Abstract: Electric motors, for example wet rotor motors, include a rotor, a winding support, and plurality of electrical windings surrounding the rotor. In some implementations, the winding support is a rotor housing, e.g., the can of a wet rotor motor. The windings define the stator of the motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating probe signal level readings in a manner that allows a low water detector to distinguish between a probe that is under a fluid level, or is above the fluid level and either being splashed or is within a foam. Low water detectors which utilize these systems and methods are also provided. The detectors generally utilize a representative probe reading, and a dynamic indicator between probe readings, for a set of probe readings taken in a time period to detect low water levels, foam, or surge.

Abstract: An integrated injection-pumping fixture for transferring heat from a higher-temperature loop to a lower-temperature loop (e.g., in radiant heating, from a boiler loop to a radiant loop). The fixture provides an injection loop for transferring heat from the higher-temperature loop to the lower-temperature loop. The fixture comprises an integrated casting, in which are formed higher-temperature supply and return ports, lower-temperature supply and return ports, an injection pump volute, and a lower-temperature pump volute. Liquid from the higher-temperature loop enters the integrated casting through the higher-temperature supply port, mixes with liquid circulating in the lower-temperature loop, and leaves the integrated casting through the higher-temperature return port.

Abstract: An integrated fixture for transferring heat from a higher-temperature loop to a lower-temperature loop (e.g., in radiant heating, from a heating unit loop to a radiant loop). The fixture provides a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the higher-temperature loop to the lower-temperature loop. The fixture also includes a casting, in which are formed higher-temperature supply and return ports, lower-temperature supply and return ports, a higher-temperature pump volute, and a lower-temperature pump volute. Liquid from the higher-temperature loop enters the integrated fixture through the higher-temperature supply port, passes through one side of the heat exchanger, transferring heat to liquid circulating through the other side of the heat exchanger in the lower-temperature loop, and leaves the integrated fixture through the higher-temperature return port.

Abstract: A threaded pipe flange and piping system utilizing the same. The threaded pipe flange includes a base portion having a predetermined shape and at least two openings dimensioned to accept at least two mounting bolts. A shoulder portion extends from, and is integral to, the base portion and includes at least two substantially flat gripping surfaces that allow the flange to be attached using an open end wrench, adjustable wrench or pipe wrench. A threaded opening extends through the base portion and the shoulder portion and is sized to mate with the threaded pipe to which the flange is to be attached. In operation, the pipe flange is attached to the predetermined threaded pipe by aligning the threaded opening with the predetermined threaded pipe, gripping the gripping surfaces of the shoulder portion, and rotating the pipe flange until the flange is tight.

Abstract: An valve actuator in a hydronic heating and cooling system includes a motor for changing the position of a valve, a switch for switching power to the motor, and a sensor for detecting the arrival of the valve at a desired position and for stopping the motor without using a mechanical stop. The motor's power source includes a capacitive power source which can be used to drive the motor under low-power conditions. A worm gear is used in the drive train, and combined with a clutch assembly to permit the valve to be operated manually.

Abstract: A zone valve for use in a hydronic system, the valve including a ball element through which liquid flows in an axial direction, a valve casing enclosing a ball element, a valve seat in contact with the ball element and the valve casing, the valve seat having a notch to receive an O-ring, an O-ring installed in the notch, and wherein the notch has a surface inclined with respect to the axial direction so that an axial force on the valve seat causes the O-ring installed in the notch to be compressed to improve a seal between the valve seat and an internal bore of the valve casing.

Abstract: An valve actuator in a hydronic heating and cooling system includes a motor for changing the position of a valve, a switch for switching power to the motor, and a sensor for detecting the arrival of the valve at a desired position and for stopping the motor without using a mechanical stop. The motor's power source includes a capacitive power source which can be used to drive the motor under low-power conditions.

Abstract: An valve actuator in a hydronic heating and cooling system includes a motor for changing the position of a valve, a switch for switching power to the motor, and a sensor for detecting the arrival of the valve at a desired position and for stopping the motor without using a mechanical stop. The motor's power source includes a capacitive power source which can be used to drive the motor under low-power conditions. A worm gear is used in the drive train, and combined with a clutch assembly to permit the valve to be operated manually.

Abstract: Multiple coil fittings are connected in series to a closed loop single pipe circuit. Each coil fitting provides a paralleled chilled water flow to a fan coil servicing an enclosure. The coil fitting has a housing enclosing a first tubing for directing chilled water to the fan coil and a second tubing for directing return water to the pipe circuit. A baffle is mounted radially on the end of the second tubing proximal to the pipe circuit causing a portion of the chilled water in the pipe circuit to flow into the first pipe with the return water entering the pipe circuit below the baffle so there is no mixing of return water with the chilled water entering the first tubing regardless of the direction of flow in the pipe circuit. A humidistat mounted near the load coil farthest from the chiller sends a relative humidity signal to a diverter valve that changes the direction of chilled water flow in the pipe circuit.

Abstract: An wet-rotor hydronic heating/cooling circulator in which a check valve is positioned at the inlet eye of the pump impeller, where it can easily be serviced by removing the circulator motor and impeller. The check valve is preferably in the form of a valve subassembly that is removably inserted into an opening at the eye.

