Abstract: Methods and systems for the additive manufacturing of metal parts. Some embodiments include a method that includes depositing a plurality of foil layers, the plurality of foil layers comprising at least one void space and forming a workpiece having an object region and a support region, the support region connected to the object region and the void space being fluidically isolated from the exterior of the workpiece; and applying pressure to the workpiece to collapse the at least one void space.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the manufacture of laminated metal parts having external dimensions exceeding 0.5 m in length, 0.5 m in width, and 0.1 m in height. Some embodiments include methods to apply force evenly to a workpiece via multiple rams and feature stiffened platens comprised of multiple alloys. Some embodiments include modifications to the workpiece itself, including designs for a temporary vacuum or controlled gas chamber constructed around the workpiece. Some embodiments include modifications to the workpiece and the support structures surrounding the part which direct force during bonding to the part. Control systems may be employed to coordinate the operation of the cylinders with heating, cooling, and pumping operations. Finally, some embodiments include alternative heating systems such as induction or joule heating.

Abstract: Fluid detection systems and methods using the same are disclosed. In embodiments the fluid detection systems include a sensor module and an electronics module. The sensor module includes a sensor housing that includes a liquid flow path and a sensor element disposed around at least part of the liquid flow path. The sensor element can detect a capacitance of the liquid flow path and provide a sensor signal to a controller in the electronics module. The electronics module can determine a detected capacitance in the liquid flow path based at least in part on the sensor signal, and can determine whether a wet event has occurred based on a comparison of the detected capacitance to a threshold capacitance. Methods using the fluid detection systems and fluid supply systems including the fluid detection systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the manufacture of metal parts for the placement of blind fasteners. Embodiments include a metal part that comprises at least one of a receptacle or a fastener on at least one surface of the metal part. Some embodiments include forming the metal part via an additive manufacturing process. The metal part may be formed by stacking a plurality of patterned metal sheets and bonding the patterned metal sheets.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods useful for backflow prevention system that includes an actuated valve, a valve controller, one or more upstream sensors, and one or more downstream sensors. Upon detecting conditions conducive to backflow through the system using either or both the one or more upstream sensors, and the one or more downstream sensors, the valve controller causes the actuated valve to close. The system may be enhanced through the use of a qualifying check valve disposed between the actuated valve and the one or more downstream sensors to slow or impede backflow through the system. The system may be enhanced by inclusion of a run-out length between the actuated valve and the one or more downstream sensors to account for the latency in the actuator causing the valve to transition to the CLOSED position.

Abstract: A backflow preventer for preventing a reverse flow of water in a plumbing system including a body having an inlet and an outlet. The body forms an intermediate zone between the inlet and outlet. An inlet check valve prevents the reverse flow of water from the intermediate zone through the inlet. An outlet check valve prevents the flow of water from the outlet into the intermediate zone. An inlet pressure sensor, an intermediate pressure sensor and an outlet pressure sensor provide readings for the respective zones. A controller monitors a pressure differential between the outlet pressure zone and the intermediate pressure zone to compare the pressure differential to a pre-set range. The controller generates a warning/error message when the pressure differential is outside the pre-set range. The controller can also monitor an inlet pressure in the inlet zone to generate a message if the inlet pressure varies inappropriately.

Abstract: A backflow preventer for preventing a reverse flow of water in a plumbing system including a body having an inlet and an outlet. The body forms an intermediate zone between the inlet and outlet. An inlet check valve prevents the reverse flow of water from the intermediate zone through the inlet. An outlet check valve prevents the flow of water from the outlet into the intermediate zone. An inlet pressure sensor, an intermediate pressure sensor and an outlet pressure sensor provide readings for the respective zones. A controller monitors a pressure differential between the outlet pressure zone and the intermediate pressure zone to compare the pressure differential to a pre-set range. The controller generates a warning/error message when the pressure differential is outside the pre-set range. The controller can also monitor an inlet pressure in the inlet zone to generate a message if the inlet pressure varies inappropriately.

Abstract: A backflow preventer including a body having an inlet for connection to an upstream portion of a plumbing system and an outlet for connection to a downstream portion of the plumbing system, a first check valve and a second check valve located in the body for preventing the reverse flow of water between the outlet and the inlet. An inlet pressure zone is positioned between the inlet and the first check valve, an outlet pressure zone is positioned between the outlet and the second check valve, and an intermediate pressure zone is positioned between the first and the second check valves. Position sensors sense the positions of the check valves, and pressure sensors sense the pressures in the zone. A controller in communication with the position sensors and the pressure sensors calculates the opening and closing pressures of the check valves.

Abstract: A fluidic solar actuation array, the fluidic solar actuation array comprising a plurality of separate actuator nodes disposed in a node line. The node line comprises a set of two or more actuator nodes and a pressure supply line that fluidically couples the set of two or more actuator nodes, with each of the two or more actuator nodes comprising a fluidic solar actuator that includes at least a first fluidic inflatable actuator.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a body forming a bucket having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end along a bucket axis. A first conduit and a second conduit extend from the sidewall, wherein the first and the second conduits extend along a conduit axis that is perpendicular to the bucket axis. A frame inserts into the bucket along the bucket axis and includes a valve seat and a valve member biased against the valve seat. A guide is provided in the bucket between the closed end and the frame and extends along a guide axis between a first opening arranged in a first plane and aligned to receive fluid flow from the first conduit and a second opening arranged in a second plane and aligned to direct fluid flow through the valve seat. The first and second planes are not parallel to one another.

