HK1085517A1 - Comprehensive cleaning device for jewelry and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

A device is disclosed having an electro-cleaning (14) and steam cleaning portion (16). A tank (18) is supported within the electro-cleaning portion and is connectable to an electric potential (20). An insert (28) with a support surface (28a) for jewelry is extended into the tank and positioned to avoid direct electrical contact between a conductive engagement means (30) and the tank. There is a water reservoir (32) and a steam nozzle (34) at the steam cleaning portion. These components enable an electrical current to flow though jewelry being cleaned, the engagement means, the conductive fluid and the tank when the engagement means is connected to a conductor (24) and the tank.

Description

All-round cleaning device for jewelry and similar products

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a device for cleaning and polishing jewelry and similar products, and more particularly to an improved overall cleaning device capable of cleaning jewelry and similar products by prior electro-cleaning and with subsequent steam.

Background

In the past, jewelry, precious stones, and metals have been cleaned through various processing steps. These processes include electropolishing, ultrasonic cleaning, chemical action cleaning, and others.

U.S. patent No.4663005 issued to Edson 5/1987 sets forth an electrolytic process using a non-toxic electrolytic solution. This reference sets forth some basic electropolishing concepts and specifically mentions a solution for use in the basic electropolishing process. This procedure has inherent drawbacks related to the amount of metal removed to be polished. This results in the obvious drawback that some precious metal forming part of the jewelry will be lost. In addition, there are also a number of problems in making the metal of adjoining gemstones or the like that form part of the jewelry. This often results in the gemstone loosening from its holder and sometimes also causing the gemstone to become detached from the metal support. Still other serious problems arise when using electropolishing processes in small scale operations such as cleaning jewelry (as opposed to industrial grade cleaning steel or the like). Electrostripping (jewelry as the anode of a positive potential) also creates problems due to the large currents generated during processing. This process is often dangerous to the user, especially when dealing with small scale devices including such devices as burners, conductive beakers, and power supplies with wires connecting the jewelry and conductive beakers.

Ultrasonic cleaning is used in the jewelry field because it is easy to use in small scale operations such as cleaning jewelry (as opposed to cleaning of steel and the like using industrial equipment). These ultrasonic devices are sized for cleaning a single piece of jewelry and are easy to use and less dangerous for the operator or jeweler of the equipment. Unfortunately, ultrasonic cleaning tends to damage jewelry, particularly jewelry with gemstone settings and the like. One of the consequences of ultrasonic cleaning of the vibrating gemstone is that it can easily cause the gemstone to become detached from the jewelry setting or to fragment or crack. Thus, ultrasonic cleaning provides a convenient means, but damage to the jewelry is unacceptable, especially after repeated ultrasonic cleaning.

Thermal and chemical action are also sometimes used to clean metals and gemstones. Unfortunately, some small scale chemical and thermal processes are prone to danger due to the large amount of heat and the corrosive nature of the chemicals. In addition, some chemical and thermal effects tend to corrode metals and can severely damage jewelry over time. As with other procedures, chemical action tends to loosen gemstones mounted on metal settings of jewelry. Such thermo-chemical treatment may include an alkali or acid-containing substance that reacts with the metal or gemstone surface to produce a cleaning action.

The known process suffers from several different problems. The electro-stripping process is not practical and extremely dangerous for cleaning jewelry and the like. Therefore, electro-stripping is more used in industrial metallurgical processes. Ultrasonic cleaners are readily accepted by jewellers because they are compact devices that are safe and easy to use. Unfortunately, ultrasonic cleaners tend to damage jewelry to a large extent and do not provide the desired cleaning effect that can be achieved with an electrostripping process.

