Abstract:
A fluid discharge apparatus adapted to discharge a cavitating stream of pressurized liquid along with the selective discharge of a secondary material, such as an abrasive, for removing dirt, debris, barnacles, marine growth, and other substances from submerged surfaces is provided. More particularly, the invention contemplates a introducing a pressurized liquid into a cavitation generating chamber to create and discharge a cavitating stream, and a secondary inlet for injecting abrasive material, such as silica, into the chamber to improve cleaning effectiveness. The gas bubbles within the cavitating liquid stream that essentially explode upon impacting debris resulting in tremendous pressure fluxuations provides improved effectiveness in removing debris and aquatic growth from the submerged surface. The combination of a secondary substance, such as an abrasive material, foam, or compressed gas enhances cleaning effectiveness. The invention further improves upon the control of such devices with controls, such as a pistol grip or rotational grip controllers, that allow the diver/operator to adjust flow rates and thrust without releasing his grasp. An improved hand-held apparatus is disclosed with a pistol grip and trigger actuator, and an improved wheeled vehicle is disclosed with improved control handles adapted to actuate valves and closure ports.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/926,440, filed on Aug. 25, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/396,981, filed Mar. 25, 2003. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     N/A  
       COPYRIGHT NOTICE  
       [0003]     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0005]     The present invention relates generally to fluid discharging apparatus, and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method of cleaning submerged surfaces with cavitating fluids.  
         [0006]     2. Description of the Background Art  
         [0007]     Various devices exist for dispensing mixtures of liquids and pressurized gas. Such devices are commonly used in pressure washing, the application of liquid fertilizers, snow making, foam making, as well as a variety of other applications. These prior art devices are generally characterized as having inlet ports for receiving the fluids, internal mixing chambers for commingling the fluids, and at least one outlet port for discharging the fluids.  
         [0008]     The prior art reveals an apparatus developed in Russia for use in cleaning underwater surfaces. Russian Patent No. 2,168,441 (also identified as WO 01/10577 and PCT/RU99/00278) discloses a Hydrodynamic Tool for Surface Cleaning. That device comprises a hand-held device having a pistol grip connected to a source of pressurized water and a barrel section having a nozzle adapted for generating cavitation in flowing fluid discharged therefrom. The device is used to discharge a pressurized stream of water with cavitation generated gas bubbles to assist in removing debris and biological matter that has accumulated on various submerged surfaces.  
         [0009]     Russian Patent No. 2,168,440 (also identified as WO 01/10576 and PCT/RU/00277) discloses a wheeled configuration for discharging pressurized stream of water with cavitation generated gas bubbles to assist in removing debris and biological matter that has accumulated on various submerged surfaces. The wheeled configuration comprises a generally saucer shaped device wherein a pair of cavitation nozzles are disposed arms pivotally connected to the underside of the device. The wheeled device is maneuvered over a submerged surface by a diver while the spinning cavitation nozzles discharge a pressurized stream of water with cavitation generated gas bubbles to assist in removing debris and biological matter that has accumulated on various submerged surfaces.  
         [0010]     The two specifically referenced devices of the prior art, however, are each burdended with similar disadvantages. More particularly, both the hand-held and wheeled devices are limited to discharging cavitating water flow, and are not adapted for the additional discharge of a an abrasive material, such as sand, for more effective removal of debris and marine growth from submerged surfaces. In addition, each of the specifically referenced devices include control levers that have proven difficult to manipulate by an operator in a diving suit.  
