U.S. patent application number 10/920966 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for apparatus for controlling the temperature of the water in a kitchen sink.
Invention is credited to Kommers, William John.
Application Number | 20050044625 10/920966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34272679 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050044625 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kommers, William John |
March 3, 2005 |
Apparatus for controlling the temperature of the water in a kitchen
sink
Abstract
Apparatus for use in controlling the temperature of the water in
a kitchen sink (including a bathtub and/or other type of sink) for
a reasonably extended period of time, without the necessity of
adding additional hot water to the basin of the sink itself, to
offset the loss of heat in the water as it naturally cools down
over time. The invention also applies to the ability to maintain
the water in a sink at a cool temperature, as opposed to a warm
temperature. The preferred form of the invention provides a
temperature controlling apparatus for a kitchen sink that can be
integrally incorporated into the design of newly manufactured
sink(s), and when activated by the user, automatically maintains
the temperature of the water in the basin of a sink at an
temperature level determined by the user.
Inventors: |
Kommers, William John; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM W. HAEFLIGER
201 S. LAKE AVE
SUITE 512
PASADENA
CA
91101
US
|
Family ID: |
34272679 |
Appl. No.: |
10/920966 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60498459 |
Aug 28, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/654 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E03C 1/18 20130101; G05D
23/19 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/654 |
International
Class: |
A47K 001/00; E03C
001/00 |
Claims
1. The method of controlling the temperature of liquid in a kitchen
sink, which includes the steps: a) providing and locating a local
heater proximate the wall of the sink, below liquid top surface
level which is upwardly exposed, and b) controlling conductive heat
transfer from said heater to liquid in the sink, establishing and
maintaining a selected elevated liquid temperature range in the
sink, for a selected time interval enabling efficient washing of
kitchen ware during said interval and without requiring addition of
hot water from a sink faucet during said interval.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said liquid consists of
water.
3. The method of claim 1 including providing heat transfer media
circulating to said heater, said controlling effecting controlled
heating of said media remotely from said liquid, and outside the
sink.
4. The method of claim 3 including providing a media flow control
valve in series with media flow ducting, and providing a sink
liquid temperature detector proximate a sink wall and operating
said detector for assisting in said controlling.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein said heater includes a jacket
proximate at least part of the sink wall, and causing the media to
flow between the sink wall and jacket.
6. The combination of claim 1 including an edifice central hot
water heater, from which hot water flows to said heater, and is
then conducted away from the sink.
7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the sink has a cold water
feed line, there being ducting operating to conduct water from the
edifice heater to said line.
8. The combination of claim 6 wherein the edifice has recirculation
hot water system, and there being ducting operating to conduct
water form the edifice heater to the sink.
9. The combination of claim 8 including a user interface control
valve connected in series with said recirculation hot water system,
said control valve being one of the following: i) adjustable flow
control valve ii) temperature controlled valve to control the
temperature of water flowing to the heater.
10. The combination of claim 8 including a user interface control
valve has: i) an inlet connection or connections to both the
edifice central heater and to an edifice cold water source ii) an
outlet connection or connections to a spigot that feeds water into
the sink, and to the local heater, and to a sink drain or to a
return line of the recirculation hot water system.
11. The combination of claim 1 including a control for effecting
said controlling, and a temperature sensor connected to such
control, a user interface connected to the control, and a source of
electric power connected to the control, and a heat transfer medium
transferring heat from the heater to the contents of the sink.
12. The combination of claim 1 including the sink having a wall
structure in which the local heater is contained.
13. The combination of claim 1 including the sink having a water
containing interior in which the local heater placed, and operating
to heat the water.
14. The combination of claim 3 including the sink having a water
containing interior in which the heater is placed to receive said
heat transfer media, for heating the water, and a package outside
the sink containing a media heating source and said control, there
being media flow ducting extending from said package to the local
heater in the sink.
15. The combination of claim 14 including a pump producing rising
air bubbles acting to pump the flowable media effecting its
circulation between the media heating source in the package and the
local heater.
16. The combination of claim 3 including a pump producing rising
air bubbles acting to pump the circulating media to flow to the
local heater.
17. The combination of claim 1 including the sink, and wherein the
heater comprises water flow ducting extending into the sink, and
including a heating source in a package outside the sink, said
ducting communicating with said heating source to heat water
flowing to the sink, there being a utility surface outside the sink
supporting said package.
18. The combination of claim 17 including a water flow pump in
series with said ducting, the pump located within the sink.
19. The combination of claim 1 including a sink having a water
containing interior and a sink wall, the heater located within the
sink interior,there being an energy transducer outside the sink,
and from which heating energy is transmitted through said wall to
the heater.
20. The combination of claim 1 including the sink having a water
containing interior, said heater located within the sink interior,
there being an energy source also within said interior and coupled
in energy transmitting relation with the heater.
21. The combination of claim 13 wherein the sink is portable, and
including a fixed basin into which the portable sink is
received.
22. The combination of claim 14 wherein the sink is portable, and
including a fixed basin into which portable sink is received.
23. The combination of claim 1, including said sink, which is
portable, and which is received in or-on a fixed support.
24. The combination of claim 15 wherein the sink is portable, and
including a fixed basin into which portable sink is received.
25. The combination of claim 17 including said sink, which is
portable, and which is received in or on a fixed support.
26. The combination of claim 1 including said sink having an
interior containing liquid to be heated, some local heater received
in said interior, there being faucet apparatus associated with the
sink to control hot and cold liquid delivery to the sink interior,
there being ducting extending from the faucet apparatus to the
heater and delivering hot water to the heater, for heat transfer to
liquid in the sink, and valve means controlling said
delivering.
27. The combination of claim 1 including said sink having a wall,
and fastener means connecting one of the following to said wall: i)
said heater ii) a liquid sensor iii) a temperature sensor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/498,459, filed Aug. 28, 2003.
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a kitchen sink
and more specifically it relates to an apparatus to be used for
controlling the temperature of the water in a kitchen sink
(including a bath tub and/or other types of sinks) for some
reasonably extended period of time, without the necessity of adding
additional hot water to the basin of the sink itself to offset the
loss of heat in the water as it naturally cools down over time. It
can be appreciated that the invention also applies to the ability
to maintain the water in a sink at a cool temperature, as opposed
to a warm temperature.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Typically, kitchen sinks are comprised of one or more
stationary basins, each connected to a drain, and usually a hot and
cold water supply for washing food items and cooking utensils, and
draining the liquid contents of the basin of the sink into a
plumbing system connected to a sanitary sewer or other waste water
system.
[0006] In current practice, if a user of an existing kitchen sink
fills the basin of a sink with warm-to-hot water for the purpose of
washing dishes, the user will observe that, over time, the
temperature of the water in the sink will slowly cool down to an
undesirably low temperature level. The temperature of the water in
the sink falls as heat is lost by thermal transmission through the
bottom and sides or walls of the sink, and from the upper surface
of the water at the air/water interface. Introducing cool or cold
dishes and utensils into the warm water also contributes to
lowering the temperature of the water. In present practice, one
method of restoring the temperature of the water in the sink to the
previous, desired warm-to-hot temperature level is to introduce
additional hot water into the sink, which may also involve draining
off some or all of the low temperature water and then adding
additional heated water. This practice is cumbersome and wastes
water and/or detergent.
[0007] It can be appreciated by the reader that the reverse is the
case if the user of the sink wishes to maintain cold water in the
sink, and in such a situation, the user may introduce ice cubes
into the water to lower its temperature. In such case, it can be
observed that over time, the cold water will be warmed by heat
transmission from the air and surrounding environment into the
basin of the sink.
[0008] It has long been recognized that sinks as are commonly found
in the kitchen are not good insulators of heat, and suffer from the
problem of heat transmission loss through the sidewalls and bottom
of the basin of the sink. Accordingly, some manufacturers of sink
products offer versions of their sinks with various types of
insulated exterior coatings which, among other things, are intended
to retard the rate of heat transmission through some of the walls
of the basin of the sink. However, though these insulated versions
of existing sink products may, in some instances, retard the rate
of heat loss through the sidewalls and bottom of the basin, they
have not proven effective in actually maintaining the temperature
of water inside the basin of the sink over any reasonably extended
period of time.
[0009] And, though manufacturers of sinks offer a wide range of
sink styles and models to meet a wide range of customer
preferences, none of the manufacturers of this general group of
sink products are known to offer a sink with heating and/or cooling
capability which would allow the user to heat, cool or maintain the
temperature of the water in the sink at a user-specified level as
contemplated by the various embodiments of the invention as
disclosed herein.
