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.

Abstract: A security and safety latch system for fluid couplings particularly for fluid couplings utilizing rotatable valves wherein connection and disconnection of the coupling parts is by relative rotation of the parts and the valves are rotated between open and closed positions by exterior manually operated handles. The coupling parts and the valve handles are provided with interfering surfaces which prevent the parts from being relatively rotated and disconnected until both coupling valves are closed. Further, the valve handles are provided with security latches which permit the handles to be locked in the closed position, and prevent the valve handles from being locked in the valve open position.