a conduit 36a having a water inlet end 36b and a steam outlet end 36c.
- the conduit is in the form of a spiral to increase the length of the conduit and to maintain the water introduced at the inlet end 36b in the block 36 for a longer period of time in order to optimize heat transfer and conversion of the water into steam at the outlet end 36c.
- a heating element 36d Extending about to the periphery of the cast aluminum block 36 is a heating element 36d that generally forms a U-shape and has its ends 36d' and 36d" projecting exteriorly of the block 36.
- the heating element 36d is in the form of a resistive conductor that generates heat when a current is passes through it, this heat being transferred to the block 36 to thereby elevate the temperature of the block 36 and thereby effect heat transfer to liquid flowing through the conduit 36a.
- the conduit 36a in the block 36 is in the form of a stainless steel line arranged in a coil configuration, as shown, to enhance or optimize heat transfer from the block to the water introduced into the line. The stainless steel protects the block 36 and increases the life and reliability thereof.
- the block 36 is provided with a generally flat upper surface 36e that is suitable for making contact with the tank 18.
- the surface 36e can also be made in any other shape that conforms to the shape of the stainless steel tank at the point of contact. Therefore, if the bottom wall of the tank 18 exhibits a convex surface, the surface 36e can be formed in a complementary concave surface that provides optimum surface contact area for optimizing heat transfer from the block 36 to the tank 18.
- the block 36 may be spaced from the tank 18 and assume any shape or configuration, since, in that event, no heat transfer needs to take place between the thermoblock 36 and the tank 18.
- the insert 28 is formed with a plurality of holes 28d in the bottom wall thereof, and also optionally with openings or apertures 28e in the side walls thereof to allow conductive fluid 22 to pass from the tank 18 into the insert 28, filling same, when the insert 28 is lowered into the tank 18, and for flowing back from and draining the insert 28 when it is raised from the tank 18.
- conductive fluid 22 must be present in the insert 28. However, such fluid is preferably removed when the insert is raised, as shown in Fig.
- a pump 54 that provides a feeding mechanism for feeding water from the water reservoir 32 to the block 36 by means of a water inlet tube 50 that connects the pump 54 with the water inlet 36b of the conduit 36a.
- the water pump 54 can selectively transfer water from the water reservoir 32 to the conduit 36a and to the thermoblock heater 36 when steam is to be formed. In this way, only water pumped into the thermoblock 36 is converted into steam, the water remaining in the water reservoir not being heated or placed under pressure.
- the pump 54 serves as a water feeding mechanism for selectively feeding water from the water reservoir 32 into the steam generating conduit 36a for generating steam on demand, without the need to use a valve.
- the steam cleaning portion 16 is preferably provided with a catch-basin 16a, including a sponge 52 to absorb condensation resulting from steam released from the steam nozzle 34.
- an electrical circuit is shown that can be used in connection with the cleaning device 10.
- Some of the components can be mounted on a printed circuit board 56 (Fig. 2).
- the transformer 58 forming part of the power supply 60 of the unit, is shown mounted below the printed circuit board 56 in Fig. 2.
- the circuit includes the following primary circuits: power control circuit 62; water feeding circuit 64; cleaning cycle or timer circuit 66; and steam generation or heater circuit 68.
- the power control circuit 62 includes a normally open "power-on" switch S1. When temporarily depressed, the switch S1 applies the line-in voltage across the coil of solenoid K1 having two normal open contacts.
- a normally closed "power-off" switch S2 is placed in series with the relay, the actuation of the switch S2 opens the circuit for the relay coil and unlatches the relay contacts.
- An overheat cut-out switch S5 may be provided in series with the switch S2 to effectively also open the circuit for the relay K1 when the switch exceeds a predetermined temperature, such as 200 °F.
- a fuse F2 is also shown in series with the line, again for the purpose of unlatching the relay K1 if the current in the input line exceeds a predetermined amount of current, such as 15 Amps.
- the power supply circuit 60 includes a timer circuit 66, which is actuated when a normally open switch S7 is depressed.
- the timer circuit 66 sets the time for the cleaning cycle, which corresponds to the time that an electrical potential is applied across the tank 18 and the electrical conductor 24 to provide current flow through the conductive fluid 22 in the insert 28.