Us patent No.4966673 describes a device for cleaning and polishing jewelry which cleans jewelry pieces and the like in a two-step process-first electrical cleaning in a bath and then cleaning the items by a steam jet to remove any remaining or residual contaminants. However, this patented device has some drawbacks. Steam is generated by heating a water vessel, typically using a small boiler. This requires a container that can withstand high pressures. Such containers are both dangerous and expensive, particularly since additional valves are required to selectively release steam from the water container to prevent excessive pressure build-up within the container. In addition, the contents of the electro-cleaning bath described in the' 673 patent contain a conductive fluid that is heated to enhance the activity of the electro-cleaning action. In the above patents, the electric washing tub and the water container or the water storage means for generating steam are provided with separate heating means. The use of a separate heater also increases the cost and reliability of the unit. Thus, while the additional costs may be acceptable for the jewelry trade or the like, the additional costs and risks inherent with the use of the above-described devices make them unacceptable for the general public and average consumer for a larger market.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device suitable for jewelers to use, to clean jewelry and the like in non-industrial or "domestic" settings.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device as set forth in the preceding objects which is simple to operate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cleaning device as set forth in the preceding objects which is safe to operate.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a cleaning device of the type in question which is effective in cleaning jewelry without damaging the jewelry and without corroding the metal surfaces of the jewelry or the like.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects that will become apparent hereinafter, a cleaning device for jewelry and the like in accordance with the present invention comprises a housing having an electro-cleaning portion and a steam cleaning portion. A cleaning bath is provided which is formed of an electrically conductive material, is supported within the electro-cleaning portion of the housing and is connectable to an electrical potential, and is fillable with a conductive fluid which is heated to enhance cleaning performance. An electrically conductive member extends into the interior region of the bath and is electrically insulated from the bath and connectable to an electrical potential. An insert in the form of a basket is movable relative to the bath and positionable therein. The insert includes a support surface supporting at least one conductive engagement means providing conductive engagement with jewelry or other items to be cleaned. The insert is positioned to avoid direct electrical contact between the conductive engagement means and the bath. A water storage device is arranged in the shell, and a steam nozzle is arranged at the steam cleaning part. A single heating member heats the conductive fluid introduced into the bath and the water from the water reservoir to convert the water into steam within the heating member for release through the steam nozzle. A feed device is used to selectively feed water from the water reservoir through the single heating member to produce the required steam when continuously heating the wash bath of electrically conductive material. Thus, when the conductive engagement means is connected to the conductive member and the bath is filled with conductive fluid, current can flow through the jewelry to be cleaned, the conductive engagement means, the conductive fluid in the bath, and the bath to cause electrolysis between the bath and the jewelry to be cleaned, and thereafter, the jewelry is moved from the bath to the vicinity of the steam nozzle, with residual contaminants being removed by steam from the steam nozzle.

In another variant of the invention, the cleaning action in the cleaning bath is also effective when the conductive fluid is at room temperature (i.e. no heating is required). With such an electrically conductive fluid, the heating element need not heat the washing bath, but only serves to convert the water from the water reservoir to steam. Advantageously, feed means are provided for selectively feeding water from the water reservoir to the steam generating means for generating steam as required, such that on activation of the feed means a predetermined amount of water is fed from the water reservoir to the steam generating means, whereby only water pumped from the water reservoir into the steam generating means is converted to steam.

Drawings

With the above and additional objects and advantages in view, which will appear hereinafter, the invention comprises a preferred embodiment of the invention, a combination and arrangement of parts, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaning device according to the present invention showing the lid or cover of the electro-cleaning portion of the device when 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 of fig. 1 and 2 with the cover or lid removed to expose the interior of the electrical cleaning portion of the device.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an insert or basket removably insertable into a cleaning bath of the electro-cleaning section of the apparatus of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the insert shown in FIG. 4, taken generally along the plane 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a modified version of the cleaning device taken generally along the plane 6-6 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the steam generating component or thermal block (thermoblock) of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit that may be used in conjunction with the cleaning device of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring now in particular to the drawings in which like or similar elements are designated by like reference numerals and initially to fig. 1-3, a cleaning device for cleaning jewelry and the like is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

The apparatus 10 has a housing 12 that includes an electric wash section 14 and a steam wash section 16. The electro-cleaning section 14 includes a cleaning bath 18 (fig. 6) formed of a conductive material, which is stainless steel in the present preferred embodiment. The bath 18 is supported on the electro-cleaning portion 14 of the housing and is connectable to a positive potential 20 (fig. 8) and may be filled with an electrically conductive cleaning fluid 22 (fig. 6). In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive fluid may enhance cleaning when heated. However, as will be discussed below, one variation of the present invention may be used in conjunction with an electrically conductive fluid that is maintained at room temperature to provide satisfactory cleaning without the need for heating.

