In a Rising Stem (RS) the thrust bearing is inside the valve and the operating wheel rises as the valve opens, the bearing is lubricated by the fluid inside the valve.
Open Yoke and Stem (OS&Y) has the thrust bearing outside the valve so may require external lubrication, but it is very easy to see the valve position. This valve also takes more room to operate. The operating wheel does not change vertical position at the valve is operated.
Non rising stem (NRS) does not indicate the position of the valve and is typically buried, this valve remains the same size no mater what the position is nor does the operator wheel or nut move vertically. The thrust bearing is lubricated by the fluid.
Hydrae