         [0011]     Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved fluid discharging apparatus wherein cleaning effectiveness is improved by discharging a cavitating stream of pressurized fluid along with a granular abrasive material, such as sand. There further exists a need for such apparatus wherein improved control mechanisms simplify operation.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The present invention improves upon the prior art devices by providing an improved fluid discharge apparatus adapted to discharge a cavitating stream of pressurized liquid along with the selective discharge of an abrasive material, such as sand, for removing dirt, debris, barnacles, marine growth, and other substances from surfaces. More particularly, the invention contemplates adapting the cavitation chamber with auxiliary inlets for introducing and discharging abrasive material, such as silica, to improve cleaning effectiveness, and/or a compressed gas or foam depending on the application. The combination of a secondary fluid or abrasive substance in an upstream position prior to formation of the cavitation results in a cavitating stream having bubbles that essentially explode upon impacting debris resulting in tremendous pressure fluxuations along with a secondary substance, such as an abrasive substance that provides improved effectiveness in removing debris and aquatic growth from the submerged surface. The present invention further includes a third inlet downstream from the second inlet for selective introduction of additional substances into the cavitating stream.  
         [0013]     The present invention thus provides underwater cavitation cleaning technology and equipment that is useful in cleaning: hydroelectric dams; intake structures; pipeline crossings; bridges; locks and dams; water and wastewater facilities; outfalls; pipelines of nuclear reactors; spent fuel pools; underwater salvage and demolition; oil platforms; ship hulls, propellers, etc.; submarines, with no side effects. It is also useful: in aviation industry to remove the scurf, calx, rust and paint from blades of turbines and compressors; in metallurgical industry to clean plates after flatting; in oil and oil-refining industry to clean tanks, cisterns, well cleanup; in housing and communal services to clean of sewer collectors and tubings; in health care industry to provide intensive physiotherapy procedures; for fire distinguishing.  
         [0014]     The present invention further provides improvements in the operation and control of said devices by providing ergonomic controls.  
         [0015]     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hydrodynamic tool for use in removing debris and marine growth from submerged surfaces.  
         [0016]     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid handling apparatus for discharging dual streams, including a cavitating stream of pressurized liquid and a pressurized abrasive.  
         [0017]     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of cleaning surfaces using a pressurized spray.  
         [0018]     A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of cleaning marine deposits from submerged surfaces.  
         [0019]     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus adapted with easy to use controls.  
         [0020]     In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fluid discharge apparatus according to the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 2-5  are partial cross-sectional views thereof;  
         [0023]      FIGS. 6 and 7  are exploded views thereof;  
         [0024]      FIGS. 8-11  illustrate use of the fluid discharge apparatus in a marine environment to clean the hull of a marine vessel;  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the handle forming housing;  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is a perspective transparent view of the barrel section of the fluid discharging apparatus;  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a fluid handling component adapted for engagement with the barrel section;  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the barrel section of the fluid discharging apparatus;  
         [0029]      FIG. 16  is a partial cross-sectional view thereof;  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid discharging apparatus;  
         [0031]      FIG. 18  is a side view of a fully assembled fluid discharging apparatus, less the nozzle;  
         [0032]      FIG. 19  is a partial sectional view thereof;  
         [0033]      FIG. 20  is a detailed view of the flow adjusting trigger mechanism; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 21  is a flow chart depicting the fluid handling process;  
         [0035]      FIG. 22  shows a hand-held apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging a cavitating fluid stream according to the prior art;  
         [0036]      FIG. 23  shows an improved hand-held apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging cavitating fluid streams according to the present invention;  
         [0037]      FIG. 24  shows a side sectional view of a wheeled apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces according to the prior art;  
         [0038]      FIG. 25  shows a side view of an improved wheeled apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces according to the present invention;  
         [0039]      FIG. 26  shows a side sectional view thereof;  
         [0040]      FIG. 27  shows a top view thereof;  
         [0041]      FIG. 28  shows a cavitation generating chamber according to the prior art;  
         [0042]      FIG. 29  shows a cavitation generating chamber with first and second auxiliary input channels for feeding secondary fluids or substances in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0043]      FIG. 30  shows a hand-held apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging a cavitating fluid stream according to the prior art; and  
         [0044]      FIG. 31  shows a hand-held apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging a cavitating fluid stream using a cavitation generating chamber adapted with first and second auxiliary channels according to the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0045]      FIG. 1  depicts hand-held hydrodynamic tools for use in removing debris from submerged surfaces using cavitating streams of pressurized fluid in accordance with the prior art. There is depicted a fluid discharge apparatus, generally referenced as  10 , suitable for use in pressure cleaning. Fluid discharge apparatus  10  is adapted to commingle two fluids, preferably a pressurized liquid and a pressurized gas, and to discharge the commingle fluids in a high-pressure stream wherein the gas is disposed in the center of a stream of swirling liquid. As discussed more fully below, the pressurized stream is particularly useful in removing deposits from surfaces, and particularly useful in removing marine deposits from submerged surfaces.  