At least one basket or insert 28 is positionable within the bath 18, the insert including a support surface 28a and a handle 28 b. The support surface 28a has mounted thereon at least one electrically conductive engagement member 30 (fig. 1, 4, 5 and 6) for engaging and providing electrically conductive contact with jewelry to be cleaned. The conductive engagement member 30 may be in the form of a spring or helical coil as shown and described more fully in U.S. patent No.4966673, the contents of which are fully incorporated into the present application. It will be apparent, however, that any other electrically conductive engagement member may be used, including spring-loaded clips having a simple flat or specially configured surface for placing items of jewelry thereon. Thus, it is apparent that by connection of the conductor 24 to the conductive jewelry holder or engaging member 30, a negative potential is applied to the conductor 24 while a negative potential is also applied to the holder or member 30.

The conductive member 24 (fig. 6) is electrically insulated and/or physically separated from the bath 18 and preferably extends into the interior region of the insert 28. The conductor 24 has one end connected or connectable to the engagement member 30 and the other end having a contact 42a with the handle 28b of the insert 28. The contact 42a is connectable to a negative potential 26 through a contact 42 on a shoulder 12' of the housing 12, as will be described in greater detail below.

A water reservoir 32 is provided within the housing. However, unlike the water storage device disclosed in U.S. patent No.4966673, the water storage device 32 according to the present invention may be any container capable of holding water, including a container made of plastic, an open container, or the like, since no steam is generated within the water storage device 32 and no pressure is generated therein. The water in the water reservoir 32 is directed to a steam generation station, to be described, where a selected amount of water is converted to steam. The steam thus generated is released in the form of a steam jet through the steam nozzle 34 of the steam cleaning portion 16.

In embodiments that tend to use electrically conductive fluids that enhance cleaning performance when heated, one heating member according to the present invention performs a dual function: heating the conductive fluid introduced into bath 18; and heating the water from the water reservoir 32 and converting this water to steam for release through the steam nozzle 34.

Since the conductive bath 18 is connected to an electrical potential 20 (fig. 8), the manner in which the insert 28 is placed within the bath 18, its size, and its ability to make physical contact with the metal portions of the bath will depend on the material from which the insert 28 is made. It will be apparent that if the insert 28 is made of a non-conductive material, such as plastic or an insulating expanded metal or wire basket, the insert may be of any size that can be placed within the bath 18 even if the walls or bottom of the insert are in contact with the exposed or conductive portions of the bath. However, if the insert 28 is made of a conductive material, the bottom wall or side walls of the insert 28 cannot contact the bath 18 when it is in the fully inserted position as shown in fig. 1 and 2. At this point, the basket must be made smaller so that there is a space or gap 37 between the insert and the stainless steel bath.

To effect the electro-cleaning of a jewelry item, e.g., by placing it on a conductive jewelry holder or engaging member 30, a direct current must be able to flow through the following paths: proceeding from a positive potential at 20 (fig. 8), through bath 18, conductive fluid 22, conductive engagement member 30, the item of jewelry supported thereon, and conductor 24, and then back to a negative potential 26.

A safety release arm 39 may be provided to the cover or lid 40 to move the insert 28 from a lower position within the bath 18, in which the conductive engagement member 30 is electrically engaged with the negative potential 26 via the conductor 24 and contacts 42, 42a, to an upper position; the conductive engagement member 30 is electrically disconnected from the negative potential 26 when in the up position. When in the up position, the bottom of the insert 28 is preferably above the level of the conductive fluid 22 in the bath.

