Abstract: A variable speed drive assembly for driving an auxiliary member in an internal combustion engine. The auxiliary member may be a fan connected to a pulley is driven by a drive pulley connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine via a V-belt. At least one of the pulleys is an adjustable drive ratio pulley. An actuator is operatively connected to the drive assembly to controllable change the drive ratio of the pulley. By controlling the drive ratio of the pulley, the speed of the fan can be selectively controlled. The adjustable drive ratio pulley may have an inner idler freely rotatable mounted therein. The actuator may cause the V-belt to engage the inner idler to substantially disconnect a rotatable connection between the fan and the crankshaft thus allowing the fan to windmill.

Abstract: To provide an oil pump mounting structure for an engine. The engine includes a crankcase rotatably supporting a crankshaft, an oil pan connected to a lower portion of the crankcase, and an oil pump interlocked for rotation with the crankshaft. The oil pump mounting structure lowers the center of gravity of the engine and improves the suction efficiency and maintenance characteristic of the oil pump. A pump housing of the oil pump is removably mounted on a mounting portion provided on the bottom of an oil pan.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including a rocker shaft holder which comprises a plurality of shaft-supporting sections connected together and disposed at distances in a direction of arrangement of cylinders and which is fixed to a cylinder head, and rocker shafts each of which swingably carries thereon a plurality of rocker arms and which are supported by the shaft-supporting sections, an oil sump is defined in an upper surface of the rocker shaft holder, and lubricating oil passages are provided in the rocker shaft holder to communicate with the oil sump, so that a lubricating oil can be supplied to slide portions of at least some of the rocker arms. Thus, an increase in number of parts can be avoided in the lubrication of the slide portions of at least some rocker arms.

Abstract: An electronic device and enclosure assembly is provided for use with an engine arrangement having a plurality of cavities. The assembly comprises an enclosure including a main body having a base panel. The base panel includes a plurality of openings alignable with the cavities. An electronic device is disposable in the enclosure and has a plurality of apertures alignable with the openings and the cavities. The assembly further includes a plurality of fasteners for connecting the electronic device to the enclosure, and for connecting the enclosure to the engine arrangement. Each fastener is configured to extend through an aperture in the electronic device, through an opening in the enclosure, and into a cavity of the engine arrangement.

Abstract: An in-cylinder-injection internal combustion engine of spark ignition type has a plurality of cylinders, a fuel accumulator for storing a pressurized fuel; a fuel injector system that injects the pressurized fuel into each of the cylinders; a spark ignition system that ignites the fuel injected into each of the cylinders; and is controlled such that the engine is started by a partial operation of a selected at least one of the cylinders with a fuel injected into the selected at least one of the cylinders in at least its intake stroke. Then, a full operation of all of the cylinders with the fuel injected into all of the cylinders is started. The full operation is initiated not before a pressure of the fuel in the fuel accumulator has been raised to a level high enough to permit injection of the fuel into each of the cylinders in its compression stroke, as a result of the partial operation of the selected at least one of the cylinders.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling the rpm of a drive unit. During run-up of the engine to idle after start, a desired rpm is pregiven and an actual rpm is detected for forming the course of rpm. An electric machine is driven in dependence upon the deviation between the desired rpm and the actual rpm. With respect to the engine, the electric machine outputs braking and driving torques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for running a diesel engine comprising an idle speedup switch, an uphill slope sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, control means increasing an idle speed, when the idle speedup switch is on or the accelerator pedal is depressed on an uphill slope to start movement of a vehicle in an idle state, to a predetermined level greater than a given idle speed such that an amount of air supply increases and operating the engine in accordance with the increased amount of air supply, and a turbocharger providing air to the engine.

Abstract: A valve timing control system for accelerating activation of a catalytic converter in an internal combustion engine in a cold starting operation mode. The system includes actuators (15, 16) coupled to cam shafts (15C, 16C), hydraulic pressure supply units (19, 20) for driving the actuators (15; 16), and a controller (21A) for controlling a hydraulic pressure for the actuators (15, 16) in dependence on engine operation states to change phase of the cam shafts (15C; 16C) relative to a crank shaft. The actuator (15; 16) includes a locking mechanism (155, 157) for setting the relative phase to a lock-up position, and an unlocking mechanism (156) for releasing the locking mechanism in response to a predetermined hydraulic pressure. The controller (21A) sets the relative phase to the lock-up position in a starting operation, while controlling the relative phase to be advanced in an engine state succeeding to the starting operation.

