Author: claimsbot

1. A transistor comprising:
a semiconductor substrate;
a buried oxide layer formed within said substrate;
a trench isolation region formed within said substrate;
a source region;
a drain region;
a channel region;
passivated trap site regions comprising trap sites of at least said buried oxide layer and said channel region, said passivated trap site regions formed by (a) applying different voltages to said source region and said drain region to electrically stress and thereby remove a first passivating species from said trap sites, and (b) after removing said first passivating species from said trap sites, passivating said trap sites with a second passivating species; and
a transistor gate formed over said channel region,
wherein, due to steps (a) and (b), a percentage of said trap sites passivated by said second passivating species near said drain region is greater than a percentage of said trap sites passivated by said second passivating species near said source region.
2. The transistor of claim 1, wherein said second passivating species are deuterium atoms.
3. The transistor of claim 1, wherein said passivated trap site regions comprise first, second, and third trap site regions, said buried oxide layer comprises said first trap site region, said trench isolation region comprises said second trap site region, and said channel region comprises said third trap site region.
4. The transistor of claim 1, wherein step (a) further comprises:
applying an operational supply voltage of the transistor Vcc to the drain region; and
applying a gate voltage of about Vcc2 to the transistor gate.
5. The transistor of claim1 3, wherein said second trap site region is located along a trench isolation region sidewall.
6. The transistor of claim1 3, wherein said second trap site region is located between said trench isolation region and said buried oxide layer.
7. The transistor of claim 3, wherein said second trap site region is located between said trench isolation region and said channel region.
8. The transistor of claim 3, wherein said third trap site region is located between said channel region and said transistor gate.
9. The transistor of claim 3, wherein said first trap site region is located between said buried oxide layer and said channel region.
10. A transistor comprising:
a source region;
a drain region;
a channel region;
a multi-layer gate formed over a semiconductor substrate, wherein said multi-layer gate comprises an insulating layer and at least one conductive layer;
an oxide layer formed within said substrate;
at least one trench isolation region; and
at least one electrically pre-stressed region comprising trap sites, said electrically pre-stressed region formed by
(a) applying an electrical current from said source region to said drain region to remove hydrogen atoms from said trap sites, and
(b) immediately re-passivating said trap sites with a passivating species more resistant to hot carriers than said hydrogen atoms,
wherein steps (a) and (b) cause portions of said electrically pre-stressed region near said drain region to have a higher concentration of said re-passivated trap sites than portions of said electrically pre-stressed region near said source region.
11. The transistor of claim 10, wherein said passivating species is at least one deuterium atom.
12. The transistor of claim 10, wherein said electrically pre- stressed stressed region has been electrically stressed at less than 650 \xb0 C.
13. The semiconductor device of claim 10, wherein said electrically pre-stressed transistor has been electrically stressed under peak substrate conditions of said transistor.
14. The transistor of claim 13, wherein said electrically pre- stressed transistor has been electrically stressed by a gate voltage substantially equal to Vd2, where Vd is a drain voltage of said transistor.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid connector, comprising a first part having a distal end and a second part having a proximal end adapted to be removably connected to the distal end of the first part,
the first part including first and second fluid channels extending within the first part from respective first and second end seals at the distal end and coupling to respective first and second fluid ports, the end seals closing off the first and second fluid channels when the first part is disconnected from the second part, and
the second part including first and second fluid channels extending within the second part from respective first and second end seals at the proximal end and coupling to respective first and second fluid ports, the end seals of the second part closing off the first and second fluid channels of the second part when the first part is disconnected from the second part, wherein connecting the first part to the second part connects the first fluid channels of the first and second parts and also connects the second fluid channels of the first and second parts.
2. The fluid connector of claim 1, wherein the first and second fluid channels of at least one of the first part and the second part are arranged concentrically.
3. The fluid connector of claim 2, wherein the first and second parts are cooperatively structured to permit the first and second parts to rotate relative to each other while connected together.
4. The fluid connector of claim 2, wherein the second fluid channel of the first part comprises an outer channel arranged concentrically around the first channel of the first part, and wherein the second fluid channel of the second part comprises an outer channel arranged concentrically around the inner channel of the second part.
