Patent attributes
A jewelry cleaning device which emits a jet of steam under manually operable control means for the cleansing of various types of small items including jewelry, coins, trinkets, or the like. The jewelry cleaning device of the present invention is lightweight and relatively compact in size thus enabling its use on virtually any conventional tabletop and is easily stored when not in use. The steam generator is powered by conventional electrical power and is controlled by means of a thermostat to maintain the water/steam mixture at a predetermined temperature while in operation. Safety mechanisms include a pressure relief valve to automatically expel steam from the generator when the internal pressure thereof exceeds a predetermined level and a thermal fuse configured in a series connection with the heating element of the steam generator. A containment device is optionally provided which is made of screen mesh and fashioned into a cup-like shape, is slidably engaged onto the sidewall of the jewelry cleaning device housing and is disposed underneath the spout in such a manner to trap gems or other small parts which are inadvertently dislodged from the jewelry piece during the cleaning operation.