Abstract: An accumulator fuel injection apparatus is provided which may be employed in a common rail system for diesel engines. The fuel injection apparatus includes a pressure relief valve designed to relieve an unwanted rise in pressure of the fuel within an accumulator. The pressure relief valve includes a pressure pulsation minimizing mechanism designed to minimize pressure pulsations which are generated in a drain line and propagated to a valve mechanism of the pressure relief valve, causing a valve-opening pressure of the pressure relief valve to change. The pressure pulsation minimizing mechanism may be implemented by an orifice or a check valve.

Abstract: An injector for injecting fuel under high pressure into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine has an injector housing, a control valve body which is movably received in the injector housing, an actuating unit which activates the control valve body, a restoring element associated with an end side of the control valve body, the control valve body has parts which are held against one another, and a connecting element which holds the parts of the control valve body against one another.

Abstract: An arrangement for a four-cycle, direct injected engine for an outboard motor is disclosed. The engine includes a fuel injection system that includes a fuel pump, a plurality of fuel injectors, a fuel pump and a vapor separator. The vapor separator is communication with the fuel pump and at least one fuel return line. The vapor separator includes a vent for removing vapors from the fuel. The vapor separator also includes a canister positioned within the vapor separator below the vent. The canister including hydrocarbon absorption media.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing the leak-tightness of a fuel tank in a vehicle, in which the internal pressure inside the fuel tank is detected, the internal pressure detected is evaluated by weighting this with a value obtained for a change in the speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a diagnosis apparatus, when tank internal pressure does not decrease up to a given negative pressure at a time when a given time has lapsed after starting negative pressure introduction into an evaporation gas purge system line, it is determined that the purge system line is abnormal and the abnormal cause is determined based on the internal pressure change amount &Dgr; P. The diagnosis apparatus identifies a valve opening state locking of an atmosphere change over valve, if &Dgr; P>K2, a valve closing state locking of a purge control valve, if &Dgr; P≦K2, and a large amount of leakage, if K1<&Dgr; P≦K2. The internal pressure change amount &Dgr; P is detected during a normal driving operation, at which the purge control valve is intermittently driven to intermittently purge the evaporation gas in a state that the atmosphere change over valve is opened.

Abstract: Injectors 2 are connected to a common rail 4 via respective dispensing conduits 3. A mixture of a liquid fuel fed from a liquid fuel tank 2 and an additional fluid fed from an additional fluid tank 9 is formed, and is fed to the common rail 4. The additional fluid contained in the mixture is turned to its supercritical state, and the mixture is injected from the injectors 2 to the engine. The inlets of the dispensing conduits 3 are positioned, with respect to the common rail 4, to open out into a liquid fuel layer which will be formed in the common rail 4 when a separation of the mixture occurs.

Abstract: Gas injection system, particularly of methane, for an internal combustion engine, comprising a plurality of electromagnetically controlled injectors associated to the various cylinders of the engine, a gas distributing manifold communicating with the injectors, a reservoir feeding the distributing manifold, where the pressurised gas is accumulated.

Abstract: A power supply motor brushes 25 for a current carrying device is arranged in a sensor power supplying unit 21 with a sensor. This allows connecting terminals 5 of the sensor power supplying unit 1 and receiving connectors 7 of a DC motor unit 6, which are arranged in proximity to motor brushes 9 of the DC motor unit 6 and which are connected to the connecting terminals 5, to be dispensed with. These components are required in a conventional device in order to supply a current from a power supply terminal 2 to the motor brushes 9.

Abstract: An electronic component, such as an IGBT, that presents a control terminal for receiving a stepwise control signal and at least one other terminal adapted for reaching a given voltage level by effect of the application of the step signal, with the possibility of overshoot occurring; and a damping resistive element interposed between the control terminal and the at least one other terminal. The damping resistive element shows a current saturated behavior correlated to voltage increase applied at the terminals towards the given voltage level, thus eliminating the risk of occurrence of overshoot in the voltage of the IGBT collector, and preventing the undesired re-ignition of the IGBT when it is in a cut-off condition, by inducing an overvoltage on the collector terminal. FIG. 5 is the one selected.

