A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.

A method and apparatus are provided for late-customization of a valve body having an initial valve body configuration having a first end connection and a second end connection. The method includes receiving a selection of (i) a generic valve body, (ii) a first end connection, and (iii) a second end connection. The method further includes adjoining the first and second end connections to the valve body using an iterative welding process. The apparatus is configured to receive a generic valve body having an initial end configuration and to receive a different end configuration. Ends are connected to the valve body subject to an initial bias and a comparison between actual results and predicted results, and first end connection is iteratively welded.

An axial cast hole is formed to have a large diameter side end on one side at a draft angle. A large diameter hole is formed on the one side to form a stepped surface between the large diameter hole and the axial cast hole. The stepped surface has an inner periphery end located on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. A tool is moved from the one side toward the other side coaxially with the axial cast hole to make contact with the stepped surface. The tool is moved subsequently to cut the inner periphery of the axial cast hole between the large diameter hole and the first port. The tool is moved subsequently to cut the inner periphery of the axial cast hole on the other side relative to the first port.

A shutoff switch for dispensing mixed beverages is presented. The shutoff switch includes a syrup inlet receiving syrup and a syrup outlet dispensing the syrup to a pump. The shutoff switch also includes a water inlet receiving water, and a water outlet dispensing the water to a either the pump or a dispensing point. Two distinct inlets and outlets for syrup and water prevent the syrup and water being mixed in the shutoff switch. The shutoff switch further includes a pressure responsive member that deforms based on pressure changes in the shutoff switch. When the deformation of the pressure responsive member reaches a threshold, an electrical gate in direct communication with the pressure responsive member opens, turning of a pump of the beverage dispensing system. Valves in either chamber of the shutoff switch can also be used as a redundant mechanical way to stop flow in the system.

An attachment system comprises an attachment assembly having a side with an exposed surface. A magnetic structure comprises a plurality of assembly field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to an attachment spatial force function. A plurality of assembly pole pieces are coupled to the magnetic structure such that a spatial spacing is created between the magnetic structure and the side. Each assembly pole piece is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of assembly field emission sources for directing magnetic flux. An attachment target attaches to the exposed surface based on the attachment spatial force function. The attachment target comprises a plurality of target field emission sources having positions and polarities relating to the attachment spatial force. The attachment spatial force function is in accordance with a code and corresponds to the relative alignment of the plurality of assembly field emission sources and the plurality of target field emission sources to each other.

A multi-layer one-way valve (100) includes: a first layer (10) having at least one first opening (12) formed therein; a second layer (20) having at least one second opening (22) formed therein; and, a third layer (30). The first and second layers are joined together such that at least one first channel (14) is defined therebetween, and the second and third layers are joined together such that at least one second channel (24) is defined therebetween. Additionally, an amount of flow-able liquid is deposited in the first channel between the first and second openings. Suitably, the valve selectively opens to permit gas flow through the first and second channels in response to a pressure differential, the rate of gas flow through the valve is exponentially proportional to the pressure differential.

A two-part wastegate valve member assembly comprises a support member and a valve member. The support member defines an aperture. The valve member comprises a central portion extending through the aperture and two opposed end portions disposed on opposite sides of the aperture. Each of the two end portions has dimensions such that the valve member is held captive by the support member. The central portion and two opposed end portions of the valve member are integrally formed. A method for forming the two-part wastegate valve member assembly comprises casting a single manufacturing intermediate and subsequently processing the manufacturing intermediate so as to form the two-part assembly.

A shuttle valve and a method of fabricating a shuttle valve. In one embodiment, a shuttle valve comprises a casing assembly, a sleeve, and a spool slidable within the sleeve. The casing assembly includes an inlet casing having first and second inlet ports, an inlet casing coupling port, and an inlet fluid passageway providing fluid communication between the first inlet port, the second inlet port, and the inlet casing coupling port. The casing assembly further includes an outlet casing having an outlet port, an outlet casing coupling port, and an outlet fluid passageway providing fluid communication between the outlet port and the outlet casing coupling port. The outlet casing coupling port is removably coupled to the inlet casing coupling port. The sleeve is disposed in the inlet fluid passageway of the inlet casing.

A fluid end assembly of a hydraulic fluid pump includes a housing having a first housing bore and a second housing bore offset axially from the first housing bore. A plate is fastened to the housing. The plate has a first plate bore axially aligned with the first housing bore and a second plate bore axially aligned with the second housing bore. A first removable valve cover closes the first housing bore and a second removable valve cover closes the second housing bore. A first retainer engages the first plate bore and abuts the first removable valve cover and a second retainer engages the second plate bore and abuts the second removable valve cover.

A system to attach valve seat inserts to an aluminum cylinder head of an automobile vehicle includes a cylinder head of an automobile vehicle engine having a valve seat portion. A valve seat insert is positioned in the valve seat portion of the cylinder head. A fusion bond is created between the valve seat insert and the valve seat portion by laser welding thereby fusing the valve seat insert to the valve seat portion.