         [0046]     As best depicted in  FIGS. 1-7 , fluid discharge apparatus  10  includes a pistol grip shaped housing  12  having a handle adapted with internally threaded ports, referenced as  14  and  16 , for receiving first and second pressurized fluids via inlet hoses  18  and  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the first and second pressurized fluids comprise water and air respectively. Pressurized water flows through water inlet hose  18  into a water inlet channel  22  defined in the handle portion of housing  12 , and pressurized air flows through air inlet hose  20  into an air inlet channel  24  defined in the handle portion of housing  12 .  
         [0047]     Water inlet channel  22  terminates in communication with an adjustable water flow regulator assembly  30 . In a preferred embodiment, water flow regulator assembly  30  includes a generally hollow cylindrical member  32  having a wall defining a circumferential slotted opening  34  through which water may flow. Slotted opening  34  defines an opening area that originates at a first circumferential point and expands toward termination at a second circumferentially spaced point. Cylindrical member  32  is adjustable by rotation thereof, and includes a rotatable knob  36  disposed external to housing  12  for enabling user adjustment of the water flow rate. Rotation of knob  36  positions cylindrical member  32 , and particularly slotted opening  34 , relative to water inlet channel  22  such that the flow rate of water is regulated based on the size slotted opening disposed in aligned communication with water inlet channel  22 . Flow regulator assembly  30  further includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed apertures, referenced as  38 , aligned with air inlet channel  24  so as to allow for the commingling of pressurized air and water.  
         [0048]     The flow regulator assembly has an outlet in communication with a rotational flow-inducing barrel  40 . Barrel  40  is a generally tubular member that functions as a conduit for the commingled fluid. Barrel  40  has an inner wall defining radially inwardly projecting spiral baffles, referenced as  42 . A significant aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the spiral baffle structure to induce rotational flow in the fluids (e.g. liquid and gas) flowing therethrough. More particularly, spiral baffles  42  function to cause commingled liquid and gas (e.g. water and air) to flow in a spiral path while traveling through barrel  40 . By causing the fluids to flow in a spiral path an axial region of low pressure is formed which draws gas bubbles into the axial region. In addition, causing the flow to swirl maximizes commingling of the fluids such that the liquid becomes saturated with gas. Consequently, a composite stream is formed with water (saturated with air) existing at the periphery of the stream and air bubbles existing in the center region of the stream. The spiral flow thereby creates an axial region of low pressure which draws the gas radially inward resulting in a composite stream including a rotating stream of liquid surrounding a concentrically disposed stream of gas. The composite stream is discharged from the apparatus through a nozzle  50 .  
         [0049]     A trigger, referenced as  52 , functions to vary the flow rate of the discharge stream. In a preferred embodiment, trigger  52  has a connection point that is pivotally connected to housing  12 , and an end  54  that is connected to barrel  40 . Barrel  40  includes a spring  56  that biases the barrel into sealing engagement with the flow regulator assembly  30  in a configuration wherein flow is shut off. User actuation of trigger  52  moves barrel  40  away from regulator assembly  30  thereby allowing the pressurized liquid and gas to enter barrel  40  whereafter the commingled fluid stream is discharged from nozzle  50 .  
         [0050]     As best depicted in  FIGS. 8-11 , the present invention is particularly useful in removing marine debris from submerged surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, pressurized water and air are supplied to the fluid discharge apparatus by hoses connected to a suitable pressure source, such as a pump and/or compressor. When used in a submerged environment, fluid discharge apparatus  10  may be operated underwater by a diver. It has been found that the commingled stream of fluids produced by the apparatus is particularly effective in removing debris on submerged surfaces as the gas component of the discharged stream literally explodes upon contacting the surface thereby removing surrounding debris.  