5. The fluid connector of claim 4, wherein the first and second parts are adapted to connect together such that the first end seal of one of the first and second parts establishes a seal with the other of the first and second parts before the first end seal of the other of the first and second parts opens, and such that the second end seal of the one of the first and second parts establishes a seal with the other of the first and second parts before the second end seal of the other of the first and second parts opens.
6. The fluid connector of claim 5, wherein the first channel of the first part comprises an inner, central channel arranged on a central axis of the first part.
7. The fluid connector of claim 6, wherein the first part further includes:
an elongated pin body comprised of a central bore extending from the distal end to near a proximal end, a pin head at the proximal end of the pin body, the pin head including the first and second ports of the first part, and first and second connecting channels communicating between the first and second ports, respectively and the central bore, the bore comprising a pin central opening surface, which includes, at a distal end, a cylindrical distal portion and a tapered portion sloping radially inward toward the cylindrical distal portion, and which also includes, at a proximal end, a cylindrical proximal portion having a smaller diameter than the cylindrical distal portion of the pin central opening surface;
a tube comprising a proximal outer surface positioned adjacent the cylindrical proximal portion of the pin central opening surface, the tube dividing between the central channel and the outer channel, wherein the first connecting channel communicates with the central channel and the second connecting channel communicates with the outer channel;
a pin proximal seal arranged to provide a seal between the proximal outer surface of the tube and the cylindrical proximal portion of the pin central opening surface;
a pin inner sleeve, including a cylindrical surface at a proximal end adapted to slide along a cylindrical surface at a distal end of the tube; an outer surface comprising a cylindrical distal portion adapted to slide along the cylindrical distal portion of the pin central opening surface, and a tapered portion adapted to fit against the tapered portion of the pin central opening surface; and an inner surface comprising a cylindrical distal portion and a tapered portion sloping radially inward toward the cylindrical distal portion of the inner surface of pin inner sleeve, wherein the second end seal of the first part includes a seal located between the cylindrical distal portion of the outer surface of the pin inner sleeve and the cylindrical distal portion of pin central opening surface;
a pin outer bias member arranged to urge the tapered portion of the outer surface of the pin inner sleeve against the tapered portion of the pin central opening surface;
a pin middle seal arranged to provide a seal between the cylindrical surface at the proximal end of the pin inner sleeve and the cylindrical surface at the distal end of the tube;
a plug, including a cylindrical distal surface adapted to slide along the cylindrical distal portion of the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve, and a tapered surface adapted to fit against the tapered portion of the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve, wherein the first end seal of the first part is located between the cylindrical distal surface of the plug and the cylindrical distal portion of the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve; and
a pin inner bias member arranged to urge the tapered portion of the outer surface of the plug against the tapered portion of the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve, wherein the central channel is defined by an inner surface of the tube, the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve, the plug, and the first end seal of the first part, and wherein the outer channel of the first part is defined by the pin central opening surface, the outer surface of the tube, the outer surface of the pin inner sleeve, and the second end seal, and wherein the pin proximal seal and the pin middle seal seal between the central channel and the outer channel.
8. The fluid connector of claim 7, further comprising a pin outer sleeve substantially fixed in position at a distal end of the pin body, the pin outer sleeve including the cylindrical distal portion and the tapered portion of the pin central opening surface.