Abstract: A quickly detachable, modular arrow quiver adapted for mounting to a bow, hip belt, tree stand, or other suitable structure. The quiver typically includes a hood to shield broadheads, and an arrow holder spaced from the hood by a rail. A preferred resilient mount is self-biased to interface along an axis of the rail and hold the quiver in a tool-free, height adjustable position relative to structure on which the mount is installed. The resilient mount and suspended quiver mass act in concert as a vibration dampening system when installed on a bow. The modular quiver may be adjusted for length or appearance by use of different interchangeable rail, arrow holder, or hood components.

Abstract: There is provided a low carbon monoxide gas log assembly having a main gas burner and a neat gas burner. The main gas burner includes a plurality of exit ports. A batting containing rock wool is located above the exit ports and is not in contact with the exit ports. The batting is tilted at an angle greater than 0° but less than 90° with respect to the main gas burner. Heat from combustion at the exit ports causes portions of the batting to glow so that glowing embers are simulated while maintaining low carbon monoxide levels.

Abstract: A solar collector system is provided. The solar collector system comprises a frame member and a top plate supported by the frame member with the top plate being transparent to solar energy. A membrane is supported within the frame beneath the top plate and a solar absorber plate supported within the frame beneath the membrane. A collector or plurality of collectors removes heat from the solar absorber plate. The collectors have a fluid selectively flowable through the heat collectors wherein upon the membrane achieving a first predetermined temperature, the membrane becomes substantially taut within the frame and spaced from the solar absorber plate and wherein upon the membrane achieving a second predetermined temperature, the membrane becomes substantially flaccid and contacts the solar absorber plate thereby maintaining the solar absorber plate below the second predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An inhalator including an inhalator body including a powder receiving chamber for receiving a powder, an air-powder mixture reservoir for temporarily storing an air-powder mixture flowing from the powder receiving chamber, and a diluent air passage for introducing a diluent air into the air-powder mixture reservoir. The air-powder mixture is formed within the powder receiving chamber when an air is introduced into the powder receiving chamber. The air-powder mixture within the air-powder mixture reservoir is admixed with a diluent air introduced thereinto through the diluent air passage. The diluted air-powder mixture is discharged from an air-powder mixture outlet into a user's oral or nasal cavity. A powder composition for inhalators includes at least two kinds of fine particles different in particle diameter.

Abstract: A respirator has a filter that is located in an air duct. A blower has an air conduction housing and an impeller wheel located in said air conduction housing, with an impeller wheel that is rotationally mounted inside said housing. The blower is controlled by a sensor. The output of the blower is controlled by means of an electronic control circuit. The sensor is a volume flow or mass flow sensor located in the air duct, and is independent of the blower and controls the blower by means of the control circuit so that the flow of respiratory air remains essentially constant.

Abstract: A method of reducing tissue volume for treatment of airway obstruction, obstructive sleep apnea, snoring, prostate tumor, and other pathologies comprising: applying a cryoprobe with a diameter preferably less than about 2 mm and with a sharp tip to first freeze the affected interstitial tissue of the soft palate, base of the tongue, tonsils or adenoids, singularly or in combination, or to the prostate, or other tissue, and then applying the same cryoprobe to heat the treated tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus for increasing the permeabilities of central portions of tubular wrappers which form part of successive filter cigarettes of double unit length being turned out by a tipping machine. The central portions of the wrappers include adhesive-coated uniting bands which are convoluted around filter mouthpieces in a first portion of a rolling channel for successive filter cigarettes. A perforating unit which employs laser beams is set up to simultaneously perforate the central portions of the wrappers of several successive cigarettes in a second portion which immediately follows or partially overlaps the first portion of the channel. Each wrapper can be provided with two or more annular arrays of perforations.

Abstract: Tobacco flavorants loaded into semi-open micro cavities of shaped fibers add flavor to tobacco smoke during the smoking process. The shaped fibers are end-capped shaped multi-lobals that form semi-open cavities between the lobals to effectively entrain solid and liquid flavorant materials. The flavorant material may be in solid particulate forms, such as menthol solids and menthol impregnated carbon or silica gels, and may also be in liquid form such as menthol in dissolved or melt forms.