[0010] However, numerous examples of "temperature controlled"
and/or "temperature controlling" vessels, containers, and
appliances exist in the marketplace today. These devices have
provision for heating and/or cooling the contents of the appliance
or vessel, usually by an integral heating or cooling device or
apparatus of some kind, which may or may not be thermostatically
controlled. Many examples of this type of heated vessel can be
found in the household kitchen such as electric woks, roasters, fry
pans, `slow cookers` and water heater/coolers.
[0011] While these devices may be suitable for the particular
purpose to which they were designed, they are not suitable for
controlling the temperature of the water in a kitchen sink for some
reasonably extended period of time.
[0012] In the bathroom, heated spa bathtubs are commonplace, as are
stand-alone products which heat the water in a bathtub spa by the
direct heating of water circulated through an external heating
element, and/or by introducing heated air streams into the bathtub
water, providing an invigorating `bubbling action" similar to that
of a Jacuzzi with the added benefit of heating the water through
the mixing of the heated air with the bathwater.
[0013] Additionally, certain specialized "whirlpool baths" do exist
and are widely used in sports medicine and orthopedic
rehabilitation therapy regimen. The whirlpool bath is essentially a
bathtub in which a person can immerse part of all of his body in
water or other liquid that is heated or cooled to, and/or
maintained at, a pre-selected temperature. Whirlpool baths commonly
include provision for Jacuzzi-type circulation of air and water for
added therapeutic health benefits. And, as is well known, the
so-called "hot tub" or outdoors spa and/or Jacuzzi are in
widespread use throughout many parts of the world.
[0014] Though manufacturers of bath tubs, whirlpool baths, spas
and/or hot tubs offer models of their products with the ability to
heat the contents of the tub or spa, none of the manufacturers of
this general group of products are known to offer a kitchen sink
with heating and/or cooling capability which would allow the user
to heat, cool and/or maintain the temperature of the water in the
sink at a desired level, and for a selected time interval, in the
manner contemplated by the various embodiments of the Invention as
represented herein.
[0015] Problems with the Prior Art:
[0016] Problems with the conventional concepts, existing products
and the prior art regarding kitchen sinks include the
following:
[0017] The main problem is that none of the existing kitchen sink
products available in the marketplace and/or currently in use today
are known to have the ability to change or maintain the temperature
(warm or cold) of the water in the sink.
[0018] Another problem is that no "aftermarket" or "retro-fit"
system, apparatus or device is known to exist which a person
skilled in the practice might incorporate into an existing,
installed sink, which could be used to maintain the temperature of
water in the sink at a temperature level predetermined by the
user.
[0019] Another problem is that no self-contained system, apparatus
and/or appliance is known to exist which could be readily employed
by the average home user to maintain the temperature of water in an
existing sink at a temperature level predetermined by the user, and
for a selected time interval.
[0020] In these respects, the temperature controlling apparatus for
a kitchen sink according to the present invention substantially
departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior
art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for
the purpose of controlling the temperature of the water in a
kitchen sink (including a bath tub and/or other type of sink) for
some reasonably extended period of time, without the necessity of
adding additional hot water to the basin of the sink itself, to
offset the loss of heat in the water as it naturally cools down
over time. It can be appreciated that the invention also applies to
the ability to maintain the water in a sink at a cool temperature,
as opposed to a warm temperature.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of kitchen sinks now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides a new temperature controlling apparatus for a
kitchen sink construction wherein the same can be utilized for
controlling the temperature of the water in a kitchen sink
(including a bath tub and/or other types of sink) for some
reasonably extended period of time, without the necessity of adding
additional hot water to the basin of the sink itself, to offset the
loss of heat in the water as it naturally cools down over time. It
can be appreciated that the invention also applies to the ability
to maintain the water in a sink at a cool temperature, as opposed
to a warm temperature.
[0022] 1) A sink 20, is a device consisting of one or more basin(s)
30, each of which are generally connected with a drain 22, and
usually a hot and cold water supply for washing and drainage, and
can be generally represented by the many types of common types of
sink 20 is as may be found in many contemporary residential homes
and commercial buildings. These include kitchen sinks 20 that are
used to prepare meals and wash dishes following a meal, and utility
sink(s) 20 that are used for washing floors and other non-food
related uses. Other types of sink(s) 20 are found in utility rooms
and other "non-food preparation areas" where they are used for
holding water and chemical solutions for a variety of purposes.
Sink 20(s) are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and
various materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel,
porcelain-covered iron or steel, various plastic formulations,
fiberglass, manufactured synthetic stone, and a variety of
decorative metals.
[0023] All of the embodiments of the invention as represented by
the Figures and as discussed herein are intended to be to be used
with sink(s) 20 that may have insulated basin(s) 30, such as is
shown in FIG. 7, as well as sink(s) 20 whose basin(s) 30 are not
equipped with insulation. For purposes of simplicity, and to render
the Figures more readily understood by the reader, the graphical
representation of the insulation that can be provided on the bottom
and/or sidewalls of the basin 30 of the various sink(s) 20 as
referenced herein has been excluded from the Figures except of FIG.
7.
[0024] Additionally, embodiments of the Invention as represented by
FIGS. 16 through 19 include a portable sink 32 that can be placed
inside the basin 30 of an existing, installed sink 20, and/or can
be placed on a countertop or some other surface. Though not
explicitly shown on the Figures, the portable sink 32 may be
equipped with bottom and/or side drains to facilitate draining
water from the device. The portable sink 32 as represented in FIGS.
16 through 19 is usable in situations not involving provision of an
"indoor sink 20", as in out-of-doors activities such as camping and
outdoor cooking. The portable sink 32 as referenced herein can be
equipped with one or more basins, which may be insulated, and also
equipped with drains and lifting handles for ease of transport and
use.
[0025] 2) A liquid sensor 40, is a device that responds to the
presence of a liquid and closes or opens an electric circuit and/or
transmits a resulting impulse to a thermostat 104, and/or an
electrical contactor 106 and/or a system controller 100, and/or
some other component as the case may be, (as for measurement or
operating a control, and for instance, in the present Invention, a
liquid sensor 40 can be used to determine the presence of water in
a sink 20 or other vessel or in a tube or other plumbing component.
The sensor can be active or passive, and can transmit information
concerning its function to a control. This transmission can be by
electric current, or air pressure, or some other method. Many types
of liquid sensor(s) 40 exist in the marketplace today. These
include, but are not limited to float-type switches of all kinds,
infrared (optical), electrical capacitance, ultrasonic, and
solid-state electronic sensors.
[0026] 3) A temperature sensor 60, is a device that responds to the
temperature of something and transmits a resulting impulse to a
thermostat 104, and/or a electrical contactor 106, and/or a system
controller 100, and/or some other component, as for measurement or
operating a control, and for instance, in the present Invention, a
temperature sensor 60 can be used to determine the temperature of
water in a sink 20 or other component of an apparatus or vessel.
The sensor can be active or passive, and can transmit information
concerning its function to a control. This transmission can be by
electric current, or air pressure, or some other method. Many types
of temperature sensor(s) 60 exist in the marketplace today. These
include, but are not limited to bi-metal, infrared (optical),
electrical capacitance, ultrasonic, and solid-state electronic
sensors.
[0027] Additionally, certain temperature-sensitive materials might
be employed as visual indicators for monitoring the temperature of
a liquid in the basin 30 of the sink 20. In particular, certain
paints and plastic materials change colors in response to changes
in temperature. One or more color displays may be employed in a
user interface 80, allowing the user to determine the temperature
being monitored in one part of an embodiment apparatus versus the
temperature in another part of the apparatus by simply comparing
the relative difference between the colors of different temperature
sensitive color displays.
[0028] 4) A user interface 80, is a device or apparatus used by the
user to manipulate and/or otherwise control the operation of the
invention, and/or to monitor the status of the operation of the
particular embodiment of the invention, and in operation, a user
would generally use the hot and cold water faucet set 24 to fill an
invention-equipped kitchen sink 20 with water to be used for the
task at hand. Once the user has established the temperature of the
water in the sink 20 at an acceptable level, and depending on the
particular embodiment of the invention involved, the user will take
some specific action via the user interface 80 to cause apparatus
of the invention to maintain the water in the sink 20 at her
desired temperature. In the case of all of the embodiments of the
invention as represented by FIGS. 1 through 19, with the exception
of those embodiments represented by FIGS. 6, 7, and 15, the
specific action the user will take to operate the embodiment of the
invention is first, (if the invention is not already connected to a
source of electric power 222) to connect the apparatus to a source
of electric power 222, and then, though not necessarily in all
cases, the user will activate a "power on" on-off switch 82 that
will be either integral to, connected to or controlled by the user
interface 80 which energizes the apparatus and/or system controller
100.