9. The fluid connector of claim 4, wherein the inner channel of the second part is substantially annular shaped.
10. The fluid connector of claim 4, wherein the second part further includes:
a bracket body;
an elongated plunger extending proximally from the body a first distance and having an outwardly sloped surface near a proximal end;
a substantially annular inner section member extending proximally from the bracket body a second distance that is less than the first distance, wherein the inner section member is arranged substantially concentrically around the plunger and includes a cylindrical surface;
a substantially annular outer section member extending proximally from the bracket body a third distance that is less than the first distance and greater than the second distance, wherein the outer section member is arranged concentrically around the inner section member and includes a cylindrical surface;
a bracket inner sleeve, comprising an inner surface having an outwardly sloped portion at a proximal end adapted to fit against the outwardly sloped surface of the plunger, an outer surface having an outwardly sloped portion near a distal end, and a cylindrical surface at a distal end that slidingly engages with the cylindrical surface of the inner section member, wherein the end seal of the inner channel of the second part is provided between the outwardly sloped portion of the inner surface of the bracket inner sleeve and the outwardly sloped surface of the plunger, and wherein the inner channel of the second part is defined by the plunger, an inner surface of the inner section member and the inner surface of the inner sleeve;
a bracket inner middle seal arranged to seal between the cylindrical surface of the inner section member and the cylindrical surface of the bracket inner sleeve;
a bracket second sleeve, comprising an inner surface having an outwardly sloped portion at a proximal end adapted to fit against the outwardly sloped surface of the outer surface of the inner sleeve, and a cylindrical surface at a distal end that slidingly engages with the cylindrical surface of the inner section member, wherein the end seal of the outer channel of the second part is provided between the outwardly sloped portion of the inner surface of the bracket second sleeve and the outwardly sloped surface of the outer surface of the bracket inner sleeve, wherein the outer channel of the second part is defined by an outer surface of the inner section member, an outer surface of the bracket inner sleeve, the inner surface of the bracket second sleeve, and an inner surface of the outer section member, and wherein the bracket inner middle seal seals between the inner channel and the outer channel of the first part;
a bracket outer middle seal arranged to seal between the cylindrical surface of the outer section member and the cylindrical surface of the bracket second sleeve; and
a bracket bias member arranged to urge the bracket second sleeve proximally against the bracket inner sleeve and the bracket inner sleeve against the plunger.
11. The fluid connector of claim 7, wherein the second part further includes:
a bracket body;
an elongated plunger extending proximally from the body a first distance and having an outwardly sloped surface near a proximal end;
a substantially annular inner section member extending proximally from the bracket body a second distance that is less than the first distance, wherein the inner section member is arranged substantially concentrically around the plunger and includes a cylindrical surface;
a substantially annular outer section member extending proximally from the bracket body a third distance that is less than the first distance and greater than the second distance, wherein the outer section member is arranged concentrically around the inner section member and includes a cylindrical surface;
a bracket inner sleeve, comprising an inner surface having an outwardly sloped portion at a proximal end adapted to fit against the outwardly sloped surface of the plunger, an outer surface having an outwardly sloped portion near a distal end, and a cylindrical surface at a distal end that slidingly engages with the cylindrical surface of the inner section member, wherein the end seal of the inner channel of the second part Is provided between the outwardly sloped portion of the inner surface of the bracket inner sleeve and the outwardly sloped surface of the plunger, and wherein the inner channel of the second part is defined by the plunger, an inner surface of the inner section member and the inner surface of the inner sleeve;
a bracket inner middle seal arranged to seal between the cylindrical surface of the inner section member and the cylindrical surface of the bracket inner sleeve;
a bracket second sleeve, comprising an inner surface having an outwardly sloped portion at a proximal end adapted to fit against the outwardly sloped surface of the outer surface of the inner sleeve, and a cylindrical surface at a distal end that slidingly engages with the cylindrical surface of the inner section member, wherein the end seal of the outer channel of the second part is provided between the outwardly sloped portion of the inner surface of the bracket second sleeve and the outwardly sloped surface of the outer surface of the bracket inner sleeve, wherein the outer channel of the second part is defined by an outer surface of the inner section member, an outer surface of the bracket inner sleeve, the inner surface of the bracket second sleeve, and an inner surface of the outer section member, and wherein the bracket middle seal seals between the inner channel and the outer channel of the first part;
a bracket outer middle seal arranged to seal between the cylindrical surface of the outer section member and the cylindrical surface of the bracket second sleeve; and
a bracket bias member arranged to urge the bracket second sleeve proximally against the bracket inner sleeve and the bracket inner sleeve against the plunger.
12. The fluid connector of claim 11, wherein the bracket body further includes a cylindrical bearing at a proximal end adapted to receive the pin body such a distal face of the plug first contacts a proximal face of the plunger when the pin body moves distally through the cylindrical bearing.
13. The fluid connector of claim 12, wherein the outer surface of the bracket inner sleeve further comprises, at the proximal end thereof, a cylindrical proximal portion approximately the same diameter as the cylindrical surface of the plug, such that, upon further movement of the pin body through the cylindrical bearing in the distal direction, the plug is prevented from further distal movement, the cylindrical distal portion of the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve slides over the cylindrical proximal portion of the outer surface of the bracket inner sleeve, and a gap opens between the inwardly sloped surface of the plug and the inwardly sloped portion of the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve, and wherein the first end seal of the first part comprises an inner distal o-ring that slides with the pin inner sleeve over the cylindrical proximal portion of the outer surface of the bracket inner sleeve.