Abstract: A low sidestream smoke cigarette comprises a conventional tobacco rod, and a combustible treatment paper having a sidestream smoke treatment composition. The treatment composition comprises in combination, an oxygen storage and donor metal oxide oxidation catalyst and an essentially non-combustible finely divided porous particulate adjunct for said catalyst.

Abstract: A method of modulating hair growth and/or hair thickness. The method includes modulating VEGF activity, e.g., modulating VEGF gene expression and/or modulating VEGF protein production and/or activity, to modulate hair growth and/or thickness. The methods can be used to either promote or inhibit hair growth or hair thickness in a subject.

Abstract: An ion generator includes a needle electrode and a ground electrode cooperable with the needle electrode to generate a corona discharge in the air to produce ions. The ground electrode is disposed so as to surround an imaginary extension of a longitudinal axis of the needle electrode and has a portion thereof depleted to provide a split region defined therein. A hairbrush utilizing the ion generator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cleaning method for a CVD apparatus which forms films on wafers by introducing film forming gas into a chamber by means of a shower head. In this method, the NF3 gas, which forms the cleaning gas including a compound containing fluorine atoms, is activated by exposure to microwaves by a microwave generating source, and then introduced into the chamber. The temperature of the lid section is raised by heating the lid section by means of a heater plate, or halting supply of cooling water to the lid section from the water supply source, whereby the temperature of the shower head during cleaning is raised above the temperature at which film formation onto the wafer is performed.

Abstract: A method for removing residual color photoresist material from a substrate after photoresist development. The method washes the substrate with a high-pressure jet of de-ionized water that contains an activated interface agent. A second method of removing the residual photoresist material bombards the substrate with oxygen plasma for a brief period so that the residual photoresist material is polarized and then rinses the substrate with de-ionized water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a wafer is described. According to the present invention a wafer is placed on a substrate support. A liquid is then fed through a conduit having an output opening over the wafer. A gas is dissolved in the liquid prior to the liquid reaching the output over the wafer by flowing a gas into the conduit through a venturi opening formed in the conduit. The liquid with dissolved gas is then fed through the opening and onto the wafer where it can be used to etch, clean, or rinse a wafer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of assisting the rinsing of a wafer in a single wafer cleaning apparatus. According to the present invention, after exposing a wafer to a cleaning and/or etching solution, the cleaning or etching solution is removed from the wafer by spinning the wafer and dispensing or spraying DI water onto the wafer as it is spun. The centrifugal force of the spinning wafer enhances the rinsing of the wafer. In order to enhance the rinsing of the wafer, in an embodiment of the present invention a solution having a lower surface tension than water, such as but not limited to isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is dispensed in liquid or vapor form onto the wafer after the DI water.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a silicon wafer by a wet bench method with improved cleaning efficiency and without oxide formation is disclosed. In the method, the wafer may first be cleaned in a first cleaning solution that includes a base or an acid, and then the wafer is rinsed in a second solution that includes DI water and ozone. The ozone concentration in the DI water may be between about 1 ppm and about 20 ppm, and preferably between about 3 ppm and about 10 ppm. A diluted HF cleaning step may be utilized after the ozone/DI water rinsing step to remove any possible oxide formation on the silicon surface before a final rinsing step and drying step.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for cleaning a surface of a wafer, The method starts by scrubbing the surface of the wafer with a cleaning brush that applies a chemical solution to the surface of the wafer. In one example, the cleaning brush implements a through the brush (TTB) technique to apply the chemicals. The scrubbing is generally performed in a brush box, with a top cleaning brush and a bottom cleaning brush. The top cleaning brush is then removed from contact with the surface of the wafer. The chemical concentration in the top brush may be maintained at substantially the same concentration that was in the brush during the scrubbing operation. Next, a flow of water (preferably de-ionized water) is delivered to the surface of the wafer. The delivery of water is preferably configured to remove substantially all of the chemical solution from the surface of the wafer before proceeding to a next cleaning operation.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus of an electronic component of the present invention comprises: means for supplying cleaning water to an object to be cleaned such as alumina titanium carbide wafer, a sponge member for contacting with the object to be cleaned to clean a surface thereof, means for moving the object to be cleaned and the sponge member relative to each other, and means for adjusting the resistivity value of the cleaning water to 10M&OHgr; or less. Using this apparatus, the object to be cleaned is cleaned using the sponge member while supplying, to the object to be cleaned, cleaning water having the resistivity value of 10M&OHgr; or less. In this case, the cleaning degree is enhanced by soaking the object to be cleaned in the water having the resistivity value of 10M&OHgr; or less before cleaning, and by using a dummy substrate.