As best shown in fig. 6, the safety disengagement arm 39 is hingedly connected to a cover 40, and the cover 40 is hingedly connected to the housing 12. The cover or lid 40 is movably mounted between a first, forward or closed position 40' and a second, raised or open position 40 ". As discussed in us patent No.4966673, and as is apparent from fig. 6, closing the lid 40 lowers the insert 28 to a position where the annular or circular bearing surface 28a of the insert 28 rests on and contacts the shoulder 12' of the housing. Opening the lid 40 lifts the insert 28. Advantageously, the contacts 42 are mounted on the shoulder 12' and positioned opposite the contacts 42a mounted on the insert 28, wherein the contacts 42, 42a are in physical contact when the cover 40 is lowered, i.e., closed, and are physically separated when the cover 40 is raised, i.e., raised. Contact 42 is connected to negative potential 26 and contact 42 is connected to joining member 30 through conductor 24. When the insert 28 is at least partially lifted or withdrawn from the bath 18, the contacts 42, 42a open to prevent current flow through the conductive fluid 22. When the insert 28 is fully received in the bath 18, the contacts 42, 42a are closed to pass current through the conductive fluid 22. Thus, the contacts 42, 42a effectively act as a safety control which denies any switch or control that could cause current to flow through the bath when the lid 40 is opened.

It will be apparent that a variety of other safety mechanisms may be used in the context of the safety disengagement member 39, although illustrated in the form of a linkage that is hinged to both the insert 28 and the lid 40. Thus, for example, any manual or electromechanical device or mechanism capable of actuating a microswitch or the like in response to the closure of the cover 40 may be equivalently used.

The heating member of the present invention is in the form of a thermoblock heater. Such a hot block may be in the form of a cast aluminum block having a conduit 36a (fig. 6 and 7), the conduit 36a having a water inlet end 36b and a steam outlet end 36 c. As best shown in fig. 7, the tube is in the form of a spiral to increase the length of the tube and to maintain the water introduced at the inlet end 36b in the thermal block 36 for a longer period of time, thus optimizing heat transfer and conversion of the water to steam at the outlet end 36 c.

A heating member 36d, which is substantially U-shaped and has end portions 36 d' and 36d ″ protruding from the heat block 36 to the outside, extends substantially to the outer periphery of the cast aluminum block. Heating member 36d is in the form of a resistive conductor that generates heat when an electric current is passed therethrough, which is transferred to thermal block 36 such that the temperature of thermal block 36 is raised, thereby effecting heat transfer to the liquid flowing through conduit 36 a. Advantageously, as shown, the conduits within thermal block 36 are in the form of stainless steel wires arranged in a coiled configuration to enhance or optimize heat transfer from the thermal block to the water introduced into the wires. The stainless steel protects the thermal block 36 and extends its service life and improves reliability.

Advantageously, when the cleaning device 10 uses an electrically conductive fluid 22 that enhances cleaning performance when heated, the thermal block 36 is provided with an upper surface 36e that results in a flat surface adapted to contact the bath 18. Surface 36e may also be formed in any shape that conforms to the shape of the stainless steel bath at the point of contact. Thus, if the bottom wall of the bath 18 is a convex surface, the surface 36e may be a complementary concave surface that provides an optimal surface contact area to optimize heat transfer from the thermal block 36 to the bath 18.

On the other hand, if the cleaning device 10 is used with an electrically conductive fluid that does not require heating to enhance or optimize the cleaning or operating characteristics of the fluid, the thermal block 36 may be spaced from the bath 18 and may take any shape or configuration, as no heat transfer between the thermal block 36 and the bath 18 is required at this time.

As best shown in fig. 4 and 5, the insert 28 is formed with a plurality of apertures 28d in its bottom wall and optionally an opening or aperture 28e in its side wall to allow the conductive fluid 22 to flow from the bath 18 into the insert 28 and fill the insert 28 as the insert is lowered in the bath 18 and to allow the conductive fluid 22 to flow back from the insert 28 and drain as it is raised from the bath 18. In use, the conductive fluid 22 must be located within the insert 28. However, as shown in fig. 6, when the insert is raised, these fluids are preferably drained to facilitate placement of the jewelry item on the conductive engagement member 30 to facilitate removal of the jewelry from the insert, and to increase safety by preventing potentially dangerous contact with the conductive fluid 22, particularly when the conductive fluid 22 is heated by the thermal block 36. An important feature of the present invention is the use of a pump 54, the pump 54 providing a feed mechanism for feeding water from the water reservoir 32 to the thermal block 36 through the water inlet tube 50 connecting the pump 54 to the water inlet 36b of the conduit 36 a. By providing suitable electrical controls, as will be discussed below, the water pump 54 can selectively deliver water from the water reservoir 32 to the tube 36a and the thermal block heater 36 when steam is to be formed. In this way, only the water pumped into the thermal block 36 is converted to steam, while the water held in the water reservoir is not heated or put under pressure.

