The "Peanut" valve is manufactured by Pentair and uses a flapper design like the autotrol, but also uses the plumbing connectors like the 7000. I have had a few in for testing, they are decent valves, just slightly better than the low end manufacturers. I am sure it was designed to compete with the low end market. Fleck, Autotrol, Clack, etc make proprietary valves based on their particular technology which usually allows a company like Rainsoft to sell a product they know is made by a great company and it can reduce R&D, tooling, molds, etc. which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more for a quality control valve. Some companies opt for minimal modifications to an existing control valve, like a new cover, or a new cover and new electronics board. Others go for a completely modified valve which makes even the internal components proprietary.