[0029] The user may also adjust a thermostat 104 that will either
be integral to, connected to or controlled by the user interface 80
to bring the thermostat 104 to the proper temperature setting that
matches the temperature of the water in the sink 20. In some
contemplated versions of the various embodiments of the invention
referenced herein, the user will know when the setting on the
thermostat 104 is matched to the temperature of the water in the
sink 20 by one or more visual displays or signals and/or audible
signals which are integral to either the user interface 80 or the
system controller 100, or some other part of the apparatus.
[0030] In the case of the embodiments of the invention as
represented by FIGS. 6 and 7 which utilize the building's central
hot and/or cold water system as the heat source 120, the user
controls the operation by a user interface control valve 86 which,
when activated, diverts hot and/or cold water through a heat
exchanger 140 integral to, attached to or within the sink 20. By
adjusting the temperature and flow rate of the hot and cold water
flowing through the heat exchanger 140, the user is able to
maintain the temperature of the water in the basin 30 of the sink
20 at a desired level. A variation of the user control interface
valve 86 may be one that is temperature sensitive and which can be
adjusted to dispense water at a predetermined temperature level.
These types of temperature controlled valves (s) 212 may be of the
type used in household showers and bathtubs and are used to prevent
scalding by extremely hot water. Such a valve may be
multi-functional in that it may have water inlets from both hot and
cold-water sources, and multiple outlets depending on the
particular requirement or installation, as in FIG. 7 temperature
control can be a feature of this valve also.
[0031] The embodiment of the Invention as represented by FIG. 15 is
a removable self-contained unit with its integral heat source 120,
temperature sensor 60 and system controller 100. The user interface
80 may be an on-off switch 82 and/or a thermostat 84 that is either
adjustable or fixed. In operation, the user would activate the
apparatus with the on-off switch 82, and either adjust the
thermostat 84 to automatically determine and operate to maintain
the desired water temperature level in the sink 20, or the user
would set the thermostat 84 at a pre-determined temperature
level.
[0032] The embodiment as represented by FIG. 20 is a self-contained
apparatus that attaches to the water spigot 28 of a faucet set 24
with is affixed to a sink 20. In this embodiment of the invention,
the user interface 80 comprises the hot and cold valves on the
faucet set 24 and/or the faucet attachment diverter valve 210.
[0033] Various types of on-off and temperature control switches are
usable as at the user interface 80, including, but not limited to
an air switch as is used with modern, sink-mounted garbage disposal
units and outdoor spas, Mechanically actuated switches of all
kinds, touch pads and proximity switches of all kinds, and in some
embodiments of the Invention, the on-off switch will be omitted and
instead, the user may simply plug the apparatus into an electrical
power source 222.
[0034] Certain embodiments of the invention may include one or more
color and/or black and white LCD (liquid crystal display)-type
visual displays that inform the user regarding the status of the
operation of the apparatus, and/or prompt the user to take certain
actions given the various states of operation of the particular
embodiment apparatus. This display may be connected to certain
electronic components that have some logic function and the ability
to control various functions of the embodiment. Additionally,
certain temperature-sensitive materials might be employed as visual
indicators for monitoring the temperature of a liquid in the basin
30 of the sink 20. In particular, certain paints and plastic
materials change colors in response to changes in temperature. One
or more color display may be employed in a user interface 80 that
would allow the user to determine the temperature being monitored
in one part of an embodiment apparatus as against that in another
by simply comparing the relative difference between the colors of
different temperature sensitive color displays.
Objects of the Invention
[0035] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
temperature controlling apparatus for a kitchen sink 20 that will
overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices in being able to
maintain the temperature of water (or other liquid) in a sink 20
for some reasonably extended period of time.
[0036] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
temperature controlling apparatus for controlling and/or
maintaining the temperature of the water in a kitchen sink 20
(including a bath tub and/or other household sink 20) for some
reasonably extended period of time, without the necessity of adding
additional hot water to the basin 30 of the sink 20 itself, to
offset the loss of heat in the water as it naturally cools down
over time. It can be appreciated that the invention also applies to
the ability to maintain the water in a sink 20 at a cool
temperature, as opposed to a warm temperature.
[0037] Another object is to provide a temperature controlling
apparatus for a kitchen sink 20 that can be used to maintain and/or
raise and/or lower the temperature of water in a sink 20 as might
ordinarily be used by persons for the preparation of food, for the
washing of dishes and cooking utensils, and other applications
where the ability to maintain the temperature of the liquid
contents of a sink 20 is of benefit to the user.
[0038] Another object is to provide a temperature controlling
apparatus for a kitchen sink 20 that is easy and safe for the user
to use.
[0039] Another object is to provide a temperature controlling
apparatus for a kitchen sink 20 that can be integrally incorporated
into the design of newly manufactured sink(s) 20 and bathtubs.
[0040] Another object is to provide a temperature controlling
apparatus for a kitchen sink 20 that can be made available as
"after market" and/or "retro-fit" and/or "add-on" products that can
be installed in an existing sink 20 by a person skilled in such
practices.
[0041] Accordingly, it is a major object of the invention to
provide apparatus to control the temperature of liquid in a sink,
comprising in combination:
[0042] a) providing and locating a local heater proximate the wall
of the sink below liquid top surface level, which is upwardly
exposed, and
[0043] b) controlling conductive heat transfer from said heater to
liquid in the sink, establishing and maintaining a selected
elevated liquid temperature range in the sink for a selected time
interval, enabling washing of kitchen ware during said interval and
without requiring addition of hot water from a sink faucet during
said interval.
[0044] The heater may be placed into the sink, and made to be
electrically energizable, the control operating to control
electrical energization of the heater in response to detection of
water temperature in the sink; alternatively, the control may
provide for flow of externally heated media into heat transfer
relation with the heater, or with the sink wall, or directly to
water in the sink. A media flow control valve may be provided, as
well as a detector for detecting sink water temperature, and for
controlling valve operation, for example to increase flow of heated
media in response to water temperature drop. The heater may include
a jacket or shell proximate the sink wall, allowing heated media
flow into the space between the jacket and the sink wall.
[0045] Another object includes provision for use of an edifice or
building central water heater as a source for flow of hot water to
the heater proximate the sink, for example by tapping into the
edifice hot water flow system, eliminating need for a separate
water heater.
[0046] A further object is to provide a user interface control
valve connected in series with said recirculation hot water system,
said control valve being one the following:
[0047] i) adjustable flow control valve
[0048] ii) temperature controlled valve to control the temperature
of water flowing to the heater.
[0049] A user interface control valve may be provided to have:
[0050] i) an inlet connection or connections to both the edifice
central heater and to an edifice cold water source
[0051] ii) an outlet connection or connections to a spigot that
feeds water into the sink, and to the local heater, and to a sink
drain or to a return line of the recirculation hot water
system.
[0052] A temperature sensor may be connected to or included with
the heater control, the user interface connected to the control,
and a source of electric power connected to the control, with a
heat transfer medium transferring heat from the heater to the
contents of the sink.
[0053] An added object is to provide a separate package outside the
sink, and containing a media heating source as well as the control,
there being heated media flow ducting extending from the external
package to the heater in or proximate to the sink.
[0054] A yet further object is to provide a pump producing rising
air bubbles acting to pump the flowable media effecting its
circulation between the media heating source in the package and the
local heater. Alternatively, the pump may be located in the
sink.
[0055] An additional object is to provide an energy transducer
outside the sink and located to transmit heating energy through the
sink wall to the heater in the sink interior, or to water in the
sink.
[0056] An added object is to provide a portable sink for containing
water to be heated by the heater, as referred to, and sized for
reception in a fixed basin as in a dwelling. Faucet apparatus may
be provided to control water flow into the sink, with added ducting
tapping into the faucet apparatus to conduct heated water to the
heater in the sink, for heat transfer from the heater into water in
the sink, with valve means controlled to control water delivery via
that ducting so as to maintain the temperature of water in the sink
at selected level.
[0057] These and other objects and advantages of the invention, as
well as the details of an illustrative embodiment, will be more
fully understood from the following specification and drawings, in
which:
[0058] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in various forms, including, but not
limited to those as illustrated in the accompanying drawings,
attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are
illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific
construction illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0060] FIG.1 is a front view of one embodiment of the present
invention with an externally mounted heat source 120 that is
integral to, affixed to, or in close proximity to, the bottom of
the basin 30 of the sink 20.
