Patent ID: 8857790
Filing Date: 2014-10-14
Classification: F16K,F16L

Abstract:
1. A unisex ball valve coupling comprising: a body portion having an internal passage and an interface end that is configured to engage an interface end of a mating coupling half assembly, the interface end comprising a circumferential groove configured to receive a portion of the interface end of the mating coupling half; a valve within the body portion, the valve having a valve body, which has an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal passage and a closed position in which the valve body closes off fluid flow through the internal passage, the valve further comprising a valve shaft that engages the valve body and rotates with the valve body between the open position and the closed position, the valve shaft having a first surface; a blocking member movable from a blocking position to a non-blocking position within the body portion, wherein the blocking member is biased towards the blocking position by a biasing member; wherein in the blocking position the blocking member engages the first surface of the valve shaft to secure the valve body in the closed position and in the non-blocking position the blocking member does not engage the first surface of the valve shaft to permit opening of the valve.