Abstract: An integrated zoning circulator includes a priority controller, integral with the zoning circulator, for determining the priority given to the circulator in an individual zone of a multi-zone hydronic system. The zoning circulator also includes a priority circulator system for a multi-zone hydronic system having a zoning circulator at each zone, a plurality of control boxes each having a thermostat, one control box being associated with each circulator, and, a plurality of priority controllers, one priority controller being associated with each control box. Each priority controller, when activated, functions to assure that when the associated thermostat calls for the circulator to operate, other circulators in non-priority mode are prevented from operating simultaneously.

Abstract: A valve body including a first body member and a second body member adjacent the first body member, with the first and second body members defining a through-passage. A ball valve element having a bore therethrough is disposed within the valve body. A ball seat is interposed between the first and second body members. The ball seat is positioned to sealingly engage the ball valve element when the ball valve element is in the closed position to prevent fluid from passing by the ball valve element. The ball seat is resiliently biased against the first body member and against the ball valve element by a single biasing member positioned to provide both a fluid seal and a resilient bias between the ball seat and the first body member.

Abstract: An automatic flow control valve for maintaining a predetermined output flow rate in response to a varying pressure differential across the valve has an orifice element, an occluding element and a spring each placed at least partially within a valve housing. The orifice element has a fluid port at a fixed and predetermined distance from an alignment end of the orifice element. The occluding element has an occluding region at a fixed and predetermined position relative to an alignment end of the occluding element. The spring extends along a longitudinal axis of the valve housing and the length of the spring in the absence of fluid flow is predetermined. In use, fluid flows longitudinally between the fluid port and the alignment end of the occluding element. This causes the alignment end of the orifice element to be aligned with one end of the compression spring and the alignment end of the occluding element to be aligned with a second end of the spring.

Abstract: A zoning circulator for circulating fluid within a zone in a hydronic heating or cooling system includes a zoning circulator controller including a speed regulating circuit for controlling the speed of a circulator motor. The circulator controller also includes an override circuit for operating the circulator at a high speed, high starting torque for several seconds to overcome frictional resistances between the moving parts of the motor and then tapers down to the speed established by the speed regulating circuit.

Abstract: An integrated wet-rotor zoning circulator for circulating fluid within a zone in a hydronic heating or cooling system. The zoning circulator has three primary components: a motor, an impeller casing, and a controller. The controller, which is integrated with the motor, houses a voltage transforming device (e.g., a transformer) and a switching device (e.g., a relay). When a thermostat in the zone being served by the zoning circulator closes, the switching device closes and the pump is activated.

Abstract: A zone valve for a hydronic system (either heating or cooling) in which a motor-driven actuator rotates a ball valve through approximately 90.degree., between closed and opened positions. The ball valve provides lower flow resistance than that of conventional heat-motor and motorized zone valves, allowing the use of lower rated pumps, and allowing a single size valve to serve most applications. A restoring torque is provided by a tension spring so configured that it provides sufficient restoring torque to overcome the frictional torque of the ball valve. The restoring torque is kept from building up during rotation by configuring the spring in such a manner that its force varies inversely with the effective moment arm. The restoring torque varies by no more than 20% (preferably no more than 10%) during rotation of the ball valve.

Abstract: A zone valve for a hydronic system (either heating or cooling) in which a motor-driven actuator rotates a ball valve through approximately 90.degree., between closed and opened positions. The ball valve provides lower flow resistance than that of conventional heat-motor and motorized zone valves, allowing the use of lower rated pumps, and allowing a single size valve to serve most applications. A restoring torque is provided by a tension spring so configured that it provides sufficient restoring torque to overcome the frictional torque of the ball valve. The restoring torque is kept from building up during rotation by configuring the spring in such a manner that its force varies inversely with the effective moment arm. The restoring torque varies by no more than 20% (preferably no more than 10%) during rotation of the ball valve.

Abstract: A zone valve for a hydronic system (either heating or cooling) in which a motor-driven actuator rotates a ball valve through approximately 90.degree., between closed and opened positions. The ball valve provides lower flow resistance than that of conventional heat-motor and motorized zone valves, allowing the use of lower rated pumps, and allowing a single size valve to serve most applications. A restoring torque is provided by a tension spring so configured that it provides sufficient restoring torque to overcome the frictional torque of the ball valve. The restoring torque is kept from building up during rotation by configuring the spring in such a manner that its force varies inversely with the effective moment arm. The restoring torque varies by no more than 20% (preferably no more than 10%) during rotation of the ball valve.

Abstract: An automatic flow control valve according to the instant invention maintains a constant flow rate despite varying fluid pressure, and employs a dual outer and inner cup construction through which a range of flow rates can be accommodated via a change in the orientation between the outer and the inner cup. Two modes of implementation are disclosed. In one mode, the adjustment of the orientation between the cups to correspond to a desired flow rate is made prior to assembly and installation. In the other mode, an external adjustment means is provided for altering the relative orientation between the outer and the inner cup at field and after assembly and installation. In a third mode, the flow rate can be adjusted on a fully assembled valve at any time other than when said valve in installed in a process line. Additionally, a means for adjusting the preload of a range spring balancing the cups is also provided.