Patent ID: 8770322

Claim:
A latch body for use in a drilling head assembly having a fluid control subassembly and a check valve element, the latch body having a longitudinal axis, a longitudinal length, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, the latch body defining a central bore extending along the longitudinal length of the latch body through the proximal and distal end portions of the latch body, the latch body comprising: a plurality of male protrusions extending inwardly toward and spaced from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each protrusion of the plurality of male protrusions having a leading end spaced a selected distance from the longitudinal axis of the latch body; a plurality of channels extending radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the latch body, each channel of the plurality of channels spanning between the leading ends of adjacent male protrusions, wherein each channel of the plurality of channels is substantially U-shaped, wherein the distal end portion of the latch body comprises a port section, the port section defining a chamber in fluid communication with the central bore of the latch body, and at least one port in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the chamber of the port section is configured to receive at least a portion of the check valve element, and wherein the proximal end portion of the latch body is configured to support the fluid control subassembly of the drilling head assembly in an operative position.