Abstract: A three-dimensional flow-through electrode includes an efficient current feeding mechanism including current feeders comprising rods of conductive material, such as graphite, which are inserted at predetermined spacing into a flow-through electrode, such as a block of graphite felt. The current feeders are appropriately spaced throughout the electrode to allow for efficient current distribution. The large surface area provided by the flow-through electrode makes it possible to expose solutions or gases to relatively large areas of electrical charges, instituting electrical chemical reactions. A number of electrolytic chemical processes using the electrolytic cells include water treatment, chemical processing and production, hydro-metallurgical applications, and environmental clean-up. A method to replace the use of cyanide in gold and silver processing operations is also provided.

Abstract: A new encapsulated heating element fluid heater for heating a fluid such as water. The inventive device includes a vessel and an end cap. The end cap has a plurality of bores therethrough extending between the first and second ends of the end cap. A plurality of elongate heating element rods extend through the bores of the end cap and each heating element rod has a heating portion outwardly extending from the first end of the end cap and an electric coupling portion outwardly extending from the second end of the end cap. The first end of the end cap is inserted into an open end of the vessel such that the heating portions of the heating elements extend into the vessel. The end cap is then welded to the end of the vessel.

Abstract: A new fluid temperature control for a heated fluid cleaner with multiple outlets for maintaining the temperature of the discharge fluid when multiple outlets of the heated fluid cleaner are opened. The inventive device includes a fluid reservoir for containing a supply of fluid, at least one pump for suctioning fluid from the fluid reservoir. A heater is also in fluid communication with the pump for heating a flow of fluid received therefrom. The heater preferably comprises a combustible fuel heater and has a fuel conduit fluidly connecting the heater to a fuel reservoir. An outlet conduit is fluidly connected to the heater for receiving heated fluid therefrom. The outlet conduit has a plurality of outlets for discharging fluid therefrom. A heater control device is provided for controlling the temperature of the fluid exiting the heater such that it is maintained at a constant predetermined temperature when more than one outlet is opened.

Abstract: A new support frame for supporting a cleaning device. The inventive device includes a base having a pair of spaced apart elongate side bars and spaced apart elongate first and second end bars. The end bars of the base are extended between the side bars of the base. The base has ground engaging members downwardly depending therefrom. The frame also includes first and second end members with each end member having a pair of elongate lower arm portions and an elongate upper cross portion. An upper mounting assembly is spaced apart from the base and is interposed between the base and the upper cross portions of the end members. Elongate first and second upper bars are extended between the arm portions of the first end member and are interposed between the upper cross portion of the first end member and the first end portion of the upper mounting assembly. A handle member is extended from the first end member away from the second end member.

Abstract: A cleaner with temperature control is provided including a fluid tank for containing a supply of water and at least one pump for suctioning water from the fluid tank. Also included is a heating element in communication with the pump for heating water received therefrom. A heating element control mechanism is provided for controlling the temperature of the water exiting the heating element such that it transitions smoothly to a constant predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A safety shutoff system for steam and combination steam and water cleaners for permitting safe shutoff at the hand held spray gun thereof. The system includes a fluid reservoir connected to a first valve by a first conduit having a first pump for pumping fluid from the reservoir towards the first valve. A by-pass conduit connects the first valve to the fluid reservoir. An outlet conduit is connected to the first valve. The first valve controls fluid flow between the first conduit and the outlet conduit. The first valve blocks fluid flow from the first conduit into the outlet conduit upon detection of a pressure in the outlet conduit greater than a predetermined pressure such that fluid flowing from the first conduit passes into the by-pass conduit. The outlet conduit has a spray gun with a shutoff valve and a fluid heater between the first valve and the shutoff valve.