In this manner, the pump 54 acts as a water feed mechanism that selectively feeds water from the water reservoir 32 into the steam generating conduit 36a, thereby generating steam as needed without the use of valves.

The steam cleaning portion 16 is preferably provided with a water collection sump 16a including a sponge 52 to absorb condensation of the steam discharged from the steam nozzle 34.

Referring to fig. 8, a circuit is shown that may be used in conjunction with the cleaning device 10. Some of the components may be mounted on a printed circuit board 56 (fig. 2). A transformer 58, which forms part of the power supply 60 for the device, is shown mounted below the printed circuit board 56 in figure 2. In addition to the power supply 60, the circuit includes the following main circuits:

a power supply control circuit 62;

a water feed circuit 64;

a cleaning cycle or timer circuit 66; and

a 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 a line-in voltage to the solenoid coil K1 having two normally open contacts. When solenoid K1 is energized, the two associated contacts close, one of which is used to lock the relay in the energized state even if switch S1 is released. A normally closed "power off switch S2 is placed in series with the relay, actuating switch S2 will open the relay circuit and unlock the relay contacts. An overheat cut-off switch S5 may be provided in series with the switch S2 to effectively open the relay K1 circuit when the switch exceeds a predetermined temperature, such as 200 degrees fahrenheit.

As shown, a fuse F2 is also connected in series with the line and is also used for the purpose of unlocking relay K1, such as when the current into the line exceeds a predetermined amount, such as 15 amps.

The power circuit 60 includes a timer circuit 66, and the timer circuit 66 is activated when the normally open switch S7 is depressed. The timer circuit 66 sets the time of the cleaning cycle to correspond to the time that the electrical potential is applied to the bath 18 and the conductive member 24 to provide current flow through the conductive fluid 22 in the insert 28. Timer TR1 may be any commercially available timer, whether electromechanical or integrated circuit based, manufactured by a number of semiconductor device integrated circuit manufacturers, such as timer 555.

It is apparent that when timer circuit 66 is actuated for a predetermined period of time, such as 60 seconds, full line voltage is applied to the primary winding of transformer 58, and the secondary winding of transformer 58 is connected to full wave rectifier D1, full wave rectifier D1 having a positive dc voltage at line 20, applied to bath 18. The negative output of rectifier D1 at 26 is applied to electrical contact 42 which is selectively connected to conductor engaging member 30. The full wave bridge rectifier D1 preferably produces a low voltage output, such as 6 vdc, with a maximum output of 2-3 amps. Advantageously, a visual indicator in the form of a light, such as a light emitting diode light 70, is provided in the timer circuit 66 so that during a timing cycle, the light emitting diode 70 provides a visual indication that the timing cycle is in progress after a voltage is applied. Thus, when the LED 70 is pressurized, it indicates that a voltage is applied to the lines 20, 26.

The heater circuit 68 includes a heating member 36d that is connected across the line voltage when the relay K1 is energized and latched. The line voltage is also applied to indicator light 72 substantially in parallel with heating member 36 d. Thus, as long as power is applied to heating member 36d, indicator 72 is pressurized and visible, indicating that current is flowing through heating member 36d, with the result that thermal block 36 is heated. The line voltage circuit applied to the heater circuit 68 may be provided in series with a thermal fuse F1 placed in contact with the thermal block 36 to monitor the temperature of the thermal block 36 and remove the line voltage from the heating member 36d when the temperature of the thermal block 36 exceeds a predetermined temperature, such as 450 degrees fahrenheit.

Also shown is a second temperature sensing means S3 in series with thermal fuse F1 to provide redundant protection against overheating of thermal block 36. The temperature sensing member S3 is in the form of a thermal-disc (hot-disc) that will remove the line voltage of the heating member 36d when the temperature reaches 380 degrees fahrenheit. The sensing member S3 naturally maintains a normally open state before the thermal fuse F1 opens due to the difference in the sensed temperatures of the two members. Thus, unless thermal block 36 overheats, the "power on" switch S1 will remain heated after it is pressed until the "power off" switch S2 is pressed, or one of the temperature sensing members overheats.

