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: 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.