         [0051]     With reference now  FIG. 22  there is depicted a hand-held apparatus, referenced as  100 , for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging a cavitating fluid stream according to the prior art. This apparatus is disclosed in Russian patent publication No. 29,026, and includes a handle  102 , an pressurized fluid inlet  104  connected to the handle, a manually actuated valve  106 , and a barrel  108  connected downstream of valve  106 . Valve  106  functions to regulate flow through the device and is manually actuated by a projecting lever  106 A. Barrel  108  includes a forward discharge end  110  and a rearward discharge end  112 . Forward discharge end  110  is adapted with a cavitation generating internal chamber section  114 , that functions to generate cavitation in pressurized fluid flowing therethrough such that gas bubbles are formed prior to discharge from discharge end  110 . Rearward discharge end  112  allows a portion of the pressurized fluid flowing through barrel  108  to be discharged reawardly to produce reverse thrust that assists the underwater operator in maintaining hand-held apparatus  100  in a the desired position and orientation by counteracting thrust produced by the cavitating fluid stream discharged from the forward discharge end  110  when in use.  
         [0052]     Prior art hand-held apparatus  100 , however, is burdened by a number of significant disadvantages that inhibit easy and effective use of the device by a diver while underwater. More particularly, manual actuation of flow regulating valve  106  by manipulation of lever  106 A, requires the use of two hands and thus has proven awkward and difficult for the user. The difficulties are compounded because the user is often wearing a bulky diving suit and gear, and is operating the device in a harsh submerged environment. Accordingly, the prior art device fails to provide effective fluid control. A further limitation of the prior art apparatus  100  relates to the single barrel limitation. More particulary, the prior art device is limited to discharging but a single fluid, typically a cavitating stream of water. There often exists a need, however, to supplement the cavitating fluid stream by discharging either a second fluid stream or an abrasive.  
         [0053]     With reference now to  FIG. 23  there is depicted an improved double barrel hand-held apparatus, referenced as  150 , for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by selectively discharging a first and second fluid streams, or a first fluid stream and an abrasive, such as granular material or sand. Apparatus  150  includes a handle  152 , first and second pressurized fluid inlets, referenced as  154  and  156  respectively, connected to handle  152 . Apparatus  150  further includes first and second trigger actuated valves  160  and  162  for controlling flow through dual barrels  164  and  166  connected downstream of valves  160  and  162 . As should be apparent, valves  160  and  162  function to selectively regulate flow through the respective barrels  164  and  166 . Each valve  160  and  162  includes a trigger-type manual actuator, referenced as  160 A and  162 A respectively. The provision of trigger actuated flow control valves allows the user to regulate flow using one hand and thus greatly improves ease of use.  
         [0054]     Barrel  164  is fluidly connected to valve  160  and inlet  154 , and includes a forward discharge end  170  and a rearward discharge end  172 . Forward discharge end  170  is adapted with a cavitation generating internal chamber section  174 , that functions to generate cavitation in pressurized fluid flowing therethrough such that gas bubbles are formed prior to discharge from discharge end  170 . Rearward discharge end  172  allows a portion of the pressurized fluid flowing through barrel  164  to be discharged reawardly to produce reverse thrust that assists the underwater operator in maintaining hand-held apparatus  150  in a the desired position and orientation by counteracting thrust produced by the cavitating fluid stream discharged from the forward discharge end  170  when in use.  