The water feed circuit 64 includes a timer TR2, similar to the timer circuit 66, which may be an electromechanical counter or an integrated circuit timer, such as an IC 555. The normally open switch S6 is connected to a timer TR 2. When the pump is running and switch S6 is momentarily closed, timer TR2 may set any predetermined time period, such as a steam cycle of 1-15 seconds or more. The timer shown is a fixed periodic timer that cannot be readjusted once initial adjustment is complete. However, if desired, the timers 66 and TR2 may be selected so that the user can adjust the length of time that the respective wash and steam cycles last. When the pump run switch S6 is pressurized, the pump rate control circuit 74 is energized and then activates the pump 54. Thus, it is apparent that actuating the pump run switch S2 may cause the pump 54 to pump water from the water reservoir 32 into the heating member or thermal block 36 at predetermined times.

As described above, since the thermal block 36 is maintained at a relatively high temperature throughout the operation of the cleaning apparatus, the water pumped into the thermal block 36 will be rapidly heated and evaporated to generate steam. If desired, a separate valve may be provided in the steam line, i.e., conduit 36a, to allow or prevent steam from being released from the steam nozzle 34, which would otherwise be easily ejected therefrom whenever the voltage drops for a given steam cycle by the pump operation switch S6. Once all of the water is pumped into the thermal block 36 during the steam cycle, water is no longer contained within the thermal block 36 and steam generation ceases.

The conductive bath 18 is filled with a mixture of water and a powder that decomposes into ions in water (such as those sold by Oaklite Products, Berkeley Heights, New Jersey under the trade designation "OAKITE 90"). The powder preferably comprises a mixture of anionic and nonionic material surfactants and alkali metal compounds including caustic soda, silicates and phosphates. A portion of the powder is mixed with water to provide a conductive fluid 22 that is formulated and designed to remove stains, oil, and the like at the anode. The conductive fluid 22 creates bubbles in the vicinity of the negatively charged jewelry to remove carbon pigments (stones) and the like from the surface of the jewelry without removing metal or damaging the gemstone.

Cleaning process the second step after electro-cleaning is to spray steam onto the jewelry. A sump containing sponge 52 captures the steam to reduce spray and capture the steam.

The jewelry to be cleaned is positioned in a plastic jewelry holder 28 in the stainless steel bath 18. The holder 28 has a plurality of holes 28d and 28e therein to discharge the conductive cleaning fluid 22. Fluid 22 may comprise a mixture of water and an electrically conductive fluid, such as OAKITE90, commercially available as an electrical cleaner, a powdered alkaline substance designed to remove stains, oils, and the like.

The rim of the stainless steel bath 18 may be covered with polypropylene or ABS plastic to prevent jewelry from coming into contact with the bath 18. When the lid 40 is closed, moisture formed on the lid 40 returns to the stainless steel bath 18. The insert or basket 28 includes a plastic gripping handle 28b that engages the side wall 12' to retain the basket in the bath 18 and facilitate separation of the basket 28 from the jewelry after cleaning. Gold plated plate contacts 42a are mounted on the basket 28 for engagement with the bath 18. After the insert 28 is lowered within the bath 18, the contact 42a engages a contact 42 mounted in the shoulder 12' complementary to the contact 42a on the handle 28 b. The engagement of contacts 42, 42a causes current to pass through conductors 24 to engagement member 30.

As shown in FIG. 8, a small solenoid pump 54 is used to deliver distilled water, preferably as small water droplets, through a conduit 36a in the thermal block 36 for generating steam for cleaning jewelry.

