Abstract: An at least partially automatic valve stem lubrication system including a source of grease lubricant, a pump and an at least partially automated control system, the control system structured and arranged such that lubricant is pumped onto a valve stem surface area as a function of the receipt of certain inputs.

Abstract: Condensation draining system and method for valve stem protectors comprising an actuator and a stem protector assembly structured in combination to provide a drain and an opening for draining condensation from inside the assembly to outside the combination.

Abstract: An at least partially automatic valve stem lubrication system including a source of grease lubricant, a pump and an at least partially automated control system, the control system structured and arranged such that lubricant is pumped onto a valve stem surface area as a function of the receipt of certain inputs.

Abstract: Condensation draining system and method for valve stem protectors comprising an actuator and a stem protector assembly structured in combination to provide a drain and an opening for draining condensation from inside the assembly to outside the combination.

Abstract: An improved stem protector system for valves including an assembly, preferably a sleeve assembly, structured and sized for surrounding a valve stem and for mating with a valve stem actuator, the assembly including at least one port system, the at least one port system having at least one port structure to pass lubricant from outside to inside the system and at least one drainage port to pass water from inside to outside the system. Preferably the lubricant port(s) and the water drainage port(s) are separate.

Abstract: An absolute position detector that interprets, rather than avoids, abnormal sensory states. Different combinations of sensors in an array are activated as a marker travels along a path. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is converted into a digital signal that is reliably indicative of the current absolute position of the marker along the path. In a preferred embodiment, a dynamic magnetic field is provided whose current condition represents the current absolute position of a moving marker. As the marker moves, the condition of the field changes to activate different groups of Hall Effect devices in an array. The activated groups may comprise one or more Hall Effect devices in the array, depending on the condition of the field as created by the position of the marker. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is then converted, advantageously via truth table logic, into a digital signal representative of the current position of the marker.

Abstract: An absolute position detector that interprets, rather than avoids, abnormal sensory states. Different combinations of sensors in an array are activated as a marker travels along a path. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is converted into a digital signal that is reliably indicative of the current absolute position of the marker along the path. In a preferred embodiment, a dynamic magnetic field is provided whose current condition represents the current absolute position of a moving marker. As the marker moves, the condition of the field changes to activate different groups of Hall Effect devices in an array. The activated groups may comprise one or more Hall Effect devices in the array, depending on the condition of the field as created by the position of the marker. The current activation/deactivation state of the array is then converted, advantageously via truth table logic, into a digital signal representative of the current position of the marker.