14. The fluid connector of claim 13, wherein an outer surface of the bracket second sleeve comprises, at a proximal end thereof, a cylindrical proximal portion approximately the same diameter as the cylindrical distal portion of the pin central opening surface, such that, upon yet further movement of the pin body through the cylindrical bearing in the distal direction, a distal facing surface of the pin inner sleeve stops against a proximal facing portion of the outer surface of the bracket inner sleeve, the cylindrical distal portion of the pin central opening surface slides over the cylindrical proximal portion of the outer surface of the bracket second sleeve, and a gap opens between inwardly sloped portions of the pin central opening surface and the outer surface of the pin inner sleeve, and wherein the second end seal of the first part comprises an outer distal o-ring that slides with the pin body over the cylindrical proximal portion of the outer surface of the bracket second sleeve.
15. The fluid connector of claim 14, wherein the pin inner bias member, the pin outer bias member, and the bracket bias member are selected such that the first and second end seals of the second part remain sealed, such that the central channel and outer channel of the first part remain closed, and such that the inner channel and the outer channel of the second part remain closed, as the outer distal o-ring slides over the cylindrical proximal portion of the outer surface of the bracket second sleeve.
16. The fluid connector of claim 15, wherein, upon yet more distal movement of the pin body through the cylindrical bearing, a distal end of the pin body contacts a proximal facing portion of an outer surface of the bracket second sleeve, and pushes the bracket second sleeve and the bracket inner sleeve together distally such that the bracket inner sleeve slides distally away from the outwardly sloped surface of the plunger, opening the first end seal of the second part and connecting the inner channel of the second part to the central channel of the first part, until the distal end of the bracket inner sleeve reaches a proximal facing stop surface that prevents further distal movement of the pin inner sleeve while the bracket second sleeve continues to move distally, opening the second end seal of the second part and connecting the outer channel of the second part to the outer channel of the first part.
17. The fluid connector of claim 16, wherein the second part further includes a locking mechanism that the inhibits the pin body from moving away from the second part while fluid pressure is applied through the first part and the second part.
18. The fluid connector of claim 16, wherein the first part includes a fluid switch arranged to turn on to weakly couple fluid pressure in the central channel with fluid pressure in the outer channel when the first part is disconnected from the second part, and to turn off to decouple fluid pressure in the central channel with fluid pressure in the outer channel when the first part is connected to the second part.
19. The fluid connector of claim 18, wherein the second part includes a fluid switch arranged to turn on to weakly couple fluid pressure in the inner channel with fluid pressure in the outer channel when the first part is disconnected from the second part, and to turn off to decouple fluid pressure in the inner channel with fluid pressure in the outer channel when the first part is connected to the second part.
20. The fluid connector of claim 16, wherein the second part further includes:
a distal end cap, comprising the first and second ports of the second part, a first connecting channel communicating between the first port and the inner channel of the second part, and a second connecting channel communicating between the second port and the outer channel of the second part,
a backing piece, comprising the inner section member, the outer section member and an opening therebetween, wherein the backing piece is capable of moving a small lateral distance.
21. A latch member for a tool coupler, adapted to engage with a latch receptacle on a tool to lock the tool to the tool coupler, the latch member comprising a first fluid channel extending therethrough for providing a first fluid connection to the tool through the latch receptacle.
22. The latch member of claim 21, further comprising a second fluid channel extending through the latch member for providing a second fluid connection to the tool through the latch receptacle.
23. The latch member of claim 22, wherein the second fluid channel comprises an outer fluid channel concentrically surrounding the first fluid channel, and wherein the latch member comprises a latch pin that slidingly engages with the receptacle.
24. The latch member of claim 23, wherein the first dluid channel comprises a central fluid channel extending along a central axis of the latch pin.
25. The latch member of claim 24, wherein a first distal o-ring provides a seal at a distal end of the central channel and a second distal o-ring provides a seal at a distal end of the outer channel when the latch pin is disconnected from the latch receptacle, wherein the first and second distal o-rings are located near a distal end of the latch pin that connects to the latch receptacle.