The general use of the cleaning device 10 includes placing the device on a flat, sturdy surface, such as a kitchen countertop. The power switch opens the circuit and the unit plug is plugged into a 120V outlet. The insert 28 is lifted by opening the lid or cover 40. The bath 18 then begins to fill with distilled or tap water until the water level is about 1 inch from the top of the bath. The cleaning powder including the conductive substance is sprinkled into water, and the water is stirred to dissolve the cleaning powder, thus preparing the conductive fluid 22. The "power on" switch S1 is then moved to the on position and pressed, and the red indicator light 72 will light up as described. Thus, current flows through thermal block heating member 36d and thermal block 36 begins to heat up. The bath 18 and the conductive fluid 22 within the bath 18 begin to heat due to the heat transfer relationship between the thermal block 36 and the stainless steel bath 18. Heating the conductive fluid may take 10-15 minutes.

The jewelry item may now be connected to a conductive engagement member 30 placed inside the insert 28. If desired, conductor 24 may be connected to a substantially flat conductive plate, i.e., support surface 28a, on which small items of jewelry such as diamond ear spikes, small chains, finger rings, and others may be easily placed, in addition to all of the conductive engagement members 30. Similarly, an electrically conductive hook 28f may be disposed within the insert 28, the electrically conductive hook 28f also being connected to the electrically conductive member 24 for hanging larger items such as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Regardless of the configuration of the conductive engagement member within insert 28, it is connected to conductor 24 to apply a voltage across the jewelry item, whether it is electrically connected or mechanically supported within the insert. Thus, springs and clips, as well as other clamping or fastening members, may also be used.

The lowering lid or cover 40 may close the bath opening when all items of jewelry are attached or secured to the inside of the insert. As suggested in fig. 6, closing the lid or cover will lower the insert 28 into the bath 18 so that all jewelry items are fully submerged in the conductive fluid 22. Pressing the purge switch S7 begins the purge cycle. If the jewelry item is very dirty, the cleaning cycle may be repeated, or the item may be left in the conductive fluid 22 to soak in the heated bath for a while.

Once the jewelry is more or less washed clean in the wash bath, the cap or cover 40 is opened to lift the insert 28 so that the jewelry items rise above the level of the conductive fluid 22. This facilitates removal of the jewelry from insert 28. Since the jewelry items leaving the heated conductive fluid may still be hot, a tweezer or similar gripping device may be used to grasp and remove each jewelry item from insert 28. Preferably, when the jewelry item is initially removed from conductive fluid 22, it may be placed on a screen or sponge or the like (not shown) to dry the jewelry item. Each clip of jewelry is then placed under steam nozzle 34, for example with a long pair of tweezers. At this point, the pump run switch S6 may be depressed to cause the pump 54 to direct water from the water reservoir 32 for a predetermined period of time that defines a steam cycle. Steam will be generated in the heat block 36 and sprayed through the steam nozzle 34 to blow off any contaminants that may have stuck in the jewelry depressions or pits. The jewelry is now clean and can be cooled on paper towels.

It will be apparent from the above description that the present invention provides an electrochemical operation by passing an electric current through the jewelry to be cleaned during a cleaning cycle. The cleaning device is also provided with an integrated steam cleaner that can use steam to remove any remaining contaminants from the ring.

Unlike ultrasonic or electro-acoustic (electro-sonic) devices, which attempt to shake stains and dirt vigorously from jewelry, the cleaning device of the present invention sends a direct current directly through the metal jewelry to be cleaned. This produces not only a safe, gentle swirling effect, but also a powerful bubbling action directed at the metal surface of the jewelry, removing softened stains and soils without having to shake or vibrate the cleaning bath. At the same time, the diamond or gemstone is safely immersed in a specially formulated cleaning solution without the side effects of vibration or shaking.

Other variations of powder cleaners that can be used to incorporate electrically conductive fluids into water are also discussed in U.S. patent No. 4966673. The cleaning formulation can cope with oil stains deposited on the surface of the jewelry item, the surface of which acts as a hotbed for the growth of bacteria, which mainly accumulate in the back of the jewelry or in small and inaccessible crevices, making the jewelry shade without life. These bacteria can cause itchy rashes in the fingers, ears, neck or other jewelry areas of a person.

As suggested, although heat generally helps to greatly accelerate the cleaning process and may make the conductive cleaning powder more reactive, in some forms thereof, the invention may be practiced without the use of a heated conductive fluid, and without heating the conductive fluid by the thermal block 36 or any other heating means.

