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.

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.  
         [heading-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. 
        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. 
        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.     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. 
        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&#39;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: 
        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 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: 
        i) adjustable flow control valve     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: 
        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.        
 
         [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&#39;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: 
        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. 
        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.     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. 
        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&#39;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. 
        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. 
        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 . 
        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.     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.     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 .     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.     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.     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&#39;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&#39;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 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.