26. The latch member of claim 25, wherein the latch pin further comprises:
an elongated pin body comprised of a central opening extending from a distal end of the latch pin to a proximal end of the latch pin, the central opening comprising a central opening surface, which includes, at a distal end, a cylindrical distal portion and a tapered portion sloping radially inward toward the cylindrical distal portion, and which also includes, at a proximal end, a cylindrical proximal portion having a smaller diameter than the cylindrical distal portion of the pin central opening surface, and wherein the cylindrical distal portion of the central opening surface includes an o-ring groove in which the second distal o-ring is positioned;
a tube including an outer surface having a proximal portion positioned adjacent the cylindrical proximal portion of the pin central opening surface, the tube dividing between the central channel and the outer channel;
a proximal o-ring sealing between the proximal portion of the tube outer surface and the cylindrical proximal portion of the pin central opening surface;
a first hydraulic fluid port coupling to the central channel on a proximal side of the proximal o-ring, and a second hydraulic fluid port coupling to the outer fluid channel on a distal side of the proximal o-ring;
an inner sleeve, including: a cylindrical surface at a proximal end adapted to slide along a cylindrical surface at a distal end of the tube; an outer surface comprising a cylindrical distal portion adapted to slide along the cylindrical distal portion of the pin central opening surface, the second distal o-ring providing a seal therebetween, and a tapered portion adapted to fit against the tapered portion of the pin central opening surface; and an inner surface comprising a cylindrical distal portion and a tapered portion sloping radially inward toward the cylindrical distal portion of the inner surface of pin inner sleeve, wherein the cylindrical distal portion of the inner sleeve inner surface includes an o-ring groove in which the first distal o-ring is positioned;
an outer bias member arranged to urge the tapered portion of the outer surface of the pin inner sleeve against the tapered portion of the pin central opening surface;
a middle o-ring arranged to provide a seal between the cylindrical surface at the proximal end of the pin inner sleeve and the cylindrical surface at the distal end of the tube;
a plug, including a cylindrical distal surface adapted to slide along the cylindrical distal portion of the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve, the first distal o-ring providing a seal therebetween, and a tapered surface adapted to fit against the tapered portion of the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve; and
an inner bias member arranged to urge the tapered portion of the outer surface of the plug against the tapered portion of the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve, wherein the central channel is defined by an inner surface of the tube, the inner surface of the pin inner sleeve, the plug, and the first distal o-ring, and wherein the outer channel is defined by the pin central opening surface, the outer surface of the tube, the outer surface of the pin inner sleeve, and the second distal o-ring, and wherein the proximal o-ring and the middle o-ring seal between the central channel and the outer channel.
27. The latch member of claim 26, further comprising an outer sleeve substantially fixed in position at a distal end of the pin body, the outer sleeve including the cylindrical distal portion and the tapered portion of the pin central opening surface.
28. The latch member of claim 27, wherein the inner surface of the inner sleeve includes the cylindrical surface at the proximal end of the inner sleeve, and wherein the outer surface of the tube includes the cylindrical surface at the distal end of the tube.
29. The latch member of claim 28, wherein the inner bias member comprises an inner coil spring positioned between the a proximal facing shoulder of an inner surface of the tube and a proximal facing end of the plug, and wherein the outer bias member comprises an outer coil spring positioned between a proximal facing shoulder formed on the central opening surface and a distal facing shoulder formed on the outer surface of the inner sleeve.
30. The latch member of claim 26, further comprising a fluid switch between the central channel and the outer channel that is closed circuit when the latch pin is connected to the latch receptacle to equalize pressures between the central channel and the outer channel, and that is open circuit when the latch pin is connected to the latch receptacle to allow for a pressure difference between the central channel and the outer channel.
31. The latch member of claim 30, wherein the fluid switch includes a small aperture in the inner sleeve that is located on a distal side of the middle o-ring when the switch is closed and that is positioned on a proximal side of the middle o-ring when the switch is open.
32. The latch member of claim 21, in combination with the tool coupler.
33. The combination of claim 32, wherein the tool coupler comprises a hydraulic latch member actuating mechanism adapted to move the latch member under hydraulic control between a locked position engaged with the latch receptacle and an unlocked position disengaged from the latch receptacle.