Abstract: A system for recycling reusable resin mold products recovered from discarded apparatuses is disclosed. This recycling system includes a crushing system for crushing resin mold products one kind by one kind into crushed resinous pieces and packing the same in a bag, a classification system for irradiating a light beam to the resin in the bag and classifying the bags into respective kinds of resins based on a reflected beam therefrom, a cleaning system for separately cleaning the respective kind of crushed resinous pieces taken out of the bag to remove foreign matters adhered onto the surfaces of the crushed resinous pieces therefrom, and a recovery system for recovering the cleaned crushed resinous pieces.

Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor manufacturing system and a method for cleaning the same. Silicon oxide adhering to Elements, which constitute the system, is removed by a cleaning gas containing an HF gas and a water vapor together with by heating the elements.

Abstract: An unwanted tungsten film deposit on a Chemical Vapor Deposition chamber is cleaned by adding a mixture of at least two cleaning gases into the chamber at a predetermined temperature and pressure and in contact with said chamber walls for a sufficient length of time. The cleaning gases and reacted tungsten species are removed from the chamber by vacuum, and unreacted cleaning gases are removed by purging the chamber with an inert gas. At least one cleaning gas is selected from the group consisting of bromomethane, dibromomethane, bromoform and mixtures thereof. The temperature of the chamber is preferably at least about 300 degrees Celsius. The cleaning gases in the chamber are at a pressure in the range from about 100 to 200 Torr and the chamber is purged at a pressure in the range from about 200 to 500 Torr.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning passageways such as air ducts or flues. The apparatus includes a body having a nozzle, or plurality of nozzles, rotatably coupled to it. A cage is coupled to the body and surrounds the rotative path of the nozzle or nozzles. The nozzles are configured such that passage of fluid through the nozzle's orifice imparts a rotating motion of the nozzle about the defined axis. The apparatus is placed in a duct or ventilation passageway, preferably at the highest vertical location of the passageway. Fluid is then passed through the nozzle spraying and cleaning the interior of the duct. The rotating motion of the spray causes the apparatus to maneuver its way through the duct system, including through angular transitions, until it travels the entire pathway of the duct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for cleaning substrates. The cleaning chamber defines a processing cavity adapted to accommodate a substrate therein. In one embodiment, the cleaning chamber includes an upper plate, a lower plate and a gas manifold disposed there between. A substrate is disposed in the processing cavity without contacting other chamber components by a Bernoulli effect and/or by a fluid cushion above and/or below the substrate. Fluid is flowed into the processing cavity at an angle relative to a radial line of the substrate to induce rotation of the substrate during a cleaning and drying process. A cleaning process involves flowing one or more fluids onto a surface of the substrate during its rotation. One-sided and two-sided cleaning and drying is provided.

Abstract: The invention related a dishwasher provided in a substantially horizontal section of a wash fluid conduit with a section of continuously increasing flow cross section to form a measuring zone of quieted wash fluid flow to separate foam and air bubbles from the fluid whose suspended contaminant particles are to be measured by a turbidimeter.

Abstract: An improved multiple folding collapsible umbrella structure consists of an umbrella rod, an umbrella stretcher system mounted on the upper portion of the umbrella rod, and an actuating mechanism attached to the lower end of the umbrella rod and urged by a driving mechanism. The actuating mechanism has an inner seat, in which a groove is formed to accommodate a compression spring and a retainer ring. A movable block along with a spring is housed in the longitudinal central hole of the inner seat. An intermediate element is attached to the outer wall surface of the movable block, with its side protrusion extending through a spring seated in the through hole on the cylindrical wall of the movable block. A push block is arranged on the outer side of the intermediate element.

Abstract: A retractable awning having one edge of an awning sheet secured to a support surface and an opposite edge secured to a roll bar wherein the roll bar is mounted for movement between a retracted position adjacent to the support surface and an extended position by a pair of support arms and a pair of rafter arms with the rafter arms including inner and outer arm segments that are pivotally connected together by an elbow joint that automatically locks the arms in longitudinal alignment when the awning is fully extended.