- the timer TR1 may be any commercially available timer, whether electromechanical or based on an integrated circuit, such as timer IC 555, manufactured by numerous semiconductor integrated circuit manufacturers.
- the timer circuit 66 when the timer circuit 66 is actuated for a predetermined term of time, such as 60 seconds, full line voltage is applied across the primary coil of the transformer 58, the secondary coils of the transformer 58 being applied across a full wave rectifier D1 having a positive DC voltage at line 20, which is applied to the tank 18.
- the negative output of the rectifier D1 , at 26, is applied to the electrical contact 42, which is selectively connected to the conductor engagement members 30.
- the full bridge rectifier D1 preferably generates a low voltage output, such as 6 volts DC, with an output of up to 2-3 Amps.
- a visible indicator in the form of a lamp such as an LED lamp 70 is provided across the timer circuit 66 so that the LED 70 is energized during the timing cycle to provide a visual indication that the timing cycle is in progress.
- a potential is applied to lines 20, 26.
- the heater circuit 68 includes the heating element 36d which is placed across the line voltage when the relay K1 is energized and latched.
- the line voltage is also applied across an indicator lamp 72, which is essentially in parallel with the heating element 36d.
- the indicator 72 therefore, is energized and visible whenever power is applied across the heating element 36d indicating that the block 36 is being heated as a result of current flow through the heating element 36d.
- a thermal fuse F1 may be placed in series with the line voltage circuit applied to the heater circuit 68, the fuse being placed in contact with the thermal block 36 to monitor the temperature of the block 36 and remove the line voltage from the heating element 36d when the temperature of the heater block 36 exceeds a predetermined temperature, such as 450 °F.
- a second temperature-sensitive element S3 is shown in series with the thermal fuse F1 to provide redundant protection against overheating of the thermal block 36.
- the temperature-sensing element S3 is in the form of a thermo-disc that removes the line voltage from the heating element 36d when the temperature reaches 380 °F.
- the sensing element S3 will normally open before the thermal fuse F1 opens because of the differential in the sensing temperatures of these units. Unless the thermoblock 36 overheats, therefore, it will remain heated after the "power-on" switch S1 has been pressed until the "power-off” switch S2 is pressed, or one of the temperature-sensing elements overheats.
- the water feeding circuit 64 includes a timer TR2, which can, like timer circuit 66, be an electromechanical timer or an integrated circuit timer, such as the IC 555.
- a normally open switch S6 is connected across the timer TR2.
- the timer TR2 sets a steam cycle which can be any predetermined period of time, such 1-15 seconds or more.
- the timer shown is a fixed cycle timer and cannot be adjusted once the initial adjustment is made. However, if desired, timers 66 and TR2 can be selected to provide the user with an adjustment on the length of time that the respective cleaning and steam cycles last.
- thermoblock 36 since the thermoblock 36 remains at a relatively elevated temperature at all times during the use of the cleaning device, the water pumped into the thermoblock unit 36 will rapidly be heated and vaporized to generate the steam.
- a separate valve can be placed in the steam line 36a to release or block the issuance of the steam from the steam nozzle 34, or the steam may simply emanate from such nozzle whenever the pump run switch S6 is depressed for the given steam cycle.
- the electrically conductive tank 18 is filled with a mixture of water and a powder (such as a commercial available product sold by Oaklite Products, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, under the trade name OAKITE 90) that disassociates into ions in the water.
- the powder preferably includes a blend of anionic and non-ionic surfactants and alkalis including caustic soda, silicates and phosphates.
- a portion of the powder mixed with water provides the electrically conductive fluid 22, which is formulated or designed to anodically remove smut, oil, and the like.
- the electrically conductive fluid 22 generates bubbling adjacent to the negatively charged jewelry, which removes carbon pigments and the like from the surface of the jewelry without removing the metal or damaging the gemstones.
- the steam is sprayed on jewelry as the second step in the cleaning process after electro-cleaning.
- a catch basin containing the sponge 52 catches the steam to reduce the spray and captures the steam.
- the jewelry to be cleaned is positioned in the stainless steel tank 18 in a plastic jewelry holder 28 having the plurality of holes 28d and 28e therein to drain off the electrically conductive cleaning fluid 22.