34. The combination of claim 33, wherein the hydraulic latch member actuating mechanism includes a spring arranged to urge the latch member into the locked position and a hydraulic cylinder having an extendable rod arranged to urge the latch member toward the unlocked position when the rod is extended.
35. A latch bracket for attachment to a hydraulically operated tool having a hydraulic mechanism, the latch bracket comprising a first fluid channel extending therethrough, a first port coupled to the first fluid channel for coupling the first fluid channel to the hydraulic mechanism, wherein the latch bracket is adapted to receive a male latch pin on a tool coupler to lock the tool to the tool coupler and to couple the first fluid channel to a source of hydraulic pressure through the latch pin.
36. The latch bracket of claim 35, further comprising a second fluid channel extending through the latch bracket and a second port coupled to the second fluid channel for coupling the second fluid channel to the hydraulic mechanism, wherein the latch bracket is further adapted to couple the second fluid channel to a second source of hydraulic pressure through the latch pin.
37. The latch bracket of claim 36, wherein the second fluid channel comprises an outer fluid channel concentrically surrounding the first fluid channel.
38. The latch bracket of claim 37, wherein the first fluid channel comprises a substantially annular inner fluid channel.
39. The latch bracket of claim 38, wherein an inner proximal o-ring provides a seal at a proximal end of the inner channel and an outer proximal o-ring provides a seal at a proximal end of the outer channel when the latch pin is disconnected from the latch bracket, wherein the first and second proximal o-rings are arranged to unseal when the latch pin connects to the latch bracket.
40. The latch bracket of claim 39, further comprising:
a body, including a cylindrical bearing at a proximal end adapted to receive and guide the latch pin, and an end cap at a distal end;
an elongated plunger extending proximally from the body a first distance, including an outwardly sloped surface near a proximal end, and a proximal end face that first contacts a distal end of the latch pin when the latch pin is inserted into the cylindrical bearing, wherein the outwardly sloped surface comprises an o-ring groove in which the inner proximal o-ring is positioned;
a substantially annular inner section member extending proximally from the body a second distance that is less than the first distance, wherein the inner section member includes a cylindrical surface and is arranged substantially concentrically around the plunger providing a gap therebetween;
a substantially annular outer section member extending proximally from the body a third distance that is less than the first distance and greater than the second distance, wherein the outer section member includes a cylindrical surface and is arranged concentrically around the inner section member providing a gap therebetween;
an inner sleeve, comprising: an inner surface having an outwardly sloped portion at a proximal end adapted to fit against the outwardly sloped surface of the plunger, the first proximal o-ring providing a seal therebetween when the latch bracket is disconnected from the latch pin; an outer surface having an outwardly sloped portion near a distal end that includes an o-ring groove in which the outer proximal o-ring is positioned; and a cylindrical surface at a distal end that slidingly engages with the cylindrical surface of the inner section member, wherein the inner channel is defined by the plunger, an inner surface of the inner section member and the inner surface of the inner sleeve;
a inner middle o-ring providing a seal between the cylindrical surface of the inner section member and the cylindrical surface of the bracket inner sleeve;
a second sleeve, comprising: an inner surface having an outwardly sloped portion at a proximal end adapted to fit against the outwardly sloped surface of the outer surface of the inner sleeve, the outer proximal o-ring providing a seal therebetween when the latch bracket is disconnected from the latch pin; and a cylindrical surface at a distal end that slidingly engages with the cylindrical surface of the inner section member, wherein the outer channel is defined by an outer surface of the inner section member, the outer surface of the inner sleeve, the inner surface of the second sleeve, and an inner surface of the outer section member;
an outer middle o-ring arranged to seal between the cylindrical surface of the outer section member and the cylindrical surface of the second sleeve; and
a bias member arranged to urge the second sleeve proximally against the inner sleeve and the inner sleeve against the plunger.
41. The latch bracket of claim 40, further comprising a locking mechanism that inhibits the latch pin from retracting out from the latch bracket while fluid pressure is applied through the latch pin to the latch bracket.