Abstract: An outer shell for a portable shelter that has displaceable/connectable characteristics are the major benefits. Ideally, all four of the shell's walls may be displaced. When applied to all four sides, a shelter utilizing this shell would be modular on all four sides. For example, if it were used as an anglers' shelter, it could be connected strategically along a reef or sand bar, around a drop-off, or it might merely be arranged so that the anglers can play a game of cards. A camper may want to displace only one wall and add a screen for greater ventilation. A utility worker may want to connect two units together for space. Also, the utility worker may want to move equipment inside of the shelter; in this case one wall would be displaced. A hunter may want to displace one wall and connect a material that is easily shot through the opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermoelectric element capable of varying the temperature characteristics for the figure of merit of the thermoelectric element by changing the conditions during manufacture, the method comprising the steps of mixing and melting by heating starting materials containing substances for controlling the carrier concentration at a predetermined ratio, solidifying the same to prepare an ingot, then powdering the ingot, pressing or press sintering the thus formed powder and further applying hot plastic deformation, in which at least one of the ratio of substances for controlling the carrier concentration or the temperature for carrying out hot plastic working is changed.

Abstract: Ternary tellurium compounds and ternary selenium compounds may be used in fabricating thermoelectric devices with a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of 1.5 or greater. Examples of such compounds include Tl2SnTe5, Tl2GeTe5, K2SnTe5 and Rb2SnTe5. These compounds have similar types of crystal lattice structures which include a first substructure with a (Sn, Ge) Te5 composition and a second substructure with chains of selected cation atoms. The second substructure includes selected cation atoms which interact with selected anion atoms to maintain a desired separation between the chains of the first substructure. The cation atoms which maintain the desired separation between the chains occupy relatively large electropositive sites in the resulting crystal lattice structure which results in a relatively low value for the lattice component of thermal conductivity (&kgr;g).

Abstract: An electronic module is provided having an integrated thermoelectric cooling assembly disposed therein coupled to the module's electronic device. The thermoelectric assembly includes one or more thermoelectric stages and a thermal space transformer, for example, disposed between a first thermoelectric stage and a second thermoelectric stage. The electronic device is mounted to a substrate with the thermoelectric assembly disposed in thermal contact with the electronic device and a thermally conductive cap is positioned over the thermoelectric assembly, and is also in thermal contact with the thermoelectric assembly. Power to the thermoelectric assembly can be provided using electrically conductive springs disposed between one or more stages of the assembly and pads on an upper surface of the substrate, which electrically connect to power planes disposed within the substrate.

Abstract: A rod shaped or tubular solar collector, in which the solar collecting surfaces of the solar collector are pointed at the interior of the rod or tube. A number of tubular configurations are possible, with one configuration being a solid rod of plastic or acrylic surrounded by solar collectors facing the interior of the tube. A light collecting and focusing lens is provided on the end of the tube exposed to sunlight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar powered cathodic protection system using a photocatalyst which functions as a non-sacrificial photoanode under sunlight, wherein said non-sacrificial photoanode consisting of the photocatalyst such as TiO2 (or ZnO) and an electrolyte, is galvanically connected to a metal structure to be protected and continuously provides electrons to the metal structure, whereby the metal structure is protected from the corrosion. The solar powered cathodic protection system using a non-sacrificial photoanode according to present invention is advantageous in that 1) an external power supply is not necessary, 2) it is easy to maintain the system because the non-sacrificial photoanode according to the present invention can be installed outdoors, and 3) the photocatalyst used as the non-sacrificial photoanode is inexpensive and semipermanent.

Abstract: A solar energy device comprising: a substrate; a photovoltaic layer on said substrate; a back conductor in contact with said substrate; a grid conductor in contact with said substrate; said photovoltaic layer being of a material selected from the class consisting of: monoclinic zinc diphosphide (also referred to as beta zinc diphosphide and indicated by &bgr;-ZnP2); copper diphosphide (CuP2); magnesium tetraphosphide (MgP4); &ggr;-iron tetraphosphide (&ggr;-FeP4) and mixed crystals formed from these four materials.