         [0055]     Barrel  166  is fluidly connected to valve  162  and inlet  154 , and includes a forward discharge end  180 , and may include a rearward discharge end  182 . In a first embodiment, forward discharge end  180  may be adapted with a cavitation generating internal chamber section  184 , that functions to generate cavitation in pressurized fluid flowing therethrough such that gas bubbles are formed prior to discharge from discharge end  180 . In an alternate embodiment, barrel  166  merely serves as a conduit for discharging a secondary substance, such as a granular material. Rearward discharge end  182  may further be adapted with a rear discharge such that a portion of the pressurized fluid flowing through barrel  166  may be discharged reawardly to produce reverse thrust that assists the underwater operator in maintaining hand-held apparatus  150  in a the desired position and orientation by counteracting thrust produced by the cavitating fluid stream discharged from the forward discharge end  180  when in use. However, in an embodiment wherein a granular material is discharged from end  180 , it is contemplated that rear discharge outlet  182  may be eliminated. Discharge end  180  may be oriented toward discharge end  170  of barrel  164  so as to inject an abrasive substance, such as sand, into the cavitating stream discharged from barrel  164  so as to enhance cleaning effectiveness.  
         [0056]      FIG. 24  depicts a side sectional view of the wheeled embodiment apparatus  200  disclosed in the prior art Russian patent. Wheeled apparatus  200  include a main body  202  including an upper deck  203  and depending skirt  204  defining a plurality of apertures  206  therein. Upper deck  203  includes a plurality of openable and closeable vent apertures  205 . The opening of vent apertures  205  provides an inlet for surrounding water thereby reducing the suction effect generated during operation, while the closing of vent apertures  205  increases the suction effect for maintaining apparatus  200  in contact with the submerged surface. A significant disadvantage with the apparatus, however, relates the difficulty experience by the diver in opening and closing the vent apertures. Body  202  further includes wheels  208  and  209  adapted for rotating engagement on a submerged surface when in use. Projecting upwardly from body  202  are concentrically disposed inner and outer annular members, referenced as  210  and  212 , which provide grasping structures for the diver/user to facilitate manipulating the device.  
         [0057]     The fluid handling component structure of the prior art device includes an inlet  220  adapted for connection to a hose that functions as a conduit for a pressurized fluid. Inlet  220  is in fluid communication with a manually actuated valve  222  having a lever-type valve handle  222 A. Valve  222  is in fluid communication with a vertically disposed, axial fluid conduit  224  attached to body  202 . Axial fluid conduit  224  includes first and second outlets, referenced as  230  and  240  respectively.  
         [0058]     Outlet  230  is disposed on the upper surface of body  202  and includes a conduit  232  connected to axial fluid conduit  224 , a manually actuated valve  234 , and a conduit  236  terminating in an outlet connected to valve  234 . Outlet  230  functions to discharge a portion of the fluid flowing through axial fluid conduit  224  in a direction substantially parallel to the submerged surface upon which apparatus is in rolling engagement with. The fluid discharged from outlet  230  produces thrust that propels apparatus  200  along the submerged surface to be cleaned. The operator controls the thrust level, from minimum to maximum, using lever  234 A on valve  234 . A significant disadvantage present with apparatus  200  relates to the awkward positioning of lever  234 A, which requires the diver to remove one hand from the apparatus simply to manipulate the lever and resulting thrust.  
         [0059]     Outlet  240  is fluidly connected to axial fluid conduit  224  within the area bounded by body  202 , and particularly below upper deck  203 . Outlet  240  includes a rotating conduit  242  terminating in oppositely oriented outlets  244  and cavitation generating chamber sections  246 . Cavitation generating chamber sections  246  function to produce a cavitating fluid flow prior to discharge via outlets  244  by provision of a rapidly expanding internal volume. As should be apparent, fluid flow is controlled by the diver using handle  222 A on valve  222 .  
         [0060]     With reference to  FIGS. 25-27  there is depicted an improved wheeled cavitation cleaning apparatus, generally referenced as  300 , according to the present invention. Wheeled apparatus  300  includes a main body  302  including an upper deck  303  and depending skirt  304  defining a plurality of peripheral apertures  306  therein. Body  302  further includes wheels  308  and  309  adapted for rotating engagement on a submerged surface when in use.  