- This fluid 22 may comprise a mixture of water and a conductive fluid which is sold commercially as an electrocleaner such as OAKITE 90, a powdered alkaline material designed to remove smut, oil, and the like.
- the rim of the stainless steel tank 18 may be sheathed with polypropylene or ABS plastic to prevent jewelry from making contact with the tank 18.
- the insert or basket 28 includes plastic gripping handle 28b that engages the sidewall 12' to hold the basket in the tank 18 and to facilitate removal of the basket 28 with the jewelry after cleaning.
- a gold plated contact 42a is mounted on the basket 28 to engage the tank 18. After the insert 28 is lowered into the tank 18, the contact 42a engages the contact 42 that is mounted on shoulder 12' complementary to contact 42a on handle 28b. Engaging contacts 42, 42a enables an electrical current to be passed through conductor 24 to engagement members 30.
- a small solenoid pump 54 is used to deliver distilled water, preferably as small droplets, through the channel 36a of thermoblock 36 to create steam to clean rinse the jewelry.
- General directions for utilizing the cleaning device 10 include placement of the device on a flat, firm surface, such as a counter top in a kitchen. With the power switch OFF, the plug for the unit is inserted into a 120-volt electrical outlet. The insert 28 is then raised by opening of the cover or lid 40. The tank 18 is then filled with distilled or tap water just until the level of the water is a approximately one inch from the top of the tank 18. Cleaning powder comprising an electrically conductive material is sprinkled into the water, and the water is stirred to dissolve the cleaning powder, thereby making electrically conductive fluid 22. The "power-on" switch S1 is now moved to the ON position or pressed, and the red indicating light 72 will come on, as indicated.
- thermoblock heating element 36d Since the thermoblock 36 is in heat transfer relationship with the stainless steel tank 18, the tank and the conductive fluid 22 within the tank 18 become heated. It may take 10-15 minutes for the conductive fluid to heat up.
- the electrical conductor 24 may also be connected, in addition to all of the conductive engagement members 30, to a generally flat conductive plate 28a, on which small items of jewelry such as diamond studs, small chains, rings, and other items can simply be deposited.
- conductive hooks 28f may be provided within the insert 28, also connected to the electrical conductor 24, for hanging larger objects such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Regardless of the configuration of the conductive engagement members within the insert 28, they are all connected to the electrical conductor 24 so that a potential is applied to the items of jewelry, no matter how they are electrically connected or mechanically supported within the insert. Springs and clips, as well as other fastening or securement elements, therefore, can also be used.
- the tank opening can be closed by the lowering of the lid or cover 40.
- the closing of the cover or lid will lower the insert 28 into the tank 18 so that all the items of jewelry are fully submersed in the conductive fluid 22.
- the cleaning switch S7 can then be depressed to start a cleaning cycle. If the items of jewelry are very dirty, this cleaning cycle can be repeated, or the items can be left in the conductive fluid 22 to soak for awhile in the heated bath.
- the insert 28 is raised by the opening of the cover or lid 40 so that the items of jewelry rise above the level of the conductive fluid 22. This facilitates the removal of the jewelry from the insert 28.
- a tweezers or similar gripping device may be to used to grip and remove each item of jewelry from the insert 28, as these items of jewelry may still be hot from the heated conductor fluid.
- the items of jewelry are then placed in a strainer, on a sponge, or the like (not shown) to allow the items of jewelry begin to dry when they are initially removed from the conductive fluid 22.
- Each item of jewelry can then be gripped, such as by use of a long tweezers, and placed under the steam nozzle 34.
- the pump run switch S6 can be pressed to cause the pump 54 to direct water from the water reservoir 32 for a predetermined time period which defines the steam cycle. Steam will be generated in the thermoblock 36, and ejected through the steam nozzle 34 in order to blow out any remaining contaminants that are stuck within recesses or traps in the jewelry. The jewelry is now clean, and it may be placed on a paper towel and allowed to cool.
- the present invention provides an electrochemical operation by causing current to flow through the jewelry to be cleaned during the cleaning cycle.
- the cleaning device is them provided with an integrated steam cleaner, which allows steam then to remove any remaining contaminants on the ring.