[0061] FIG.2 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with an externally mounted heat exchanger 140 that is
integral to, affixed to, or in close proximity to, portions of the
bottom and/or sidewalls of the basin 30 of the sink 20. The pump
180 circulates a heat transfer medium in tubes 206 in a closed-loop
fashion through the heat exchanger 140 and heat source 120.
[0062] FIG.3 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with an externally mounted heat exchanger 140 in the form
of a "jacket" that is integral to, affixed to, or in close
proximity to portions of the bottom and/or sidewalls of basin 30 of
the sink 20. The pump 180 circulates a heat transfer medium 160 in
a closed-loop fashion through the heat exchanger 140 and heat
source 120.
[0063] FIG.4 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with an externally mounted heat exchanger 140 that is in
the form of a "jacket" that is integral to, affixed to, or in close
proximity to portions of the bottom and/or sidewalls of the basin
30 of the sink 20 building hot water 162 from the household (or
building) central hot water system is circulated by a pump 180
through the heat exchanger 140 and is drained into the central cold
water system.
[0064] FIG.5 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with an externally mounted heat exchanger 140 that is in
the form of a "jacket" that is integral to, affixed to, or in close
proximity to portions of the bottom and/or sidewalls of the basin
30 of the sink 20 building hot water 162 from the household (or
building) central hot water system (the heat source 120) is
circulated by a pump 180 through the heat exchanger 140 and is
drained into the return line of a recirculating central hot water
system 202.
[0065] FIG.6 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with an externally mounted heat exchanger 140 that is in
the form of a "jacket" that is integral to, affixed to, or in close
proximity to portions of the bottom and sidewalls of the basin 30
of the sink 20 building hot water 162 from the household (or
building) central hot water system is circulated by a pump 180 via
the water delivery tube(s) 204 through the heat exchanger 140 and
is drained into the Return Line of a recirculating central hot
water system 202. Temperature control is achieved by manual
operation of a user interface control valve 86 that can also be a
temperature control valve 212.
[0066] FIG.7 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with an externally mounted heat exchanger 140 that is in
the form of a "jacket" that is integral to, affixed to, or in close
proximity to portions of the bottom and/or sidewalls of the basin
30 of the sink 20. Also shown is a user interface control valve 86
that has its inlet connections to both the building hot water 162
and the building cold water 164, and its outlet connections to a)
the water spigot 28 which feeds water into the basin 30 of the sink
20 and b) the heat exchanger 140, and c) the drain 22 of the sink
20 and/or d) the recirculating hot water system return line 202.
This FIG. 7 illustrates a covering of insulation 26 that is
integral to, affixed to, or in close proximity to portions of the
bottom and/or sidewalls of the basin 30.
[0067] FIG.8 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with an heat exchanger 140 that is in the form of a
"jacket" that is integral to, affixed to, or in close proximity to
portions of the bottom and sidewalls of the basin 30 of the sink
20. A heat source 120 is affixed to, or in close proximity with,
the heat exchanger 140.
[0068] FIG.9 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with an integral heat exchanger 140 and heat source
120.
[0069] FIG.10 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with the heat source 120 in direct contact with the
liquid contents of the sink 20. The system controller 100 and its
related components are shown as a counter-top appliance that is
placed in some proximity to the sink 20.
[0070] FIG.11 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with the heat exchanger 140 in direct contact with the
liquid contents of the sink 20. The system controller 100 and its
related components are shown as a counter-top appliance that is
placed in some proximity to the sink 20. The pump 180 circulates a
heat transfer medium 160 in a closed-loop fashion between and
through the heat exchanger 140 and heat source 120.
[0071] FIG.12 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with the heat exchanger 140 in direct contact with the
liquid contents of the sink 20. The system controller 100 and its
related components are shown as a counter-top appliance that is
placed in some proximity to the sink 20. The air pump 182 pumps air
through an air delivery tube 214 to an air bubble fluid lifting
pump 184 that circulates a heat transfer medium 160 in a
closed-loop fashion between and through the heat exchanger 140 and
heat source 120; and FIG. 12a is an enlarged view of a lifting
pump;
[0072] FIG.13 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention in which the liquid contents of the sink 20 are pumped
from the sink 20 to a counter-top appliance that is placed in some
proximity to the sink 20. The counter-top appliance includes a pump
180 that circulates the liquid contents of the sink 20 in a
closed-loop fashion through the heat source 120 and back to the
sink 20.
[0073] FIG.14 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with the heat source 120 in direct contact with the
liquid contents of the sink 20. The heat source 120 is powered by
an energy transducer that is affixed or in close proximity to the
outside of the sink 20.
[0074] FIG.15 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with a self-contained and self-powered heat source 120 in
direct contact with the liquid contents of the sink 20.
[0075] FIG.16 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with the heat source 120 in direct contact with the
liquid contents of the portable sink 32. The portable sink 32 as
shown in this Figure is placed inside the basin 30 of an existing
sink 20. The system controller 100 and its related components are
shown as a counter-top appliance that is placed in some proximity
to the portable sink 32.
[0076] FIG. 17 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with the heat exchanger 140 in direct contact with the
liquid contents of the portable sink 32. The portable sink 32 as
shown in this Figure is placed inside the basin 30 of an existing
sink 20.The system controller 100 and its related components are
shown as a counter-top appliance that is placed in some proximity
to the portable sink 32. The pump 180 circulates a heat transfer
medium 160 in a closed-loop fashion through the heat exchanger 140
and heat source 120.
[0077] FIG.18 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with the heat exchanger 140 in direct contact with the
liquid contents of the portable sink. 32. The portable sink 32 as
shown in this Figure is placed inside the basin 30 of an existing
sink 20. The system controller 100 and its related components are
shown as a counter-top appliance that is placed in some proximity
to the portable sink 32. The air pump 182 pumps air through an air
delivery tube 214 to an air bubble fluid lifting pump 184 that
circulates a heat transfer medium 160 in a closed-loop fashion
between and through the heat exchanger 140 and heat source 120.
[0078] FIG.19 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention in which the liquid contents of the sink 20 are pumped
from the portable sink 32 to a counter-top appliance that is placed
in some proximity to the portable sink 32. The portable sink 32 as
shown in this Figure is placed inside the basin 30 of an existing
sink 20. The counter-top appliance includes a pump 180 that
circulates a the liquid contents of the portable sink 32 in a
closed-loop fashion between and through the heat source 120 and
back to the portable sink 32.
[0079] FIG. 20 is a front view of another embodiment of the present
invention with the heat exchanger 140 in direct contact with the
liquid contents of the sink 20. Hot and/or cold water from the
household (or building) central hot water system, by way of a
faucet attachment device 214, is circulated through the heat
exchanger 140, and is subsequently drained into the same or another
basin 30 of the sink 20 by the user's manipulation of a faucet
attachment device diverter valve 210.
[0080] FIG. 21 is a side view of one version of a heat source 20
that may be used in existing sink 20(s) 20 to provide heating of
the liquid contents of the sink 20. The same general design of this
component may be useful for incorporating a temperature sensor 160
and/or a liquid sensor 140 in the basin 30 of a sink 20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0081] The embodiment to be described include, in various forms,
the following main components:
[0082] 1) A sink 20, is a device consisting of one or more basin(s)
30, each of which are generally connected with a drain 22, and
usually a hot and cold water supply for washing and drainage, and
can be generally represented by the many types of common types of
sink 20 is as may be found in many contemporary residential homes
and commercial buildings. These include kitchen sinks 20 that are
used to prepare meals and wash dishes following a meal, and utility
sink(s) 20 that are used for washing floors and other non-food
related uses. Other types of sink(s) 20 are found in utility rooms
and other "non-food preparation areas" where they are used for
holding water and chemical solutions for a variety of purposes.
Sink 20(s) are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and
various materials including, but not limited to, stainless steel,
porcelain-covered iron or steel, various plastic formulations,
fiberglass, manufactured synthetic stone, and a variety of
decorative metals.
[0083] All of the embodiments of the invention as represented by
the Figures and as discussed herein are intended to be to be used
with sink(s) 20 that may have insulated basin(s) 30, such as is
shown in FIG. 7, as well as sink(s) 20 whose basin(s) 30 are not
equipped with insulation. For purposes of simplicity, and to render
the Figures more readily understood by the reader, the graphical
representation of the insulation that can be provided on the bottom
and/or sidewalls of the basin 30 of the various sink(s) 20 as
referenced herein has been excluded from the Figures except of FIG.
7.