Abstract: A fluidic solar actuation system comprising a plurality of fluidic solar actuators that each include a first fluidic inflatable actuator, and a second fluidic inflatable actuator. The system also includes a fluidic routing system configured to covey a fluid originating from a fluid source to: the respective first fluidic inflatable actuators of the plurality of fluidic solar actuators, the first fluidic inflatable actuators ganged so as to be fluidically connected such that the first fluidic inflatable actuators are configured to be inflated together and separate from the second fluidic inflatable actuators, and the respective second fluidic inflatable actuators of the plurality of fluidic solar actuators, the second fluidic inflatable actuators ganged so as to be fluidically connected such that the second fluidic inflatable actuators are configured to be inflated together and separate from the first fluidic inflatable actuators.

Abstract: A check valve for a backflow prevention assembly includes a linkage with a platform having a proximal end and a distal end and a first coupling member supported by the platform for engaging a bias assembly. A stop protrudes from the proximal end of the platform to engage a frame of the check valve for limiting travel of the platform. A branch depends from the proximal end of the platform, the branch having a hinge pin configured to nest in a slot defined by check valve. A second coupling member depends from the distal end of the platform for engaging a valve member.

Abstract: A test cock is configured to connect to a test cock port. The test cock includes a body portion defining a flowpath between a distal end and a proximal end. The test cock includes an intake stem at the proximal end that has external threads to connect the test cock to the test cock port. The intake stem defines an intake opening connected to the flowpath, the intake opening having a non-circular shape, such as a hexagonal shape. The test cock also includes an extraction tool having an end forming the non-circular shape of the intake opening, the end being sized to fit within and engage the intake opening.

Abstract: A fluidic solar actuation system comprising a plurality of fluidic solar actuators that each include a first fluidic inflatable actuator, and a second fluidic inflatable actuator. The system also includes a fluidic routing system configured to covey a fluid originating from a fluid source to: the respective first fluidic inflatable actuators of the plurality of fluidic solar actuators, the first fluidic inflatable actuators ganged so as to be fluidically connected such that the first fluidic inflatable actuators are configured to be inflated together and separate from the second fluidic inflatable actuators, and the respective second fluidic inflatable actuators of the plurality of fluidic solar actuators, the second fluidic inflatable actuators ganged so as to be fluidically connected such that the second fluidic inflatable actuators are configured to be inflated together and separate from the first fluidic inflatable actuators.

Abstract: A check valve for a backflow prevention assembly includes a linkage with a platform having a proximal end and a distal end and a first coupling member supported by the platform for engaging a bias assembly. A stop protrudes from the proximal end of the platform to engage a frame of the check valve for limiting travel of the platform. A branch depends from the proximal end of the platform, the branch having a hinge pin configured to nest in a slot defined by check valve. A second coupling member depends from the distal end of the platform for engaging a valve member.

Abstract: A backflow preventer including a body having an inlet for connection to an upstream portion of a plumbing system and an outlet for connection to a downstream portion of the plumbing system, a first check valve and a second check valve located in the body for preventing the reverse flow of water between the outlet and the inlet. An inlet pressure zone is positioned between the inlet and the first check valve, an outlet pressure zone is positioned between the outlet and the second check valve, and an intermediate pressure zone is positioned between the first and the second check valves. Position sensors sense the positions of the check valves, and pressure sensors sense the pressures in the zone. A controller in communication with the position sensors and the pressure sensors calculates the opening and closing pressures of the check valves.

Abstract: A leak detection system for a building includes a pressure regulating valve (PRV) having a PRV inlet and a PRV outlet. The PRV is operative during a flow of water through the PRV, and a PRV pressure at a lockup pressure during no water flow through the PRV. An outlet pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to the PRV outlet to measure a PRV outlet pressure. A processor is operatively coupled to the outlet pressure sensor. The processor is configured to run a pressure monitoring process to detect changes in pressure at the PRV outlet when the PRV pressure falls below the lockup pressure while remaining above a setpoint pressure to give an indicia of a fixture leak. A method to give an indicia of a fixture leak is also described.

Abstract: A backflow preventer for preventing a reverse flow of water in a plumbing system including a body having an inlet and an outlet. The body forms an intermediate zone between the inlet and outlet. An inlet check valve prevents the reverse flow of water from the intermediate zone through the inlet. An outlet check valve prevents the flow of water from the outlet into the intermediate zone. An inlet pressure sensor, an intermediate pressure sensor and an outlet pressure sensor provide readings for the respective zones. A controller monitors a pressure differential between the outlet pressure zone and the intermediate pressure zone to compare the pressure differential to a pre-set range. The controller generates a warning/error message when the pressure differential is outside the pre-set range. The controller can also monitor an inlet pressure in the inlet zone to generate a message if the inlet pressure varies inappropriately.

Abstract: A leak detection system for a building includes a pressure regulating valve (PRV) having a PRV inlet and a PRV outlet. The PRV is normally operative in a best operating range mode during flow conditions, and a PRV pressure at a lockup pressure during a no flow condition. An outlet pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to the PRV outlet to measure a PRV outlet pressure. A processor is operatively coupled to the outlet pressure sensor. A pressure monitoring process runs on the processor. The pressure monitoring process detects changes in pressure at the PRV outlet when the PRV pressure falls below the lockup pressure while remaining above a setpoint pressure to give an indicia of a building leak condition. A method to give an indicia of a building leak condition is also described.

Abstract: A backflow preventer including a body having an inlet for connection to an upstream portion of a plumbing system and an outlet for connection to a downstream portion of the plumbing system, a first check valve and a second check valve located in the body for preventing the reverse flow of water between the outlet and the inlet. An inlet pressure zone is positioned between the inlet and the first check valve, an outlet pressure zone is positioned between the outlet and the second check valve, and an intermediate pressure zone is positioned between the first and the second check valves. Position sensors sense the positions of the check valves, and pressure sensors sense the pressures in the zone. A controller in communication with the position sensors and the pressure sensors calculates the opening and closing pressures of the check valves.