42. The latch bracket of claim 41, wherein the locking mechanism includes:
a shuttle valve having first and second inlets coupled to the inner and outer channels, respectively, and an outlet;
an outer sleeve arranged adjacent a middle section of the body which is located between the end cap and the cylindrical bearing, the outer sleeve and the middle section defining an annular chamber coupled therebetween, the outer sleeve comprising an inner cylindrical surface having a diameter approximately the diameter of the cylindrical bearing to receive a distal end of the latch pin;
a fluid channel connecting between the outlet and a distal end of the chamber;
an annular shaped locking block within the annular chamber that is arranged to slide longitudinally therein to a proximal position when fluid pressure is applied to the chamber through the output; and
a plurality of locking members arranged to extend radially inward from the inner cylindrical surface of the outer sleeve when the locking block moves to the proximal position to engage the locking members in an annular groove formed on an outer surface of the latch pin.
43. The latch bracket of claim 40, further comprising a fluid switch between the inner channel and the outer channel that closes when the latch pin is connected to the latch bracket to equalize pressures between the inner channel and the outer channel, and that opens when the latch pin is connected to the latch bracket.
44. The latch bracket of claim 40, further comprising a backing piece that includes the inner section member, the outer section member and an opening therebetween, wherein the backing piece is capable of moving a small lateral distance from a central axis of the latch bracket.
45. A multi-line, rotatable fluid connector assembly, comprising a first part removably and rotatably connectable to a second part, each of the first and second parts including a plurality of fluid channels, wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels is adapted to connect to a corresponding fluid channel of the other of the first and second parts.
46. The fluid connector of claim 45, wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels of each of the first and second parts includes an end seal arranged to inhibit fluid from spilling therefrom.
47. The fluid connector of claim 46, wherein the plurality of fluid channels of the first part are arranged concentrically.
48. A multi-line fluid connector, comprising:
a pin and a receptacle, each including a plurality of fluid channels; and
fluid connection means for providing make-before-break connections between the fluid channels of the pin and corresponding fluid channels of the receptacle when the pin is moved into engagement with the receptacle.
49. The multi-line fluid connector of claim 48, wherein the fluid connecting means comprises seals that seal each fluid channel of the pin and of the receptacle when the pin is moved out of engagement with the receptacle.

1. A flush mechanism for a toilet comprising:
a rotatable flush valve;
a drive mechanism operatively connected to the flush valve;
a motor to move the drive mechanism; and,
a spring operatively connected to the drive mechanism to bias the drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve.
2. The flush mechanism of claim 1, wherein the spring biases the drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve to an open position.
3. The flush mechanism of claim 2 further comprising a drive arm slot located at an end of the drive mechanism.
4. The flush mechanism of claim 3 further comprising a motor arm operatively connected to the motor to engage the drive arm slot to thereby move the drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve to a closed position.
5. The flush mechanism of claim 1, wherein the spring biases the drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve to a closed position.
6. The flush mechanism of claim 5 further comprising a drive arm slot located at an end of the drive mechanism.
7. The flush mechanism of claim 6 further comprising a motor arm operatively connected to the motor to engage the drive arm slot to thereby move the drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve to an open position.
8. The flush mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a flushadd water switch to energize the motor and a water inlet valve for a limited period of time.
9. The flush mechanism of claim 8 further comprising a cam switch to energize the motor and the water inlet valve after initial energization by the flushadd water switch.
10. The flush mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a power boost bar operatively connected to the drive mechanism.
11. The flush mechanism of claim 10 further comprising a projection operatively attached to the motor arm to contact the power boost bar to move the drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve.
12. The flush mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a flush rod operatively connected to the motor arm to operate the flush mechanism manually.
13. A flush mechanism for a toilet comprising:
a frame;
a support structure operatively connected to the frame;
a rotatable flush valve positioned in the support structure;
a rotor shaft operatively connected to the flush valve;
a rotor cam coupled to the rotor shaft;
a drive arm operatively connected to the rotor cam at a first end and to the frame at a second end;
a motor to move the drive arm; and,
a spring operatively connected to the frame at one end and to the rotor cam at the opposite end to bias the drive arm in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve.
14. The flush mechanism of claim 13, wherein the flush valve rotates to an open position.
15. The flush mechanism of claim 14, wherein the motor moves the drive arm in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve to a closed position.
16. The flush mechanism of claim 13, wherein the flush valve rotates to an closed position.
17. The flush mechanism of claim 16, wherein the motor moves the drive arm in a direction so as to rotate the flush valve to a closed position.