[0084] Additionally, embodiments of the invention as represented by
FIGS. 16 through 19 include a portable sink 32 that can be placed
inside the basin 30 of an existing, installed sink 20, and/or can
be placed on a countertop or some other surface. Though not
explicitly shown on the Figures, the portable sink 32 may be
equipped with bottom and/or side drains to facilitate draining
water from the device. The portable sink 32 as represented in FIGS.
16 through 19 is usable in situations not involving provision of an
"indoor sink 20", as in out-of-doors activities such as camping and
outdoor cooking. The portable sink 32 as referenced herein can be
equipped with one or more basins, which may be insulated, and also
equipped with drains and lifting handles for ease of transport and
use.
[0085] 2) A liquid sensor 40, is a device that responds to the
presence of a liquid and closes or opens an electric circuit and/or
transmits a resulting impulse to a thermostat 104, and/or an
electrical contactor 106 and/or a system controller 100, and/or
some other component as the case may be, (as for measurement or
operating a control, and for instance, in the present invention, a
liquid sensor 40 can be used to determine the presence of water in
a sink 20 or other vessel or in a tube or other plumbing component.
The sensor can be active or passive, and can transmit information
concerning its function to a control. This transmission can be by
electric current, or air pressure, or some other method. Many types
of liquid sensor(s) 40 exist in the marketplace today. These
include, but are not limited to float-type switches of all kinds,
infrared (optical), electrical capacitance, ultrasonic, and
solid-state electronic sensors.
[0086] 3) A temperature sensor 60, is a device that responds to the
temperature of something and transmits a resulting impulse to a
thermostat 104, and/or a electrical contactor 106, and/or a system
controller 100, and/or some other component, as for measurement or
operating a control, and for instance, in the present Invention, a
temperature sensor 60 can be used to determine the temperature of
water in a sink 20 or other component of an apparatus or vessel.
The sensor can be active or passive, and can transmit information
concerning its function to a control. This transmission can be by
electric current, or air pressure, or some other method. Many types
of temperature sensor(s) 60 exist in the marketplace today. These
include, but are not limited to bi-metal, infrared (optical),
electrical capacitance, ultrasonic, and solid-state electronic
sensors.
[0087] Additionally, certain temperature-sensitive materials might
be employed as visual indicators for monitoring the temperature of
a liquid in the basin 30 of the sink 20. In particular, certain
paints and plastic materials change colors in response to changes
in temperature. One or more color displays may be employed in a
user interface 80, allowing the user to determine the temperature
being monitored in one part of an embodiment apparatus versus the
temperature in another part of the apparatus by simply comparing
the relative difference between the colors of different temperature
sensitive color displays.
[0088] 4) A user interface 80, is a device or apparatus used by the
user to manipulate and/or otherwise control the operation of the
invention, and/or to monitor the status of the operation of the
particular embodiment of the invention, and in operation, a user
would generally use the hot and cold water faucet set 24 to fill an
invention-equipped kitchen sink 20 with water to be used for the
task at hand. Once the user has established the temperature of the
water in the sink 20 at an acceptable level, and depending on the
particular embodiment of the invention involved, the user will take
some specific action via the user interface 80 to cause apparatus
of the invention to maintain the water in the sink 20 at her
desired temperature. In the case of all of the embodiments of the
invention as represented by FIGS. 1 through 19, with the exception
of those embodiments represented by FIGS. 6, 7, and 15, the
specific action the user will take to operate the embodiment of the
invention is first, (if the invention is not already connected to a
source of electric power 222) to connect the apparatus to a source
of electric power 222, and then, though not necessarily in all
cases, the user will activate a "power on" on-off switch 82 that
will be either integral to, connected to or controlled by the user
interface 80 which energizes the apparatus and/or system controller
100.
[0089] The user may also adjust a thermostat 104 that will either
be integral to, connected to or controlled by the user interface 80
to bring the thermostat 104 to the proper temperature setting that
matches the temperature of the water in the sink 20. In some
contemplated versions of the various embodiments of the invention
referenced herein, the user will know when the setting on the
thermostat 104 is matched to the temperature of the water in the
sink 20 by one or more visual displays or signals and/or audible
signals which are integral to either the user interface 80 or the
system controller 100, or some other part of the apparatus. In the
case of the embodiments of the invention as represented by FIGS. 6
and 7 which utilize the building's central hot and/or cold water
system as the heat source 120, the user controls the operation by a
user interface control valve 86 which, when activated, diverts hot
and/or cold water through a heat exchanger 140 integral to,
attached to or within the sink 20. By adjusting the temperature and
flow rate of the hot and cold water flowing through the heat
exchanger 140, the user is able to maintain the temperature of the
water in the basin 30 of the sink 20 at a desired level. A
variation of the user control interface valve 86 may be one that is
temperature sensitive and which can be adjusted to dispense water
at a predetermined temperature level. These types of temperature
controlled valves (s) 212 may be of the type used in household
showers and bathtubs and are used to prevent scalding by extremely
hot water. Such a valve may be multi-functional in that it may have
water inlets from both hot and cold-water sources, and multiple
outlets depending on the particular requirement or installation, as
in FIG. 7 temperature control can be a feature of this valve
also.
[0090] The embodiment of the invention as represented by FIG. 15 is
a removable self-contained unit with its integral heat source 120,
temperature sensor 60 and system controller 100. The user interface
80 may be an on-off switch 82 and/or a thermostat 84 that is either
adjustable or fixed. In operation, the user would activate the
apparatus with the on-off switch 82, and either adjust the
thermostat 84 to automatically determine and operate to maintain
the desired water temperature level in the sink 20, or the user
would set the thermostat 84 at a pre-determined temperature
level.
[0091] The embodiment as represented by FIG. 20 is a self-contained
apparatus that attaches to the water spigot 28 of a faucet set 24
with is affixed to a sink 20. In this embodiment of the invention,
the user interface 80 comprises the hot and cold valves on the
faucet set 24 and/or the faucet attachment diverter valve 210.
[0092] Various types of on-off and temperature control switches are
usable as at the user interface 80, including, but not limited to
an air switch as is used with modern, sink-mounted garbage disposal
units and outdoor spas, Mechanically actuated switches of all
kinds, touch pads and proximity switches of all kinds, and in some
embodiments of the invention, the on-off switch will be omitted and
instead, the user may simply plug the apparatus into an electrical
power source 222.
[0093] Certain embodiments of the invention may include one or more
color and/or black and white LCD (liquid crystal display)-type
visual displays that inform the user regarding the status of the
operation of the apparatus, and/or prompt the user to take certain
actions given the various states of operation of the particular
embodiment apparatus. This display may be connected to certain
electronic components that have some logic function and the ability
to control various functions of the embodiment. Additionally,
certain temperature-sensitive materials might be employed as visual
indicators for monitoring the temperature of a liquid in the basin
30 of the sink 20. In particular, certain paints and plastic
materials change colors in response to changes in temperature. One
or more color display may be employed in a user interface 80 that
would allow the user to determine the temperature being monitored
in one part of an embodiment apparatus as against that in another
by simply comparing the relative difference between the colors of
different temperature sensitive color displays.
[0094] 5) A system controller 100, is a device that activates the
heat source 120 and/or the pump 180 and/or other parts of the
apparatus in response to input information from sensors and/or
controls activated by the user, and as such, generally guides and
regulates the operation of the various embodiments of the
Invention, and in the case of certain of the embodiments of the
present invention as represented herein, the system controller 100
may comprise nothing more than a thermostat 104, and in other
embodiments, it includes, or is connected to, a thermostat 104
which receives input signals from one or more temperature sensor(s)
60 regarding the temperature of water or other material in a sink
20 and/or of other components the Invention. The system controller
100 may also be connected to a liquid sensor 40 that detects the
presence of liquids. If a liquid sensor 40, it will send a signal
to the system controller 100 indicating the presence, or absence,
of liquid in the system at the point the liquid sensor 40 is
located. The presence of liquid as indicated will cause the system
controller 100 to activate or de-activate electrical circuitry,
affecting the operation of the apparatus. One outcome of such
de-activation will be to disable the operation of the apparatus.
Additionally, and based on its own set of user-defined or
pre-defined performance settings, the system controller 100,
(depending of the particular embodiment) may cause the heater
Source 120 to produce heat energy, and/or the pump 180 to transfer
fluids within the apparatus. In some embodiments of the invention,
the system controller 100 may include a thermostat 104, which may
be connected to one or more contactors 106 that, upon receiving an
input signal from the thermostat 104, may close electrical contacts
that carry electric current to the heat source 120 and/or the pump
180.