- the cleaning device in accordance with the present invention sends a DC current directly through the metallic jewelry to be cleaned. This creates not only a safe, smooth whirlpool effect but also a powerful effervescent action directly on the metallic surfaces of the jewelry, dislodging the softened dirt and grime without having to shake or vibrate the cleaning bath itself. At the same time, diamonds or gemstones safely soak in the specially formulated cleaning solution without the adverse effects that vibration or shaking can have on delicate.
- the present invention can also be used, in some of its forms, without the use of heated conductive fluid, and without heating the same by means of the thermoblock 36 or any other heating element.
- the cleaning device of the present invention in effect, sterilizes the jewelry, using heat, water and steam pressure to accomplish the cleaning function.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Materials Engineering (AREA)
- Metallurgy (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP03728421A EP1495164A1 (en) | 2002-04-16 | 2003-04-16 | Comprehensive cleaning device for jewelry and the like |
AU2003234115A AU2003234115B2 (en) | 2002-04-16 | 2003-04-16 | Device for cleaning jewelry |
CA002450999A CA2450999A1 (en) | 2002-04-16 | 2003-04-16 | Comprehensive cleaning device for jewelry and the like |
NZ535991A NZ535991A (en) | 2002-04-16 | 2003-04-16 | Comprehensive cleaning device for jewelry and the like |
HK06105581.8A HK1085517A1 (en) | 2002-04-16 | 2006-05-15 | Comprehensive cleaning device for jewelry and the like |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US6336802A | 2002-04-16 | 2002-04-16 | |
US10/063,368 | 2002-04-16 | ||
US10/387,055 US6800181B1 (en) | 2003-03-12 | 2003-03-12 | Device for cleaning jewelry |
US10/387,055 | 2003-03-12 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2003089691A1 true WO2003089691A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
Family
ID=29253868
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2003/011782 WO2003089691A1 (en) | 2002-04-16 | 2003-04-16 | Comprehensive cleaning device for jewelry and the like |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1495164A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003234115B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2450999A1 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1085517A1 (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ535991A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003089691A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN106694411A (en) * | 2016-11-29 | 2017-05-24 | 广东技术师范学院 | Safe maintaining device for automobile parts |
EP3124157A4 (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2018-01-24 | Steros GPA Innovative, S.L. | Removable electro-mechanical device for burnishing and smoothing metal parts |
GB2569116A (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2019-06-12 | Safe Solvents Europe Ltd | Parts-cleaning apparatus |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4242568A (en) * | 1978-04-10 | 1980-12-30 | Turmix Ag | Apparatus for the selective production of hot water and steam |
US4966673A (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1990-10-30 | Carlo Accattato | Device for cleaning and polishing jewelry |
-
2003
- 2003-04-16 WO PCT/US2003/011782 patent/WO2003089691A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-04-16 NZ NZ535991A patent/NZ535991A/en unknown
- 2003-04-16 EP EP03728421A patent/EP1495164A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2003-04-16 CA CA002450999A patent/CA2450999A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-04-16 AU AU2003234115A patent/AU2003234115B2/en not_active Ceased
-
2006
- 2006-05-15 HK HK06105581.8A patent/HK1085517A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4242568A (en) * | 1978-04-10 | 1980-12-30 | Turmix Ag | Apparatus for the selective production of hot water and steam |
US4966673A (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1990-10-30 | Carlo Accattato | Device for cleaning and polishing jewelry |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3124157A4 (en) * | 2014-03-28 | 2018-01-24 | Steros GPA Innovative, S.L. | Removable electro-mechanical device for burnishing and smoothing metal parts |
CN106694411A (en) * | 2016-11-29 | 2017-05-24 | 广东技术师范学院 | Safe maintaining device for automobile parts |
GB2569116A (en) * | 2017-12-05 | 2019-06-12 | Safe Solvents Europe Ltd | Parts-cleaning apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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NZ535991A (en) | 2006-09-29 |
EP1495164A1 (en) | 2005-01-12 |
AU2003234115B2 (en) | 2009-04-09 |
HK1085517A1 (en) | 2006-08-25 |
AU2003234115A1 (en) | 2003-11-03 |
CA2450999A1 (en) | 2003-10-30 |
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