Patent ID: 8360103

Claim:
Valve assembly ( 1 ) comprising a first valve component ( 2 ) in fluid connection with a first duct ( 5 ), a second valve component ( 3 ) in fluid connection with a second duct ( 7 ), each valve component ( 2 , 3 ) having a housing ( 17 , 18 ) and first and second closure members ( 40 , 41 ) movably disposed within the respective first and second housing ( 17 , 18 ), the first closure member ( 40 ) having a pivot axis ( 9 ) extending generally transversely to the first duct ( 5 ), the first closure member ( 40 ) being pivotable around the pivot axis ( 9 ) between a closed position in which the closure member extends generally transversely to a longitudinal centre line ( 26 ) of the first duct ( 5 ) and an open position, wherein the first and second closure members ( 40 , 41 ) are each provided with coupling means ( 45 , 46 ) for releasably interconnecting the closure members ( 40 , 41 ), such that the second closure member ( 41 ) can be moved together with the first closure member ( 40 ) upon pivoting of the first closure member around the pivot axis, the second closure member comprising connector means ( 38 , 39 ; 62 , 63 ; 70 ′, 71 ′; 95 , 96 ) for engaging with complementary connector means ( 36 , 37 ; 60 , 61 ; 72 , 72 ′; 93 , 94 ) on the second housing ( 18 ) in a closed position of the second closure member, which connector means maintain the second closure member ( 41 ) in a non-pivotable sealed attachment with the second housing ( 18 ) when the valve components ( 2 , 3 ) are separated; and wherein the first and second closure members ( 40 , 41 ) define a generally cylindrical or spherical body ( 10 ) having a through bore ( 11 ), a coupling surface ( 12 , 16 ) extending at a distance from the bore ( 11 ) substantially parallel thereto, the coupling means ( 45 , 46 ) being situated on or near the coupling surfaces ( 12 , 16 ).