[0095] Additionally, the system controller 100 may contain, or be
connected to, the user interface 80. With the exception of those
embodiments of the invention represented by FIGS. 6 and 7, all of
the embodiments of the invention as represented in FIGS. 1 through
19 include the use of a system controller 100 that operates on
electric current. The system controller 100 and/or the thermostat
104 may be configured in such a way as to recognize a lower
temperature limit, and/or an upper temperature limit, and having
recognized one or the other-of these temperature limits, may
initiate some specific action in regards to the heat source 120
and/or the pump and/or a temperature controlled on-off switch 228
and/or some other component in the apparatus.
[0096] Embodiments of the invention as represented in FIGS. 6 and 7
are not shown to include the use of electric current, and in these
Figures, no system controller 100 is shown. It can be appreciated
that variations of the embodiments of the invention as shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7 might include a system controller 100 which may
include or be connected to a temperature sensor 60, and which may
also be connected to a temperature controlled water valve 216 that
maintains the temperature of the water in the heat exchanger 140 at
a user defined or pre-determined temperature. In those embodiments
of the invention in which a system controller 100 is utilized, as
above, the user may adjust a thermostat 104 which will either be
integral to, or connected to or controlled by the user interface 80
to bring the thermostat 104 to the proper temperature setting that
matches the temperature of the water in the sink 20.
[0097] Another operating configuration is to set the system
controller 100 at a predetermined temperature level, and once
activated, the system controller 100, assuming the water in the
sink 20 was cooler than desired, would energize the heat source 120
and in some instances, also the pump 180 to bring the water in the
sink 20 up to the desired temperature.
[0098] Another mode of operation would be for the user, (once
having filled the sink 20 with water of an acceptable temperature),
to activate a switch on the user interface 80 which would cause the
system controller 100, acting through the temperature sensor 60, to
automatically determine the temperature of the water in the sink
20, and using that "set" temperature as the reference temperature,
operate the heat source 120 and/or pump 180, to maintain the water
in the sink 20 at the "set" temperature.
[0099] The system controller 100 may be equipped with one or more
"smart" logic circuits that may or may not be programmable. Such
circuits would enable the device to control and manage the
operation of the apparatus in an autonomous or semi-autonomous
mode.
[0100] 6) A heat source 120, is the source of heat [and/or cold]
which is used to control the temperature of the contents of the
basin 30 of the sink 20, and is one or more devices that when used
in the heating mode emits heat energy, and in the cooling mode
absorbs heat energy. Different types of usable heat source(s) 120
that may be employed in the various embodiments represented in
FIGS. 1 through 21 include, but are not limited to, electrical
resistance and radiant heaters of all kinds (including both high
and low voltage devices), household (or building) hot water
heater(s), thermoelectric heater(s) and cooler(s), heat pump(s),
steam, solar energy, radioactive materials, chemical reaction-based
heater(s) and cooler(s), and thermal energy storage materials and
devices.
[0101] The heat source 120 can be a) placed in direct contact with
the water in the sink 20 as shown in FIG. 10, and/or b) can be
placed outside the sink 20 as in FIG. 1, and in this case will heat
or cool the bottom and/or walls of the sink 20, and by heat
transmission through the bottom and sides of the sink 20 would
thereby heat or cool the contents of the sink 20, and/or c) can be
employed to heat or cool a heat transfer medium 160 which is
integral to, or is circulated through a heat exchanger 140 as shown
in FIG. 2 which is closely affixed to the sink 20, and by heat
transmission through the bottom and/or side walls of the sink 20,
heat or cool the contents of the sink 20, and/or d) can be
integrated into the bottom and/or side walls of the sink 20 as in
FIG. 9, and by heat transmission through the bottom and/or side
walls of the sink 20, heat or cool the contents of the sink 20.
[0102] 7) A heat exchanger 140, as employed in certain of the
various embodiments of the invention is a device that transfers the
heat from a heat transfer medium 160 to another fluid or material
without allowing them to mix, and, one of the variations of the
heat exchanger 140 is that of a "jacket" through which a heat
transfer medium 160 is pumped or otherwise circulated, as is shown
in FIGS. 2 through 7. In some embodiments of the invention, as in
FIG. 8, the heat exchanger 140 is directly heated by the heat
source 120. FIG. 9 illustrates a heat source 120 incorporated into
the bottom of a sink 20. In a variation the heat source 120 is
placed inside, or in close proximity to, a heat exchanger 140 that
is integral with the sink 20. In this case, the heat exchanger 140
would contain some type of heat transfer medium 160 operable to
transfer the energy from the heat source 120 to the water in the
sink 20. The construction of the heat exchanger 140 enables use of
a variety of materials that preferably will have good thermal
transfer properties. These materials include, but are not limited
to, copper, brass, stainless steel, aluminum and other metals, as
well as certain formulations of plastics, glass, porcelain and
other materials.
[0103] 8) A heat transfer medium 160, as employed in certain of the
various embodiments of the invention represented by FIGS. 1 through
19 is a material that is used within the apparatus to transfer or
convey thermal energy from one location within the apparatus to
another. A heat transfer medium 160 as employed in the various
embodiments of the invention can be a fluid (liquid or gas), a
metal or other solid material, or a phase-change material that as
it is heated or cooled changes from a solid state to a fluid state,
or the reverse.
[0104] 9) A pump 180, as employed in the various embodiments of the
invention is a device that raises, transfers or compresses a fluid,
and, the pump 180 is usually connected to or integral with a motor
that is powered by either electricity or compressed air or some
other motive force or fluid. The pump 180 is connected to other
components of the invention by tubes and other plumbing components
200 and/or electrical components 220. Various types of pump(s) 180
may be useable in the various embodiments of the invention as
referenced herein. Pump(s) 180 usable in the embodiments of the
invention as represented in FIGS. 1 through 19 include centrifugal,
semi-positive displacement and/or positive displacement pump(s) 180
for raising or transferring a liquid heat transfer medium 160
within the invention as in FIG. 2, and/or the water in the sink 20
as in FIG. 13, and/or from the household (or building) central hot
and/or cold water system connected or close to the sink 20 through
components of some of the embodiments of the invention as in FIG.
4; and an air Compressor pump 182 which is used to compress air
which subsequently routed through an air delivery tube 214 to an
air bubble fluid lifting pump 184 as in FIG. 12 and 18.
[0105] 10) Plumbing components 200, comprises that collection of
pipes, tubes, fittings, containers, valves, clamps and other
components generally used to contain, conduct and facilitate the
transfer of fluids from one component in the apparatus to another.
Components comprising the plumbing system 200 may be manufactured
in a variety of materials, including metal and plastic.
[0106] 11) Electrical components 220, comprises that collection of
wires (single and multiple conductor insulated and non-insulated
cables), connecting devices, indicator devices (visual and audible
signals), contactors and other electrical components that
interconnect and/or are interconnected with the other components of
a particular embodiment of the invention and facilitate the
transfer of electrical signals and energy from one component to
another. Components comprising the electrical system 220 include
those of various materials, some of which are electrically
conductive and some that are electrically insulating. Included by
reference herein is a source of electric power 222, which is
intended to include all types of electric power sources, including
utility grid-delivered power at all voltages throughout the world,
as well as battery-delivered power, or electric power produced
and/or delivered by other types of electric power generation and
delivery systems and/or devices.
[0107] 12) Product packaging 240, comprises that body of protective
covers that contain and protect the various components of the
invention, and which are necessary for the safe, efficient and
effective use and operation of the Invention, and as may be
necessary to comply with relevant government and industry standards
and regulations governing such products, such as, but not limited
to, Underwriter's Laboratory. Components comprising the product
packaging will include those of various materials, some which are
electrically conductive and some that are electrically
insulating.
DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0108] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the attached figures illustrate a temperature controlling
apparatus for a kitchen sink 20, which here comprises various
embodiments of the invention.
[0109] Regarding the following discussion of the embodiments of the
Invention as are represented in the various Figures:
[0110] Not shown in the Figures are thermostat(s) 104 and/or
electric contactor(s) 106 that may be included in or connected to
the apparatus comprising the system controller 100. Also, some of
the Figures show single temperature sensor(s) 60 when in fact
certain variations of the embodiments of the invention may have
multiple temperature sensor(s) 60, depending on the complexity and
performance specifications of the apparatus involved. Also, the
liquid sensor 40 is not shown as being included in all of the
embodiments of the invention referenced herein, though in fact, it
could be included in many. Also, though not explicitly illustrated
in the Figures, variations of the embodiments that utilize hot
water from the central hot water system, might utilize a mix of
both hot water and cold water feeds to provide the appropriate
temperature heat transfer medium 160 to the heat exchanger 140.