         [0061]     Upper deck  303  includes a plurality of openable and closeable vent apertures  305 . The opening of vent apertures  305  provides an inlet for surrounding water thereby reducing the suction effect generated during operation, while the closing of vent apertures  305  increases the suction effect for maintaining apparatus  300  in contact with the submerged surface. A significant improvement in the apparatus of the present invention over the prior art apparatus relates to the provision of a control handle, referenced as  310 , having a mechanical linkage to the closure structure for vent apertures  305 . More particularly, the present invention includes providing a combination handle  310  including a lever actuator  312  that is mechanically connected to the closure structure for vent apertures for selectively opening and closing the vent apertures thereby decreasing and increasing the suction effect respectively. Lever actuator  312  is preferably biased to away from handle  310  in a position corresponding to an closed configuration for vent apertures  305 . In an alternate embodiment, control may be accomplished by rotation of handle  310  in lieu of the lever actuation. Accordingly, the diver may adjust the suction pressure, without releasing his grip, by simply pulling in on the lever (or alternately by rotation of the handle) to selectively reduce or increase the suction effect.  
         [0062]     The fluid handling component structure of the cavitation cleaning apparatus of the present invention includes first and second inlets  320  and  330 . Each inlet is adapted for connection to a hose (not shown) that functions as a conduit for a pressurized fluid or other substance. In a preferred embodiment, inlet  320  is connected to a hose containing pressurized fluid, such as water, and inlet  330  is connected to a hose containing a pressurized abrasive substance, such as sand or any other suitable substance. Inlet  320  includes a manually actuated valve  322  actuated by a lever-type valve handle  323 . Valve  322  is in fluid communication with a fluid conduit  324  attached to body  302  and routed axially through body  302  as best depicted in  FIG. 27 . Similarly, inlet  330  includes a manually actuated valve  332  actuated by a lever-type valve handle  333 , or alternatively by rotation of the handle. Valve  332  is in fluid communication with a fluid conduit  334  attached to body  302  and routed axially through body  302 . Fluid conduit  324  is connected to an outlet conduit  340 , and fluid conduit  334  is connected to an outlet conduit  350 . Outlet conduit  340  includes dual opposing outlets  344  and corresponding dual cavitation generating chambers  342  for producing a cavitating flow that is discharged from discharge outlets  344 . In addition, fluid conduit  334  is in communication with outlet conduit  350  and dual discharge outlets  352 . Accordingly, the present invention provides outlets for discharging two different media, such as a cavitating stream of pressurize fluid from outlets  344 , and a secondary substance, such as sand or the like, from outlets  352 . The dual outlets and combined substances provide enhanced cleaning effectiveness.  
         [0063]     In addition, the present invention contemplates a third handle and valve assembly for controlling thrust. More particularly, apparatus  300  and particularly handle  310  may be further adapted to control thrust. In one embodiment, handle  300  may include a secondary control such as a rotatable grip, similar to that found on a motorcycle, that controls thrust via discharge outlet  360 . Thus, rotation of handle  310  actuates a flow control  311  valve having an inlet in communication with pressurized fluid, such as conduit  324 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 28  depicts a detailed view of a cavitation generating chamber  114  known for use with the prior art. As seen in  FIG. 28 , pressurized fluid enters chamber  114  through an inlet  114 A wherein converging walls  114 B increase the flow rate until the fluid encounters an intermediate section  114 C having a uniform diameter, and then a section having diverging walls  114 D, whereby the fluid transitions to a cavitating flow state.  
         [0065]     With reference now to  FIG. 30  there is depicted a hand-held apparatus according to the prior art, referenced as  100 , for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging a cavitating fluid stream according to the prior art. This apparatus is disclosed in Russian patent publication No. 29,026, and includes a handle  102 , an pressurized fluid inlet  104  connected to the handle, a manually actuated valve  106 , and a barrel  108  connected downstream of valve  106 . Valve  106  functions to regulate flow through the device and is manually actuated by a projecting lever  106 A. Barrel  108  includes a forward discharge end  110  and a rearward discharge end  112 . Forward discharge end  110  is adapted with a cavitation generating internal chamber section  114  as shown in  FIG. 28 , that functions to generate cavitation in pressurized fluid flowing therethrough such that gas bubbles are formed prior to discharge from discharge end  110 . Rearward discharge end  112  allows a portion of the pressurized fluid flowing through barrel  108  to be discharged reawardly to produce reverse thrust that assists the underwater operator in maintaining hand-held apparatus  100  in a the desired position and orientation by counteracting thrust produced by the cavitating fluid stream discharged from the forward discharge end  110  when in use.  