18. A method of flushing a toilet comprising the steps of:
activating an actuating mechanism;
activating a flushadd water switch;
energizing a motor and a water inlet valve;
disengaging a motor arm from a drive arm slot;
biasing a drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate a flush valve; and,
re-engaging the motor arm in the drive slot so as to rotate the flush valve to in an opposite direction.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein during the step of biasing a drive mechanism in a direction so as to rotate a flush valve to an open position the method further comprising the steps of:
deactivating the flushadd water switch; and,
activating a cam switch to energize the motor and water inlet valve.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of:
providing a power boost bar operatively connected to the drive mechanism and a projection operatively connected to the motor arm;
wherein prior to the step of re-engaging the motor arm in the drive slot so as to rotate the flush valve the method further comprising the step of:
contacting the projection to the power boost bar to drive the drive mechanism a direction so as to rotate the flush valve in the same direction.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A magneto rheological fluid comprising magnetic particles, a dispersing medium and polyethyleneoxide as a viscosity modifier, said polyethyleneoxide being contained in an amount of 0.5 to 5% by weight based on the weight of the magnetic particles.
2. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 1, further comprising at least one additive selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated castor oils, amide waxes, montmorillonite and bentonite.
3. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic particles are at least one kind of particles selected from the group consisting of alloy particles containing at least two elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel; metal compound particles containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt and nickel; iron particles; iron nitride particles; iron carbide particles; carbonyl iron particles; ferrite particles; and magnetite particles.
4. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 1, wherein said dispersing medium is a hydrocarbon-based solvent, a glycol-based solvent or a silicone-based solvent.
5. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 1, wherein said magneto rheological fluid has a thixotropy index of not less than 5.
6. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 1, wherein a content of the magnetic particles in the dispersing medium is in the range of 15 to 40% by volume, and an amount of the polyethyleneoxide blended is in the range of 0.5 to 3% by weight based on the weight of the magnetic particles.
7. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 1, wherein said magneto rheological fluid contains a surfactant or a higher-fatty acid.
8. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic particles contain fine magnetic particles having an average particle diameter of 5 to 15 nm and magnetic particles having an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 10 \u03bcm, and a blending weight ratio of the fine magnetic particles to the magnetic particles is in the range of 0.8:100 to 15:100.
9. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 8, wherein the fine magnetic particles have an average particle diameter of 7 to 10 nm and the magnetic particles have an average particle diameter of 0.4 to 5 \u03bcm, and a blending weight ratio of the fine magnetic particles to the magnetic particles is in the range of 1:100 to 10:100.
10. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 1, wherein said magneto rheological fluid further contains metal oxide particles having an average particle diameter of 2 to 50 nm, said magnetic particles have an average particle diameter of 0.1 to 10 \u03bcm, and a blending weight ratio of the metal oxide particles to the magnetic particles is in the range of 0.8:100 to 15:100.
11. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 10, wherein said metal oxide particles are selected from the group consisting of silica particles, alumina particles and titanium oxide particles.
12. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 10, wherein said magnetic particles have an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 5 \u03bcm, said metal oxide particles have an average particle diameter of 5 to 50 nm, and a blending weight ratio of the metal oxide particles to the magnetic particles is in the range of 0.8:100 to 10:100.
13. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 1, wherein said magnetic particles are composite magnetic particles comprising magnetic particles having an average particle diameter of 0.3 to 10 \u03bcm, and fine inorganic particles covering surface of the respective magnetic particles and having an average primary particle diameter of 5 to 20 nm, and a blending weight ratio of the fine inorganic particles to the magnetic particles is in the range of 0.8:100 to 15:100.
14. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 13, wherein said fine inorganic particles are composed of iron oxide.
15. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 13, wherein said fine inorganic particles are selected from the group consisting of silica particles, alumina particles and titanium oxide particles.
16. A magneto rheological fluid according to claim 13, wherein said composite magnetic particles have an average particle size of 0.3 to 10 \u03bcm, said fine inorganic particles have an average primary particle diameter of 5 to 15 nm, and a ratio of a thickness of a coating layer composed of the fine inorganic particles to a diameter of the respective magnetic particles as core particles is in the range of 5:10000 to 20:100.