[0111] In a first (1st) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 1, the temperature sensor 60 is connected to a system
controller 100, which is itself connected to the user interface 80,
the liquid sensor 40, the source of electric power 222, and the
heat source 120 which is affixed in close proximity to the basin 30
of the sink 20. Not shown in this Figure are a thermostat 104
and/or electric contactors 106 which may be included in the
apparatus comprising the system controller 100. In this embodiment,
the liquid in the basin 30 is heated (or cooled) via heat
transmission through the bottom of the basin 30 from or to the heat
source 20 that is controlled by the system controller 100.
[0112] In a second (2nd) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 2, a temperature sensor 60 is connected to a system controller
100, which is itself connected to the heat source 120, user
interface 80, pump 180 and source of electric power 222. Not shown
in this Figure are a thermostat 104 and/or electric contactors 106
which may be included in the apparatus comprising the system
controller 100.The pump 180 is connected to the heat transfer
medium delivery tube(s) 206 that are themselves connected to the
heat exchanger 140 that is integral to, affixed to, and/or in close
proximity to the basin 30 of the sink 20. Not shown explicitly in
this Figure is the heat transfer medium 160 that in this instance
is a fluid that is transported by the pump 180 in a closed loop
system through the heat transfer delivery tube(s) 206 from the heat
source 120 to the heat exchanger 140 and back. In this embodiment,
the liquid in the basin 30 is heated (or cooled) via heat
transmission through the bottom of the basin 30 from or to the heat
exchanger 140. FIG. 3 illustrates a variation on this embodiment of
the Invention in which the heat exchanger 140 is a "jacket" that
covers part or all of the bottom and/or walls of the basin 30 of
the sink 20.
[0113] In a third (3rd) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 4, the heat source 120 is the building central hot water
heater 126. The pump 140 pumps the building hot water 162 through
the water delivery tube 204 that is connected to the heat exchanger
140, which is integral to, affixed to, and/or in close proximity to
the basin 30 of the sink 20. After having passed through the heat
exchanger 140, the hot water from the building central hot water
heater 126 is then sent into the cold water feed line. A variation
of this embodiment would involve draining the hot water into the
drain 22 of the sink 20 after it has passed through the heat
exchanger 140, as indicated by the "dashed line" and arrow.
[0114] In a fourth (4th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 5, the interconnections between the main components of the
invention are very similar to those noted in the third version as
shown in FIG. 4 with the exception that after having passed through
the heat exchanger 140, the building hot water 162 is then sent
into the Return Line of a recirculating hot water system 202 as may
exist in a building, as the case may be.
[0115] In a fifth (5th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 6, the interconnections between the main components of the
invention are very similar to those noted in the fourth version as
shown in FIG. 5 with the exception that the flow of building hot
water 162 is carried by the water delivery tube(s) 204 to the user
interface control valve 86 which can be either an ordinary
adjustable flow valve, or can be a temperature controlled valve 212
for controlling the temperature of the water before being passed
through the heat exchanger 140.
[0116] In a sixth (6th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 7, the user interface control valve 86 is a combination
control valve that has its inlet connections to both the building
hot water 162 and the Building cold Water 164, and its outlet
connections to a) the water spigot 28 which feeds water into the
basin 30 of the sink 20 and b) the heat exchanger 140, and c) the
drain 22 of the sink 20 and/or d) the recirculating hot water
system return line 202. This embodiment of the invention is
multifunctional in that it provides the user with the ability to
use the faucet set 24 on the sink 20 normally, and at those times
when the user desires to maintain the temperature of the water in a
basin 30 of the sink, she may operate the multi-position valve on
the user interface control valve 86 which directs water at an
appropriate temperature through the heat exchanger 140 and from
there, the water can be directed to the most appropriate
destination depending on the user's wishes and/or the particular
plumbing configuration for the building in question. The heat
exchanger 140 can be integral to, affixed to, and/or in close
proximity to the basin 30.
[0117] In a seventh (7th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 8, the temperature sensor 60 is connected to a system
controller 100, which is itself connected to the heat source 120,
user interface 80 and source of electric power 222. The heat source
120 is integral to, affixed to, and/or or in close proximity to the
heat exchanger 140 that is filled with a heat transfer medium 160
that transfers heat from the heat source 120 to the contents of the
basin 30 of the sink 20.
[0118] In an eighth (8th), and preferred embodiment of the
invention as shown in FIG. 9, the heat source 120 is an integral
part of the basin 30 of the sink 20, and may or may not be enclosed
within a heat exchanger 140 that may or may not be filled with a
heat transfer medium 180. The temperature sensor 60 is connected to
the system controller 100, which is itself connected to the heat
source 120, user interface 80 and source of electric power 222.
[0119] In a ninth (9th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 10, the heat source 120 is a component that is placed into the
liquid contents of the basin 30 of the sink 20, and may or may not
be enclosed within a heat exchanger 140, which may or may not be
filled with a heat transfer medium 180. The temperature sensor(s)
60 though not explicitly shown in this Figure are considered to be
integral with the apparatus that comprises the heat source 120
and/or connecting electrical components 220, and as such would be
connected to the system controller 100 which is connected to the
heat source 120, user interface 80 and source of electric power
222.
[0120] A tenth (10th) embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG.
11 is somewhat similar to the second version of the Invention as
shown in FIG. 2 with the exception that the heat exchanger is a
component that is placed in the liquid contents of the basin 30 of
the sink 20 by the user, and the balance of the components of the
invention are contained in one or more items of product packaging
240 which are intended to be placed in some proximity to the sink
20. The temperature sensor 60, though not shown in this Figure,
detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium 160, and is
connected to the system controller 100, which is itself connected
to the heat source 120, user interface 80, pump 180 and source of
electric power 222. The pump 180 is connected to the heat transfer
delivery tube(s) 206 that are connected to the heat exchanger 140.
Not shown explicitly in this Figure is the heat transfer medium
160, which in this instance is a fluid that is transported by the
pump 180 in a closed loop system from and through the heat source
120 to the heat exchanger 140 and back.
[0121] An eleventh (11th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 12 is quite similar to the tenth (10th) version of the
invention as shown in FIG. 11 with the exception that an air bubble
fluid lifting pump 184 is employed in this version of the
invention, and it uses compressed air to physically move the heat
transfer medium 160 within the apparatus. As the compressed air is
released within the air bubble fluid lifting pump 184, the
compressed air forms bubbles which rise upward, carrying the liquid
heat transfer medium 160 with the rising bubbles, which develops a
pumping action, causing heat transfer medium 160 to circulate
within the apparatus through and between the heat source 120 and
heat exchanger 140. The temperature sensor 60, though not shown in
this Figure, detects the temperature of the heat transfer medium
160, and is connected to the system controller 100, which is itself
connected to the heat source 120, user interface 80, air pump 182
and source of electric power 222.
[0122] A twelfth (12th) embodiment of-the invention as shown in
FIG. 13 is quite similar to the tenth (10th) version of the
invention as shown in FIG. 11 with the primary difference being
that no heat exchanger 140 is employed. Instead, inlet and outlet
water delivery tube(s) 204 are placed in the liquid contents of the
basin 30 of the sink 20 by the user, and are connected to the
balance of the components of the invention which are contained in
one or more items of product packaging (s) 242 which are intended
to be placed in close proximity to the sink 20. The temperature
sensor 60, though not shown in this Figure, detects the temperature
of the heat transfer medium 160, and is connected to the system
controller 100, which is itself connected to the heat source 120,
user interface 80, pump 180 and source of electric power 222. In
this embodiment of the invention, the pump 180 transports the
liquid contents of the sink 20 in a closed loop system from the
sink 20 to the heat source 120 and back. One or more filters that
are intended to remove debris from the liquid contents of the sink
20 may be connected at some point in the apparatus. Variations of
this embodiment include a) having the pump located in the basin 30
of the sink 20, b) and using an air bubble fluid lifting pump 184
in the apparatus, and 3) incorporating the embodiment, and its
variations, into the sink 20 itself.
[0123] In a thirteenth (13th) embodiment of the invention as shown
in FIG. 14, the interconnections between the main components of the
invention are very similar to those noted in the first embodiment
of the invention as shown in FIG. 1 with the exception that the
heat source 120 is a separate, removable device not directly
connected to the other components comprising this embodiment of the
invention. The heat source 120 receives energy from a energy
transducer 224 which is affixed in close proximity to the bottom or
side wall of the sink 20, and thereby, in close proximity to the
heat source 120. The energy received by heat source 120 is
transmitted through the bottom or sidewall, as the case may be, of
the sink 20 from the energy transducer 224. The liquid sensor 40
and the temperature sensor 60 are connected to the thermostat 104
in the system controller 100, which is itself connected to the user
interface 80, the source of electric power 222, and the energy
transducer 224.