         [0066]     Turning now to  FIG. 29 , there is depicted an improved cavitation generating chamber according to the present invention, referenced as  400 . Cavitation chamber  400  may be defined within a body fabricated from metal, such as bronze, ceramic, or any other suitable material. Cavitation generating chamber  400  includes an inlet  400 A wherein converging walls  400 B increase the flow rate until the fluid encounters an intermediate section  400 C having a uniform diameter, and then a section having diverging walls  400 D, whereby the fluid transitions to a cavitating flow state. A significant aspect of the present invention, however, relates to the addition of first and second auxiliary input channels, referenced as  402  and  404  respectively. More particularly, the present invention includes a first auxiliary input channel  402  formed as a through bore having an inlet  402 A defined by the chamber outer wall and an outlet  402 B in communication with the chamber interior, more particularly the converging wall section  400 B. In a preferred embodiment, the first auxiliary input channel  402  may be in communication with a source of compressed gas, or alternatively with any other suitable substance, such as fire supressing foam. The substance introduced through channel  402  is introduced into a fluid stream prior to transition into a cavitating state. The present invention further includes a second auxiliary input channel  404  formed as a through bore having an inlet  404 A defined by the chamber outer wall and an outlet  404 B in communication with the chamber interior, more particularly the diverging wall section  400 D. In a preferred embodiment, the second auxiliary input channel  404  may be in communication with a source of abrasive material or any other suitable substance. The substance introduced through channel  404  is introduced into a fluid stream after transition to a cavitating state.  
         [0067]     Turning now to  FIG. 31 , there is depicted a hand-held cleaning apparatus adapted with an improved cavitation generating chamber with first and second auxiliary input ports, referenced as  500 , for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging a cavitating fluid stream with the option of one or more fluids or substances introduced through the auxiliary input ports to enhance cleaning effectiveness. Accordingly, the improved hand-held apparatus includes a handle  502 , an pressurized fluid inlet  504  connected to the handle, a manually actuated valve  506 , and a barrel  508  connected downstream of valve  506 . Valve  506  functions to regulate flow of the primary working fluid through the device and is manually actuated by a projecting lever  506 A. Barrel  508  includes a forward discharge end  510  and a rearward discharge end  512 . Forward discharge end  510  is adapted with a cavitation generating internal chamber section  400  as shown in  FIG. 29 , that functions to generate cavitation in pressurized fluid flowing therethrough such that gas bubbles are formed prior to discharge from discharge end  510 . First auxiliary input port  402  is preferably in fluid communication with a source of compressed gas or other suitable substance, such as fire foam, by a tubular conduit  410 . Similarly auxiliary input port  404  is preferably in fluid communication with a source of abrasive material by a tubular conduit  412 . Rearward discharge end  512  allows a portion of the pressurized fluid flowing through barrel  508  to be discharged reawardly to produce reverse thrust that assists the underwater operator in maintaining hand-held apparatus  500  in a the desired position and orientation by counteracting thrust produced by the cavitating fluid stream discharged from the forward discharge end  110  when in use.  
         [0068]     As should be apparent, improved cavitation generating chamber  400  is eaqually adaptable for use with a wheeled cleaning apparatus, such as the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 24-27 . The present invention provides improvements in the art of cleaning debris from submerged surfaces, and particularly improves upon the control of such devices with controls that allow the diver/operator to adjust flow rates and thrust without releasing his grasp, while improving cleaning effectiveness by providing controllable dual flow outlets and the use of abrasive substances.  
         [0069]     The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.