Abstract: A valve stem connector assembly, which connects a lead screw of a globe valve actuator to a valve stem of a globe valve, includes a retainer secured to the lead screw. The retainer includes a retainer body and at least one cam rotatably secured to the retainer. The valve stem connector assembly further includes a retainer latch coupled to the lead screw and the retainer. The retainer latch is configured to move from a normally unlocked position in which the valve stem is unsecured from the lead screw and a locked position in which the retainer latch moves toward the retainer to rotate the at least one cam to secure the valve stem to the lead screw. A method of releasably securing a valve stem of a globe valve to a lead screw of a globe valve actuator is further disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for conserving water and heat energy in a hot water supply system. A holding tank is provided near the Point Of Use to capture unwanted cooled water. An integrated displacement actuator allows this volume to be recirculated back into the hot water supply line after use. The actuator consists of a flexible bladder or rolling diaphragm that divides the holding tank into two compartments; one for non-compressible supply water, and the second for a compressible phase change fluid. At ambient temperature, the phase change fluid condenses to a liquid phase at a relatively low pressure, allowing diverted water to flow into the tank from the hot water supply system. When the phase change fluid is warmed by the adjacent hot water, it changes to a gaseous phase, pressurizing the holding tank and allowing re-injection of the cool water into the hot water supply system. A control system is provided direct water flow based on time, temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A device for preventing the inadvertent rotation of a temperature selection dial associated with the temperature controller of a water heater. The device includes a spring-loaded prong that extends across the face of a rotatable dial so as to prevent rotation of thereof. The force required to pry the prong off of the dial is selected to be greater than what a small child is typically capable of exerting.

Abstract: A steam conditioning system comprising a steam conditioning valve 1 for depressurizing and desuperheating steam S by supplying moisture W in said conditioning valve. A discharge pipe 3 connected to the steam conditioning valve 1 has a horizontal section 3a, and said horizontal arrangement section 3a is provided with a moisture drain 4 or at a portion near the bottom. Condensed moisture W1 is extracted from this moisture drain 4 and is recycled as moisture W to be supplied to the steam S in said conditioning valve 1. The steam conditioning valve 1 further has a reduced annular section 9 with a nozzle 5a disposed therein for injecting subcooled water mist W. A transport conduit 5 connects the drain 4 to nozzle 5a. Moisture W is drawn into steam flow S due to the Venturi effect caused by the pressure drop through the reduced annular section 9.