[0124] A fourteenth (14th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 15 is a single, self-contained apparatus that is placed in
direct contact with the liquid contents of the sink 20. The
apparatus contains a heat source 120, which may be combined with a
heat exchanger 140 containing a heat transfer medium 160, and may
also contain a temperature sensor 60 that is connected to the
system controller 100. This embodiment of the invention may contain
its own onboard, rechargeable battery(s) as an energy source, or
may receive its energy from an energy transducer 224 that is placed
or affixed in close proximity to it. A variation of this embodiment
is one in which a chemical reactive material or other substance
which gives off heat in the heating mode, or absorbs heat in the
cooling mode might be employed as the heat source 120.
[0125] A fifteenth (15th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 16 is quite similar to the ninth (9th) embodiment of the
invention as shown in FIG. 10, with the exception that this
embodiment includes its own portable sink 32 that can be placed in
the basin 30 of an existing sink 20, or may be placed on a
countertop or other surface. In this embodiment of the invention,
the heat source 120 is a component that is placed into the liquid
contents of the portable sink 32 or may be integral to, or affixed
to or in some proximity to the bottom and/or sidewalls of the
portable sink 32, and may or may not be enclosed within a heat
exchanger 140 that may be filled with a heat transfer medium 180.
The temperature sensor(s) 60 though not explicitly shown in this
Figure are considered to be integral with the apparatus that
comprises the heat source 120 and/or connecting electrical
components 220, and as such would be connected to the system
controller 100 which is connected to the heat source 120, user
interface 80 and source of electric power 222. A version of this
embodiment of the Invention would comprise the portable sink 32 and
the balance of the apparatus assembled as a single apparatus.
[0126] A sixteenth (16th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 17 is quite similar to the tenth (10th) embodiment of the
invention as shown in FIG. 11, with the exception that this
embodiment includes its own portable sink 32 that can be placed in
the basin 30 of an existing sink 20, or may be placed on a
countertop or other surface. In this embodiment of the invention,
the heat exchanger 140.is placed in the liquid contents of the
portable sink 32 by the user, and the balance of the components of
the invention are contained in one or more items of product
packaging(s) 242 which are intended to be placed in close proximity
to the portable sink 32. The liquid sensor 40 is not included,
though it could be included, and the temperature sensor 60, though
not shown in this Figure, detects the temperature of the heat
transfer medium 160, and is connected to the system controller 100,
which is itself connected to the heat source 120, user interface
80, pump 180 and source of electric power 222. The pump 180 is
connected to the heat transfer delivery tube(s) 206 that are
connected to the heat exchanger 140. Not shown explicitly in this
Figure is the heat transfer medium 160 that in this instance is a
fluid that is transported by the pump 180 in a closed loop system
through the heat transfer delivery tube(s) 206 from the heat source
120 to the heat exchanger 140 and back. A version of this
embodiment of the invention would comprise the portable sink 32 and
the balance of the apparatus assembled as a single apparatus.
[0127] A seventeenth (17th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 18 is quite similar to the eleventh (11th) embodiment of the
invention as shown in FIG. 12, with the exception that this
embodiment includes its own portable sink 32 that can be placed in
an existing sink 20, or may be placed on a countertop or other
surface. In this embodiment of the invention, the air bubble
fluid-lifting pump 184 employed in this version of the invention
uses air bubbles to physically move the heat transfer medium 160
within the invention. The liquid sensor 40 is not included, though
it could be included, and the temperature sensor 60, though not
shown in this Figure, detects the temperature of the heat transfer
medium 160, and is connected to the system controller 100, which is
itself connected to the heat source 120, user interface 80, air
Compressor 182 and source of electric power 222. The air bubble
fluid-lifting pump 184 is connected to the heat transfer medium
delivery tubes(s) 206 that are connected to the heat exchanger 140
that is placed by the user in the sink 20. Not shown explicitly in
this Figure is the heat transfer medium 160 that in this instance
is a fluid that is transported by the air bubble fluid lifting pump
184 in a closed loop system from the heat source 120 to the heat
exchanger 140 and back. A version of this embodiment of the
invention would comprise the portable sink 32 and the balance of
the apparatus assembled as a single apparatus.
[0128] An eighteenth (18th) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 19 is quite similar to the twelfth (12th) embodiment of the
invention as shown in FIG. 13, with the exception that this
embodiment includes its own portable sink 32 that can be placed in
the basin 30 of an existing sink 20, or may be placed on a
countertop or other surface. In this embodiment of the invention,
no heat exchanger 140 is employed. Instead, inlet and outlet water
delivery tube(s) 204 are both placed in the liquid contents of the
portable sink 32 by the user, and the balance of the components of
the invention are contained in one or more items of product
packaging(s) 240 which are intended to be placed in close proximity
to the portable sink 32. The temperature sensor 60 is connected to
the system controller 100, which is itself connected to the heat
source 120, user interface 80, pump 180 and source of electric
power 222. The pump 180 is connected to the water delivery tube(s)
204 that are placed by the user in the portable sink 32. The pump
180 transports the liquid contents of the portable sink 32 in a
closed loop system from the heat source 120 to the basin 30 of the
portable sink 32 and back. One or more filters that are intended to
remove debris from the liquid contents of the portable sink 32 may
be connected at some point in the plumbing components 200. A
version of this embodiment of the invention would comprise the
portable sink 32 and the balance of the apparatus assembled as a
single apparatus. Additional variations of this embodiment include
a) having the pump located inside the portable sink 32, b) and
using an air bubble fluid lifting pump 184 in the apparatus, and 3)
incorporating these variations of this embodiment into the portable
sink 32 itself as a single apparatus.
[0129] A nineteenth (19) embodiment of the invention as shown in
FIG. 20 comprises a apparatus with faucet attachment device 208
which the user connects to the water spigot 28 on faucet set 24
which is used in conjunction with a sink 20. The faucet attachment
device 208 is connected to an outlet and an inlet water delivery
tube 204, which are connected to a heat exchanger 140. The faucet
attachment device 208 includes a faucet attachment device diverter
valve 210 that permits the user to control the outflow of water
from the Faucet Spigot 28 to either the heat exchanger 140 or
bypassing the heat exchanger 140 completely, directly into the
basin 30 of the sink 20, as follows:
[0130] In practice, once the user has filled the basin 30 with
water to an acceptable level and temperature, she may add
additional heat energy to the water in said basin 30 of the sink 20
by adjusting the faucet attachment device diverter valve 210 to
cause the warm-hot water from the water spigot 28 to flow through
the heat exchanger 140 via the water delivery tube(s) 204, before
passing out the water spigot 28 into another basin 30 of the sink
20, as would be the case when the user were rinsing food debris
from cooking dishes and utensils, etc.
[0131] The reverse is true in the case of using cold water, as in
the instance of preparing some types of foods.
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT, OR "BEST MODE", OF THE INVENTION
[0132] The preferred embodiment of the invention is best
represented by the eighth (8.sup.th) embodiment, as in FIG. 9. This
FIG. 9 illustrates a sink 20 with an integral heat source 120 and
appropriate temperature sensor(s) 60, system controller 100 and
user interface 80. This embodiment of the invention would enable
the user, using the hot and cold water faucet set 24, to fill the
basin 30 of an invention-equipped kitchen sink 20 with water to be
used for the task at hand, and, once having filled the basin 30 of
the sink 20 with water of an acceptable temperature, to be able to
activate a switch on the user interface 80 which would cause the
system controller 100, acting through the temperature sensor 60, to
automatically determine the temperature of the water in the basin
30 of the sink 20, and using that "set" temperature as the
reference temperature, operate the heat source 120 to maintain the
water in the sink 20 at the "set" temperature.
[0133] The user interface 80 may include visual display(s) and/or
audio signals to inform the user of the status and condition of the
water heating and operation of the controls.
[0134] Should the user desire to change the original "set"
temperature of the water to some other temperature, the user simply
adjusts the temperature of the water to "re-activate" the "set"
switch/control to cause the apparatus to recognize the new water
temperature as its reference temperature, and adjust the operation
of the apparatus to the new temperature level.
[0135] The apparatus automatically shuts-off if the water in the
basin 30 of the sink 20 drains away, or if the apparatus becomes
"disengaged" by the user.
* * * * *