Ball valve coupling
US5488972A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87973
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to an environmental coupling that reduces spillage to less than 1 mL. The coupling includes a first convex ball valve and a second concave ball valve. One ball valve includes flat surfaces on the ball and a retainer with "flats" that correspond to the "flats" on the ball valve. This feature keeps the ball valve on centerline and allows valve actuation without damage to either ball valve. The coupling also provides other numerous safeguards against spillage. For instance, the coupling has handles with concave and convex edges to prohibit the wrong sequencing of opening and closing the ball valves, interlocking means to prevent the uncoupling of the annular bodies of the ball valves when the first ball valve is in the open position, and a handle button release and secondary handle lock.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.