The cleaning device disclosed by the invention realizes the cleaning function through heat, water and steam pressure, and can effectively kill bacteria on jewelry.

While the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein and as defined in the appended claims. Thus, although the present invention 20 is described in this specification as electro-cleaning, the teachings of the present invention can also be used in conjunction with ultrasonic cleaning from an economic standpoint.

Claims (16)

1. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like, comprising:

a housing having an electric cleaning portion and a steam cleaning portion;

a cleaning bath formed of an electrically conductive material, said bath being supported within said electric cleaning portion of said housing and connected to an electric potential and filled with an electrically conductive fluid which enhances cleaning performance when heated;

an electrically conductive member extending into an interior region of the tank, the member being electrically insulated from the tank and connected to an electrical potential;

an insert positioned within the bath and including a support surface;

electrically conductive engagement means supported by said insert for electrically conductive engagement with jewelry to be cleaned, said insert being positioned to avoid direct electrical contact between said electrically conductive engagement means and said bath;

a water reservoir located inside the housing;

a steam nozzle located in the steam cleaning part;

a single heating member for heating the electrically conductive fluid introduced into the interior of the bath and for heating the water from the water reservoir and converting the water into steam and releasing it through the steam nozzle, an

A feed device for selectively feeding water from the water reservoir through the single heating member to generate the required steam when continuously heating the wash bath of electrically conductive material,

when the conductive engagement member is electrically interconnected with the conductor and the bath, and when the bath is filled with a conductive fluid, an electrical current flows through jewelry to be cleaned, the conductive engagement member, the conductive fluid in the bath, and the bath to cause an electrolytic action between the bath and jewelry to be cleaned, and thereafter, jewelry is moved from the bath to the vicinity of the steam nozzle, with residual contaminants being removed by steam from the steam nozzle.

2. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, further comprising: safety disconnect means for moving said insert from a position within said bath in which said conductive engagement means is electrically engaged with said conductive member to a raised position in which said conductive engagement means is electrically disengaged, said insert being positioned above the level of fluid within said bath in said raised position.

3. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 2, wherein said safety disconnect device comprises a cover hingedly connected to said housing and positioned over said bath, said cover being movable between a first forward position and a second raised position, and a linkage connecting said cover to said insert for raising and lowering said insert out of and into said bath in response to movement of said cover.

4. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature regulating means for sensing the temperature of fluid in said bath and regulating said heating element to maintain said fluid in said bath within a predetermined temperature range.

5. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, wherein said conductive engagement means comprises an extensible and contractible conductive spring member for holding and electrically engaging jewelry to be cleaned.

6. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, wherein said bath is formed of stainless steel.

7. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, wherein said insert supporting surface is formed with a plurality of apertures through which fluid is caused to flow from below said supporting surface to above said supporting surface and from above said supporting surface to below said supporting surface as said insert is moved within said bath.

8. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, wherein said water reservoir is connected to a steam conduit and further comprising a valve controlling flow from said steam conduit to said steam nozzle when said valve is in an open position.

9. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, wherein said bath is at a positive potential and said conductor is at a negative potential.

10. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the supply of power to said bath and said conductive member.

11. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, wherein said single heating member comprises a thermoblock heater provided with a conduit through which water can flow and be heated to convert it to steam, the thermoblock heater further having a heating surface in contact with said bath to heat fluid disposed in said bath.

12. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 11, further comprising a pump for selectively transferring water from the water reservoir to said conduit in said thermoblock heater when steam is to be formed, such that only water pumped into said conduit is converted to steam.

13. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 11, wherein said thermoblock comprises a cast aluminum block and said conduit comprises a stainless steel wire arranged in a coiled configuration to enhance heat transfer between said thermoblock and water introduced into said wire.

14. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, wherein said insert is made of a non-conductive material.

15. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, wherein said bearing surface of said insert is spaced from an inner surface of said bath.

16. A device for cleaning jewelry and the like according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of contacts, one connected to said electrical conductor and the other connected to said bath, said pair of contacts being open to prevent passage of current from the electrically conductive fluid when said insert is at least partially withdrawn from said bath, said pair of contacts being closed to allow passage of current from the electrically conductive fluid when said insert is received within said bath.