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.

Abstract: A wet-rotor circulator in accordance with the present invention includes a drive motor coupled to the impeller of a fluid pump. The drive motor includes a rotor assembly enclosed within a fluid impermeable jacket and a stator assembly for driving the rotor. The rotor is coaxially supported within the jacket by bearings which are permanently secured in place by circumferentially crimping sections of the jacket radially inwardly to shape-lock the bearings to the jacket. The crimping takes place during an assembly step in which an applied magnetic field causes substantially instantaneous deformation of the jacket without disturbing the coaxial relationship between the rotor shaft and its support bearings.